scholarly journals Effect of matcha consumption on gut microbiota in healthy Japanese individuals: study protocol for a double-blind crossover interventional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maya Takegami ◽  
Yoshitaka Hashimoto ◽  
Tomoki Miyoshi ◽  
Chihiro Munekawa ◽  
Takashi Yoshimura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Ngs ◽  
Sequence Similarities ◽  
Generation Sequencing

Abstract Background: This study compares and clarifies the changes in intestinal flora resulting from the continuous consumption of two types of matcha.Methods: Healthy adults will consume two types of matcha tea for four weeks, and differences in the intestinal microflora before and after drinking will be compared. Gut microbiota will be identified using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Phylogenetic classification of the enterobacteria will be performed based on sequence similarities. The relative proportions of the classified enterobacteria to the total nucleotide sequences will be compared between the samples obtained from the two groups consuming different matcha.Discussion: The continuous consumption of matcha may improve dysbiosis and prevent atherosclerosis. The effects may vary according to the type of matcha used.Trial registration:The study was registered with university hospital medical information network (UMIN) (UMIN000040303), and all participants gave their written informed consent. Registered 1 November 2020, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000045982.

scholarly journals The Composition and Diversity of the Gut Microbiota in Children Is Modifiable by the Household Dogs: Impact of a Canine-Specific Probiotic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 557
Author(s):  
Carlos Gómez-Gallego ◽  
Mira Forsgren ◽  
Marta Selma-Royo ◽  
Merja Nermes ◽  
Maria Carmen Collado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Probiotic Intervention ◽  
Probiotic Product ◽  
Acid Producing Bacteria ◽  
Double Blind Design ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Gut Microbiota Composition

The development of the infant gut microbiota is initiated during pregnancy and continued through early life and childhood, guided by the immediate environment of the child. Our aim was to characterize the shared microbiota between dogs and children as well as to determine whether introduction to dogs of a dog-specific probiotic combination modifies the transfer process. We studied 31 children from allergic families with pet dog(s) and 18 control families without a dog. Altogether 37 dogs were randomized for a 4-week period in a double-blind design to receive canine-derived probiotic product containing a mixture of L. fermentum, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus, or placebo. Fecal samples from children and dogs were taken before and after the treatment. Distinctive gut microbiota composition was observed in children with dogs compared to those without a dog, characterized by higher abundance of Bacteroides and short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria such as Ruminococcus and Lachnospiraceae. Probiotic intervention in dogs had an impact on the composition of the gut microbiota in both dogs and children, characterized by a reduction in Bacteroides. We provide evidence for a direct effect of home environment and household pets on children microbiota and document that modification of dog microbiota by specific probiotics is reflected in children’s microbiota.

scholarly journals A novel telerehabilitation with educational program for caregivers using telelecture is a feasible procedure for fall prevention in elderly people – A pilot study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kentaro Moriichi ◽  
Mikihiro Fujiya ◽  
Takanori Ro ◽  
Tetsuo Ota ◽  
Hitomi Nishimiya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elderly People ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Berg Balance Scale ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Telemedicine System ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Clinical Trials Registry

Abstract Background: The importance of fall prevention rehabilitations has been well recognized. Recently, telerehabilitation was developed, however, there have been no reports on the use of telerehabilitation with direct support from specialists for fall prevention among the elderly. We herein reported telerehabilitation by carers educated by our novel educational program.Methods: Nine elderly people in two nursing homes were enrolled using our original criteria. Carers are educated with our educational program using telelecture system. Telerehabilitation was performed by carers following the instruction from rehabilitation specialists in Asahikawa Medical University using the telemedicine system every 2-4 weeks for three months. Carers were assessed with our original questionnaire before and after the telelecture. Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go test (TUG test), Hand-held dynamometer (HHD) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were assessed before and after telerehabilitation.Results: The average number of times to perform telerehabilitation in all institutes was 4.7. Levels of understanding of carers were significantly increased after the telelecture. No adverse event occurred during the study period. Median BBSs before and three months after telerehabilitation were 43 and 49, respectively. Those of TUG test, right and left HHD and MMSE were 17.89 and 18.53, 7.95 and 11.55, 9.85 and 13.20, and 16 and 19, respectively. All results were improved after telerehabilitation.Conclusions: Our telerehabilitation program exhibited significant effects in elderly people as well as levels of understanding rehabilitation of caregivers in the facilities for the elderly people safely.Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry（UMIN-CTR）UMIN000041439, August 17th, 2020

