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Background: The long-term effects on neonates born of COVID-19-positive pregnancies are still unclear. Congenital gastrointestinal malformations (CGIMs) often require urgent surgical intervention and antibiotic coverage. We aim to compare the health status at one-year post-surgical follow-up of cases of CGIM born of COVID-19-positive pregnancies to those of non-COVID-19 pregnancies. Methods: We conducted a comparative, observational study of 41 patients who underwent surgery at our hospital for congenital gastrointestinal malformations in 2022. They were initially treated with antibiotics and parenteral nutrition, which was later replaced with enteral nutrition gradually after the surgery. We then analyzed the data related to their growth and development during their 12-month follow-up visit at our outpatient clinic. We classified the children born of COVID-19-positive mothers as Group 1 (n = 14) and those born of mothers without COVID-19 symptoms or with unconfirmed status as Group 2 (n = 33). Results: Forty-one patients showed up for a one-year follow-up (between 11 and 13 months of life). Hence, the final Group 1 comprised 12 and Group 2 comprised 29 children. The patients were categorized based on their anatomical location. Of the cohort, 56.09% were preemies, and 43.91% were full-term newborns. We used seven parameters to evaluate both groups based on growth and developmental milestones: verbal skills, cognitive development, weight gain, height achieved, fine motor movements, gross motor movements, and social/emotional behavior. Group 1 children showed a significant decrease in height and weight compared to Group 2 children. In Group 1, 83.33% of patients were prescribed antibiotics, while only 10.34% in Group 2 were in the same situation. There were no cases of malabsorption syndrome in Group 2, but 16.66% of patients in Group 1 had it, with patients being operated on for duodenal malformations. None of the infants had necrotizing enterocolitis, post-surgical complications, or sepsis. All the children received antibiotics to prevent infection before and after surgery. No mortality was noted. Conclusions: In our one-year follow-up study, it was seen that even after surgical correction of congenital gastrointestinal malformations, children born of COVID-19-positive pregnancies can suffer serious growth and developmental delays, and gastrointestinal health issues might be more common. Since the long-term effects of COVID-19-positive pregnancies are not yet clear, larger cohort-based studies are required in this domain. Antibiotics destroy gut microbiota, especially in cases of gastrointestinal malformations and surgical resections. Growth and developmental milestones can not only be affected by CGIMs but also be further delayed by COVID-19 infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insufficient absorption of nutrients from food can be caused by impaired digestion, absorption or transport of nutrients, and can affect macronutrients, micronutrients, or both. Objective: The aim of this multicentric retrospective observational study is to confirm the efficacy of a formula (Bariatrifast, BIOITALIA S.r.l., Italy), supplementing vitamins and minerals, in patients with intestinal insufficiency from multiple different aetiologies, excluding bariatric surgery. Methods: A total of 78 patients were enrolled, assessing anthropometrics, blood pressure, and blood tests at baseline, 2, 4 and 6 months. Bariatrifast was the only supplement assumed. Mean age and BMI were 55.7 years and 23.4 kg/m2. Results: The study shows preliminary results of 20.6% and 52.9% of patients completing 6 and 4-month follow-up: increase of red blood cells and haemoglobin; a trend to increase over time for ferritin and iron; stable leukocytes, platelets and folate; a modest downward trend of transferrin; Vitamin-D improved remarkably then stabilized; mean values of heart rate and systolic-diastolic blood pressure remained stable. No undesirable effects were reported. Conclusions: In conclusion preliminary results suggest that using Bariatrifast in patients with intestinal insufficiency can improve the haematological panel, increasing Vitamins B12 and D, iron and ferritin, therefore confirming the efficacy of this special medical purpose food in intestinal insufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism represents a disease, which occurs as a complication usually in patients with chronic kidney disease and background of secondary hyperparathyroidism and less often in other conditions, such as hypophosphatemic rickets syndromes, pseudohypoparathyroidism, oncogenic osteomalacia and malabsorption syndromes. It is characterized by persistently elevated parathyroid hormone and calcium levels, as a result of reactive nodular hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands. It is manifested by a variety of clinical symptoms, affecting multiple systems and mainly the musculoskeletal. The pathological changes in bones, observed in tertiary hyperparathyroidism, can be a result of the increased parathyroid hormone levels in the blood, as well as of the metabolic disorders related to chronic kidney disease. The diagnosis of tertiary hyperparathyroidism is based on clinical and laboratory findings, while its treatment includes pharmaceutical as well as surgical methods. In this article there will be a reference in etiology, pathophysiology, clinical picture, diagnostic and therapeutical approach of