bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personal growth as a strong element in the motivation of Australian university students to learn German
Authors: Schmidt Gabriele
Published: July 2016

For the last ten years, language learning motivation research has focussed on how learners see knowledge of a language as part of their identity. This article presents the findings of a qualitative interview study that investigated whether personal growth is also a strong element in the motivation of Australian university students to learn German. After first outlining the theoretical framework in which the study is situated and describing the research design and method, the article will present the main findings and argue that personal growth as well as a desire to broaden one’s horizons are strong motives for Australian students of German. The article concludes by discussing the findings and their implications.
Editorial
Authors: Piller Ingrid
Published: July 2016

This editorial introduction orients the reader to current public debates and the state of research with regard to the intersection of linguistic diversity and social inclusion in contemporary Australia. These are characterised by a persistent lack of attention to the consequences of linguistic diversity for our social organisation. The editorial introduction serves to frame the five original research articles that comprise this special issue and identifies the key challenges that linguistic diversity presents for a fair and just social order. These challenges run as red threads through all the articles in this issue and include the persistent monolingual mindset which results in a pervasive language blindness and an inability to even identify language as an obstacle to inclusion. Furthermore, where language is recognised as an obstacle to inclusion this usually takes the form of assuming that an individual suffers from a lack of English language proficiency. Improving English language proficiency is then prescribed as a panacea for inclusion. However, on close examination that belief in itself can constitute a form of exclusion with detrimental effects both on language learning and equal opportunity.
Working it out
Authors: Major George , Terraschke Agnes , Major Emily , Setijadi Charlotte
Published: July 2016

This paper explores the concept of social inclusion from the perspective of recent migrants, from language backgrounds other than English, at work in Australia. We adopt an understanding of social inclusion that acknowledges the importance of economic independence, while also considering migrants’ feelings of connectedness at work and their sense of belonging. Based on qualitative interviews with migrants collected two years apart, we explore the ways language and language practices can lead to feelings of inclusion or exclusion at work. The data suggests that migrants who felt included at work often had colleagues and/or bosses who actively supported and encouraged them in learning new skills, and made an effort to connect with them through small talk. In contrast, participants who felt excluded were unable to fully participate in work activities and/or workplace interaction because of limitations they or others placed upon them based on their English proficiency. We suggest that social inclusion, as it relates to employment, can also encompass different things for different people. For some, a sense of belonging is not promoted solely by having work or the ability to connect with colleagues, but also by obtaining employment of a type and level commensurate with their pre-migration status.
Writing feedback as an exclusionary practice in higher education
Authors: Chang Grace Chu-Lin
Published: July 2016

This ethnographic research probes into feedback on academic writing received by Taiwanese students in Australian higher education institutions, and examines whether the feedback received helped students to participate in the written discourse of academic communities. Academic writing dominates the academic life of students in Australia and is the key measure of their academic performance. This can be problematic for international students who speak English as an additional language and who are expected to acquire academic literacies in English ‘by doing’. As a social practice, academic writing depends on participation in dialogue for students to be included in the community of academia. However, the findings show that few participants received any useful feedback. Some assignments were never returned; in other cases, the hand-written feedback was illegible, and often included only overly general comments that puzzled the participants. As a result, the learning process came to an end once the students handed in their assignments; feedback failed to promote further learning related to content, and particularly to academic writing. The article highlights the few instances where participants received helpful feedback that was accessible and constructive, and which can be considered best practice for the promotion of academic literacy.
Small talk
Authors: Cui Xia
Published: July 2016

There is growing evidence that social interactions at work with local colleagues present a real challenge for Chinese immigrants to Australia (e.g. Tomazin, 2009; Zhou, Windsor, Coyer, & Theobald, 2010), often leaving them feeling defeated and despairing, and the Australians puzzled or affronted. Seeking to understand the nature, origin, and dynamics of the problem at its sociocultural depth, a study was undertaken to examine the problematic social experience as reported by a group of Chinese immigrant professionals, from both their own and their Australian counterparts’ perspectives. The findings suggest small talk presents professionally qualified Chinese with an acute problem, and this is because the nature and dynamics of small talk are new in their social experience. Taking a sociolinguistic perspective to analyse data comprising Chinese accounts and discussions of problematic incidents and Australian commentary on these, the root of the difficulty has been revealed to lie in mismatches in the deeply held beliefs and values of Chinese and Australians about the nature of personal identity and interpersonal relationships, most pertinently, differences in their belief about how relationships beyond the intimate circle should be best managed. The article will present the findings of the study and the implications they suggest.
Chairpersonorchairman? – A study of Chinese EFL teachers’ gender inclusivity
Authors: Lee Jackie F.K.
Published: July 2016

