Identification of stemness-related glycosylation changes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Altered glycosylation is a hallmark of cancer associated with therapy resistance and tumor behavior. In this study, we investigated the glycosylation profile of stemness-related proteins OCT4, CIP2A, MET, and LIMA1 in HNSCC tumors.

METHODS

Tumor, adjacent normal tissue, and blood samples of 25 patients were collected together with clinical details. After tissue processing, lectin-based glycovariant screens were performed.

RESULTS

Strong correlation between glycosylation profiles of all four stemness-related proteins was observed in tumor tissue, whereas glycosylation in tumor tissue, adjacent normal tissue, and serum was differential.

CONCLUSIONS

A mannose- and galactose-rich glycosylation niche associated with stemness-related proteins was identified.

Narrowing down the number of potential plant-based probiotic candidates by successive in vitro, technological and in vivo assays

The interest on plant-based fermented food is in raise in Western countries. The aim of this study was to select interleukin (IL)-10 inducing strains for the development of potential probiotic plant-based fermented foods. Departing from a collection of 52 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains derived from plant material, in vitro co-culture with murine macrophages allowed us to narrow down the number of candidates to 21 strains able to induce IL-10 secretion. 14 of these strains were able to promote the production of tumour necrosis factor-α too. The capacity to induce IL-6 was used to further reduce the number of strains to 4, from which Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum LpAv was selected to ferment oat and carrots. L. plantarum LpAv was able to ferment oat and carrots until reaching counts of ca. 10⁸ and 10⁹ cfu/ml. Fermented oat and carrots were orally administered to mice for 10 consecutive days and challenged with a single infective dose of Salmonella enterica serovar. Typhimurium. Counts of L. plantarum LpAv in fermented carrots were 9.23±0.05 cfu/ml and 9.27±0.01 cfu/ml, at day 1 and 10 of the feeding period. Fermented carrots were able to confer enhanced protection (80% of survival) against infection, when compared to control mice (less than 25% of survival). However, L. plantarum LpAv administered as pure culture was not able to confer protection against Salmonella infection. L. plantarum LpAv was selected among 52 plant-derived LAB and it was able to ferment oat and carrots, being only fermented carrots able to confer enhanced protection against Salmonella infection. A succession of in vitro to in vivo tests is proposed as a tool to narrow down the number of candidates when searching for potential novel probiotics from a collection of autochthonous strains.

Occurrence of bacteria with technological and probiotic potential in Argentinian human breast-milk

Breast milk can be a source of potential probiotic bacteria, but the technological capacity of isolates obtained from this source is not always guaranteed. We aimed at isolating lactobacilli from breast milk samples collected in Argentina, focusing on isolates with functional and technological potential as probiotics. Fourteen Lactobacillus and one Bifidobacterium isolates were obtained from 164 samples donated by 104 mothers. The isolates preliminarily identified by MALDI-TOF, and then the identity was confirmed by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Hydrophobicity was determined (hexadecane and xylene partition). The strains were also co-cultured with murine RAW 264.7 macrophages for screening the capacity to induce the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10. Hydrophobicity ranged from 7.4 and 95.9%. The strains Lactobacillus gasseri (70a and 70c) and Lactobacillus plantarum (73a and 73b) were the strains with a higher capacity to induce IL-10 production by macrophages. The technological application was evaluated by freezing dried in 10% lactose or 10% polydextrose. The survival was assessed after accelerated (37 °C, 4 weeks) or long-term (5 and 25 °C, 12 months) storage. Except for Lactobacillus gallinarum 94d, strains lost less than 1 Log10 order cfu/g after long-term (12 months) storage at 5 °C in lactose and polydextrose as protectants. A low correlation between survival to accelerated and long-term storage tests was observed. L. gasseri (70a and 70c) and L. plantarum (73a and 73b) deserve further studies as potential probiotics due to their capacity to induce IL-10 from murine macrophages and their hydrophobicity. In special, L. plantarum 73a was able to confer enhanced protection against Salmonella infection by promoting the immunity of the small intestine.

Postbiotics: facts and open questions. A position paper on the need for a consensus definition

The past definitions of probiotics and prebiotics have been reviewed and updated recently. According to these concepts, probiotics comprise live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts, whereas a prebiotic is a substrate that is selectively utilised by host microorganisms, conferring a health benefit. The words probiotics and prebiotics can be found on labels of many foods and supplements. Consumers have a growing awareness of these terms' meanings, and many countries are increasingly using them for regulation purposes. At the same time, there is increasing evidence on the health effects of non-viable microorganisms and the metabolites that they can produce by fermentation or by their action on food components. Different terms have been used in the literature to refer to these bioactive compounds, which do not fall under the known categories of probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics. The tentative term postbiotics has been the most used one so far. However, no definition of the term has gained international consensus to date. This work aims to provide information on the facts and the open questions about the so-called postbiotics.

Rapid review shows that probiotics and fermented infant formulas do not cause d-lactic acidosis in healthy children

AIM

Extensive ongoing research on probiotics and infant formulas raises a number of safety questions. One concern is the potential influence of d-lactic acid-containing preparations on the health of infants and children. The aim of this review was to summarise the available knowledge on the ingestion of d-lactic acid-producing bacteria, acidified infant formulas and fermented infant formulas as a potential cause of paediatric d-lactic acidosis.

METHODS

A Medline database search was performed in July 2017, with no restrictions on the language, article type or publication date. The 1715 search results were screened for clinical trials, review articles, case series and case reports of relevance to the topic.

