Application of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect antimicrobial peptides in human intestinal lumen.

Intestinal transplantation is the definitive treatment for intestinal failure. However, tissue rejection and graft-versus-host disease are relatively common complications, necessitating aggressive immunosuppression that can itself pose further complications. Tracking intraluminal markers in ileal effluent from standard ileostomies may present a noninvasive and sensitive way to detect developing pathology within the intestinal graft. This would be an improvement compared to current assessments, which are limited by poor sensitivity and specificity, contributing to under or over-immunosuppression, respectively, and by the need for invasive biopsies. Herein, we report an approach to reproducibly analyze ileal fluid obtained through stoma sampling for antimicrobial peptide/protein concentrations, reasoning that these molecules may provide an assessment of intestinal homeostasis and levels of intestinal inflammation over time. Concentrations of lysozyme (LYZ), myeloperoxidase (MPO), calprotectin (S100A8/A9) and ß-defensin 2 (DEFB2) were assessed using adaptations of commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The concentration of α-defensin 5 (DEFA5) was assessed using a newly developed sandwich ELISA. Our data support that with proper preparation of ileal effluent specimens, precise and replicable determination of antimicrobial peptide/protein concentrations can be achieved for each of these target molecules via ELISA. This approach may prove to be reliable as a clinically useful assessment of intestinal homeostasis over time for patients with ileostomies.

Diversity and ethics in trauma and acute care surgery teams: results from an international survey.

BACKGROUND: Investigating the context of trauma and acute care surgery, the article aims at understanding the factors that can enhance some ethical aspects, namely the importance of patient consent, the perceptiveness of the ethical role of the trauma leader, and the perceived importance of ethics as an educational subject. METHODS: The article employs an international questionnaire promoted by the World Society of Emergency Surgery. RESULTS: Through the analysis of 402 fully filled questionnaires by surgeons from 72 different countries, the three main ethical topics are investigated through the lens of gender, membership of an academic or non-academic institution, an official trauma team, and a diverse group. In general terms, results highlight greater attention paid by surgeons belonging to academic institutions, official trauma teams, and diverse groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underline that some organizational factors (e.g., the fact that the team belongs to a university context or is more diverse) might lead to the development of a higher sensibility on ethical matters. Embracing cultural diversity forces trauma teams to deal with different mindsets. Organizations should, therefore, consider those elements in defining their organizational procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Trauma and acute care teams work under tremendous pressure and complex circumstances, with their members needing to make ethical decisions quickly. The international survey allowed to shed light on how team assembly decisions might represent an opportunity to coordinate team member actions and increase performance.

Pouch volvulus-why adhesions are not always the enemy.

AIM: Minimally invasive approaches to proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis have become the standard of care with one benefit being the reduced risk of adhesion-related complications. However, a lack of pouch adherence to the pelvis can lead to increased mobility as well as volvulization, placing pouch viability at risk. We aimed to describe our institutional experience with pouch volvulus. METHODS: Patients who presented with pouch volvulus from 1983 to 2020 were identified through a search of our pelvic pouch registry and enterprise-wide electronic medical record. Pouch volvulus was defined as a reducible rotation of the J-pouch on its mesenteric axis with evidence of a properly oriented ileo-anal anastomosis. Patients with 'twisted pouches' were excluded. RESULTS: In total, 5760 patients underwent ileal pouch anal anastomosis from 1983 to 2020. Six patients (five women) were identified with a diagnosis of 'pouch volvulus' consistent with our definition. The six pouches were constructed utilizing laparoscopic techniques and the mean time from construction to volvulus was 2.36 years. All patients underwent urgent surgery, with a paucity of adhesions noted in five. Reduction and pouch pexy was performed in three and pouch excision in three, with immediate pouch reconstruction in two and end ileostomy creation in one. At a median follow-up of 9 months, pouch survival was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic pouches constructed using minimally invasive techniques may be at risk of volvulus due to reduced adhesion development. A high index of suspicion is warranted in pouch patients with obstructive symptomatology. CT imaging may be diagnostic, and prompt surgical intervention may facilitate pouch salvage.

