Microbial Colonization

This study aims to develop a therapy for restoring the gut microbiome in infants born via CS. The Study will conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled feasibility trial to assess the ability of microbiome restoration by FMT and FVT in infants born by cesarean section.

There is strong observational evidence that sexual activity plays a key role in Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) acquisition and recurrence. Microbiological data support the contribution of sexual transmission to the pathogenesis of BV through the exchange of BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) between sexual partners. Although BV epidemiology strongly suggests sexual transmission, treatment of sexual partners is not recommended, based on prior treatment studies of male partners of women with recurrent BV, which showed no benefit with male treatment. Nevertheless, male condom use is highly protective against recurrent BV. This study aims to evaluate the male-partner's genital microbiome as a potential source of BV-recurrence in women undergoing vaginal microbiota transplantation (NCT04517487), and whether disinfection can eliminate BV-associated penile microbiome.

The purpose of this investigation is to better understand the wound microbiome in burn wounds and the role it plays in outcomes and complications related to treatment.

This protocol aims to evaluate how NMT affects pediatric nasal microbiome diversity following intranasal mupirocin treatment

The objectives of this study are to analyze the oral microbiome modulations occurring during the transition from partial (with some residual teeth) to full edentulous (without remaining teeth) status and implant placement in subjects affected by severe periodontitis; to evaluate if microbiome changes in relation to the used of different implant material/surface; and to assess the variance of the changes to determine the sample size for future longitudinal prospective studies.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) make about 31% of all nosocomial infections and they are the most common hospital-acquired infection. For foot and ankle elective interventions, SSI rate is reported between 0.4% and 3.6%. This study will investigate the effectiveness of skin cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and scrubbing with chlorhexidine soap before standard skin preparation in reducing microbial load and surgical site infections for elective foot and ankle surgeries. Current standard of care includes skin preparation with iodine or chlorhexidine solution prior to sterile draping and the start of surgery. Standard of care will be applied to all patients. The use of an additional "pre-scrub" with isopropyl alcohol and scrubbing with chlorhexidine soap will be applied to the experimental group. The control group will receive only the standard of care skin preparation with iodine or chlorhexidine solution prior to draping.

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation for treating obesity-induced skin barrier impairment in individuals aged 18-40 with a BMI ≥30. The study focuses on the following questions: Can oral Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation reduce skin barrier damage (measured by transepidermal water loss/TEWL) in obese participants? Does modulation of gut microbiota with Lactobacillus reuteri impact skin barrier function and systemic inflammation? Researchers will compare outcomes across two groups: Intervention Group (Obese): Oral Lactobacillus reuteri capsules. Placebo Control Group (Obese): Oral inactive (heat-killed) Lactobacillus reuteri. Participant Procedures: Take daily oral capsules (Lactobacillus reuteri or inactive strain) for 4 weeks. Undergo non-invasive skin testing (TEWL measurements) at baseline and study completion. Provide stool and samples for analyses. Complete weekly check-ins to report adverse effects (e.g., gastrointestinal discomfort, skin irritation).

Prematurity remains the main cause of death and serious health problems in new-borns. Besides the need for hospitalization and medical interventions in the first weeks or months of the new-borns' life, prematurity can cause long-lasting health problems (e.g. multiple hospital admissions, developmental delay, learning difficulties, motor delay, hearing or eye problems, ...). Moreover, prematurity places an enormous economic burden on the society. Aside from the medical problems and the financial cost, the emotional stress and psychological impact on the parents, siblings and other family members should not be underestimated. Previous preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) increases the risk for recurrent preterm delivery in a subsequent pregnancy. Therefore, these women should be considered as 'high risk' for preterm birth. Infections ascending from the vagina may be an important cause of preterm delivery in certain cases. Some women have an abnormal vaginal microbiome and are therefore at risk for infections and preterm birth. On the other hand, the vaginal flora is more stable and resistant to infections in healthy pregnant women who deliver at term (after 37 weeks of gestation). Synbiotics are a mixture containing probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are living bacteria with potential beneficial effects that can be used safely in pregnancy, while prebiotics are consumed by the bacteria. It is known that probiotics, when used for a long period of time, can maintain a healthy and stable vaginal flora that may protect against infections. In this study, pregnant patients with a history of preterm birth will be included in the first trimester of pregnancy to start with synbiotics or placebo. The investigators will examine the effect of synbiotics on the vaginal flora and on the pregnancy duration. The hypothesis is that synbiotics, when started early in the pregnancy, can change the disturbed vaginal flora into a stable micro-environment.

