The gut microbiome associates with phenotypic manifestations of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.

The mechanisms underlying the many phenotypic manifestations of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) are poorly understood. Herein, we characterized the gut microbiome in heterogeneous cohorts of subjects with PACS and developed a multi-label machine learning model for using the microbiome to predict specific symptoms. Our processed data covered 585 bacterial species and 500 microbial pathways, explaining 12.7% of the inter-individual variability in PACS. Three gut-microbiome-based enterotypes were identified in subjects with PACS and associated with different phenotypic manifestations. The trained model showed an accuracy of 0.89 in predicting individual symptoms of PACS in the test set and maintained a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 82% in predicting upcoming symptoms in an independent longitudinal cohort of subjects before they developed PACS. This study demonstrates that the gut microbiome is associated with phenotypic manifestations of PACS, which has potential clinical utility for the prediction and diagnosis of PACS.

Nasal monobloc osteotomy for correction of late nasal and orbital asymmetry of unicoronal synostosis: A morphometric and outcomes study.

BACKGROUND: Craniofacial asymmetry associated with unicoronal synostosis (UCS) may persist into the teenage years despite surgery in infancy. This study evaluated outcomes following a nasal monobloc procedure by mobilizing a united nasomaxillary and bilateral medial orbital segment of bone (nasal monobloc) to perform corrective translational and rotational movement for secondary correction of residual nasal-orbital asymmetry associated with UCS. METHODS: A retrospective review of all UCS patients treated with nasal monobloc at our institution was performed. Demographic information was recorded, and pre- and postoperative 2D imaging was used for morphometric outcome analysis. Outcomes and complications were tabulated. RESULTS: The study included 14 patients (5 males, 9 females; mean age 14.6 years; range 9.6 to 22.5 years; mean follow-up 70.6 months range 12 to 132 months). Ancillary procedures (scar revision, forehead/orbital contouring, MEDPOR® augmentation) were performed in all patients at the time of the nasal monobloc. One patient underwent a repeat procedure 6 years later following technique modification. Additionally, another patient experienced late overgrowth of the frontal sinus with forehead asymmetry. The morphometric analysis demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) pre-op to post-op improvements in naso-orbital asymmetry, as demonstrated by horizontal orbital aperture ratio (0.88 vs 0.99), midline to exocanthion ratio (0.91 vs 0.98), orbital index ratio (1.15 vs 1.01), and midline discrepancy (7.1 degrees vs 2.7 degrees). CONCLUSION: Nasal monobloc osteotomy provides a reasonable surgical treatment to improve both the nasal and orbital asymmetries associated with unicoronal synostosis, including frontal nasal deviation, basal nasal deviation, and orbital aperture asymmetry. It is important to note that confounding anatomic variables such as globe dystopia, strabismus, and scleral show may affect the perception of orbital symmetry.

A novel infant microbiome formula (SIM03) improved eczema severity and quality of life in preschool children.

Altered gut microbiome composition has been reported in children with eczema and interventions that restore beneficial bacteria in the gut may improve eczema. This open-label pilot study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a novel infant microbiome formula (SIM03) in young children with eczema. Pre-school Chinese children aged 1-5 years old with eczema received SIM03 twice daily for three months. The novelty of SIM03 consists of both the use of a patented microencapsulation technology to protect the viability of unique Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve strains identified through big data analysis of large metagenomic datasets of young Chinese children. Paired stool samples at baseline and following SIM03 were analyzed by metagenomics sequencing. Generalized estimating equation was used to analyze changes in eczema severity, skin biophysical parameters, quality of life and stool microbiome. Twenty children aged 3.0 ± 1.6 years (10 with severe eczema) were recruited. Treatment compliance was ≥ 98%. SCORing Atopic Dermatitis score decreased significantly at two months (P = 0.008) and three months (P < 0.001), while quality of life improved significantly at 1, 2, and 3 months. The relative abundance of B. breve and microbial pathways on acetate and acetyl-CoA synthesis were enriched in stool samples at one month (P = 0.0014). Children who demonstrated increased B. bifidum after SIM03 showed improvement in sleep loss (P = 0.045). Relative abundance of B. breve correlated inversely with eczema extent (P = 0.023) and intensity (P = 0.019) only among patients with increased B. breve at Month 3. No serious adverse event was observed. In conclusion, SIM03 is well tolerated. This patented microbiome formula improves disease severity and quality of life in young eczematous children by enhancing the delivery of B. bifidum and B. breve in the gut. SIM03 is a potential treatment option for childhood eczema.