Outcomes and Cost Analysis of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection for Rectal Cancer: A Case-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopy for abdominoperineal resection has been well defined, the literature lacks comparative studies on robotic abdominoperineal resection. Because robotic abdominoperineal resections typically do not require splenic mobilization or an anastomosis for reconstruction, the mean console time is expected to be shorter than low anterior resection. We hypothesized that robotic and laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection would provide similar oncologic and financial outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare the perioperative, oncologic, and economic outcomes of the robotic and laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection. DESIGN: This was a retrospective, case-matched patient cohort. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: This study included all patients who underwent either laparoscopic or robotic abdominoperineal resections between January 2008 and April 2017; they were case-matched in a 1:1 ratio based on age ±5 years, BMI ±3 kg/m 2 , and sex criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perioperative, oncologic, and economic (including survival) outcomes were compared. Because of institutional policy, actual cost values are presented as the lowest direct cost value as "100%," and other values are presented as proportional to the index value. RESULTS: We examined 68 patients (34 in each group). Both groups had similar preoperative characteristics, including preoperative chemoradiation rates. Operative time (319 vs 309 min), length of stay (7.2 vs 7.4 d), postoperative complications (38.2% vs 41.2%), conversion to open (5 vs 4), complete mesorectal excision (76.4% vs 79.4%), radial margin involvement (2.9% vs 8.9%), and direct hospital cost parameters (mean difference 26%, median difference 43%) were comparable between robotic and laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection groups, respectively (all p > 0.05). Local recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates (85.3% vs 76.5%) were also similar after 22 months of follow-up between the groups. LIMITATIONS: The main limitations of this study are its retrospective nature and the variety in concomitant procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic abdominoperineal resections provided in carefully matched patients with rectal cancer showed similar perioperative and short-term oncologic outcomes compared to laparoscopic abdominoperineal resections. Our study was not powered to detect a significant increase in cost with robotic abdominoperineal resections. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B920 . RESULTADOS Y ANLISIS DE COSTO DE LA RESECCIN ABDOMINOPERINEAL LAPAROSCPICA VS LA ROBTICA EN CASOS DE CNCER DE RECTO ESTUDIO DE CASOS EMPAREJADOS: ANTECEDENTES:Si bien la resección abdominoperineal laparoscópica está bien definida, la literatura carece de estudios comparativos sobre la resección abdominoperineal robótica. Dado que las resecciones abdominoperineales robóticas generalmente no requieren movilización esplénica o una anastomosis en casos de reconstrucción, se supone que el tiempo medio en la consola sea más corto que durante una resección anterior baja. Hipotéticamente las resecciones abdominoperineales robóticas y laparoscópicas nos proporcionarían resultados oncológicos y económicos similares.OBJETIVO:Comparar los resultados perioperatorios, oncológicos y económicos de la resección abdominoperineal robótica y laparoscópica.DISEÑO:Esta fue una cohorte de pacientes retrospectiva, emparejada por casos.AJUSTE:Estudio realizado en un centro de referencia terciario.PACIENTES:Todos los pacientes que se sometieron a resecciones abdominoperineales LAParoscópicas o ROBóticas entre Enero de 2008 y Abril de 2017 fueron identificados y emparejados según la edad ±5, el IMC ±3 y los criterios de sexo en una proporción de 1:1.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se compararon los resultados perioperatorios, oncológicos y económicos (incluida la sobrevida). Debido a la política institucional, los valores de costos reales se presentan como el valor de costo directo más bajo al 100% y los otros valores se presentan como proporcionales al valor índice.RESULTADOS:Se analizaron 68 pacientes (LAP-34 y ROB-34). Ambos grupos tenían características preoperatorias similares, incluidas las tasas de radio-quimioterapia pre-operatoria. Los tiempos operatorios fueron de 319 y 309 minutos, la estadía hospitalaria de 7 días en los dos grupos, las complicaciones post-operatorias fueron de 38,2% LAP frente a 41,2% ROB, la tasa de conversion fué de 5 a 4, la excisión total del mesorrecto de 76,4% frente a 79,4%, la resección radial con afectación de los márgenes de 2,9% frente a 8,9% y los parámetros de costes hospitalarios directos (diferencia de medias 26%, diferencia de medianas 43%) fueron comparables entre los grupos, de resección abdominoperineal robótica y laparoscópica, respectivamente (todos p > 0,05). Las tasas de recurrencia local, sobrevida libre de enfermedad y sobrevida general (85,3% frente a 76,5%) también fueron similares después de 22 meses de seguimiento entre los grupos.LIMITACIONES:La naturaleza retrospectiva y la variedad de procedimientos concomitantes fueron las principales limitaciones de este estudio.CONCLUSIONES:Las resecciones abdominoperineales robóticas proporcionaron resultados oncológicos perioperatorios y a corto plazo similares en pacientes con cáncer de recto cuidadosamente emparejados en comparación con las resecciones abdominoperineales laparoscópicas. Nuestro estudio no fue diseñado para detectar un aumento significativo en el costo relacionado con la resección abdominoperineal robótica. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B920 . (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo ).

