First report of phenoloxidase and peroxidase activities in two intertidal sea anemone species of Argentina

The presence of immune responses within sea anemone species has received little attention, in comparison with coral species, so we decided to investigate the phenoloxidase and peroxidase activities in ectoderm, endoderm and tentacles of actiniarians Aulactinia marplatensis and Bunodosoma zamponii, the most common species in intertidal zone of Mar del Plata, Argentina. Enzyme activities were detected in all tissues evaluated with some differences among tissues and species. Phenoloxidase and peroxidase activities are associated with the mechanisms of innate immunity in invertebrates, and the high production of phenoloxidase observed in B. zamponii would provide a continual level of resistance to infection and this species to be less susceptible to stress and disease, compared to A. marplatensis. This study, represents the first step toward specific immune information about the mentioned sea anemone species of Argentina, and thus permits prediction of the potential effects of environmental factors on immune response

Safety of hospital discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery

© 2020 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons LtdBackground: Ileus is common after colorectal surgery and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Identifying features of normal bowel recovery and the appropriateness for hospital discharge is challenging. This study explored the safety of hospital discharge before the return of bowel function. Methods: A prospective, multicentre cohort study was undertaken across an international collaborative network. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The main outcome of interest was readmission to hospital within 30 days of surgery. The impact of discharge timing according to the return of bowel function was explored using multivariable regression analysis. Other outcomes were postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery, measured using the Clavien–Dindo classification system. Results: A total of 3288 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 301 (9·2 per cent) were discharged before the return of bowel function. The median duration of hospital stay for patients discharged before and after return of bowel function was 5 (i.q.r. 4–7) and 7 (6–8) days respectively (P < 0·001). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission between these groups (6·6 versus 8·0 per cent; P = 0·499), and this remained the case after multivariable adjustment for baseline differences (odds ratio 0·90, 95 per cent c.i. 0·55 to 1·46; P = 0·659). Rates of postoperative complications were also similar in those discharged before versus after return of bowel function (minor: 34·7 versus 39·5 per cent; major 3·3 versus 3·4 per cent; P = 0·110). Conclusion: Discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery appears to be safe in appropriately selected patients