Zoonotic Potential of Rotavirus From Swine and Bovine in South of Taiwan

Rotavirus was recognized as the virus that responsible for causing acute gastroenteritis, especially young livestock. Taiwan Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirms the majority cases of acute gastroenteritis in Taiwan on February 2015 were caused by rotavirus. In this study, we report the incidence and zoonotic impact of rotavirus strain from Taiwan. This study examined 90 (swine) and 60 (bovine) fecal samples collected from south of Taiwan in March 2015. Detection of rotavirus using VP6 gene by RT-PCR technique with amplicons 379 bp. Zoonotic potential analysis based on nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analysis. RT-PCR utilizing the primers specific for VP6 gene detected rotavirus with positive reactions 3/30 (10%) in piglets and 1/20 (5%) in the calf. Based on the nucleotide sequences and phylogenetic analysis indicated that 1 of 3 wild strains from swine rotavirus had 85.0% - 91.1% and 1 wild strain from bovine had 78.7% - 85.9% identity relations with human strains. These findings indicated that the wild strains of swine and bovine rotavirus may broadly spread and contribute to zoonotic transmission

International registry of congenital porto-systemic shunts: a multi-centre, retrospective and prospective registry of neonates, children and adults with congenital porto-systemic shunts.

BACKGROUND Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are rare vascular malformations associated with the risk of life-threatening systemic conditions, which remain underdiagnosed and often are identified after considerable diagnostic delay. CPSS are characterized by multiple signs and symptoms, often masquerading as other conditions, progressing over time if the shunt remains patent. Which patients will benefit from shunt closure remains to be clarified, as does the timing and method of closure. In addition, the etiology and pathophysiology of CPSS are both unknowns. This rare disorder needs the strength of numbers to answer these questions, which is the purpose of the international registry of CPSS (IRCPSS). METHOD A retrospective and prospective registry was designed using secuTrial® by the ISO certified Clinical Research Unit. Given that a significant number of cases entered in the registry are retrospective, participants have the opportunity to use a semi-structured minimal or complete data set to facilitate data entry. In addition, the design allows subjects to be entered into the IRCPSS according to clinically relevant events. Emphasis is on longitudinal follow-up of signs and symptoms, which is paramount to garner clinically relevant information to eventually orient patient management. The IRCPSS includes also three specific forms to capture essential radiological, surgical, and cardiopulmonary data as many times as relevant, which are completed by the specialists themselves. Finally, connecting the clinical data registry with a safe image repository, using state-of-the-art pseudonymization software, was another major focus of development. Data quality and stewardship is ensured by a steering committee. All centers participating in the IRCPSS have signed a memorandum of understanding and obtained their own ethical approval. CONCLUSION Through state-of-the-art management of data and imaging, we have developed a practical, user-friendly, international registry to study CPSS in neonates, children, and adults. Via this multicenter and international effort, we will be ready to answer meaningful and urgent questions regarding the management of patients with CPSS, a condition often ridden with significant diagnostic delay contributing to a severe clinical course

Etiology and Outcome of Adult and Pediatric Acute Liver Failure in Europe

Acute liver failure (ALF) is rare but life-threatening. Common causes include intoxications, infections, and metabolic disorders. Indeterminate etiology is still frequent. No systematic data on incidence, causes, and outcome of ALF across Europe are available. Via an online survey we reached out to European Reference Network Centers on rare liver diseases. Numbers and etiology of ALF cases during 2020 were retrieved and diagnostic and treatment availabilities assessed. In total, 455 cases (306 adult, 149 pediatric) were reported from 36 centers from 20 countries. Intoxication was the most common cause in adult and pediatric care. The number of cases with indeterminate etiology is low. Diagnostic tools and specific treatment options are broadly available within this network. This is the first approach to report on etiology and outcome of ALF in the pediatric and adult population in Europe. High diagnostic yield and standard of care reflects the expert status of involved centers.</p

Recent advances in the molecular and genetic understanding of congenital gastrointestinal malformations

Major developmental paradigms are highly conserved among vertebrates. The contribution of developmental biology to the understanding of human disease and regeneration has soared recently. We review advances in the molecular and genetic understanding of gastrointestinal development using evidence from both mammalian and nonmammalian models. When appropriate, we highlight relevance and applicability to human disease

Liver involvement in children with ciliopathies

Abnormalities in primary cilia lead to diseases called ciliopathies. Multiple organ involvement is the norm since primary cilia are present in most cells. When cholangiocyte cilia are abnormal, ductal plate malformation ensues leading to such conditions as congenital hepatic fibrosis, Caroli disease or syndrome, or other fibrocystic disease