Given the potential influence of teachers’ linguistic practice on children’s language use and gender role development, the present study seeks to examine the extent of linguistic discrimination present in teachers’ language. A total of 215 Chinese EFL teachers were invited to participate in the survey, which included a series of elicitation tests on their selection of English words for occupational titles, and the choice of generic pronouns anaphoric to people of unknown gender. The findings revealed that, while gender-biased language is still widely used, non-sexist linguistic reform has had an impact on Chinese EFL teachers, some of whom have expressed a concern with regard to avoiding sexist language. The study also found that choice of generic pronouns co-varied with such factors as semantic meaning, word structure and the gender stereotypes associated with particular occupations.
Plurilingual teachers and their experiences navigating the academy
Authors: Gagné Antoinette , Chassels Carrie , McIntosh Megan
Published: July 2016

Drawing on qualitative data collected from plurilingual teachers in the context of three research studies conducted at the University of Toronto between 2004 and 2015, this paper critically examines, through a dialogue between the three researchers, the experiences of plurilingual teacher candidates and graduate students in Education as they navigate the academy. A trioethnographic methodology is used, unpacking the underlying tensions of roles and positions held by each of the researchers in the Student Success Centre (SSC) which offers a range of support services and provides a space where plurilingual teacher learners can interact with plurilingual tutors during their academic journey which may include practica and internships. We relate our findings focussed on the SSC to the literature on diverse teachers in universities as well as writing centre research calling for significant changes in how to support plurilingual students in the academy in order to highlight lessons and strategies for equity.
Plurilingual pre-service teachers in a multicultural society
Authors: Moloney Robyn , Giles Andrew
Published: July 2016

In view of the increasing cultural and linguistic diversity in school classrooms in many English-majority countries, the profile of the pre-service teachers being trained to teach in those classrooms has become of research interest. It was found in a cohort of Australian pre-service teachers that one third of the cohort was plurilingual. This article reports the findings of a project which interviewed fifteen plurilingual pre-service teachers about their linguistic identity, tertiary studies, experiences during practicum teaching, and their beliefs about their future teaching career. The findings reveal dynamic, hybrid, empowered plurilingual identities within their personal lives. In their university studies, however, their skills are invisible, as there are no links made between their identities and their developing professional skills as new teachers. Experiences during practicum included both some validating interactions in diverse schools, but also feelings of exclusion in monolingual schools. The pre-service teachers were insightful as to the valuable skills they possessed which could enhance student learning. The study indicates the need, within the discourse of Australian multiculturalism, for teacher standards, teacher education and schools to recognise plurilingual pre-service teachers’ abilities as a teaching and learning resource, in order for them to achieve an integrated professional identity.
A framework for inclusion
Authors: Cruickshank Kenneth
Published: July 2016

Linguistic and cultural diversity is becoming a feature of the teaching profession in OECD countries with the increase in global migration and mobility (Reid, Collins & Singh, 2014). Plurilinguali teachers, however, tend to experience marginalisation in terms of gaining employment and in their workplace experiences. Although there is a body of research into the ex/inclusion of plurilingual teachers at the systemic/policy level and individual level, there is a gap in what is known about the school factors. The ways that plurilingual teachers are positioned and position themselves vary across sites. This paper draws on teacher interview data in community languages and day schools to explore the factors which determine the value attached to plurilingual teachers’ work and the skills they bring to their teaching. The key features include the extent to which cultural/linguistic diversity in incorporated in school curriculum, the impact and role of community participation in the school and the focus on and support for appropriate pedagogies and teacher professional development.
Activation of human bitter taste receptors by polymethoxylated flavonoids
Authors: Kuroda Yuki , Ikeda Riko , Yamazaki Toyomi , Ito Keisuke , Uda Kazunari , Wakabayashi Keiji , Watanabe Tatsuo
Published: July 2016

Tangeretin and nobiletin are polymethoxylated flavonoids in citrus peel. Both tangeretin and nobiletin are bitter; however, their bitterness has not been evaluated using human bitter taste receptors (hTAS2Rs). We screened 25 kinds of hTAS2Rs and found that hTAS2R14 and hTAS2R46 received both compounds.
Increase of β2-integrin on adhesion of THP-1 cells to collagen vitrigel membrane
Authors: Uchino Tadashi , Kuroda Yukie , Ishida Seiichi , Yamashita Kunihiko , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Oshikata Ayumi , Shimizu Kumiko , Kojima Hajime , Takezawa Toshiaki , Akiyama Takumi , Ikarashi Yoshiaki
Published: July 2016

