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Cheddadi R, Yeramilli V, Martin C. From Mother to Infant, from Placenta to Gut: Understanding Varied Microbiome Profiles in Neonates. Metabolites 2023; 13:1184. [PMID: 38132866 PMCID: PMC10745069 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13121184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of human microbiome and gut microbial diversity research has witnessed a profound transformation, driven by advances in omics technologies. These advancements have unveiled essential connections between microbiome alterations and severe conditions, prompting the development of new frameworks through epidemiological studies. Traditionally, it was believed that each individual harbored unique microbial communities acquired early in life, evolving over the course of their lifetime, with little acknowledgment of any prenatal microbial development, but recent research challenges this belief. The neonatal microbiome's onset, influenced by factors like delivery mode and maternal health, remains a subject of intense debate, hinting at potential intrauterine microbial processes. In-depth research reveals associations between microbiome profiles and specific health outcomes, ranging from obesity to neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding these diverse microbiome profiles is essential for unraveling the intricate relationships between the microbiome and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riadh Cheddadi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA (C.M.)
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Chen Y, Lan C, Zhong W, Song K, Ma Z, Huang L, Zhu Y, Xia H. Plasma anti-myosin autoantibodies in the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:5203-5210. [PMID: 37715022 PMCID: PMC10640473 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05188-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to assess whether autoantibodies can be used as biomarkers for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and applied for its early diagnosis. A prospective observational study was conducted in neonates with suspected NEC abdominal distension (the developmental study), which consisted of 50 neonates finally divided into NEC (n = 24) and non-NEC (n = 26) cohorts based on follow-up results. Serum samples were collected within 48 h of illness onset and used for screening NEC-associated plasma autoantibodies by autoantigen microarray. Additionally, we validated anti-myosin autoantibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in an independent validation study, for which we selected plasma samples within 48 h of onset of NEC (n = 38) and samples of gestational age- and weight-matched controls (n = 13). Autoantigen microarray revealed that both IgG and IgM anti-myosin autoantibodies in plasma from neonates with NEC were significantly higher than those in neonates with other diagnoses. ELISA showed that plasma anti-myosin autoantibodies increased in the NEC cohort, with 1.5-fold higher levels than in the non-NEC cohort. Anti-myosin autoantibodies were able to distinguish NEC from non-NEC, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8856 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7918-0.9795), with sensitivity of 81.58% and specificity of 76.93%. Plasma anti-myosin autoantibodies were significantly higher in all three subtypes of NEC (P < 0.0001 for NEC I; P = 0.0018 for NEC II; P = 0.0011 for NEC III), especially in NEC stage I than that in the non-NEC controls. CONCLUSION Anti-myosin autoantibodies may be applied as a promising diagnostic marker for NEC, especially for NEC stage I. WHAT IS KNOWN • Intestinal damage and self-antigen exposure may lead to increased autoantibodies, and they are widely used as biomarkers for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease. • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease with overwhelming inflammation and immune dysregulation. WHAT IS NEW • Increased autoantibodies were present in patients with NEC, even before typical X-ray manifestations. • Anti-myosin autoantibodies may be applied as a promising diagnostic marker for NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiong Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, No. 613 West Huangpu Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN 510630, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structure Birth Defect Diseaseand, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No.9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN 510623, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Chaoting Lan
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structure Birth Defect Diseaseand, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No.9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN 510623, China
| | - Weiyong Zhong
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structure Birth Defect Diseaseand, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No.9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN 510623, China
| | - Kai Song
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structure Birth Defect Diseaseand, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No.9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN 510623, China
| | - Zuyi Ma
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structure Birth Defect Diseaseand, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No.9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN 510623, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structure Birth Defect Diseaseand, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No.9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN 510623, China.
| | - Yun Zhu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structure Birth Defect Diseaseand, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No.9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN 510623, China.
| | - Huimin Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, No. 613 West Huangpu Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN 510630, China.
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structure Birth Defect Diseaseand, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No.9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, CN 510623, China.
