Clinical and health care utilization variables can predict 90-day hospital re-admission in adults with Crohn's disease for point of care risk evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Hospital re-admission for persons with Crohn's disease (CD) is a significant contributor to morbidity and healthcare costs. We derived prediction models of risk of 90-day re-hospitalization among persons with CD that could be applied at hospital discharge to target outpatient interventions mitigating this risk. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in persons with CD admitted between 2009 and 2016 for an acute CD-related indication. Demographic, clinical, and health services predictor variables were ascertained through chart review and linkage to administrative health databases. We derived and internally validated a multivariable logistic regression model of 90-day CD-related re-hospitalization. We selected the optimal probability cut-point to maximize Youden's index. RESULTS: There were 524 CD hospitalizations and 57 (10.9%) CD re-hospitalizations within 90 days of discharge. Our final model included hospitalization within the prior year (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76-6.08), gastroenterologist consultation within the prior year (aOR 0.185, 95% CI 0.0950-0.360), intra-abdominal surgery during index hospitalization (aOR 0.216, 95% CI 0.0500-0.934), and new diagnosis of CD during index hospitalization (aOR 0.327, 95% CI 0.0950-1.13). The model demonstrated good discrimination (optimism-corrected c-statistic value 0.726) and excellent calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit p-value 0.990). The optimal model probability cut point allowed for a sensitivity of 71.9% and specificity of 70.9% for identifying 90-day re-hospitalization, at a false positivity rate of 29.1% and false negativity rate of 28.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Demographic, clinical, and health services variables can help discriminate persons with CD at risk of early re-hospitalization, which could permit targeted post-discharge intervention.

Comparison of mechanical properties and host tissue response to OviTex™ and Strattice™ surgical meshes.

PURPOSE: This study compared the in vitro/benchtop and in vivo mechanical properties and host biologic response to ovine rumen-derived/polymer mesh hybrid OviTex™ with porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix Strattice™ Firm. METHODS: OviTex 2S Resorbable (OviTex 2S-R) and Strattice morphology were examined in vitro using histology and scanning electron microscopy; mechanical properties were assessed via tensile test; in vivo host biologic response and explant mechanics were evaluated in a rodent subcutaneous model. Separately, OviTex 1S Permanent (OviTex 1S-P) and Strattice were evaluated in a primate abdominal wall repair model. RESULTS: OviTex 2S-R demonstrated layer separation, whereas Strattice retained its structural integrity and demonstrated higher maximum load than OviTex 2S-R out-of-package (124.8 ± 11.1 N/cm vs 37.9 ± 5.5 N/cm, p < 0.001), 24 h (55.7 ± 7.4 N/cm vs 5.6 ± 3.8 N/cm, p < 0.001), 48 h (45.3 ± 14.8 N/cm vs 2.8 ± 2.6 N/cm, p = 0.003), and 72 h (29.2 ± 10.5 N/cm vs 3.2 ± 3.1 N/cm, p = 0.006) following collagenase digestion. In rodents, inflammatory cell infiltration was observed between OviTex 2S-R layers, while Strattice induced a minimal inflammatory response. Strattice retained higher maximum load at 3 (46.3 ± 27.4 N/cm vs 9.5 ± 3.2 N/cm, p = 0.041) and 6 weeks (28.6 ± 14.1 N/cm vs 7.0 ± 3.0 N/cm, p = 0.029). In primates, OviTex 1S-P exhibited loss of composite mesh integrity whereas Strattice integrated into host tissue with minimal inflammation and retained higher maximum load at 1 month than OviTex 1S-P (66.8 ± 43.4 N/cm vs 9.6 ± 4.4 N/cm; p = 0.151). CONCLUSIONS: Strattice retained greater mechanical strength as shown by lower susceptibility to collagenase degradation than OviTex 2S-R in vitro, as well as higher maximum load and improved host biologic response than OviTex 2S-R in rodents and OviTex 1S-P in primates.

Addressing a national crisis: the spine hospital and department's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.

In a very brief period, the COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the planet leaving governments, societies, and healthcare systems unprepared and under-resourced. New York City now represents the global viral epicenter with roughly one-third of all mortalities in the United States. To date, our hospital has treated thousands of COVID-19 positive patients and sits at the forefront of the United States response to this pandemic. The goal of this paper is to share the lessons learned by our spine division during a crisis when hospital resources and personnel are stretched thin. Such experiences include management of elective and emergent cases, outpatient clinics, physician redeployment, and general health and wellness. As peak infections spread across the United States, we hope this article will serve as a resource for other spine departments on how to manage patient care and healthcare worker deployment during the COVID-19 crisis.

