2008/5-6


J Pediatr. 2008 Jul;153(1):45-9.
Cutoff volume of dietary fiber to ameliorate constipation in children.
Chao HC, Lai MW, Kong MS, Chen SY, Chen CC, Chiu CH.
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Cutoff volumes of daily dietary fiber intake in the relief of constipation were 10 g in the younger group and 14.5 g in the older group. CONCLUSION: The cutoff of dietary fiber intake needed to relieve constipation increased with age, achievable in a 12-week intervention.
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Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 Jul;24(7):1841-52.
Cost-effectiveness of macrogol 4000 compared to lactulose in the treatment of chronic functional constipation in the UK.
Guest JF, Clegg JP, Helter MT.
Catalyst Health Economics Consultants, Northwood, Middlesex, UK. julian.guest@catalyst-health.co.uk

J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2008 Jun;18(6):1109-1114.
Biotransformation of Ginsenoside Rb1, Crocin, Amygdalin, Geniposide, Puerarin, Ginsenoside Re, Hesperidin, Poncirin, Glycyrrhizin, and Baicalin by Human Fecal Microflora and Its Relation to Cytotoxicity Against Tumor by Human Fecal Microflora and Its Relation to Cytotoxicity Against Tumor.
Kim YS, Kim JJ, Cho KH, Jung WS, Moon SK, Park EK, Kim DH.
College of Oriental Medicine Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea.

Dis Colon Rectum. 2008 Jul;51(7):1113-9.
Intestinal mucosa-associated microflora in ulcerative colitis patients before and after restorative proctocolectomy with an ileoanal pouch.
Almeida MG, Kiss DR, Zilberstein B, Quintanilha AG, Teixeira MG, Habr-Gama A.
Digestive Surgery Division, Coloproctology Service of the Gastroenterology Department, Sao Paulo University, Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil. dramgalmeida@uol.com.br
Veillonella sp was the most prevalent bacterium in patients and controls. Klebsiella sp was significantly more prevalent in the ileum of controls, was not found in patients with ulcerative colitis, and after proctocolectomy returned to values found in controls. Some bacteria such as Enterobacter sp, Staphylococcus sp (coag-), Bacteroides sp (npg), Lactobacillus sp, and Veillonella sp had higher mean concentrations in the ileal pouch of patients after surgery than in controls. CONCLUSION: No bacterium was identified that could be exclusively responsible for the maintenance of the inflammatory process. The mucosa-associated microflora of patients with ulcerative colitis underwent significant changes after proctocolectomy with ileal pouch construction and returned to almost normal values for some bacteria.

Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2008;53(1):89-93.
Impact of colostomy on intestinal microflora and bacterial translocation in young rats fed with heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus strain LB.
Rigon-Zimmer K, Mullie C, Tir-Touil-Meddah A, Buisson P, Leke L, Canarelli JP.
Faculte de Pharmacie, Universite de Picardie Jules Verne, 80037, Amiens Cedex 1, France.
Generally, the number of enterococci was increased in both ileum and cecum; cecal lactobacilli also rose, accounting for a promotion of lactic acid bacteria in colostomised rats. No significant differences between colostomised, laparotomised and control rats could be observed for the translocation of intestinal bacteria to internal organs of rats (i.e. spleen, kidneys, lungs or liver), whatever their diet. Heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus strain LB administration (dead probiotic bacteria) tended to exhibit a stimulatory effect on bifidobacteria, probably affecting the culture-medium fermentation substances included in the pharmaceutical product. This effect was abolished by laparotomy and colostomy. A trend towards a probiotic-like effect, not susceptible to colostomy, was also witnessed as counts of lactobacilli tended to increase in both cecum and colon of all animals fed with L. acidophilus LB.

World J Gastroenterol. 2008 May 14;14(18):2872-6.
A simple and rapid method for extracting bacterial DNA from intestinal microflora for ERIC-PCR detection.
Yang JL, Wang MS, Cheng AC, Pan KC, Li CF, Deng SX.
Avian Diseases Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine of Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan 625014, Sichuan Province, China. chenganchun@vip.163.com.