RESULTS

We identified five randomised controlled trials from 2005 to 2017 covering 544 healthy infants and some case reports and experimental studies. No clinically relevant adverse effects of d-lactic acid-producing probiotics and fermented infant formulas were described in healthy children. However, a harmless, subclinical accumulation of d-lactate was theoretically possible. The only known cases of paediatric d-lactic acidosis occurred in patients with short bowel syndrome or, historically, in infants fed with acidified formulas.

CONCLUSION

Our main finding was that probiotics and fermented formulas did not cause d-lactic acidosis in healthy children.

Human milk oligosaccharide categories define the microbiota composition in human colostrum

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are structurally diverse unconjugated glycans with a composition unique to each lactating mother. While HMOs have been shown to have an impact on the development of infant gut microbiota, it is not well known if HMOs also already affect milk microbial composition. To address this question, we analysed eleven colostrum samples for HMO content by high-pressure liquid chromatography and microbiota composition by quantitative PCR. Higher total HMO concentration was associated with higher counts of Bifidobacterium spp. (ρ=0.63, P=0.036). A distinctive effect was seen when comparing different HMO groups: positive correlations were observed between sialylated HMOs and Bifidobacterium breve (ρ=0.84, P=0.001), and non-fucosylated/non-sialylated HMOs and Bifidobacterium longum group (ρ=0.65, P=0.030). In addition to associations between HMOs and bifidobacteria, positive correlations were observed between fucosylated HMOs and Akkermansia muciniphila (ρ=0.70, P=0.017), and between fucosylated/sialylated HMOs and Staphylococcus aureus (ρ=0.75, P=0.007). Our results suggest that the characterised HMOs have an effect on specific microbial groups in human milk. Both oligosaccharides and microbes provide a concise inoculum for the compositional development of the infant gut microbiota.

Late preterm birth has direct and indirect effects on infant gut microbiota development during the first six months of life

Aim

Preterm infants display aberrant gut microbial colonisation. We investigated whether the differences in gut microbiota between late preterm and full‐term infants results from prematurity or external exposures.

Methods

This study comprised 43 late preterm infants (34^0/7–36^6/7) and 75 full‐term infants based on faecal samples collected following birth and at two to four weeks and six months of age. We assessed clinically relevant bacteria using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine whether the observed differences in gut microbiota were attributable to prematurity or perinatal exposure.

Results

The prevalence of bifidobacteria differed in the intestinal microbiota of the full‐term and late preterm neonates. Differences in the presence of specific species were detected at the age of six months, although the microbiota alterations were most prominent following delivery. As well as prematurity, the mode of birth, intrapartum and neonatal antibiotic exposure, and the duration of breastfeeding had an additional impact on gut microbiota development.

Conclusion

The gut microbiota composition was significantly different between late preterm and full‐term infants at least six months after birth. Antibiotic exposure was common in late preterm infants and modulated gut colonisation, but preterm birth also affected gut microbiota development independently.

Accident Locus of Control and Risk Taking among Forestry and Construction Workers

228 forestry and 45 construction workers completed the Accident Locus of Control scale which is a modified version of the Health Locus of Control inventory. The forestry workers scored as having a more external locus of control than the construction workers. In both professional groups the subjects with higher scores on external locus of control tended to take more risks than the subjects with higher scores on internal locus of control. The results support a dual-dimensional view of control rather than a unidimensional view.

Akkermansia muciniphila: a novel functional microbe with probiotic properties

Akkermansia muciniphila is an intestinal anaerobe which has been proposed as a new functional microbe with probiotic properties. However, the species is not included in the European Union qualified presumption of safety (QPS) list and has not yet been assessed. Moreover, products containing A. muciniphila are not on the market and are thus controlled by the Novel Foods Regulation, which requires extensive safety assessment. This review addresses the safety aspects of the use of A. muciniphila based on published information on its functions in humans and predictions based on its activity in model animals. Further, comprehensive studies related to A. muciniphila and its safety properties have gradually appeared and are summarised here. Many of the criteria required for novel food safety assessment in Europe can thus be fulfilled. However, studies focusing on the toxicological properties of A. muciniphila, including long-term and reproduction studies, have not so far been reported and are discussed in the light of the observation that most, if not all, healthy subjects are known to carry this intestinal anaerobe. As this also applies to other beneficial bacteria found in the human intestinal tract, the A. muciniphila case can be seen as a model for the comprehensive safety evaluations required by the European authorities.

The impact of early gut microbiota modulation on the risk of child disease: alert to accuracy in probiotic studies

The composition of the gut microbiota, and thus also the modification of the gut microbiota by specific probiotics or prebiotics early in life, may have an impact on the risk of disease in the child. Above the impact on gut microecology, probiotic effects have been attributed to restoration to normal of increased intestinal permeability, improvement of the intestine's immunological barrier functions, alleviation of the intestinal inflammatory response, and reduced generation of proinflammatory cytokines characteristic of local and systemic allergic inflammation. Recent demonstrations from experimental and clinical studies suggest that the gut microbiota is also involved in the control of body weight and energy metabolism, affecting the two main causes of obesity: energy acquisition and storage, and contributing to insulin resistance and the inflammatory state characterising obesity. Current research focuses both on characterising specific probiotic strains and on how the food matrix and the dietary content interacts with the most efficient probiotic strains. It is important to characterise each probiotic to species and strain level and to select strains with documented properties, the probiotic potential being strain-specific. As any proof of causality requires clinical intervention studies in humans in different populations, rigorous and detailed documentation will enhance reproducibility and circumvent confusion.

