Pediatric Injury Transfer Patterns During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Interrupted time Series Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: With the expected surge of adult patients with COVID-19, the Children's Hospital Association recommended a tiered approach to divert children to pediatric centers. Our objective was understanding changes in interfacility transfer to Pediatric Trauma Centers (PTCs) during the first 6 mo of the pandemic. METHODS: Children aged < 18 y injured between January 1, 2016 and September 30, 2020, who met National Trauma Databank inclusion criteria from 9 PTCs were included. An interrupted time-series analysis was used to estimate an expected number of transferred patients compared to observed volume. The "COVID" cohort was compared to a historical cohort (historical average [HA]), using an average across 2016-2019. Site-based differences in transfer volume, demographics, injury characteristics, and hospital-based outcomes were compared between cohorts. RESULTS: Twenty seven thousand thirty one/47,382 injured patients (57.05%) were transferred to a participating PTC during the study period. Of the COVID cohort, 65.4% (4620/7067) were transferred, compared to 55.7% (3281/5888) of the HA (P < 0.001). There was a decrease in 15-y-old to 17-y-old patients (10.43% COVID versus 12.64% HA, P = 0.003). More patients in the COVID cohort had injury severity scores ≤ 15 (93.25% COVID versus 87.63% HA, P < 0.001). More patients were discharged home after transfer (31.80% COVID versus 21.83% HA, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Transferred trauma patients to Level I PTC increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of transferred patients discharged from emergency departments increased. Pediatric trauma transfers may be a surrogate for referring emergency department capacity and resources and a measure of pediatric trauma triage capability.

Current Patterns of Probiotic Use in U.S. Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Multi-Institution Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Probiotic supplementation is associated with health benefits in preterm infants. The 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) statement on probiotic use advised caution, citing heterogeneity and absence of federal regulation. We assessed the impact of the AAP statement and current institution-wide patterns of probiotic use across neonatal intensive care units (NICU) across the United States. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional web-based institutional survey using REDCap was emailed to 430 Children's Hospital Neonatal Consortium (CHNC) and Pediatrix Medical Group institutions. The survey captured data on probiotic formulations, supplementation, initiation and cessation criteria, reasons for discontinuation, interest in initiating, and AAP statement's impact. RESULTS: Ninety-five (22.1%) hospitals, including 42/46 (91%) CHNC and 53/384 (14%) Pediatrix institutions, completed the survey. Thirty-seven (39%) currently use probiotics. Fourteen different probiotic formulations were reported. The common criteria for initiation were birth weight <1,500 g and gestational age <32 weeks. Parental consent or assent was obtained at only 30% of institutions. Five hospitals (11%) with prior probiotic use discontinued solely due to the AAP statement. Overall, 23 (24%) of hospitals indicated that the AAP statement significantly influenced their decision regarding probiotic use. Nineteen of 51 nonusers (37%) are considering initiation. CONCLUSION: Probiotic use in preterm infants is likely increasing in NICUs across the United States, but significant variability exists. The 2021 AAP statement had variable impact on NICUs' decision regarding probiotic use. The growing interest in adopting probiotics and the significant interhospital variability highlight the need for better regulation and consensus guidelines to ensure standardized use. KEY POINTS: · Probiotic use in preterm infants is likely increasing in U.S. NICUs, but clinical variability exists.. · The AAP statement on probiotic use in preterm infants had a modest impact on current practices.. · There's a need for better product regulation and consensus guidelines to ensure standardized use..

