bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P1332 Differences in gut microbiome regarding education level, occupation and income level during COVID-19
Authors: Straume Z , Krumina N , Elbere I , Rozenberga M , Blomniece L , Zidkova L , Rudzite D , Erts R , Megnis K , Krumina A 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Psychological and physical stress can worsen symptoms and contribute to flare-ups in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. The education level, occupation and income level may affect ulcerative colitis patients during stressful periods such as COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods
In 12 months time (June 2021 to June 2022) 79 ulcerative colitis (UC) outpatients from Riga East Clinical University Hospital and 78 healthy controls were included in a Cross-sectional study. All patients were divided into groups according to medically proven data about COVID-19 status (COVID-19pos vs. COVID-19neg) within the last 6 months. Information about education, occupation, income level, stress, and faecal samples was collected. For taxonomical classifying of the gut microbiome shotgun-metagenome data, MetaPhlAn v.2.6.0 tool was used. Stress levels were evaluated by subjective self-assessment reporting high stress in the last month. In further analysis gut microbiome (mostly bacteria phyla) and related data were analysed with SPSS 20.0.

Results
In the UC group were 35(44.3%) female and 44(55.7%) males, in controls 63 (80.8%) female and 15(19.2%) male,p&lt;0.001. UC group had fewer COVID-19 cases (16(20.5%) vs. 48(61.5%),p&lt;0.001) and were sick for a shorter time (M=2.85;SD=7.10 vs. M=5.68;SD=5.22,p=0.005). UC group with COVID-19 symptoms had less Verrucomicrobia (M=0.1; SD=0.3 vs.M=0.8; SD=2.0,p=0.012). In both groups was equally high stress in the last month; no statistically significant changes were found. UC group was more worried about contracting COVID-19 than controls 29(38.7%)vs.9(11.5%),p&lt;0.001. Evaluating occupation, respondents were in service (56(70.9%)UC vs.72(92.3%) controls,p=0.001). Evaluating education level, 38(48.1%) UC patients had a high school education level vs. 6(7.69%) in the control group p&lt;0.001. Less respondents had a university and above university education level (37(46.8%) in the UC colitis group vs. 72(92.3%) in the control group&lt;0.001. Regarding income level, fewer participants in the UC group considered their income as high 12(15.2%) vs.38(48.7%),p&lt;0.001. UC group respondents considered their income as average 56(70.9%) more often than control 32(41.0%),p&lt;0.001.

Conclusion
UC patients had COVID-19 less frequently and suffered from COVID-19 shorter time than healthy controls. Both groups underwent high stress in the last month before the interview. UC patients were worried more about contracting COVID-19 than controls. UC group had a high school education and considered their income as average. There were no differences regarding stress levels and gut microbiota in UC and healthy controls. Those in the UC group who had COVID-19 symptoms had less Verrucomicrobia.
P1341 Probing the interaction of probiotic bacterial extracellular vesicles with primary colonic epithelium using an ex-vivo organoid platform
Authors: Hentschel V , Govindarajan D , Ziermann A , Rolle-Kampczyk U , Jehmlich N , von Bergen M , Schulte S , Schäfer K H , Bökel C , Seufferlein T 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEV) are increasingly recognized as a relevant mode of contactless host-microbiota communication. BEV are nanoparticles pinched off from the membrane of multiple bacteria and carry nucleic acid snippets and functional proteins inherited from their parental bacteria. While evidence suggests that BEV act as transmitters to modulate the immune response, only scarce data exist as to whether and how efficiently BEV are internalized by colonic epithelium as the host‘s front line in the gut. This study aims to quantify BEV internalization into primary colonic epithelium and explore structural and physicochemical properties of BEV potentially influencing uptake.

Methods
BEV were isolated from Limosilactobacillus reuteri (LR) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) and incubated with either colonoids or colonic epithelial monolayers from C57BL/6 mice. BEV were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP) analysis, as well as lipidomic and proteomic analysis. Uptake of BEV into colonic epithelium was assessed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.

