INTRODUCTION: Despite the exponential increase in microbiome research, knowledge and beliefs about the gut microbiome and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the extent of knowledge, awareness and perception among the general public regarding the gut microbiome and FMT. METHODS: An online questionnaire on knowledge and beliefs about the gut microbiome and FMT was administered to 1831 participants. Data analysis software was used to generate descriptive statistics and explore associations between knowledge and sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: Even though only 33% of participants had heard of the gut microbiome, more than 92% had consumed probiotic drinks or supplements. While 85% had not heard of the FMT procedure, 72% of respondents would consider having FMT to treat Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Willingness to receive FMT depended mainly on recommendation from healthcare providers (77%). Knowledge and awareness regarding the gut microbiome and FMT were relatively low, despite most participants having prior gut health-related behaviours. CONCLUSION This study identified the public's perceptions of FMT and the potential barriers to its uptake. Insights from the study highlight the need for health education to enhance acceptance of FMT and the importance of using information supported by medical professionals to immunise the public against poorly validated science.
Humans ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Male ; Female ; Singapore ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Clostridium Infections/therapy* ; Adolescent

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare changes in soft and hard tissue and the histologic composition following early implant placement in sites with alveolar ridge preservation or spontaneous healing (SH), as well as implant performance up to 1 year after crown insertion. Methods: Thirty-five patients with either intact buccal bone plates or dehiscence of up to 50% following single-tooth extraction of incisors, canines, or premolars were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to undergo one of three procedures: deproteinized bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (DBBM-C) covered by a collagen matrix (DBBM-C/ CM), DBBM-C alone, or SH. At 8 weeks, implant placement was carried out, and cone-beam computed tomography scans and impressions were obtained for profilometric analysis.Patients were followed up after the final crown insertion and again at 1 year post-procedure. Results: Within the first 8 weeks following tooth extraction, the median height of the buccal soft tissue contour changed by −2.11 mm for the DBBM-C/CM group, −1.62 mm for the DBBM-C group, and −1.93 mm for the SH group. The corresponding height of the buccal mineralized tissue changed by −0.27 mm for the DBBM-C/CM group, −2.73 mm for the DBBM-C group, and −1.48 mm for the SH group. The median contour changes between crown insertion and 1 year were −0.19 mm in the DBBM-C/CM group, −0.09 mm in the DBBM-C group, and −0.29 mm in the SH group. Conclusions Major vertical and horizontal ridge contour changes occurred, irrespective of the treatment modality, up to 8 weeks following tooth extraction. The DBBM-C/CM preserved more mineralized tissue throughout this period, despite a substantial reduction in the overall contour. All 3 protocols led to stable tissues for up to 1 year.

Hospitalization ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Retrospective Studies