Study design: Systematic review. Objectives: To investigate the changes in the microbiome among human and animal populations with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Four databases (EMBASE, Medline (Ovid), Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Trials (CENTRAL)) and Google Scholar were searched. No language restrictions were applied. Data extraction was done in parallel and independently by two reviewers. The search was last conducted on 07 April 2021. Results: There were 6869 studies retrieved, 43 full-text studies reviewed, and 19 studies included. There were seven animal gut studies, six human gut studies, and six urinary tract studies identified. There were no publications found on other body sites. Among the included studies, we observed a consistent and significant difference in gut microbiome composition between populations with SCI and able-bodied populations. This is characterized by a decrease in beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria (Faecalbacterium, Megamonas, Roseburia) and an increase in inflammation-associated bacteria (Alistipes, Anaerotruncus, and Lachnoclostridium). On the other hand, the urine of individuals with SCI was polymicrobial and members of Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) were frequently observed. Probiotics were shown to induce a significant but transient shift in the urinary tract microbiome. The studies had low to moderate risks of bias. Conclusions: There are limited studies on the changes in microbiome among SCI populations. The gut microbiome was characterized by bacterial profiles associated with chronic inflammation and metabolic disorder while the studies of the urinary tract microbiome show the dominance of bacterial genera associated with urinary tract infection.

Background: Buckwheat is a commonly cultivated crop with growing evidence that it is beneficial to gastrointestinal (GI) health. This systematic review summarizes the role of buckwheat in modifying GI health outcomes and microbiomes. Methods: Four medical databases and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Clinical trials, observational studies, animal in vivo, and in vitro studies with human and animal GI-derived samples were included. Results: There were 32 studies (one randomized controlled trial [RCT], one non-randomized trial, 3 observational, 9 in vitro, and 18 animal in vivo studies) included. In preclinical studies, buckwheat extracts were observed to have cytotoxic potential against human-derived GI cancer cell lines. Animals fed with buckwheat had lower GI mucosal inflammation, higher alpha diversity in the GI microbiome, and higher levels of fecal short-chain fatty acids. Human evidence studies and clinical trials were limited and predominantly of moderate risk of bias. The majority of in vitro studies with GI-derived samples and in vivo studies were reliable without restrictions in study design. Conclusion: In vivo and in vitro studies show that buckwheat may have potential GI benefits due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential; however, human evidence remains limited, and its impact on health in humans remains to be elucidated in future trials.

Oats are a food source with multiple health benefits that could support beneficial bacterial groups and provide important bioactive compounds for the gut. This review explores the association between oat intake, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and microbial community changes in individuals with celiac disease (CeD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and without GI disease. Four databases and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception until April 29, 2021. Clinical trials, observational studies, and in vitro studies with human gut-derived samples were included. There were 84 articles [23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 21 nonrandomized trials, 8 observational studies, and 32 in vitro studies] included. Oat intake increased total bacterial count, Lactobacilli spp., and Bifidobacterium spp. in healthy individuals and those with CeD. There was an increased concentration of short-chain fatty acids and improved gut permeability with oat intake but with no significant quality-of-life difference. In some individuals with CeD, consumption of certain oat types was associated with worsening of GI symptoms. We found no studies reporting on IBS and only 3 for IBD. The quality of RCTs showed some concerns mostly in domains of randomization (73.9%), whereas the quality of evidence of non-RCTs, observational studies, and in vitro studies was satisfactory. Oat intake was associated with the increase of beneficial bacterial groups in individuals without GI disease and those with CeD. Most studies showed no changes in GI symptoms with oat consumption. In vitro studies in CeD provide insight to oat-sensitive individuals and their GI mucosa, but the clinical studies remain limited, precluding our ability to draw firm conclusions. The prevalence of oat sensitivity in individuals with CeD should be further explored as this could improve clinical management and facilitate inclusion of oat in the diet for this population.

The study aims to illustrate the acceptability of the dengue vaccine before and after the dengue vaccination suspension in urban poor communities in Quezon City, Philippines. There were 12 interviews conducted in November 2017 and 5 focus group discussions in January 2018, a month after vaccine program suspension with 41 participants. All participants were selected through purposive criterion sampling. Thematic analysis showed acceptability of the dengue vaccine was associated with parental experience with vaccination and dengue, trust in public health institutions and communication received by parents. Post-dengue vaccination suspension triangulation indicated that the parents regretted the experience, trust to public institutions was eroded and the communication strategy was deemed inadequate. This led to low vaccine acceptability post-vaccine suspension.

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) have higher infection rates compared to those without SCI. In this review, the immune status difference between individuals with and without traumatic SCI is investigated by examining their peripheral immune cells and markers. PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched without language or date restrictions. Studies reporting peripheral immune markers’ concentration and changes in functional capabilities of immune cells that compared individuals with and without SCI were included. Studies with participants with active infection, immune disease, and central nervous system (CNS) immune markers were excluded. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Effect estimates were measured by Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) using a random-effects model. Study quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool. Fifty-four studies (1813 with SCI and 1378 without SCI) contributed to the meta-analysis. Leukocytes (n = 23, WMD 0.78, 95% CI 0.17; 1.38, I² 83%), neutrophils (n = 11, WMD 0.76, 95% CI 0.09; 1.42, I² 89%), C-reactive protein (CRP) (n = 12, WMD 2.25, 95% CI 1.14; 3.56, I² 95%), and IL6 (n = 13, WMD 2.33, 95% CI 1.20; 3.49, I² 97%) were higher in individuals with SCI vs. without SCI. Clinical factors (phase of injury, completeness of injury, sympathetic innervation impairment, age, sex) and study-related factors (sample size, study design, and serum vs. plasma) partially explained heterogeneity. Immune cells exhibited lower functional capability in individuals with SCI vs. those without SCI. Most studies (75.6%) had a moderate risk of bias. The immune status of individuals with SCI differs from those without SCI and is clinically influenced by the phase of injury, completeness of injury, sympathetic innervation impairment, age, and sex. These results provide information that is vital for monitoring and management strategies to effectively improve the immune status of individuals with SCI.

Optimizing nutritional intake and timing helps athletes to improve performance and long-term health. Different training phases can require varying nutritional needs. In this study, we conducted a descriptive assessment of dietary intake, energy availability (EA), and blood biochemical parameters in elite wheelchair athletes during distinct training phases. Data analyzed in this study were collected as part of a randomized controlled crossover trial exploring the feasibility of probiotics and prebiotic supplementation. Data were obtained from consecutive three-day diaries and blood samples, both collected at four different time points across four consecutive months. We included 14 athletes (mean (standard deviation) age 34 (9) years, eight females, and six males) active in different wheelchair sports. The mean daily nutritional intake (g/kg body mass) for females and males was 2.7 (0.9) and 4.0 (0.7) for carbohydrates, 1.1 (0.3) and 1.5 (0.3) for protein, and 0.8 (0.3) and 1.4 (0.2) for fat. EA did not change across the four time points in either female (p = 0.30) or male (p = 0.05) athletes. The mean EA was lower in female athletes compared to male athletes (p = 0.03). Low EA (≤30 kcal/ kg fat-free mass/day) was observed in female (58 (29) % of days) and male (34 (23) % of days) athletes. Iron deficiency with anemia was observed in two female athletes. Mean vitamin D levels were insufficient (<75 nmol/L). Macronutrient intake, EA, and blood biochemical parameters were suboptimal in this cohort of elite wheelchair athletes, especially in female athletes.