When human monocyte-derived leukemia (THP-1) cells, which are floating cells, are stimulated with lipid peroxides, or Streptococcus suis, these cells adhere to a plastic plate or endothelial cells. However, it is unclear whether or not non-stimulated THP-1 cells adhere to collagen vitrigel membrane (CVM). In this study, firstly, we investigated the rate of adhesion of THP-1 cells to CVM. When THP-1 cells were not stimulated, the rate of adhesion to CVM was high. Then, to identify adhesion molecules involved in adhesion of THP-1 cells to CVM, expressions of various cell adhesion molecules on the surface of THP-1 cells adhering to CVM were measured. β-actin, β-catenin, and β1-integrin expressions did not change in non-stimulated THP-1 cells cultured on CVM compared with those in cells cultured in a flask, but β2-integrin expression markedly increased.
Lysosome acidification by photoactivated nanoparticles restores autophagy under lipotoxicity
Authors: Trudeau Kyle M. , Colby Aaron H. , Zeng Jialiu , Las Guy , Feng Jiazuo H. , Grinstaff Mark W. , Shirihai Orian S.
Published: July 2016

In pancreatic β-cells, liver hepatocytes, and cardiomyocytes, chronic exposure to high levels of fatty acids (lipotoxicity) inhibits autophagic flux and concomitantly decreases lysosomal acidity. Whether impaired lysosomal acidification is causally inhibiting autophagic flux and cellular functions could not, up to the present, be determined because of the lack of an approach to modify lysosomal acidity. To address this question, lysosome-localizing nanoparticles are described that, upon UV photoactivation, enable controlled acidification of impaired lysosomes. The photoactivatable, acidifying nanoparticles (paNPs) demonstrate lysosomal uptake in INS1 and mouse β-cells. Photoactivation of paNPs in fatty acid–treated INS1 cells enhances lysosomal acidity and function while decreasing p62 and LC3-II levels, indicating rescue of autophagic flux upon acute lysosomal acidification. Furthermore, paNPs improve glucose-stimulated insulin secretion that is reduced under lipotoxicity in INS1 cells and mouse islets. These results establish a causative role for impaired lysosomal acidification in the deregulation of autophagy and β-cell function under lipotoxicity.
The Sam68 nuclear body is composed of two RNase-sensitive substructures joined by the adaptor HNRNPL
Authors: Mannen Taro , Yamashita Seisuke , Tomita Kozo , Goshima Naoki , Hirose Tetsuro
Published: July 2016

The mammalian cell nucleus contains membraneless suborganelles referred to as nuclear bodies (NBs). Some NBs are formed with an architectural RNA (arcRNA) as the structural core. Here, we searched for new NBs that are built on unidentified arcRNAs by screening for ribonuclease (RNase)-sensitive NBs using 32,651 fluorescently tagged human cDNA clones. We identified 32 tagged proteins that required RNA for their localization in distinct nuclear foci. Among them, seven RNA-binding proteins commonly localized in the Sam68 nuclear body (SNB), which was disrupted by RNase treatment. Knockdown of each SNB protein revealed that SNBs are composed of two distinct RNase-sensitive substructures. One substructure is present as a distinct NB, termed the DBC1 body, in certain conditions, and the more dynamic substructure including Sam68 joins to form the intact SNB. HNRNPL acts as the adaptor to combine the two substructures and form the intact SNB through the interaction of two sets of RNA recognition motifs with the putative arcRNAs in the respective substructures.
Chromatin assembly: Journey to the CENter of the chromosome
Authors: Chen Chin-Chi , Mellone Barbara G.
Published: July 2016

All eukaryotic genomes are packaged into basic units of DNA wrapped around histone proteins called nucleosomes. The ability of histones to specify a variety of epigenetic states at defined chromatin domains is essential for cell survival. The most distinctive type of chromatin is found at centromeres, which are marked by the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A. Many of the factors that regulate CENP-A chromatin have been identified; however, our understanding of the mechanisms of centromeric nucleosome assembly, maintenance, and reorganization remains limited. This review discusses recent insights into these processes and draws parallels between centromeric and noncentromeric chromatin assembly mechanisms.
Genetically distinct leukemic stem cells in human CD34− acute myeloid leukemia are arrested at a hemopoietic precursor-like stage
Authors: Quek Lynn , Otto Georg W. , Garnett Catherine , Lhermitte Ludovic , Karamitros Dimitris , Stoilova Bilyana , Lau I-Jun , Doondeea Jessica , Usukhbayar Batchimeg , Kennedy Alison , Metzner Marlen , Goardon Nicolas , Ivey Adam , Allen Christopher , Gale Rosemary , Davies Benjamin , Sternberg Alexander , Killick Sally , Hunter Hannah , Cahalin Paul , Price Andrew , Carr Andrew , Griffiths Mike , Virgo Paul , Mackinnon Stephen , Grimwade David , Freeman Sylvie , Russell Nigel , Craddock Charles , Mead Adam , Peniket Andrew , Porcher Catherine , Vyas Paresh
Published: July 2016

