Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ellen Wilms, Ran An, Agnieszka Smolinska, Yala Stevens, Antje R. Weseler, Montserrat Elizalde, Marie-Jose Drittij, Athanasia Ioannou, Frederik J. van Schooten, Hauke Smidt, Ad A. M. Masclee, Erwin G. Zoetendal, Daisy M. A. E. Jonkers
Summary: The study compared the fecal microbiota composition, metabolite production, immune and oxidative stress markers in prefrail elderly and younger adults, and investigated the effects of GOS supplementation in both groups. Results showed differences in microbial composition between the two age groups, with lower bifidobacteria in elderly at baseline. GOS intake increased bifidobacteria in both groups, but did not significantly impact fecal and breath metabolites, immune function, or oxidative stress markers.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Michelle Paradowska, Aleksandra Dunislawska, Maria Siwek, Anna Slawinska
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance poses an increasing threat to human and animal health, necessitating research on natural immunomodulators, such as plant extracts and probiotics. In vitro and ex vivo models offer valuable tools for experimental studies, facilitating the development of alternative antimicrobial agents.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Manoj Kumar Yadav, Indu Kumari, Bijender Singh, Krishna Kant Sharma, Santosh Kumar Tiwari
Summary: Probiotics are an economical and safe alternative for treating chronic diseases and improving human health. They modulate the host immunity and protect against infectious and non-infectious diseases. Additionally, prebiotics and non-digestible food substances promote the growth of probiotics and human health through modulation of gut microbiota and immune system.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Edgar Torres-Maravilla, Vianey Mendez-Trujillo, Natalia C. Hernandez-Delgado, Luis G. Bermudez-Humaran, Diana Reyes-Pavon
Summary: Currently, emerging alimentary alternatives are growing, providing people with more natural food choices. Studies have found that traditional fermented foods contain functional components that promote health, and combining these foods with the needs of the local population can lead to the development of functional foods suitable for different demographics.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Reka Borka Balas, Lorena Elena Melib, Ancua Lupu, Vasile Valeriu Lupu, Cristina Oana Marginean
Summary: Childhood obesity is a global public health problem associated with metabolic syndrome, liver disease, and psychosocial issues. Gut microbiota plays a significant role in obesity development, and the use of probiotics and prebiotics may have a positive effect in improving gut microbiota and reducing cardiovascular risk. However, clinical trial results are inconsistent.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Dharmendra Kumar, Milan Kumar Lal, Som Dutt, Pinky Raigond, Sushil Sudhakar Changan, Rahul Kumar Tiwari, Kumar Nishant Chourasia, Vikas Mangal, Brajesh Singh
Summary: The current trend of health-conscious consumers and healthy food habits has led researchers to explore the development of food products with synbiotic benefits. This review article explores the alternative sources of probiotics and highlights various methods for making non-dairy synbiotics based on dietary fibers.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ivan A. Nino-Vasquez, Diana Muniz-Marquez, Juan A. Ascacio-Valdes, Juan Carlos Contreras-Esquivel, Cristobal N. Aguilar, Raul Rodriguez-Herrera, Adriana C. Flores-Gallegos
Summary: Co-microencapsulation is a technique widely used in the food industry that allows the generation of microcapsules with a longer shelf life and greater beneficial activity using less encapsulating materials and active compounds. It meets the consumer demand for high quality foods with limited use of low nutritional content and provides beneficial health effects.