The objective of this novel study is to establish proof of concept using a pilot randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of DHM compared to formula supplementation on the microbiome in full-term infants who are born via caesarean section and require supplementation. Secondarily, this study aims to compare the infant health outcomes of sleep and growth between groups to assess if these outcomes are mediated by infant feeding type or potential differences in microbial signatures. Finally, this study will compare maternal outcomes of depression, anger, breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding rates between groups. The infant gut microbiome plays a critical role in the developing immune, neurologic, and endocrine systems. Yet, most infants experience early life disruptions (ELDs) to their microbiome that have potential long-term health and development impacts. A major source of disruption is caesarean section (c-section) delivery because the infant is born surgically and is not exposed to important commensal bacteria required to establish the infant microbiome. Currently in Canada, over 28% of infants are born via c-section. Exclusive breastfeeding can improve gut microbiota composition in infants who are born via c-section. However, approximately 60% of infants born via c-section require formula supplementation in their first week of life. Evidence indicates that even one bottle of formula can further disrupt the gut microbiome. Donor human milk (DHM) is a superior alternative to formula when supplementation is required as its biotic properties minimize perturbations to the infant gut microbiome and may help to repair the microbiome in infants who experience ELDs. Yet, while DHM is well researched in preterm populations, evidence on the impact of DHM as a therapeutic intervention on the full-term infant gut microbiome is lacking. The hypothesis of this study is: that replacing formula with DHM supplementation will minimize gut microbiome dysbiosis and foster homeostasis following supplementation. In addition, it is hypothesized that improved homeostasis will promote improved sleep and growth outcomes in participant infants. Finally, mothers whose infants receive DHM will have lower depression and anger scores and higher breastfeeding self-efficacy and exclusive breastfeeding rates compared to mothers whose infants receive formula.

HDV is an RNA virus that infects only in the presence of HBV, affecting about 13% of HBsAg carriers. In Italy, prevalence ranges from 3.2% to 9.3%. It increases the risk of cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis, and HCC, particularly in high-risk groups (HIV, HCV, drug users, dialysis patients). Until 2020, pegIFN was the only therapy; since 2022, bulevirtide (BLV) has been available, blocking viral entry into hepatocytes and reducing HDV RNA and liver stiffness, with efficacy in 45-48% of patients, though the optimal treatment duration remains uncertain. The gut microbiota and bile acids also play a role in fibrosis and cirrhosis progression: dysbiosis, typical in cirrhotic patients, alters bile acid metabolism and increases intrahepatic toxicity.

The objective of this application is to illustrate the core constituents of the ocular surface microbiome, describe factors that promote colonization, and assess the ocular microbiome's role in the health of the anterior segment. We will conduct a prospective, observational cohort study, including a longitudinal analysis of the ocular microbiome in adults.

This is a prospective clinical intervention trial where patients with moderately active ulcerative colitis are randomized to either normal healthy diet or a diet with elimination of emulsifying agents within the E 400-group with special respect to carragenan, CMC and polysorbates. At study start and end after one month their diet, clinical characteristics and microbiota will be analysed. The hypotheses are that their disease activity measured with calprotectin and their microbiota will improve after intervention.

The purpose of this research study is to identify the effects of 2 over-the-counter mouthwashes on bacteria and 3 viruses in the participant's mouth and gut. The participant will be randomly allocated to rinse their mouth twice daily either with Listerine mouthwash, Lumineux Oral Essentials mouthwash, or water. The overall duration of the study will be approximately 180 days and will include approximately 5 visits and 15-30 minutes for each visit with a total of approximately 2.5 hours of your time. Additionally, fecal matter will also be collected in some subjects using a commercial collection kit.

* Prior approval from SOD ethical committee has been received. * All patients presenting to the General OPD of School of Dentistry, Islamabad will be screened. Those patients who fulfill the criteria will be referred to the Prosthodontics department. * The patients will undergo detailed history and oral examination after informed consent (Annexure-A). Patients will undergo radiographic investigation and based on this information they will be selected for the study according to the exclusion and inclusion criteria. * Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of the following groups using a computer-generated sequence with allocation concealment via sealed opaque envelopes: * Group A: Control group * Group B: Full-coverage PFM crowns * Group C: Full-coverage Zirconia crowns * Baseline gingival samples will be collected with the help of sterile swab from the target tooth region prior to prosthesis placement and at the follow-up visits i.e. 1, and 3 months; both for experimental groups and control group. * Microbial analysis will be conducted through culture techniques to quantify CFUs and identify species. * A summary of the micro-organisms, their incubation media, temperature and time is presented in the following table: Table 1: Summary of the micro-organisms, their incubation media, temperature and time Micro-organism Growth Media Temperature Incubation time Candida albicans Saboraud Agar 370C 24-48 hours Streptococcus mutans BHI broth 370C 24-48 hours Staphylococcus aureus BHI broth 370C 24-48 hours Porphyromonas gingivalis BHI broth 370C 18-24 hours * Alongside, the same sample from sterile swabs will be smeared by fixating it on a microscopic slide and then Candida albicans will be stained by Periodic Acid Schiff technique, and the bacterial species using Gram staining. * All participants will receive standardized verbal and written instructions oral hygiene instructions to control for hygiene-related variation