The case in favour of probiotics before, during and after pregnancy: insights from the first 1,500 days

Successful human reproduction requires microbial homeostasis in the female reproductive tract, and colonisation of the newborn with beneficial microbes. In order to prevent several complications associated with dysbiosis, the administration of probiotics is more often being considered. The objective of the enclosed review was to examine the rationale for probiotic utility before and during pregnancy and in the early phase of infant life. The conclusions emerged from a panel of researchers who met during the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) workshop held in Washington, DC, USA in 2015. The group concluded based upon the current literature, that a case can be made for the use of a specific sets of probiotic organisms during the first 1,500 days of life, with the goal of a healthy pregnancy to term, and a healthy start to life with lowered risk of infections and inflammatory events. The key to successfully translating these recommendations to practice is that products be made available and affordable to women in developed and developing countries.

Role of probiotics in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes

Overweight and obesity currently constitute a major threat to human well-being. Almost half of the female population are currently overweight. Pregnant overweight women are at risk of gestational diabetes affecting the health of the mother and the child, in both the short and long term. Notwithstanding the extensive scientific interest centred on the problem, research efforts have thus far been unable to devise preventive strategies. Recent scientific advances point to a gut microbiota dysbiosis, with ensuing low-grade inflammation as a contributing element, in obesity and its comorbidities. Such findings would suggest a role for specific probiotics in the search for preventive and therapeutic adjunct applications in gestational diabetes. The aim of the present paper was to critically review recent demonstrations of the role of intestinal microbes in immune and metabolic regulation, which could be exploited in nutritional management of pregnant women by probiotic bacteria. By modulating specific target functions, probiotic dietary intervention may exert clinical effects beyond the nutritional impact of food. As this approach in pregnancy is new, an overview of the role of gut microbiota in shaping host metabolism, together with the definition of probiotics are presented, and finally, specific targets and potential mechanisms for probiotics in pregnancy are discussed. Pregnancy appears to be the most critical stage for interventions aiming to reduce the risk of non-communicable disease in future generations, beyond the immediate dangers attributable to the health of the mother, labour and the neonate. Specific probiotic interventions during pregnancy provide an opportunity, therefore, to promote the health not only of the mother but also of the child.

Severity of atopic disease inversely correlates with intestinal microbiota diversity and butyrate-producing bacteria

The reports on atopic diseases and microbiota in early childhood remain contradictory, and both decreased and increased microbiota diversity have been associated with atopic eczema. In this study, the intestinal microbiota signatures associated with the severity of eczema in 6-month-old infants were characterized. Further, the changes in intestinal microbiota composition related to the improvement of this disease 3 months later were assessed. The severity of eczema correlated inversely with microbiota diversity (r = -0.54, P = 0.002) and with the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria (r = -0.52, P = 0.005). During the 3-month follow-up, microbiota diversity increased (P < 0.001) and scoring atopic dermatitis values decreased (P < 0.001) in all infants. This decrease coincided with the increase in bacteria related to butyrate-producing Coprococcus eutactus (r = -0.59, P = 0.02). In conclusion, the high diversity of microbiota and high abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria were associated with milder eczema, thus suggesting they have a role in alleviating symptoms of atopic eczema.

Yoghurt and probiotic bacteria in dietary guidelines of the member states of the European Union

Beneficial microbes enter the food supply primarily through fermented foods (largely milks) and addition of probiotics. Fermented milks are a significant component of the diet of some geographical regions, including Europe. The fermentation process serves to preserve safety, nutritional quality and palatability of milk. In addition, the microbes associated with fermented milks and probiotics are associated with human health benefits. However, in the area of health claims only one claim for beneficial microbes has been approved in the European Union, that is for yoghurt to improve lactose tolerance. We searched for health messages that include probiotics or fermented milks in nutrition guidelines and recommendations in thirteen countries of the EU plus Switzerland. Such messages are allowed when they are made by non-commercial government bodies. Our analysis revealed that five EU member states have national nutrition guidelines or recommendations that include either probiotics or fermented milks with live bacteria. This supports that some EU member states recognise health benefits associated with consumption of live microbes, even if commercial marketing claims are not authorised. Harmonisation between recommendations and approved health-claims would benefit consumers and public health.

Pathogen exclusion properties of canine probiotics are influenced by the growth media and physical treatments simulating industrial processes

AIMS

Manufacturing process used in preparation of probiotic products may alter beneficial properties of probiotics. The effect of different growth media and inactivation methods on the protective properties of canine-originated probiotic bacteria against adhesion of canine enteropathogens was investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three established dog probiotics, Lactobacillus fermentum VET9A, Lactobacillus plantarum VET14A and Lactobacillus rhamnosus VET16A, and their mixture were assessed using the dog mucus pathogen exclusion model. The pathogens used were Enterococcus canis, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Clostridium perfringens. The effect of growth media, one reflecting laboratory and the other manufacture conditions, and viability (viable and heat inactivated, 80°C per 30 min) on the pathogen exclusion properties of probiotics were characterized. Greater pathogen exclusion percentages were noted for probiotics growing in conditions reflecting manufacture when compared to laboratory (P < 0·05). Inactivation of probiotics by heat (80°C per 30 min) increased pathogen exclusion compared with their viable forms (P < 0·05).

CONCLUSIONS

Manufacturing process conditions such as growth media, incubation temperature and pretreatment methods may significantly affect the protective properties of the tested strains.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Growing conditions and pretreatment methods should be carefully considered when designing new probiotics to reduce the risk of common infections in dogs. The studied probiotics are promising potential feed additives for dogs.

