Optically Mapping Multiple Bacterial Genomes Simultaneously in a Single Run

Optical mapping of bacterial chromosomes provides an unambiguous low-resolution sequence scaffold of the entire chromosome. In comparison to some techniques, such as pulse field gel electrophoresis, cost and throughput limit the application of this technique outside of genome finishing. We have demonstrated the production of multiple bacterial maps using a single set of consumables; this significantly reduces the time and expense of map production

Role of a Polyphenol-Rich Dietary Pattern in the Modulation of Intestinal Permeability in Older Subjects: The MaPLE Study

The inevitable rise of the proportion of people aged >65 years worldwide is paralleled by an increased burden of chronic diseases often associated with low-grade systemic inflammation. Recent findings suggest a link between inflammation and intestinal permeability (IP), a condition characterized by an impairment of intestinal barrier function which enables the translocation of dietary and bacterial factors into the blood activating the host immune system [1,2]. Dietary components can be significant modulators of inflammation and IP, and can also affect the intestinal microbial ecosystem. In the context of a diet-microbiota-IP axis in older subjects, dietary bioactives such as polyphenols may play a significant protective role due to their widely reported antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties and potential to regulate IP [3-6]

Exploring the Molecular Pathways Behind the Effects of Nutrients and Dietary Polyphenols on Gut Microbiota and Intestinal Permeability: A Perspective on the Potential of Metabolomics and Future Clinical Applications.

The gut microbiota is involved in the regulation of the intestinal permeability (IP), whose disruption is a frequent condition in older people and is associated with the development of several diseases. The diet can affect the gut microbiota and IP, although the molecular mechanisms involved are unclear. Metabolomics is one of the suitable approaches to study the effects of diet on gut microbiota and IP, although, up to now, the research has focused only on a few dietary components. The aim here was to review the most recent literature concerning the application of metabolomics to the study of the diet-induced alterations of gut microbiota and the effects on IP, with a particular focus on the molecular pathways involved. An additional aim was to give a perspective on the future research involving dietary polyphenols, because despite their potential use in the management of increased IP, few studies have been reported to date

Intestinal permeability modulation through a polyphenol-rich dietary pattern in older subjects: MaPLE project outcomes and perspectives

In recent years, research has been focusing on strategies to counteract inflammatory processes and age-related diseases(1). During ageing, a low-grade systemic inflammation is often associated to an altered intestinal permeability (IP) a condition that has been shown to promote inflammation possibly through the translocation of dietary and bacterial factors into the blood stream that activates the immune system(2).In this regard, dietary pattern and environmental factors could play a fundamental role because of their potential ability to modulate inflammation, IP and the gut microbial ecosystem (GME). Moreover, it has been hypothesized that bioactive compounds such as polyphenols may affect IP and GME(3).The MaPLE project (Microbiome mAnipulation through Polyphenols for managing gut Leakiness in the Elderly) aimed to investigate the hypothesis that a polyphenol-rich diet can improve IP condition in a target population with beneficial changes at intestine and systemic level. To this aim, a randomised, controlled, crossover dietary intervention study (8-week polyphenol-rich diet versus 8-week control diet, separated by a wash-out period) was carried out in a group of older subjects (> 60 years) living in a well-controlled setting (i.e. nursing home). Markers related with IP, inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular function and intestinal microbial ecosystem were investigated in serum, urine and/or fecal samples. Moreover, blood bacteria DNAemia, and serum/urine metabolomics has been assessed. Moreover, a consistent nutritional evaluation of the standard menu (provided by the nursing home) and of weighed food diaries was performed, providing also data on actual polyphenol intake during the intervention. The results show there were higher levels of IP in the older subjects, and that the polyphenol-enriched diet changed the levels of serum zonulin, a marker of IP. In addition, an association between zonulin and blood bacterial load was demonstrated. Ongoing in vitro and in vivo experiments are exploring the potential effects of different polyphenols on IP and the mechanisms involved. The MaPLE project will generate new data to improve the understanding on the role of polyphenols in the modulation of intestinal microbiome and its interactions with the host

Polyphenols and Intestinal Permeability: Rationale and Future Perspectives

Increasing evidence links intestinal permeability (IP), a feature of the intestinal barrier, to several pathological or dysfunctional conditions. Several host and environmental factors, including dietary factors, can affect the maintenance of normal IP. In this regard, food bioactives, such as polyphenols, have been proposed as potential IP modulators, even if the mechanisms involved are not yet fully elucidated. The aim of the present paper is to provide a short overview of the main evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies supporting the role of polyphenols in modulating IP and briefly discuss future perspectives in this research area

Systematic Review on Polyphenol Intake and Health Outcomes: Is there Sufficient Evidence to Define a Health-Promoting Polyphenol-Rich Dietary Pattern?