Our understanding of the perturbation of normal cellular differentiation hierarchies to create tumor-propagating stem cell populations is incomplete. In human acute myeloid leukemia (AML), current models suggest transformation creates leukemic stem cell (LSC) populations arrested at a progenitor-like stage expressing cell surface CD34. We show that in ∼25% of AML, with a distinct genetic mutation pattern where >98% of cells are CD34−, there are multiple, nonhierarchically arranged CD34+ and CD34− LSC populations. Within CD34− and CD34+ LSC–containing populations, LSC frequencies are similar; there are shared clonal structures and near-identical transcriptional signatures. CD34− LSCs have disordered global transcription profiles, but these profiles are enriched for transcriptional signatures of normal CD34− mature granulocyte–macrophage precursors, downstream of progenitors. But unlike mature precursors, LSCs express multiple normal stem cell transcriptional regulators previously implicated in LSC function. This suggests a new refined model of the relationship between LSCs and normal hemopoiesis in which the nature of genetic/epigenetic changes determines the disordered transcriptional program, resulting in LSC differentiation arrest at stages that are most like either progenitor or precursor stages of hemopoiesis.
Use of electronic healthcare records to identify complex patients with atrial fibrillation for targeted intervention
Authors: Wang Shirley V , Rogers James R , Jin Yinzhu , Bates David W , Fischer Michael A
Published: July 2016

Background: Practice guidelines recommend anticoagulation therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have other risk factors putting them at an elevated risk of stroke. These patients remain undertreated, but, with increasing use of electronic healthcare records (EHRs), it may be possible to identify candidates for treatment.

Objective: To test algorithms for identifying AF patients who also have known risk factors for stroke and major bleeding using EHR data.

Materials and Methods: We evaluated the performance of algorithms using EHR data from the Partners Healthcare System at identifying AF patients and 16 additional conditions that are risk factors in the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED risk scores for stroke and major bleeding. Algorithms were based on information contained in problem lists, billing codes, laboratory data, prescription data, vital status, and clinical notes. The performance of candidate algorithms in 1000 bootstrap resamples was compared to a gold standard of manual chart review by experienced resident physicians.

Results: Physicians reviewed 480 patient charts. For 11 conditions, the median positive predictive value (PPV) of the EHR-derived algorithms was greater than 0.90. Although the PPV for some risk factors was poor, the median PPV for identifying patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 or a HAS-BLED score ≥3 was 1.00 and 0.92, respectively.

Discussion: We developed and tested a set of algorithms to identify AF patients and known risk factors for stroke and major bleeding using EHR data. Algorithms such as these can be built into EHR systems to facilitate informed decision making and help shift population health management efforts towards patients with the greatest need.
A framework for evaluating electronic health record vendor user-centered design and usability testing processes
Authors: Ratwani Raj M , Zachary Hettinger A , Kosydar Allison , Fairbanks Rollin J , Hodgkins Michael L
Published: July 2016

Objective: Currently, there are few resources for electronic health record (EHR) purchasers and end users to understand the usability processes employed by EHR vendors during product design and development. We developed a framework, based on human factors literature and industry standards, to systematically evaluate the user-centered design processes and usability testing methods used by EHR vendors.

Materials and Methods: We reviewed current usability certification requirements and the human factors literature to develop a 15-point framework for evaluating EHR products. The framework is based on 3 dimensions: user-centered design process, summative testing methodology, and summative testing results. Two vendor usability reports were retrieved from the Office of the National Coordinator’s Certified Health IT Product List and were evaluated using the framework.

Results: One vendor scored low on the framework (5 pts) while the other vendor scored high on the framework (15 pts). The 2 scored vendor reports demonstrate the framework’s ability to discriminate between the variabilities in vendor processes and to determine which vendors are meeting best practices.

Discussion: The framework provides a method to more easily comprehend EHR vendors’ usability processes and serves to highlight where EHR vendors may be falling short in terms of best practices. The framework provides a greater level of transparency for both purchasers and end users of EHRs.

Conclusion: The framework highlights the need for clearer certification requirements and suggests that the authorized certification bodies that examine vendor usability reports may need to be provided with clearer guidance.
Recognizing and treating patients with envenomations
Authors: Hurt John B. , Maday Kristopher R.
Published: July 2016

Venomous spiders and snakes are found throughout the United States, and clinicians often encounter patients with suspected spider or snakebites. Due to the significant morbidity and mortality that can be related to a particular envenomation, clinicians must be able to recognize the species of spiders and snakes that are capable of delivering a venomous bite. Through proper species identification, recognition of the specific signs and symptoms that specific venom produces, and understanding the treatment guidelines for the envenomation, clinicians can properly diagnosis, treat, and manage patients with venomous bites.
Mild traumatic brain injury in a gymnast
Authors: Knight Debra , Dewitt Rachel , Moser Sharon
Published: July 2016

Primary care providers often are responsible for the initial evaluation and management plan of young patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI, also called concussion), and need to be familiar with new protocols and how to incorporate them into a patient's treatment plan. This article describes a patient who suffered a mild TBI and returned to sports too early, and discusses the appropriate protocols for managing concussion in children.
Atypical chest discomfort in a 36-year-old man
Authors: Alexander Lisa Mustone , Robie Stephen , Baute Scott
Published: July 2016