Practice Patterns and Perspectives of the Off-Label Use of GLP-1 Agonists for Cosmetic Weight Loss.

BACKGROUND: The off-label use of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists for cosmetic weight loss has captured the interest of the public. However, there is a paucity of published data on their utilization, implications, and management, particularly in the plastic surgery community. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the current practice patterns of aesthetic plastic surgeons regarding the off-label implementation of GLP-1 agonists. METHODS: A 35-question survey was sent to the 2600 members of The Aesthetic Society in July 2023. The survey collected physician demographics, practice settings, patient population demographics, and the use and management of GLP-1 agonists in their practice. No identifying variables were collected; all responses were anonymous. RESULTS: A total of 368 respondents were included. A quarter of respondents (25.3%) prescribed or utilized GLP-1 agonists in their practice. Nearly a third (29.9%) reported personal use of the medication, of which 71 (70.3%) indicated it was for cosmetic weight loss. Many aspects of the current treatment, counseling, and follow-up practices were similar among prescribing plastic surgeons. However, there were discrepancies in screening, nutrition counseling, and perioperative management. The majority believed that GLP-1 agonists were effective for weight loss (68.9%), profitable for business (57.8%), and would recommend its implementation to other plastic surgeons (68.5%). CONCLUSIONS: As leaders in the aesthetic field, it behooves plastic surgeons to take charge of shaping public opinion surrounding the growing off-label use of GLP-1 agonists for cosmetic weight loss. Plastic surgeons' leadership is imperative in establishing safe and ethical guidelines and protocols for proper screening, management, and patient care.

A synbiotic preparation (SIM01) for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome in Hong Kong (RECOVERY): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) affects over 65 million individuals worldwide but treatment options are scarce. We aimed to assess a synbiotic preparation (SIM01) for the alleviation of PACS symptoms. METHODS: In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at a tertiary referral centre in Hong Kong, patients with PACS according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were randomly assigned (1:1) by random permuted blocks to receive SIM01 (10 billion colony-forming units in sachets twice daily) or placebo orally for 6 months. Inclusion criterion was the presence of at least one of 14 PACS symptoms for 4 weeks or more after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, including fatigue, memory loss, difficulty in concentration, insomnia, mood disturbance, hair loss, shortness of breath, coughing, inability to exercise, chest pain, muscle pain, joint pain, gastrointestinal upset, or general unwellness. Individuals were excluded if they were immunocompromised, were pregnant or breastfeeding, were unable to receive oral fluids, or if they had received gastrointestinal surgery in the 30 days before randomisation. Participants, care providers, and investigators were masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was alleviation of PACS symptoms by 6 months, assessed by an interviewer-administered 14-item questionnaire in the intention-to-treat population. Forward stepwise multivariable logistical regression was performed to identify predictors of symptom alleviation. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04950803. FINDINGS: Between June 25, 2021, and Aug 12, 2022, 463 patients were randomly assigned to receive SIM01 (n=232) or placebo (n=231). At 6 months, significantly higher proportions of the SIM01 group had alleviation of fatigue (OR 2·273, 95% CI 1·520-3·397, p=0·0001), memory loss (1·967, 1·271-3·044, p=0·0024), difficulty in concentration (2·644, 1·687-4·143, p<0·0001), gastrointestinal upset (1·995, 1·304-3·051, p=0·0014), and general unwellness (2·360, 1·428-3·900, p=0·0008) compared with the placebo group. Adverse event rates were similar between groups during treatment (SIM01 22 [10%] of 232 vs placebo 25 [11%] of 231; p=0·63). Treatment with SIM01, infection with omicron variants, vaccination before COVID-19, and mild acute COVID-19, were predictors of symptom alleviation (p<0·0036). INTERPRETATION: Treatment with SIM01 alleviates multiple symptoms of PACS. Our findings have implications on the management of PACS through gut microbiome modulation. Further studies are warranted to explore the beneficial effects of SIM01 in other chronic or post-infection conditions. FUNDING: Health and Medical Research Fund of Hong Kong, Hui Hoy and Chow Sin Lan Charity Fund, and InnoHK of the HKSAR Government. TRANSLATION: For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Long-Term Safety Outcomes of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: Real-World Data Over 8 Years From the Hong Kong FMT Registry.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Prospective long-term real-world safety data after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) remain limited. We reported long-term outcomes of FMT from a population-based FMT registry in Hong Kong. METHODS: We recruited patients undergoing FMT for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and non-CDI indications from clinical trials, from June 2013 to April 2022 in Hong Kong. We captured data on demographics, FMT indications and procedures, clinical outcomes and short- to long-term safety. New medical diagnoses were obtained from electronic medical records and independently adjudicated by clinicians. Long-term safety in patients with recurrent CDI was compared with a control group treated with antibiotics. RESULTS: Overall, 123 subjects (median age 53 years, range 13-90 years; 52.0% male) underwent 510 FMTs and were prospectively followed up for a median of 30.3 (range, 1-57.9) months. The most common indication for FMT was type 2 diabetes mellitus. The most common short-term adverse events within 1 month of FMT included diarrhea and abdominal pain. At long-term follow-up beyond 12 months, 16 patients reported 21 new-onset medical conditions confirmed by electronic medical records. All were adjudicated to be unlikely to be related to FMT. There was no new case of inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, allergy, diabetes mellitus, or psychiatric disorder. In a subgroup of patients with recurrent CDI, FMT was associated with a significantly higher cumulative survival probability compared with matched control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective real-world data from Asia's first FMT registry demonstrated that FMT has an excellent long-term safety profile. The risk of developing new medical conditions beyond 12 months after FMT is low.