The PREDICT 3 study will build on previous research in over 2,000 individuals to further refine machine learning models that predict individual responses to foods, with the aim of advancing precision nutrition science and individualized dietary advice. The study incorporates both standardized and controlled dietary intervention, for the purpose of testing postprandial responses to specific mixed meals, in addition to a free-living period with a dietary record for measuring responses to a large variety of meals consumed in a realistic context, where the role of external factors (e.g. exercise, sleep, time of day) on postprandial responses may be determined. For the first time this PREDICT study is built on top of a commercial product which will allow access to a much larger group of participants who are already collecting large amounts of data through digital and biochemical devices that can contribute to science.

Polyphenol-rich Haskap berries (Haskap) have untapped therapeutic potential to improve human health, and agricultural producers in northern U.S. states are poised to increase production if consumer demand increases. A critical knowledge gap is that little is known about the interactions between gut microbes and Haskap polyphenols to produce bioactive metabolites linked to downstream health impacts. Additionally, little is known about which Haskap varieties and harvest timing yield the greatest bioactive potential. This study aims to address these gaps by investigating the interaction of bioactive components in Haskap with gut microbiota and the resultant gut and serum metabolites, inflammation, and metabolic health, and then couple this with analysis of berries from different Haskap varieties and harvest times.

Randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect of two probiotic strains which belong to Bifidobacterium Longum and Pediococcus pentosaceus species on fecal microbiota composition in healthy infants. Secondary outcomes comprise evaluation of anthropometric growth, digestive tolerance, sleeping habits, incidence of functional gastrointestinal disorders, incidence of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, allergic reactions and safety and tolerability of the product.

The goal of this study is to understand how visiting green areas affects the human microbiome through microbial transfer. Additionally, the project aims to understand which environmental, health and lifestyle factors can influence these microbiome changes. Participants will visit a green area, provide microbiome samples before and after the visit, and complete questionnaires related to environmental, health, lifestyle and demographic factors.

The perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is evidence-based in orthopedic surgery. While its duration ranges from a single dose to three doses throughout the world, the choice of the prophylactic agents is undisputed. Worldwide, the surgeons use 1st or 2nd-generation cephalosporins (or vancomycin in some cases). However, there are particular clinical situation with a high risk of antibiotic-resistant surgical site infections (SSI); independently of the duration of adminis-tered prophylaxis. These resistant SSI's occur in contaminated wounds, or during surgery under current therapeutic antibiotics, and base on "selection" by antibiotics used for therapy or for prophylaxis.

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of polyphenols from natural aronia juice on the immune system. Therefore, the study aims to distinguish the effects of natural juices that are rich in phytonutrients such as polyphenols and carotenoids in healthy and depressive subjects in order to use the known positive effects of these food sources in the therapeutic setting. The consumption of natural fruit juices that are rich in polyphenols and carotenoids mirror a model of vegetarian diet due to the increased micronutrient density derived from plant food. Results obtained here can be seen as preliminary explanation models for the beneficial effects of vegetarian diet. It is hypothesized, that the consumption of naturally polyphenol rich aronia juice changes the expression of regulatory T cells, specific cells of the immune system that contribute to immunomodulation. Furthermore, beneficial changes in the gut microbiome, the metabolome and the nutritional status are expected in the studied groups. The study was registered retrospectively (after start of recruitment) on Clinicaltrials.gov.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women in reproductive age with an estimated prevalence of 5% to 19.5%. It is a chronic complex syndrome with psychological (depression and anxiety), reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. The etiology seems to be multifactorial. Lately, interest regarding the association between PCOS women and gut macrobiotic have been emerged. Hyperandrogenism was correlated with those changes in the microbiota which reflects the fact that the microbiome can influence the development and pathology of PCOS . Therefore, aim of this study is to explore the diversity and alternations of the vaginal and the gut microbiome in patients with PCOS during common therapeutic interventions and connect them to different phenotypes of the syndrome.

