Children with idiopathic short stature have significantly different gut microbiota than their normal height siblings: a case-control study.

Objectives: To investigate the role of gut microbiota (GM) in pathogenesis of idiopathic short stature (ISS) by comparing GM of ISS children to their normal-height siblings.

Methods: This case-control study, conducted at the Schneider Children's Medical Center's Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes between 4/2018-11/2020, involved 30 pairs of healthy pre-pubertal siblings aged 3-10 years, each comprising one sibling with ISS and one with normal height. Outcome measures from fecal analysis of both siblings included GM composition analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, fecal metabolomics, and monitoring the growth of germ-free (GF) mice after fecal transplantation.

Fecal microbiota transplantation in capsules for the treatment of steroid refractory and steroid dependent acute graft vs. host disease: a pilot study.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is a serious complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation with limited treatment options. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in aGvHD pathogenesis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach to restore gut microbial diversity.

Gestational diabetes is driven by microbiota-induced inflammation months before diagnosis.

Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition in which women without diabetes are diagnosed with glucose intolerance during pregnancy, typically in the second or third trimester. Early diagnosis, along with a better understanding of its pathophysiology during the first trimester of pregnancy, may be effective in reducing incidence and associated short-term and long-term morbidities.

Design: We comprehensively profiled the gut microbiome, metabolome, inflammatory cytokines, nutrition and clinical records of 394 women during the first trimester of pregnancy, before GDM diagnosis.

Origins of bloodstream infections following fecal microbiota transplantation: a strain-level analysis.

We observed high rates of bloodstream infections (BSIs) following fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for graft-versus-host-disease (33 events in 22 patients). To trace the BSIs' origin, we applied a metagenomic bioinformatic pipeline screening donor and recipient stool samples for bacteremia-causing strains in 13 cases. Offending strains were not detected in FMT donations.

Modifications in the Intestinal Functionality, Morphology and Microbiome Following Intra-Amniotic Administration () of Grape () Stilbenes (Resveratrol and Pterostilbene).

This efficacy trial evaluated the effects of two polyphenolic stilbenes, resveratrol and pterostilbene, mostly found in grapes, on the brush border membrane functionality, morphology and gut microbiome. This study applied the validated intra-amniotic approach to investigate the effects of stilbene administration versus the controls. Three treatment groups (5% resveratrol; 5% pterostilbene; and synergistic: 4.

Projection of Gut Microbiome Pre- and Post-Bariatric Surgery To Predict Surgery Outcome.

Bariatric surgery is often the preferred method to resolve obesity and diabetes, with ∼800,000 cases worldwide yearly and high outcome variability. The ability to predict the long-term body mass index (BMI) change following surgery has important implications for individuals and the health care system in general. Given the tight connection between eating habits, sugar consumption, BMI, and the gut microbiome, we tested whether the microbiome before any treatment is associated with different treatment outcomes, as well as other intakes (high-density lipoproteins [HDL], triglycerides, etc.

Alterations in the Intestinal Morphology, Gut Microbiota, and Trace Mineral Status Following Intra-Amniotic Administration () of Teff () Seed Extracts.

The consumption of teff (), a gluten-free cereal grain, has increased due to its dense nutrient composition including complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids, trace minerals (especially Fe), and phytochemicals. This study utilized the clinically-validated intra amniotic feeding model to assess the effects of intra-amniotic administration of teff extracts versus controls using seven groups: (1) non-injected; (2) 18Ω HO injected; (3) 5% inulin; (4) teff extract 1%; (5) teff extract 2.5%; (6) teff extract 5%; and (7) teff extract 7.

Patterns of salivary microbiota injury and oral mucositis in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common debilitating dose-limiting toxicity of cancer treatment, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We hypothesized that the oral microbiome is disturbed during allogeneic HSCT, partially accounting for the variability in OM severity. Using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis, metabolomic profiling, and computational methods, we characterized the behavior of the salivary microbiome and metabolome of 184 patients pre- and post-HSCT.

Is it time to abandon episiotomy use? A randomized controlled trial (EPITRIAL).

Introduction And Hypothesis: The objective of this trial was to evaluate whether avoidance of episiotomy can decrease the risk of advanced perineal tears.

Methods: In this randomized (1:1) parallel-group superiority trial, primiparous women underwent randomization into "avoidance of episiotomy" (the study group in which episiotomy was allowed only in cases of fetal distress) or "standard care." The primary outcome was the incidence of advanced (3rd- and 4th-degree) perineal tears.

Double-Balloon Device for 6 Compared With 12 Hours for Cervical Ripening: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate whether removal of a double-balloon device for cervical ripening for 6 compared with 12 hours in women with an unfavorable cervix will result in a shorter time to delivery, similar cervical ripening, and without affecting cesarean delivery rate.

Methods: In a prospective randomized trial, cervical ripening was performed using a double-balloon device. Women were randomized to removal of the device after 6 compared with 12 hours.

Root Development of Bell Pepper ( L.) as Affected by Water Salinity and Sink Strength.

Fruits are the dominant sinks for assimilates. At optimal conditions, assimilates supply can meet the demand of fruits and those of the vegetative organs; however, extreme circumstances such as strong sink strength or an environmental stress may disturb this fine balance. While most studies focus on aboveground parameters, information regarding root growth dynamics under variable sink strength are scarce.

Autotomy in plants: organ sacrifice in Oxalis leaves.

Autotomy is a self-defence strategy of sacrificing a body part for survival. This phenomenon is widespread in the animal kingdom (e.g.

