High microbiome variability in pediatric tracheostomy cannulas in patients with similar clinical characteristics

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the bacterial microbiome found in tracheostomy cannulas of a group of children diagnosed with glossoptosis secondary to Robin Sequence (RS), and its clinical implications. Methods: Pediatric patients were enrolled in the study at the time of the cannula change in the hospital. During this procedure, the removed cannula was collected and stored for amplicon sequencing of 16s rRNA. DNA extraction was performed using DNeasy PowerBiofilm Kit (QIAGEN® - Cat nº 24000-50) while sequencing was performed with the S5 (Ion S5™ System, Thermo Fisher Scientific), following Brazilian Microbiome Project (BMP) protocol. Results: All 12 patients included in the study were using tracheostomy uncuffed cannulas of the same brand, had tracheostomy performed for over 1-year and had used the removed cannula for approximately 3-months. Most abundant genera found were Aggregatibacter, Pseudomonas, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Staphylococcus, Fusobacterium, Moraxella, Streptococcus, Alloiococcus, and Capnocytophaga. Individual microbiome of each individual was highly variable, not correlating to any particular clinical characteristic. Conclusion: The microbiome of tracheostomy cannulas is highly variable, even among patients with similar clinical characteristics, making it challenging to determine a standard for normality. © 2022 Associa¸c˜ao Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia C´ervico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Gene panel for the diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa: proposal for a viable and efficient approach

Abstract Background: Epidermolysis bullosa is characterized by cutaneous fragility and blistering. Historically, diagnosis is achieved by immunofluorescence mapping or transmission electron microscopy, both involving biopsy procedures. Genetic analysis, especially through next-generation sequencing, is an important tool for the diagnosis of this disease. In Brazil, access to diagnostic methods is limited, and consequently, most patients do not have an accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis allows the indication of prognosis and genetic counselling of the patient. Objectives: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a gene panel compared to immunofluorescence mapping and transmission electron microscopy by analyzing its benefits, limitations, and economic aspects. Methods: The gene panel included the 11 main genes associated with epidermolysis bullosa. The techniques were compared, assessing the average cost, advantages, and limitations, through a price survey and literature review. Results: Both immunofluorescence mapping and transmission electron microscopy require skin biopsy, are dependent on the investigator's expertise, and are subject to frequent inconclusive results. The gene panel is effective for the conclusive diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa, presents high efficiency and accuracy, is economically feasible, and excludes the need for biopsy. The gene panel allows for prognosis, prenatal genetic diagnosis, and genetic counseling. Study limitations: It was not possible to find laboratories that perform transmission electron microscopy for epidermolysis bullosa diagnosis in Brazil. Conclusion: This study supports the gene panel as the first-choice method for epidermolysis bullosa diagnosis.

Prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in hereditary spastic paraplegias / Prevalência de disfagia orofaríngea nas paraparesias espásticas hereditárias

ABSTRACT Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) are a group of genetic diseases characterized by lower limb spasticity with or without additional neurological features. Swallowing dysfunction is poorly studied in HSP and its presence can lead to significant respiratory and nutritional complications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and clinical characteristics of dysphagia in different types of HSP. Methods: A two-center cross-sectional prevalence study was performed. Genetically confirmed HSP patients were evaluated using the Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet and the Functional Oral Intake Scale. In addition, self-perception of dysphagia was assessed by the Eat Assessment Tool-10 and the Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire. Results: Thirty-six patients with spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4), five with SPG11, four with SPG5, four with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), three with SPG7, and two with SPG3A were evaluated. Mild to moderate oropharyngeal dysphagia was present in 3/5 (60%) of SPG11 and 2/4 (50%) of CTX patients. A single SPG4 (2%) and a single SPG7 (33%) patient had mild oropharyngeal dysphagia. All other evaluated patients presented with normal or functional swallowing. Conclusions: Clinically significant oropharyngeal dysphagia was only present in complicated forms of HSP Patients with SPG11 and CTX had the highest risks for dysphagia, suggesting that surveillance of swallowing function should be part of the management of patients with these disorders.