tertiary hyperparathyroidism, aiming to the adequate management of such a patient case. There will also be a brief reference of some elements from the anatomy and physiology of the parathyroid glands, which are going to contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiological changes that occur in the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global poultry industry has been experiencing increasing condemnation at slaughterhouses since 2011, due to the emergence of avian reovirus (ARV) variant strains. Recently seven ARV genogroup clusters were identified based on the σC sequence of the S1 segment that was used as a genetic marker to characterize and classify ARV. Results: Among ninety-seven suspected broilers, breeders, and commercial grandparent's homogenates, ARV was PCR confirmed in thirty-five (36%). Samples were collected from different governorates in Egypt, including Giza–Ismailia–Sharqia–Menoufia, and Behira, between 2020 and 2023. A viral isolation trial was performed on weak positive samples, successfully isolating sixteen samples on the LMH cell line forming the characteristic giant cells of ARV infection. Partial sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the σC gene of ten ARV PCR positive samples revealed the circulation of ARV genogroup clusters 1, 2, 4, and 5, eight samples being distinguished from commercially available vaccine strains with a low percentage of nucleotides and amino acid identities. Conclusions: This research demonstrated that the ARV isolates were distinct compared to commercially available vaccine strains based on partial σC sequence. Detection, isolation, and classification of ARV as genogroups 1, 2, 4, and 5 are recorded. A vigilant surveillance to evaluate the ARV situation in Egypt is urgent. We recommend re-evaluating the ARV commercial vaccines by challenging them with circulating Egyptian field isolates, as well as their cross-protection. In addition, the development of autologous vaccines from both classical and variant strains to provide optimal protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic fibrosis is a multisystem disorder, and gastrointestinal (GI) disease contributes significantly to its morbidity. This review outlines the major gastrointestinal manifestations of CF, and highlights areas of common misunderstanding. Areas particularly important to practice, such as impact upon malabsorption, bowel obstruction and gastro-oesophageal reflux are considered in detail. The impact of new CFTR modulator therapies on CF-related GI conditions is discussed and treatment options for individual pathologies is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (IGS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by selective vitamin B12 malabsorption, resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency and impaired reabsorption of proximal tubular proteins.This case highlights a previously unidentified compound heterozygous variant in the Amnionless (AMN) gene that causes IGS syndrome and underscores the importance of long-term oral vitamin B12 replacement therapy in managing the condition. Case presentation: In this retrospective analysis, we present the clinical data of a 3-year and 6-month-old female child diagnosed with IGS at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, in November 2018. The child was admitted to the hospital due to a history of anemia persisting for over a month. There was no previous significant medical history. The admission examination revealed megaloblastic anemia with proteinuria. Serum vitamin B12 levels were decreased, while folic acid and renal function were normal. The patient was diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia and started long-term oral vitamin B12 replacement therapy. Throughout the follow-up period, blood tests consistently showed normal results, while proteinuria persisted. In November 2019, the child and her parents underwent whole exome sequencing analysis, which revealed a novel compound heterozygous variant in the AMN gene: c.162 + 1G > A and c.922 C > T (p.Q308X) in the child, c.162 + 1G > A in the father, and c.922 C > T (p.Q308X) in the mother. Therefore, this child was further diagnosed with IGS. Conclusions: In this case, whole exome sequencing proves to be highly practical in daily healthcare for diagnosing and refining rare or ultra-rare diseases with ambiguous phenotypes or genetic diversity. It is also valuable for prognostic evaluation and personalized management. Additionally, the oral vitamin B12 treatment demonstrated positive clinical effects for the child, offering a new option for patients unable to undergo intramuscular vitamin B12 replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exhaled breath tests (BTs) are the main diagnostic method for fructose and lactose malabsorption/intolerance (FI and LI, respectively) and for detecting small intestine bacterial or methanogen overgrowth (SIBO/IMO). Although FI/LI-BTs may provide evidence of the presence of SIBO/IMO, there is limited literature evaluating their reliability for this purpose. The objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of FI/LI-BTs in detecting SIBO and their concordance with SIBO-BTs in the identification of IMO. In this retrospective observational study, FI/LI-BTs and SIBO-BTs performed in the same patients within a period of 6 weeks were selected from 652 gas chromatography-based BTs. A total of 146 BTs from 67 eligible adult patients were identified. LI-BTs had higher specificity than FI-BT in detecting SIBO (93.8 % vs. 72.7 %). In contrast, FI-BTs showed higher sensitivity (60.0 % vs. 28.6 %) as FI was more frequently established in SIBO-positive patients (70 % vs. 29 %). With regard to IMO, concordance with LI-BT was 100 %, with a 27 % of false negatives on FI-BTs. Findings suggestive of SIBO or IMO on LI-BTs were highly consistent with those of SIBO-BTs. In contrast, the rate of false positives for SIBO and the rate of false negative for IMO on FI-BTs was 27 % in both cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the revision of the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin E. As α‐tocopherol is recognised as the only essential form of vitamin E, the Panel restricted its evaluation to α‐tocopherol. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to assess evidence on priority adverse health effects of excess intake of vitamin E, namely risk of impaired coagulation and bleeding, cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer. The effect on blood clotting and associated increased risk of bleeding is considered as the critical effect to establish an UL for vitamin E. No new evidence has been published that could improve the characterisation of a dose–response. The ULs for vitamin E from all dietary sources, which were previously established by the Scientific Committee on Food, are retained for all population groups, i.e. 300 mg/day for adults, including pregnant and lactating women, 100 mg/day for children aged 1–3 years, 120 mg/day for 4–6 years, 160 mg/day for 7–10 years, 220 mg/day for 11–14 years and 260 mg/day for 15–17 years. A UL of 50 mg/day is established for infants aged 4–6 months and a UL of 60 mg/day for infants aged 7–11 months. ULs apply to all stereoisomeric forms of α‐tocopherol. ULs do not apply to individuals receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (e.g. aspirin), to patients on secondary prevention for CVD or to patients with vitamin K malabsorption syndromes. It is unlikely that the ULs for vitamin E are exceeded in European populations, except for regular users of food supplements containing high doses of vitamin E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bariatric surgery is an important weight loss tool in individuals with severe obesity. It is currently the most effective long-term weight loss treatment that lowers obesity-related comorbidities. It also has significant physiological and nutritional consequences that can result in gastrointestinal complications and micronutrient deficiencies. After gastric bypass, clinical events that negatively affect nutritional status include malabsorption, dumping syndrome, kidney stones, altered intestinal bile acid availability, bowel obstruction, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, and bacterial overgrowth. Risk factors for poor nutritional status and excessive loss of lean body mass and bone include reduced dietary quality and inadequate intake, altered nutrient absorption, and poor patient compliance with nutrient supplementation. There are unique concerns in adolescents, older individuals, and individuals who become pregnant postoperatively. With careful management, health-care professionals can assist with long-term weight loss success and minimize the risk of acute and long-term nutrition complications after bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While food is essential for survival, it can also cause a variety of harmful effects, ranging from intolerance to specific nutrients to celiac disease and food allergies. In addition to nutrients, foods contain myriads of substances that can have either beneficial or detrimental effects on the animals consuming them. Consequently, all animals evolved defense mechanisms that protect them from harmful food components. These "antitoxin" defenses have some parallels with antimicrobial defenses and operate at a cost to the animal's fitness. These costs outweigh benefits when defense responses are exaggerated or mistargeted, resulting in adverse reactions to foods. Additionally, pathological effects of foods can stem from insufficient defenses, due to unabated toxicity of harmful food components. We discuss the structure of antitoxin defenses and how their failures can lead to a variety of adverse food reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides brief information on the etiology and prevalence of necrotic enterocolitis in children, and shares the achievements and experience of studying this problem in recent years. Necrotic enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns is considered a serious disease and causes death in 30-50 % of children. The course of the disease depends on the severity and degree of maturity of the newborns. In recent years, perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, which is considered one of the most dangerous complications during NEC, continues to increase. At this time, the lethality increases to 40-80 %. Sometimes the death rate is 100 % in patients with more severe comorbidities. Higher lethality occurs in preterm infants with a body weight of less than 1000 grams and ranges from 45 to 100 %. NEK performed during the neonatal period directly affects the further development and health of children: complications such as short bowel syndrome and malabsorption occur in infants, while 36 % of them develop physical retardation and functional disturbances in the CNS. In these children, intestinal morphofunctional changes accompanied by pain syndrome, dyspeptic