Fecal sample collection and DNA extraction
MP
COLD, -20
Stool samples were collected at baseline (Day 0) and at the end of study visit (Day 56 [ ± 2 days]) for microbiome analysis. Stool samples were frozen at -20°C on the day of collection and stored at this temperature until processing. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, study participants would deposit any samples at the study site on the day of collection for immediate freezing. During any COVID-19 lockdown, to maintain cold chain logistics, collected samples were frozen at home until the study team could safely collect the samples. Samples were then shipped to Genewiz facilities (Genewiz UK Ltd., Essex, UK) where they were stored at -80°C until further analyses were performed. Fecal DNA was extracted by mechanical disruption using FastPrep‐24™ instrument (MP Biomedicals. Following this, DNA was isolated using QIAamp