Anastomotic leak occurs independently from microbiota shifts associated with surgical bowel preparation.

Following bowel surgery, infectious complications, including anastomotic leak (AL), remain major sources of morbidity and mortality. Bowel preparation is often administered with the assumption that gut decontamination reduces post-surgical complications. In this study, we tested this hypothesis using a murine model of colon surgery.

Multi-omics Analysis of a Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Trial Identifies Novel Aspects of Acute GVHD Pathogenesis.

Unlabelled: Acute GVHD (aGVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) associated with gut microbiota disruptions. However, whether therapeutic microbiota modulation prevents aGVHD is unknown. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of third-party fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) administered at the peak of microbiota injury in 100 patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving induction chemotherapy and alloHCT recipients.

A comprehensive evaluation of online inhaler use techniques for obstructive airway disease.

Background: Pulmonary inhaler therapy is a core treatment modality for >600 million individuals affected by obstructive airways disease globally. Poor inhaler technique is associated with reduced disease control and increased health care utilization; however, many patients rely on the internet as a technical resource. This study assesses the content and quality of online resources describing inhaler techniques.

Long- and short-term effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on antibiotic resistance genes: results from a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

In small series, third-party fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been successful in decolonizing the gut from clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Less is known about the short- and long-term effects of FMT on larger panels of ARGs. We analyzed 226 pre- and post-treatment stool samples from a randomized placebo-controlled trial of FMT in 100 patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation or receiving anti-leukemia induction chemotherapy for 47 ARGs.

Diet-induced shifts in the gut microbiota influence anastomotic healing in a murine model of colonic surgery.

Host diet and gut microbiota interact to contribute to perioperative complications, including anastomotic leak (AL). Using a murine surgical model of colonic anastomosis, we investigated how diet and fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) impacted the intestinal microbiota and if a predictive signature for AL could be determined. We hypothesized that a Western diet (WD) would impact gut microbial composition and that the resulting dysbiosis would correlate with increased rates of AL, while FMT from healthy, lean diet (LD) donors would reduce the risk of AL.

Lupus Podocytopathy: A Rare Cause of Nephrotic Syndrome in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Lupus podocytopathy, a unique form of lupus nephritis, mimics minimal change disease (MCD) or primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and represents approximately 1% of lupus nephritis biopsies. Lupus podocytopathy is characterized by diffuse epithelial cell foot process effacement without immune complex deposition or with only mesangial immune complex deposition. We present the case of a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who presented with nephrotic syndrome and acute kidney injury (AKI) and was subsequently diagnosed with lupus podocytopathy.

Potential of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation to Prevent Acute GVHD: Analysis from a Phase II Trial.

Purpose: Intestinal microbiota disruptions early after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation have been associated with increased risk for acute GVHD (aGVHD). In our recent randomized phase II trial of oral, encapsulated, third-party fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) versus placebo, FMT at the time of neutrophil recovery was safe and ameliorated dysbiosis. Here, we evaluated in post hoc analysis whether donor microbiota engraftment after FMT may protect against aGVHD.

Feasibility of a Home-Based Cognitive-Physical Exercise Program in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Protocol for a Feasibility and Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive condition associated with physical and cognitive impairments contributing to difficulty in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) that require dual tasking (eg, walking and talking). Despite evidence showing that cognitive decline occurs among patients with COPD and may contribute to functional limitations and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQL), pulmonary rehabilitation continues to focus mainly on physical training (ie, aerobic and strength exercises). An integrated cognitive and physical training program compared to physical training alone may be more effective in increasing dual-tasking ability among people living with COPD, leading to greater improvements in performance of ADLs and HRQL.

Randomized Double-Blind Phase II Trial of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Versus Placebo in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and AML.

Purpose: Gut microbiota injury in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients and patients with AML has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Previous studies in these patients have shown improvements in various microbiome indices after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). However, whether microbiome improvements translate into improved clinical outcomes remains unclear.

Physiological microbial exposure transiently inhibits mouse lung ILC2 responses to allergens.

Lung group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) control the nature of immune responses to airway allergens. Some microbial products, including those that stimulate interferons, block ILC2 activation, but whether this occurs after natural infections or causes durable ILC2 inhibition is unclear. In the present study, we cohoused laboratory and pet store mice as a model of physiological microbial exposure.

A Huge Chondrosarcoma of the Nasal Septum.

Chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum is a rare malignancy. Its early diagnosis is difficult because of its non-specific sinonasal complaints. We report a case report of a 72-year-old woman who presented with progressive nasal obstruction and anosmia.