Morphometric analysis and outcomes following posterior cranial vault distraction in syndromic and multisuture craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: Turribrachycephaly is a common feature in many syndromic and multisuture craniosynostoses and is traditionally treated with total cranial vault reshaping and fronto-orbital advancement. A staged approach with posterior cranial vault distraction as a primary procedure followed by anterior cranial vault reshaping has the advantage of reducing the vertical dimension of the skull in a controlled and gradual manner while expanding the cranial volume. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes following posterior cranial vault expansion using distraction osteogenesis at a single tertiary pediatric center. METHODS: This retrospective review included all cases of posterior cranial vault distraction at a single institution from 2008 to 2022 performed by one surgeon. Morphometric outcomes such as Turricephaly Index (TI) and posterior cranial volume (PCV) were assessed from pre- and postoperative computerized tomography scans for patients who underwent posterior cranial vault distraction as a primary first-stage operation. Clinical outcomes and complications were collated. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (25 females, 16 males; mean age 11 months) with syndromic craniosynostosis (n = 32) and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (n = 9) were included. The main indication for posterior cranial vault distraction in this cohort was turricephaly (63%). The mean distraction distance was 25.9 mm and the mean decrease in TI was 18%. The estimated increase in PCV from distraction in this cohort was 19.7%. In this cohort of patients, 13 patients (32%) experienced complications but there were no mortalities. CONCLUSION: Posterior cranial vault distraction osteogenesis is an effective surgical procedure to increase intracranial volume and correct turricephaly in children with syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis. This procedure is considered a safe and effective first-stage cranial operation in children with syndromic craniosynostosis with increased intracranial pressure and or turricephaly.