The effect of growth media and physical treatments on the adhesion properties of canine probiotics

AIMS

The manufacturing processes have been reported to influence the properties of probiotics with potential impact on health properties. The aim was to investigate the effect of different growth media and inactivation methods on the properties of canine-originated probiotic bacteria alone and in combination mixture.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three established dog probiotics, Lactobacillus fermentum VET9A, Lactobacillus plantarum VET14A and Lactobacillus rhamnosus VET16A, and their combination mixture were evaluated for their adhesion to dog mucus. The effect of different growth media, one reflecting laboratory and the other manufacturing conditions, and inactivation methods (95°C, 80°C and UV irradiation) on the mucus adhesion of the probiotic strains was characterized. Evaluation of dog probiotics was supported by cell visualization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Higher adhesion percentage was reported for probiotic strains growing in laboratory rather than in manufacturing conditions (P < 0.05). Inactivation by heat (95°C, 80°C) decreased the adhesion properties when strains were cultivated in soy-based growth media compared with those grown in MRS broth (P < 0.05). TEM observations uncovered differences in cell-surface components in nonviable forms of probiotic strains as compared with their viable forms.

CONCLUSIONS

Manufacturing process conditions such as growth media and pretreatment methods may significantly affect the adhesive ability of the tested strains.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Growth conditions, growth media, pretreatment methods and different probiotic combinations should be carefully considered for quality control of existing probiotics and for identification of new probiotics for dogs. These may also have an impact on health benefits for the host.

Workshop Report: concepts and methods in the economics of nutrition--gateways to better economic evaluation of nutrition interventions

Improving health through better nutrition of the population may contribute to enhanced efficiency and sustainability of healthcare systems. A recent expert meeting investigated in detail a number of methodological aspects related to the discipline of nutrition economics. The role of nutrition in health maintenance and in the prevention of non-communicable diseases is now generally recognised. However, the main scope of those seeking to contain healthcare expenditures tends to focus on the management of existing chronic diseases. Identifying additional relevant dimensions to measure and the context of use will become increasingly important in selecting and developing outcome measurements for nutrition interventions. The translation of nutrition-related research data into public health guidance raises the challenging issue of carrying out more pragmatic trials in many areas where these would generate the most useful evidence for health policy decision-making. Nutrition exemplifies all the types of interventions and policy which need evaluating across the health field. There is a need to start actively engaging key stakeholders in order to collect data and to widen health technology assessment approaches for achieving a policy shift from evidence-based medicine to evidence-based decision-making in the field of nutrition.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 administration in early childhood: a randomized clinical trial of effects on oral colonization by mutans streptococci and the probiotic

A randomized clinical trial studied the effects of early administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) on oral colonization of (1) mutans streptococci (MS), and (2) BB-12. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, infants (n = 106) received probiotic bacteria (BB-12 group), xylitol (X group), or sorbitol (S group). Test tablets were administered twice a day (from the age of 1-2 months) with a novel slow-release pacifier or a spoon (daily dose of BB-12 10(10) CFU, polyol 200-600 mg). Samples were collected from mucosa/teeth at the age of 8 months and 2 years for BB- 12 determination (qPCR) and plate culturing of MS (MSB, TYCSB), lactobacilli (Rogosa) and yeasts (Sabouraud). The MS levels of the mothers were determined (Dentocult SM Strip Mutans). The baseline characteristics of the three groups were similar. Mean duration of tablet delivery was 14.9 ± 6.7 months. In all groups, >90% of the mothers showed high MS counts (log CFU ≥5). MS colonization percentages of the children at the age of 2 years were rather low (BB-12 group: 6%; X group: 31%; S group: 10%; p < 0.05). The levels of lactobacilli and yeasts did not differ between the groups. BB-12 cell counts barely exceeding the detection limit were found in three of the oral samples of the 8-month-old children; however, the 2-year samples did not contain BB-12. The early administration of BB-12 did not result in permanent oral colonization of this probiotic or significantly affect MS colonization in the children.

Nutrition economics - characterising the economic and health impact of nutrition

There is a new merging of health economics and nutrition disciplines to assess the impact of diet on health and disease prevention and to characterise the health and economic aspects of specific changes in nutritional behaviour and nutrition recommendations. A rationale exists for developing the field of nutrition economics which could offer a better understanding of both nutrition, in the context of having a significant influence on health outcomes, and economics, in order to estimate the absolute and relative monetary impact of health measures. For this purpose, an expert meeting assessed questions aimed at clarifying the scope and identifying the key issues that should be taken into consideration in developing nutrition economics as a discipline that could potentially address important questions. We propose a first multidisciplinary outline for understanding the principles and particular characteristics of this emerging field. We summarise here the concepts and the observations of workshop participants and propose a basic setting for nutrition economics and health outcomes research as a novel discipline to support nutrition, health economics and health policy development in an evidence and health-benefit-based manner.

Interaction of orally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG with skin and gut microbiota and humoral immunity in infants with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND

The intestinal mucosa functions as a defence barrier against gut intraluminar antigens. The maturational events in the gut parallel its step-wise colonization. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with aberrant barrier functions of the skin epithelium and, in a subgroup of patients, of the gut mucosa.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the interaction of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) with skin and gut microbiota and humoral immunity in infants with AD.

