Analysis of the fermentation kinetics and gut microbiota modulatory effect of dried chicory root reveals the impact of the plant-cell matrix rationalizing its conversion in the distal colon.

The cell matrix of plant foods has received little attention in prebiotic fiber research. We aimed to understand the impact of the plant cell matrix in dried chicory root on its breakdown in the human gut to explain its reported beneficial effects on gut and metabolic health. We applied digestion and fermentation models together with an gut barrier integrity model.

The Gut-Organ Axis within the Human Body: Gut Dysbiosis and the Role of Prebiotics.

The human gut microbiota (GM) is a complex microbial ecosystem that colonises the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and is comprised of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The GM has a symbiotic relationship with its host that is fundamental for body homeostasis. The GM is not limited to the scope of the GIT, but there are bidirectional interactions between the GM and other organs, highlighting the concept of the "gut-organ axis".

In Vitro Fermentation of Edible Mushrooms: Effects on Faecal Microbiota Characteristics of Autistic and Neurotypical Children.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often suffer gastrointestinal disturbances consistent with gut microbiota (GM) alterations. Treatment with pro/prebiotics may potentially alleviate gut symptoms, but the evidence for prebiotics is scarce. This study aims to evaluate the effects of edible mushrooms (, Basidiomycota) and prebiotic compounds on GM composition and metabolite production in vitro, using faecal samples from autistic and non-autistic children.

In Vitro Fermentation of Mushrooms by Human Fecal Microbiota: Metataxonomic Analysis and Metabolomic Profiling of Fermentation Products.

Edible mushrooms contain biologically active compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. The link between their anticancer and immunomodulatory properties with their possible prebiotic activity on gut micro-organisms has been the subject of intense research over the last decade. Lyophilized Pleurotus eryngii (PE) mushrooms, selected due to their strong lactogenic effect and anti-genotoxic, immunomodulatory properties, underwent in vitro static batch fermentation for 24 h by fecal microbiota from eight elderly apparently healthy volunteers (>65 years old).

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Gliomas: Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal of Current Literature.

Background: Many patients with glioma and their caregivers seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods to comfort themselves, cope with cancer medication side effects, and feel they are taking control of their disease.

Objective: To summarize existing evidence on safety and efficacy of CAM treatments for gliomas.

Methods: We performed an exhaustive electronic literature search for in vitro, animal, and clinical studies (English language, all years available) on CAM modalities for gliomas.

Immunomodulating Activity of Mushrooms Following Their In Vitro Fermentation by Human Fecal Microbiota.

Recent studies have revealed the crucial role of several edible mushrooms and fungal compounds, mainly polysaccharides, in human health and disease. The investigation of the immunomodulating effects of mushroom polysaccharides, especially β-glucans, and the link between their anticancer and immunomodulatory properties with their possible prebiotic activity on gut micro-organisms has been the subject of intense research over the last decade. We investigated the immunomodulating effects of Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms, selected due to their high β-glucan content, strong lactogenic effect, and potent geno-protective properties, following in vitro fermentation by fecal inocula from healthy elderly volunteers (>60 years old).

Fermentation Supernatants of Mushroom Ameliorate Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Caco-2 Cells via Upregulation of Tight Junctions.

In recent years, modulation of gut microbiota through prebiotics has garnered interest as a potential to ameliorate intestinal barrier dysfunction. The aim of the study was to examine the in vitro effect of fermentation supernatants (FSs) from rich in β-glucan mushrooms on the expression levels of tight junctions (TJs) genes in Caco-2 cells stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Mushrooms were fermented using fecal inocula in an in vitro batch culture model.

Fermentation of and mushrooms and their extracts by the gut microbiota of healthy and osteopenic women: potential prebiotic effect and impact of mushroom fermentation products on human osteoblasts.

Recent data have highlighted the role of the gut microbiota and its several metabolites in maintaining bone health. Thus, gut microbiota manipulation, e.g.

Effects of Rich in Β-Glucans Edible Mushrooms on Aging Gut Microbiota Characteristics: An In Vitro Study.

