Infant gut microbiota contributes to cognitive performance in mice

Gut microbiota has been linked to infant neurodevelopment. Here, an association between infant composite cognition and gut microbiota composition is established as soon as 6 months. Higher diversity and evenness characterize microbial communities of infants with composite cognition above (Inf-aboveCC) versus below (Inf-belowCC) median values. Metaproteomic and metabolomic analyses establish an association between microbial histidine ammonia lyase and infant histidine metabolome with cognition. Fecal transplantation from Inf-aboveCC versus Inf-belowCC donors into germ-free mice shows that memory, assessed by a novel object recognition test, is a transmissible trait. Furthermore, Inf-aboveCC mice are enriched in species belonging to Phocaeicola, as well as Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium, previously linked to cognition. Finally, Inf-aboveCC mice show lower fecal histidine and urocanate:histidine and urocanate:glutamate ratios in the perirhinal cortex compared to Inf-belowCC mice. Overall, these findings reveal a causative role of gut microbiota on infant cognition, pointing at the modulation of histidine metabolite levels as a potential underlying mechanism.

CH bond activation in aromatic ketones mediated by iridium-tris(pyrazolyl)borate complexes

Reaction of complex [TpMe2Ir(η4-CH2C(Me)C(Me)C2)] (1) with a series of aromatic ketones at 130 °C renders, by means of a selective ortho-CH activation, Ir(III)-metallacycles 2-5, which display an Ir-H bond. When [TpMe2Ir(C6H5)2N2] (6) is treated with 2-(trifluoromethyl)acetophenone and 2-fluoroacetophenone at 80 °C, the formation of dimeric (7) and trimeric architectures (8) is achieved through the meta- and para-CH activation of the aromatic ketone, respectively. The generation of complexes 2-5 is proposed to occur by the initial formation of Ir(III) η1-ketone adducts as key intermediates, followed by aromatic CH activations and the release of a butadiene ligand. The formation of complexes 7 and 8 involves an assisted process in which a metal center activation of the less sterically hindered C-H bond of the aromatic ketone takes place (releasing a benzene molecule), followed by the coordination of the carbonyl group, which generates the respective dimeric and trimeric structures. Complexes 7 and 8 are efficient catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes using isopropanol as the hydrogen source. All complexes have been fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR, elemental analysis and, in the cases of 7 and 8, X-ray crystallography. Details of the reaction conditions, isolation of the products, and proposals for the pathways of formation of complexes 2-5 and 7-8 are discussed.

Fitting parameters and therapies of ODE tumor models with senescence and immune system

This work is devoted to introduce and study two quasispecies nonlinear ODE systems that model the behavior of tumor cell populations organized in different states. In the first model, replicative, senescent, extended lifespan, immortal and tumor cells are considered, while the second also includes immune cells. We fit the parameters regulating the transmission between states in order to approximate the outcomes of the models to a real progressive tumor invasion. After that, we study the identifiability of the fitted parameters, by using two sensitivity analysis methods. Then, we show that an adequate reduced fitting process (only accounting to the most identifiable parameters) gives similar results but saving computational cost. Three different therapies are introduced in the models to shrink (progressively in time) the tumor, while the replicative and senescent cells invade. Each therapy is identified to a dimensionless parameter. Then, we make a fitting process of the therapies' parameters, in various scenarios depending on the initial tumor according to the time when the therapies started. We conclude that, although the optimal combination of therapies depends on the size of initial tumor, the most efficient therapy is the reinforcement of the immune system. Finally, an identifiability analysis allows us to detect a limitation in the therapy outcomes. In fact, perturbing the optimal combination of therapies under an appropriate therapeutic vector produces virtually the same results.

Current Knowledge About the Impact of Maternal and Infant Nutrition on the Development of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis

The prenatal and early postnatal periods are stages during which dynamic changes and the development of the brain and gut microbiota occur, and nutrition is one of the most important modifiable factors that influences this process. Given the bidirectional cross talk between the gut microbiota and the brain through the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA), there is growing interest in evaluating the potential effects of nutritional interventions administered during these critical developmental windows on gut microbiota composition and function and their association with neurodevelopmental outcomes. We review recent preclinical and clinical evidence from animal studies and infant/child populations. Although further research is needed, growing evidence suggests that different functional nutrients affect the establishment and development of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and could have preventive and therapeutic use in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, more in-depth knowledge regarding the effect of nutrition on the MGBA during critical developmental windows may enable the prevention of later neurocognitive and behavioral disorders and allow the establishment of individualized nutrition-based programs that can be used from the prenatal to the early and middle stages of life.

Maternal weight, gut microbiota, and the association with early childhood behavior: the PREOBE follow-up study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Maternal overweight and breastfeeding seem to have a significant impact on the gut microbiota colonization process, which co-occurs simultaneously with brain development and the establishment of the "microbiota-gut-brain axis", which potentially may affect behavior later in life. This study aimed to examine the influence of maternal overweight, obesity and/or gestational diabetes on the offspring behavior at 3.5 years of age and its association with the gut microbiota already established at 18 months of life.

METHODS

156 children born to overweight (OV, n = 45), obese (OB, n = 40) and normoweight (NW, n = 71) pregnant women participating in the PREOBE study were included in the current analysis. Stool samples were collected at 18 months of life and gut microbiome was obtained by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Behavioral problems were evaluated at 3.5 years by using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). ANOVA, Chi-Square Test, ANCOVA, Spearman's correlation, logistic regression model and generalized linear model (GLM) were performed.

