Potential Role of Gut Microbiota in ALS Pathogenesis and Possible Novel Therapeutic Strategies.

Background: Recent preclinical studies suggest that dysfunction of gastrointestinal tract may play a role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis through a modification of the gut microbiota brain axis. Our study is the first focused on microbiota analysis in ALS patients.

Aim: Our aim was to study the main human gut microbial groups and the overall microbial diversity in ALS and healthy subjects.

The Association of Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and B632 is Effective to Prevent Colics in Bottle-fed Infants: A Pilot, Controlled, Randomized, and Double-Blind Study.

Goals: To assess the effectiveness of Bifidobacterium breve B632 and BR03 association in the reduction of infants crying over time. The second endpoint was to observe the effect of the same strains on daily evacuations and on the number of regurgitations and vomits.

Background: Infant colics represent a clinical condition in childhood, characterized by an uncontrollable crying that occurs without any apparent organic cause.

In Vitro Inhibition of Klebsiella pneumoniae by Lactobacillus delbrueckii Subsp. delbrueckii LDD01 (DSM 22106): An Innovative Strategy to Possibly Counteract Such Infections in Humans?

Goals: To determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of selected Lactobacillus strains isolated from the feces of healthy humans against Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Background: Klebsiella is ubiquitous in nature and may colonize the skin, the pharynx, or the gastrointestinal tract of humans. Despite the widespread use of antibiotic molecules with a broad spectrum in hospitalized patients, an increased overall load of klebsiellae as well as the subsequent development of multidrug-resistant strains able to synthesize extended-spectrum beta-lactamase have been registered.

Searching for the Perfect Homeostasis: Five Strains of Bifidobacterium longum From Centenarians Have a Similar Behavior in the Production of Cytokines.

Goals: To investigate the modulation of human cytokines by Bifidobacterium longum strains isolated from Centenarians. In particular, we measured the production of interleukin (IL)-12p70, interferon-γ, IL-17A, and IL-4 from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after stimulation with live bacteria.

Background: Probiotics may inhibit pathogens and modulate the immune system, bringing a beneficial effect on human health.

Capability of the two microorganisms Bifidobacterium breve B632 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 to colonize the intestinal microbiota of children.

Background: The total number of bacteria present in the gut microbiota of a newborn is consistently lower than the average found in adults, with the extent of this difference being directly related to body weight and age. It could be assumed that a lower number of viable probiotic cells is necessary to achieve significant gut colonization in infants and children. This study assessed the capability of Bifidobacterium breve B632 (DSM 24706) and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 (DSM 16604), 2 strains able to significantly inhibit some gram-negative bacteria in vitro, to integrate into the intestinal microbiota of children.

Comparison of the kinetics of intestinal colonization by associating 5 probiotic bacteria assumed either in a microencapsulated or in a traditional, uncoated form.

Background: Beneficial findings concerning probiotics are increasing day by day. However, one of the most important parameters able to significantly affect the probiotic value of a microorganism is its survival during the transit through the stomach and the duodenum. Some techniques may be applied that aim to improve this parameter, but microencapsulation of bacterial cells remains one of the most important.

Cultivable and pyrosequenced fecal microflora in centenarians and young subjects.

Goal: The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of the intestinal microbiota in healthy centenarians in comparison with younger adults, considering both quantitative and qualitative aspects of gut community structure.

Background: The gut microbiota plays an essential role in human health. Toward seniority, its balance is affected by deep physiological changes.

Effectiveness of the association of 2 probiotic strains formulated in a slow release vaginal product, in women affected by vulvovaginal candidiasis: a pilot study.

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the second most common cause of vaginitis after bacterial vaginosis, and it is diagnosed in up to 40% of women with vaginal complaints in the primary care setting. Among Candida spp., Candida albicans is the most common infectious agent.

Selenium and zinc internalized by Lactobacillus buchneri Lb26 (DSM 16341) and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb1 (DSM 17850): improved bioavailability using a new biological approach.

Background: Minerals, often referred to as micronutrients, are one of the 5 fundamental groups of nutrients needed to sustain life. Micronutrient malnutrition affects >50% of the worldwide population. In particular, zinc (Zn) deficiency is considered an emerging public health problem in India and in other developing countries.

Assessment of the in vitro inhibitory activity of specific probiotic bacteria against different Escherichia coli strains.

Background: Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are often associated with health-promoting effects. These live microorganisms, defined as probiotics, are commonly consumed as part of fermented foods, such as yoghurt and fermented milks, or as dietary supplements. Escherichia coli is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms.

The innovative potential of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR06, Lactobacillus pentosus LPS01, Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii Subsp. delbrueckii LDD01 to restore the "gastric barrier effect" in patients chronically treated with PPI: a pilot study.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a very widespread condition. In Europe, it is estimated that about 175 million people suffer from this disease and have to chronically take drugs to increase gastric pH. The proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, and esomeprazole are the most widely used drug typology in this regard.

Allergen-free probiotics.

Food sensitivities are constantly increasing in "westernized" countries and may pose serious health risks to sensitized individuals. Severe allergy episodes have also been reported after the intake of probiotic products containing milk protein residues, especially in children. The need for safe and effective probiotic strains and food supplements, which contain them, is now emerging clearly.

Validation of recombinant and bovine chymosin by mass spectrometry.

Mass spectrometry has been used to map chymosin from a fermentative source. The copresence of the two known genetic variants A (Asp(244)) and B (Gly(244)) was ascertained in bovine chymosin. By contrast, either the A or the B genetic variant occurred in the three commercial samples of recombinant calf chymosin (RCC).