Fecal β-glucuronidase activity differs between hematopoietic cell and kidney transplantation and a possible mechanism for disparate dose requirements.

The intestinal microbiota produces β-glucuronidase that plays an essential role in the metabolism of the immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). This drug is commonly used in organ and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), with variations in dosing across transplant types. We hypothesized that β-glucuronidase activity differs between transplant types, which may account for differences in dosing requirements.

Secukinumab-Induced Lymphocytic Colitis.

Secukinumab an interleukin-17 (IL-17) monoclonal antibody inhibitor is currently approved for the treatment of rheumatological conditions, such as psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. Lymphocytic colitis, a phenotype of microscopic colitis, is a long-term inflammatory condition, is characterized by relapsing diarrhea. The specific entity of drug-induced lymphocytic colitis has been discussed with numerous individual cases being reported from around the world.

Renal Injury in All-Comers After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) following aortic valve replacement is associated with poor prognosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a novel strategy with a percutaneous approach and early recovery time. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare TAVR to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and their respective renal outcomes.

Drought tolerant Ochrobactrum sp. inoculation performs multiple roles in maintaining the homeostasis in Zea mays L. subjected to deficit water stress.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improve plant health under various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the underlying mechanisms of the protective effects of PGPR in deficit water stress (WS) remain less explored. This study aimed to characterize the role of Ochrobactrum sp.

Anti-thrombotic therapy strategies with long-term anticoagulation after percutaneous coronary intervention - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

: Long-term oral anticoagulants (OAC) increases bleeding risk after the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with Aspirin and P2Y inhibitors. We hypothesize that dual anti-thrombotic therapy (DATT) reduces bleeding without increased cardiovascular events. : DATT does not increase adverse cardiovascular events compared to triple anti-thrombotic therapy (TATT).

Hematological Profile and Gametocyte Carriage in Malaria Patients from Southern Pakistan.

Background Malarial infection is a major cause of concern, both worldwide and in Pakistan. Gametocytes are the sexual forms of the parasite that are essential for transmission. They fuse inside the mosquito to develop sporozoites.

Genome-wide association studies on the phyllosphere microbiome: Embracing complexity in host-microbe interactions.

Environmental sequencing shows that plants harbor complex communities of microbes that vary across environments. However, many approaches for mapping plant genetic variation to microbe-related traits were developed in the relatively simple context of binary host-microbe interactions under controlled conditions. Recent advances in sequencing and statistics make genome-wide association studies (GWAS) an increasingly promising approach for identifying the plant genetic variation associated with microbes in a community context.

Transfer of Skills From Simulation Lab to Surgical Services: Impact of a Decade Long Laparoscopic Urology Surgical Course.

Objective: To investigate the impact of decade-long dedicated laparoscopic urology surgical skills course on the successful implementation of surgical services by the participants.

Methods: A prospective database was maintained for all the participants in urological laparoscopic courses run by a single dedicated unit between January 2016 and December 2016. Data on various variables were collected using a follow-up validated questionnaire exploring speciality of clinical practice, challenges and need for additional training to establish clinical services, improvement in quality and frequency of laparoscopic courses.

Pattern of Infecting Microorganisms and Their Susceptibility to Antimicrobial Drugs in Patients with Diabetic Foot Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Diabetes mellitus is a universal health problem, with its prevalence in Pakistan making it among the top 10 countries in the world. Approximately 13.9 million people in Pakistan will have developed diabetes by 2030.

An Atypical Case of Silent Aortic Dissection in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND Aortic dissection presents with acute chest or back pain and is associated with high mortality. We present a case of aortic dissection with an atypical presentation in a peritoneal dialysis patient, and the challenges met with peritoneal dialysis. CASE REPORT A 53-year-old African American male presented with progressively worsening exertional dyspnea and orthopnea for 3 days without any history of chest pain.

Meta-Analysis Comparing Outcomes and Need for Renal Replacement Therapy of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is commonly associated with aortic valve replacement. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is a known risk factor for AKI but little is known about the short- and long-term effects of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The purpose of our analysis is to identify the short- and long-term effect of TAVI on renal outcomes.

Molecular characterization of autosomal recessive non syndromic hearing loss in selected families from District Mardan, Pakistan.

Deafness is the most common sensory disorder, which affects 1/1000 neonates globally. Genetic factors are major contributors for hearing impairment. This study was conducted to explore the linkage of DFNB loci and their mutations with NSHL in selected Pakistani families.