RESULTS

At 3.5 years of age, Children born to OV/OB mothers showed higher scores in behavioral problems than those born to NW mothers. Additionally, offspring born to OB mothers who developed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) presented higher scores in attention/deficit hyperactivity and externalizing problems than those born to GDM OV/NW mothers. Fusicatenibacter abundance found at 18 months of age was associated to lower scores in total, internalizing and pervasive developmental problems, while an unidentified genus within Clostridiales and Flavonifractor families abundance showed a positive correlation with anxiety/depression and somatic complaints, respectively. On the other hand, children born to mothers with higher BMI who were breastfed presented elevated anxiety, internalizing problems, externalizing problems and total problems scores; likewise, their gut microbiota composition at 18 months of age showed positive correlation with behavioral problems at 3.5 years: Actinobacteria abundance and somatic complaints and between Fusobacteria abundance and withdrawn behavior and pervasive developmental problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggests that OV/OB and/or GDM during pregnancy is associated with higher behavioral problems scores in children at 3.5 years old. Additionally, associations between early life gut microbiota composition and later mental health in children was also found.

P-119 A MODIFIED CHEVREL AS AN ALTERNATIVE WALL CLOSURE TECHNIQUE FOR PATIENTS WITH ABDOMINAL HYPERTENSION

 

Abdominal compartment syndrome is a pontentially life-threatening condition seen in critically ill patients, and most often caused by acute pancreatitis, postoperative abdominal vacular thrombosis or mesenteric ischemia. A descompressive laparotomy is sometimes required, often resulting in hernias, and subsequent definitive wall closure is challenging.

Aim

This study aims to describe short term results after a modified Chevrel technique for midline incisional repair in patients witch abdominal hypertension.

Materials & Methods

We performed a modified Chevrel as an abdominal closure technique in 9 patients between January 2016 and January 2022. All patients presented varying degrees of abdominal hypertension.

Results

Nine patients were treated with new technique (6 male and 3 female), all of whom had conditions that precluded unfolding the contralateral side as a means for closure. The reasons for this were diverse, including presence of ileostomies, intra-abdominal drainages, Kher tubes or an inverted T scar from previous transplant. The use of mesh was initially dismissed in 6 of the patients (66.7%) because they required subsequent abdominal surgeries. None of the patients developed a hernia, although two died 6 months after the procedure. Only one patient developed buldging. A decrease in intrabdominal pressure was achieved in all patients.

Conclusion

The modified Chevrel technique can be used as a closure option for midline ventral hernias in cases where the entire abdominal wall cannot be used.

POS0600 ANGIOGENIC T-CELL DEPLETION OCCURS DURING THE EARLIEST PHASES OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS LINKED TO SUBCLINICAL VASCULAR STIFFNESS

Background

vascular insult accounts for the cardiovascular (CV) risk excess in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Angiogenic T cells (Tang), which are responsible of vascular repair, have been described to be reduced in established RA with overt CV disease. However, whether Tang are altered during the earliest stage of the disease and related to subclinical CV findings is unknown.

Objectives

to evaluate circulating Tang levels in the very early stage of RA, including clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA), and their associations with subclinical CV endpoints (subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular stiffness).

Methods

84 RA patients (2010 EULAR/ACR classification criteria), 14 CSA individuals (EULAR criteria) and 28 matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. All patients were untreated at the time of sampling. Tang (CD3+CD31+CXCR4+) frequency was assessed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood samples. Plaque occurrence, cIMT and stiffness parameters were analyzed by Doppler ultrasound in internal carotid, middle cerebral and basilar arteries. Lipoprotein analyses were performed by NMR.

Results

Tang were decreased in RA and CSA groups compared to HC (both p<0.010). Whereas Tang frequency was negatively correlated with very low density lipoproteins features (cholesterol and triglyceride content, size distribution and particle number) in HC and positively with HDL (cholesterol content and particle number), these associations were lacking in RA and CSA groups. Tang levels were not related to individual traditional CV risk factors, body mass index, wait circumference (all p>0.050) nor with the modified SCORE (r=-0.070, p=0.542) or Framingham Risk Score (r=-0.013, p=0.907). On the contrary, disease activity accounted for the Tang depletion observed in RA (b[95% CI]; DAS28: -0.436 [-0.306, -0.109], p=<0.001; SDAI: -0.020 [-0.032, -0.008], p=0.002). Tang levels were unrelated to the duration of the symptoms both in RA and CSA.

In RA patients, Tang frequency was not associated with atherosclerosis plaque occurrence (p=0.556) or cIMT (r=0.136, p=0.245). However, Tang paralleled stiffness parameters: vascular strain (VS, r=0.373, p=0.013), vascular distensibility (VD, r=0.479, p=0.004), vascular stiffness (VSf, r=-0.400, p=0.007) and pressure-strain elastic modulus (PSEM, r=-0.373, p=0.013). Finally, Tang frequency was an independent predictor of stiffness parameters after adjusting for mSCORE, body mass index, DAS28, RF and ACPA positivity: VS (β=0.415, p=0.035), VD (β =0.361, p=0.028), VSf (β =-0.322, p=0.033) and PSEM (β =-0.346, p=0.016).