Int J Food Microbiol. 2008 Jun 10;124(3):295-8.
The potential influence of fruit polyphenols on colonic microflora and human gut health.
Parkar SG, Stevenson DE, Skinner MA.
The Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand Limited, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Polyphenols appear to have potential to alter gut microecology and, by affecting the total number of beneficial microflora in the gut, may confer positive gut health benefits.

Int J Med Microbiol. 2008 Jul;298(5-6):463-72.
Imbalance in intestinal microflora constitution could be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.
Takaishi H, Matsuki T, Nakazawa A, Takada T, Kado S, Asahara T, Kamada N, Sakuraba A, Yajima T, Higuchi H, Inoue N, Ogata H, Iwao Y, Nomoto K, Tanaka R, Hibi T.
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
Contrary to previous reports, we found that the B. fragilis group was significantly decreased in the faeces of patients with IBD. Moreover, B. vulgatus was the predominant microflora in healthy controls and relatively decreased among IBD patients. Most of the microflora adhering to the colonic mucosa surrounding the mucus layer comprised C. coccoides group and Bifidobacterium. B. fragilis group mainly inhabited the faeces, but did not adhere to or invade the mucosa. The concentrations of propionic and butyric acids in the faeces were significantly decreased in patients with IBD. These findings indicate that IBD is not caused by a specific intestinal bacterial cluster or species and that disordered intestinal microflora could be involved in the pathogenesis of IBD.

Br J Nutr. 2008 Jul 1:1-10.
Effect of inulin on the human gut microbiota: stimulation of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
Ramirez-Farias C, Slezak K, Fuller Z, Duncan A, Holtrop G, Louis P.
Microbial Ecology Group, Gut Health Division, Rowett Research Institute, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, UK.
The prevalence of most bacterial groups examined did not change after inulin intake, although the low G+C % Gram-positive species Faecalibacterium prausnitzii exhibited a significant increase (10.3 % for control period v. 14.5 % during inulin intake, P = 0.019). The composition of the genus Bifidobacterium was studied in four of the volunteers by clone library analysis. Between three and five Bifidobacterium spp. were found in each volunteer. Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium longum were present in all volunteers, and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium dentium were also detected. Real-time PCR was employed to quantify the four most prevalent Bifidobacterium spp., B. adolescentis, B. longum, B. pseudocatenulatum and B. bifidum, in ten volunteers carrying detectable levels of bifidobacteria. B. adolescentis showed the strongest response to inulin consumption, increasing from 0.89 to 3.9 % of the total microbiota (P = 0.001). B. bifidum was increased from 0.22 to 0.63 % (P < 0.001) for the five volunteers for whom this species was present.

Poult Sci. 2008 Jul;87(7):1415-27.
Change in the Ileal Bacterial Population of Turkeys Fed Different Diets and After Infection with Salmonella as Determined with Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis of Amplified 16S Ribosomal DNA.
Santos AA Jr, Ferket PR, Santos FB, Nakamura N, Collier C.
Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, Orlando 32803;
On the basis of contrast analysis, the wheat-based diets resulted in higher microbial diversity indexes than the corn-based diets (S = 10 vs. 12; E(H) = 0.9 vs. 0.8; H' = 2.2 vs. 1.9, P < 0.05). Likewise, enzyme supplementation stimulated growth of the microbiota and increased the diversity indexes in comparison with unsupplemented treatments (S = 13 vs. 10; E(H) = 0.9 vs. 0.8; H' = 2.2 vs. 1.9, P < 0.05). Salmonella prevalence was higher (P < 0.05) at 15 wk in turkeys fed the corn-based diet (Salmonella prevalence = 50%) than in turkeys fed the corn-enzyme (Salmonella prevalence = 13%) and wheat-based (Salmonella prevalence = 0%) dietary treatments. Therefore, contrast analysis showed that birds fed the corn control diet had lower microbiota diversity but higher Salmonella prevalence than birds fed the enzyme-supplemented and wheat-based diets. In contrast, birds fed the wheat-based diets had higher diversity but lower Salmonella prevalence than birds fed the corn-based diets. High dietary nonstarch polysaccharides from wheat and dietary exogenous enzyme supplementation promoted microbial community diversity and apparently discouraged Salmonella colonization through competitive exclusion. Nonstarch polysaccharides and dietary exogenous enzyme supplementation may be practical tools to control enteric pathogens and benefit the intestinal health and food safety of the birds.

