Fetal lung underdevelopment is rescued by administration of amniotic fluid stem cell extracellular vesicles in rodents.

Fetal lung underdevelopment, also known as pulmonary hypoplasia, is characterized by decreased lung growth and maturation. The most common birth defect found in babies with pulmonary hypoplasia is congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Despite research and clinical advances, babies with CDH still have high morbidity and mortality rates, which are directly related to the severity of lung underdevelopment. To date, there is no effective treatment that promotes fetal lung growth and maturation. Here, we describe a stem cell-based approach in rodents that enhances fetal lung development via the administration of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs). Using fetal rodent models of pulmonary hypoplasia (primary epithelial cells, organoids, explants, and in vivo), we demonstrated that AFSC-EV administration promoted branching morphogenesis and alveolarization, rescued tissue homeostasis, and stimulated epithelial cell and fibroblast differentiation. We confirmed this regenerative ability in in vitro models of lung injury using human material, where human AFSC-EVs obtained following good manufacturing practices restored pulmonary epithelial homeostasis. Investigating EV mechanism of action, we found that AFSC-EV beneficial effects were exerted via the release of RNA cargo. MicroRNAs regulating the expression of genes involved in lung development, such as the miR17-92 cluster and its paralogs, were highly enriched in AFSC-EVs and were increased in AFSC-EV-treated primary lung epithelial cells compared to untreated cells. Our findings suggest that AFSC-EVs hold regenerative ability for underdeveloped fetal lungs, demonstrating potential for therapeutic application in patients with pulmonary hypoplasia.

Laparoscopic Ladd Procedure for Malrotation in Newborns and Infants.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic approach for malrotation has become more popular for neonates and in cases with volvulus, but its safety and efficacy remains controversial. This study reviewed laparoscopy outcomes in neonate/infant malrotation. METHODS: Medline/PubMed and Lilacs databases were reviewed. Data from studies published in English/Spanish between 1995 and 2019 were collected. Results are presented as percentages and means/medians; logistic regression was used to study possible associations. RESULTS: Nineteen papers offered 99 neonates/infants with median age and weight of 10.5 days and 3.5 kg, respectively. Ladd's procedure was performed in 95 (96%) patients and bands' division in 4 (4%); appendectomy was not included in 16 (16.2%) patients, and cecopexy was not performed in all cases. Volvulus was reported in 39 (39.4%) patients. There were 11 conversions (11.1%) and 10 recurrences of symptoms (10.1%) that required reintervention. An association was found between volvulus and recurrence (P = .05) and the need for conversion (P < .01). There were 10 (10.1%) minor complications and no mortality. The median follow-up was 10 months. DISCUSSION: Laparoscopic approach to malrotation is feasible and safe in hemodynamically stable neonates/infants without intestinal necrosis and is associated with 11% conversion rate and 10% reinterventions. The presence of volvulus is associated with recurrence and conversion. Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure with appendectomy and without cecopexy is the commonly practiced approach that is associated with minor complications.

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and identifying insufflators with desufflation mode and surgical smoke evacuators for safe CO2 removal.

INTRODUCTION: Given the propensity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to spread, it is imperative that those continuing to perform surgery take precautions to limit the potential generation of contaminated aerosols in smoke from energy-based instruments. The aim of this study was to report current data regarding insufflators with desufflation mode and similar options to safely remove CO2 in minimal access surgery. METHODS: A non-systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted using the PubMed database, and the main companies that provide surgical devices were contacted for information. RESULTS: Most commercially available smoke evacuators use a combination of suction and mechanical filtering. There are also electrostatic precipitators that charge surgical smoke and retain the particles via electrostatic attraction. The search identified three insufflators with desufflation mode, four modular smoke evacuators using mechanical filtration, and only one device using electrostatic precipitation. However, none of these devices has been tested with viruses. CONCLUSION: This review identified commercially available equipment that employs mechanical filtering and electrostatic attraction principles that can be used for pneumoperitoneum evacuation during the present coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This pandemic should assist in raising awareness regarding protection measures and the risk of occupational exposure in surgery.