symptoms continue, intestinal microbiocenosis is significantly disturbed, and immunity decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malabsorption syndrome affects millions of people in the world and is mostly associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like pain abdomen, bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea and some extra intestinal manifestations like iron deficiency anaemia, growth retardation, muscle cramps etc. The aetiology of malabsorption varies according to the age of the patient and geographical location. Aims and Objectives: To study morphological spectrum of duodenal biopsies in patients presenting with symptoms of malabsorption and to correlate the histopathological findings with endoscopic findings and relevant laboratory parameters where ever possible. Material and Methods: A retro prospective study was done for a period of 3 years and 6 months from January 2019 till October 2022. The study included75 presenting with signs and symptoms of malabsorption. Patients with history of major gastrointestinal surgery were excluded from the study. Result and Analysis: The patients had a mean age (32.8) years, with male: female ratio to be 04: 1, the most common presenting complaint was pain abdomen (72%) followed by anaemia under evaluation. (24%) The commonest diagnosis in the study was celiac disease (33. 3%). A good correlation was established with Endoscopic and laboratory findings as (45. 27%) cases showed abnormal findings and serological findings (Anti TTG levels) correlated well with celiac disease. Conclusion: Duodenal biopsy is a useful parameter in corroborating a diagnosis in patients presenting with symptoms of malabsorption. However, significant correlation of biopsy with endoscopic, serologic and hematologic parameters is of utmost importance to reach a final diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are significant global health challenges, accounting for 70% of anemia cases worldwide. IDA stems from factors such as poor iron intake, high physiological demands, chronic blood loss, and malabsorption. Effective management requires accurate diagnosis, addressing the underlying causes, and choosing appropriate treatments, including oral and intravenous (IV) iron supplements. Recent advances in IV iron therapy have introduced Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), a third-generation IV iron product known for its stability, low risk of immunogenic reactions, and clinical effectiveness. FCM is particularly beneficial in treating ID associated with chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy-related anemia, and perioperative anemia. Its ability to provide high-dose iron in a single infusion improves patient compliance and reduces healthcare costs. Most existing review articles focus exclusively on either the pharmacological properties or the clinical applications of FCM. This review aims to integrate both perspectives, providing a thorough overview of the pharmacological characteristics and clinical efficacy of FCM. This dual focus will demonstrate the clinical superiority of FCM among available IV iron preparations, positioning FCM as a highly dependable treatment for managing IDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malabsorption syndromes represent a large group of diseases characterized by impaired intraluminal digestion or nutrient absorption and typically manifest as diarrhea, steatorrhea, bloating and/or failure to thrive. Some diseases may be accompanied by specific symptoms such as oedema, digital clubbing and perianal exanthema. This article aims to classify malabsorption syndromes based on recent findings and summarize their etiology, etiopathogenesis and clinical manifestation. We review current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In accordance with the section in which the text will be published, frequent nosological entities will be discussed. Rarer diseases (such as malabsorption due to graft versus host disease) will be mentioned briefly, we direct readers to relevant and detailed sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian orthoreviruses have become a global challenge to the poultry industry, causing significant economic impacts on commercial poultry. Avian reoviruses (ARVs) are resistant to heat, proteolytic enzymes, a wide range of pH values, and disinfectants, so keeping chicken farms free of ARV infections is difficult. This review focuses on the global prevalence of ARVs and associated clinical signs and symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms include tenosynovitis/arthritis, malabsorption syndrome, runting–stunting syndrome, and respiratory diseases. Moreover, this review also focused on the characterization of ARVs in genotypic clusters (I–VI) and their relation to tissue tropism or viral distribution. The prevailing strains of ARV in Africa belong to all genotypic clusters (GCs) except for GC VI, whereas all GCs are present in Asia and the Americas. In addition, all ARV strains are associated with or belong to GC I-VI in Europe. Moreover, in Oceania, only GC V and VI are prevalent. This review also showed that, regardless of the genotypic cluster, tenosynovitis/arthritis was the predominant clinical manifestation, indicating its universal occurrence across all clusters. Globally, most avian reovirus infections can be prevented by vaccination against four major strains: S1133, 1733, 2408, and 2177. Nevertheless, these vaccines may not a provide