METHODS

Thirty-nine infants with AD were randomized for a 3-month period in a double-blind design to receive extensively hydrolysed casein formula supplemented with (n=19) or without (n=20) LGG (ATCC 53103) 5.0 × 10⁷ CFU/g to achieve a daily intake of 3.4 × 10⁹ CFU. Sampling (blood and fecal samples, cotton swab from the skin) was carried out at entry, 1 and 3 months thereafter. Ig-secreting cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunospot and the proportions of CD19(+)CD27(+) B cells among peripheral blood leucocytes by flow cytometry. The major groups of gut and skin bacteria were characterized using PCR.

RESULTS

The proportions of IgA- and IgM-secreting cells decreased significantly in the treated group; the baseline-adjusted ratios for treated vs. untreated at 1 month were 0.59 (95%CI 0.36-0.99, P=0.044) for IgA- and 0.53 (95%CI 0.29-0.96, P=0.036) for IgM-secreting cells. The proportions of CD19(+)CD27(+) B cells increased in the probiotic-treated infants but not in the untreated. There were no significant differences in bifidobacterial species composition of the gut between the study groups. On the skin, the bacterial counts of Bifidobacterium genus vs. Clostridium coccoides in the treated and untreated infants were similar.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Specific probiotics may enhance gut barrier function and aid in the development of immune responses. Thus, specific probiotics may afford protection against offending macromolecules in the gut and provide control for future infections by accelerated immunological maturation (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01148667).

Dietary therapy with Lactobacillus GG, bovine colostrum or bovine immune colostrum in patients with juvenile chronic arthritis: evaluation of effect on gut defence mechanisms

The effect of dietary therapy with a human Lactobacillus strain GG (ATCC 53103), bovine colostrum, or bovine immune colostrum with specific antibodies against anaerobic intestinal bacteria on gut defence mechanisms were studied in juvenile chronic arthritis. Thirty patients with juvenile chronic arthritis were randomly allocated to receive a freeze-dried powder of Lactobacillus GG, or bovine colostrum, or bovine immune colostrum, for a two-week period. Immunologic and non-immunologic gut defence mechanisms were indirectly investigated in blood and faecal samples. In patients receiving Lactobacillus GG, the median (interquartile range) frequency of immunoglobulin-secreting cells, determined by enzyme-linked immunospot assay, increased in the IgA class from 1840 (690-2530) to 3480 (1030-13 170)/10(6) cells; p=0.02. Likewise the median (interquartile range) frequency of specific antibody-secreting cells against dietary antigens increased during the Lactobacillus GG therapy in the IgM class from 3.8 (1.4-5.0) to 11.2 (5.0-30.0)/10(6) cells; p=0.02. In addition, Lactobacillus GG therapy decreased the median (interquartile range) activity of faecal urease, which has been associated with mucosal tissue damage, from 40.3 (21.7-54.3) to 28.6 (24.5-49.4) nmol. min(-1) (mg protein)(-1); p=0.10, while, in patients receiving bovine colostrum, faecal urease activity increased (from 42.2 to 80.6; p=0.04). All findings were transient. We suggest that gut defence mechanisms are disturbed in juvenile chronic arthritis and we further suggest that orally administered Lactobacillus GG has a potential to reinforce the mucosal barrier mechanisms in juvenile chronic arthritis.

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus DNA in the human placenta

AIMS

Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are part of the human normal intestinal microbiota and may possibly be transferred to the placenta. It was hypothesized that intestinal bacteria or their components are present in the placenta and that the foetus may be exposed to them. We investigated the presence of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and their DNA in the human placenta.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 34 human placentae (25 vaginal and nine caesarean deliveries) for the presence Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Cultivation was used for the detection of viable cells and genus and species-specific PCR for the detection of DNA. No bifidobacteria or lactobacilli were found by cultivation. Bifidobacterial DNA was detected in 33 and L. rhamnosus DNA in 31 placenta samples.

CONCLUSIONS

DNA from intestinal bacteria was found in most placenta samples. The results suggest that horizontal transfer of bacterial DNA from mother to foetus may occur via placenta.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Bacterial DNA contains unmethylated CpG oligodeoxynucleotide motifs which induce immune effects. Specific CpG motifs activate Toll-like receptor 9 and subsequently trigger Th-1-type immune responses. Although the newborn infant is considered immunologically immature, exposure by bacterial DNA may programme the infant's immune development during foetal life earlier than previously considered.

Interventions for preventing injuries in the agricultural industry

BACKGROUND

Agriculture is more hazardous than most other industries. Many strategies have been introduced to reduce injuries in the field, yet the effectiveness of different interventions on occupational injuries still remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to determine the effectiveness of interventions to prevent occupational injuries among workers in the agricultural industry compared to no interventions or to alternative interventions.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Injuries Group's specialised register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, OSH-ROM (including NIOSHTIC and HSELINE) databases were searched up to June 2006. Reference lists of selected articles, relevant reviews and additional topic related databases and web sites were also searched. The searches were not restricted by language or publication status.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials, cluster-randomised controlled trials, prospective cohort studies with a concurrent control group, and interrupted time series studies assessing any type of intervention aiming to prevent fatal or non-fatal injuries among workers in agriculture.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers conducted data extraction and study quality assessment independently. Rate ratios of randomised controlled trials were calculated and the effect sizes were combined in a meta-analysis. Interrupted time series studies were reanalysed and each of them studied for having an immediate and a progressive effect.

