Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Anna Julia Elias, Viktoria Barna, Cristina Patoni, Dora Demeter, Daniel Sandor Veres, Stefania Bunduc, Balint Eross, Peter Hegyi, Laszlo Foldvari-Nagy, Katalin Lenti
Summary: This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the effects of concurrent probiotic supplementation on gut microbiome composition during antibiotic therapy. The results showed that probiotic supplementation did not have a significant impact on gut microbiome diversity indices during antibiotic therapy. However, the limited number of studies and low sample sizes are the main limitations of this study, and further research is needed to determine appropriate microbiome diversity indices and their clinical relevance.
Review
Neurosciences
Esther Melamed, Jamie L. Palmer, Cara Fonken
Summary: Although there are limitations to using EAE as a model for multiple sclerosis, it has been widely used and has contributed to breakthroughs in understanding the disease and developing treatments. Insights from EAE have also improved our understanding of environmental factors that influence MS initiation and progression.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maria Lagounova, Jennifer L. MacNicol, J. Scott Weese, Wendy Pearson
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of a synbiotic product on horses receiving antibiotics. The results showed significant differences in the gut microbiota of horses receiving synbiotics during antibiotic treatment, particularly in fiber degrading bacteria. The synbiotic product was found to promote a healthy gut microbiome and provide protection during antibiotic treatment.
Review
Pediatrics
Maddalena Petraroli, Eleonora Castellone, Viviana Patianna, Susanna Esposito
Summary: Obesity has become a serious public health issue, with the gut microbiota playing a key role in its development. Specific probiotic strains have been shown to impact some secondary metabolic consequences of obesity without affecting weight loss. Further targeted studies are needed to fully understand the influence of microbiota on weight.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Javad Sadeghi, Subba Rao Chaganti, Daniel D. Heath
Summary: Differences in gut microbiome composition have significant effects on host gene expression patterns, particularly in immune, developmental and metabolic processes. Antibiotic and probiotic treatments significantly alter the gut and aquatic microbiota, as well as gene expression profiles in fish. Antibiotic treatment leads to downregulation of immunity and upregulation of apoptosis, while probiotic treatment upregulates genes related to post-translation modification and inflammatory responses. Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae are associated with host gene expression patterns. Understanding these interactions can inform new strategies for preventing/treating microbiome disruption-related diseases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adi Eindor-Abarbanel, Genelle R. Healey, Kevan Jacobson
Summary: There is increasing evidence that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies have shown characteristic shifts in the composition of the intestinal microbiota in patients with IBD, leading to the development of new therapeutic approaches targeting the gut microbiome. Differences in therapeutic responses between pediatric and adult patient cohorts have been observed in microbiome modulation therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Dorota Kujawa, Lukasz Laczmanski, Slawomir Budrewicz, Anna Pokryszko-Dragan, Maria Podbielska
Summary: This article reviews the characteristics of gut dysbiosis in multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as its relevant links with the course of the disease and dysregulated immune response and metabolic pathways in the pathology of MS. The therapeutic implications of these findings, including various interventions targeted at the gut microbiome, are also discussed.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Yusha Luo, Tingting Zhou
Summary: The gut microbiota plays a significant role in modulating drug toxicity, with its bidirectional interaction with drugs potentially leading to altered toxicity. Current research often focuses on how xenobiotics disrupt intestinal microbial composition and function, but the impact of gut microbiota on drugs, especially in terms of reducing their toxicity, should not be overlooked.
MEDICINAL RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Megan E. Damico, Burton Beasley, Drew Greenstein, Kasie Raymann
Summary: The use of antibiotics in apiculture is necessary but harmful to honey bee gut microbiota. Despite claims, current commercial honey bee probiotic supplements have little scientific evidence to support their efficacy. More research is needed to test the effectiveness and outcomes of these products.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Doureradjou Peroumal, Satya Ranjan Sahu, Premlata Kumari, Bhabasha Gyanadeep Utkalaja, Narottam Acharya
Summary: Candida albicans maintains a long-term mutualistic relationship with the host and regulates microbial dynamics in the gut and host physiology in its commensal state. It can be a bona fide admirable companion of the host, contrary to the notion that it is always an adversary. Furthermore, it has potential translational implications as a probiotic for managing obesity.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Review
Biology
Toshiyuki Murai, Satoru Matsuda
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is characterized by protein accumulation in the brain. Recent studies have shown that manipulating gut microbiota can reduce tau pathology and neurodegeneration, and the modulation of gut microbiota may be a promising therapeutic option for AD prevention.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Manorama Kumari, Parul Singh, Basavaprabhu H. Nataraj, Anusha Kokkiligadda, Harshita Naithani, Syed Azmal Ali, Pradip. Behare, Ravinder Nagpal
Summary: Emerging evidence and understanding of the microbiome have identified beneficial commensals known as next-generation probiotics. Specific dietary interventions can modulate the abundance and activity of these beneficial bacteria in the gut, and combining specific probiotic-targeted diets can enhance their effectiveness.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Anne Knisely, Yongwoo David Seo, Jennifer A. Wargo, Manoj Chelvanambi
Summary: The gut microbiome plays a role in carcinogenesis and cancer progression by interacting with the immune system. Studies have shown that gut microbes contribute to the response and toxicity of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Disrupting the gut microbiome with antibiotics negatively affects cancer therapy outcomes. Specific dietary patterns, such as high fiber diets, have been shown to improve oncologic outcomes to immunotherapy. Therapeutic strategies, including fecal microbiome transplant and dietary interventions, are being tested in clinical trials to improve patient outcomes.