Results
BEV of either species displayed a uniform appearance with a lipid bilayer on TEM. NTA showed similar spectra of sizes with a dominant peak around 100 nm whereas with DLS particle size readings were higher and showed a bimodal distribution. The ZP of BEV measured in buffer with physiological salinity did not differ between LR and LP. Gas chromatographic mass spectrometry analysis revealed neither qualitative nor quantitative differences in the composition of long chain fatty acid in BEV membranes. As opposed to LP, LR pellets showed proteomic enrichment of pathways linked to glycerolipid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and terpenoid backbone synthesis, being precursor steps of lipoteichoic acid synthesis (LTA). LTA could be detected in BEV of both species, but appeared to more abundant in LR-BEV. A dose-dependent increment in BEV uptake rates was noted in both species, with LR-BEV being more readily internalized by colonic epithelium. Epithelial cells exposed to LR-BEV were characterized by irregular nuclei and partial detachment from the surface whilst cells incubated with LP-BEV appeared morphologically normal. The quantity of viable cells was reduced in colonoids treated with LR-BEV, but not LP-BEV. In the presence of LR-BEV, colonoids were less likely to undergo apoptosis.

Conclusion
LR- and LP-BEV differ in their ability to enter colonic epithelium and interfere with cellular homeostasis. A variable degree of LTA decoration of BEV membranes might account for differential uptake into the host cell.
P1347 Gut Microbial DL-Endopeptidase in Crohn’s Disease: Links to Inflammation and Dietary Modulation
Authors: Zhu Z , Wu X , He X , Feng R , Zhou H , Chen M 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Diet and gut microbiota are pivotal in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). DL-endopeptidases from Firmicutes can produce ligands for NOD2 receptors, facilitating the alleviation of intestinal inflammation. This study investigates how diet influences gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation, focusing on the correlation between dietary intake and the abundance of DL-endopeptidase genes, and explores potential dietary interventions.

Methods
Data were derived from the SOURCE cohort at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, including 252 participants (47 CD patients and 205 healthy controls). Fecal metagenomic sequencing quantified three DL-endopeptidase subclasses: secreted NLPC_P60 (P60S), non-secreted NLPC_P60 (P60N), and peptidase M14 (M14). A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) assessed dietary intake across 27 nutrients. Correlations were analyzed between DL-endopeptidase gene abundance, CD clinical features, inflammatory markers, and nutrient intake.

Results
CD patients showed significantly lower abundance of all three DL-endopeptidase subclasses compared to healthy controls (P &lt; 0.01). Among CD patients, M14 abundance was higher in remission compared to mild (P &lt; 0.1） or moderate disease activity (P &lt; 0.05). DL-endopeptidase abundance was not associated with disease location, behavior, upper gastrointestinal involvement, or perianal lesions (P &gt; 0.05). Negative correlations were observed between DL-endopeptidase and inflammatory markers (WBC, platelets, ESR, CRP), while positive correlations emerged with remission markers (hemoglobin, albumin, vitamin D).
Dietary analyses revealed negative correlations between M14 and fat, red meat, and iron intake in healthy controls (P &lt; 0.05), with similar trends for P60S and P60N. In CD patients, P60N negatively correlated with total energy intake (P &lt; 0.05), while vitamin B12 and vitamin D positively correlated with DL-endopeptidase abundance.

Conclusion
DL-endopeptidase abundance is linked to gut inflammation and dietary patterns in CD. Dietary interventions could potentially modulate DL-endopeptidase-producing Firmicutes bacteria to mitigate inflammation. Future studies aim to validate these findings in external cohorts and animal models, offering new insights into dietary strategies as adjunct therapies for CD. This work highlights the importance of the diet-microbiota-inflammation axis in understanding and managing CD progression and prognosis.
P1354 Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis remission from the perspective of gut microbiota: when is non-invasiveness useful?
Authors: Tarasova G , Zubova A 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The growing global prevalence of UC (UC) necessitates continued advances in diagnostics and treatment. Numerous studies show that changes in the composition of the gut microbiota constitute an important factor influencing both the development of ulcerative colitis and the prognosis of the disease, drug metabolism and effectiveness of treatment. Gut microbiota can be considered as a promising dynamic biomarker for non-invasive assessment of the severity of UC and the effectiveness of treatment.