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Du TT, Liu XC, He Y, Gao X, Liu ZZ, Wang ZL, Li LQ. Changes of gut microbiota and tricarboxylic acid metabolites may be helpful in early diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis: A pilot study. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1119981. [PMID: 37007499 PMCID: PMC10050441 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1119981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PurposeWe aimed to explore the value of gut microbiota and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolites in early diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among infants with abdominal manifestations.MethodsThirty-two preterm infants with abdominal manifestations at gestational age ≤ 34 weeks were included in the study and were divided into non-NEC (n = 16) and NEC (n = 16) groups. Faecal samples were collected when the infants were enrolled. The gut microbiota was analysed with high-throughput sequencing, and TCA metabolites were measured with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) targeted metabolomics. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to explore the predictive value of the obtained data.ResultsThere was no significant difference in alpha diversity or beta diversity between the two groups (p > 0.05). At the phylum level, Proteobacteria increased, and Actinomycetota decreased in the NEC group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillaceae decreased significantly, and at the species level, unclassified Staphylococcus, Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis decreased in the NEC group (p < 0.05). Further Linear discriminant analysis effect sizes (LEfSe) analysis showed that the change in Proteobacteria at the phylum level and Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacterium at the genus level scored higher than 4. The concentrations of succinate, L-malic acid and oxaloacetate in the NEC group significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the areas under the ROC curve for these metabolites were 0.6641, 0.7617, and 0.7344, respectively.ConclusionDecreased unclassified Staphylococcus, Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis at the species level as well as the increase in the contents of some TCA metabolites, including succinate, L-malic acid and oxaloacetate, have potential value for the early diagnosis of NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Du
- Neonatal Diagnosis and Treatment Centre of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Chen Liu
- Neonatal Diagnosis and Treatment Centre of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu He
- Neonatal Diagnosis and Treatment Centre of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiong Gao
- Neonatal Diagnosis and Treatment Centre of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Liu
- Neonatal Diagnosis and Treatment Centre of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng-Li Wang
- Neonatal Diagnosis and Treatment Centre of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu-Quan Li
- Neonatal Diagnosis and Treatment Centre of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
- Jiangxi Hospital Affiliated Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Lu-Quan Li,
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Fatmi A, Saadi W, Beltrán-García J, García-Giménez JL, Pallardó FV. The Endothelial Glycocalyx and Neonatal Sepsis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010364. [PMID: 36613805 PMCID: PMC9820255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis carries a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality in newborns, especially preterm-born neonates. Endothelial glycocalyx (eGC) is a carbohydrate-rich layer lining the vascular endothelium, with important vascular barrier function and cell adhesion properties, serving also as a mechano-sensor for blood flow. eGC shedding is recognized as a fundamental pathophysiological process generating microvascular dysfunction, which in turn contributes to multiple organ failure and death in sepsis. Although the disruption of eGC and its consequences have been investigated intensively in the adult population, its composition, development, and potential mechanisms of action are still poorly studied during the neonatal period, and more specifically, in neonatal sepsis. Further knowledge on this topic may provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that guide the sepsis pathology during the neonatal period, and would increase the usefulness of endothelial glycocalyx dysfunction as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. We reviewed several components of the eGC that help to deeply understand the mechanisms involved in the eGC disruption during the neonatal period. In addition, we evaluated the potential of eGC components as biomarkers and future targets to develop therapeutic strategies for neonatal sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlam Fatmi
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Mixed Unit for Rare Diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Wiam Saadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature, Life and Earth Sciences, University of Djillali Bounaama, Khemis Miliana 44225, Algeria
| | - Jesús Beltrán-García
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - José Luis García-Giménez
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Mixed Unit for Rare Diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-386-46-46
| | - Federico V. Pallardó
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Mixed Unit for Rare Diseases INCLIVA-CIPF, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm newborn with a history of maternal COVID-19: a case report. Radiol Case Rep 2022; 17:2630-2634. [PMID: 35663817 PMCID: PMC9160280 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A 6-day-old newborn male presented with a primary complaint of abdominal distension for 3 days before hospital admission. The newborn was delivered from a confirmed COVID-19–positive mother through caesarean section at 38-39 weeks with a birth weight of 2800 grams. Various tests, including blood tests, cultures, and radiography were performed. The patient was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis; the prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis in at-term newborns with >36 weeks of gestational age is 10%. In this case, NEC was suggested to be due to maternal infection during the prenatal phase, as the mother was a confirmed COVID-19 patient. Further exploration is needed to illustrate neonatal outcomes following necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosis in correlation with maternal intrauterine COVID-19 infection.