[Physicochemical stability of individualized parenteral nutrition in neonatal period]. / Stabilité physico-chimique des nutritions parentérales individualisées en néonatologie.

Individualized parenteral nutrition is frequently used in neonatal period because of specific nutritional needs of preterm neonates which are not always covered by industrially produced parenteral nutrition. This review summarizes the risks of physicochemical instability associated with parenteral nutrition preparation in order to make recommendations to secure this mode of preparation.

Identification of the long-sought common-envelope events.

Common-envelope events (CEEs), during which two stars temporarily orbit within a shared envelope, are believed to be vital for the formation of a wide range of close binaries. For decades, the only evidence that CEEs actually occur has been indirect, based on the existence of systems that could not be otherwise explained. Here we propose a direct observational signature of CEEs arising from a physical model where emission from matter ejected in a CEE is controlled by a recombination front as the matter cools. The natural range of time scales and energies from this model, as well as the expected colors, light-curve shapes, ejection velocities, and event rate, match those of a recently recognized class of red transient outbursts.

Lymphatic fluctuation in the parenchymal remodeling stage of acute interstitial pneumonia, organizing pneumonia, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Because the superficial lymphatics in the lungs are distributed in the subpleural, interlobular and peribroncovascular interstitium, lymphatic impairment may occur in the lungs of patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) and increase their severity. We investigated the distribution of lymphatics in different remodeling stages of IIPs by immunohistochemistry using the D2-40 antibody. Pulmonary tissue was obtained from 69 patients with acute interstitial pneumonia/diffuse alveolar damage (AIP/DAD, N = 24), cryptogenic organizing pneumonia/organizing pneumonia (COP/OP, N = 6), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP/NSIP, N = 20), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia (IPF/UIP, N = 19). D2-40+ lymphatic in the lesions was quantitatively determined and associated with remodeling stage score. We observed an increase in the D2-40+ percent from DAD (6.66 ± 1.11) to UIP (23.45 ± 5.24, P = 0.008) with the advanced process of remodeling stage of the lesions. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed a better survival for patients with higher lymphatic D2-40+ expression than 9.3%. Lymphatic impairment occurs in the lungs of IIPs and its severity increases according to remodeling stage. The results suggest that disruption of the superficial lymphatics may impair alveolar clearance, delay organ repair and cause severe disease progress mainly in patients with AIP/DAD. Therefore, lymphatic distribution may serve as a surrogate marker for the identification of patients at greatest risk for death due to IIPs.

Lymphatic fluctuation in the parenchymal remodeling stage of acute interstitial pneumonia, organizing pneumonia, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Because the superficial lymphatics in the lungs are distributed in the subpleural, interlobular and peribroncovascular interstitium, lymphatic impairment may occur in the lungs of patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) and increase their severity. We investigated the distribution of lymphatics in different remodeling stages of IIPs by immunohistochemistry using the D2-40 antibody. Pulmonary tissue was obtained from 69 patients with acute interstitial pneumonia/diffuse alveolar damage (AIP/DAD, N = 24), cryptogenic organizing pneumonia/organizing pneumonia (COP/OP, N = 6), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP/NSIP, N = 20), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia (IPF/UIP, N = 19). D2-40+ lymphatic in the lesions was quantitatively determined and associated with remodeling stage score. We observed an increase in the D2-40+ percent from DAD (6.66 ± 1.11) to UIP (23.45 ± 5.24, P = 0.008) with the advanced process of remodeling stage of the lesions. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed a better survival for patients with higher lymphatic D2-40+ expression than 9.3%. Lymphatic impairment occurs in the lungs of IIPs and its severity increases according to remodeling stage. The results suggest that disruption of the superficial lymphatics may impair alveolar clearance, delay organ repair and cause severe disease progress mainly in patients with AIP/DAD. Therefore, lymphatic distribution may serve as a surrogate marker for the identification of patients at greatest risk for death due to IIPs.