Circuit change in neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is associated with adverse outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits may be changed during the run for multiple reasons; however, these circuit changes may be associated with adverse events. Predictors for undergoing a circuit change (CC) and their outcomes remain unclear. We hypothesized that neonatal and pediatric CC correlates with increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Pediatric and neonatal patients who underwent one ECMO run lasting <30 days at a tertiary children's hospital from 2011 through 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Bivariate regression analysis evaluated factors associated with ECMO mortality and morbidity. LASSO logistic regression models identified independent risk factors for undergoing a CC. p < .05 was significant. RESULTS: One hundred 85 patients were included; 137 (74%) underwent no CC, while 48 (26%) underwent one or more. Undergoing a CC was associated with longer ECMO duration (p < .001), higher blood transfusion volumes (p < .001), increased hemorrhagic complications (p < .001) and increased mortality (p = .002). Increased platelet (p = .001) and FFP (p = .016) transfusion volumes at any time while on ECMO were independent factors associated with undergoing a CC. CONCLUSIONS: Changing the circuit during the ECMO run occurs frequently and may be associated with poorer outcomes. Understanding the outcomes and predictors for CC may guide management protocols for more efficient circuit changes given its important association with overall outcomes.

A hydrogen-sulfide derivative of mesalamine reduces the severity of intestinal and lung injury in necrotizing enterocolitis through endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a devastating disease that affects preterm infants. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors have been shown to reduce the severity of NEC, but the optimal compound has yet to be identified. We hypothesized that oral H2S-Mesalamine (ATB-429) would improve outcomes in experimental NEC, and its benefits would be dependent on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathways. NEC was induced in 5-day-old wild-type (WT) and eNOS knockout (eNOSKO) pups by formula feeding and stress. Four groups were studied in both WT and eNOSKO mice: 1) breastfed controls, 2) NEC, 3) NEC + 50 mg/kg mesalamine, and 4) NEC + 130 mg/kg ATB-429. Mesalamine and ATB-429 doses were equimolar. Pups were monitored for sickness scores and perfusion to the gut was measured by Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI). After euthanasia of the pups, intestine and lung were hematoxylin and eosin-stained and scored for injury in a blind fashion. TLR4 expression was quantified by Western blot and IL-6 expression by ELISA. P < 0.05 was significant. Both WT and eNOSKO breastfed controls underwent normal development and demonstrated milder intestinal and pulmonary injury compared with NEC groups. For the WT groups, ATB-429 significantly improved weight gain, reduced clinical sickness score, and improved perfusion compared with the NEC group. In addition, WT ATB-429 pups had a significantly milder intestinal and pulmonary histologic injury when compared with NEC. ATB-429 attenuated the increase in TLR4 and IL-6 expression in the intestine. When the experiment was repeated in eNOSKO pups, ATB-429 offered no benefit in weight gain, sickness scores, perfusion, intestinal injury, pulmonary injury, or decreasing intestinal inflammatory markers. An H2S derivative of mesalamine improves outcomes in experimental NEC. Protective effects appear to be mediated through eNOS. Further research is warranted to explore whether ATB-429 may be an effective oral therapy to combat NEC.

Disparities in the Management of Pediatric Breast Masses.

INTRODUCTION: Disparities in surgical management have been documented across a range of disease processes. The objective of this study was to investigate sociodemographic disparities in young females undergoing excision of a breast mass. METHODS: A retrospective study of females aged 10-21 y who underwent surgery for a breast lesion across eleven pediatric hospitals from 2011 to 2016 was performed. Differences in patient characteristics, workup, management, and pathology by race/ethnicity, insurance status, median neighborhood income, and urbanicity were evaluated with bivariate and multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 454 females were included, with a median age of 16 y interquartile range (IQR: 3). 44% of patients were nonHispanic (NH) Black, 40% were NH White, and 7% were Hispanic. 50% of patients had private insurance, 39% had public insurance, and 9% had other/unknown insurance status. Median neighborhood income was $49,974, and 88% of patients resided in a metropolitan area. NH Whites have 4.5 times the odds of undergoing preoperative fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy compared to NH Blacks (CI: 2.0, 10.0). No differences in time to surgery from the initial imaging study, size of the lesion, or pathology were observed on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant differences by race/ethnicity, insurance status, household income, or urbanicity in the time to surgery after the initial imaging study. The only significant disparity noted on multivariable analysis was NH White patients were more likely to undergo preoperative biopsy than were NH Black patients; however, the utility of biopsy in pediatric breast masses is not well established.