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Gunasekaran A, Devette C, Levin S, Chaaban H. Biomarkers of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: The Search Continues. Clin Perinatol 2022; 49:181-194. [PMID: 35210000 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) emergency in the neonatal intensive care unit. Despite advances in medical care, mortality and morbidity from NEC have not changed. This is likely due to the lack of a clear understanding of this multifactorial disease, and reliable biomarkers for accurate diagnosis of NEC. Currently, the diagnosis of NEC is made by a combination of nonspecific clinical signs, symptoms, and radiological findings. Though biomarkers have been studied extensively, none offer an acceptable sensitivity or specificity to be used. This review will focus on the available literature on biomarkers for preterm NEC, acknowledging the limitations in studies including the variability of inclusion criteria, and most importantly, the lack of gold standard case definition for NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi Gunasekaran
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N Everett Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Christa Devette
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N Everett Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Samuel Levin
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N Everett Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| | - Hala Chaaban
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1200 N Everett Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Howarth C, Banerjee J, Eaton S, Aladangady N. Biomarkers of gut injury in neonates - where are we in predicting necrotising enterocolitis? Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1048322. [PMID: 36518779 PMCID: PMC9742605 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1048322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in neonatal care Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) continues to have a significant mortality and morbidity rate, and with increasing survival of those more immature infants the population at risk of NEC is increasing. Ischaemia, reperfusion, and inflammation underpin diseases affecting intestinal blood flow causing gut injury including Necrotising Enterocolitis. There is increasing interest in tissue biomarkers of gut injury in neonates, particularly those representing changes in intestinal wall barrier and permeability, to determine whether these could be useful biomarkers of gut injury. This article reviews current and newly proposed markers of gut injury, the available literature evidence, recent advances and considers how effective they are in clinical practice. We discuss each biomarker in terms of its effectiveness in predicting NEC onset and diagnosis or predicting NEC severity and then those that will aid in surveillance and identifying those infants are greatest risk of developing NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Howarth
- Neonatal Unit, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jayanta Banerjee
- Neonatal Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Eaton
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, England
| | - Narendra Aladangady
- Neonatal Unit, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), London, United Kingdom
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Identification of Inflammatory Genes, Pathways, and Immune Cells in Necrotizing Enterocolitis of Preterm Infant by Bioinformatics Approaches. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5568724. [PMID: 33880370 PMCID: PMC8046524 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5568724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most serious gastrointestinal disease-causing high morbidity and mortality in premature infants. However, the underlying mechanism of the pathogenesis of NEC is still not fully understood. Methods RNA sequencing of intestinal specimens from 9 NEC and 5 controls was employed to quantify the gene expression levels. RNA sequencing was employed to quantify the gene expression levels. DESeq2 tool was used to identify the differentially expressed genes. The biological function, pathways, transcription factors, and immune cells dysregulated in NEC were characterized by gene set enrichment analysis. Results In the present study, we analyzed RNA sequencing data of NECs and controls and revealed that immune-related pathways were highly activated, while some cellular responses to external stimuli-related pathways were inactivated in NEC. Moreover, B cells, macrophages M1, and plasma cells were identified as the major cell types involved in NEC. Furthermore, we also found that inflammation-related transcription factor genes, such as STAT1, STAT2, and IRF2, were significantly activated in NEC, further suggesting that these TFs might play critical roles in NEC pathogenesis. In addition, NEC samples exhibited heterogeneity to some extent. Interestingly, two subgroups in the NEC samples were identified by hierarchical clustering analysis. Notably, B cells, T cells, Th1, and Tregs involved in adaptive immune were predicted to highly infiltrate into subgroup I, while subgroup II was significantly infiltrated by neutrophils. The heterogeneity of immune cells in NEC indicated that both innate and adaptive immunes might induce NEC-related inflammatory response. Conclusions In summary, we systematically analyzed inflammation-related genes, signaling pathways, and immune cells to characterize the NEC pathogenesis and samples, which greatly improved our understanding of the roles of inflammatory responses in NEC.