RESUMO As paraparesias espásticas hereditárias (PEH) são um grupo de doenças genéticas caracterizado por espasticidade dos membros inferiores com ou sem características neurológicas adicionais. A disfunção da deglutição é pouco estudada nas PEH e sua presença pode levar a complicações respiratórias e nutricionais significativas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência e a caracterização clínica da disfagia em diferentes tipos de PEH. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal em dois centros. Os pacientes com PEH confirmados geneticamente foram avaliados pelo Northwestern Dysphagia Patient Check Sheet e pela Escala Funcional de Ingestão Oral. Além disso, a autopercepção da disfagia foi avaliada pelo Eat Assessment Tool-10 e pelo Swallowing Disturbance Questionnaire. Resultados: Trinta e seis pacientes com paraplegia espástica tipo 4 (SPG4), cinco com SPG11, quatro com SPG5, quatro com xantomatose cerebrotendinosa (CTX), três com SPG7 e dois com SPG3A foram avaliados. Disfagia orofaríngea leve a moderada estava presente em 3/5 (60%) dos pacientes com SPG11 e 2/4 (50%) dos pacientes com CTX. Um único SPG4 (2%) e um único SPG7 (33%) apresentaram disfagia orofaríngea leve. Todos os outros pacientes avaliados apresentaram deglutição normal ou funcional. Conclusão: Disfagia orofaríngea clinicamente significativa estava presente apenas nas formas complicadas de PEH. A SPG11 e CTX apresentaram maiores riscos de disfagia, sugerindo que a avaliação da deglutição deve fazer parte do manejo dos pacientes com essas condições.

Draft genome sequence of a GES-5-producing Serratia marcescens isolated in southern Brazil

Abstract Serratia marcescens is a Gram-negative rod intrinsically resistant to polymyxins and usually associated with wound, respiratory and urinary tract infections. The whole genome of the first GES-5-producing S. marcescens isolated from a Brazilian patient was sequenced using Ion Torrent PGM System. Besides blaGES-5, we were able to identify genes encoding for other β-lactamases, for aminoglycoside modifying enzymes and for an efflux pump to tetracyclines.

Hampered Vitamin B12 Metabolism in Gaucher Disease?

Abstract Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency manifests clinically with hematological abnormalities and combined degeneration of the spinal cord and polyneuropathy and biochemically with elevated homocysteine (Hcy) and methylmalonic acid (MMA). Vitamin B12 metabolism involves various cellular compartments including the lysosome, and a disruption in the lysosomal and endocytic pathways induces functional deficiency of this micronutrient. Gaucher disease (GD) is characterized by dysfunctional lysosomal metabolism brought about by mutations in the enzyme beta-glucocerebrosidase (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM): 606463; Enzyme Commission (EC) 3.2.1.45, gene: GBA1). In this study, we collected and examined available literature on the associations between GD, the second most prevalent lysosomal storage disorder in humans, and hampered vitamin B12 metabolism. Results from independent cohorts of patients show elevated circulating holotranscobalamin without changes in vitamin B12 levels in serum. Gaucher disease patients under enzyme replacement therapy present normal levels of Hcy and MMA. Although within the normal range, a significant increase in Hcy and MMA with normal serum vitamin B12 was documented in treated GD patients with polyneuropathy versus treated GD patients without polyneuropathy. Thus, a functional deficiency of vitamin B12 caused by disrupted lysosomal metabolism in GD is a plausible mechanism, contributing to the neurological form of the disorder but this awaits confirmation. Observational studies suggest that an assessment of vitamin B12 status prior to the initiation of enzyme replacement therapy may shed light on the role of vitamin B12 in the pathogenesis and progression of GD.