Prenatal Imaging Diagnosis of Suprarenal Lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal suprarenal lesions represent diverse pathologies. This study investigated prenatal imaging features and regression patterns associated with specific lesion diagnoses. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective review of fetuses with prenatally diagnosed suprarenal lesions between 2001 and 2019. Prenatal ultrasound and MRI characteristics, postnatal imaging, and clinical course were reviewed. Prenatal imaging findings were compared by the most common diagnoses and regression patterns. RESULTS: Forty-four fetuses were prenatally diagnosed with suprarenal lesions. Diagnoses included pulmonary sequestration (n = 12; 27.3%), adrenal hemorrhage (n = 12; 27.3%), upper quadrant cyst (including 2 duplication cysts, 1 splenic cyst, and 3 indeterminate cysts), neuroblastoma (n = 4), adrenal hyperplasia (n = 3), bilateral adrenal calcifications (n = 1), and indeterminate lesions (n = 6). Sequestrations were uniformly left-sided (100 vs. 50%; p = 0.014) and diagnosed earlier in gestation than adrenal hemorrhages (p = 0.025). Sequestrations were also significantly more likely to have a prenatal feeding vessel (p = 0.005), low T1 MRI signal (p = 0.015), and no MRI blood products (p = 0.018) compared to adrenal hemorrhages. When comparing all 44 patients, a prenatal feeding vessel and low T1 signal on prenatal MRI were significantly associated with lesion persistence (p = 0.003; p = 0.044). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Imaging findings on prenatal ultrasound and MRI aid in the diagnosis of suprarenal lesions, including differentiating pulmonary sequestrations and adrenal hemorrhages.

Reduction in Cardiac Arrhythmias Within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program in Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal perioperative care pathway designed to achieve early recovery by preserving preoperative organ function and minimizing the stress response following surgery. Few studies have assessed the association between ERAS and postoperative cardiac complications. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of ERAS on postoperative cardiac complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of colorectal patients who underwent surgery at a tertiary colorectal cancer referral center was carried out. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors including demographics, comorbidities, medications, and fluid administration were recorded. The primary outcome was postoperative cardiac arrhythmia, and secondary outcomes included other postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 800 patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery were identified. Four hundred seventeen patients (52%) were in the control group and 383 patients (48%) were in the ERAS group. Patients in both groups were similar with regard to demographics and clinical characteristics. There were significantly higher rates of cardiac arrhythmia in the control group (5.3%) compared with the ERAS group (1.8%), p = 0.009. Multivariable analysis revealed that ERAS was an independent predictor of decreased postoperative cardiac arrhythmia (OR 0.30, 95%CI 0.17-0.55, p < 0.001) while older age was an independent predictor of increased postoperative cardiac arrhythmia (OR 1.08, 95%CI 1.02-1.13, p = 0.008). Patients receiving lower amounts of intravenous fluids had significantly decreased postoperative cardiac arrhythmia (OR = 0.25, 95%CI 0.09-0.67, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: ERAS and goal-directed fluid therapy are associated with significant reductions in postoperative cardiac arrhythmias.

Contrast enhanced ultrasound for the evaluation of blunt pediatric abdominal trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Blunt abdominal trauma is a common problem in children. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for imaging in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma, however up to 50% of CTs are normal and CT carries a risk of radiation-induced cancer. Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) may allow accurate detection of abdominal organ injuries while eliminating exposure to ionizing radiation. METHODS: Children aged 7-18years with a CT-diagnosed abdominal solid organ injury underwent grayscale/power Doppler ultrasound (conventional US) and CEUS within 48h of injury. Two blinded radiologists underwent a brief training in CEUS and then interpreted the CEUS images without patient interaction. Conventional US and CEUS images were compared to CT for the presence of injury and, if present, the injury grade. Patients were monitored for contrast-related adverse reactions. RESULTS: Twenty one injured organs were identified by CT in eighteen children. Conventional US identified the injuries with a sensitivity of 45.2%, which increased to 85.7% using CEUS. The specificity of conventional US was 96.4% and increased to 98.6% using CEUS. The positive predictive value increased from 79.2% to 94.7% and the negative predictive value from 85.3% to 95.8%. Two patients had injuries that were missed by both radiologists on CEUS. In a 100kg, 17year old female, a grade III liver injury was not seen by either radiologist on CEUS. Her accompanying grade I kidney injury was not seen by one of the radiologist on CEUS. The second patient, a 16year old female, had a grade III splenic injury that was missed by both radiologists on CEUS. She also had an adjacent grade II kidney injury that was seen by both. Injuries, when noted, were graded within 1 grade of CT 33/35 times with CEUS. There were no adverse reactions to the contrast. CONCLUSION: CEUS is a promising imaging modality that can detect most abdominal solid organ injuries in children while eliminating exposure to ionizing radiation. A multicenter trial is warranted before widespread use can be recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II; Diagnostic Prospective Study.

