Propionate Fermentative Genes of the Gut Microbiome Decrease in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Changes in the gut microbiome have been associated with inflammatory bowel disease. A protective role of short chain fatty acids produced by the gut microbiota has been suggested as a causal mechanism. Nevertheless, multi-omic analyses have failed to identify a clear link between changes in specific taxa and disease states. Recently, metagenomic analyses unveiled that gut bacterial species have a previously unappreciated genomic diversity, implying that a geno-centric approach may be better suited to identifying the mechanisms involved. Here, we quantify the abundance of terminal genes in propionate-producing fermentative pathways in the microbiome of a large cohort of healthy subjects and patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The results show that propionate kinases responsible for propionate production in the gut are depleted in patients with Crohn's disease. Our results also indicate that changes in overall species abundances do not necessarily correlate with changes in the abundances of metabolic genes, suggesting that these genes are not part of the core genome. This, in turn, suggests that changes in strain composition may be as important as changes in species abundance in alterations of the gut microbiome associated with pathological conditions.

Autologous cartilage and fibrin sealant may be superior to conventional fat grafting in preventing physeal bone bridge formation - a pilot study in porcines.

PURPOSE: The article compares physeal recovery after insertion of autologous cartilage and a conventional fat graft in a standardized porcine physeal gap model. Presence of a bone bridge was the primary outcome. METHODS: Ten porcines in two groups of five were included in a paired design. A standardized physeal gap in the distal femur was made in all animals. One group (n = 5) was randomized for deposition of autologous cartilage and a Tisseel® or Tisseel® alone. The autologous cartilage was harvested from the femoral articular surface. The other group was randomized for fat grafting or no grafts at all. All animals were housed for 14 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 14 weeks prior to euthanasia. The physis was harvested for histology. RESULTS: MRI - Three bone bridges were seen in the fat grafted gaps. All empty gaps formed a bone bridge. No gaps filled with autologous cartilage and Tisseel® resulted in bone bridges. One gap filled with Tisseel® only caused a bone bridge. Histology - The cartilage grafted gaps recovered with physeal-like cartilaginous tissue in histological analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Fat grafts seems ineffective in preventing bone bridges. The use of autologous cartilage may be superior to the current treatment. However, donor site complications were not investigated. The study serves as a proof of concept study and requires further investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Classroom-comfort-data: A method to collect comprehensive information on thermal comfort in school classrooms.

Data from post-occupancy studies in real constructions have been instrumental in the development of mainstream thermal comfort standards for the built environment. However, there is growing evidence of the need to advance these standards, through more robust and comprehensive fieldwork records from a broader spectrum of geographies, climates, architectural characteristics and occupancies. It has been shown that the standards have limited suitability in environments such as educational buildings, as they were developed based mainly on adult subjects working in offices. The lack of guidance in data collection methodologies is also thought to require particular attention, as the accuracy of the assessment models relies significantly on the quality of the information gathered. This manuscript proposes a method to systematically acquire an extensive range of data specifically from school classrooms. The method seeks to improve current techniques as follows: •The post-occupancy surveys suggested in mainstream standards focus mainly on the collection of physical and environmental parameters related to adult subjects. Classroom-comfort-data can be used to collect information not only on physical and environmental parameters but also on physiological and psychological aspects. It also includes tools tailored for occupants from different ages (7 years old and above).•The assessment models suggested in mainstream standards employ between 2-5 parameters to predict thermal comfort ranges. The Classroom-comfort-data method is designed to gather up to 49 different thermal comfort parameters, which allow a more comprehensive evaluation of perception and preference, as well as adaptive strategies, social context, and cognitive and emotional appraisals.•The existing surveys in the standards were formulated primarily for office environments in subtropical and temperate climates. The Classroom-comfort-data method can be adapted to fieldwork within different conditions of climate, building design, occupancy levels, and cultural contexts.

Late onset adrenoleukodystrophy: A review related clinical case report.