Using "Real-World Data" to Study Cleft Lip/Palate Care: An Exploration of Speech Outcomes from a Multi-Center US Learning Health Network.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of a cleft-specific multi-site learning health network registry to describe variations in cleft outcomes by cleft phenotypes, ages, and treatment centers. Observed variations were assessed for coherence with prior study findings. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of prospectively collected data from 2019-2022. SETTING: Six cleft treatment centers collected data systematically during routine clinic appointments according to a standardized protocol. PARTICIPANTS: 714 English-speaking children and adolescents with non-syndromic cleft lip/palate. INTERVENTION: Routine multidisciplinary care and systematic outcomes measurement by cleft teams. OUTCOME MEASURES: Speech outcomes included articulatory accuracy measured by Percent Consonants Correct (PCC), velopharyngeal function measured by Velopharyngeal Competence (VPC) Rating Scale (VPC-R), intelligibility measured by caregiver-reported Intelligibility in Context Scale (ICS), and two CLEFT-Q™ surveys, in which patients rate their own speech function and level of speech distress. RESULTS: 12year-olds exhibited high median PCC scores (91-100%), high frequency of velopharyngeal competency (62.50-100%), and high median Speech Function (80-91) relative to younger peers parsed by phenotype. Patients with bilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate reported low PCC scores (51-91%) relative to peers at some ages and low frequency of velopharyngeal competency (26.67%) at 5 years. ICS scores ranged from 3.93-5.0 for all ages and phenotypes. Speech Function and Speech Distress were similar across phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: This exploration of speech outcomes demonstrates the current ability of the cleft-specific registry to support cleft research efforts as a source of "real-world" data. Further work is focused on developing robust methodology for hypothesis-driven research and causal inference.

Randomised clinical trial: Faecal microbiota transplantation for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea.

BACKGROUND: Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to improve symptoms in a proportion of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). AIM: We performed a randomised trial to assess the efficacy of FMT in patients with IBS. METHODS: We randomised 56 patients with diarrhoea-predominant IBS 1:1 to FMT or placebo via the duodenal route at baseline and week 4. The primary outcome was > 50 points decrease in IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS) score at week 12. Secondary outcomes were improvement in bloating and change in gut microbiota at week 12. After 12-week follow-up, those in the placebo group were assigned to receive open-label FMT. RESULTS: At week 12, 57.1% in the FMT group and 46.4% in the placebo group achieved the primary endpoint (p = 0.42). More patients receiving FMT than placebo had improvement in bloating (72% vs 30%; p = 0.005). In an open-label extension, 65.2% and 82.4% of patients achieved, respectively, the primary endpoint and improvement in bloating. Faecal microbiome of patients in the FMT group showed a reduction in bacteria like Ruminococcus gnavus and enrichment of bacteria such as Lawsonibacter at week 12, while no change in the placebo group. Functional analyses showed that the hydrogen sulphide-producing pathway decreased in patients who had FMT (p < 0.05) accompanied by a reduction in contributing bacteria. There were no serious adverse events related to FMT. CONCLUSION: FMT performed twice at an interval of four weeks did not significantly reduce IBS-SSS score. However, more patients had improvement in abdominal bloating, which was associated with a reduction in hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03125564).

Baseline gut microbiota and metabolome predict durable immunogenicity to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

The role of gut microbiota in modulating the durability of COVID-19 vaccine immunity is yet to be characterised. In this cohort study, we collected blood and stool samples of 121 BNT162b2 and 40 CoronaVac vaccinees at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months post vaccination (p.v.). Neutralisation antibody, plasma cytokine and chemokines were measured and associated with the gut microbiota and metabolome composition. A significantly higher level of neutralising antibody (at 6 months p.v.) was found in BNT162b2 vaccinees who had higher relative abundances of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Roseburia faecis as well as higher concentrations of nicotinic acid (Vitamin B) and γ-Aminobutyric acid (P < 0.05) at baseline. CoronaVac vaccinees with high neutralising antibodies at 6 months p.v. had an increased relative abundance of Phocaeicola dorei, a lower relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and a higher concentration of L-tryptophan (P < 0.05) at baseline. A higher antibody level at 6 months p.v. was also associated with a higher relative abundance of Dorea formicigenerans at 1 month p.v. among CoronaVac vaccinees (Rho = 0.62, p = 0.001, FDR = 0.123). Of the species altered following vaccination, 79.4% and 42.0% in the CoronaVac and BNT162b2 groups, respectively, recovered at 6 months. Specific to CoronaVac vaccinees, both bacteriome and virome diversity depleted following vaccination and did not recover to baseline at 6 months p.v. (FDR < 0.1). In conclusion, this study identified potential microbiota-based adjuvants that may extend the durability of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Aesthetic Outcomes in Cleft Care: Exploring Patterns in Patient-Reported Outcomes Across Adolescence.

