Prevalence and Clinical Factors Associated With Pes Planus Among Children and Adults: A Population-Based Synthesis and Systematic Review.

Estimates of pes planus ("flatfoot") prevalence vary considerably across studies. Moreover, there is uncertainty over which factors are associated with the pes planus prevalence. We aimed to systematically review the prevalence and clinical factors associated with flatfoot among children and adults. We searched Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases reporting population-based flatfoot prevalence. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the qualities of the studies. Subgroup analysis was conducted to analyze the associated factors on flatfoot prevalence. Frequencies, odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed using descriptive analysis and chi-square test accounting for heterogeneity. Any conflict in the data analysis was discussed by all the reviewers. Twelve studies including 2509 flatfoot cases were analyzed (overall prevalence 15.6%, n = 16,000). The subgroup analysis indicated that male gender (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.15-1.37), age groups 3 to 5 years (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.78-2.30) and 11 to 17 years (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.64-2.22), Asian race (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 2.10-2.60), and obesity (OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 2.06-3.32) were more associated with flatfoot (p < .001). Conversely, female gender (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.40-0.48) and White race (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.47-0.57) were less associated with flatfoot (p < .001). Our findings may be valuable for clinical/surgical settings, particularly, for those modifiable findings and targeted populations. However, we suggest that future studies estimating flatfoot should consider prospective/multicenter designs using a common screening methods in random samples populations.

Whole exome sequencing identifies multiple novel candidate genes in familial gastroschisis.

BACKGROUND: Genetic association studies for gastroschisis have highlighted several candidate variants. However, genetic basis in gastroschisis from noninvestigated heritable factors could provide new insights into the human biology for this birth defect. We aim to identify novel gastroschisis susceptibility variants by employing whole exome sequencing (WES) in a Mexican family with recurrence of gastroschisis. METHODS: We employed WES in two affected half-sisters with gastroschisis, mother, and father of the proband. Additionally, functional bioinformatics analysis was based on SVS-PhoRank and Ensembl-Variant Effect Predictor. The latter assessed the potentially deleterious effects (high, moderate, low, or modifier impact) from exome variants based on SIFT, PolyPhen, dbNSFP, Condel, LoFtool, MaxEntScan, and BLOSUM62 algorithms. The analysis was based on the Human Genome annotation, GRCh37/hg19. Candidate genes were prioritized and manually curated based on significant phenotypic relevance (SVS-PhoRank) and functional properties (Ensembl-Variant Effect Predictor). Functional enrichment analysis was performed using ToppGene Suite, including a manual curation of significant Gene Ontology (GO) biological processes from functional similarity analysis of candidate genes. RESULTS: No single gene-disrupting variant was identified. Instead, 428 heterozygous variations were identified for which SPATA17, PDE4DIP, CFAP65, ALPP, ZNF717, OR4C3, MAP2K3, TLR8, and UBE2NL were predicted as high impact in both cases, mother, and father of the proband. PLOD1, COL6A3, FGFRL1, HHIP, SGCD, RAPGEF1, PKD1, ZFHX3, BCAS3, EVPL, CEACAM5, and KLK14 were segregated among both cases and mother. Multiple interacting background modifiers may regulate gastroschisis susceptibility. These candidate genes highlight a role for development of blood vessel, circulatory system, muscle structure, epithelium, and epidermis, regulation of cell junction assembly, biological/cell adhesion, detection/response to endogenous stimulus, regulation of cytokine biosynthetic process, response to growth factor, postreplication repair/protein K63-linked ubiquitination, protein-containing complex assembly, and regulation of transcription DNA-templated. CONCLUSION: Considering the likely gene-disrupting prediction results and similar biological pattern of mechanisms, we propose a joint "multifactorial model" in gastroschisis pathogenesis.

Bioinformatic Analysis of Gene Variants from Gastroschisis Recurrence Identifies Multiple Novel Pathogenetic Pathways: Implication for the Closure of the Ventral Body Wall.