Germination, physiological and biochemical responses of acacia seedlings (Acacia raddiana and Acacia tortilis) to petroleum contaminated soils.

Along the arid Arava, southern Israel, acacia trees (Acacia raddiana and Acacia tortilis) are considered keystone species. Yet they are threatened by the ongoing aquifer depletion for agriculture, the conversion of natural land to agricultural land, seed infestation by bruchid beetles, and the reduction in precipitation level in the region. In the acacia dominated Evrona reserve (southern Arava), adding to these threats are recurrent oil spills from an underground pipeline.

New perspectives on interdisciplinary earth science at the Dead Sea: The DESERVE project.

The Dead Sea region has faced substantial environmental challenges in recent decades, including water resource scarcity, ~1m annual decreases in the water level, sinkhole development, ascending-brine freshwater pollution, and seismic disturbance risks. Natural processes are significantly affected by human interference as well as by climate change and tectonic developments over the long term. To get a deep understanding of processes and their interactions, innovative scientific approaches that integrate disciplinary research and education are required.

Decline in asthma prevalence and severity in Israel over a 10-year period.

Background: The prevalence of asthma has increased in western countries towards the end of the last century, but recently seems to have stabilized.

Objective: To evaluate trends in the prevalence and severity of asthma that occurred in Israel over the past decade.

Methods: The medical records of 17-year-old boys, eligible for national service, between 1999 and 2008 were reviewed.

The development of halophyte-based agriculture: past and present.

Background: Freshwater comprises about a mere 2·5% of total global water, of which approximately two-thirds is locked into glaciers at the polar ice caps and on mountains. In conjunction with this, in many instances irrigation with freshwater causes an increase in soil salinity due to overirrigation of agricultural land, inefficient water use and poor drainage of unsuitable soils. The problem of salinity was recognized a long time ago and, due to the importance of irrigated agriculture, numerous efforts have been devoted towards improving crop species for better utilization of saline soils and water.

Turned on by heat: differential expression of FT and LFY-like genes in Narcissus tazetta during floral transition.

In Narcissus tazetta, a monocotyledonous bulbous geophyte, floral initiation and differentiation occur within the bulb during the quiescent period in summer, when ambient temperatures are relatively high and the bulb is located underground with no foliage or roots. In many plant species, FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and its homologues are considered powerful promoters of flowering. The Narcissus FT gene homologue (NtFT) was isolated, and organ-specific expression patterns of NtFT during the annual cycle and reproductive development under different temperature regimes were analysed using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and RNA in situ hybridization.

Root-shoot allometry of tropical forest trees determined in a large-scale aeroponic system.

Background And Aims: This study is a first step in a multi-stage project aimed at determining allometric relationships among the tropical tree organs, and carbon fluxes between the various tree parts and their environment. Information on canopy-root interrelationships is needed to improve understanding of above- and below-ground processes and for modelling of the regional and global carbon cycle. Allometric relationships between the sizes of different plant parts will be determined.

Chemical and morphological diversity in wild populations of Mentha longifolia in Israel.

Populations of Mentha longifolia, an endangered species in Israel, were tested for essential oil composition and conservational ability. In 2002-2003, 25 wild populations country-wide were tested, indicating population divergence into two chemotypes. Chemotype A was characterized by high levels of menthone and pulegone, and chemotype B by high levels of piperitenone oxide and piperitone oxide.

Opening up their doors: perspectives on the involvement of the African American faith community in HIV prevention in four communities.

In 1998, the U.S. government launched the Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) to address growing ethnic and racial disparities in HIV/AIDS cases.

Ambrosia: a new impending disaster for the israeli allergic population.

The pollen of Ambrosia (ragweed) is one of the major causes of pollen-induced allergy worldwide. This genus of plants has apparently evolved in North America but later spread into Europe and Asia. Flowering of the Ambrosias starts in mid-July and continues throughout the autumn and is a cause of major morbidity to allergic sensitized patients.

Community stakeholders' perspectives on the impact of the minority AIDS initiative in strengthening HIV prevention capacity in four communities.

Objective: The Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) was launched in 1998 to address the disproportionate rates of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted an evaluation to assess the influence of MAI in four communities, and the extent to which these communities increased their capacity to meet the HIV prevention needs of racial and ethnic minorities.

Design: Retrospective data were collected annually through individual interviews over three years.

Is xylem cavitation resistance a relevant criterion for screening drought resistance among Prunus species?

Fruit trees are likely to suffer from the effects of severe drought in the future; however, sound criteria for evaluating the species' ability to survive these extreme conditions are largely missing. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of using xylem cavitation resistance as a tool for screening Prunus species for drought resistance. Ten different Prunus species were selected to cover a large range of water requirements, from hydrophilic to xerophilic types.

Photosynthesis, chlorophyll integrity, and spectral reflectance in lichens exposed to air pollution.

The major objective of the present study was to identify the relationship of physiologial parameters of the photosynthetic system with the elemental content of the lichen Ramalina lacera (With.) J.R.

The effect of phosphorus availability on the carbon economy of contrasting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes.

A common response to low phosphorus availability is increased relative biomass allocation to roots. The resulting increase in root:shoot ratio presumably enhances phosphorus acquisition, but may also reduce growth rates by diverting carbon to the production of heterotrophic rather than photosynthetic tissues. To assess the importance of increased carbon allocation to roots for the adaptation of plants to low P availability, carbon budgets were constructed for four common bean genotypes with contrasting adaptation to low phosphorus availability in the field ("phosphorus efficiency").