BACKGROUND: For patients with cleft lip/palate, adolescence is a time of maxillofacial growth and complex psychosocial stressors. The personal significance of facial differences may change, making patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) invaluable. In this study, we use several scales from CLEFT-Q™ and FACE-Q™ to explore how aesthetic outcomes differ by age and by sex among patients with unilateral cleft lip/palate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multi-center, cross-sectional study that prospectively collected CLEFT-Q™ and FACE-Q™ data across six cleft treatment centers during clinical appointments from 2019-2022. Subjects were aged 8-22y with unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate who had not undergone tertiary operative care (maxillary advancement or septorhinoplasty) at the time of survey response. Data cross-sections were prepared by age (8-10y, 11-13y, 14y+), by sex, and by age and sex together. RESULTS: Older age groups reported poorer aesthetic outcomes and worse appearance-related distress compared to younger groups. Although male and female subjects reported similar aesthetic outcomes, female subjects reported more appearance-related distress. When considered simultaneously, age and sex appear to have an intersectional impact on perceived aesthetic outcome and appearance-related distress during adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory project suggests that patients with cleft lip/palate may perceive worsening of facial aesthetic throughout the course of adolescence, the exact pattern of which may be dependent on sex. Future work will evaluate this hypothesis using longitudinal cohorts. It will be important to investigate psychosocial factors that may impact these outcomes, and also to quantify the impact of tertiary operative care on these outcomes.

Virtual Multidisciplinary Stroke Care Clinic for Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke survivors constantly feel helpless and unprepared after discharge from hospitals. More flexible and pragmatic support are needed for their optimized recovery. We examined the effects of a virtual multidisciplinary stroke care clinic on survivors' health and self-management outcomes. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Survivors were recruited from 10 hospitals and randomized at 1:1 ratio into the intervention or the control groups. Intervention group participants received the Virtual Multidisciplinary Stroke Care Clinic service (monthly online consultations with a nurse, follow-up phone calls, and access to an online platform). Control group participants received the usual care. Outcomes of self-efficacy (stroke self-efficacy questionnaire; primary), self-management behaviors (Stroke Self-Management Behaviors Performance Scale), social participation (reintegration to normal living index), and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale; secondary) were measured at baseline, and 3 and 6 months after commencing the intervention (post-randomization). A generalized estimating equations model was used to compare the differential changes in outcomes at 3 and 6 months with respect to baseline between 2 groups. RESULTS: Between July 2019 and June 2022, 335 eligible participants were enrolled in the study. Participants (intervention group; n=166) showed significantly greater improvements in outcomes of self-efficacy (group-by-time interaction regression coefficient, B=4.60 [95% CI, 0.16 to 9.05]), social participation (B=5.07 [95% CI, 0.61 to 9.53]), and depression (B=-2.33 [95% CI, -4.06 to -0.61]), and no significant improvement in performance of self-management behaviors (B=3.45, [95% CI, -0.87 to 7.77]), compared with the control group (n=169) right after the intervention (6 months after its commencement). Hedges' g effect sizes of the intervention on outcomes: 0.19 to 0.36. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide some positive evidence on the usefulness of the Virtual Multidisciplinary Stroke Care Clinic service. The effect sizes are regarded as small to medium, which may not be of clinical relevance. The baseline levels in outcomes were in favor of the control group, the intervention effects might be overestimated. The service must be tested further to determine its effectiveness. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800016101.

