Metagenomics reveals impact of geography and acute diarrheal disease on the Central Indian human gut microbiome.

Background: The Central Indian gut microbiome remains grossly understudied. Herein, we sought to investigate the burden of antimicrobial resistance and diarrheal diseases, particularly , in rural-agricultural and urban populations in Central India, where there is widespread unregulated antibiotic use. We utilized shotgun metagenomics to comprehensively characterize the bacterial and viral fractions of the gut microbiome and their encoded functions in 105 participants.

Timing Is Everything: Impact of Naturally Occurring AgrC Cytoplasmic Domain Adaptive Mutations on Autoinduction.

Mutations in the polymorphic locus responsible for quorum sensing (QS)-dependent virulence gene regulation occur frequently during host adaptation. In two genomically closely related clinical isolates exhibiting marked differences in Panton-Valentine leukocidin production, a mutation conferring an N267I substitution was identified in the cytoplasmic domain of the QS sensor kinase, AgrC. This natural mutation delayed the onset and accumulation of autoinducing peptide (AIP) and showed reduced responsiveness to exogenous AIPs.

Examining diabetic heel ulcers through an ecological lens: microbial community dynamics associated with healing and infection.

Purpose: While some micro-organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus, are clearly implicated in causing tissue damage in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), our knowledge of the contribution of the entire microbiome to clinical outcomes is limited. We profiled the microbiome of a longitudinal sample series of 28 people with diabetes and DFUs of the heel in an attempt to better characterize the relationship between healing, infection and the microbiome.

Methodology: In total, 237 samples were analysed from 28 DFUs, collected at fortnightly intervals for 6 months or until healing.

A low FODMAP diet is associated with changes in the microbiota and reduction in breath hydrogen but not colonic volume in healthy subjects.

Background & Aims: Ingestion of poorly digested, fermentable carbohydrates (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols; FODMAPs) have been implicated in exacerbating intestinal symptoms and the reduction of intake with symptom alleviation. Restricting FODMAP intake is believed to relieve colonic distension by reducing colonic fermentation but this has not been previously directly assessed. We performed a randomised controlled trial comparing the effect of a low FODMAP diet combined with either maltodextrin or oligofructose on colonic contents, metabolites and microbiota.

Explanatory and diagnostic labels and perceived prognosis in chronic low back pain.

Study Design: Content analysis of patient interviews, clinic letters, and radiology reports for patients with chronic low back pain of greater than 12 months duration.

Objective: To explore the language used by patients and healthcare professionals to describe low back pain and any potential effect on patient perceived prognosis.

Summary Of Background Data: Diagnostic explanations by healthcare professionals may influence patient coping and uptake of therapy by patients with chronic low back pain.

Beliefs about the causes and consequences of pain in patients with chronic inflammatory or noninflammatory low back pain and in pain-free individuals.

Study Design: Case control study including 2 groups of patients with low back pain (LBP, inflammatory and noninflammatory) and a pain-free community control group.

Objective: We explored whether pain beliefs differ between patients with chronic LBP attributed to inflammatory or noninflammatory medical diagnoses, and between patients with chronic LBP and pain-free controls.

Summary Of Background Data: Beliefs strongly influence patients' engagement in and response to treatments for chronic LBP.