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Griffiths V, Al Assaf N, Khan R. Review of claudin proteins as potential biomarkers for necrotizing enterocolitis. Ir J Med Sci 2021; 190:1465-1472. [PMID: 33492576 PMCID: PMC8521514 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-020-02490-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Claudin proteins are a component of tight junctions found in cell-cell adhesion complexes. A central feature of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is intestinal permeability, with changes to claudin proteins potentially contributing to intestinal instability, inflammation, and the progression of NEC. A current area of interest is the development of a novel, noninvasive biomarker for the detection of NEC in neonates at risk of developing this disease, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality through earlier intervention. Aims This review aims to explore the relevance of claudin proteins in the pathophysiology of NEC and their potential usefulness as a biomarker. Methods This review was conducted using the search terms “claudin” + “necrotizing enterocolitis”, with 27 papers selected for review. Results Claudin proteins appear to have a role in the stability of the gut epithelium through the regulation of intestinal permeability, maturity, and inflammation. Formula feeding has been shown to promote inflammation and result in changes to claudin proteins, while breastfeeding and certain nutritional supplements lead to reduced inflammation and improved intestinal stability as demonstrated through changes to claudin protein expression. Preliminary studies in human neonates suggest that urinary claudin measurements may be used to predict the development of NEC. Conclusions Alterations to claudin proteins may reflect changes seen to intestinal permeability and inflammation in the context of NEC. Further research is necessary to understand the relevance of claudin proteins in the pathophysiology of NEC and their use as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Griffiths
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Niazy Al Assaf
- Department of Neonatology, University Maternity Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rizwan Khan
- Department of Neonatology, University Maternity Hospital Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Perrone S, Cremonini I, Marinelli F, Monaco S, Nicoletti L, Giordano M, Esposito S. New Strategies for Necrotizing Enterocolitis Diagnosis and Prevention in Newborns. Curr Pediatr Rev 2021; 17:191-200. [PMID: 33902422 DOI: 10.2174/1573396317666210426102610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis is one of the most frequent and severe gastrointestinal diseases that affect preterm newborns in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. It was firstly described in 1960s, but this clinical entity was not widely recognized until the advent of modern neonatal intensive care. The disease is characterized by submucosal edema, infiltration of intestinal wall by immune cells, specifically neutrophils and, in severe forms, wall necrosis that leads to intestinal perforation. Its incidence is inversely associated to birth weight and gestational age. Necrotizing enterocolitis has been responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality (15-30%), despite improvements made in neonatal care in the last decades. The challenge is to optimize strategies for early diagnosis, define the best medical and surgical treatments and standardize preventive measures. Several biomarkers have been proposed for the early prediction of necrotizing enterocolitis onset in preterm newborns and can be useful not only for diagnostic purposes but also for prediction of disease progression and severity. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the most recent evidence regarding the diagnosis and prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis. This manuscript contributes to clinical decision-making in preterm neonates at high risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serafina Perrone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Sara Monaco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Nicoletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Giordano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Wang Y, Song J, Sun H, Xu F, Li K, Nie C, Zhang X, Peng X, Xia L, Shen Z, Yuan X, Zhang S, Ding X, Zhang Y, Kang W, Qian L, Zhou W, Wang X, Cheng X, Zhu C. Erythropoietin prevents necrotizing enterocolitis in very preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial. J Transl Med 2020; 18:308. [PMID: 32771013 PMCID: PMC7414749 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02459-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most severe complications in very preterm infants, but there are currently no accepted methods to prevent NEC. Studies have shown that erythropoietin (EPO) has the potential to prevent NEC or improve outcomes of preterm NEC. This study aimed to determine whether recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) could protect against NEC in very preterm infants. Methods The study was a prospective randomized clinical trial performed among four NICU centers. A total of 1327 preterm infants with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks were admitted to the centers, and 42 infants were excluded leaving 1285 eligible infants to be randomized to the rhEPO or control group. Infants in the rhEPO group were given 500 IU/kg rhEPO intravenously every other day for 2 weeks, while the control group was given the same volume of saline. The primary outcome was the incidence of NEC in very preterm infants at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age. Results A total of 1285 infants were analyzed at 36 weeks of corrected age for the incidence of NEC. rhEPO treatment significantly decreased the incidence of NEC (stage I, II and III) (12.0% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.010), especially confirmed NEC (stage II and III) (3.0% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.027). Meanwhile, rhEPO treatment significantly reduced the number of red blood cells transfusion in the confirmed NEC cases (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 ± 1.0, p = 0.004). Subgroup analyses showed that rhEPO treatment significantly decreased the incidence of confirmed NEC at gestational age < 28 weeks (p = 0.019), and the incidence of all stages NEC in preterm infants with hemoglobin < 90 g/l (p = 0.000) and 5 min Apgar score > 5 (p = 0.028). Conclusion Repeated low-dose rhEPO treatment is beneficial against NEC in very preterm infants. Trial registration The protocol was registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03919500) on April 18, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03919500