Our objective is to review the initial presentation, evolution, progression, final stage, and images in the follow up of an adult patient who presented an uncommon peroxisomal disease (1/20,000 males) that occurred by ABCD1 gene mutation in the Xq28 chromosome; to bring forward the imaging features (which nowadays is the most useful and accessible diagnostic tool) and clinical presentation of adrenoleukodystrophy in adulthood; to propose a differential diagnosis in aid of a prompt recognition of the disease hereafter from a neurologist approach. In relation of a clinical case we reviewed the literature to correlate the principal findings and evolution of the disease. This thrilling but at the same time unfortunate disease is not only a diagnostic problem is also a therapeutic quest besides all the related familial, labor, and social related problems. The very-long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) accumulation leads to a not completely understood mechanisms that precipitate the specific malfunction of the nervous system and adrenal gland. The initial corticospinal bilateral involvement provokes a spastic paraparesis but with the affection of others pathways multiple manifestations appears, with dementia and finally loss of the most of cortical functions secondary to the white matter affection. Since the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be treated with variable results, other treatments, as the Lorenzo's oil, have not been consistent with a substantial improvement of the affected individual. The genetic advice and support to the patient and the family are essentials as well as the screening in individuals at risk before the onset of the disease.

Parasitosis intestinales. La endoscopía y el estudio anatomopatológico como herramientas auxiliares diagnosticas en Strongyloidiasis Stercolaris / Intestinal parasitosis. endoscopy and anatomopathological study as auxiliary tools diagnostic in Strongyloidiasis Stercolaris

Introducción: La Strongyloidiasis es una parasitosis intestinal producida por un nematodo de distribución mundial, es endémica en zonas tropicales. Los métodos convencionales de diagnósticos suelen no ser lo suficientemente sensibles ni específicos. La endoscopia ha aumentado la sensibilidad de realizar mejores diagnósticos. Así es como la biopsia gástrica y/o duodenal juegan un rol importantísimo y se considera que los hallazgos endoscópicos son útiles como marcadores de severidad de la infección y obtención del agente etiológico. Objetivos: Realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre la fisiopatogénesis y signo sintomatología del Strongyloides Stercoralis. Demostrar la utilidad de la endoscopía para evaluar inmenidad o daño de la mucosa duodenal como signo directo de organicidad y como método de obtención de muestras con el fin de realizar la observación directa del agente patógeno causal. Material y Método: Estudio observacional. Transversal. Retrospectivo. Se tuvieron en cuenta las endoscopías realizadas en el Servicio de Endoscopía del Hospital Español de Buenos Aires desde junio de 2016 a junio 2018. Resultados: Se realizaron 5286 estudios endoscópicos que constituyeron el 100% de la muestra. El 0,0189% (1 una endoscopía) de las endoscopías realizadas correspondieron a duodenitis inespecífica asociada a estudio anatomopatológico que confirma parasitosis intestinal por Strongiloidesis stercolaris. Discusión: Los principales síntomas clínicos de presentación de este nematodosis son náuseas, vómitos, anorexia, diarrea, pérdida de peso, y dolor abdominal, que frecuentemente confunden la etiología e imitan los síntomas de otras enfermedades, como en el caso de nuestro paciente. Tener en cuenta signosintomatologia atípica como refiere la World Gastroenterology Organization en su Practice Guidelines aumenta la sospecha diagnóstica Conclusión: La endoscopia digestiva alta es una herramienta diagnostica muy útil cuando la signo sintomatología no es muy clara. Una de las principales claves para hacer el diagnostico es tener un indicio de sospecha.

ntroduction: Strongyloidiasis is an intestinal parasitosis produced by a nematode of worldwide distribution, endemic in tropical areas., The conventional methods of diagnosis are usually not sensitive or specific enough. Endoscopy has increased the sensibility of making better diagnoses, as well as gastric and / or duodenal biopsy; plays a very important role and it is considered that the endoscopic findings are useful as markers of infection severity and in obtaining the etiological agent. Objectives: Carrying out a bibliographic review on the pathogenesis and signosyntomathology of Strongyloides Stercorali symptomatology. To demonstrate the usefulness of endoscopy to evaluate indemnity or damage of the duodenal mucosa as a direct sign of organicity and as a simple obtaining method in order to perform direct observation of the causative pathogen. Materials and Methods: Observational study. Cross. Retrospective. Endoscopies performed at the Endoscopy Service of the Hospital Español de Buenos Aires from June 2016 to June 2018 were taken into account. Results: There were 5286 endoscopic studies that constituted 100% of the sample. The 0.0189% (1 endoscopy) of the endoscopies performed corresponded to nonspecific duodenitis associated with an anatomopathological study that confirmed intestinal parasites by Strongiloidesis stercolaris. Discussion: The main clinical symptoms of this nematode are nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain that frequently confuse the etiology and mimic the symptoms of other diseases, as in the case of our patient. Taking into account atypical signs and symptoms as the World Gastroenterology Organization refers in its Practice Guidelines increases diagnostic suspicion Conclusion: Upper digestive endoscopy is a very useful diagnostic tool when the signs and symptoms are not very clear. One of the main keys to make the diagnosis is to have an indication of diagnostic suspicion