Conclusion

Tang depletion is an early event along RA development, associated with disease-related parameters and unrelated to traditional risk factors. Tang may be the missing, functional link between disease activity and CV outcomes. Altered Tang levels may be an early biomarker of premature vascular stiffness during the first stages of the disease.

REFERENCES

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0092 HETEROGENEITY OF THE TYPE I INTERFERON SIGNATURE AMONG ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME PATIENTS: A CLUSTER AND CORRESPONDENCE ANALYSIS APPROACH

Background

Type I Interferons (IFN) are central players in the pathogenesis, disease activity and evolution of several autoimmune conditions. To date, a limited number of evidences is available on the specific role of IFN activation in antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) positive patients, including aPL carriers, primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and those APS subjects who presented with an associated autoimmune disease (secondary APS, SAPS), such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differential expression of IFN stimulated genes (ISG) among different subsets of aPL positive subjects and SLE patients.

Methods

For the purpose of the study, a total of 112 patients attending the San Giovanni Bosco Hospital (Turin, Italy) were enrolled, including 31 PAPS, 25 SAPS, 27 SLE patients without aPL, 29 aPL carriers (mean age 48.3±13.3 years, 76% female)1,2. Nineteen subjects were also recruited as healthy controls (HCs). Complete demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected at the time of the inclusion. Gene expression was evaluated by RT-PCR in whole blood for the following genes: IFI6, IFI44, IFI44L, MX1,IFI27, OAS1 and RSAD2. Normalized gene expression levels (Z-scores) were averaged into a global IFN signature (IFN score). Differences were measured by Kruskal-Wallis tests and associations among genes were studied by cluster and correspondence analyses. Correlations among genes were plotted by network analyses.

Results

An overall activation of ISG was noted across APS subsets, but certain differences were noted among genes. Whereas some ISG were already upregulated in the aPL positive group compared to HC (IFI44, IFI44L, MX1, IFI27, OAS1 and RSAD2, all p<0.050), other ISG were only in increased SLE (IFI6), MX1 differed between SLE and SAPS, and IFI27 and OAS1 showed differences between PAPS and SAPS. The composite IFN score revealed quantitative differences in the IFN pathway activation across APS subsets, being elevated in aPL carriers/PAPS groups compared to HCs (both p<0.050) and increasing in SAPS (p<0.010) and SLE (p<0.001) groups. Network analyses (Figure 1A) revealed qualitative differences in the gene-gene correlation networks: (i) weaker structures were found in HCs and aPL carriers, compared to stronger and higher-degree networks in SAPS and SLE groups; and (ii) the influence of each node was different across groups. Unsupervised cluster analysis identified 3 clusters (I to III) based on ISG patterns (Figure 1B). Clusters usage differed among APS subsets, thus correlating clinical status (Figure 1C). Distinct groups of ISG positively correlate to aPS/PT IgG titre in aPL carriers and PAPS groups (all rho>0.500), whereas no associations were retrieved in SAPS or SLE. No associations with previous thrombotic events were observed in any subset, although IFN composite score and several ISG correlate with the number of thrombotic recurrences under anticoagulation (all rho>0.400). No associations with GAPSS were observed.

Figure 1.

Conclusion

An overall IFN pathway activation has been observed in aPL positive patients and across all APS subsets. Qualitative and quantitative differences across the APS spectrum can be identified, leading to the identification of distinct IFN signatures with different clinical value.

References

[1]Miyakis S, et al. J Thromb Haemost (2006). 2. Aringer M, et al. Arthritis Rheumatol (2019).

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Rapid and simultaneous determination of histidine metabolism intermediates in human and mouse microbiota and biomatrices

Histidine metabolism is a key pathway physiologically involved in satiety, recognition memory, skin, and neural protection and allergic diseases. Microbiologically-produced imidazole propionate induces type II diabetes and interferes with glucose lowering drugs. Despite their determinant health implications, no single method simultaneously assesses histidine metabolites in urine, feces, and microbiota. The aim of this study was to develop a simple, rapid, and sensitive method for the determination of histidine and its major bioactive metabolites histamine, N-acetylhistamine, imidazole-4-acetate, cis-urocanate, trans-urocanate, glutamate and imidazole propionate, using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. An innovative simple extraction method from small aliquots of human and mice urine, feces and microbial cell extracts was coupled to separation in a 6.5 min chromatographic run. The successful performance allowed accurate and precise quantification of all metabolites in mouse feces, suggesting broad exchange of histidine metabolites between the gut and mice. Higher urine histamine, histamine to histidine ratio, and imidazole-4-acetate pointed to an underlying inflammatory or allergic process in mice compared to human subjects. N-acetylhistamine and imidazole propionate were detected in human and mouse feces, confirming its origin from gut microbial metabolism. Our novel and robust analytical method captured histidine metabolism in a single assay that will facilitate broad and deep histidine metabolic phenotyping assessing the impact of microbiota on host health in large-scale human observational and interventional studies.