J Nutr. 2008 Jul;138(7):1310-6.
Eubacterium limosum activates isoxanthohumol from hops (Humulus lupulus L.) into the potent phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin in vitro and in rat intestine.
Possemiers S, Rabot S, Espin JC, Bruneau A, Philippe C, Gonzalez-Sarrias A, Heyerick A, Tomas-Barberan FA, De Keukeleire D, Verstraete W.
Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, B-9000 Gent, Belgium.

Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Jun;87(6):1785-92.
Dietary nucleotides and fecal microbiota in formula-fed infants: a randomized controlled trial.
Singhal A, Macfarlane G, Macfarlane S, Lanigan J, Kennedy K, Elias-Jones A, Stephenson T, Dudek P, Lucas A.
Childhood Nutrition Research Center, Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom. a.singhal@ich.ucl.ac.uk
Our data support the hypothesis that nucleotide supplementation improves the composition of the gut microbiota in formula-fed infants. Because this effect could contribute to previously described benefits of nucleotide supplementation for gastrointestinal tract and immune function, these findings have important implications for optimizing the diet of formula-fed infants.

Anim Health Res Rev. 2008 Jun;9(1):101-10.
Interactions between commensal bacteria and the gut-associated immune system of the chicken.
Brisbin JT, Gong J, Sharif S.
Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Curr Mol Med. 2008 Jun;8(4):282-98.
The role of microbiota and probiotics in stress-induced gastro-intestinal damage.
Lutgendorff F, Akkermans LM, Soderholm JD.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Surgery, University Hospital, SE-581 85 Linkoping, Sweden. johda@ibk.liu.se.

J Rheumatol. 2008 Jun 1.
Fecal Microbiota in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Vaahtovuo J, Munukka E, Korkeamaki M, Luukkainen R, Toivanen P.
From CyFlo Ltd., Turku; Department of Rheumatology, Satakunta Central Hospital, Rauma; and Department of Medical Microbiology, Turku University, Turku, Finland.
In comparison to patients with FM, the RA patients had significantly less bifidobacteria and bacteria of the Bacteroides-Porphyromonas-Prevotella group, Bacteroides fragilis subgroup, and Eubacterium rectale - Clostridium coccoides group. Results from the 8 probes showed a significant overall difference between the 2 patient groups, indicating widespread microbial differences. CONCLUSION: These findings support the hypothesis that intestinal microbes participate in the etiopathogenesis of RA.

Am J Gastroenterol. 2008 Jun;103(6):1557-67.
Gastrointestinal microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome: their role in its pathogenesis and treatment.
Parkes GC, Brostoff J, Whelan K, Sanderson JD.
Diet and Gastrointestinal Health, Nutritional Sciences Division, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.

FEMS Microbiol Ecol. 2008 Jun;64(3):482-93.
In vitro fermentation of oat and barley derived beta-glucans by human faecal microbiota.
Hughes SA, Shewry PR, Gibson GR, McCleary BV, Rastall RA.
Department of Food Biosciences, The University of Reading, Berkshire, UK.