Age disparities in intestinal stem cell quantities: a possible explanation for preterm infant susceptibility to necrotizing enterocolitis.

PURPOSE: Preterm infants are more susceptible to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) than term Queryinfants. This may be due to a relative paucity of Lgr5+ or Bmi1+-expressing intestinal stem cells (ISCs) which are responsible for promoting intestinal recovery after injury. We hypothesized that the cellular markers of Lgr5+ and Bmi1+, which represent the two distinct ISC populations, would be lower in younger mice compared to older mice. In addition, we hypothesized that experimental NEC would result in a greater loss of Lgr5+ expression compared to Bmi1+ expression. METHODS: Transgenic mice with EGFP-labeled Lgr5 underwent euthanasia at 10 different time points from E15 to P56 (n = 8-11/group). Lgr5+-expressing ISCs were quantified by GFP ELISA and Bmi1+ was assessed by qPCR. In addition, Lgr5EGFP mice underwent experimental NEC via formula feeding and hypoxic and hypothermic stress. Additional portions of the intestine underwent immunostaining with anti-GFP or anti-Bmi1+ antibodies to confirm ELISA and PCR results. For statistical analysis, p < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Lgr5+ and Bmi1+expression was lowest in embryonal and early postnatal mice and increased with age in all segments of the intestine. Experimental NEC was associated with loss of Lgr5+-expressing ISCs but no significant change in Bmi1+ expression. CONCLUSION: Lgr5+ and Bmi1+ expression increase with age. Lgr5+-expressing ISCs are lower following experimental necrotizing enterocolitis while Bmi1+ expression remains relatively unchanged. Developing a targeted medical therapy to protect the low population of ISCs in preterm infants may promote tissue recovery and regeneration after injury from NEC.

Initial Laparotomy Versus Peritoneal Drainage in Extremely Low Birthweight Infants With Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis or Isolated Intestinal Perforation: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine which initial surgical treatment results in the lowest rate of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or isolated intestinal perforation (IP). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The impact of initial laparotomy versus peritoneal drainage for NEC or IP on the rate of death or NDI in extremely low birth weight infants is unknown. METHODS: We conducted the largest feasible randomized trial in 20 US centers, comparing initial laparotomy versus peritoneal drainage. The primary outcome was a composite of death or NDI at 18 to 22 months corrected age, analyzed using prespecified frequentist and Bayesian approaches. RESULTS: Of 992 eligible infants, 310 were randomized and 96% had primary outcome assessed. Death or NDI occurred in 69% of infants in the laparotomy group versus 70% with drainage [adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87-1.14]. A preplanned analysis identified an interaction between preoperative diagnosis and treatment group (P = 0.03). With a preoperative diagnosis of NEC, death or NDI occurred in 69% after laparotomy versus 85% with drainage (aRR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.64-1.04). The Bayesian posterior probability that laparotomy was beneficial (risk difference <0) for a preoperative diagnosis of NEC was 97%. For preoperative diagnosis of IP, death or NDI occurred in 69% after laparotomy versus 63% with drainage (aRR, 1.11; 95% CI: 0.95-1.31); Bayesian probability of benefit with laparotomy = 18%. CONCLUSIONS: There was no overall difference in death or NDI rates at 18 to 22 months corrected age between initial laparotomy versus drainage. However, the preoperative diagnosis of NEC or IP modified the impact of initial treatment.