MAIN RESULTS

Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 11,565 participants and three interrupted time series studies (ITSs) with 26.3 data points on average met the criteria. For educational interventions aiming at reducing injury rates among adults the pooled rate ratio after recalculation from effect sizes in three RCTs was 1.02 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.20). For educational interventions aiming at children the pooled rate ratio for injury rates in two RCTs was 1.27 (95% CI 0.51 to 3.16). One ITS that evaluated the effect of an intervention that included financial incentives decreased the injury level immediately after the intervention with an effect size of -2.68 (95% CI -3.80 to -1.56) but did not have a significant effect on the injury trend over time with an effect size of -0.22 (95% CI -0.47 to 0.03). One ITS study that evaluated the effect of legislation to ban Endosulfan pesticide on fatal pesticide poisonings increased the level of poisonings immediately after the introduction with an effect size of 2.20 (95% CI 0.97 to 3.43) but led to decrease in the trend of poisonings over time with an effect size of -2.15 (95% CI -2.64 to -1.66). One ITS study documented four different regulations aiming to increase the use of rollover protective structures (ROPS) on tractors and their effect on injuries and fatal injuries. The introduction of two different pieces of legislation requiring ROPS on new tractors sold after a certain date was associated with a decrease of fatal injuries over the long term (effect size -0.93 95% CI -1.02 to -0.03) but they were also associated with an increase of injuries in general (fatal and non-fatal injuries combined). Introduction of legislation requiring ROPS on all tractors, old tractors included, was not associated with a decrease but with an increase of injuries and fatal injuries over the long term.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The selected studies provided no evidence that educational interventions are effective in decreasing injury rates among agricultural workers. Financial incentives could reduce injury rates. Legislation to ban pesticides could be effective. Legislation expanding the use of safety devices (ROPS) on new tractors was associated with a decrease in fatal injuries.

Interventions for preventing injuries in the agricultural industry

BACKGROUND

Agriculture is more hazardous than most other industries. Many strategies have been introduced to reduce injuries in the field, yet the effectiveness of different interventions on occupational injuries still remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to determine the effectiveness of interventions to prevent occupational injuries among workers in the agricultural industry compared to no interventions or to alternative interventions.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Injuries Group's specialised register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, OSH-ROM (including NIOSHTIC and HSELINE) databases were searched up to June 2006. Reference lists of selected articles, relevant reviews and additional topic related databases and web sites were also searched. The searches were not restricted by language or publication status.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials, cluster-randomised controlled trials, prospective cohort studies with a concurrent control group, and interrupted time series studies assessing any type of intervention aiming to prevent fatal or non-fatal injuries among workers in agriculture.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers conducted data extraction and study quality assessment independently. Rate ratios of randomised controlled trials were calculated and the effect sizes were combined in a meta-analysis. Interrupted time series studies were reanalysed and each of them studied for having an immediate and a progressive effect.

MAIN RESULTS

Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 11,565 participants and three interrupted time series studies (ITSs) with 26.3 data points on average met the criteria. For educational interventions aiming at reducing injury rates among adults the pooled rate ratio after recalculation from effect sizes in three RCTs was 1.02 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.20). For educational interventions aiming at children the pooled rate ratio for injury rates in two RCTs was 1.27 (95% CI 0.51 to 3.16). One ITS that evaluated the effect of an intervention that included financial incentives decreased the injury level immediately after the intervention with an effect size of -2.68 (95% CI -3.80 to -1.56) but did not have a significant effect on the injury trend over time with an effect size of -0.22 (95% CI -0.47 to 0.03). One ITS study that evaluated the effect of legislation to ban Endosulfan pesticide on fatal pesticide poisonings increased the level of poisonings immediately after the introduction with an effect size of 2.20 (95% CI 0.97 to 3.43) but led to decrease in the trend of poisonings over time with an effect size of -2.15 (95% CI -2.64 to -1.66). One ITS study documented four different regulations aiming to increase the use of rollover protective structures (ROPS) on tractors and their effect on injuries and fatal injuries. The introduction of two different pieces of legislation requiring ROPS on new tractors sold after a certain date was associated with a decrease of fatal injuries over the long term (effect size -0.93 95% CI -1.02 to -0.03) but they were also associated with an increase of injuries in general (fatal and non-fatal injuries combined). Introduction of legislation requiring ROPS on all tractors, old tractors included, was not associated with a decrease but with an increase of injuries and fatal injuries over the long term.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The selected studies provided no evidence that educational interventions are effective in decreasing injury rates among agricultural workers. Financial incentives could reduce injury rates. Legislation to ban pesticides could be effective. Legislation expanding the use of safety devices (ROPS) on new tractors was associated with a decrease in fatal injuries.

Combining strains of lactic acid bacteria may reduce their toxin and heavy metal removal efficiency from aqueous solution

AIMS

The primary objective of this study was to compare the removal of cadmium, lead, aflatoxin B1 and microcystin-LR from aqueous solution by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus LC705, Propionibacterium freudenreichii shermanii JS and Bifidobacterium breve Bbi99/E8, separately and in combination.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The removal of toxins and heavy metals was assessed in batch experiments. The removal of all compounds was observed to be strain specific. The removal of lead by a combination of all the strains used was observed to be lower than could be predicted from the removal by single strains (P < 0.05). A similar trend was also observed with the other compounds studied.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the toxin-removal capacity of a combination of strains of lactic acid bacteria is not the sum of their individual capacities. Therefore, pure single strains should be used when the goal is to remove single compounds. The use of combinations of strains may be beneficial when several compounds are removed together. This needs to be studied in future experiments.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Lactic acid bacteria have been identified as potent tools for the decontamination of heavy metals, cyanotoxins and mycotoxins. The results of this study should be considered when selecting combinations of bacteria for the simultaneous removal of several toxic compounds.