Next Generation Probiotics for Neutralizing Obesogenic Effects: Taxa Culturing Searching Strategies

The combination of diet, lifestyle, and the exposure to food obesogens categorized into "microbiota disrupting chemicals" (MDC) could determine obesogenic-related dysbiosis and modify the microbiota diversity that impacts on individual health-disease balances, inducing altered pathogenesis phenotypes. Specific, complementary, and combined treatments are needed to face these altered microbial patterns and the specific misbalances triggered. In this sense, searching for next-generation beneficial microbes or next-generation probiotics (NGP) by microbiota culturing, and focusing on their demonstrated, extensive scope and well-defined functions could contribute to counteracting and repairing the effects of obesogens. Therefore, this review presents a perspective through compiling information and key strategies for directed searching and culturing of NGP that could be administered for obesity and endocrine-related dysbiosis by (i) observing the differential abundance of specific microbiota taxa in obesity-related patients and analyzing their functional roles, (ii) developing microbiota-directed strategies for culturing these taxa groups, and (iii) applying the successful compiled criteria from recent NGP clinical studies. New isolated or cultivable microorganisms from healthy gut microbiota specifically related to obesogens' neutralization effects might be used as an NGP single strain or in consortia, both presenting functions and the ability to palliate metabolic-related disorders. Identification of holistic approaches for searching and using potential NGP, key aspects, the bias, gaps, and proposals of solutions are also considered in this review.

Probiotic Strains and Intervention Total Doses for Modulating Obesity-Related Microbiota Dysbiosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Obesity is a growing health threat worldwide. Administration of probiotics in obesity has also parallelly increased but without any protocolization. We conducted a systematic review exploring the administration pattern of probiotic strains and effective doses for obesity-related disorders according to their capacity of positively modulating key biomarkers and microbiota dysbiosis. Manuscripts targeting probiotic strains and doses administered for obesity-related disorders in clinical studies were sought. MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched using keywords during the last fifteen years up to April 2020. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and then full-text papers against inclusion criteria according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. From 549 interventional reports identified, we filtered 171 eligible studies, from which 24 full-text assays were used for calculating intervention total doses (ITD) of specific species and strains administered. Nine of these reports were excluded in the second-step because no specific data on gut microbiota modulation was found. Six clinical trials (CT) and 9 animal clinical studies were retained for analysis of complete outcome prioritized (body mass index (BMI), adiposity parameters, glucose, and plasma lipid biomarkers, and gut hormones). Lactobacillus spp. administered were double compared to Bifidobacterium spp.; Lactobacillus as single or multispecies formulations whereas most Bifidobacteria only through multispecies supplementations. Differential factors were estimated from obese populations' vs. obesity-induced animals: ITD ratio of 2 × 106 CFU and patterns of administrations of 11.3 weeks to 5.5 weeks, respectively. Estimation of overall probiotics impact from selected CT was performed through a random-effects model to pool effect sizes. Comparisons showed a positive association between the probiotics group vs. placebo on the reduction of BMI, total cholesterol, leptin, and adiponectin. Moreover, negative estimation appeared for glucose (FPG) and CRP. While clinical trials including data for positive modulatory microbiota capacities suggested that high doses of common single and multispecies of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium ameliorated key obesity-related parameters, the major limitation was the high variability between studies and lack of standardized protocols. Efforts in solving this problem and searching for next-generation probiotics for obesity-related diseases would highly improve the rational use of probiotics.

THU0065 OXYLIPIN PROFILING DURING THE VERY EARLY PHASE OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: ASSOCIATIONS WITH DISEASE STAGE, CLINICAL FEATURES AND TREATMENT RESPONSE

Background:

traditional approaches and lipidomics support the relevance of eicosanoids in rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies from our group and others have revealed altered levels of arachidonic acid in RA, pointing to a possible consumption or enhanced metabolisation. However, the potential alterations of its actual metabolites are difficult to assess with conventional approaches, and new, untargeted, high-throughput technologies are needed. More importantly, whether these alterations are related to the disease course and could be found at the very early stage of the disease is unknown.

Objectives:

to characterize the eicosanoid profiles during the earliest stages of RA and their potential clinical associations.

Methods:

60 very early RA patients (50 recruited at diagnosis and treatment-naïve) fulfilling 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria, 11 clinical suspect arthralgia (CSA) individuals and 28 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Samples were collected at the moment of the diagnosis. Serum oxylipins profiles were analyzed by mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Treatment-naïve patients underwent csDMARD treatment and were followed for 6 (n=49) and 12 months (n=38). Data analysis was performed in R and MetaboAnalyst.

Results:

A total of 75 oxylipins, mostly derived from arachidonic (AA), eicosapentanoic (EPA) and linoleic (LA) acid, were identified. No effect was observed for age, gender or BMI. Correlation and network analyses revealed different patterns among oxylipins across RA patients, CSA and HC (Figure 1A). The 8-HETrE, PGE3 and 20-HETE showed the pattern (linear increase) HC→CSA→RA (p=1.47·10-4, 5.34·10-4 and 5.68·10-4, respectively; and adjusted FDR<0.050) (Figure 1B). A PLS-DA (explaining 12.3% of the total variance, with a 71.0% cross-validation accuracy and permutation p=5·10-4) confirmed that oxylipins profiles differ among groups, although a certain overlap existed. A total of 22 oxylipins had VIP scores>1 (Figure 1C), which allowed the identification of two clusters (I and II). Cluster usage (I/II) differed among groups (p=0.003): HC (27/1), CSA (7/4) and RA (37/23). Patients exhibiting cluster II showed higher VAS global assessment (p=0.016) and pain (p=0.003) than their cluster I-counterparts. More importantly, cluster II patients were less likely to achieve DAS28 remission at 6 (12/17 vs 10/32, p=0.008) and 12 months (6/9 vs 9/29, p=0.066) upon conventional DMARD treatment compared to those showing cluster I.