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2008 Jun;53(1):18-25.
Bifidobacterium microbiota and parameters of immune function in elderly subjects.
Ouwehand AC, Bergsma N, Parhiala R, Lahtinen S, Gueimonde M, Finne-Soveri H, Strandberg T, Pitkala K, Salminen S.
Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Each participant harboured on average approximately three different bifidobacterial species. The most frequently detected species were B. longum, Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Depending on the treatment, the intervention resulted in specific changes in the levels of certain Bifidobacterium species, and positive correlations were found between the different species. Negative correlations were observed between the levels of Bifidobacterium species and the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and the regulatory cytokine IL-10. The presence of faecal B. longum and Bifidobacterium animalis correlated with reduced serum IL-10. The anti-inflammatory TGF-beta1 levels were increased over time in all three groups, and the presence of Bifidobacterium breve correlated with higher serum TGF-beta1 levels. This indicates that modulation of the faecal Bifidobacterium microbiota may provide a means of influencing inflammatory responses.

Diabetes. 2008 Jun;57(6):1470-81.
Changes in gut microbiota control metabolic endotoxemia-induced inflammation in high-fat diet-induced obesity and diabetes in mice.
Cani PD, Bibiloni R, Knauf C, Waget A, Neyrinck AM, Delzenne NM, Burcelin R.
Unit of Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism, Nutrition and Toxicology, Universite catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
This finding demonstrates that changes in gut microbiota controls metabolic endotoxemia, inflammation, and associated disorders by a mechanism that could increase intestinal permeability. It would thus be useful to develop strategies for changing gut microbiota to control, intestinal permeability, metabolic endotoxemia, and associated disorders.

Nutr Cancer. 2008 Jul-Aug;60(4):461-8.
Orally administered isoflavones are present as glucuronides in the human prostate.
Guy L, Vedrine N, Urpi-Sarda M, Gil-Izquierdo A, Al-Maharik N, Boiteux JP, Scalbert A, Remesy C, Botting NP, Manach C.
C.H.U. Clermont-Ferrand, Service Urologie, Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2008 Jun;48(6):538-52.
The key importance of soy isoflavone bioavailability to understanding health benefits.
Larkin T, Price WE, Astheimer L.
Smart Food Centre, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.

J Nutr. 2008 Jul;138(7):1372-6.
Soy isoflavone intake is not associated with the development of cedar pollinosis in adults.
Nagata C, Nakamura K, Fujii K, Kawachi T, Takatsuka N, Oba S, Shimizu H.
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1194, Japan. chisato@gifu-u.ac.jp

J Nutr. 2008 Jul;138(7):1288-92.
A meal enriched with soy isoflavones increases nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation in healthy postmenopausal women.
Hall WL, Formanuik NL, Harnpanich D, Cheung M, Talbot D, Chowienczyk PJ, Sanders TA.
Nutritional Sciences Division, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, UK. wendy.hall@kcl.ac.uk
In conclusion, consuming an isoflavone-enriched low-fat meal acutely increases endothelium-dependent vasodilation in postmenopausal women. Regular consumption of soy isoflavones may protect against endothelial dysfunction.

J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Jun 25;56(12):4703-9.
Effects of lactulose supplementation on the growth of bifidobacteria and biotransformation of isoflavone glycosides to isoflavone aglycones in soymilk.
Pham TT, Shah NP.
School of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Werribee Campus, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, Victoria 8001, Australia.

Cancer Causes Control. 2008 May 14.
Daidzein-metabolizing phenotypes in relation to serum hormones and sex hormone binding globulin, and urinary estrogen metabolites in premenopausal women in the United States.
Atkinson C, Newton KM, Stanczyk FZ, Westerlind KC, Li L, Lampe JW.
Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
55 (27.5%) and 182 (91%) of the 200 women who provided a soy challenge urine sample were equol- and ODMA-producers (>87.5 ng/ml urine), respectively. In unadjusted analyses, equol-producers (n = 52) had lower free testosterone than equol non-producers (n = 137, p = 0.02). In adjusted analyses, there were no differences between producers and non-producers of either daidzein metabolite. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of a soy intervention, we found no difference in serum or urine hormone concentrations between producers and non-producers of equol or ODMA.