Background: Intestinal microbiota composition is fundamental to human health and undergoes critical changes within the first two years of life. Factors probably influencing the microbiota are the maternal microbiota and the general environment in Switzerland. However, the development of the intestinal microbiota is incompletely understood. Gaining knowledge of the trajectory of microbiota maturation is likely key to the understanding of the pathogenesis of many pathologies in childhood. Aims: The investigators aim for a deep understanding of the maturation of the healthy infant intestinal microbiota regarding composition, diversity and metabolic activities. The investigators aim for identifying parameters affecting microbiota maturation and effects of the microbiota on infant outcome. Methods: The investigators will recruit 250 pregnant mothers who will be followed as mother-baby pairs until 10 years of age. Infants will be followed clinically to determine adequate growth and development as well as pathology including abdominal pain. Epidemiological parameter and infant nutrition will be assessed. The investigators will collect biological samples such as stool, maternal milk, vaginal swaps and skin swaps. Species composition and diversity will be assessed by 16S sequencing. Metagenomic shotgun sequencing and bacterial messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) analysis will inform about metabolic potential and metabolic activity of the microbiota. Mass spectrometry will assess the small molecule content of stool and maternal milk samples. Network analysis will be used to assess the complex relationships between bacteria metabolic activities and small molecular content. Expected results: The investigators expect an increase in complexity and metabolic potential and activity with age. Microbiota parameters will differ according to nutrition and might predict infant outcomes such as growth and abdominal pain. Systematic analysis of sequential maternal and infant bacteria samples from stool, skin and maternal milk will help characterizing bacterial transfer from mother to infant Conclusion: The investigators propose an observational study of healthy Bern mother baby pairs with clinical characterisation and biological sampling. Advanced analysis tools will be used to characterise the microbiota and address mechanistic questions.

Introduction: Oral candidiasis is an infectious disease caused by the growth of Candida colonies and their penetration into oral tissues when physical barriers and host defenses are weakened. It constitutes one of the most common pathologies within the field covered by Dentistry. Candida infections are found in at least 80% of AIDS patients and in a third of HIV infection cases. Systemic diseases such as diabetes and a wide pharmacological arsenal to which the general population is subjected, are other causes of the increase in the prevalence of this disease. In addition, the high prevalence of oral sequelae (hyposialia) in the population over 65 years of age, due to the specific characteristics of this age group, such as multiple pathologies and drug use, explains the presence of this disease in this segment. of the population One of the great difficulties for the study of this disease is the diversity of predisposing factors, which do nothing but throw greater confusion into the results of the different works. Objective: To evaluate the reduction/suppression of signs and symptoms of oral candidiasis in patients treated with head and neck RT, users of Vacucis or Placebo. Material and method: Patients will receive information regarding the trial and, if they meet the inclusion criteria and agree to participate in it, they will sign the informed consent. All patients will be informed following the usual care practice of the characteristics of their candidiasis infection as well as the possibilities and alternatives of treatment and their respective efficacy. A descriptive analysis of the sample in terms of prevalence will be carried out. Categorical variables will be described as frequency and percentage and continuous variables as mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range depending on their adjustment to normality, which will be calculated with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. To study the effect of the vaccine on the evolution of candidiasis, the Chi-square test, Student's t test or the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test will be used. The association of prevalence with CFU in both groups will be analyzed using the ANOVA test. Those values of p \< 0.05 will be considered significant.

The primary objectives of this study are to evaluate the effect of early-life B. infantis Rosell®-33 supplementation in infants exposed to HIV on: * gut microbiome composition and diversity at 4 weeks of life * markers of intestinal inflammation and microbial translocation at 4 weeks of life * Th1 cytokine responses to BCG at 7 weeks and 36 weeks of life The secondary objectives include to evaluate the effect of B. infantis Rosell®-33 supplementation on: * longitudinal succession of the gut microbiota composition, diversity and function * relative and absolute abundance of B. infantis in infant stool during the first 36 weeks of life * stool metabolome * T cell subset ontogeny during the first 9 months of life. Exploratory objectives are to evaluate whether B. infantis Rosell®-33 supplementation improves: * infant growth * all-cause morbidity * neurodevelopment during the first 9 months of life * antibody responses to early childhood vaccines

Biodiversity is essential for nature and human well-being. Land use has reduced biodiversity in cities that is associated with altered commensal microbiota and a rising burden of immunological disorders among urban children. The investigators will estimate how rewilding of kindergarten yards affects commensal microbiome, prevalence of allergies, asthma, atopic dermatitis and infections, cortisol levels, cognitive skills and plasma cytokine levels of children. Our specific aims are: To assess if rewilding diversifies health-associated skin, saliva and gut microbiota and reduces infectious diseases and atopic or allergic symptoms. Assess whether the rewilding has positive effects on cognitive skills. Assess whether the rewilding changes cortisol and plasma cytokine levels. The investigators will recruit altogether 320 (160 per treatment) study subjects aged between 1-5 to questionnaire study (Task 2), from which 120 study subjects will be analyzed more detailed using microbiological and blood samples (Task 1).