Trans-amniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) minimizes Chiari-II malformation in experimental spina bifida.

PURPOSE: We sought to study the impact of trans-amniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) in the Chiari-II malformation in experimental spina bifida. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley fetuses (n=62) exposed to retinoic acid were divided into three groups at term (21-22 days gestation): untreated isolated spina bifida (n=21), isolated spina bifida treated with intra-amniotic injection of concentrated, syngeneic, labeled amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (afMSCs) on gestational day 17 (n=28), and normal controls (n=13). Analyses included measurements of brainstem and cerebellar placement on high resolution MRI and histology. Statistical comparisons included ANOVA. RESULTS: In parallel to the expected induced coverage of the spina bifida in the afMSC-treated group (P<0.001), there were statistically significant differences in brainstem displacement across the groups (P<0.001), with the highest caudal displacement in the untreated group. Significant differences in cerebellar displacement were also noted, albeit less pronounced. Pairwise comparisons were statistically significant, with P=0.014 between treated and normal controls in caudal brainstem displacement and P<0.001 for all other comparisons. Labeled afMSCs were identified in 71% of treated fetuses. CONCLUSIONS: Induced coverage of spina bifida by TRASCET minimizes the Chiari-II malformation in the retinoic acid rodent model, further suggesting it as a practical alternative for the prenatal management of spina bifida.

Restoring esophageal continuity following a failed colonic interposition for long-gap esophageal atresia.

The Foker process is a method of esophageal lengthening through axial tension-induced growth, allowing for subsequent primary reconstruction of the esophagus in esophageal atresia (EA). In this unique case, the Foker process was used to grow the remaining esophageal segment long enough to attain esophageal continuity following failed colonic interpositions for long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA). Initially developed for the treatment of LGEA in neonates, this case demonstrates that (i) an active esophageal lengthening response may still be present beyond the neonate time-period; and, (ii) the Foker process can be used to restore esophageal continuity following a failed colonic interposition if the lower esophageal segment is still present.

Extraluminal distraction enterogenesis using shape-memory polymer.

PURPOSE: Although a few techniques for lengthening intestine by mechanical stretch have been described, they are relatively complex, and the majority involve placement of an intraluminal device. Ideally, techniques applicable to humans would be easy to perform and extraluminal to avoid the potential for mucosal injury. This study of distraction enterogenesis used an extraluminal, radially self-expanding shape-memory polymer cylinder and a simple operative approach to both elongate intestine and grow new tissue. METHODS: Young Sprague Dawley rats (250-350 g) underwent Roux-en-Y isolation of a small intestinal limb and were divided in three groups: no further manipulation (Control 1, C1); placement of a nonexpanding device (Control 2, C2); or placement of a radially expanding device by the limb (Experimental, Exp). For C2 and Exp animals, the blind end of the limb was wrapped around the radially expanding cylindrical device with the limb-end sutured back to the limb-side. Bowel length was measured at operation and at necropsy (14 days) both in-situ and ex-vivo under standard tension (6g weight). Change in length is shown as mean ± standard deviation. A blinded gastrointestinal pathologist reviewed histology and recorded multiple measures of intestinal adaptation. The DNA to protein ratio was quantified as a surrogate for cellular proliferation. Changes in length, histologic measures, and DNA:protein were compared using analysis of variance, with significance set at P<0.05. RESULTS: The length of the Roux limb in situ increased significantly in Exp animals (n=8, 29.0 ± 5.8mm) compared with C1 animals (n=5, -11.2 ± 9.0mm, P<0.01). The length of the Roux limb ex vivo under standard tension increased in the Exp group (25.8 ± 4.2mm) compared with the C2 group (n=6, -4.3 ± 6.0, P<0.01). There were no differences in histologic measures of bowel adaptation between the groups, namely villous height and width, crypt depth, crypt density, and crypt fission rate (all P ≥ 0.08). Muscularis mucosal thickness was also not different (P=0.25). There was no difference in DNA:protein between groups (P=0.47). CONCLUSION: An extraluminally placed, radially expanding shape-memory polymer cylinder successfully lengthened intestine, without damaging mucosa. Lack of difference in muscularis thickness and a constant DNA:protein ratio suggests that this process may be related to actual growth rather than mere stretch. This study demonstrated a simple approach that warrants further study aiming at potential clinical applicability.

