Ricerc@Sapienza

Background and aims: Microbiota heterogeneity among humans is mainly due to genetic background, age, dietary habits, lifestyle and local environments. In this study we investigated whether the gut microbiota profile of Italian healthy volunteers could differ based on their geographical origin. Materials and Methods: 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to analyze the gut microbiota of 31 healthy volunteers from three different Italian regions: Apulia (South), Lazio (Center) and Lombardy (North).

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) environmental
contamination occurs through droplets and biological fluids released in the surroundings
from patients or asymptomatic carriers. Surfaces and objects contaminated
by saliva or nose secretions represent a risk for indirect transmission of coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19). We assayed surfaces from hospital and living spaces to identify
the presence of viral RNA and the spread of fomites in the environment. Anthropic contamination

OBJECTIVE:
In the last years, the mean age of women who underwent cervical treatment for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2-3) is similar to the age of women having their first pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).

In the past few decades, the increasing socioeconomic burden of acute diverticulitis (AD) has become evident, and with the growth of the population age, this significant economic impact will likely continue to rise. Furthermore, recent evidence showed an increased rate of hospital admissions especially evident among women and younger individuals. The natural history and pathophysiology of this clinical condition is still to be fully defined, and efforts continue to be made in the identification of risk factors and the establishment of relative preventive strategies.

Pregnancy induces a deep modification of women's gut microbiota composition. These changes may influence hormonal and metabolic factors, increasing insulin resistance and leading to hyperglycaemia in susceptible women. Data on 29 women in pregnancy showed insignificant reductions in the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio in women with (n.14) and without (n.15) gestational diabetes (GDM).

Abstract

Microbiota are microorganismal communities colonizing human tissues exposed to the external environment, including the urogenital tract. The bacterial composition of the vaginal microbiota has been established and is partially related to obstetric outcome, while the uterine microbiota, considered to be a sterile environment for years, is now the focus of more extensive studies and debates. The characterization of the microbiota contained in the reproductive tract (RT) of asymptomatic and infertile women, could define a specific RT microbiota associated with implantation failure.

The gut microbiota is now considered as a symbiotic organ playing an important role in human health and disease
development and has been recently recognized as a modulator of drug metabolism and toxicity. Here, we briefly
discuss new findings describing how the gut microbiota is now considered to be a central player in drug metabolism
and personalized medicine.

In liver cirrhosis (LC), impaired intestinal functions lead to dysbiosis and possible bacterial translocation (BT). Bacteria or their byproducts within the bloodstream can thus play a role in systemic inflammation and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). We combined 16S sequencing, NMR metabolomics and network analysis to describe the interrelationships of members of the microbiota in LC biopsies, faeces, peripheral/portal blood and faecal metabolites with clinical parameters. LC faeces and biopsies showed marked dysbiosis with a heightened proportion of Enterobacteriaceae.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis, and the severity may be influenced by the bacterial ecosystem. Our aim was to analyze the nasal microbiota from 48 infants affected by bronchiolitis from RSV virus and 28 infants with bronchiolitis but negative for the virus.