OPLS-DA analyses revealed a good discrimination between CSA and HC groups, and 7 compounds (13-HODE, PGB2, 9-oxo-ODE, 12-oxo-ETE, 19,20-di-HDPA, 5-HETrE and 15-HEPE) were associated with the course HC->CSA. Different precursors (2 LA, 3 AAA, 1 EPA and 1 DHA) and pathways were noted (3 LOX, 4 CYP450). Regarding RA subsets, differences were noted by seropositivity. Whereas 9 compounds were associated with the pattern HC→seronegative RA (8-HETrE, PGE3, 20-HETE, 19,20-di-HDPA, PGEM, PGJ2, 12-oxo-LTB4, 14,15-EET and LTB4), a distinct set was observed for the pattern HC→seropositive RA (PGE3, 20-oh-PGE2, 5-HETE, PGE2, 12-oxo-ETE, 20-HETE, PGEM, 4-HDoHE, LTB4, 9-oxo-ODE, 12-oxo-LTB4, 8,9-EET). No differences in the major pathways were noted.

Conclusion:

Oxylipin networks differ across disease stages during the very early phase of RA, and can inform on specific signatures related to the disease progression. Oxylipins can delineate profiles with clinical relevance and are able to predict treatment response.

Figure:

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease in female SLE patients: Interplay between body mass index and bone mineral density

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Since accelerated atherosclerosis has been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), predictive biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are needed. Among non-traditional risk factors, bone mineral density (BMD) has been related to CVD. However, its role in SLE remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the associations of subclinical atherosclerosis with traditional and non-traditional CV risk factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a cross-sectional study, atherosclerosis burden was compared between 112 female SLE patients and 31 controls. Plaque number and carotid intima-media wall thickness (cIMT) were assessed by ultrasonography. In a retrospective study, BMD determinations obtained 5-years before the ultrasonography assessment were analyzed in a subgroup of 62 patients. Plaque frequency was increased in SLE, even in patients without CV events or carotid wall thickening. cIMT was increased in patients with CVD, positively correlated with body mass index (BMI). Interestingly, a paradoxical effect of BMI on carotid parameters was observed. Whereas underweight patients (BMI < 20) showed increased prevalence of carotid plaques with low cIMT, those with BMI > 30 showed higher cIMT and plaque burden. Overweight patients (25 < BMI<30) exhibited both elevated cIMT and plaque number. BMI was an independent predictor of BMD. In our retrospective study, patients with either clinical or subclinical CVD exhibited lower BMD levels than their CV-free counterparts. A low lumbar spine BMD independently predicted CVD development after adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSION

SLE was associated with a higher subclinical atherosclerosis burden, a bimodal effect being observed for BMI. Decreased BMD can be a CV risk biomarker in SLE.

Real-time monitoring of HT29 epithelial cells as an in vitro model for assessing functional differences among intestinal microbiotas from different human population groups

Several in vitro screening tests have been used for selecting probiotic strains; however they often show low predictive value and only a limited number of strains have demonstrated functionality in vivo. The most used in vitro tests represent a very simplified version of the gut environment, especially since they do not consider the accompanying microbiota. Therefore, there is a need to develop sensitive and discriminating in vitro models including the microbiota. Here we developed an in vitro model to discriminate among microbiotas/fecal waters from different population groups. To this end samples were obtained from seven healthy adults, five IBD-patients, ten full-term and ten preterm newborns. Fecal microbiotas were purified and their impact, as well as that of the fecal waters, on HT29 cells was continuously monitored for 22 h using a real-time cell analyzer (RTCA). The composition of the purified microbiotas was assessed by 16S rRNA gene profiling and qPCR and the levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) determined by gas chromatography. The microbiota fractions and SCFA concentrations obtained from IBD-patients, full-term and preterm babies, showed clear differences with regard to those of the control group (healthy adults). Moreover, the purified intestinal microbiotas and fecal waters also differed from the control group in the response induced on the HT29 cells assay developed. In short, we have developed a real-time, impedance-based in vitro model for assessing the functional response induced by purified microbiotas and fecal waters upon intestinal epithelial cells. The capability of the assay for discriminating the functional responses induced, by microbiotas or fecal waters from different human groups, promises to be of help on the search for compounds/strains to restore the functionality of the microbiota-host's interaction.

Gut microbial functional maturation and succession during human early life

The evolutional trajectory of gut microbial colonization from birth has been shown to prime for health later in life. Here, we combined cultivation-independent 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metaproteomics to investigate the functional maturation of gut microbiota in faecal samples from full-term healthy infants collected at 6 and 18 months of age. Phylogenetic analysis of the metaproteomes showed that Bifidobacterium provided the highest number of distinct protein groups. Considerable divergences between taxa abundance and protein phylogeny were observed at all taxonomic ranks. Age had a profound effect on early microbiota where compositional and functional diversity of less dissimilar communities increased with time. Comparisons of the relative abundances of proteins revealed the transition of taxon-associated saccharolytic and fermentation strategies from milk and mucin-derived monosaccharide catabolism feeding acetate/propanoate synthesis to complex food-derived hexoses fuelling butanoate production. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis uncovered two anti-correlated modules of functional taxa. A low-connected Bifidobacteriaceae-centred guild of facultative anaerobes was succeeded by a rich club of obligate anaerobes densely interconnected around Lachnospiraceae, underpinning their pivotal roles in microbial ecosystem assemblies. Our findings establish a framework to visualize whole microbial community metabolism and ecosystem succession dynamics, proposing opportunities for microbiota-targeted health-promoting strategies early in life.