Limb reconstruction with decellularized, non-demineralized bone in a young leporine model.

Limb salvage from a variety of pathological processes in children is often limited by the unavailability of optimal allograft bone, or an appropriate structural bone substitute. In this study, we sought to examine a practical alternative for pediatric limb repair, based on decellularized, non-demineralized bone grafts, and to determine whether controlled recellularization prior to implantation has any impact on outcome. Growing New Zealand rabbits (n = 12) with a complete, critical-size defect on the left tibiofibula were equally divided into two groups. One group received a decellularized, non-demineralized leporine tibiofibula graft. The other group received an equivalent graft seeded with mesenchymal stem cells labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP), at a fixed density. Animals were euthanized at comparable time points 3-8 weeks post-implantation. Statistical analysis was by the Student t-test and Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of non-union between the two groups, including on 3D micro-CT. Incorporated grafts achieved adequate axial bending rigidity, torsional rigidity, union yield and flexural strength, with no significant differences or unequal variances between the groups. Correspondingly, there were no significant differences in extracellular calcium levels, or alkaline phosphatase activity. Histology confirmed the presence of neobone in both groups, with GFP-positive cells in the recellularized grafts. It was shown that osseous grafts derived from decellularized, non-demineralized bone undergo adequate remodeling in vivo after the repair of critical-size limb defects in a growing leporine model, irrespective of subsequent recellularization. This methodology may become a practical alternative for pediatric limb reconstruction.

Partial or complete coverage of experimental spina bifida by simple intra-amniotic injection of concentrated amniotic mesenchymal stem cells.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine whether simple intra-amniotic delivery of concentrated amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (afMSCs) may elicit prenatal coverage of experimental spina bifida. METHODS: Time-dated pregnant Sprague-Dawley dams (n=24) exposed to retinoic acid for the induction of fetal neural tube defects were divided in three groups. Group I had no further manipulations. Groups II and III received volume-matched intra-amniotic injections of either saline (Group II) or a suspension of syngeneic afMSCs labeled with green fluorescent protein (Group III) in all fetuses (n=202) on gestational day 17 (term=21-22 days). Animals were killed before term. Statistical comparisons were by ANOVA (P<0.05). RESULTS: Of 165 fetuses viable at euthanasia, a spina bifida was present in 58% (96/165), with no significant differences in defect dimension across the groups (P=0.19). However, variable degrees of coverage of the defect by a rudimentary skin confirmed histologically were only present in Group III (P<0.001), in which donor afMSCs were documented, with no differences between Groups I and II (P=0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic mesenchymal stem cells can induce partial or complete coverage of experimental spina bifida after concentrated intra-amniotic injection. Trans-amniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) may become a practical option in the prenatal management of spina bifida.

The impact of gestational age on targeted amniotic cell profiling in experimental neural tube defects.

PURPOSE: The proportions of select stem cells in term amniotic fluid have been shown to correlate with the type and size of experimental neural tube defects (NTDs). We sought to determine the impact of gestational age upon this form of targeted amniotic cell profiling. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley fetuses with retinoic acid-induced NTDs (n = 110) underwent amniotic fluid procurement at four time points in gestation. Samples were analyzed by flow cytometry for the presence of cells concomitantly expressing Nestin and Sox-2 (neural stem cells, aNSCs) and cells concomitantly expressing CD29 and CD44 (mesenchymal stem cells, aMSCs). Statistical analysis was by nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant impact of gestational age on the proportions of both aMSCs (p = 0.01) and aNSCs (p < 0.01) in fetuses with isolated spina bifida. No such impact was noted in normal fetuses (p > 0.10 for both cells), in isolated exencephaly (p > 0.10 for both cells), or in combination defects (p > 0.10 for both cells). Gestational age had no effect on aNSC/aMSC ratios. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted quantitative amniotic cell profiling varies with gestational age in experimental isolated spina bifida. This finding should be considered prior to the eventual translation of this diagnostic adjunct into the prenatal evaluation of these anomalies. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Extraluminal helicoidal stretch (Helixtretch): a novel method of intestinal lengthening.