BMC Cancer. 2008 May 11;8:132.
Phase II trial of isoflavone in prostate-specific antigen recurrent prostate cancer after previous local therapy.
Pendleton JM, Tan WW, Anai S, Chang M, Hou W, Shiverick KT, Rosser CJ.
Division of Urology, The University of Florida, Jacksonville, Florida 32209, USA. john.pendleton@jax.ufl.edu
Dietary intervention with isoflavone supplementation may have biologic activity in men with biochemical recurrent prostate cancer as shown by a decline in the slope of PSA. This study may lend support to the literature that nutritional supplements have biologic activity in prostate cancer and therefore, further studies with these agents in randomized clinical trials should be encouraged.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2008 Jul;102(1):44-9.
Effect of intestinal production of equol on menopausal symptoms in women treated with soy isoflavones.
Jou HJ, Wu SC, Chang FW, Ling PY, Chu KS, Wu WH.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taiwan Adventist Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Compared with the placebo group, the scores for hot flashes and excessive sweating were significantly reduced after 3 months, and the scores for weakness, palpitations, limb paresthesia, and total symptoms after 6 months, in the EP group only. CONCLUSIONS:: Isoflavone supplementation improves menopausal symptoms only in women with the ability to produce equol.

Anaerobe. 2008 May 17.
Growth of infant faecal bifidobacteria and clostridia on prebiotic oligosaccharides in in vitro conditions.
Rada V, Nevoral J, Trojanova I, Tomankova E, Smehilova M, Killer J.
Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Czech University of Agriculture Prague, Suchdol, Czech Republic.
Bifidobacteria grew significantly better in the medium with galactooligosaccharides. Higher growth of clostridia was observed on raffinose and lactulose. Conversely, bifidobacteria grew slightly better in the medium with stachyose, inulin, Raftilose((R)) P85 and P95. However, these differences were not significant. Our results suggest that commercially available prebiotics support the growth of infant faecal clostridia. It is therefore questionable if bifidobacteria-deficient infants should be supplemented with prebiotics.

Poult Sci. 2008 Jul;87(7):1253-62.
The influence of a fructooligosaccharide prebiotic combined with alfalfa molt diets on the gastrointestinal tract fermentation, salmonella enteritidis infection, and intestinal shedding in laying hens.
Donalson LM, McReynolds JL, Kim WK, Chalova VI, Woodward CL, Kubena LF, Nisbet DJ, Ricke SC.
Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-2472;
Ovary and liver colonization by Salmonella Enteritidis in 3 and 2 of the 4 trials, respectively, were reduced (P </= 0.05) in hens fed FOS-containing diets compared with hens subjected to feed withdrawal. Significant decreases in ce-cal Salmonella Enteritidis counts were also observed in 2 of the 4 trials. In 3 of the 4 trials, the same diets did not affect (P > 0.05) the production of cecal total volatile fatty acids when compared with hens undergoing feed withdrawal. However, in all 3 alfalfa molt diets, the concentrations of lactic acid were greater (P </= 0.05) than hens with feed withdrawal, but no differences (P > 0.05) were observed among hens fed alfalfa combined with FOS and hens fed alfalfa/layer ration without FOS. Overall, given the similarities between hens fed 0.750% FOS (H) and 0.375% FOS (L), molt diets combined with the lower level of FOS should be sufficient.

