Neonate Human Remains: A Window of Opportunity to the Molecular Study of Ancient Syphilis

Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis can be a useful tool in bacterial disease diagnosis in human remains. However, while the recovery of Mycobacterium spp. has been widely successful, several authors report unsuccessful results regarding ancient treponemal DNA, casting doubts on the usefulness of this technique for the diagnosis of ancient syphilis. Here, we present results from an analysis of four newborn specimens recovered from the crypt of “La Ermita de la Soledad” (XVI–XVII centuries), located in the province of Huelva in the southwest of Spain. We extracted and analyzed aDNA in three independent laboratories, following specific procedures generally practiced in the aDNA field, including cloning of the amplified DNA fragments and sequencing of several clones. This is the most ancient case, reported to date, from which detection of DNA from T. pallidum subspecies pallidum has been successful in more than one individual, and we put forward a hypothesis to explain this result, taking into account the course of the disease in neonate individuals

Consensus report for workshop on ⇜early diagnosis and intervention in cerebral Palsy” Turkey’s approach to babies at risk and suggestions 1. National congress on babies at risk (1-4 March 2018, the Ankara Hotel)

The workshop on “Early Diagnosis and Intervention in Cerebral Palsy” aimed to reflect the current situation of and the challenges encountered in the early diagnosis and intervention in cerebral palsy in babies at risk, in order to raise awareness in the corresponding community by putting forth suggestions for providing solutions to these problems, and also, to provide a model suggestion suitable for the whole country. In the direction of these purposes, problems encountered in the prenatal, natal, and postnatal periods, and the corresponding suggestions were discussed, and vital topics concerning numerous disciplines, especially for the postnatal period, were emphasized in the workshop. With the aim of providing a solution to the current problems in the country regarding the matter, by employing an interdisciplinary approach, the establishment of Monitoring Centers for the Babies at Risk was proposed, and a model for these centers was created. Implications derived from this workshop will establish a foundation for the creation of a special strategic plan for the early diagnosis and intervention in cerebral palsy for the babies at risk. Copyright © 2018 by Türkiye Klinikleri