Weissella paramesenteroides WpK4 reduces gene expression of intestinal cytokines, and hepatic and splenic injuries in a murine model of typhoid fever.

Diarrhoea in piglets by Salmonella and other pathogens can be a serious health problem. Non-drug treatments such as probiotic microorganisms have various effects on the gastrointestinal microbiota dysbiosis and host immune system modulation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the suitable use of Weissella paramesenteroides WpK4 strain isolated from healthy piglets as an alternative prophylactic or therapeutic treatment against Salmonella Typhimurium. Out of 37 lactic acid bacteria isolates, 24 strains belonging to the Weissella and Lactobacillus genera were analysed in vitro for desirable probiotic characteristics. The W. paramesenteroides WpK4 strain fulfilled all in vitro tests: resistance to acidic pH and bile salts, hydrophobic cell surface, antagonism against bacterial pathogens, H2O2 production and exopolysaccharide secretion, and non-transferable resistance to antibiotics. Mice fed with WpK4 showed no signs of bacterial translocation to the liver or spleen and decreased Salmonella translocation to these organs. Significantly, WpK4 intake attenuated the weight loss, fostered the preservation of intestinal architecture and integrity, and promoted survival in mice following infection with Salmonella Typhimurium. In addition, WpK4 modulated immune cellular response by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing anti-inflammatory mediators. These findings validate the probiotic properties of W. paramesenteroides WpK4 strain, and its eventual use in piglets.

Double-barrelled wet colostomy with simultaneous urinary and faecal diversion: results in 9 patients and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Double-barrelled wet colostomy is a urinary diversion technique indicated when a concurrent faecal diversion is needed. It is a simple procedure, technically easy to accomplish and well received by patients. The purpose of this study is to report the results of double-barrelled wet colostomy, with emphasis on operating technique, morbidity, functional results and a review of the literature on the subject. METHODS: The medical records of 9 consecutive patients, between January 2001 and May 2005, who underwent surgical extended resections with double-barrelled wet colostomy for a malignant central pelvic mass, were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were asked to respond to a questionnaire assessing quality of life. The questionnaire used was the QLQ-C30 version 3, proposed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). RESULTS: This study presents results obtained from 9 patients, emphasizing morbidity and quality of life. One patient presented with pyelonephritis. We did not identify complications such as hydroelectrolytic disturbances, peristomal dermatitis or hydronephrosis. The patients who submitted to the procedure exhibited high levels of quality of life and found caring for the stomas straight forward. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that double-barrelled wet colostomy is an excellent choice for patients who require concurrent urinary and faecal diversion, one that does not present technical difficulties and does not require a prolonged operating time. It avoids the complications frequently present in standard wet colostomy and does not rule out making a continent urinary reservoir later, in patients that meet healing criteria.