Methods
The study included 21 patients (age from 20 to 41 years, 13 men and 8 women) in the relapse phase of UC - left-sided UC with mild to moderate activity (Truelov-Witts scale, Mayo index); and 20 patients (age from 26 to 52 years, 10 men and 10 women) in the phase of clinical endoscopic remission. The gut microbiota was assessed by NGS sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene structure using the IlluminaMiSeq platform. After the normality test, we performed statistical analysis using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test, the analysis is presented by median and quartiles.

Results
Statistically significant differences between the relapse and remission groups were identified for 15 genera of microorganisms. In the relapse group, higher levels of Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Granulicatella, Pelomonas, TM7x, Actinomyces, Gemella, Corynebacterium, Bradyrhizobium, and lower levels of NK4A214_group, Pseudoscardovia, Family_XIII_UCG-001, Anaerofilum, Candidatus_Soleaferrea, DNF00809 were found (tab. 1).
Data obtained demonstrates taxonomic differences at the genus level in patients in the relapse phase and in clinical and endoscopic remission of UC (fig. 1).

Conclusion
Data obtained demonstrates taxonomic differences at the genus level in patients in the relapse phase and in clinical and endoscopic remission of UC. The identified structural changes in the gut microbiota allow for implementation as a non-invasive method for monitoring the course of progression the disease.
P1357 Association between stool infection and C - reactive protein levels in Ulcerative Colitis: A retrospective analysis in Albania
Authors: Sina Dr. M , Hoxha S , Telaku S , Pemaj X , Osja E , Prifti S 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Stool infections complicate the management of Ulcerative Colitis (UC), worsening symptoms and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between stool infections and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a marker of inflammation, in UC patients.

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted at the IBD Unit, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Tirana, Albania, between April and October 2024. A total of 25 active (mean total Mayo score 5.72 ±1.67) UC patients (15 females, 10 males, mean age 41.96 ± 13.99 years, disease duration 9.26 ± 11.59 years) were included. Stool samples were tested for pathogens, and CRP levels were measured. Demographic data, and treatment history (including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antibiotics) were recorded. The relationship between CRP levels, stool infection status, and clinical variables was analyzed using Pearson correlation and logistic regression models. ANOVA was used to compare CRP levels between UC patients with and without stool infection.

Results
Stool infections were present in 10 of 25 patients (40%), with 6 (60%) having multiple infections. Identified pathogens included Clostridium difficile (3), Enteropathogenic E. Coli (4), Enterohemorrhagic E. Coli (1), Dientamoeba fragilis (2), Aeromonas species (2), Norovirus (2), Shiga toxin-producing bacteria (2), Salmonella (1), and Blastocystis species (1). Of the infected patients, 4 (40%) were on multiple drugs, (corticosteroid and immunosuppressant), and 1 (10%) had recent antibiotic use. The mean CRP level was significantly higher in the stool infection group (13.09 ± 13.73 mg/L vs 4.41 ± 4.75 mg/L (F = 5.163, p = 0.033). A significant correlation was seen between CRP levels and stool infection (r =0.420, p = 0.041). Logistic regression suggested that each 1-unit increase in CRP was associated with an increase of 11.5% in the odds of stool infection {Exp (B) = 1.115}, though this trend was not statistically significant (p = 0.076).