Ann Nutr Metab. 2008 Jun 11;52(3):204-208.
In School-Aged Children a Combination of Galacto-Oligosaccharides and Lactobacillus GG Increases Bifidobacteria More than Lactobacillus GG on Its Own.
Piirainen L, Kekkonen RA, Kajander K, Ahlroos T, Tynkkynen S, Nevala R, Korpela R.
Nutraceuticals Group, Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Allergy. 2008 May 27.
A specific mixture of short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides induces a beneficial immunoglobulin profile in infants at high risk for allergy.
van Hoffen E, Ruiter B, Faber J, M'rabet L, Knol EF, Stahl B, Arslanoglu S, Moro G, Boehm G, Garssen J.
Department of Dermatology/Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
PMID: 18507650 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2008 May 23.
Investigation of the potential prebiotic properties of almond (Amygdalus communis L.) seeds.
Mandalari G, Nueno-Palop C, Bisignano G, Wickham MS, Narbad A.
The Model Gut Platform, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park,
Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UA, UK; Commensal and Microflora Programme, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, Norwich, NR4 7UA, UK; Department of Pharmacobiology, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98100 Messina, Italy.
In conclusion, we have shown that addition of FG altered the composition of gut bacteria stimulating the growth of bifidobacteria and Eubacterium rectale.

J Nutr. 2008 Jun;138(6):1091-5.
Early dietary intervention with a mixture of prebiotic oligosaccharides reduces the incidence of allergic manifestations and infections during the first two years of life.
Arslanoglu S, Moro GE, Schmitt J, Tandoi L, Rizzardi S, Boehm G.
Center for Infant Nutrition, Macedonio Melloni Hospital, University of Milan, Milan 20129, Italy. asertac@tiscali.it

Minerva Pediatr. 2008 Jun;60(3):327-335.
Infant formulas supplemented with prebiotics: intestinal microbiota and immune responses.
Fanaro S, Vigi V.
Sezione di Pediatria, Unita di Terapia Intensiva Neonatale e Neonatologia, Universita degli Studi di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italia vgv@unife.it.
A mixture of oligosaccharides has shown its efficacy in stimulating the establishment of a ''bifidus flora'', with stools closer to those found in breast-fed infants. Several experimental data also indicate that oligosaccharides might modulate the immune system and contribute to the improvement of the protective properties of infant formulas.

J Med Food. 2008 Jun;11(2):356-361.
Anti-Inflammatory and Cicatrizing Activities of a Carbohydrate Fraction Isolated from Sugary Kefir.
Moreira ME, Santos MH, Zolini GP, Wouters AT, Carvalho JC, Schneedorf JM.
Laboratorio de Fitofarmacos, Universidade Jose do Rosario Vellano, Unifenas, Brazil.

Pediatrics. 2008 Jul;122(1):8-12.
Long-term safety and impact on infection rates of postnatal probiotic and prebiotic (synbiotic) treatment: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Kukkonen K, Savilahti E, Haahtela T, Juntunen-Backman K, Korpela R, Poussa T, Tuure T, Kuitunen M.
Department of Pediatrics, Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Meilahdentie 2, PO Box 160, 00029 HUCH Helsinki, Finland. kaarina.kukkonen@hus.fi
We observed no difference in neonatal morbidity, feeding-related behaviors (such as infantile colic), or serious adverse events between the study groups. During the 6-month intervention, antibiotics were prescribed less often in the synbiotic group than in the placebo group (23% vs 28%). Throughout the follow-up period, respiratory infections occurred less frequently in the synbiotic group (geometric mean: 3.7 vs 4.2 infections). CONCLUSION: Feeding synbiotics to newborn infants was safe and seemed to increase resistance to respiratory infections during the first 2 years of life.

Acta Odontol Scand. 2008 Jun;66(3):154-8.
Short-term effect of ice-cream containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 on the number of salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli.
Caglar E, Onder Kuscu O, Selvi Kuvvetli S, Kavaloglu Cildir S, Sandalli N, Twetman S.
Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Dental School, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey.
A statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) of salivary mutans streptococci was recorded after consumption of the probiotic ice-cream. A decline of high mutans streptococci counts was also seen after intake of the control ice-cream, but the difference compared to baseline was not statistically significant. The salivary lactobacilli levels were unaltered after both regimes. CONCLUSIONS: Daily consumtion of ice-cream containing probiotic bifidobacteria may reduce the salivary levels of mutans streptococci in young adults.