Alterations of gut microbiota are evident during the aging process. Prebiotics may restore the gut microbial balance, with β-glucans emerging as prebiotic candidates. This study aimed to investigate the impact of edible mushrooms rich in β-glucans on the gut microbiota composition and metabolites by using in vitro static batch culture fermentations and fecal inocula from elderly donors (n = 8).

Trigger factors in primary headaches subtypes: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary centre in Greece.

Background: Previous studies have shown that common headache triggers contribute to the onset of headache attacks on predisposed individuals and are considered important in the prevention of headache. The aim of this study was to compare the different characteristics of triggers among the most common primary headache subtypes (migraine without aura, migraine with aura and tension type headache).

Methods: A total of 116 headache patients of the neurology outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Athens were selected according to the criteria of the International Classification of Headaches-3nd Edition Beta.

Intravenous valproate aborts glyceryl trinitrate-induced migraine attacks: a clinical and quantitative EEG study.

We evaluated EEG changes and pain relief in migraineurs with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)-induced attacks treated with intravenous sodium valproate (iSVP). EEG frequency analysis was performed in 45 migraineurs without aura and in 19 controls at baseline, at the time of maximum GTN-induced headache, and 30 min after 300 mg iSVP. Nineteen migraineurs presented early specific headache (migraine identical to spontaneous attacks; MSp) and 26 presented early non-specific headache (MnSp).

Gastric emptying after semi-solid food in multiple system atrophy and Parkinson disease.

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating are frequent complaints in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), and may be associated with delayed gastric emptying (GE). Although several GE studies in patients with PD have been performed, scant data exist in patients with MSA.

Methods: We assessed GE half-times (T50) in 12 patients with MSA and compared them with those of 12 patients with PD and 12 age-matched healthy controls.

Transient ischemic attack in heavy cannabis smokers--how 'safe' is it?

Drugs are lately considered high-risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. Three male patients (mean age 24.6 years) who were heavy cannabis smokers presented with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) shortly after cannabis abuse.

Influence of age on regeneration in the peripheral nervous system.

Studies on the influence of age on regeneration in the peripheral nervous system are reviewed. Observations in the human are limited, but clinical experience indicates that the efficiency of regeneration is less in later life. The results of experimental studies in animals, although sometimes variable, indicate a decline with age.

Management of blood pressure instability in severe tetanus: the use of clonidine.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of clonidine in the management of unstable blood pressure in severe tetanus.

Design: Patients with severe tetanus and blood pressure instability were treated with clonidine and the results were compared with those of other patients with severe tetanus who were not treated with clonidine.

Setting: Intensive care unit of the Chest Hospital of Athens.

Influence of age on the late retrograde effects of sciatic nerve section in the rat.

The influence of age on the late retrograde effects of unilateral sciatic nerve section was investigated in rats. Operations were performed on young rats aged 3 months and older rats aged 15 and 18 months, with survival times ranging from 6 to 15 months depending upon age at the time of operation. As in previous studies, axonal atrophy was found in myelinated fibres proximal to nerve transection.

Study of EEGs following 24-hour sleep deprivation in patients with posttraumatic epilepsy.

Routine and awake EEGs following 24-hour sleep deprivation were studied in 119 patients with closed head injury, 64 epileptics without any history of head injury and 53 healthy controls. The results were compared to CT brain scan findings. There were no epileptic discharges in routine EEGs, while EEGs after 24-hour sleep deprivation showed considerable activation, ranging from 28 to 37.

Thermal thresholds and motor sensory conduction measurements in Guillain Barré syndrome: 12-month follow-up study.

We performed serial neurophysiological tests in 22 patients with confirmed Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) for 12 months following onset of the disease. Twenty-five age- and sex-matched healthy controls were also tested. Tests included nerve conduction and automated quantitative thermal threshold measurements.

An immunocytochemical comparison of glial fibrillary acidic protein, S-100p and vimentin in human glial tumors.

Immunostaining patterns of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S-100 protein (S-100p) and vimentin were studied using immunohistochemical techniques on 48 paraffin embedded glial tumors. GFAP was positive in all tumor cases except in two oligodendrogliomas. S-100p was found in most astroglial tumors and in half of the oligodendrogliomas.