Therapeutic effect of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction add-on Tui-na manipulation on osteoarthritis of knee: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint condition that causes disability and pain in the elderly population. The prevalence of KOA among persons aged 63 or above is approximately 30%. Previous studies have reported the positive effects of Tui-na treatment and the Chinese herbal formula Du-Huo-Ji-Sheng Decoction (DHJSD) for KOA treatment. The current study aims to evaluate the add-on therapeutic effect of oral administration of DHJSD on KOA in addition to Tui-na. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Seventy study subjects with KOA were randomly assigned to the treatment and control groups in a 1:1 ratio. Both two groups received eight sessions of Tui-na manipulation for 4 weeks. The DHJSD was only administered to the study subjects in the treatment group. The primary outcome measure was rated using the WOMAC at the end of treatment (4 weeks). Secondary outcomes were assessed using EQ-5D-5L, a health-related quality of life with 5-level EQ-5D version at end of treatment (week 4) and follow-up (week 8). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between two groups on WOMAC scores at the end of treatment. The mean WOMAC Pain subscale score was significantly lower in the treatment group than control group at week 8 follow up (mean difference, MD - 1.8, 95% CI - 3.5 to - 0.02, P = 0.048). The mean WOMAC Stiffness subscale score was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group at week 2 (MD 0.74, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.42, P = 0.035) and week 8 follow up (MD 0.95, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.65, P = 0.008). The mean EQ-5D index value was significantly improved in the treatment group than in the control group at week 2 (MD 0.17, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.31, P = 0.022). The analysis of WOMAC scores and EQ-5D-5L in both groups showed statistically significant improvement with time. No significant adverse effect was found during the trial. CONCLUSION: DHJSD may have an add-on effect in addition to Tui-na manipulation relieving pain and improving stiffness as well as quality of life (QOL) in patients with KOA. The combined treatment was generally safe and well tolerated. Trial registration The study was registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov (website: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04492670 , registry number: NCT04492670), registered on 30 July 2020.

Impact of Low-Dose Computed Tomography and Physician Education on Referral for Head Shape.

Imaging before specialist evaluation of abnormal head shape is associated with a delay in evaluation and an increase in radiation exposure. A retrospective cohort study was performed to identify referral patterns before and after the implementation of a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) protocol and physician education to examine the intervention's impact on time to evaluation and radiation exposure. Six hundred sixty-nine patients with an abnormal head shape diagnosis at a single academic medical center between July 1, 2014 and December 1, 2019 were reviewed. Demographics, referral information, diagnostic testing, diagnoses, and timeline of clinical evaluation were recorded. Before and after the LDCT and physician education intervention, the average ages at initial specialist appointments were 8.82 and 7.75 months, respectively ( P = 0.125). Children referred after our intervention were less likely to have prereferral imaging than children referred prior (odds ratio: 0.59, CI: 0.39-0.91, P = 0.015). Average radiation exposure per patient before referral decreased from 14.66 mGy to 8.17 mGy ( P = 0.021). Prereferral imaging, referral by a non-pediatrician, and non-Caucasian race were associated with older age at the initial specialist appointment. Widespread craniofacial center adoption of an LDCT protocol and improved clinician knowledge may lead to a reduction in late referrals and radiation exposure in pediatric patients with an abnormal head shape diagnosis.

Healing Exposed Calvarial Hardware Using Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy and Vashe Wound Solution: Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: The management of cranioplasty infections has historically been explantation followed by delayed reimplantation/reconstruction. This treatment algorithm necessitates surgery, tissue expansion, and prolonged disfigurement. In this report, the authors describe a treatment approach consisting of serial vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solution (Vashe Wound Solution; URGO Medical) as a salvage strategy. METHODS: A 35-year-old man who sustained head trauma, neurosurgical complications, and severe syndrome of the trephined (SOT; devastating neurologic decline treated by cranioplasty) underwent titanium cranioplasty with free flap. Three weeks postoperation, he presented with pressure-related wound dehiscence/partial flap necrosis, exposed hardware, and bacterial infection. Given the severity of his precranioplasty SOT, hardware salvage was critical. He was treated with serial VAC with HOCl solution for 11 days followed by VAC for 18 days and definitive split-thickness skin graft placement over resulting granulation tissue. Authors also conducted a literature review of cranial reconstruction infection management. RESULTS: The patient remained healed 7 months postoperatively without recurrent infection. Importantly, his original hardware was retained, and his SOT remained resolved. Findings from the literature review support the use of conservative modalities to salvage cranial reconstructions without hardware removal. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigates a new strategy for managing cranioplasty infections. The VAC with HOCl solution regimen was effective in treating the infection and salvaging the cranioplasty, thus obviating the complications associated with explantation, new cranioplasty, and recurrence of SOT. There is limited literature on the management of cranioplasty infections using conservative treatments. A larger study to better determine the efficacy of VAC with HOCl solution is underway.

Development of the global inflammatory bowel disease visualization of epidemiology studies in the 21st century (GIVES-21).