We investigated whether likely pathogenic variants co-segregating with gastroschisis through a family-based approach using bioinformatic analyses were implicated in body wall closure. Gene Ontology (GO)/Panther functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction analysis by String identified several biological networks of highly connected genes in UGT1A3, UGT1A4, UGT1A5, UGT1A6, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, UGT1A10, AOX1, NOTCH1, HIST1H2BB, RPS3, THBS1, ADCY9, and FGFR4. SVS-PhoRank identified a dominant model in OR10G4 (also as heterozygous de novo), ITIH3, PLEKHG4B, SLC9A3, ITGA2, AOX1, and ALPP, including a recessive model in UGT1A7, UGT1A6, PER2, PTPRD, and UGT1A3. A heterozygous compound model was observed in CDYL, KDM5A, RASGRP1, MYBPC2, PDE4DIP, F5, OBSCN, and UGT1A. These genes were implicated in pathogenetic pathways involving the following GO related categories: xenobiotic, regulation of metabolic process, regulation of cell adhesion, regulation of gene expression, inflammatory response, regulation of vascular development, keratinization, left-right symmetry, epigenetic, ubiquitination, and regulation of protein synthesis. Multiple background modifiers interacting with disease-relevant pathways may regulate gastroschisis susceptibility. Based in our findings and considering the plausibility of the biological pattern of mechanisms and gene network modeling, we suggest that the gastroschisis developmental process may be the consequence of several well-orchestrated biological and molecular mechanisms which could be interacting with gastroschisis predispositions within the first ten weeks of development.

A clinical-pathogenetic approach on associated anomalies and chromosomal defects supports novel candidate critical regions and genes for gastroschisis.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis has been assumed to have a low rate of syndromic and primary malformations. We aimed to systematically review and explore the frequency and type of malformations/chromosomal syndromes and to identify significant biological/genetic roles in gastroschisis. METHODS: Population-based, gastroschisis-associated anomalies/chromosomal defects published 1950-2018 (PubMed/MEDLINE) were independently searched by two reviewers. Associated anomalies/chromosomal defects and selected clinical characteristics were subdivided and pooled by race, system/region, isolated, and associated cases (descriptive analysis and chi-square test were performed). Critical regions/genes from representative chromosomal syndromes including an enrichment analysis using Gene Ontology Consortium/Panther Classification System databases were explored. Fisher's exact test with False Discovery Rate multiple test correction was performed. RESULTS: Sixty-eight articles and 18525 cases as a base were identified (prevalence of 17.9 and 3% for associated anomalies/chromosomal defects, respectively). There were 3596 associated anomalies, prevailing those cardiovascular (23.3%) and digestive (20.3%). Co-occurring anomalies were associated with male, female, American Indian, Caucasian, prenatally diagnosed, chromosomal defects, and mortality (P < 0.00001). Gene clusters on 21q22.11 and 21q22.3 (KRTAP), 18q21.33 (SERPINB), 18q22.1 (CDH7, CDH19), 13q12.3 (FLT1), 13q22.1 (KLF5), 13q22.3 (EDNRB), and 13q34 (COL4A1, COL4A2, F7, F10) were significantly related to biological processes: blood pressure regulation and/or vessel integrity, angiogenesis, coagulation, cell-cell and/or cell-matrix adhesion, dermis integrity, and wound healing (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that gastroschisis may result from the interaction of several chromosomal regions in an additive manner as a pool of candidate genes were identified from critical regions supporting a role for vascular disruption, thrombosis, and mesodermal deficiency in the pathogenesis of gastroschisis.

Genetic variants conferring susceptibility to gastroschisis: a phenomenon restricted to the interaction with the environment?

BACKGROUND: Genes involved in gastroschisis have shown a strong interaction with environmental factors. However, less is known about its influence. We aimed to systematically review the genetic associations of gastroschisis, to summarize whether its genetic susceptibility has been restricted to the interaction with the environment, and to identify significant gaps that remain for consideration in future studies. METHODS: Genetic association studies of gastroschisis published 1980-2017 (PubMed/MEDLINE) were independently searched by two reviewers. Significant SNP-gastroschisis associations were grouped into crude and stratified risks, whereas SNPs were assessed from two or more independent studies. Frequencies, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were pooled using descriptive analysis and Chi-square test accounting for heterogeneity. RESULTS: Seven eligible articles capturing associations of 14 SNPs from 10 genes for crude risk (including 10 and 4 SNPs with increased and decreased risk, respectively) and 30 SNPs from 14 genes for stratified risk in gastroschisis (including 37 and 14 SNPs with increased and decreased risk, respectively) were identified (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.438). The rs4961 (ADD1), rs5443 (GNB3), rs1042713, and rs1042714 (ADRB2) were significantly associated with gastroschisis. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic susceptibility in gastroschisis is not restricted to the interaction with the environment and should not be too narrowly focused on environmental factors. We found significant associations with four SNPs from three genes related to blood pressure regulation, which supports a significant role of vascular disruption in the pathogenesis of gastroschisis. Future studies considering gene-gene or gene-environmental interactions are warranted for better understanding the etiology of gastroschisis.

Familial occurrence of gastroschisis: a population-based overview on recurrence risk, sex-dependent influence, and geographical distribution.