Physeal histological morphology after thermal epiphysiodesis using radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND: Several treatments have been described for leg length discrepancy. Epiphysiodesis is the most commonly used because of its effectiveness. Thermal epiphysiodesis using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) alters the growth plate morphology without damaging the adjacent articular cartilage; it is a minimally invasive method that has shown excellent results in animal models. This study describes the macro and micro morphology after the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epiphysiodesis using RFA was performed in vivo for 8 min (92-98 °C) at two ablation sites (medial and lateral) in one randomly-selected tibia in eight growing pigs. The contralateral tibia was used as control. After 12 weeks, the pigs were killed and the tibiae harvested. The specimens were studied macroscopically and histology samples were obtained. Physeal morphology, thickness and characteristics were then described. RESULTS: Macroscopically, the articular cartilage was normal in all the treated tibiae. Microscopically, the physis was detected as a discontinuous line on the treated tibiae while it was continuous in all controls. In the control specimens, the mean thickness of the physis was 625 µm (606-639, SD = 14). All the physeal layers were organized. In the ablated specimens, disorganized layers in a heterogeneous line were observed. Bone bridges were identified at the ablation sites. The central part of the physis looked normal. Next to the bone bridge, the physis was thicker and presented fibrosis. The mean thickness was 820 µm (628-949, SD = 130). No abnormalities in the articular cartilage were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal epiphysiodesis with RFA disrupts the physeal morphology and causes the formation of bone bridges at the ablation sites. This procedure does not damage the adjacent articular cartilage. The damaged tissue, next to the bone bridges, is characterized by disorganization and fibrosis.

Guided growth: mechanism and reversibility of modulation.

In paediatric orthopaedics, deformities and discrepancies in length of bones are key problems that commonly need to be addressed in daily practice. An understanding of the physiology behind developing bones is crucial for planning treatment. Modulation of the growing bone can be performed in a number of ways. Here, we discuss the principles and mechanisms behind the techniques. Historically, the first procedures were destructive in their mechanism but reversible techniques were later developed with stapling of the growth plate being the gold standard treatment for decades. It has historically been used for both angular deformities and control of overall bone length. Today, tension band plating has partially overtaken stapling but this technique also carries a risk of complications. The diverging screws in these implants are probably mainly useful for hemiepiphysiodesis. We also discuss new minimally invasive techniques that may become important in future clinical practice.

Does radiofrequency ablation (RFA) epiphysiodesis affect adjacent joint cartilage?

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that epiphysiodesis made with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe procedure that disrupts the growth plate without damaging the adjacent joint articular cartilage. METHODS: RFA epiphysiodesis was done during 8 min in vivo in 40 growing pig tibia physis. In addition, three tibiae were ablated for 16 min and three more for 24 min. As a burned cartilage reference, six tibiae were ablated on the joint articular cartilage for 8 min. After the procedure, the animals were terminated and the tibiae were harvested. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done ex vivo to evaluate the joint articular cartilage in all samples. We used T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and water content sequences under a 1.5 T magnetic field. RESULTS: On the burned articular cartilage, intensity changes were observed at MRI. We found no evidence of articular cartilage damage on the 40 8-min RFA procedures. The tibiae ablated for 16 min and 24 min showed intact joint cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: Epiphysiodesis using RFA is safe for the adjacent articular cartilage. This study shows that RFA can be done safely in the growing physis of pigs, even with triple duration procedures.