It's all in the milk: chondroitin sulfate as potential preventative therapy for necrotizing enterocolitis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating condition affecting up to 5% of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. Risk factors include preterm delivery, low birth weight, and antibiotic use. The pathogenesis is characterized by a combination of intestinal ischemia, necrosis of the bowel, reperfusion injury, and sepsis typically resulting in surgical resection of afflicted bowel. Targeted medical therapy remains elusive. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) holds the potential to prevent the onset of NEC through its anti-inflammatory properties and protective effect on the gut microbiome. The purpose of this review is to outline the many properties of CS to highlight its potential use in high-risk infants and attenuate the severity of NEC. The purpose of this review is to (1) discuss the interaction of CS with the infant microbiome, (2) review the anti-inflammatory properties of CS, and (3) postulate on the potential role of CS in preventing NEC. IMPACT: NEC is a costly medical burden in the United States. Breast milk is the best preventative measure for NEC, but not all infants in the NICU have access to breast milk. Novel therapies and diagnostic tools are needed for NEC. CS may be a potential therapy for NEC due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. CS could be added to the formula in an attempt to mitigate breast milk disparities.

Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Restore Functional Integrity of the Gut Epithelial and Vascular Barriers in a Model of Diabetes and ACE2 Deficiency.

RATIONALE: There is incomplete knowledge of the impact of bone marrow cells on the gut microbiome and gut barrier function. OBJECTIVE: We postulated that diabetes mellitus and systemic ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) deficiency would synergize to adversely impact both the microbiome and gut barrier function. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing and metatranscriptomic analysis were performed on fecal samples from wild-type, ACE2-/y, Akita (type 1 diabetes mellitus), and ACE2-/y-Akita mice. Gut barrier integrity was assessed by immunofluorescence, and bone marrow cell extravasation into the small intestine was evaluated by flow cytometry. In the ACE2-/y-Akita or Akita mice, the disrupted barrier was associated with reduced levels of myeloid angiogenic cells, but no increase in inflammatory monocytes was observed within the gut parenchyma. Genomic and metatranscriptomic analysis of the microbiome of ACE2-/y-Akita mice demonstrated a marked increase in peptidoglycan-producing bacteria. When compared with control cohorts treated with saline, intraperitoneal administration of myeloid angiogenic cells significantly decreased the microbiome gene expression associated with peptidoglycan biosynthesis and restored epithelial and endothelial gut barrier integrity. Also indicative of diabetic gut barrier dysfunction, increased levels of peptidoglycan and FABP-2 (intestinal fatty acid-binding protein 2) were observed in plasma of human subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (n=21) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (n=23) compared with nondiabetic controls (n=23). Using human retinal endothelial cells, we determined that peptidoglycan activates a noncanonical TLR-2 (Toll-like receptor 2) associated MyD88 (myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88)-ARNO (ADP-ribosylation factor nucleotide-binding site opener)-ARF6 (ADP-ribosylation factor 6) signaling cascade, resulting in destabilization of p120-catenin and internalization of VE-cadherin as a mechanism of deleterious impact of peptidoglycan on the endothelium. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate for the first time that the defect in gut barrier function and dysbiosis in ACE2-/y-Akita mice can be favorably impacted by exogenous administration of myeloid angiogenic cells.

Factors Affecting Higher Readmission Rates and Costs in Pediatric Patients With Hirschsprung Disease.

BACKGROUND: Hirschsprung disease is a relatively uncommon disorder of the developing gastrointestinal tract that requires surgical intervention to restore long-term function. While readmission for Hirschsprung-related complications is a known concern in these patients, we sought to identify patient-level factors associated with a prolonged hospital stay, increased costs at the time of a pull-through operation, as well as the risk for all-cause inpatient readmission after surgery. We hypothesized that higher level of care requirement during the operative stay, age at operation, and length of stay (LOS) would portend increased readmissions and disease-related complications such as Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis. METHODS: Data was obtained from the Pediatric Health Information System database on all Hirschprung patients who underwent a pull-through operation between 2004 and 2019. Regression analyses were performed on this cohort of 3345 patients. Multivariable regression models were utilized to analyze the key outcome variables of postoperative LOS and adjusted charges. RESULTS: Post-operative LOS was significantly increased by the presence of a surgical complication, congenital/genetic defect, or neurologic/neuromuscular defect. Increased LOS was also seen in Black patients. The cost of pull-through operations was significantly higher in patients admitted to the NICU and ICU during index hospitalization, with a cost increase of approximately $75,000 and $57,000 respectively. Presence of a surgical complication, comorbid congenital/genetic defect, and need for mechanical ventilation were associated with higher odds of inpatient readmission. CONCLUSION: The management of patients with Hirschsprung disease is longitudinal and complex. Identification of key patient metrics can aid clinicians in developing targeted care and education strategies to minimize readmission and excessive hospital charges.