PURPOSE: There is uncertainty over whether familial recurrences in gastroschisis might be higher. Moreover, scant information is available regarding its sociodemographic features. We aim to explore the recurrence risk, sex-dependent influence, and geographical distribution of familial gastroschisis. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature and data extraction from population-based studies published 1970-2017 (PubMed/MEDLINE) was independently performed by two reviewers. Familial ocurrence of gastroschisis, whereas sociodemographic features from 11 studies were pooled including 862 probands as a base. A descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-four probands had a positive family history of gastroschisis including 49 affected family members, for a recurrence risk of 5.7 and 3% adjusted for proband. Siblings' recurrence was 4.3%. Sex-dependent influence analysis (n = 879, from three studies) evidenced an increased susceptibility to gastroschisis in males (2.5%) compared to females (1.3%) adjusted for proband. Heterogeneity was identified by Fisher's exact test (P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Our findings support a greater liability attributable to familial factors on gastroschisis along with significant information for family and prenatal counseling. We suggest that future studies should include for a more accurate account for both familial and environmental confounding factors to uncover relatives and environmental exposures that more limited family histories may have missed.

Prevalence, Mortality, and Spatial Distribution of Gastroschisis in Mexico.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence, mortality, and spatial distribution of gastroschisis using a large population-based sample with cases identified according to birth and death certificates (ICD-10 diagnosis code Q79.3, gastroschisis) through the General Directorate of Health Information of the Secretary Health of Mexico, over the course of a 15-year period. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A descriptive study examining 10,287 cases of gastroschisis was performed from 2000-2014 using public natality data for denominators (more than 25 million live births). Gastroschisis prevalence and mortality was calculated for each of year, state, maternal, and newborn characteristics. Spatial distribution was analyzed according to gastroschisis prevalence in the 32 states of Mexico. RESULTS: Gastroschisis prevalence was 4.01 per 10,000 live births (annual trend 2.09-6.85). Mortality associated with gastroschisis was 1.28 per 10,000 live births. Women younger than 20 years old, primiparae, and preterm infants had the highest gastroschisis-related prevalence (13.12, 5.83, and 7.51 per 10,000 live births, respectively). Gastroschisis prevalence and mortality did not differ according to newborn sex. A negative binomial distribution, variance (82,391.87) greater than the mean (321.47) was identified. CONCLUSION: Our findings show an increasing temporal trend for gastroschisis since 2000 in Mexico. Additionally, gastroschisis might follow in future instances a positive binomial or Poisson distribution. Therefore, improving surveillance of risk factors and supporting research for gastroschisis is warranted among maternal age younger than 25, particularly, younger than 20 years of age.

Pulse therapy combined with oral corticosteroids in the management of severe rheumatic carditis and rebound.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical course, laboratory tests, and the cardiac involvement in rheumatic carditis patients in functional class III and IV, submitted to pulse therapy combined with oral prednisone. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with severe carditis due to acute rheumatic fever were treatment with three cycles of pulse therapy combined with oral corticosteroids. The patients were followed up from the hospital admission until the end of the treatment and returned after 30, 60, and 90 days to control. The patients were evaluated by clinical, laboratory, and transthoracic echocardiogram. RESULTS: In total, 23 (19.2%) patients at first attack of rheumatic fever and 97 (80.8%) with recurrent carditis were evaluated. Cardiac surgery was performed in 8 (6.6%) patients. The patients showed improved laboratory and radiological parameters (p<0.001) and were discharged, 74 (61.7%) in functional class I and 46 (38.3%) in functional class II. Hospitalisation time ranged from 21 to 176 days, with a mean of 69.1 days. Reduction of left atrium and ventricle diameters was observed, measured by means of transthoracic echocardiography, at hospital admission and discharge (p<0.001). None of the patients experienced rebound. CONCLUSIONS: The pulse therapy was effective in controlling severe rheumatic carditis and the oral corticosteroid prevented rebound episodes. Prolonged hospital stay was required for the clinical stabilisation of patients and to avoid the interruption of medication.