Role of commercial probiotic strains against human pathogen adhesion to intestinal mucus

AIMS

The aims of this study present were to assess and to evaluate in vitro the abilities of commercial probiotic strains derived from fermented milk products and related sources currently marketed in European countries, to inhibit, compete and displace the adhesion of selected potential pathogens to immobilized human mucus.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The adhesion was assessed by measuring the radioactivity of bacteria adhered to the human mucus. We tested 12 probiotic strains against eight selected pathogens. All strains tested were able to adhere to mucus. All probiotic strains tested were able to inhibit and displace (P<0.05) the adhesion of Bacteroides, Clostridium, Staphylococcus and Enterobacter. In addition, the abilities to inhibit and to displace adhered pathogens depended on both the probiotic and the pathogen strains tested suggesting that several complementary mechanisms are implied in the processes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate the need for a case-by-case assessment in order to select strains with the ability to inhibit or displace a specific pathogen. Probiotics could be useful to correct deviations observed in intestinal microbiota associated with specific diseases and also, to prevent pathogen infections.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The competitive exclusion properties of probiotics as well as their ability to displace and inhibit pathogens are the most importance for therapeutic manipulation of the enteric microbiota. The application of such strategies could contribute to expand the beneficial properties on human health against pathogen infection.

Maternal breast-milk and intestinal bifidobacteria guide the compositional development of the Bifidobacterium microbiota in infants at risk of allergic disease

BACKGROUND

The sources and the impact of maternal bacteria on the initial inoculum of the intestinal microflora of newborn infants remain elusive.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between maternal breast-milk and fecal bifidobacteria and infants' fecal bifidobacteria.

METHODS

Sixty-one mother-infant pairs were included, special emphasis being placed on the maternal allergic status. Bifidobacteria were analysed by a direct PCR method in fecal samples from mothers at 30-35 weeks of gestation and from infants at 1 month of age and from breast-milk samples 1 month post-partum.

RESULTS

Fecal Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium bifidum colonization frequencies and counts among mother-infant pairs correlated significantly (P=0.005 and 0.02 for frequencies, respectively, and P=0.002 and 0.01 for counts, respectively). Only infants of allergic, atopic mothers were colonized with B. adolescentis. Each of the breast-milk samples contained bifidobacteria [median 1.4 x 10(3) bacterial cells/mL; interquartile range (IQR) 48.7-3.8 x 10(3)]. Bifidobacterium longum was the most frequently detected species in breast-milk. Allergic mothers had significantly lower amounts of bifidobacteria in breast-milk compared with non-allergic mothers [median 1.3 x 10(3) bacterial cells/mL (IQR 22.4-3.0 x 10(3)) vs. 5.6 x 10(3) bacterial cells/mL (1.8 x 10(3)-1.8 x 10(4)), respectively, (P=0.004)], and their infants had concurrently lower counts of bifidobacteria in feces [3.9 x 10(8) bacterial cells/g (IQR 6.5 x 10(6)-1.5 x 10(9)) in infants of allergic mothers, vs. 2.5 x 10(9) bacterial cells/g (6.5 x 10(8)-3.2 x 10(10)) in infants of non-allergic mothers, P=0.013].

CONCLUSIONS

Breast-milk contains significant numbers of bifidobacteria and the maternal allergic status further deranges the counts of bifidobacteria in breast-milk. Maternal fecal and breast-milk bifidobacterial counts impacted on the infants' fecal Bifidobacterium levels. Breast-milk bacteria should thus be considered an important source of bacteria in the establishment of infantile intestinal microbiota.

Quantitative assessment of faecal bifidobacterial populations by real-time PCR using lanthanide probes

AIM

To develop real-time quantitative PCR methods, based on the use of probes labelled with a stable fluorescent lanthanide chelate, for the quantification of different human faecal bifidobacterial populations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The designed quantitative PCR assays were found to be specific for the corresponding Bifidobacterium species or groups (Bifidobacterium longum group, Bifidobacterium catenulatum group, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium angulatum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium dentium). The detection limits of the methodologies used ranged between 2 x 10(5) and 9 x 10(3) cells g(-1) of faeces. The applicability of the developed assays was tested by analysing 20 human faecal samples. Bif. longum group was found to be the qualitatively and quantitatively predominant bifidobacterial group.

CONCLUSIONS

The real-time PCR procedures developed here are specific, accurate, rapid and easy methods for the quantification of Bifidobacterium groups or species in human faecal samples.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The developed procedures will facilitate rapid and objective counting of large numbers of samples increasing our knowledge on the role of gut bifidobacterial microbiota in health and disease. This will contribute to the efficient use of intestinal bacterial assays in research, food and pharmaceutical development as well as in the assessment of dietary management of diseases.

A Probiotic, Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3, Has Antioxidative Capacity in Soft Cheese Spreads with Different Fats

Our aim was to develop a prototype of a functional spread cheese containing both a specific probiotic and n-3 fatty acids and to analyze the viability of the probiotic and stability of n-3 fatty acids during 4 wk of shelf life. Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 (Lf ME-3) isolated from a healthy Estonian child has been shown to have probiotic and antioxidative properties in several recent studies. In the current study this promising bacterial strain was combined with vegetable oils rich in nutritionally important alpha-linolenic acid and with unflavored cheese to obtain soft cheese spreads with different fat contents. Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 survived well in all cheeses although the viable count did not increase during 4 wk of storage. The fatty acid composition of cheese triacylglycerols remained stable, whereas the profile of volatile compounds changed: hexanal and pentanal disappeared and the proportion of some alcohols increased. The changes in the profile of volatile compounds show the reductive power of Lf ME-3. A functional spread cheese containing n-3 fatty acids can be prepared with the probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 strain leading to a reduced need for chemical anti-oxidants.