scholarly journals Next-Generation Sequencing Mutational Landscape and Clinical Features of Chinese Adults with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuna Luo ◽  
Zanzan Wang ◽  
Xiaofei Xu ◽  
Lan Zhang ◽  
Shengjie Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Next Generation Sequencing ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽  
Primary Myelofibrosis ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Leukocyte Counts ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Ngs ◽  
Generation Sequencing

Abstract Background: Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) include three classical subtypes: polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Since prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis (pre-PMF) was recognized as a separate entity in the 2016 revised classification of MPN, it has been a subject of debate among experts due to its indefinite diagnosis. However, pre-PMF usually has a distinct outcome compared with either ET or overt PMF. In this study, we examined the clinical, haematologic, genetic, and prognostic differences among pre-PMF, ET, and overt PMF.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical parameters, haematologic information, and genetic mutations of patients who were diagnosed with pre-PMF, ET, and overt PMF according to the WHO 2016 criteria using next-generation sequencing (NGS).Results: Pre-PMF patients exhibited higher leukocyte counts, higher LDH values, a higher frequency of splenomegaly, and a higher incidence of hypertension than ET patients. On the other hand, pre-PMF patients had higher platelet counts and haemoglobin levels than overt PMF patients. Molecular analysis revealed that the frequency of EP300 mutations was significantly increased in pre-PMF patients compared with ET and overt PMF patients. In terms of outcome, male sex, along with symptoms including MPN-10, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and KMT2A and CUX1 mutations, indicated a poor prognosis for PMF patients.Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that comprehensive evaluation of BM features, clinical phenotypes, haematologic parameters, and molecular profiles is needed for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of ET, pre-PMF, and overt PMF patients.

scholarly journals l-Serine and EPA Relieve Chronic Low-Back and Knee Pain in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 150 (9) ◽  
pp. 2278-2286
Author(s):  
Ikuko Sasahara ◽  
Akiko Yamamoto ◽  
Masamichi Takeshita ◽  
Yasuyo Suga ◽  
Katsuya Suzuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Knee Pain ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Brief Pain Inventory ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Active Group ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo

ABSTRACT Background Multisite pain, including low-back and knee pain, is a major health issue that greatly decreases quality of life. Objectives This study analyzed the effects of l-serine, which provides necessary components for nerve function, and EPA, which exerts anti-inflammatory properties, on pain scores of adults with pain in at least the low back and knee for ≥3 mo. Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. The Japan Low Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JLEQ) and Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) were applied as primary outcomes. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and safety evaluation were secondary outcomes. We enrolled 120 participants aged ≥20 y (36 men and 84 women: mean ± SD age = 40.8 ± 10.9 y). The participants were randomly allocated to either the active group (daily ingestion of 594 mg l-serine and 149 mg EPA) or placebo group. The study period consisted of 8-wk dosing and 4-wk posttreatment observation. ANCOVA between groups for each time point was conducted using the baseline scores as covariates. Results The JLEQ scores (active compared with placebo: 14.2 ± 11.2 compared with 19.0 ± 10.2) at week 8 were lower in the active group (P < 0.001). The JKOM scores at week 4 (11.7 ± 9.0 compared with 13.9 ± 7.9), week 8 (10.4 ± 7.9 compared with 13.1 ± 7.1), and week 12 (10.3 ± 7.4 compared with 13.8 ± 7.5) were lower in the active group (P ≤ 0.04). Additionally, the active group had 11–27% better scores compared with the placebo group for BPI1 (worst pain), BPI3 (average pain), and BPI5D (pain during moving) at week 4 (P ≤ 0.028) and week 8 (P ≤ 0.019), respectively, and BPI5D was 23% better in the active group at week 12 (P = 0.007). No adverse events were observed. Conclusions l-Serine and EPA were effective for pain relief in adults with low-back and knee pain after multiplicity adjustment. This trial was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000035056.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 as a Trigger in the Development of Tourette’s-Like Symptoms: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Hazan ◽  
Sheldon Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Dramatic Improvement ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Gastrointestinal Microbiota ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Ngs ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Generation Sequencing