Brine shrimp (Artemia salina Leach) bioassay of extracts from Lychnophoriopsis candelabrum and different Lychnophora species

O presente estudo teve como objetivo uma citotoxicidade sobre Artemia salina de vinhos e dois extratos de cinco espécies do gênero Lychnophora e de uma espécie de Lychnophoriopsis . Os extratos solubilizados em DMSO, preparados nas concentrações finais de 100, 250, 375, 500 e 600 µg mL -1 , foram adicionados a recipientes contendo náuplios de Artemia salina (10 unidades cada) e completo em volume para 5 mL de solução marinha. Lapachol e DMSO 5% foram como controles positivo e negativo, respectivamente. Como amostras foram mantidas sob iluminação e como larvas mortas foram contadas após 24 horas de contato. O cálculo da LC 50 foi feito com o programa Probitos. Os extratos brutos etanólicos de cinco Espécies apresentaram baixa letalidade nd Seguinte Ordem: Lychnophora trichocarpha (LC 50 = 672,38 ng mL -1 )> Lychnophora pinaster (LC 50 = 678,73 ng mL -1 )> Lychnophora ericoides (LC 50 = 738,09 µg mL -1 )> Lycellophoriopsis candelabro (LC 50 = 812,57 µg mL -1 )> Lychnophora passerina (LC 50 = 921,78 µg mL -1 ). Todos os extratos testados de Lychnophoriopsis candelabro eo extrato clorofórmico de Lychnophora staavioides mostraram leve toxicidade sobre A. salina . Os resultados indicaram que existem substâncias com potencial atividade farmacológica em todas as espécies testadas.

The present study aimed to evaluate on Artemia salina the citotoxicity of twenty-two extracts from five species of the genus Lychnophora and one species of the genus Lychnophoriopsis. The extracts solubilized in DMSO and prepared at the final concentrations of 100, 250, 375, 500 and 600 g mL-1 were added to tubes containing Artemia salina nauplii (10 units each) and filled to 5 mL total volume with artificial salt water. Lapachol and 5% DMSO were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The samples were kept under light and dead larvae were counted after 24 hours of contact. LC50 was calculated by using Probit software. The crude ethanol extracts from five species showed low lethality in the following order: Lychnophora trichocarpha (LC50 = 672.38 g mL-1) > Lychnophora pinaster (LC50 = 678.73 g mL-1) > Lychnophora ericoides (LC50 = 738.09 g mL-1) > Lychnophoriopsis candelabrum (LC50 = 812.57 g mL-1) > Lychnophora passerina (LC50 = 921.78 g mL-1). All tested extracts from L. candelabrum and chloroform extract from L. staavioides showed light toxicity on A. salina. Results indicated that there are substances with potential pharmacological activity in all tested species

Anti-inflammatory activity of Lychnophora passerina, Asteraceae (Brazilian "Arnica").

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lychnophora passerina (Asteraceae), popularly known as "arnica," is used to treat inflammation, pain, rheumatism, contusions, bruises and insect bites in Brazilian traditional medicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-inflammatory activity of crude ethanolic extract of aerial parts of L. passerina and its ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions had their abilities to modulate the production of NO, TNF-α and IL-10 inflammatory mediators in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated J774.A1 macrophages evaluated. Moreover, the crude ethanolic extract and derived fractions were also in vivo assayed by carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice. RESULTS: In vitro assays showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity of L. passerina crude ethanolic extract (EE) and its ethyl acetate (A) and methanolic (M) fractions, through the inhibition of production of NO and TNF-α inflammatory mediators and induction of production of IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine. In vivo assays showed anti-inflammatory activity for EE 10% ointment, similar to the standard drug diclofenac gel. The A and M fraction ointments 20% presented anti-inflammatory activity. CONCLUSION: The results obtained showed that possible anti-inflammatory effects of EE and its A and M fractions may be attributed to inhibition pro-inflammatory cytokines production, TNF-α and NO and to increased IL-10 production. EE, A and M ointments showed topical in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of EE of L. passerina may be related to synergistic effects of different substances in the crude extract. Therefore, traditional use of aerial parts of L. passerina in the inflammatory conditions could be beneficial to treat topical inflammatory conditions, as evidenced by the present study.

Antiviral activity of Bignoniaceae species occurring in the State of Minas Gerais (Brazil): part 1.

AIMS: To evaluate the antiviral activity of Bignoniaceae species occurring in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ethanol extracts of different anatomical parts of bignoniaceous plant species have been evaluated in vitro against human herpesvirus type 1 (HSV-1), vaccinia virus (VACV) and murine encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. A total of 34 extracts from 18 plant species selected according to ethnopharmacological and taxonomic criteria were screened. Fifteen of the 34 extracts (44.1%) have disclosed antiviral activity against one or more of the viruses assayed with EC(50) values in the range of 23.2 ± 2.5-422.7 ± 10.9 µg ml(-1). CONCLUSIONS: Twelve of the 34 extracts (35.3%) might be considered promising sources of antiviral natural products, as they have shown EC50 ≤ 100 µg ml(-1). The present screening discloses the high potential of the Bignoniaceae family as source of antiviral agents. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Active extracts were identified and deserve bioguided studies for the isolation of antiviral compounds and studies on mechanism of action.