BACKGROUND: There is a rapid increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in newly industrialized countries, yet epidemiological data is incomplete. We herein report the methodology adopted to study the incidence of IBD in newly industrialized countries and to evaluate the effect of environmental factors including diet on IBD development. METHODS: Global IBD Visualization of Epidemiology Studies in the 21st Century (GIVES-21) is a population-based cohort of newly diagnosed persons with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to be followed prospectively for 12 months. New cases were ascertained from multiple sources and were entered into a secured online system. Cases were confirmed using standard diagnostic criteria. In addition, endoscopy, pathology and pharmacy records from each local site were searched to ensure completeness of case capture. Validated environmental and dietary questionnaires were used to determine exposure in incident cases prior to diagnosis. RESULTS: Through November 2022, 106 hospitals from 24 regions (16 Asia; 6 Latin America; 2 Africa) have joined the GIVES-21 Consortium. To date, over 290 incident cases have been reported. All patients have demographic data, clinical disease characteristics, and disease course data including healthcare utilization, medication history and environmental and dietary exposures data collected. We have established a comprehensive platform and infrastructure required to examine disease incidence, risk factors and disease course of IBD in the real-world setting. CONCLUSIONS: The GIVES-21 consortium offers a unique opportunity to investigate the epidemiology of IBD and explores new clinical research questions on the association between environmental and dietary factors and IBD development in newly industrialized countries.

The Role of Plastic Surgeons in Addressing Firearm Morbidity and Mortality.

Firearm injuries are now the leading cause of pediatric mortality in the United States. With the number of firearm injuries increasing at an alarming rate, the American Medical Association (AMA) declared firearm violence a public health crisis. In response to this emerging public health issue, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) developed the STOP THE BLEED training to educate laypersons on how to mitigate acute hemorrhage following gunshot wounds (GSWs) and other ballistic injuries. Stabilization of patients following GSWs is often handled by a multidisciplinary team of trauma and reconstructive surgeons. Here, we describe the history and ongoing role of reconstructive surgeons in preventing and addressing firearm morbidity and mortality. Hand surgeons are uniquely positioned to counsel patients on firearm safety, e.g., educating patients on proper firearm storage away from minors in the home, in an effort to mitigate accidental firearm injury to the upper extremity. As the evolving climate of firearm violence continues to rise, plastic and reconstructive surgeons will continue to play a critical role in restoring form and function among patients afflicted with GSWs.

Effects of Gut Microbiome Modulation on Reducing Adverse Health Outcomes among Elderly and Diabetes Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (IMPACT Study).

Gut microbiota is believed to be a major determinant of health outcomes. We hypothesised that a novel oral microbiome formula (SIM01) can reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes in at-risk subjects during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this single-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited subjects aged ≥65 years or with type two diabetes mellitus. Eligible subjects were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive three months of SIM01 or placebo (vitamin C) within one week of the first COVID-19 vaccine dose. Both the researchers and participants were blinded to the groups allocated. The rate of adverse health outcomes was significantly lower in the SIM01 group than the placebo at one month (6 [2.9%] vs. 25 [12.6], p < 0.001) and three months (0 vs. 5 [3.1%], p = 0.025). At three months, more subjects who received SIM01 than the placebo reported better sleep quality (53 [41.4%] vs. 22 [19.3%], p < 0.001), improved skin condition (18 [14.1%] vs. 8 [7.0%], p = 0.043), and better mood (27 [21.2%] vs. 13 [11.4%], p = 0.043). Subjects who received SIM01 showed a significant increase in beneficial Bifidobacteria and butyrate-producing bacteria in faecal samples and strengthened the microbial ecology network. SIM01 reduced adverse health outcomes and restored gut dysbiosis in elderly and diabetes patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The use of a noninvasive positive pressure system to facilitate tracheal intubation in a difficult pediatric airway: a case report.

Patients with burns to the head and neck may be difficult to intubate or ventilate via facemask. Furthermore, post-burn scarring and microstomia may reduce the success of rescue supraglottic airway placement. While awake tracheal intubation using a flexible intubation scope is considered the optimal technique for these patients, it may not always be feasible in the pediatric population. We report a case of successful management of a difficult airway in a child with extensive post-burn head and neck deformity using a noninvasive positive pressure system to aid with inhalational induction and deep sedation during intubation using a flexible scope.