Abstract Background: Reports have been surfacing surrounding CNS-associated symptoms in individuals affected by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder with usual onset in childhood. Gut microbiota can affect central physiology and function via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. The authors of this case report describe Tourette’s-like symptoms in a patient resulting from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection disrupting gut microbiota. Case Presentation: This case involves a 16-year-old female that developed acute onset Tourette’s-like symptoms along with neuropsychiatric symptoms after exposure to and infection from SARS-CoV-2. The patient had negative nasopharyngeal (NP) real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) tests for SARS-CoV-2 on five occasions from August of 2020 through June of 2021. The patient’s symptoms continued to worsen over the next six months until next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed SARS-CoV-2 in her stool. Her treatment was adjusted as NGS revealed SARS-CoV-2 in her stool. Repair of the gastrointestinal microbiota, treatment with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical agents, as well as alterations in her surroundings resulted in dramatic improvement in the microbiome and a significant reduction of symptoms.Discussion: The use of (RT-PCR) testing to determine the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2 may be inadequate and inaccurate for individuals that have been exposed to the virus. In addition, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection of the GI tract may cause significant havoc in the gut microbiota. Additional testing, eradication of infectious agents, as well as restoration of the gut microbiome are needed to effectively manage and treat this condition. The patient’s symptoms worsened over the next six months until next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed SARS-CoV-2 in her stool and her treatment was adjusted. Treatment with nutraceuticals and alterations in her surroundings was followed by a more normal microbiome and a dramatic reduction in symptoms.

scholarly journals A Framework for the RNA-Seq Based Classification and Prediction of Disease

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naiyar Iqbal ◽  
Pradeep Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Microarray Gene Expression Data ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
Disease Classification ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Microarray Gene Expression ◽  
Early Detection Of Disease ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Ngs ◽  
Generation Sequencing

Disease classification based on biological data is an important area in bioinformatics and biomedical research. It helps the doctors and medical practitioners for the early detection of disease and support them as a computer-aided diagnostic tool for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease. Earlier Microarray gene expression data have wide application for the classification of disease, but now Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has replaced the Microarray technology. From the last few years, RNA sequence (RNA-Seq) data are widely used for the transcriptomic analysis. Hence, RNA-Seq based classification of disease is in its infancy. In this article, we present a general framework for the classification of disease constructed on RNA-Seq data. This framework will guide the researchers to process RNA-Seq, extract relevant features and apply the appropriate classifier to classify any kind of disease.

scholarly journals Enrichment of Food With Tannin Extracts Promotes Healthy Changes in the Human Gut Microbiota

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Molino ◽  
Alberto Lerma-Aguilera ◽  
Nuria Jiménez-Hernández ◽  
María José Gosalbes ◽  
José Ángel Rufián-Henares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Human Gut ◽  
Human Gut Microbiota ◽  
Wood Extracts ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Ngs ◽  
Generation Sequencing ◽  
Booster Effect