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Juan Song
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Huiqing Sun
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Falin Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Kenan Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chunxia Nie
- Department of Neonatology, Women and Children Health Care Center of Luoyang, Luoyang, 471000, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xirui Peng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Ziyun Shen
- Department of Neonatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiao Yuan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xue Ding
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Wenqing Kang
- Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Liling Qian
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Center of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Xiuyong Cheng
- Department of Neonatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury, Department of Neonatology, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China. .,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized infants. First classified through Bell staging in 1978, a number of additional definitions of NEC have been proposed in the subsequent decades. In this review, we summarize eight current definitions of NEC, and explore similarities and differences in clinical signs and radiographic features included within these definitions, as well as their limitations. We highlight the importance of a global consensus on defining NEC to improve NEC research and outcomes, incorporating input from participants at an international NEC conference. We also highlight the important role of patient-families in helping to redefine NEC.
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13
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Goold E, Pearson L, Johnson LM. Can fecal calprotectin serve as a screen for necrotizing enterocolitis in infants? Clin Biochem 2020; 84:51-54. [PMID: 32628920 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers are debating if fecal calprotectin results are useful for infant patients, especially in screening for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Currently, none of the FDA-approved calprotectin assays provide a cut-off for infant patients. We retrospectively analyzed data from a reference laboratory and university hospital to investigate if a cut-off could be established for infant patients. METHODS Data from a national reference laboratory of 5144 test results for fecal calprotectin were analyzed for infant patients, and a cut-off was estimated based on the distribution of results. Additionally, a literature proposed cut-off of 226 μg/g was also considered. Validation of either cut-off was attempted by review of the electronic medical record of our university hospital for 110 infant patients with results for fecal calprotectin. RESULTS Infants had a high percentage of elevated fecal calprotectin results when using the adult cut-offs set by the manufacturer. A cut-off of 247 μg/g was estimated based on the reference laboratory results for infants 0-2 months old, which is similar to a literature proposed cut-off of 226 μg/g. However, the positive predictive value (PPV) for both cut-offs was <0.6 when retrospectively analyzing data from a university hospital. CONCLUSION Due to the low PPVs, the two infant-specific cut-offs for fecal calprotectin would not be useful to screen for NEC in infants at our university hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Goold
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Lauren Pearson
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Lisa M Johnson
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA; ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
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14
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Moonen RM, Huizing MJ, González-Luis GE, Cavallaro G, Mosca F, Villamor E. Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Associated With the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms VEGF C-2578A, IL-18 C-607A, and IL-4 Receptor α -Chain A-1902G: A Validation Study in a Prospective Multicenter Cohort. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:45. [PMID: 32133331 PMCID: PMC7039854 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is multifactorial and an underlying genetic predisposition to NEC is increasingly being recognized. A growing number of studies identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of selected genes with potential biological relevance in the development of NEC. However, few of these genetic studies have been replicated in validation cohorts. We aimed to confirm in a cohort of 358 preterm newborns (gestational age <30 weeks, 26 cases of NEC ≥ Bell stage II) the association with NEC of three candidate SNPs: the vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) C-2578A polymorphism (rs699947), the interleukin (IL)-18 C-607A polymorphism (rs1946518), and the IL-4 receptor α-chain (IL-4Rα) A-1902G polymorphism (rs1801275). We observed that allele and genotype frequencies of the three SNPs did not significantly differ between the infants with and without NEC. In contrast, the minor G-allele of the IL-4Rα A-1902G polymorphism was significantly less frequent in the group of 51 infants with the combined outcome NEC or death before 34 weeks postmenstrual age than in the infants without the outcome (0.206 vs. 0.331, P = 0.01). In addition, a significant negative association of the G-allele with the combined outcome NEC or death was found using the dominant (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.92), recessive (aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.74), and additive (aOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26-0.80) genetic models. In conclusion our study provides further evidence that a genetic variant of the IL-4Rα gene may contribute to NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob M Moonen