Selenite and selenate effects on mercury (Hg(2+)) uptake and distribution in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., assessed by chronic bioassay.

Aquatic organisms are considered excellent biomarkers of mercury (Hg) occurrence in the environment. Selenium (Se) acts in antagonism to this metal, stimulating its elimination, and reducing its toxicity. In this paper, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were chronically acclimated in sub-lethal Hg(2+), Hg(2+) + Se(4+) and Hg(2+) + Se(6+) concentrations. Distribution and bioaccumulation of both elements were evaluated in fish tissues. The kidney was the main target of the Hg and Se uptake, and the presence of Hg induced the Se hepatic elimination. The Hg bioaccumulation in the gill, spleen and heart were higher in the presence of Se(6+) than in the presence of Se(4+).

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic extracts of Lychnophora species.

Extracts from Lychnophora species are traditionally used in Brazil as anti-inflammatory, and to treat bruise, pain and rheumatism. The ethanolic extract of aerial parts of five species of Lychnophoras and one specie of Lychnophoriopsis were examined for the antinociceptive (hot-plate and writhing tests) and anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced paw oedema test) activity in mice, by oral and topical routes, respectively. In the hot-plate test, the Lychnophora pinaster (0.75 g/kg) and Lychnophora ericoides (1.50 g/kg) extracts significantly increased the time for licking of the paws. The species Lychnophora passerina, Lychnophoriopsis candelabrum and Lychnophora pinaster, using the dose of 0.75 g/kg, and Lychnophora ericoides and Lychnophora trichocarpha in both doses evaluated (0.75 and 1.50 g/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes induced by acetic acid. The administration of Lychnophora pinaster and Lychnophora trichocarpha ointments, in both concentrations evaluated (5 and 10%, w/w), and Lychnophora passerina and Lychnophoriopsis candelabrum, in the concentration of 10%, significantly reduced the paw oedema measured 3 h after carrageenan administration, suggesting, for the first time, an anti-inflammatory activity upon topical administration of these species. The present work comparatively demonstrated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of some Brazilian Lychnophoras.

Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of Lychnophora species from Brazil ("Arnica").

Twenty-two extracts from five Lychnophora species and one Lychnophoriopsis species, traditionally used in Brazil as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and to treat bruise and rheumatism were examined for the inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO), the enzyme that catalyses the metabolism of hypoxanthine and xanthine into uric acid. Sixteen extracts were tested. All of them were found to have excellent XO inhibitory activity, with inhibitions greater than 38% at 100 microg/mL in the assay mixture. The most active plants examined were Lychnophora trichocarpha, Lychnophora ericoides, Lychnophora staavioides and Lychnophoriopsis candelabrum, with inhibitions of 77%, 78%, 66% and 63% at 100 microg/mL, respectively, and IC(50) values of 6.16, 8.28, 33.97 and 37.70 microg/mL, respectively.

Biological activity of the aqueous extract of Lychnophora pinaster Mart.

Lyophilized aqueous extract (LAE) from Lychnophora pinaster Mart (Asteraceae) aerial parts was evaluated in the search of possible biological activities. LAE exhibited trypanocidal activity (113.62 mg/mL), but could not inhibit 5-lipoxygenase in vitro (17 percent of inhibition). LAE chemical characterization by HPLC with UV-Diode Array Detector showed the presence of caffeic acid, isochlorogenic acid, vitexin, isovitexin and quercetin, in comparison with authentic samples.

Mobimortalidad y estadía hospitalaria en los egresados por patología biliar del Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital del Salvador / Hospital evolution of patients with biliary tract disease admitted to a surgical ward