Pediatr Res. 2008 Jun 11.
Effects of Bifidobacterium lactis supplementation on body weight, fecal pH, acetate, lactate, calprotectin and IgA in preterm infants.
Mohan R, Koebnick C, Schildt J, Mueller M, Radke M, Blaut M.
Department of Gastrointestinal Microbiology [R.M., M.B.], German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal 14558, Germany; Research and Evaluation [C.K.], Kaiser Permanente, Pasadena, California 91101; Klinik fur Kinder und Jugendliche [J.S., M.M., M.R.], Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann, Potsdam 14467, Germany.
In antibiotic-treated infants, probiotic supplementation resulted in a higher body weight compared to placebo (p < 0.001). In the probiotic group, the fecal pH was significantly lower than in the placebo group. The fecal concentrations of acetate and lactate were 42% and 38% higher respectively in the probiotic group than in the placebo group. Fecal calprotectin was lower in the probiotic group (p = 0.041), while fecal IgA was higher in this group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.021). ABBREVIATIONS::

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Jun;20(6):506-11.
An open-label randomized controlled trial of lactulose and probiotics in the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
Sharma P, Sharma BC, Puri V, Sarin SK.
Departments of aGastroenterology bNeurology, G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India.
A total of 55% of the patients with cirrhosis had MHE. Lactulose or probiotics or combinations of both are equally effective in the treatment of MHE.

Helicobacter. 2008 Jun;13(3):183-90.
Investigation of the immunomodulatory effects of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis on Helicobacter pylori infection.
Zhang L, Su P, Henriksson A, O'Rourke J, Mitchell H.
The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The reduced level of IL-1beta and neutrophil infiltration observed in mice infected with H. pylori following treatment with L. casei L26 and B. lactis B94 resulted from a modulation of immune response rather than a decrease of H. pylori colonization. Furthermore, B. lactis B94 has the intrinsic ability to promote a Th1 immune response through an increase in IL-12/IL-23.

FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2008 Jun;283(2):210-5.
Hydrogen peroxide production by Lactobacillus johnsonii NCC 533 and its role in anti-Salmonella activity.
Pridmore RD, Pittet AC, Praplan F, Cavadini C.
Department of Nutrition and Health, Nestle Research Center, Vers-chez-les-Blancs, Lausanne, Switzerland. raymond-david.pridmore@rdls.nestle.com

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2008 Jul;53(2):195-203.
Immunostimulatory activity of Bacillus spores.
Huang JM, La Ragione RM, Nunez A, Cutting SM.
School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, UK.
Stimulation of antigen-presenting cells and T lymphocytes was also markedly enhanced. Cytokines were shown to be induced in spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes of mice including the proinflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and IL-6. We also demonstrated that vegetative cells of B. subtilis can stimulate expression of the toll-like receptor (TLR) genes for TLR2 and TLR4. However, we were able to show that spores could not stimulate either and must, by default, interact with another TLR and by this mechanism help activate innate immunity.

Dig Dis Sci. 2008 Jul;53(7):1837-1841.
Yoghurts Containing Probiotics Reduce Disruption of the Small Intestinal Barrier in Methotrexate-Treated Rats.
Southcott E, Tooley KL, Howarth GS, Davidson GP, Butler RN.
Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Gastroenterology, Women�fs and Children�fs Hospital, Children, Youth and Women�fs Health Service, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia.

Lett Appl Microbiol. 2008 Jun;46(6):613-9. E
Lactobacilli antagonize biological effects of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli in vitro.
Hugo AA, Kakisu E, De Antoni GL, Perez PF.
Centro de Investigacion y Desarrollo en Criotecnologia de Alimentos (CIDCA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentine.

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2008 Jul-Aug;32(4):439-42.
Cecal infusion of butyrate does not alter cecal concentration of butyrate in piglets fed inulin.
Kien CL, Blauwiekel R.
Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, College of Medicine, and the Office of Animal Care Management, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.