Survivors of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair Face Barriers to Long-Term Follow-Up Care.

BACKGROUND: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) carries high morbidity and mortality, and survivors commonly have neurodevelopmental, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary sequela requiring multidisciplinary care well beyond repair. We predict that following hospitalization for repair, CDH survivors face many barriers to receiving future medical care. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all living CDH patients between ages 0 to 12 years who underwent repair at Riley Hospital for Children (RHC) from 2010 through 2019. Follow-up status with specialty providers was reviewed, and all eligible families were contacted to complete a survey regarding various aspects of their child's care, including functional status, quality of life, and barriers to care. Bivariate analysis was applied to patient data (P < 0.05 was significant) and survey responses were analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: After exclusions, 70 survivors were contacted. Thirty-three (47%) were deemed lost to follow up to specialist providers, and were similar to those who maintained follow-up with respect to defect severity type (A-D, P = 0.57), ECMO use (P = 0.35), number of affected organ systems (P = 0.36), and number of providers following after discharge (P = 0.33). Seventeen (24%) families completed the survey, of whom eight (47%) were deemed lost to follow up to specialist providers. Families reported distance and time constraints, access to CDH-specific information and care, access to CDH-specific resources, and access to healthcare as significant barriers to care. All respondents were interested in a multidisciplinary CDH clinic. CONCLUSIONS: CDH survivors require multidisciplinary care beyond initial repair, but attrition to follow-up after discharge is high. A multidisciplinary CDH clinic may address caregivers' perceived barriers.

Surgical Gastrostomy in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Practices of performing gastrostomy tubes vary across institutions for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We aim to elucidate the outcomes of gastrostomy and the duration of feeding assistance in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing cardiac surgery (CS) at our institution from 2013 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed using the Society of Thoracic Surgery database. A cohort of non-CS patients undergoing gastrostomy tube (g-tube) placement from 2013 to 2015 was used as control. Technical complications and postoperative feeding intolerance were analyzed. Duration of need for g-tube was also analyzed in patients undergoing CS. RESULTS: The CS group had 144 patients, and the non-CS group had 677 patients. CS patients had a higher incidence of feeding intolerance (18.8% versus 5.6%, P < 0.001) and took longer to attain full feeds (median of 2 versus 1 d, P < 0.001), and this was confirmed on propensity matched analysis. In addition, technical g-tube complications were similar in the two groups. No mortality in CS was attributed to the g-tube. 58% of patients undergoing CS were able to wean from g-tube feeding by 6-12 mo after g-tube placement. CONCLUSIONS: G-tube placement in patients undergoing CS by any technique is safe without increased complications. A significant portion of these patients was able to wean off supplemental enteral feeding assistance by a year after g-tube placement.