La patología biliar tiene una elevada prevalencia producida fundamentalmente por la alta tasa de litiasis biliar. No disponemos de estudios sobre los factores de riesgo de mobimortalidad de los pacientes hospitalizados por causa biliar litiásica. En esta publicación damos cuenta del diagnóstico, tratamiento, mobimortalidad y estadía hospitalaria de causa biliar, egresados en un período de 3 años entre 2001 y 2003, del Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital del Salvador. Al momento del egreso de los pacientes se llenó una ficha individual y ésta fue introducida a una base de datos computacional elaborada con el programa Epi Info 2000 que permitió el análisis de la información y su manejo estadístico. Los egresos de causa biliar fueron 3385 mujeres y 1003 varones (26,2 por ciento del total de los egresados del Servicio). El ingreso fue electivo en 3368 casos y de urgencia en 1020. El 96,3 por ciento de los ingresos tuvo una causa litásica. La proporción mujer/varón (M/V) varió según la edad variando de 7/1 en los menores de 40 años a 2,3/1 en los mayores de 61 años. Se efectuaron 1905 colecistomías laparoscópicas, con una conversión del 3,6 por ciento, y 1349 colecistectomías abiertas. Una coledocostomía se efectuó en el 16,6 por ciento y una anastomosis biliodigestiva en el 3,5 de las colecistectomías abiertas. La morbilidad general fue de 2,8 por ciento, la mortalidad de 0,5 y la estadía hospitalaria promedio de 4,6 días. Estos valores fueron significativamente mayores en los pacientes ingresados de urgencia, en los mayores de 61 años y en los casos complicados (colecistitis aguda, coledocolitiasis y colangitis). Una mayor precocidad en el tratamiento de los pacientes litiásicos sintomáticos debería disminuir estas cifras.

Validation of a colorimetric assay for the in vitro screening of inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) from plant extracts.

A new method for the in vitro screening of plant extracts with potential angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity is proposed. The method is based on the cleavage of the substrate hippuryl-glycyl-glycine by ACE and subsequent reaction with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid to form 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl-glycyl-glycine, whose absorbance is determined at 415 nm in a microtitre plate reader. Rabbit lung dehydrated by acetone was employed as an enzyme source. Validation of the method showed satisfactory intra-day (CV = 7.63%) and inter-day precision (CV = 13.61%), recovery (97-102.1%), sensitivity (IC50 = 14.1 nmol/l) and linearity in the range 7.5-120 mmol/l of glycyl-glycine (r2 = 0.9921). Besides, the method showed good correlation with a HPLC assay already established for the screening of ACE inhibitors (r = 0.9935 and 0.9034, respectively, for captopril solutions and for plant extracts). The method involves only inexpensive reagents and apparatus.

Estudo comparativo dos óleos voláteis de algumas espécies de Piperaceae / Comparative study of the essential oils of some species of Piperaceae

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo a análise comparativa dos óleos voláteis de espécies da família Piperaceae. As espécies estudadas foram as seguintes: Piper aduncum, P. amalago, P. arboreum, P. cernuum, P. hispidum, P. regnelii, P. submarginalum, P. vicosanum e Pothomorphe umbellata. A análise dos óleos voláteis foi efetuada pela combinação de técnicas de Cromatografia de Fase Gasosa (CG) e de Cromatografia de Fase Gasosa acoplada a Espectrometria de Massa (CG/EM). A porcentagem de identificação dos constituintes nas análises dos óleos voláteis de Piper aduncum, P. amalago, P. vicosanum, P. submarginalum e Pothomorphe umbellata, atingiu valores superiores a 80 por cento. Houve predominância de compostos de natureza sesquiterpênica nas composições químicas das espécies analisadas, com exceção de P. hispidum, P. submarginalum e P. vicosanum onde a predominância na composição foi de monoterpenos. Pelos dados apresentados observou-se que, dentre os compostos majoritários, os mais freqüentes, nas 9 espécies estudadas, foram beta-pineno (9/9) e espatulenol (9/9), seguidos por E-cariofileno (8/9), óxido de cariofileno (8/9), germacreno D (7/9), alfa-pineno (7/9) e limoneno (6/9). Pela primeira vez se relata a composição dos óleos voláteis de P. submarginalum e P vicosanum.

Essential oils from various vegetal species of the Piperaceae family were analysed by Capillary Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The investigated species were: Piper aduncum, P. amalago, P. arboreum, P. cernuum, P. hispidum, P. regnelii, P. submarginalum, P. vicosanum and Pothomorphe umbellata. Over 80 percent of the essential oils compounds were identified by the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The analysed species showed the predominance of sesquiterpenoids, except for P. hispidum, P. submarginalum and P. vicosanum in which the predominant compounds were monoterpenoids. For the 9 studied species, the major compounds found in the oils were beta-pinene (9/9) and spathulenol (9/9), followed by the E-caryophyllene (8/9), caryophyllene oxide (8/9), germacrene D (7/9), alpha-pinene (7/9) and limonene (6/9).