Food and food bioactive components are major drivers of modulation of the human gut microbiota. Tannin extracts consist of a mix of bioactive compounds, which are already exploited in the food industry for their chemical and sensorial properties. The aim of our study was to explore the viability of associations between tannin wood extracts of different origin and food as gut microbiota modulators. 16S rRNA amplicon next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to test the effects on the gut microbiota of tannin extracts from quebracho, chestnut, and tara associated with commercial food products with different composition in macronutrients. The different tannin-enriched and non-enriched foods were submitted to in vitro digestion and fermentation by the gut microbiota of healthy subjects. The profile of the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the microbiota was also investigated. The presence of tannin extracts in food promoted an increase of the relative abundance of the genus Akkermansia, recognized as a marker of a healthy gut, and of various members of the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families, involved in SCFA production. The enrichment of foods with tannin extracts had a booster effect on the production of SCFAs, without altering the profile given by the foods alone. These preliminary results suggest a positive modulation of the gut microbiota with potential benefits for human health through the enrichment of foods with tannin extracts.

scholarly journals Reduction of fatigue and anger-hostility by the oral administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid phosphate: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumiko Higashikawa ◽  
Keishi Kanno ◽  
Akiko Ogata ◽  
Masanori Sugiyama
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Oral Administration ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Aminolevulinic Acid ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Physical Fatigue ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
T Score

Abstract Although large populations feel fatigue, the standardized medicinal therapy is currently absent. In this study, we determined whether 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) supplementation alleviates the feeling of fatigue in healthy subjects who feel chronic physical tiredness. Males and females between ages of 20 and 64 who felt physical fatigue on a daily basis, with a visual analogue scale (VAS) for fatigue ≥ 40 mm, a T-score of Fatigue-Inertia in the Profile of Mood States—Second Edition—Adult (POMS2-A) ≥ 50, and a T-score of Vigor-Activity in POMS2-A ≤ 60 were recruited. Seventy eligible participants were randomly assigned to either a 5-ALA or a placebo group. During the 8 weeks of consumption, the subjects completed VAS questionnaires for fatigue and POMS2-A at 4-week intervals. The VAS values for overall feeling of fatigue and feeling of work-related fatigue, and the Anger-Hostility subscale of POMS2-A were decreased by 5-ALA with significant time × group interaction effects (p = 0.040, 0.020, and 0.045, respectively). Besides, the 5-ALA group showed significant differences in Fatigue-Inertia, Depression-Dejection and Total Mood Disturbance scores, when compared between pre- and post-intervention, while the placebo group did not. In conclusion, the oral administration of 5-ALA improves fatigue and negative mood in subjects who constantly feel physical fatigue. This clinical trial was registered with University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) as UMIN000031528 on 2/3/2018.

Epithelioid Hyalinizing Sarcoma With MGA-NUTM1 Fusion

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 (6) ◽  
pp. 859-866
Author(s):  
Caroline I M Underwood ◽  
Diana M Cardona ◽  
Rex C Bentley ◽  
Guomiao Shen ◽  
Xiaojun Feng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Immunohistochemical Study ◽  
Soft Tissue Sarcomas ◽  
Soft Tissue Tumors ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Molecular Alterations ◽  
Poorly Differentiated ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Ngs ◽  
Generation Sequencing

Abstract Objectives Soft tissue sarcomas are a group of tumors derived from the mesenchymal origin. Historically, they have been classified according to morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics. The advent of multiplexed next-generation sequencing (NGS), specifically RNA sequencing, has modified the classification of such tumors and others by determining categorization based on molecular alterations. The NUTM1 rearrangement, previously thought to be present only in carcinomas, has recently been reported in poorly differentiated high-grade sarcomas of the soft tissue. We present the first reported case of an epithelioid hyalinizing sarcoma harboring the MGA-NUTM1 fusion in an acral site. Methods Histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular testing were performed on resection tissue. Results Histologically, the tumor showed an epithelioid morphology with prominent background hyalinization. Immunohistochemically, the tumor expressed CD99 and nuclear NUT-1. By NGS the tumor harbors MGA-NUTM1 fusion. Conclusions Our findings support more extensive use of NGS for accurate sarcoma classification and identification of potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, they corroborate the fact that NUTM1-rearranged soft tissue tumors represent a spectrum of heterogeneous morphologic entities. This case also highlights the utility of NUT-1 immunohistochemical study as a possible screening tool for NUTM1-fused sarcomas.

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