Evaluation of familial factors in a Mexican population-based setting with gastroschisis: Further evidence for an underlying genetic susceptibility.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the occurrence of gastroschisis attributable to familial factors in a Mexican population-based setting. METHODS: A descriptive study was performed among gastroschisis cases born from 2010 through 2016 at Tijuana General Hospital (Baja California, Mexico) to generate multigenerational pedigrees. RESULTS: There were 87 gastroschisis cases from 57,217 live births. Six probands (6.9%) had another affected family member. Two half-siblings, a set of monozygotic twins, a mother-and-daughter occurrence, a distant paternal cousin and a distant maternal uncle were identified. Sibling recurrence was 5.5%. From 174 males and 153 females studied (n=327, involving 180 nuclear families), sex-dependent influence analysis evidenced an increased susceptibility to gastroschisis in males (3.2%) compared to females (1.8%) with an overall of 2.5% adjusted for proband. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide a greater liability attributable to familial factors on gastroschisis. In spite of the predominant sporadic occurrence, underlying genetic susceptibility and environmental influences point to a complex interplay between genes and environmental factors in gastroschisis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Pulse therapy combined with oral corticosteroids in the management of severe rheumatic carditis and rebound

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical course, laboratory tests, and thecardiac involvement in rheumatic carditis patients in functional class III and IV, submitted to pulse therapycombined with oral prednisone. Methods: A total of 120 patients with severe carditis due to acute rheumatic feverwere treatment with three cycles of pulse therapy combined with oral corticosteroids. The patients were followedup from the hospital admission until the end of the treatment and returned after 30, 60, and 90 days to control.The patients were evaluated by clinical, laboratory, and transthoracic echocardiogram. Results: In total, 23(19.2%) patients at first attack of rheumatic fever and 97 (80.8%) with recurrent carditis were evaluated. Cardiacsurgery was performed in 8 (6.6%) patients. The patients showed improved laboratory and radiologicalparameters (p<0.001) and were discharged, 74 (61.7%) in functional class I and 46 (38.3%) in functional classII. Hospitalisation time ranged from 21 to 176 days, with a mean of 69.1 days. Reduction of left atrium andventricle diameters was observed, measured by means of transthoracic echocardiography, at hospital admissionand discharge (p <0.001). None of the patients experienced rebound. Conclusions: The pulse therapy was effectivein controlling severe rheumatic carditis and the oral corticosteroid prevented rebound episodes. Prolongedhospital stay was required for the clinical stabilisation of patients and to avoid the interruption of medication...

Severe Intrauterine Amputations in One Dichorionic Twin With Pentalogy of Cantrell: Further Evidence and Consideration for Mechanical Teratogenesis.

Pentalogy of Cantrell (PC) is characterized by midline supraumbilical abdominal wall defect, lower sternum defect, anterior diaphragmatic and pericardial defect, and congenital cardiac anomalies. Several etiological influences have been postulated, however, most of the reported cases are sporadic. In addition, evidence for mechanical teratogenesis in PC is limited. Here, we describe in one dichorionic twin with complete PC, additional severe intrauterine amputations (mainly head and neck) not previously reported resultant from mechanical teratogenesis. This morphologic constellation prompts us to emphasize the consideration of this etiological influence and provides further evidence. In fact, the pattern of anomalies in the affected fetus provides new insight into the severity and presentation of PC due to mechanical teratogenesis, which is a significant etiological consideration in clinical evaluation and implies that the syndrome involves a complex defective fetal development.

Otofaciocervical syndrome and metachondromatosis in a girl: Presentation of a novel association and remarks on clinical variability of branchial-arch disorders.

Otofaciocervical syndrome (OFCS) is a rare disorder characterized by facial, ear, branchial, and musculoskeletal anomalies, along with hearing loss and mild intellectual disability. Clinically, its distinction from branchiootorenal syndrome can be difficult. To date, the coexistence of OFCS and metachondromatosis has not been reported. Here, we describe a sporadic patient with both OFCS and metachondromatosis. This novel association prompts us to do some remarks on the clinical variability of branchial-arch disorders; in fact, our observations are consistent with the highly variable expressivity of OFCS and illustrate the need of a more accurate characterization of these branchial-arch disorders. In the meantime, involvement of clavicles, scapulae and shoulders remains a distinctive feature of OFCS.

Dysfunction of Neurovascular/Metabolic Coupling in Chronic Focal Epilepsy.

GOAL: We aim to evaluate the mechanisms underlying the neurovascular/metabolic coupling in the epileptogenic cortices of rats with chronic focal epilepsy. METHODS: We performed and analyzed intracranial recordings obtained from the seizure-onset zones during ictal periods on epileptic rats, and then, used these data to fit a metabolically coupled balloon model. Normal rats undergoing forepaw stimulation were used as control. RESULTS: We found a significant higher contribution from high local field potential frequency bands to the cerebral blood flow (CBF) responses in the epileptogenic cortices during ictal neuronal activities. The hemodynamic responses associated with ictal activities were distance-dependent with regard to the seizure focus, though varied in profiles from those obtained from acute seizure models. Parameters linking the CBF and relative concentration of deoxyhemoglobin to neuronal activity in the biophysical model were significantly different between epileptic and normal rats. CONCLUSION: We found that the coefficient associated with the strength of the functional hyperemic response was significantly larger in the epileptogenic cortices, and changes in hemoglobin concentration associated with ictal activity reflected the existence of a significantly higher baseline for oxygen metabolism in the epileptogenic cortices. SIGNIFICANCE: Introducing methods to estimate these physiological parameters would enhance our understanding of the neurovascular/metabolic coupling in epileptic brains and improve the localization accuracy on irritative zones and seizure-onset zones through neuroimaging techniques.