Conclusion
Stool infection is associated with higher CRP levels in UC patients, suggesting increased inflammation in the presence of infection. Although CRP levels correlate with infection status, they do not reliably predict stool infection risk in this cohort. This study highlights the common occurrence of stool infections among UC patients and the potential role of infection in disease activity, though further research is needed to clarify the predictive value of CRP and other biomarkers in UC management.
P1358 Microbiome differences in ulcerative colitis patients and healthy controls during the COVID-19 outbreak regarding dietary preferences, supplement, probiotic and antibiotic consumption history
Authors: Straume Z , Krumina N , Elbere I , Rozenberga M , Blomniece L , Zidkova L , Rudzite D , Erts R , Megnis K , Krumina A 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
There has been much interest in the possible benefits of microbiome-modulating interventions, such as probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics in ulcerative colitis. Microbiota plays an important role in host health and is perturbed by several factors including antibiotics and diseases like coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods
From June 2021 to June 2022 79 ulcerative colitis (UC) outpatients from Riga East Clinical University Hospital and 78 healthy controls were included in a Cross-sectional study. All patients were divided into groups according to medically proven data about COVID-19 status (COVID-19pos vs. COVID-19neg) within the last 6 months. Information about diet, vitamin, probiotic, and antibiotic intake and faecal samples were collected. MetaPhlAn v.2.6.0 tool was used for taxonomically classifying the gut microbiome shotgun-metagenome data. In further analysis gut microbiome (mostly bacteria phyla) and related data were analysed with SPSS 20.0.

Results
Overall, 157 participants were included in the study: 79 patients with ulcerative colitis and 78 healthy controls. In the UC group were 35(44.3%) female and 44(55.7%) males, in controls 63(80.8%) female and 15(19.2%) male, p&lt;0.001.The most followed diets were lactose-free diet (8(10.5%) vs.3(3.90%), p=0.2) and gluten-free diet (4(5.19%) vs 6 (7.79%),p=0.7). Controls were more in low carb diet (3 (3.80%) vs.7(8.97%),p=0.2). Vegetarians were more in controls (1(1.27%) vs. 6(7.69%), p=0.06). There were no statistically significant differences regarding sweet consumption and gut microbiome in both groups. In the UC group fewer vitamin C users (8(10.1%) vs. 20(25.6%), p=0.02, vitamin D users 26(32.9%) vs.44(56.4%), p=0.005,vitamin B 4(5.06%) vs. 15(19.2%),p=0.01. In the UC group vitamin C users had less Euryarchaeota (M=0.0;SD=0.1 vs. M=1.0;SD=2.2,p&lt;0.001) and fewer Proteobacteria (M=1.4;SD=1.3 vs. M=4.1;SD=7.8,p=0.11) than non-users. No Euryarchaeota were found in UC using vitamin B (M=0.0; SD+0.0 vs. M=0.9;SD=2.1,p&lt;0.001). No statistical significance was found regarding use of antibiotics in both groups. Probiotics were used less frequently in the UC group at the time of the interview (13(16.5%) vs. 22(28.2%),p=0.1) and during the last month (13(16.5%) vs. 22(28.2%),p=0.1), no statistically significant differences were found in their gut microbiota. There were no statistically significant differences regarding the use of vitamin D and gut microbiome.

Conclusion
The most followed diets were lactose-free and gluten-free diets. There were no differences regarding sweet and vitamin D consumption and gut microbiome. In the UC group vitamin C users had less Euryarchaeota and less Proteobacteria than no users. There were no Euryarchaeota found in UC who were using vitamin B.
N11 Switching from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab enhances trough levels and can facilitate de-escalation of concomitant immunomodulation, irrespective of the HLA DQA1*05 status: a prospective real-world study
Authors: Fitzgerald A L , McBride J , Robertson H , Turnbull J , Talbot A , Whitehead E , Sebastian S 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
There is emerging data on the continued efficacy of infliximab when switched from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) route in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The impact of cessation of concomitant immunomodulators (IMMs) following switch on trough levels or development of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) is not evaluated in real world practice. We aimed to study the impact of cessation of IMMs following switch of infliximab from IV to SC route and determine relationship with HLA- DQA1 *05 status.