Fermented cereal with specific bifidobacteria normalizes bowel movements in elderly nursing home residents. A randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess how fermented oat drink with two selected Bifidobacterium longum strains influences bowel movements among elderly nursing home residents.

DESIGN

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

12 wards in two nursing homes in Finland.

PARTICIPANTS

209 residents.

INTERVENTION

Wards were randomized to receive daily a fermented oat drink with 1) 109 CFU/day Bifidobacterium longum strains or 2) 109 CFU/day Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 or 3) without viable bacteria (placebo) for 7 months.

MEASUREMENTS

Regularity of bowel movements (no movements or functioning) and consistency of stools (normal, soft or diarrhoea) were recorded for each resident on a daily basis.

RESULTS

The fermented oat drinks were well taken by the subjects, compliance being 85%. The groups receiving active products had more frequent bowel movements than did the placebo group (B. longum group normal functioning 28.5% of follow-up days, B.lactis group 26.9%, and placebo group 20.0%, respectively). The differences between the B. longum and the placebo group (mean 7.1, 95% CI 2.3 - 11.9, p=0.004) and between the B.lactis group and the placebo (mean 6.7, 95% CI 2.5 - 10.9, p = 0.002) were significant even when diarrhoea and constipation in the 3 months prior to the study were used as covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to normalize bowel movements in frail nursing home.

Development of New Probiotics by Strain Combinations: Is It Possible to Improve the Adhesion to Intestinal Mucus?

We evaluated the ability of commercial probiotic strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus LC705, Bifidobacterium breve 99, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS) to adhere alone or in different combinations to immobilized mucus. Probiotic combinations were clearly able to enhance the adhesion of L. rhamnosus GG, L. rhamnosus LC705, and P. freudenreichii ssp. shermanii JS. For L. rhamnosus GG and P. freudenreichii JS, all the combinations significantly improved adhesion to intestinal mucus, from 29.7 to 34.9% and from 1.9 to 2.3%, respectively. The adhesion of L. rhamnosus LC705 was improved from 0 to 46.4%. The adhesion of B. breve 99 was improved only in combination with L. rhamnosus GG and P. freudenreichii JS. Our results suggest that probiotic combinations could increase the beneficial health effects as compared with individual strains. Combinations of probiotic strains may therefore have synergistic adhesion effects, and such combinations also should be assessed in clinical studies.

Ingestion of heat-treated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG prevents development of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

BACKGROUND

Continuous oral administration of live Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (L. GG) to pregnant subjects with atopic dermatitis and their children, suppressed the frequency of atopic dermatitis. The details of mechanisms and immune systems involved in this suppressive effect, however, remain speculative.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to clarify suppressive mechanisms of L. GG on atopic dermatitis by using NC/Nga mice, a model of human atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

Maternal mice and infant mice were fed with food containing or not containing heat-treated L. GG during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and after weaning.

RESULTS

Control NC/Nga mice raised under an air-uncontrolled condition spontaneously manifested typical skin lesions very similar to those in patients with atopic dermatitis. On the other hand, administration of food containing heat-treated L. GG inhibited the onset and development of atopic skin lesions, accompanied by smaller numbers of mast cells and eosinophils in the affected skin sites. Mice fed with L. GG showed a significant increase in plasma IL-10 levels compared with control mice, while there was no significant difference in the proportion of splenic CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells between mice fed with L. GG and control mice. The IL-10 mRNA expression was enhanced in both Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes in mice fed with L. GG.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that some components of heat-treated L. GG may have an ability to delay the onset and suppress the development of atopic dermatitis, probably through a strong induction of IL-10 in intestinal lymphoid organs and systemic levels.

Rapid removal of lead and cadmium from water by specific lactic acid bacteria

Cadmium and lead are highly toxic metals. People are exposed to them primarily through food and water. Available conventional methods (precipitation, flocculation, ion exchange, and membrane filtration) for removal of these metals from water at low concentrations are claimed to be expensive and inefficient. Different microbes have been proposed to be an efficient and economical alternative in heavy metal removal from water. In this work, specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were assessed for their ability to remove cadmium and lead from water. Significant removal was observed, and it was found to be metal and bacterial strain specific. Removal was a fast, metabolism-independent surface process. It was also strongly influenced by pH, indicating that ion exchange mechanisms could be involved. The most effective metal removers were Bifidobacterium longum 46, Lactobacillus fermentum ME3 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12. The highest maximum cadmium and lead removal capacities of 54.7 mg metal/g and 175.7 mg/g dry biomass, respectively, were obtained with B. longum 46.

Short communication: effect of exopolysaccharide isolated from "viili" on the adhesion of probiotics and pathogens to intestinal mucus

The strong ropy character of the Scandinavian fermented milk viili is conferred by the exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by lactococcal strains. These biopolymers can be responsible for some health benefits. We have assessed the influence of the EPS fraction isolated from commercial viili on the adhesion of some probiotics and pathogens to human intestinal mucus. Concentrations of viili EPS greater than 0.1 mg/mL promoted a decrease in adherence of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and this effect was dose-dependent. However, no modifications were detected on the adhesion levels of the pathogenic strains tested at a concentration of 1 mg/mL of EPS. Results obtained in the present work should be considered in the design of new probiotic products.