Accuracy of MR in growth plate measurement.

PURPOSE: To analyze the accuracy of growth-plate thickness measurements detected on 1.5-T and 7-T MR images using histology sections as a standard of reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four defrosted pig tibiae were 1.5-T MR scanned and one fresh tibia was 7-T MR scanned. The height of the growth plate was measured and compared to histology. RESULTS: Histology measurements showed a mean growth plate thickness of 467 µm (SD = 82.2). The mean growth plate thickness measured in the 7-T MR images was 465 µm (SD = 62.2) and 1,325 µm (SD = 183.5) on 1.5-T MR measurements. We found a better correspondence between the growth plate thickness measured on the 7-T MR and histology samples compared to 1.5 T. CONCLUSIONS: The growth plate can be identified and measured with high accuracy using 7-T MR. 1.5-T MR can only describe some morphological characteristics.

Factores relacionados con el pronóstico de la ventriculostomía premamilar endoscópica en pacientes pediátricos / No disponible

La ventriculostomía premamilar endoscópica (VPME) en edad pediátrica tiene tasas de éxito publicadas variables, que hacen controvertida su recomendación. Factores como la falta de consenso en la definición de éxito de la VPME, la etiología de la hidrocefalia o la edad del paciente podrían influir en el resultado del procedimiento. El objetivo del trabajo consiste en el análisis de una serie propia y el estudio de los factores relacionados con el éxito de la VPME. Estudio retrospectivo de 45 pacientes tratados entre 2003 y 2009 mediante VPME en nuestro hospital infantil. Se definió éxito de VPME como mejoría o estabilidad clínica acompañada de al menos un parámetro radiológico indicativo de buen pronóstico y se analizó la relación de la edad, la etiología de la hidrocefalia, la existencia o no de shunt previo y el tipo de procedimiento endoscópico con el pronóstico de la VPME. Un 29% de los pacientes eran menores de un año. Las causas más frecuentes de hidrocefalia fueron: tumores, estenosis de acueducto y mielomeningocele. El éxito de la VPME se obtuvo en un 69% de casos, con un seguimiento medio de 26 meses y una supervivencia media de la VPME de 14 meses. Se obtuvieron diferencias significativas en el éxito de la VPME según la edad del paciente fuera superior o inferior a 6 meses. La tasa de éxito de la VPME en nuestro medio la hacen recomendable para el tratamiento de la hidrocefalia en edad pediátrica. La VPME es más efectiva en pacientes de edad mayor o igual a 6 meses (AU)

[Factors related to endoscopic third ventriculostomy prognosis in the paediatric population]. / Factores relacionados con el pronóstico de la ventriculostomía premamilar endoscópica en pacientes pediátricos.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for paediatric patients has different success rates between the published series, making its recommendation controversial. Different definitions of ETV success, hydrocephalus aetiology or patient age at diagnosis may influence the outcome of the ETV procedure. The aim of this work was to analyse our clinical series and to examine the influence of different factors on ETV outcome. This was a retrospective study of 45 patients who had undergone ETV at our Paediatric Hospital between 2003 and 2009. Successful outcome was defined as a combination of features including clinical improvement or stability, with at least 1 positive radiological parameter. The influence of age, hydrocephalus aetiology, existence or not of previous shunt and the type of endoscopic procedure were analysed in relation to ETV outcome. Up to 29% of patients were younger than 1 year. The most frequent causes of hydrocephalus were: brain tumour, aqueductal stenosis and myelomeningocele. The overall success rate was 69%, with a mean follow-up period of 26 months and mean ETV survival of 14 months. We obtained statistically significant differences in ETV success between patients aged over and under 6 moths. Our ETV success rate can be considered safe and effective for the treatment of paediatric hydrocephalus. To our knowledge, ETV is most effective in patients aged 6 months and over.

