FOXO inhibition rescues α-defensin expression in human intestinal organoids.

To mediate critical host-microbe interactions in the human small intestine, Paneth cells constitutively produce abundant levels of α-defensins and other antimicrobials. We report that the expression profile of these antimicrobials is dramatically askew in human small intestinal organoids (enteroids) as compared to that in paired tissue from which they are derived, with a reduction of α-defensins to nearly undetectable levels. Murine enteroids, however, recapitulate the expression profile of Paneth cell α-defensins seen in tissue.

Early investigations into improving bowel and bladder function in fetal ovine myelomeningocele repair.

Introduction: Fetal myelomeningocele (MMC) repair improves lower extremity motor function. We have previously demonstrated that augmentation of fetal MMC repair with placental mesenchymal stromal cells (PMSCs) seeded on extracellular matrix (PMSC-ECM) further improves motor function in the ovine model. However, little progress has been made in improving bowel and bladder function, with many patients suffering from neurogenic bowel and bladder.

Risk Stratification and Personal Protective Equipment Use in Pediatric Endoscopy During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak: A Single-center Protocol.

SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is now a global pandemic. Human-to-human transmission has been documented to occur through respiratory secretions, feces, aerosols, and contaminated environmental surfaces. Pediatric patients present a unique challenge as they may have minimal symptoms and yet transmit disease.

Microencapsulated subunit vaccine approach to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and other mucosal pathogens.

Infections of the intestinal, urogenital, and respiratory tracts are serious health problems worldwide from both a morbidity and mortality perspective. Mucosal pathogens attach to surfaces of mucosa as a prerequisite for colonization and subsequent pathogenesis. By expressing various surface adhesins (colonization factors, CF) they are able to bind to specific mucosal receptors.

Hirschsprung disease in the U.S. associated Pacific Islands: more common than expected.

Introduction: Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, is uniquely situated to serve patients from the United States Associated Pacific Islands (USAPIs) through the congressionally funded Pacific Island Health Care Project (PIHCP). Because of time differences and distance, a web-based store-and-forward consultation and referral network was established using the internet to more efficiently and economically facilitate patient care. Using both electronic and hard copy records, we sought to establish the incidence of Hirschsprung Disease (HD) in children from the USAPI and contrast it to that of the developed world.

Murine antibody response to intranasally administered enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli colonization factor CS6.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is the most common cause of bacterial diarrhea worldwide and is an important cause of infant morbidity and mortality in developing nations. ETEC colonization factors (CF) are virulence determinants that appear to be protective antigens in humans and are the major target of vaccine efforts. One of the most prevalent CF, CS6, is expressed by about 30% of ETEC worldwide.

Oral immunization of adult volunteers with microencapsulated enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) CS6 antigen.

As a step in the development of an oral vaccine against ETEC, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of CS6, a polymeric protein commonly found on the surface of ETEC. Formulations included 1 and 5mg doses of CS6, either encapsulated in biodegradable polymer poly(D, L)-lactide-co-glycolide (PLG), or as free protein, administered orally in a solution of either normal saline or a rice-based buffer. Three doses of CS6 were given at 2-week intervals.