Modified percutaneous internal ring suturing with peritoneal injury in children: matched comparison to open hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to elucidate the outcomes of percutaneous internal ring suture (PIRS) technique for inguinal hernia repair augmented with thermal peritoneal injury compared to open inguinal hernia repair (OHR) in a large population of contemporary pediatric patients. Thermal injury with PIRS has been shown to reduce recurrence in animal models and is increasingly being incorporated into clinical practice. METHODS: Retrospective review of all PIRS procedures and OHR between Jan-2017 to Sept-2018 was performed. Data regarding patient characteristics, characteristics of the hernia, operative details, postoperative complications, and recurrence were collected. Non-parametric tests were used and p < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. 1:1 Propensity score matching was performed using "nearest-score" technique. Matching was done based on age, sex, follow-up time, side of hernia, repair of contralateral hernia, and number of additional procedures. RESULTS: 90 modified PIRS patients were matched to 90 OHRs. Patient demographics, hernia characteristics, and follow-up time were similar between the two groups after matching. There were no differences in recurrence rates (1 vs. 3 in OHR and PIRS, respectively, p = 0.6), complication rates (1 vs. 4 in OHR and PIRS, respectively, p = 0.4), and OR time [44.5 vs. 43 min in OHR and PIRS, respectively, p = 0.8]. There were no intraoperative complications for either technique. For OHR, laparoscopic look was performed in 23%. When successful, it revealed a contralateral PPV (patent processus vaginalis-PPV) in 41% of cases (9.4% of all OHR), all of which were repaired. For the PIRS procedures, a contralateral PPV was found in 25.6%, all of which were repaired. In the unmatched population, OHR had a metachronous hernia rate of 1.8%, none of whom had the contralateral PPV repaired at the original procedure. CONCLUSIONS: PIRS with peritoneal injury has comparable efficacy and good safety compared to OHR. Recurrence and complication rates should further improve with increasing experience. Future studies should elucidate long term outcomes.

New directions in necrotizing enterocolitis with early-stage investigators.

The 2019 Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Symposium expanded upon the NEC Society's goals of bringing stakeholders together to discuss cutting-edge science, potential therapeutics and preventative measures, as well as the patient-family perspectives of NEC. The Symposium facilitated discussions and shared knowledge with the overarching goal of creating "A World Without NEC." To accomplish this goal, new research to advance the state of the science is necessary. Over the last decade, several established investigators have significantly improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of NEC and they have paved the way for the next generation of clinician-scientists funded to perform NEC research. This article will serve to highlight the contributions of these young clinician-scientists that seek to elucidate how immune, microbial and nervous system dysregulation contributes to the pathophysiology of NEC.

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Hydrogen Sulfide Production Critically Impacts the Release of Other Paracrine Mediators After Injury.

BACKGROUND: The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treatment during ischemia is novel. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important paracrine mediator that is released from MSCs to facilitate angiogenesis and vasodilation. Three enzymes, cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate-sulfurtransferase (MPST), are mainly responsible for H2S production. However, it is unclear how these enzymes impact the production of other critical growth factors and chemokines. We hypothesized that the enzymes responsible for H2S production in human MSCs would also critically regulate other growth factors and chemokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human MSCs were transfected with CBS, MPST, CSE, or negative control small interfering RNA. Knockdown of enzymes was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Cells were plated in 12-well plates at 100,000 cells per well and stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; 50 ng/mL), lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 200 ng/mL), or 5% hypoxia for 24 h. Supernatants were collected, and cytokines measured by multiplex beaded assay. Data were compared with the Mann-Whitney U-test, and P < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: TNF-α, LPS, and hypoxia effectively stimulated MSCs. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF), epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, granulocyte/monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and interferon gamma-inducible protein 10 were all significantly elevated when CSE was knocked down during TNF-α stimulation (P < 0.05). Knockdown of MPST during LPS stimulation more readily increased GCSF and epidermal growth factor but decreased GMCSF (P < 0.05). CBS knockdown decreased production of GCSF, fibroblast growth factor, GMCSF, and vascular endothelial growth factor (P < 0.05) after hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS: The enzymes that produce H2S in MSCs are also responsible for the production of other stem cell paracrine mediators under stressful stimuli. Therefore, reprogramming MSCs to endogenously produce more H2S as a therapeutic intervention could also critically impact other paracrine mediators, which may alter the desired beneficial effects.

