Prospects for the development of probiotics and prebiotics for oral applications

There has been a paradigm shift towards an ecological and microbial community-based approach to understanding oral diseases. This has significant implications for approaches to therapy and has raised the possibility of developing novel strategies through manipulation of the resident oral microbiota and modulation of host immune responses. The increased popularity of using probiotic bacteria and/or prebiotic supplements to improve gastrointestinal health has prompted interest in the utility of this approach for oral applications. Evidence now suggests that probiotics may function not only by direct inhibition of, or enhanced competition with, pathogenic micro-organisms, but also by more subtle mechanisms including modulation of the mucosal immune system. Similarly, prebiotics could promote the growth of beneficial micro-organisms that comprise part of the resident microbiota. The evidence for the use of pro or prebiotics for the prevention of caries or periodontal diseases is reviewed, and issues that could arise from their use, as well as questions that still need to be answered, are raised. A complete understanding of the broad ecological changes induced in the mouth by probiotics or prebiotics will be essential to assess their long-term consequences for oral health and disease

Advances in short bowel syndrome: an updated review

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) continues to be an important clinical problem due to its high mortality and morbidity as well as its devastating socioeconomic effects. The past 3 years have witnessed many advances in the investigation of this condition, with the aim of elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of intestinal adaptation. Such information may provide opportunities to exploit various factors that act as growth agents for the remaining bowel mucosa and may suggest new therapeutic strategies to maintain gut integrity, eliminate dependence on total parenteral nutrition, and avoid the need for intestinal transplantation. This review summarizes current research on SBS over the last few years.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47168/1/383_2005_Article_1500.pd

Nutrizione pediatrica: elementi per comprenderla ed applicarla

la nutrizione pediatrica intesa secondo le sue diverse applicazioni con aspetti di base utili per comprendere come trattare un essere umano in evoluzione in modo corretto, a cio' segue l'applicazione della nutrizione in patologia. Da oltre un secolo si parla sempre pi\uf9 intensamente di nutrizione pediatrica anche se, sotto aspetti diversi, a seguito della modificazione dei target da affrontare. Questo processo in espansione vede antichi problemi da affrontare come la malnutrizione da carenza di cibo e da patologia, ma, all\u2019opposto, nuove emergenze date dall\u2019obesit\ue0 e dalla diffusione di alimenti sempre meno genuini, di cui si conoscono i vari costituenti nutritivi quasi nei minimi particolari e non i \u201ccontaminanti\u201d volontariamente od involontariamente utilizzati. Per far fronte a tali challenge quindi, non si pu\uf2 non conoscere la fisiologia del bambino che rappresenta un essere in continua evoluzione e la cui nutrizione funge da mantenimento, ma anche da fattore di crescita

The role of omega-3 in the development of the brain and obesity.

The n-6 or omega 6 series [i.e. arachidonic acid (AA)] and the n-3 or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), and particularly the long chain highly unsaturated ones (LC PUFA) [i.e. eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA)], are essential for humans and work sometimes in synergy and sometimes in competition. Today, their role has been recognized as not only mere caloric, but with effects in cell differentiation and communication through a deep modulation to the cell core involved in gene regulation. These effects occur in all the body systems and organs, but with different outcomes depending on local or systemic inputs. Therefore, during fetal and neonatal development, LC PUFA contribute to growth and evolution, while, during inflammation, they orchestrate various functions of cells. Many disease conditions develop from inflammation. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are two examples in which diet and the hormonal milieu may disrupt multiple cells with release of cytokines. In the case of chronic stimuli, body metabolism changes. LC PUFA again, prove to be a potent tool to reverse or enhance these changes. In this chapter we want to focus on the effects of n-3 PUFA with regard to brain development and obesity

Omega-3 fatty acids. Impact on cognitive development and inflammation

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (linolenic acid, 18:3n-3; LNA; eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3, EPA; and docosahexaenoic acid 22:6n-3, DHA) are essential for vertebrates and have to be taken up from the diet in order to maintain the structural and functional integrity of cellular membranes. Actions of the Omega 3 series widely range from cellular to body level with multiple therapeutic and prophylactic benefits. This review aims to summarize the issue of omega-3 fatty acids in cognitive development in the pre- and postnatal periods and their effect on inflammation

A rare case of solid pseupapillary tumor of the pancreas in a young girl with celiac disease

Solid papillary cystic tumors of the pancreas are rare entities and occur more frequently in women aged 20\u201340. We report a case of a 11-year old girl followed for celiac disease (CD) with a secondary diagnosis of a pseudocystic pancreatic tumor