Article
Agronomy
Hafza Fasiha Zahid, Chaminda Senaka Ranadheera, Zhongxiang Fang, Said Ajlouni
Summary: Fruit peels, a major component of waste generated by the fruit industry, have the potential to be utilized as prebiotics to enhance the growth of lactic acid bacteria. This study found that small amounts of apple, banana, and mango peel powder could successfully serve as prebiotics. The physical and chemical characteristics of the fruit peel powders suggest potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries as functional ingredients.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Abrar Asif, Muhammad Afzaal, Hina Shahid, Farhan Saeed, Aftab Ahmed, Yasir Abbas Shah, Afaf Ejaz, Samia Ghani, Huda Ateeq, Mahbubur Rahman Khan
Summary: Functional foods with bioactive components like probiotics and prebiotics, known as postbiotics, have gained attention for their health-promoting properties. These soluble substances, secreted by living bacteria or released after bacterial lysis, have various signaling molecules with potential antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, antihypertensive, and antiproliferative activities. Postbiotics have significant applications in pharmaceutical, food, and nutraceutical industries for promoting health and disease prevention.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Andrea Ballini, Ioannis Alexandros Charitos, Stefania Cantore, Skender Topi, Lucrezia Bottalico, Luigi Santacroce
Summary: Poor diet, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle have a significant impact on natural microbiota disorders, especially the intestinal one, leading to organ dysfunctions. The gut microbiota, which consists of over 500 species of bacteria and contributes to the host's resistance to diseases, has fueled the growing market of functional foods containing probiotics and prebiotics. Advances in DNA sequencing technologies have allowed in-depth characterization of the gut microbiota and its connection to human health and diseases. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of the association between functional foods and the composition of the intestinal microbiota, serving as a foundation for future research in this field.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
S. Sharif, P. T. Heath, S. J. Oddie, W. McGuire
Summary: The study aims to evaluate the effect of enteral supplementation with synbiotics versus placebo or no treatment, or versus probiotics or prebiotics alone on the risk of necrotising enterocolitis and associated morbidity and mortality in very preterm or very low birth weight infants.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Divakar Dahiya, Poonam Singh Nigam
Summary: Pure viable strains of probiotics are used in the fermentation process to prepare functional beverages, which can provide nutrition and maintain a healthy gut microbiota. These non-dairy probiotic drinks have various benefits for nutrition and gut health, and can be consumed by a wide range of consumers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengyi Xu, Kangkang Luo, Junjie Li, Yu Li, Yuxuan Zhang, Zhiyao Yuan, Qiang Xu, Xudong Wu
Summary: The recent advancements in intestinal microbial sequencing technologies have significantly impacted our understanding of the role of intestinal microbes in various chronic liver diseases. Intestinal factors such as microbial dysbiosis and increased permeability play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Potential therapeutic approaches, including antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics, show promise in improving liver diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Jing Liu, Dakai Yang, Xiaojing Wang, Paul Tetteh Asare, Qingwen Zhang, Lixin Na, Lei Shao
Summary: The liver and intestines are directly connected through the portal vein, allowing the gut microbiota and gut-derived products to influence liver health. Patients with chronic liver diseases, including non-alcoholic/alcoholic liver disease, chronic hepatitis virus infection, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and liver cirrhosis, have shown decreased gut flora diversity and increased sensitivity to alcohol. These patients also have increased intestinal mucosal permeability and decreased barrier function, leading to bacterial translocation and endotoxin uptake, which causes systemic inflammation. Specific changes in microbiota and microbiota-derived metabolites have been observed in chronic liver diseases, but the complex interaction between the gut microbiota and liver is not yet fully understood. This review discusses the bidirectional relationship between the gut and the liver and explores how alterations in the gut microbiota ecosystem affect the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases. Additionally, gut-microbiota targeted interventions are proposed as a promising new method for managing chronic liver diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Camelia Cristina Vlad, Bogdan Pacularu-Burada, Aida Mihaela Vasile, Stefania Adelina Milea, Gabriela-Elena Bahrim, Gabriela Rapeanu, Nicoleta Stanciuc
Summary: This study explored the use of customized designs to upgrade the functional potential of freeze-dried apple pomace and transform it into probiotic ingredients for healthier food composition. The analysis showed that the apple pomace contained significant levels of phenolic compounds and pectin. When added as a supplement to the cultural medium, it exhibited a prebiotic effect. The study successfully designed freeze-dried ingredients containing probiotics and improved the polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity, and viable cell counts in fermented vegetable soy milk-based products.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Francesca Fortunato, Domenico Martinelli, Giuseppina Iannelli, Marica Milazzo, Umberto Farina, Gabriella Di Matteo, Rosella De Nittis, Leonardo Ascatigno, Michele Cassano, Pier Luigi Lopalco, Rosa Prato
Summary: This study found that approximately one third of patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms still experienced olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions up to 12 months after the onset of the disease. Further investigations are needed to understand the implications of these long-term effects on patients' quality of life and pathophysiology.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Alice Chinelli, Maria Cristina Salfa, Andrea Cellini, Luca Ceccarelli, Massimo Farinella, Laura Rancilio, Rosario Galipo, Paolo Meli, Antonella Camposeragna, Ludovica Colaprico, Massimo Oldrini, Marco Ubbiali, Anna Caraglia, Domenico Martinelli, Luigina Mortari, Anna Teresa Palamara, Barbara Suligoi, Lara Tavoschi
Summary: Comprehensive sexuality education is crucial for promoting sexual well-being and preventing sexually transmitted infections among young people. However, it is currently not included in the formal curriculum in Italian schools. This study aimed to evaluate school-based sexuality education activities conducted by external providers in Italy from 2016 to 2020. The findings showed a lack of consistency and equal delivery of sexuality education across the country, highlighting the need for evidence-based, age-appropriate, and accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing for young people.