Programa de donación de órganos y tejidos de individuos con muerte cerebral en San Luis Potosí: impacto de los aspectos médico-legales en los resultados de 1999-2002 / Program of organ and tissue donation in subjects with cerebral death in the State of San Luis Potosí between 1999-2002: legal implications and study results

Introducción: Los programas de transplante de órganos de donador fallecido requieren una estructura compleja desde el punto de vista médico, logístico y cultural. Material y métodos: Se analizó la detección de posibles donadores en el estado de San Luis Potosí, del 21 de agosto de 1999 al 30 de agosto de 2002; se estudiaron las principales causas de muerte cerebral, su conversión a donadores, las implicaciones médicolegales y las causas de donación y no donación. Resultados: 71.42% de donadores y 64.15% de los no donadores tuvieron implicaciones médico-legales. La principal causa de muerte cerebral fue el traumatismo craneoencefálico (66.97%). La tasa de donantes por millón de habitantes fue de 8.3. Conclusiones: El manejo adecuado de los aspectos médico-legales influye en la tasa de donadores fallecidos lograda. Esto, aunado a la coordinación y efectividad del Consejo Estatal de Trasplantes, permitió obtener la tasa más alta de donación de este tipo en México.

INTRODUCTION: The transplantation program of organs obtained from deceased donors requires a complex structural organization. Medical, logistic, and cultural aspects must be taken into account. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the detection of possible organ donors in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, from August 21, 1999 to August 30, 2002. We studied the main causes of brain death, donor conversion, legal implications, reasons for donation and refusal to donate. RESULTS: 71.42% of donors and 64.15% of non donors required legal intervention. The main cause of brain death was brain traumatic injury (66.97%). The donation rate per one million inhabitants was 8.3. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate forensic management has a positive influence on achieved deceased donors. An effective team work and coordination with the State Council of Transplants has allowed the State of San Luis Potosí to have the highest rate of organ donation in Mexico.

[Program of organ and tissue donation in subjects with cerebral death in the State of San Luis Potosí between 1999-2002. Legal implications and study results]. / Programa de donación de órganos y tejidos de individuos con muerte cerebral en San Luis Potosí. Impacto de los aspectos médico-legales en los resultados de 1999-2002.

INTRODUCTION: The transplantation program of organs obtained from deceased donors requires a complex structural organization. Medical, logistic, and cultural aspects must be taken into account. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the detection of possible organ donors in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, from August 21, 1999 to August 30, 2002. We studied the main causes of brain death, donor conversion, legal implications, reasons for donation and refusal to donate. RESULTS: 71.42% of donors and 64.15% of non donors required legal intervention. The main cause of brain death was brain traumatic injury (66.97%). The donation rate per one million inhabitants was 8.3. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate forensic management has a positive influence on achieved deceased donors. An effective team work and coordination with the State Council of Transplants has allowed the State of San Luis Potosí to have the highest rate of organ donation in Mexico.

Monetary incentives in primary health care and effects on use and coverage of preventive health care interventions in rural Honduras: cluster randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Scaling-up of effective preventive interventions in child and maternal health is constrained in many developing countries by lack of demand. In Latin America, some governments have been trying to increase demand for health interventions by making direct payments to poor households contingent on them keeping up-to-date with preventive health services. We undertook a public health programme effectiveness trial in Honduras to assess this approach, contrasting it with a direct transfer of resources to local health teams. METHODS: 70 municipalities were selected because they had the country's highest prevalence of malnutrition. They were allocated at random to four groups: money to households; resources to local health teams combined with a community-based nutrition intervention; both packages; and neither. Evaluation surveys of about 5600 households were undertaken at baseline and roughly 2 years later. Pregnant women and mothers of children younger than 3 years old were asked about use of health services (primary outcome) and coverage of interventions such as immunisation and growth monitoring (secondary outcome). Reports were supplemented with data from children's health cards and government service utilisation data. Analysis was by mixed effects regression, accounting for the municipality-level randomisation. FINDINGS: The household-level intervention had a large impact (15-20 percentage points; p<0.01) on the reported coverage of antenatal care and well-child check-ups. Childhood immunisation series could thus be started more opportunely, and the coverage of growth monitoring was markedly increased (15-21 percentage points; p<0.01. Measles and tetanus toxoid immunisation were not affected. The transfer of resources to local health teams could not be implemented properly because of legal complications. INTERPRETATION: Conditional payments to households increase the use and coverage of preventive health care interventions.