This article focuses on aortic aneurysms and the evaluation of patients with atypical chest pain. A complete and accurate family history is essential. Clinicians should pay close attention to persistence of symptoms and age in patients with atypical chest discomfort who do not have routine confirmatory cardiac findings.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Skinder Danielle , Zacharia Ilana , Studin Jillian , Covino Jean
Published: July 2016

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an increasingly common diagnosis seen in men over age 50 years. Primary care providers must be aware of patient presentation, diagnostic tests, appropriate lifestyle modifications, treatment options, and potential complications in order to properly manage and educate patients with BPH. If left untreated, BPH can significantly decrease a man's quality of life; however, many pharmacologic and surgical treatments are available to control the symptoms.
FROM MICROBIOME TO METABOLOME
Authors: Vanhaecke L.
Published: July 2016

At least 1,000 bacterial species and 1020 individual bacterial cells have been found to inhabit the human intestine. These symbiotic and commensal organisms are in intimate communication with the host, providing the host specific capacities ranging from dietary energy recovery to protection against infectious diseases. In parallel, there is increasing awareness that many health disorders involve a significant perturbation of metabolism, which is intrinsically linked to the gut functional ecology. Unlike the human genome, the microbiome is relatively plastic. It can be rapidly altered through factors such as diet, drugs and pro‐ and prebiotics.

In the latter half of the 1990 s, mainly molecular‐biological approaches using 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to analyze the intestinal microbiota. More recently, metagenomic techniques allowed to delineate the range of structural and functional configurations in normal microbial communities of healthy populations. In the last years, metabolomics (=analysis of the whole of metabolites) has surfaced as an important tool to determine how human metabolic processes interact with those of gut microbiota and diet. By measuring the true metabolic end points at the end of the biomolecular gene‐protein‐metabolite cascade, the metabolic fingerprint provides the most accurate assessment of the biological state. In fact, metabolic fingerprinting offers new opportunities to explore individual needs in terms of foods, medication, etc. to formulate tangible biological hypotheses that can be tested at individual and population scale. Moreover, it enables the discovery of metabolic features, which characterize pathological and physiological states and may serve as diagnostic, prognostic or predictive disease biomarkers.
ONE STEP AHEAD
Authors: Daniel C.
Published: July 2016

There is a strong interest in unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in industrial robustness, cognate stress resistance and health‐promoting phenotypes of food bacteria. The patho‐biotechnology concept seeks to attain this goal, ultimately leading to the development of improved probiotic strains. This strategy, which involves the construction of genetically modified probiotics (mutant or recombinant), can be divided into three distinct approaches. (i) Delivery: engineering technological robustness; (ii) Survival: improved competitiveness in the gastrointestinal tract (or on other mucosa), and (iii) Efficacy: improved therapeutic/prophylactic qualities. During the past two decades, major health benefits of mucosally administered genetically modified lactic acid bacteria have been successfully demonstrated, predominantly using animal models. Modulation of the immune response and delivery of active molecules to mucosal sites have been the major applications of recombinant lactic acid bacteria. Recent studies describing health benefits of genetically modified lactic acid bacteria have been published on neonates’ animal models and will be discussed. The field has recently moved into the era of human clinical trials which showed positive indications on biological containment, safety, and tolerability with preliminary data demonstrating positive efficacy in human subjects. The potential of recombinant lactic acid bacteria as therapeutic tools for their safe and efficient use in human health will be outlined.
PROBIOTICS DELIVERY
Authors: Marzorati M.
Published: July 2016

Probiotics can be defined as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit to the host. Two crucial aspects determining the success of a probiotic treatment are the resistance of the bacteria to stomach acids and bile salts in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and their capacity to compete with the indigenous microbiota in the colon by eventually adhering to the mucus layer covering the gut wall. If these requirements are fulfilled, successful colonization of the intestinal tract can be expected, which might then result in beneficial effects on human health. The capacity to colonize the gastrointestinal tract is largely depending on the intrinsic characteristics of the probiotic strains (e.g. acid and bile tolerance), yet also on the specific formulation in which they are delivered to the gut. Formulations which protect the bacteria from the harsh conditions in the stomach and small intestine allow the probiotics to reach the colon under optimal conditions, which will of course allow more efficient competition with the resident microbial community.

The Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) has been used to assess how microencapsulation, gastric resistant capsules and food matrices (i.e. fermented milk or chocolate) can enhance the survival of the probiotic strains during the transition in the upper GIT under either fasted or fed conditions.
HUMAN MILK OLIGOSACCHARIDES
Authors: Soetaert W.
Published: July 2016

Human milk oligosaccharides are very complex molecules and hence are difficult to synthesize. These specialty carbohydrates are consequently very expensive and not available in sufficient quantities. Enzymatic synthesis is efficient for relatively simple carbohydrates but cannot be used for more complex carbohydrates. For the synthesis of highly complex carbohydrates, organic synthesis is not an efficient production method because of the high chirality and excessive presence of hydroxylic groups in the carbohydrate building blocks. Also extraction of these compounds from natural sources is hampered by the substrate availability and extraction cost.

To solve this problem, an efficient biotechnological production method for specialty carbohydrates has been developed. The method is based on the use of microbial cells in which a natural pathway has been expressed for the synthesis of the target specialty carbohydrate. Base strains that are engineered to generate the carbohydrate building blocks are equipped with a functional enzymatic pathway to produce the target specialty carbohydrate.

Using this platform technology, any naturally occurring specialty carbohydrate can be produced. Depending on the target, a biochemical pathway will be designed and expressed in one of the base strains. Through pathway engineering and optimisation, the production strains are optimised. The target carbohydrate is then produced by fermentation and is efficiently excreted in the culture medium. After fermentation, the target carbohydrate is recovered from the fermentation broth in high yield and purity using a down‐stream processing method.

This production method is generic and has been proven at pilot scale. The process is scaleable so that the availability of such carbohydrates is no longer the bottleneck. The Ghent University spin‐off company Inbiose is perfecting this technology and is currently able to produce over 100 t/a of these specialty carbohydrates.

The presentation will explain the features of the platform technology and will highlight concrete examples to produce a human milk oligosaccharide.
FECAL TRANSPLANTATION
Authors: De Looze D.
Published: July 2016

Faecal microbiota transplantation has at this moment only 1 established indication: relapsing infection with Clostridium Difficile. Numerous other conditions are thought to be linked to intestinal dysbiosis and therefore are a potential goal for FMT. Some of these conditions (IBD, metabolic syndrome) have been treated with FMT in randomized trials but with conflicting results. Besides the need for more adequate trials in order to establish the role of FMT, it is important that FMT is being performed in a standardized way and clear guidelines/conditions have to be applied with regard to donor selection, administration of donor faeces, fresh or frozen material, role of stool banks, registration of all FMT treatments, etc…
MICROBIOTA AND PROBIOTICS IN THE PRETERM
Authors: van Goudoever H.
Published: July 2016

The microbiome form infants born prematurely has a different development than that of term born infants. The number of bacteria is reduced, colonization occurs at a slower pace and the diversity is reduced. Many factors may play a role, including a reduced motility of the intestinal tract and a less well developed immune system, both specific and non‐specific. Mucus layer, produced by the goblet cells, is reduced and also the composition is altered. Together these factors may play a dominant role in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a condition that develops in approximately 3–10% of all very low birth weight infants. Interestingly, NEC is not observed in utero, very rarely in term infants and also not in preterm infants receiving total parenteral nutrition. Type of enteral nutrition clearly plays a role as the incidence is greatly reduced in infants who are receiving human milk as opposed to formula. A recent study showed that some exposure to cow's milk based formula in early life does not increase the risk of NEC, indicating that protective factors in human milk are responsible for a lower incidence of NEC in preterm infants. Probiotics are mentioned as an effective, cheap and save intervention reducing the NEC rate, but the meta‐analyses prevent firm conclusions on what strain(s), dose and time to start. The largest study, published last year, n = 1315, using Bifidobacterium breve as strain did not support the use of probiotic supplementation to reduce NEC rates, whereas the meta‐analyses show an overall high effect rate of probiotics. However, we should refrain from pooling data on different probiotics to avoid misleading consumers, parents, and health care professionals. We need data on individual probiotic strains, not on probiotics in general.
MICROBIOTA OF THE CELIAC PATIENT
Authors: Francavilla R.
Published: July 2016

Solid evidence indicates that gut microbiota (GM) plays a pivotal role in health and disease and recently, it has been hypothesised its role in the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD). Indeed, gluten ingestion is not sufficient to develop CD and environmental factors are fundamental. Several environmental factors such as duration of breast feeding, amount/timing of gluten introduction, neonatal, rotavirus or Helicobacter pylori infections are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of CD and are potential modifiers of GM, able to induce dysbiosis and eventually leading to an increased risk of CD. Studies on GM in CD have shown an imbalance of microbial composition with a decrease of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria both on fecal and duodenal samples. Interestingly, a gluten free diet (GFD) is able to induce only a partial recovery of the GM in CD patients. Indeed, some alterations (increase enterobacteria or staphylococci) are restored by GFD, while others (increased Bacteroides, virulent‐E. coli and decreased Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli) are persistent and therefore possibly associated with CD and, therefore, could play a more prominent role in CD. These modifications of GM might be secondary to a particular genetic background that shapes the GM or because the GFD decreases the ingestion of some prebiotic component such as fructans. This state of permanent dysbiosis of CD patient might be responsible for the increased prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) among these patients; indeed, the pooled OR for IBS symptoms were more than 5‐fold higher in CD compared with controls. These data raised the interest of the possible use of probiotics in the management of CD. Probiotic could modulate the composition and functions of GM and be initially used to improve IBS symptoms. We have found that a 6‐wk treatment with a probiotic mixture of 2 Lactobacilli (L. plantarum CECT‐4528; L. casei LMG P‐17504) and 3 Bifiodobacteria (B. breve LMG P‐17501; B. breve Bl10 LMG P‐17500; B. lactis LMG P‐17502) provided effective symptom relief in adult CD‐IBS patients. Other possible benefits could be the modulation of immune responses and the degradation of gluten contaminations.
MECHANISMS OF ANTIDIARRHEAL EFFECT BY PROBIOTICS
Authors: Guarino A. , Ruberto E. , Buccigrossi V.
Published: July 2016