The Assessment of Fecal Volatile Organic Compounds in Healthy Infants: Electronic Nose Device Predicts Patient Demographics and Microbial Enterotype.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of fecal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has emerged as a noninvasive biomarker in many different pathologies. Before assessing whether VOCs can be used to diagnose intestinal diseases, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), it is necessary to measure the impact of variable infant demographic factors on VOC signals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stool samples were collected from term infants at four hospitals in a large metropolitan area. Samples were heated, and fecal VOCs assessed by the Cyranose 320 Electronic Nose. Twenty-eight sensors were combined into an overall smellprint and were also assessed individually. 16s rRNA gene sequencing was used to categorize infant microbiomes. Smellprints were correlated to feeding type (formula versus breastmilk), sex, hospital of birth, and microbial enterotype. Overall smellprints were assessed by PERMANOVA with Euclidean distances, and individual sensors from each smellprint were assessed by Mann-Whitney U-tests. P < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Overall smellprints were significantly different according to diet. Individual sensors were significantly different according to sex and hospital of birth, but overall smellprints were not significantly different. Using a decision tree model, two individual sensors could reliably predict microbial enterotype. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of fecal VOCs with an electronic nose is impacted by several demographic characteristics of infants and can be used to predict microbiome composition. Further studies are needed to design appropriate algorithms that are able to predict NEC based on fecal VOC profiles.

Sildenafil as a Rescue Agent Following Intestinal Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric ischemia carries a significant morbidity. Measures to improve blood flow parameters to the intestine may ameliorate the disease. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate and has been shown to prevent the effects of ischemia when given before injury. However, its effects as a rescue agent have not been established. We therefore hypothesized that sildenafil, when given as a rescue agent for intestinal ischemia, would improve mesenteric perfusion, limit intestinal epithelial injury, and decrease intestinal leukocyte chemoattractants. METHODS: Eight to 12 wk-old-male C57BL/6J mice underwent laparotomy and temporary occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 60 min. Following ischemia, reperfusion was permitted, and before closing the abdomen, sildenafil was injected intraperitoneally in a variety of concentrations. After 24 h, reperfusion was reassessed. Animals were euthanized and intestines evaluated for histologic injury and leukocyte chemoattractants. RESULTS: Postischemic administration of sildenafil did not improve mesenteric perfusion following intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury. However, sildenafil did improve histologic injury scores in dose ranges of 0.01 to 10 mg/kg. No difference was noted in histological injury with 100 mg/kg dose, and all members of the 1000 mg/kg group died within 24 h of injury. Epithelial protection was not facilitated by the leukocyte chemoattractants Regulated on Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed, and Secreted, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein, neutrophil activating protein, or granulocyte colony stimulating factor. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of sildenafil following intestinal ischemia may limit intestinal mucosal injury but does not appear to alter mesenteric perfusion or leukocyte chemoattractant influx. TYPE: Basic science. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Effects of Manganese Porphyrins on Cellular Sulfur Metabolism.

Manganese porphyrins (MnPs), MnTE-2-PyP5+, MnTnHex-2-PyP5+ and MnTnBuOE-2-PyP5+, are superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetics and form a redox cycle between O2 and reductants, including ascorbic acid, ultimately producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). We previously found that MnPs oxidize hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to polysulfides (PS; H2Sn, n = 2-6) in buffer. Here, we examine the effects of MnPs for 24 h on H2S metabolism and PS production in HEK293, A549, HT29 and bone marrow derived stem cells (BMDSC) using H2S (AzMC, MeRho-AZ) and PS (SSP4) fluorophores. All MnPs decreased intracellular H2S production and increased intracellular PS. H2S metabolism and PS production were unaffected by cellular O2 (5% versus 21% O2), H2O2 or ascorbic acid. We observed with confocal microscopy that mitochondria are a major site of H2S production in HEK293 cells and that MnPs decrease mitochondrial H2S production and increase PS in what appeared to be nucleoli and cytosolic fibrillary elements. This supports a role for MnPs in the metabolism of H2S to PS, the latter serving as both short- and long-term antioxidants, and suggests that some of the biological effects of MnPs may be attributable to sulfur metabolism.