Disección aórtica toracoabdominal / Thoracoabdominal aortic dissection

Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente de 43 años de edad, presumiblemente saludable, quien acudió al cuerpo de guardia del Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Docente Dr Joaquín Castillo Duany de Santiago de Cuba por presentar dolor torácico opresivo, desgarrante, súbito e intenso, que se irradiaba hacia la parte superior del abdomen cuando realizaba esfuerzo físico de moderada intensidad. Los exámenes complementarios efectuados confirmaron el diagnóstico de disección aórtica aguda toracoabdominal, por lo cual fue operado en el Cardiocentro de esta ciudad, donde evolucionó satisfactoriamente y egresó sin complicaciones(AU)

The case report of an apparently healthy 43 year-old patient is described, who went to the emergency department of Dr Joaquín Castillo Duany Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital due to sudden, severe and ripping oppressive thoracic pain irradiating toward the upper abdominal region while he was making a physical effort of moderate intensity. Complementary tests confirmed the diagnosis of thoracoabdominal acute aortic dissection, reason why he underwent surgery at the Cardiology Center of this city, where he made good progress and was discharged without complications(AU)

Disección aórtica toracoabdominal / Thoracoabdominal aortic dissection

Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente de 43 años de edad, presumiblemente saludable, quien acudió al cuerpo de guardia del Hospital Clinicoquirúrgico Docente "Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany" de Santiago de Cuba por presentar dolor torácico opresivo, desgarrante, súbito e intenso, que se irradiaba hacia la parte superior del abdomen cuando realizaba esfuerzo físico de moderada intensidad. Los exámenes complementarios efectuados confirmaron el diagnóstico de disección aórtica aguda toracoabdominal, por lo cual fue operado en el Cardiocentro de esta ciudad, donde evolucionó satisfactoriamente y egresó sin complicaciones.

The case report of an apparently healthy 43 year-old patient is described, who went to the emergency department of "Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany" Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital due to sudden, severe and ripping oppressive thoracic pain irradiating toward the upper abdominal region while he was making a physical effort of moderate intensity. Complementary tests confirmed the diagnosis of thoracoabdominal acute aortic dissection, reason why he underwent surgery at the Cardiology Center of this city, where he made good progress and was discharged without complications.

Risperidone in the treatment of delirium: results from a prospective open-label trial.

BACKGROUND: Effective treatment is necessary to reverse delirium and prevent potentially serious consequences. METHOD: Patients were identified for screening by initial chart review of all consecutive admissions to the general medical or surgical wards at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital and the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, between November 2000 and April 2002. Medically ill patients with delirium defined by DSM-IV criteria and a Delirium Rating Scale (DRS) score of >or= 13 were given risperidone, 0.5 mg, twice daily, with additional doses permitted on day 1 for target symptoms. Total day 1 dosage was given daily until the DRS score was

Orally disintegrating olanzapine for the treatment of psychotic and behavioral disturbances associated with dementia.

Orally disintegrating olanzapine is a recently marketed form of olanzapine that dissolves rapidly on contact with saliva. We describe six demented patients resistant to treatment with common oral antipsychotic medications who were successfully treated with the formulation. The importance of these case reports is to make physicians aware that orally disintegrating olanzapine may be useful for the management of psychobehavioral disturbances in demented patients who resist or have difficulty taking standard oral medications.

Exacerbation of psychosis by misinterpretation of physical symptoms.

Impaired processing of perceptual information is often a prominent aspect of psychotic disorders. Physical symptoms such as pain or discomfort may be either incorrectly perceived or misinterpreted by psychotic patients. Presented here is a series of cases in which somatic symptoms occurred in psychotic patients and worsened their psychotic states but only later were recognized as physical problems. Psychotic patients may be unable to comprehend or describe their physical symptoms adequately. Physical disorders of psychotic patients may be overlooked if clinicians are not vigilant and thorough in assessing the patients' complaints, especially if such complaints sound delusional or bizarre.