Cómo improvisar nuestro propio material de laboratorio

Varias son las razones por las cuales la enseñanza de las Ciencias Naturales en nuestro medio no tiene el carácter científico y pedagógico deseado. Entre todas, la escasez y la dificultad para obtener el material de laboratorio deseado para las diferentes prácticas, son comúnmente las más denunciadas por los educadores. 

Efectos de la contaminación industrial y doméstica sobre la fauna béntica del Río Medellín

Los ecosistemas acuáticos naturales se caracterizan por poseer pocas especies con muchos individuos o muchas especies con pocos individuos por especie. Cuando una condición desfavorable, tal como la contaminación, se hace presente, se manifiestan cambios detectables en la estructura de la comunidad biótica. Para detectar cuáles han sido los cambios que se han operado en el Río Medellín, debido a la contaminación industrial y doméstica, se establecieron siete estaciones desde la Primavera hasta El Pescador y se hicieron en cada una de ellas durante un año mediciones bimensuales fisicoquímicas y biológicas. El estudio fisicoquímico se hizo con la ayuda de un Colorímetro Hach y el biológico se llevó a cabo mediante el análisis de las comunidades de macroinvertebrados que habitan en el fondo del Río. Durante el estudio se pudo comprobar como a medida que las condiciones de contaminación se iban haciendo más drásticas, la diversidad de especies comenzaba a disminuir, hasta llegar al punto de aparecer una nueva comunidad propia de aguas contaminadas.

Hydrogenation of an iridium-coordinated imidazol-2-ylidene ligand fragment

The unprecedented hydrogenation of a metal-coordinated imidazolylidene to imidazolidinylidene is observed under mild conditions in an iridium complex containing a metalated lutidine derived CNP ligand.

Probiotic, Prebiotic, and Brain Development

Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated the existence of a link between the emotional and cognitive centres of the brain and peripheral functions through the bi-directional interaction between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system. Therefore, the use of bacteria as therapeutics has attracted much interest. Recent research has found that there are a variety of mechanisms by which bacteria can signal to the brain and influence several processes in relation to neurotransmission, neurogenesis, and behaviour. Data derived from both in vitro experiments and in vivo clinical trials have supported some of these new health implications. While recent molecular advancement has provided strong indications to support and justify the role of the gut microbiota on the gut-brain axis, it is still not clear whether manipulations through probiotics and prebiotics administration could be beneficial in the treatment of neurological problems. The understanding of the gut microbiota and its activities is essential for the generation of future personalized healthcare strategies. Here, we explore and summarize the potential beneficial effects of probiotics and prebiotics in the neurodevelopmental process and in the prevention and treatment of certain neurological human diseases, highlighting current and future perspectives in this topic.

Prevalence and distribution of hepatitis C virus genotypes in Spain during the 2000-2015 period (the GEHEP 005 study)

We report the largest study on the prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes in Spain (2000-2015), and we relate them with clinical, epidemiological and virological factors. Patients from 29 hospitals in 10 autonomous communities (Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla-Leon, Catalonia, Galicia, Canary Islands, Madrid Community, Valencian Community, Murcia Region and Basque Country) have been studied. Annual distribution of HCV genotypes and subtypes, as well as gender, age, transmission route, HIV and/or HBV coinfection, and treatment details were recorded. We included 48595 chronically HCV-infected patients with the following characteristics: median age 51 years (IQR, 44-58), 67.9% male, 19.1% HIV-coinfected, 23.5% HBV-coinfected. Parenteral transmission route was the most frequent (58.7%). Genotype distribution was 66.9% GT1 (24.9% subtype 1a and 37.9% subtype 1b), 2.8% GT2, 17.3% GT3, 11.4% GT4 and 0.1% GT5 and 0.02% GT6. LiPA was the most widely HCV genotyping test used (52.4%). HCV subtype 1a and genotypes 3 and 4 were closely associated with male gender, parenteral route of infection and HIV and HBV coinfection; in contrast, subtype 1b and genotype 2 were associated with female gender, nonparenteral route and mono-infection. Age was related to genotype distribution, and different patterns of distribution and biodiversity index were observed between different geographical areas. Finally, we describe how treatment and changes in transmission routes may have affected HCV genotype prevalence and distribution patterns. We present the most recent data on molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in Spain. This study confirms that genotype distributions vary with age, sex, HIV and HBV coinfection and within geographical areas and epidemiological groups.