PURPOSE: We sought to test a novel, extraluminal method of intestinal lengthening that precludes violation of the intestinal wall. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n=45) with size-matched bowel segments isolated by Roux-en-Y reconstruction were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=14) had no further manipulations. In Groups 2 (n=12) and 3 (n=19), the isolated segment was wrapped around a length-matched device in a helicoidal fashion. In Group 2, the device consisted of plain polyurethane tubing. In Group 3, it consisted of a gradually expanding hygroscopic hydrogel (12.5mm final diameter). Euthanasia was performed at 8-21 days. Statistical analysis was by two-way ANOVA (P<0.05). RESULTS: Overall survival was 87% (39/45). There was a statistically significant increase in bowel length in Group 3 compared to the other two groups (P<0.001). This increase correlated with the number of helicoidal coils (P=0.018), but not with post-operative time (P>0.50). There were no significant differences in total DNA/protein ratio across the groups (P=0.65). Histologically, there was an apparent increase in the goblet cell density in Group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Measured extraluminal helicoidal stretch (Helixtretch) is tolerated by the intestine. Helixtretch induces bowel lengthening in a rodent model. Further analysis of this novel, minimally invasive alternative for intestinal augmentation is warranted.

A comparative analysis of human mesenchymal stem cell response to hypoxia in vitro: Implications to translational strategies.

PURPOSE: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are particularly valuable for structural tissue replacement. We compared the response to hypoxia among human MSCs derived from four different clinically relevant sources as an adjunct to translational developments. METHODS: Immunophenotypically indistinguishable human MSC lineages derived from bone marrow (bmMSCs), adipose tissue (adMSCs), amniotic fluid (afMSCs), and umbilical cord blood (cbMSCs) were submitted to either room air or 1% O2, under otherwise standard culture conditions. Cell expansion and quantitative RT-PCR data were obtained at different time points. Statistical analysis was by two-way mixed model and the F-test (P<0.05). RESULTS: The effect of hypoxia on expansion kinetics was dependent on cell source. Only prenatal sources of MSCs - afMSCs (P=0.002) and cbMSCs (P<0.001) - proliferated significantly faster under hypoxia than normoxia. Increased HIF1-alpha expression correlated consistently with increased cell expansion only among afMSCs. There were no significant variabilities in Survivin, Oct-4, and VEGF expressions. CONCLUSIONS: Mesenchymal stem cell tolerance to hypoxia in vitro varies with cell source. Prenatal cells, particularly those derived from amniotic fluid, are more robust than their postnatal counterparts. HIF1-alpha may play a role in the amniotic fluid-derived cells' enhanced response. These findings should inform the choice of mesenchymal stem cells for prospective regenerative strategies.

Late outcomes of pediatric heart transplantation are independent of pre-transplant diagnosis and prior cardiac surgical intervention.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of children are being referred for cardiac transplantation after (1) failing conventional corrective or palliative surgical reconstruction, (2) after stabilization with mechanical circulatory support devices, and (3) when primary graft failure or advanced cardiac allograft vasculopathy are established. METHODS: The records of 417 infants and children (age range, 0-18 years) who underwent cardiac transplantation from November 1985 through December 2005 at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The pre-transplantation diagnosis was used to divide patients into 3 groups: primary cardiomyopathy (CM), 103; hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), 154; and other complex congenital heart disease (CCHD), 160. These groups were compared and analyzed for differences in early and late morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Operative mortality was significantly lower in the CM group compared with the HLHS (p < 0.02;) and CCHD groups (p < 0.01). Long-term actuarial recipient survival, however, was similar for all groups. The 15-year actuarial survival was 59% for the CM Group, 57% for the HLHS Group, and 50% for the CCHD Group. Actuarial survival after retransplantation is not statistically different from that with primary cardiac transplantation. CONCLUSION: Although peri-operative survival was lower in infants and children with HLHS and CCHD compared with those with CM, long-term survival has been the same for all groups. Late survival after retransplantation was not statistically different than among those with primary cardiac transplantation.