Gastroenteritis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several microbial pathogens cause secretory diarrhea such as Vibrio cholerae and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli as well as enteric viruses such as Rotavirus (RV) and Norovirus and parasites including Cryptosporidium. Other agents induce inflammatory diarrhea such as Clostridium difficile, Shigella and selected strains of pathogenic E. coli.

Gastroenteritis is the result of multiple mechanisms that may mainly be summarized in enterotoxic (secretory diarrhea) or cytotoxic (osmotic diarrhea) as a consequence of ion secretion and epithelial damage, respectively. Other indirect mechanisms of infectious diarrhea include inflammation or altered regulatory processes involving hormones and neurotransmitters.

The first‐line treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children is the administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS) but this neither shortens the duration of diarrhea nor reduces the frequency of stool outputs. Therefore, active therapies are now recommended in adjunct to ORS for children with gastroenteritis.

The use of the specific probiotic strains, namely Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Saccharomyces boulardii, is included ESPGHAN/ESPID guidelines for the management of children with AGE as an adjunct to rehydration therapy.

Antidiarrheal drugs act at the luminal side of intestinal epithelium and modulate apical pathways, induce ion absorption or limit secretion, influence microbiome, modulate permeability, bind secretory moieties such as enterotoxins or bile acids. Probiotics are not drugs, but are rapidly effective in acute diarrhea reducing its duration and their effects have been linked to intestinal permeability and the modulation of intestinal microbiota and‐ indirectly‐ of inflammation. Those mechanisms are not consistent with the rapid effects of probiotics observed in children with acute diarrhea within hours since their initial administration. Evidence exists in favor of direct effects induced by probiotics on the enterocyte. Saccharomyces boulardii secreted moieties prevented RV‐induced oxidative stress and chloride secretion in human enterocytes. LGG exerted an ion proabsorptive effect through a direct antioxidant mechanisms and also promoted cell growth and differentiation acting on MAPKs. Those data indicate that the rapid and effective clinical effects by probiotics on acute diarrhea are probably the results of the direct microbe‐enterocyte rather than to the microbe‐microbiota or microbe‐immune interaction. This data provide an entirely new scenario for understanding the antidiarrheal mechanisms of probiotics in diarrhea.
MICROBIOTA AND HELICOBACTER PYLORI
Authors: Bontems P.
Published: July 2016

Long, the stomach was considered sterile because of its hostile environment for bacteria (acid pH, proteolytic enzymes, etc), its main functions being said to initiate the digestion and to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms present in the alimentation. Indeed, an hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria due to gastric anti‐secretory drugs or following gastric atrophy was known to increases the sensitivity to intestinal infections. The discovery of the pathogenic role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in 1982, however, ended this dogma.

It is now clear, however, from various studies performed over the past 10 years, that H. pylori is not the only bacterium able to colonize the human stomach. Different other bacteria have been isolated from the gastric lumen as well as from the outer and the inner part of the mucus layer in close contact with the mucosa. The composition of the gastric microbiota is not perfectly known at present since it remains difficult to distinguish in gastric samples the living bacteria from the dead ones but also to distinguish those that colonize the stomach of those that have been swallowed with food or saliva.

The most common component and numerically the largest gastric microbiota component is clearly H. pylori. For about 50 years, the prevalence of H. pylori, however, has decreased in developed countries and the possible consequences of this disappearance on human health are still not well known. Some studies suggest a role of its disappearance in increasing allergic disorders and oesophageal cancer.