SEX EDUCATION-SEXUALITY SOCIETY AND LEARNING
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Orsi, Alexander Domnich, Stefano Mosca, Matilde Ogliastro, Laura Sticchi, Rosa Prato, Francesca Fortunato, Domenico Martinelli, Fabio Tramuto, Claudio Costantino, Vincenzo Restivo, Vincenzo Baldo, Tatjana Baldovin, Elizabeth Begier, Christian Theilacker, Eva Agostina Montuori, Rohini Beavon, Bradford Gessner, Giancarlo Icardi
Summary: This study aimed to assess the serotype-specific epidemiology of pneumococci among hospitalized older adults in Italy. The prevalence of pneumococcal infection among hospitalized CAP cases was 13.1%, with serotypes 3, 8, 22F, and 11A being the most common. PCV20, which includes these serotypes, plays an important role in preventing pneumonia in older adults.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maureen Leonard, Victoria Kenyon, Francesco Valitutti, Rita Pennacchio-Harrington, Pasqua Piemontese, Ruggiero Francavilla, Lorenzo Norsa, Tiziana Passaro, Marco Crocco, Mariella Baldassarre, Chiara Maria Trovato, Alessio Fasano
Summary: The CDGEMM study is an international birth cohort study focusing on children at-risk of developing celiac disease (CD) and utilizing a multi-omic approach to predict CD onset. Participants are required to have a first-degree family member with biopsy diagnosed CD and be enrolled before solid food introduction. Longitudinal collection of blood, stool samples, and questionnaires related to participant, family, and environment has been ongoing since 2014. With a total of 554 participants and an average age of 56.4 months, the study has identified microbial strains, pathways, and metabolites associated with CD development. Ongoing analysis includes expanding metagenomic and metabolomic analyses, evaluating environmental risk factors, and investigating the role of microbiome and metabolites in CD development.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Francesca Fortunato, Rosa Prato, Giuseppina Iannelli, Leonardo Ascatigno, Daniela Loconsole, Pier Luigi Lopalco, Domenico Martinelli
Summary: In a prospective observational study, the safety of heterologous ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 vaccination was compared with homologous BNT162b2 vaccination. The study found that local reactions were common in both groups after 7 days, but systemic reactions were less common. Some short-term adverse events were more frequent with heterologous vaccination, including moderate or severe pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, intake of antipyretics, and inability to perform daily activities and work. There was no significant difference in self-reported health status between the two vaccination regimens. Administering a second dose of mRNA vaccine to recipients of a previous dose of viral vector vaccine was deemed advantageous strategy for the vaccination campaign.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Francesca Fortunato, Roberto Lillini, Domenico Martinelli, Giuseppina Iannelli, Leonardo Ascatigno, Georgia Casanova, Pier Luigi Lopalco, Rosa Prato
Summary: This study aimed to assess the incidence and fatality rates of COVID-19 across different levels of socio-economic deprivation in the Italian Province of Foggia during the first wave of the pandemic. The findings suggest that socio-economic deprivation does not significantly impact the occurrence and mortality burden of COVID-19, indicating that the disease burden is influenced by multiple factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH GEOGRAPHICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrea Marzullo, Emmanuela Vitelli, Gerardo Cazzato, Margherita Fanelli, Giuseppe Ingravallo, Antonella Vimercati, Roberta Rossi, Leonardo Resta
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed 2063 placentas and identified 70 placentas affected by angiodysplasia. The analysis found a significant association between placental angiodysplasia and neonatal outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Luca Bedetti, Francesca Miselli, Chiara Minotti, Giuseppe Latorre, Sabrina Loprieno, Alessandra Foglianese, Nicola Laforgia, Barbara Perrone, Matilde Ciccia, Maria Grazia Capretti, Chiara Giugno, Vittoria Rizzo, Daniele Merazzi, Silvia Fanaro, Lucia Taurino, Rita Maria Pulvirenti, Silvia Orlandini, Cinzia Auriti, Cristina Haass, Laura Ligi, Giulia Vellani, Chryssoula Tzialla, Cristina Tuoni, Daniele Santori, Mariachiara China, Lorenza Baroni, Silvia Nider, Federica Visintini, Lidia Decembrino, Giangiacomo Nicolini, Roberta Creti, Elena Pellacani, Arianna Dondi, Marcello Lanari, Belinda Benenati, Giacomo Biasucci, Lucia Gambini, Licia Lugli, Alberto Berardi
Summary: This study evaluated the rates of lumbar puncture in infants with culture-proven sepsis. The results showed that lumbar puncture was infrequently performed after antibiotic initiation, leading to a reduced ability to identify the pathogen in cerebrospinal fluid culture. Polymerase chain reaction increased the probability of positive results compared to microbiological culture.