One-year calorie restriction impacts gut microbial composition but not its metabolic performance in obese adolescents

Recent evidence has disclosed a connection between gut microbial glycosidase activity and adiposity in obese. Here, we measured microbial α-glucosidase and β-galactosidase activities and sorted fluorescently labeled β-galactosidase containing (βGAL) microorganisms in faecal samples of eight lean and thirteen obese adolescents that followed a controlled calorie restriction program during one year. β-galactosidase is a highly distributed functional trait, mainly expressed by members of Blautia, Bacteroides, Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter and Propionibacterium. Only long-term calorie restriction induced clear changes in the microbiota of obese adolescents. Long-term calorie restriction induced significant shifts in total and βGAL gut microbiota, reducing the Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio and enhancing the growth of beneficial microorganisms such as Bacteroides, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium and Clostridium XIVa. Moreover, the structure and composition of βGAL community in obese after long-term calorie restriction was highly similar to that of lean adolescents. However, despite this high compositional similarity, microbial metabolic performance was different, split in two metabolic states at a body mass index value of 25. Our study shows that calorie restriction is a strong environmental force reshaping gut microbiota though its metabolic performance is linked to host's adiposity, suggesting that functional redundancy and metabolic plasticity are fundamental properties of gut microbial ecosystem.

Maternal obesity is associated with gut microbial metabolic potential in offspring during infancy

Children born to obese mothers are at increased risk for obesity, but the mechanisms behind this association are not fully understood. Our study aimed to investigate differences in the functions encoded by the microbiome of infants at 18 months of age when the transition from early infant-feeding to solid family foods is established. To investigate the impact of maternal prepregnancy body mass index on infants' gut microbiome, faecal samples from infants born to normoweight (n = 21) and obese mothers (n = 18) were analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and a functional-inference-based microbiome analysis. Our results indicated that Firmicutes was significantly enriched in infants born to normoweight mothers whereas Bacteroidetes was significantly enriched in infants born to obese women. In both microbiomes, the greatest number of genes (>50%) that were assigned a function encoded for proteins involved in "metabolism" among tier 1 KEGG Orthology (KO) categories. At lower KO functional categories, the microbiome of infants born to normoweight mothers was characterized by a significant enrichment in the abundances of "pentose phosphate pathway" (p = 0.037), "lysine biosynthesis" (p = 0.043), "glycerolipid metabolism" (p = 0.042), and "C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism" (p = 0.045). Notably, the microbiome of infants born to obese mothers was significantly enriched in "streptomycin biosynthesis" (p = 0.047), "sulphur metabolism" (p = 0.041), "taurine and hypotaurine metabolism" (p = 0.036), and "lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis" (p = 0.043). In summary, our study showed that maternal prepregnancy obesity may imprint a selective gut microbial composition during late infancy with distinct functional performances.

New records of Ornithodoros puertoricensis Fox 1947 (Ixodida: Argasidae) parasitizing humans in rural and urban dwellings, Panama

The presence of ticks inside human constructions was evaluated in two localities from Colon province (Charco La Piedra and Espinar) and one from Panama province (Ancon, City of Panama). In two of houses, eight people from Charco La Piedra and one from Ancón reported "insect bites," which produced blisters for several weeks. The investigation resulted in the collection of argasid ticks, which were identified by morphology and sequencing the 16s ribosomal RNA gene, and later evaluated for the presence of relapsing fever Borrelia DNA. All ticks were identified as Ornithodoros puertoricensis. While spirochetal DNA was not detected by PCR in the ticks, our report highlights the potential for relapsing fever borreliosis in rural and urban localities in Panama.

Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in a northern Spanish population: gender and age influence on immunological features

The present work was planned to research epidemiological and immunological features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Caucasian population from the north of Spain (Asturias). There is only one specialized immunology laboratory in this region where samples from all patients with a plausible or a firm diagnosis of SLE are referred for immunological analysis. Since 1992 we have reviewed registered data from samples submitted to the immunology laboratory with a firm, definitive diagnosis of SLE, based on the fulfillment of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. We have constructed a database, which included 367 SLE patients. The point prevalencewas 34.12/100 000 (95% CI: 30.63-37.61/100 000), whereas the incidence rate calculated during the last five years was 2.15/100 000/year (95% CI: 1.76-2.54/100 000/year). The female/male ratio varied according to the age at diagnosis, being maximum (50: 1) between 22 and 28 years. The median age at diagnostis was significantly lower in females than in males. Immunological features also yielded sex and age peculiarities. The percentage of patients with anti-SSa antibodies yielded significant differences between males (18.6%) and females (34.6%). Anti-RNP and anti-Sm antibodies were more frequently present in childhood-onset patients, the difference with the oldest-onset group being statistically significant. Other analyses did not show significant differences, although, as a whole, we observed a trend towards a higher presence of autoantibodies related to an early disease onset.

Ranking the impact of human health disorders on gut metabolism: systemic lupus erythematosus and obesity as study cases

Multiple factors have been shown to alter intestinal microbial diversity. It remains to be seen, however, how multiple collective pressures impact the activity in the gut environment and which, if any, is positioned as a dominant driving factor determining the final metabolic outcomes. Here, we describe the results of a metabolome-wide scan of gut microbiota in 18 subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 17 healthy control subjects and demonstrate a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the two groups. Healthy controls could be categorized (p < 0.05) based on their body mass index (BMI), whereas individuals with SLE could not. We discuss the prevalence of SLE compared with BMI as the dominant factor that regulates gastrointestinal microbial metabolism and provide plausible explanatory causes. Our results uncover novel perspectives with clinical relevance for human biology. In particular, we rank the importance of various pathophysiologies for gut homeostasis.