Growing evidence support association between polyphenol intake and reduced risk for chronic diseases, even if there is a broad debate about the effective amount of polyphenols able to exert such protective effect. The present systematic review provides an overview of the last 10-year literature on the evaluation of polyphenol intake and its association with specific disease markers and/or endpoints. An estimation of the mean total polyphenol intake has been performed despite the large heterogeneity of data reviewed. In addition, the contribution of dietary sources was considered, suggesting tea, coffee, red wine, fruit and vegetables as the main products providing polyphenols. Total flavonoids and specific subclasses, but not total polyphenols, have been apparently associated with a low risk of diabetes, cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. However, large variability in terms of methods for the evaluation and quantification of polyphenol intake, markers and endpoints considered, makes it still difficult to establish an evidence-based reference intake for the whole class and subclass of compounds. Nevertheless, the critical mass of data available seem to strongly suggest the protective effect of a polyphenol-rich dietary pattern even if further well targeted and methodologically sound research should be encouraged in order to define specific recommendation

Effect of a polyphenol-rich dietary pattern on intestinal permeability and gut and blood microbiomics in older subjects: study protocol of the MaPLE randomised controlled trial

: During aging, alterations of the intestinal microbial ecosystem can occur contributing to immunosenescence, inflamm-aging and impairment of intestinal barrier function (increased intestinal permeability; IP). In the context of a diet-microbiota-IP axis in older subjects, food bioactives such as polyphenols may play a beneficial modulatory role

Is the contemporary care of the older persons with acute coronary syndrome evidence-based?

Globally, ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death, with a higher mortality burden amongst older adults. Although advancing age is associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes following acute coronary syndrome (ACS), older patients are less likely to receive evidence-based medications and coronary angiography. Guideline recommendations for managing ACS are often based on studies that exclude older patients, and more contemporary trials have been underpowered and produced inconsistent findings. There is also limited evidence for how frailty and comorbidity should influence management decisions. This review focuses on the current evidence base for the medical and percutaneous management of ACS in older patients and highlights the distinct need to enrol older patients with ACS into well-powered, large-scale randomized trials

Estimated Intakes of Nutrients and Polyphenols in Participants Completing the MaPLE Randomised Controlled Trial and Its Relevance for the Future Development of Dietary Guidelines for the Older Subjects

Abstract: The evaluation of food intake in older subjects is crucial in order to be able to verify adherence to nutritional recommendations. In this context, estimation of the intake of specific dietary bioactives, such as polyphenols, although particularly challenging, is necessary to plan possible intervention strategies to increase their intake. The aims of the present study were to: (i) evaluate the nutritional composition of dietary menus provided in a residential care setting; (ii) estimate the actual intake of nutrients and polyphenols in a group of older subjects participating in the MaPLE study; and (iii) investigate the impact of an eight-week polyphenol-rich dietary pattern, compared to an eight-week control diet, on overall nutrient and polyphenol intake in older participants. The menus served to the participants provided ~770 mg per day of total polyphenols on average with small variations between seasons. The analysis of real consumption, measured using weighed food diaries, demonstrated a lower nutrient (~20%) and polyphenol intake (~15%) compared to that provided by the menus. The feasibility of dietary patterns that enable an increase in polyphenol intake with putative health benefits for age-related conditions is discussed, with a perspective to developing dietary guidelines for this target population. Keywords: nursing home; residential care; aging; menu; flavonoids; phenolic acid

The hospital microbiome project: meeting report for the UK science and innovation network UK-USA workshop ‘beating the superbugs: hospital microbiome studies for tackling antimicrobial resistance’, October 14th 2013

The UK Science and Innovation Network UK-USA workshop ‘Beating the Superbugs: Hospital Microbiome Studies for tackling Antimicrobial Resistance’ was held on October 14th 2013 at the UK Department of Health, London. The workshop was designed to promote US-UK collaboration on hospital microbiome studies to add a new facet to our collective understanding of antimicrobial resistance. The assembled researchers debated the importance of the hospital microbial community in transmission of disease and as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance genes, and discussed methodologies, hypotheses, and priorities. A number of complementary approaches were explored, although the importance of the built environment microbiome in disease transmission was not universally accepted. Current whole genome epidemiological methods are being pioneered in the UK and the benefits of moving to community analysis are not necessarily obvious to the pioneers; however, rapid progress in other areas of microbiology suggest to some researchers that hospital microbiome studies will be exceptionally fruitful even in the short term. Collaborative studies will recombine different strengths to tackle the international problems of antimicrobial resistance and hospital and healthcare associated infections