Article
Microbiology
Alain Cuna, Marianne Nsumu, Heather L. Menden, Susana Chavez-Bueno, Venkatesh Sampath
Summary: Peripartum antibiotics increase the risk of NEC and impair intestinal proliferation in newborns. However, supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can mitigate gut injury caused by antibiotics and restore intestinal proliferation by activating the Gpr81-Wnt pathway. Therefore, postnatal probiotics may be effective in reducing the risk of NEC associated with peripartum antibiotic exposure in preterm infants.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Matthew Erritty, Joann Hale, James Thomas, Anna Thompson, Ria Wright, Anna Low, Megan Carr, Richard George, Lisa Williams, Alexandra Dumitrescu, Jacqui Rees, Shashi Irukulla, Jonathan Robin, Christopher H. Fry, David Fluck, Thang S. Han
Summary: High BMI, smoking, and emergency C-section are independent risk factors for surgical site infections after a caesarean section. Women planning conception should avoid excess body weight and smoking, while diabetes and ethnic minority backgrounds are not associated with an increased risk of surgical site infections.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Petra Zimmermann, Laure F. Pittet, Adam Finn, Andrew J. Pollard, Nigel Curtis
Summary: The debate over whether all children under 12 should be vaccinated against COVID-19 continues, with considerations including the relatively low risk of acute COVID-19 in children and the complexity of weighing the risks and benefits of vaccination. Other factors to consider include protection from long-term consequences, population-level impacts, vaccine supply, cost, and avoiding quarantine measures. Ongoing evaluation is needed due to the emergence of new variants of concern.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Anita Uka, Michael Buettcher, Sara Bernhard-Stirnemann, Yves Fougere, Dehlia Moussaoui, Lisa Kottanattu, Noemie Wagner, Petra Zimmermann, Nicole Ritz
Summary: This study confirms that COVID-19 is mostly mild in children, with fever, rash, and comorbidities associated with higher admission rates. Continuous observation is crucial for further understanding pediatric COVID-19, guiding therapy, and evaluating the necessity of vaccination in children.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Pediatrics
Michele Keller, Laure F. Pittet, Petra Zimmermann
Summary: Research shows that vaccination in children with JARD on immunosuppressive treatment may lead to reduced immunogenicity and lower vaccine responses, but overall vaccines are still safe and should be encouraged. It is important to stress the completion of vaccination schedules for these children.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Quynh A. Duong, Laure F. Pittet, Nigel Curtis, Petra Zimmermann
Summary: This study systematically searched and analyzed observational studies, and found associations between antibiotic exposure and adverse long-term health outcomes in children. These outcomes include atopic dermatitis, allergic symptoms, food allergies, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, wheezing, asthma, increased weight gain or overweight, obesity, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriasis, autism spectrum disorders, and neurodevelopment disorders. The results suggest the need for careful antibiotic stewardship to avoid potential negative health outcomes.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
Caroline Tobler, Celine Ritter-Schenk, Petra Zimmermann
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Petra Zimmermann, Nigel Curtis
Summary: The age-related difference in the severity of COVID-19 is most likely due to differences in innate, adaptive, and heterologous immunity, as well as endothelial and clotting function. Children have a stronger and faster innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2, while adults can have an overactive and less effective response. Exposure to other viruses and vaccines in children may contribute to cross-reactive antibodies and T cells against SARS-CoV-2.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Tatjana Welzel, Andrew Atkinson, Nina Schobi, Maya C. Andre, Douggl G. N. Bailey, Geraldine Blanchard-Rohner, Michael Buettcher, Serge Grazioli, Henrik Koehler, Marie-Helene Perez, Johannes Truck, Federica Vanoni, Petra Zimmermann, Carlos Sanchez, Julia A. Bielicki, Luregn J. Schlapbach
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous methylprednisolone compared with intravenous immunoglobulins in children with PIMS-TS. The results showed no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the methylprednisolone group and the immunoglobulin group, but fewer patients in the methylprednisolone group required respiratory support.
LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
Ines Mack, Malte Vasconcelos, Nicole Ritz, Petra Zimmermann
Article
Pediatrics
Stefano Leo, Omer F. Cetiner, Laure F. Pittet, Nicole L. Messina, William Jakob, Laurent Falquet, Nigel Curtis, Petra Zimmermann
Summary: This study analyzed the resistome in stool samples collected from 390 healthy, term-born neonates at 1 week of age. It found a high abundance and variety of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the neonatal intestine, even in the absence of direct antibiotic exposure. The resistome composition was strongly associated with the phylogenetic composition and other factors such as delivery mode, gestational age, birth weight, feeding method, and antibiotics in the last trimester of pregnancy.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Petra Zimmermann
Article
Pediatrics
Yanshan Zhu, Flavia Jacqueline Almeida, J. Kenneth Baillie, Asha C. Bowen, Philip N. Britton, Martin Eduardo Brizuela, Danilo Buonsenso, David Burgner, Keng Yih Chew, Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit, Cheryl Cohen, Stephania A. Cormier, Nigel Crawford, Nigel Curtis, Camila G. A. Farias, Charles F. Gilks, Anne von Gottberg, Diana Hamer, Daniel Jarovsky, Waasila Jassat, Ana Rita Jesus, Lisa S. Kemp, Benjawan Khumcha, Georgina McCallum, Jessica E. Miller, Rosa Morello, Alasdair P. S. Munro, Peter J. M. Openshaw, Srivatsan Padmanabhan, Wanatpreeya Phongsamart, Gary Reubenson, Nicole Ritz, Fernanda Rodrigues, Supattra Rungmaitree, Fiona Russell, Marco A. P. Safadi, Christoph Saner, Malcolm G. Semple, Daniella Gregoria Bomfim Prado da Silva, Laise Marine Moura de Sousa, Marilia Diogo Moco Souza, Kirsten Spann, Sibongile Walaza, Nicole Wolter, Yao Xia, Daniel K. Yeoh, Heather J. Zar, Petra Zimmermann, Kirsty R. Short
Summary: This study investigates the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on the severity of COVID-19 in hospitalized children. The results suggest that while ICU admissions decrease across all age groups, ventilatory and oxygen support generally do not decrease significantly over time in children aged younger than 5 years.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Antoni Soriano-Arandes, Ana Brett, Danilo Buonsenso, Louise Emilsson, Isabel de la Fuente Garcia, Despoina Gkentzi, Otto Helve, Kasper P. Kepp, Maria Mossberg, Taulant Muka, Alasdair Munro, Cihan Papan, Aida Perramon-Malavez, Frederik Schaltz-Buchholzer, Pierre R. Smeesters, Petra Zimmermann
Summary: This review analyzes the differences in epidemiology, policies, mitigation trade-offs, and outcomes between children and adults during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. It discusses the amount of mitigation children should bear and the uncertainties surrounding their role in transmission.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anita Uka, Sabrina Bressieux-Degueldre, Michael Buettcher, Lisa Kottanattu, Margerita Plebani, Anita Niederer-Loher, Nina Schobi, Michael Hofer, Julie Tomasini, Johannes Truck, Reto Villiger, Noemie Wagner, Daniela Wuetz, Nicole Ritz, Petra Zimmermann
Summary: This study found that cardiac complications are common in children with PIMS-TS and may worsen during hospitalization. Regardless of the initial severity, resolution of left ventricular systolic dysfunction is observed, often rapidly during hospitalization. Most coronary artery abnormalities regress, but some are still present at follow-up, emphasizing the need for prolonged cardiac evaluation after PIMS-TS.
SWISS MEDICAL WEEKLY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Petra Zimmermann, Anita Uka, Michael Buettcher, Yves Fougere, Margherita Plebani, Christa Relly, Hanna Schmid, Nicole Ritz
Summary: This study presents nationwide epidemiological data, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of neonates with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in Switzerland. The majority of neonates had mild symptoms and required short hospital stays.
SWISS MEDICAL WEEKLY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Paola A. Rouge Elton, Patrick A. Schmitt, Mohamed Faouzi, Petra Zimmermann, Celine Ritter Schenk
Summary: The main risk factor for seropositivity in children under the age of 6 is having household members who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. However, family size is not associated with increased risk of infection in children of this age group. Additionally, extra-familial care does not increase the risk of children becoming SARS-CoV-2 seropositive, nor does the number of contacts present in such care settings.
SWISS MEDICAL WEEKLY
(2022)