- Department of Pediatrics, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Maurice J Huizing
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Gema E González-Luis
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Materno-Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Giacomo Cavallaro
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eduardo Villamor
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht, Netherlands
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15
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Agakidou E, Agakidis C, Gika H, Sarafidis K. Emerging Biomarkers for Prediction and Early Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Era of Metabolomics and Proteomics. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:602255. [PMID: 33425815 PMCID: PMC7793899 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.602255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a catastrophic disease affecting predominantly premature infants and is characterized by high mortality and serious long-term consequences. Traditionally, diagnosis of NEC is based on clinical and radiological findings, which, however, are non-specific for NEC, thus confusing differential diagnosis of other conditions such as neonatal sepsis and spontaneous intestinal perforation. In addition, by the time clinical and radiological findings become apparent, NEC has already progressed to an advanced stage. During the last three decades, a lot of research has focused on the discovery of biomarkers, which could accurately predict and make an early diagnosis of NEC. Biomarkers used thus far in clinical practice include acute phase proteins, inflammation mediators, and molecules involved in the immune response. However, none has been proven accurate enough to predict and make an early diagnosis of NEC or discriminate clinical from surgical NEC or other non-NEC gastrointestinal diseases. Complexity of mechanisms involved in NEC pathogenesis, which remains largely poorly elucidated, could partly explain the unsatisfactory diagnostic performance of the existing NEC biomarkers. More recently applied technics can provide important insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying NEC but can also aid the detection of potentially predictive, early diagnostic, and prognostic biomarkers. Progress in omics technology has allowed for the simultaneous measurement of a large number of proteins, metabolic products, lipids, and genes, using serum/plasma, urine, feces, tissues, and other biological specimens. This review is an update of current data on emerging NEC biomarkers detected using proteomics and metabolomics, further discussing limitations and future perspectives in prediction and early diagnosis of NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Agakidou
- 1st Department of Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charalampos Agakidis
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Helen Gika
- Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,BIOMIC_AUTH, Bioanalysis and Omics Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, CIRI-AUTH B1.4, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kosmas Sarafidis
- 1st Department of Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ippokration General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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16
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van Druten J, Khashu M, Chan SS, Sharif S, Abdalla H. Abdominal ultrasound should become part of standard care for early diagnosis and management of necrotising enterocolitis: a narrative review. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2019; 104:F551-F559. [PMID: 31079066 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-316263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of death and disability in preterm newborns. Early diagnosis through non-invasive investigations is a crucial strategy that can significantly improve outcomes. Hence, this review gives particular attention to the emerging role of abdominal ultrasound (AUS) in the early diagnosis of NEC, its performance against abdominal radiograph and the benefits of AUS use in daily practice. AUS has been used in the diagnosis and management of NEC for a couple of decades. However, its first-line use has been minimal, despite growing evidence demonstrating AUS can be a critical tool in the early diagnosis and management of NEC. In 2018, the NEC group of the International Neonatal Consortium recommended using AUS to detect pneumatosis and/or portal air in preterm NEC as part of the 'Two out of three' model. To facilitate widespread adoption, and future improvement in practice and outcomes, collaboration between neonatologists, surgeons and radiologists is needed to generate standard operating procedures and indications for use for AUS. The pace and scale of the benefit generated by use of AUS can be amplified through use of computer-aided detection and artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline van Druten
- School of Architecture Computing and Engineering, University of East London, London, Greater London, UK
| | - Minesh Khashu
- Perinatal Health, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, UK.,Department of Neonatology, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | - Sherwin S Chan
- Department of Radiology, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Saeed Sharif
- School of Architecture Computing and Engineering, University of East London, London, Greater London, UK
| | - Hassan Abdalla
- School of Architecture Computing and Engineering, University of East London, London, Greater London, UK
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