Contribuição da análise molecular do gene regulador da condutância transmembrana na fibrose cística na investigação diagnóstica de pacientes com suspeita de fibrose cística leve ou doença atípica / Diagnostic contribution of molecular analysis of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene in patients suspected of having mild or atypical cystic fibrosis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a contribuição da análise molecular do gene cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR, regulador da condutância transmembrana na fibrose cística) na investigação diagnóstica da fibrose cística em pacientes com suspeita de fibrose cística (FC) leve ou atípica. Métodos: Estudo transversal em adolescentes e adultos (idade > 14 anos). Os voluntários foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, laboratorial e radiológica; espirometria, microbiologia do escarro, ecografia hepática, teste do suor e análise molecular do gene CFTR. Compararam-se as características dos pacientes divididos em três grupos, segundo o número de mutações identificadas (duas ou mais, uma e nenhuma). Resultados: Foram avaliados 37 pacientes com achados fenotípicos de FC, com ou sem confirmação pelo teste do suor. Houve predomínio do sexo feminino (75,7%), e a média de idade dos participantes foi de 32,5 ± 13,6 anos. A análise molecular contribuiu para o diagnóstico de FC em 3 casos (8,1%), todos esses com pelo menos duas mutações. Houve a identificação de uma e nenhuma mutação, respectivamente, em 7 (18,9%) e 26 pacientes (70,3%). Nenhuma característica clínica estudada se associou com o diagnóstico genético. A mutação p.F508del foi a mais comum, encontrada em 5 pacientes. A associação de p.V232D e p.F508del foi encontrada em 2 pacientes. Outras mutações encontradas foram p.A559T, p.D1152H, p.T1057A, p.I148T, p.V754M, p.P1290P, p.R1066H e p.T351S. Conclusões: A análise molecular da região codificadora do gene CFTR apresentou uma contribuição limitada para a investigação diagnóstica desses pacientes com suspeita de FC leve ou atípica. Além disso, não houve associações entre as características clínicas e o diagnóstico genético.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic contribution of molecular analysis of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene in patients suspected of having mild or atypical cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving adolescents and adults aged > 14 years. Volunteers underwent clinical, laboratory, and radiological evaluation, as well as spirometry, sputum microbiology, liver ultrasound, sweat tests, and molecular analysis of the CFTR gene. We then divided the patients into three groups by the number of mutations identified (none, one, and two or more) and compared those groups in terms of their characteristics. RESULTS: We evaluated 37 patients with phenotypic findings of CF, with or without sweat test confirmation. The mean age of the patients was 32.5 ± 13.6 years, and females predominated (75.7%). The molecular analysis contributed to the definitive diagnosis of CF in 3 patients (8.1%), all of whom had at least two mutations. There were 7 patients (18.9%) with only one mutation and 26 patients (70.3%) with no mutations. None of the clinical characteristics evaluated was found to be associated with the genetic diagnosis. The most common mutation was p.F508del, which was found in 5 patients. The combination of p.V232D and p.F508del was found in 2 patients. Other mutations identified were p.A559T, p.D1152H, p.T1057A, p.I148T, p.V754M, p.P1290P, p.R1066H, and p.T351S. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular analysis of the CFTR gene coding region showed a limited contribution to the diagnostic investigation of patients suspected of having mild or atypical CF. In addition, there were no associations between the clinical characteristics and the genetic diagnosis.

Contribuição de grupos operacionais no fortalecmento da atenção primária à saúde / Contribution of operation groups to the strengthening of primary health care

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever o funcionamento de grupos operacionais de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Porto Alegre - Rio Grande do Sul, bem como a contribuição dos mesmos no fortalecimento da Atenção Primária à Saúde. A metodologia empregada foi de observação participante. Observou-se o funcionamento dos grupos de apoio: do Tabagismo, da Dor nas Costas, de Gestantes. Os grupos de apoio parecem contribuir para o fortalecimento da APS.

This study aimed to describe the functioning of operationgroups from a basic health unit of Porto Alegre, RS, Braziland their contribution to the strengthening of primaryhealth care (PHC). The method of hands-on observationwas used to study the features (including meeting venue,duration and frequency) of three groups: smoking, backpain and pregnancy. The support groups seem to strengthenPHC.