The density and the diversity of the gastric microbiota is low in comparison with the intestinal microbiota. It has been estimated that about 200 different species can coexist in the stomach. The composition of the gastric microbiota may be influenced by food and mode of delivery at birth but also by the reduction of acid secretion (following the anti‐secretory drugs or following gastric atrophy) and the abundance of H. pylori. The gastric microbiota changes also affect the gut microbiota. There are no clinical implication for the analysis of the gastric microbiota for the moment but this is a fascinating research topic.
PROBIOTICS FOR THE PREVENTION OF PEDIATRIC UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS
Authors: Ozen M.
Published: July 2016

Acute upper respiratory infections (URTIs) are the most common reason for physician referral in childhood period and contribute substantially to pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prevention of these infections is a very important public health challenge. Even a minimal reduction, 5–10%, in the incidence of URTIs would have important clinical and economical impact on human race.

An URTI prevention method should be simple, easily‐available, low cost and without adverse reactions. The previous systematic reviews including adult and childhood populations reported that probiotics seem promising, but with modest evidence. The currently available studies suggest that probiotics in otherwise healthy children have a moderate effect in prevention of URTIs and diminish the severity of the infection symptoms. At least one beneficial effect of prophylactic probiotic use either on the incidence of URTIs or severity of a single episode was observed in the majority of randomized controlled studies (RCTs).

Furthermore, the long‐term administration of probiotics appeared to have a good safety profile in childhood and none of the studies did report any serious adverse events related to probiotic strain. A better understanding of the effects of different probiotic strains and a deeper insight into their mechanisms of action are needed. Further RCTs better study and report biological and microbiological effects of probiotic strains in order to validate the potential to modify the frequency and severity of URTIs in infants and children.
MICROBIOTA, PROBIOTICS AND CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Authors: Hauser B.
Published: July 2016

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited multisystemic disease affecting mainly the respiratory system but also the digestive system. Chronic inflammation is present in the CF gut and many CF‐related conditions like pulmonary inflammation are associated with systemic inflammation in which the gut microbiota may play an important role. There are qualitative and quantitative changes in the CF gut microbiota characterized by a lower bacterial abundance and species richness and a higher instability of bacterial abundance. This altered gut microbiota may affect inflammatory and immune responses and may be linked to gut inflammation in CF. Studies with probiotics have been performed in patients with CF to try to influence the gut microbiota composition to optimize the microbial interaction with the intestinal mucosa and consequential immune responses. Studies using Lactobacillus GG, Lactobacillus Reuteri and mixtures of probiotics in patients with CF have shown an improvement of the gut dysbiosis, a decrease of the gut inflammation and a reduction of the number of pulmonary exacerbations. We are performing a Belgian multicenter RDBPC cross‐over study in children with CF using a mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus vésalius 001 LMG S‐28148 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis vésalius 002 LMG 23512. Before recommending the use of probiotics as part of standard treatment in CF patients, larger studies are needed to prove its efficacy and safety.
PROBIOTICS IN URINARY TRACT INFECTION
Authors: Kara Ates
Published: July 2016

Urogenital infections, defined as that affect the bladder, kidneys, vagina, urethra, periurethra, and cervix, constitute a worldwide problem that affects both children and adults especially women. The main clinical outcome is morbidity and discomfort, in addition in developing world it is the leading cause of chronic renal disease and also enormous costs to the health care system for treatment.

Majority (≈70%) of urinary tract infection (UTI) nonhospitalized community is caused by Escherichia coli, followed by other enterobacteriaciae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

The origin of the uropathogens in uncomplicated UTI is the fecal flora. The key factor in the development of UTI is the ability of the pathogens to attach to epithelial cells, by this way they gained a niche that multiply, spread, and avoid host defenses. There are also, host susceptibility factors, including genetic determinants, age‐related changes, and mucosal differences that increased the risk of infection.

It has been shown that more than 50 species colonize the healthy vagina in adult women. Studies have shown that urogenital cells are covered by dense bacterial biofilms whose composition changes constantly but in which lactobacilli predominate. Uropathogenic organisms emerge from the intestine and come into contact with these biofilms on vaginal and urethral cells. It is presumed that uropathogens can either bypass the microflora or successfully enter the biofilms, survive, and continue their ascension into the bladder.

Studies have shown that antibiotic exposure can cause disruption of the urogenital microflora and increase risk of infection.

The dominant presence of lactobacilli in the urogenital microflora and the obliteration of lactobacilli in patients who develop UTI. Lactobacilli are gram‐positive rods, primarily facultative or strict anaerobes that generally have a fastidious growth requirement. They prefer an acidic environment and help create one by producing lactic and other acids.

The use of probiotics per se and lactobacilli specifically has received greater attention as an alternative, and natural remedy to restore and maintain health. Two strains, Lactobacillus GG and Lactobacillus rhamnosus appear to be effective at colonizing and protecting the intestine and urogenital tract, against microbial infection.

There is now growing evidence that certain species and strains present in the healthy urogenital tract protect the host against infection by pathogenic microorganisms. Many properties required to confer this protection have been identified, but evidence of their expression in vivo is scant and the relative significance of each is unknown. The concept of treating and preventing urogenital infection by instillating probiotic organisms has great appeal to patients and caregivers.