sufficient defense against field isolates. Due to the increase in the number of ARV variants, classical vaccine approaches are being developed depending on the degree of antigenic similarity between the vaccine and field strains, which determines how successful the vaccination will be. Moreover, there is a need to look more closely at the antigenic and pathogenic properties of reported ARV strains. The information acquired will aid in the selection of more effective vaccine strains in combination with biosecurity and farm management methods to prevent ARV infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Online Turkish Journal of Health Sciences (OTJHS) / Online Türk Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Oguz KARABAY and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aims: To explore the relationship between nutritional intake, fermentable oligo‐, di, monosaccharides and polyols, and carbohydrate malabsorption, with gastrointestinal symptoms during a 56 km trail ultramarathon event and identify differences in nutritional intake between runners with severe and non‐severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods: Forty‐four ultramarathoners recorded and self‐reported dietary intake 3 days before, morning of, and during the ultramarathon with gastrointestinal symptoms obtained retrospectively and nutrient analysis via FoodWorks. Carbohydrate malabsorption was determined via breath hydrogen content pre‐ and post‐race. Spearman's rank‐order and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used to identify relationships and differences between groups. Results: Total fermentable oligo‐, di, monosaccharides and polyols intake were not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, but weak associations were observed for lower energy (rs = −0.302, p = 0.044) and fat intake (rs = −0.340, p = 0.024) 3 days before with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and higher caffeine intake 3 days before with overall gastrointestinal symptoms (rs = 0.314, p = 0.038). Total fermentable oligo‐, di‐, monosaccharides and polyols intake and breath hydrogen were not different between those with severe versus non‐severe symptoms (p > 0.05). Although those with severe symptoms had higher caffeine (p = 0.032), and total polyols intake (p = 0.031) 3 days before, and higher % energy from fat (p = 0.043) and sorbitol intake (p = 0.026) during the race, and slower ultramarathon finish times (p = 0.042). Conclusion: Total fermentable oligo‐, di‐, and monosaccharides intake and carbohydrate malabsorption were not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. Additional research on the effect of fat, caffeine, and polyol intake on exercise‐associated gastrointestinal symptoms is warranted and presents new nutritional areas for consideration when planning nutritional intake for ultramarathoners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder with both environmental and genetic risk factors. CD manifests itself when food containing gluten is eaten. It causes malabsorption by damaging the villi in the small intestine. This leads to the question: How do gene variants lead to the pathogenesis of Celiac disease? Other studies include genome-wide association studies to recognize more genetic risk factors associated with CD. This paper reviews how gene variants show a risk for CD and lead to the development of CD. It will show the significance of looking at how certain genes can change our body functions to alter a big part of our digestive system and how it can help us discover other genes possibly related to celiac disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malabsorption syndrome is an umbrella term for manifestations consisting of diarrhea, steatorrhea, malnutrition, unexplained weight loss, persistent or recurrent abdominal pain, and anemia. Celiac disease and Tropical sprue remain the two important causes among many more. Materials and Methods: The objectives of this study were to assess the spectrum of histological features of malabsorption at a tertiary care center and to correlate the clinical, endoscopic, and histological features between the various etiologies. Biopsy specimens of 547 subjects formed the sample for this institutional-based, retrospective research. All subjects who had a clinical diagnosis of malabsorption and underwent subsequent endoscopic evaluation along with biopsy were considered. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections were analyzed for villous architecture and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). The histopathological findings were further correlated with the endoscopic findings. Data thus obtained were statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel for Windows (2010). Results: The mean age of the subjects was 46.65 ± 17.31 years and with 330 males (60.33%) and 217 female (39.63%) subjects. Chronic diarrhea was the major presenting symptom in 95% of the subjects (n = 520). Normal villous architecture was noted in 68.19%, while the remaining cases showed varying degrees of atrophy ranging from mild in 27.61% (n = 151) to moderate in 2.56% (n = 14) to severe in 1.65% (n = 9). IELs were noted in 70.78% of cases. Conclusion: Histopathological findings, when analyzed, showed intraepithelial lymphocytosis as the major diagnosis in 34.19% of cases (n = 187), followed by tropical sprue in 19.56% (n = 107) cases. The pathology was nonspecific in about 13.89% (n = 76). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]