Anti-ribosomal P antibodies are associated with elevated circulating IFNα and IL-10 levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this paper is to analyze the relationship of anti-protein ribosomal P (RibP) antibodies with circulating levels of IFNα, TNFα, IFNγ, IL-17 and IL-10 in SLE. Disease activity and other systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) features were also analyzed.

METHODS

Anti-RibP and other SLE-related antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were determined by fluoro-enzyme immunoassay in the sera of 107 SLE patients. Circulating cytokines were quantified by flow cytometry (IFNα, IL-10 and IL-17) or ELISA (TNFα and IFNγ).

RESULTS

Anti-RibP-positive patients (14.9%) displayed significantly higher serum levels of IFNα (p = 0.023) and IL-10 (p = 0.016) than their negative counterparts. This cytokine upregulation was independent of the presence of other ANA even though, in our patient cohort, anti-dsDNA was found to be associated with anti-RibP (OR, CI 95%: 6.03, 1.32-27.93, p = 0.021) and to correlate with IL-10 levels (r = 0.204, p = 0.036). In fact, patients positive for anti-RibP but negative for anti-dsDNA exhibited the highest amounts of both IL-10 and IFN-α that were not related to disease activity since these patients showed lower SLEDAI than patients also positive for anti-dsDNA (p = 0.018). Anti-RibP positivity was also associated with early diagnosis, hypocomplementemia and leukopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of anti-RibP was found to be related to increased serum IFNα and IL-10 levels independently of both antibody status and disease activity.

Prediction and clinical relevance of pathologic patterns of injury associated with chorioamnionitis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate both prediction and clinical relevance of different patterns of injury associated with chorioamnionitis. Pathologic examination of placentas and umbilical cords were performed in 45 pregnant women who had had diagnostic amniocentesis for suspected intraamniotic infection. A positive correlation was noted between leukocyte account in amniotic fluid and the level of maternal injury (r = 0.46, p = 0.04). The levels of amniotic fluid glucose were significantly reduced in cases of fetal infection (2 mg/dL (1-16 mg/dL)) vs. (20.50 mg/dL (11-29 mg/dL)) (p = 0.03).

Identification of novel predictor classifiers for inflammatory bowel disease by gene expression profiling

Background

Improvement of patient quality of life is the ultimate goal of biomedical research, particularly when dealing with complex, chronic and debilitating conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This is largely dependent on receiving an accurate and rapid diagnose, an effective treatment and in the prediction and prevention of side effects and complications. The low sensitivity and specificity of current markers burden their general use in the clinical practice. New biomarkers with accurate predictive ability are needed to achieve a personalized approach that take the inter-individual differences into consideration.

Methods

We performed a high throughput approach using microarray gene expression profiling of colon pinch biopsies from IBD patients to identify predictive transcriptional signatures associated with intestinal inflammation, differential diagnosis (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), response to glucocorticoids (resistance and dependence) or prognosis (need for surgery). Class prediction was performed with self-validating Prophet software package.

Results

Transcriptional profiling divided patients in two subgroups that associated with degree of inflammation. Class predictors were identified with predictive accuracy ranging from 67 to 100%. The expression accuracy was confirmed by real time-PCR quantification. Functional analysis of the predictor genes showed that they play a role in immune responses to bacteria (PTN, OLFM4 and LILRA2), autophagy and endocytocis processes (ATG16L1, DNAJC6, VPS26B, RABGEF1, ITSN1 and TMEM127) and glucocorticoid receptor degradation (STS and MMD2).

Conclusions

We conclude that using analytical algorithms for class prediction discovery can be useful to uncover gene expression profiles and identify classifier genes with potential stratification utility of IBD patients, a major step towards personalized therapy.

Functional consequences of microbial shifts in the human gastrointestinal tract linked to antibiotic treatment and obesity

The microbiomes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of individuals receiving antibiotics and those in obese subjects undergo compositional shifts, the metabolic effects and linkages of which are not clearly understood. Herein, we set to gain insight into these effects, particularly with regard to carbohydrate metabolism, and to contribute to unravel the underlying mechanisms and consequences for health conditions. We measured the activity level of GIT carbohydrate-active enzymes toward 23 distinct sugars in adults patients (n = 2) receiving 14-d β-lactam therapy and in obese (n = 7) and lean (n = 5) adolescents. We observed that both 14 d antibiotic-treated and obese subjects showed higher and less balanced sugar anabolic capacities, with 40% carbohydrates being preferentially processed as compared with non-treated and lean patients. Metaproteome-wide metabolic reconstructions confirmed that the impaired utilization of sugars propagated throughout the pentose phosphate metabolism, which had adverse consequences for the metabolic status of the GIT microbiota. The results point to an age-independent positive association between GIT glycosidase activity and the body mass index, fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance (r ( 2) ≥ 0.95). Moreover, antibiotics altered the active fraction of enzymes controlling the thickness, composition and consistency of the mucin glycans. Our data and analyses provide biochemical insights into the effects of antibiotic usage on the dynamics of the GIT microbiota and pin-point presumptive links to obesity. The knowledge and the hypotheses generated herein lay a foundation for subsequent, systematic research that will be paramount for the design of "smart" dietary and therapeutic interventions to modulate host-microbe metabolic co-regulation in intestinal homeostasis.