Article
Microbiology
Alberto Berardi, Viola Trevisani, Antonella Di Caprio, Paola Caccamo, Giuseppe Latorre, Sabrina Loprieno, Alessandra Foglianese, Nicola Laforgia, Barbara Perrone, Giangiacomo Nicolini, Matilde Ciccia, Maria Grazia Capretti, Chiara Giugno, Vittoria Rizzo, Daniele Merazzi, Silvia Fanaro, Lucia Taurino, Rita Maria Pulvirenti, Silvia Orlandini, Cinzia Auriti, Cristina Haass, Laura Ligi, Giulia Vellani, Chryssoula Tzialla, Cristina Tuoni, Daniele Santori, Lorenza Baroni, Mariachiara China, Jenny Bua, Federica Visintini, Lidia Decembrino, Roberta Creti, Francesca Miselli, Luca Bedetti, Licia Lugli
Summary: The effectiveness of inadequate intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP administered < 4 h prior to delivery) in preventing early-onset sepsis (EOS) is debated. Italian prospective surveillance cohort data (2003-2022) were used to study the type and duration of IAP according to the timing of symptoms onset of group B streptococcus (GBS) and E. coli culture-confirmed EOS cases. IAP-exposed neonates frequently develop symptoms of EOS after birth, up to 48 h of life and beyond.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Domenico Martinelli, Filippo Quattrone, Francesca Fortunato, Elisa Di Maggio, Antonietta Filia, Maria Cristina Rota, Pier Luigi Lopalco, Rosa Prato
Summary: In Europe, the implementation of National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) has not been optimal, despite their establishment in most countries. A survey conducted within the European Joint Action on Vaccination (EU-JAV) collected information on decision-making processes regarding the introduction of new vaccines or changes to recommendations. Disease burden and availability of financial resources were identified as the most relevant criteria. Collaboration between NITAGs could lead to better workload optimization and resource utilization.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia Urbano, Ilaria Farella, Giacomina Brunetti, Maria Felicia Faienza
Summary: Type 1 diabetes is a common chronic disease in childhood with increasing incidence. The management of T1D requires lifelong insulin treatment and continuous healthcare support. Automated insulin delivery systems, such as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion combined with continuous glucose monitoring, have improved metabolic control and quality of life for T1D patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre, Massimiliano Marazzato, Marta Pensa, Maria Teresa Loverro, Michele Quercia, Francesca Lombardi, Federico Schettini, Nicola Laforgia
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a single administration of the SLAB51 probiotic formula in improving oxygenation in premature babies with respiratory distress syndrome. The results showed that the SLAB51-treated group had significantly increased SaO2 levels and SaO2/FiO2 ratio, while the control group showed no changes. Additionally, the study found that SLAB51 can enhance antioxidant responses in intestinal epithelial cells. Therefore, SLAB51 represents a promising approach to manage preterm infants requiring oxygen supplementation.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lorenzo Lodi, Federica Barbati, Daniela Amicizia, Vincenzo Baldo, Anna Maria Barbui, Alessandro Bondi, Claudio Costantino, Liviana Da Dalt, Lorenza Ferrara, Francesca Fortunato, Valentina Guarnieri, Giancarlo Icardi, Giuseppe Indolfi, Domenico Martinelli, Marco Martini, Maria Moriondo, Francesco Nieddu, Diego G. Peroni, Rosa Prato, Silvia Ricci, Francesca Russo, Francesca Tirelli, Francesco Vitale, Shamez N. Ladhani, Chiara Azzari
Summary: This study assessed the effectiveness and reduction in incidence rate ratios (IRRs) associated with the 4CMenB vaccine in pediatric population in 6 regions in Italy. The results showed high effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing invasive serogroup B meningococcal disease. Starting vaccination at an earlier age resulted in greater reduction in IRR.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maricla Marrone, Benedetta Pia De Luca, Fortunato Pititto, Ignazio Grattagliano, Nicola Laforgia, Antonella Vimercati, Alessandro Dell'Erba
Summary: Human capital is the integration of innate skills and knowledge acquired through investing in individual formation, which pays off in the long term. In the Italian legal system, a person is recognized from birth, determining the acquisition of personal rights. While a fetus does not possess these rights by law, it has the innate potential to acquire them after birth.
Article
Pediatrics
Raffaella Panza, Federica Albano, Alberto Casto, Cosimo Del Vecchio, Nicola Laforgia, Daniela Dibello
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of congenital clubfoot in Apulia, Italy from 2015 to 2018, and provides a review on genetic mutations leading to congenital clubfoot.
ITALIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