Mesenchymal stem cells promote mesenteric vasodilation through hydrogen sulfide and endothelial nitric oxide.

Mesenteric ischemia is a devastating process that can result in intestinal necrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are becoming a promising treatment modality. We hypothesized that 1) MSCs would promote vasodilation of mesenteric arterioles, 2) hydrogen sulfide (H2S) would be a critical paracrine factor of stem cell-mediated vasodilation, 3) mesenteric vasodilation would be impaired in the absence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) within the host tissue, and 4) MSCs would improve the resistin-to-adiponectin ratio in mesenteric vessels. H2S was measured with a specific fluorophore (7-azido-3-methylcoumarin) in intact MSCs and in cells with the H2S-producing enzyme cystathionine ß synthase (CBS) knocked down with siRNA. Mechanical responses of isolated second- and third-order mesenteric arteries (MAs) from wild-type and eNOS knockout (eNOSKO) mice were monitored with pressure myography, after which the vessels were snap frozen and later analyzed for resistin and adiponectin via multiplex beaded assay. Addition of MSCs to the myograph bath significantly increased vasodilation of norepinephrine-precontracted MAs. Knockdown of CBS in MSCs decreased H2S production by MSCs and also decreased MSC-initiated MA dilation. MSC-initiated vasodilation was further reduced in eNOSKO vessels. The MA resistin-to-adiponectin ratio was higher in eNOSKO vessels compared with wild-type. These results show that MSC treatment promotes dilation of MAs by an H2S-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, functional eNOS within the host mesenteric bed appears to be essential for maximum stem cell therapeutic benefit, which may be attributable, in part, to modifications in the resistin-to-adiponectin ratio.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Stem cells have been shown to improve survival, mesenteric perfusion, and histological injury scores following intestinal ischemia. These benefits may be due to the paracrine release of hydrogen sulfide. In an ex vivo pressure myography model, we observed that mesenteric arterial dilation improved with stem cell treatment. Hydrogen sulfide release from stem cells and endothelial nitric oxide synthase within the vessels were critical components of optimizing stem cell-mediated mesenteric artery dilation.

Loss of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Exacerbates Diabetic Retinopathy by Promoting Bone Marrow Dysfunction.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the primary enzyme of the vasoprotective axis of the renin angiotensin system (RAS). We tested the hypothesis that loss of ACE2 would exacerbate diabetic retinopathy by promoting bone marrow dysfunction. ACE2-/y were crossed with Akita mice, a model of type 1 diabetes. When comparing the bone marrow of the ACE2-/y -Akita mice to that of Akita mice, we observed a reduction of both short-term and long-term repopulating hematopoietic stem cells, a shift of hematopoiesis toward myelopoiesis, and an impairment of lineage- c-kit+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HS/PC) migration and proliferation. Migratory and proliferative dysfunction of these cells was corrected by exposure to angiotensin-1-7 (Ang-1-7), the protective peptide generated by ACE2. Over the duration of diabetes examined, ACE2 deficiency led to progressive reduction in electrical responses assessed by electroretinography and to increases in neural infarcts observed by fundus photography. Compared with Akita mice, ACE2-/y -Akita at 9-months of diabetes showed an increased number of acellular capillaries indicative of more severe diabetic retinopathy. In diabetic and control human subjects, CD34+ cells, a key bone marrow HS/PC population, were assessed for changes in mRNA levels for MAS, the receptor for Ang-1-7. Levels were highest in CD34+ cells from diabetics without retinopathy. Higher serum Ang-1-7 levels predicted protection from development of retinopathy in diabetics. Treatment with Ang-1-7 or alamandine restored the impaired migration function of CD34+ cells from subjects with retinopathy. These data support that activation of the protective RAS within HS/PCs may represents a therapeutic strategy for prevention of diabetic retinopathy. Stem Cells 2018;36:1430-1440.