Methods
Consecutive patients who participated in a planned switch programme were prospectively included. Clinical, biomarker and pharmacokinetic data were collected pre-switch, and at 8 weekly intervals post switch for 6 months. Trough levels and remission status in patients who discontinued or reduced the dose of IMMs were compared with those who remained or continued same dose on IMMs. All patients had HLA-DQA1*05 status determined at initiation of Infliximab and we evaluated the impact of HLA status on development of anti-Infliximab antibodies post switch.

Results
One hundred and fifteen patients (M: F=1.4:1, Median age 44 years (13-76), UC/CD (48/67) who completed 6 month follow up were included. All patients were in clinical and biomarker remission prior to the switch. 72 patients (62.6%) were on concomitant IMMs and 46 (40.86%) was HLADQA1*05 positive. The mean infliximab trough level prior to switch was 5.54 µg/mL which increased 8 weeks post switch to 12.52 µg/mL (p=0.006). The enhancement of levels persisted at 16 weeks (Mean 16.28) and at week 24 (17.25). 36 patients (32%) were positive for ADAs before switch; in 8 patients (22%) the ADAs disappeared at 8 weeks and in further 4 (total 33%) by 6 months. In total antibody titre reduced or become negative in 17 patients (48.6%), static in 14 patients (40%) but increased in 5 patients (14%) without significant lowering of trough levels. 18 of the 72 patients (25%) had IMMs discontinued, and dose reduced in further 21 patients. The total de-escalation rate was 54% and none of these patients developed ADAs at 6 months irrespective of the HLADQA1*05 status (HR = 0.76, 95% = 0.64 to 1.73, p 0.12). One patient switched back to IV due to personal preference. At 6 months none of the patients discontinued SC infliximab or were switched within or out of class.

Conclusion
Switch from IV to SC infliximab is effective in maintaining and enhancing trough levels with positive impact on reducing ADAs. It is feasible to de-escalate concomitant IMMs in a considerable proportion of patients following switch. Economic analysis of switch should be incorporated in the feasibility of IMMs withdrawal.
N12 Patient perspectives of switch in route of administration among patients established on long term intravenous Infliximab therapy
Authors: Fitzgerald A L , McBride J , Ibrahim F , Whitehead E , Sebastian S 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
An increasing number of patients are switching from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) formulations of biologic agents for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Research is needed to inform discussions about therapy choices for individual patients switching to SC route from established long term on IV therapy. This study investigates patient preferences, willingness to switch from IV to SC, and factors associated with acceptability of switch.

Methods
We administered a 6-item questionnaire ranked on Likert’s scale to patients undergoing planned switch from IV to SC Infliximab at our IBD centre. The questionnaire measured patient perspectives in the use of both formulations as well as the acceptability of the process of switching between them. In addition, the overall acceptability rating of the route of administration was measured on a visual analogue scale. Baseline characteristics and disease behaviour was recorded from electronic records. Eligibility to switch was deemed as being clinically stable based on clinicians’ assessment and on maintenance Infliximab therapy for ≥12.

Results
Eighty eight patients (M: F =1.2:1, UC=35, Crohn’s=53) of the 115 patients (76.5%) who were switched from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab completed pre and post switch survey. Median age at switch was 32 years (range 17- 76) and median duration of intravenous therapy prior to switch was 156 weeks (IQR 81). Median follow up post switch was 25 weeks (IQR 38).
The proportion of patients strongly satisfied with their route of administration increased from 30% to 68% following SC switch. Negative impact on activities of daily living improved from 26% to 1% post switch.11% of patients reported negative financial consequences with IV route while post switch 98% reported no financial consequences. 9% and 8% were not in favour of or neutral to IV route pre-switch. Following switch 98% favoured SC route and 2% were neutral to the route of administration. Mean acceptability score post SC switch (9.5, range 8-10) was better than prior to switch (8, range 5-10) with 86/88 (97.7%) patients reporting equal or higher scores post switch.

Conclusion
Patients with IBD tend to be more likely to choose SC administration than IV infusion, but preferences and drivers of choice may vary according among individuals. These findings may assist discussions around appropriate treatment choices for each patient.