bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DOZ047.74: Long-term outcome of preserving the native esophagus in long-gap esophageal atresia by thoracoscopic traction technique
Authors: Tytgat S H A J , van Tuyll van Serooskerken E S , van der Zee D C , Verweij J W , Lindeboom M Y A 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) is defined as atresia without distal tracheoesophageal fistula. Preserving the native esophagus is considered superior over intestinal interposition. Thoracoscopic traction technique facilitates lengthening of the esophageal ends, and allows anastomosis within the first weeks of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of LGEA patients treated by thoracoscopic traction technique.

Methods
From 2007 to 2018, 13 consecutive patients with LGEA were treated by thoracoscopic traction technique. During the first operation a bronchoscopy was performed to evaluate the presence of a proximal fistula. Then thoracoscopic traction sutures were placed at both esophageal ends. Initially a gastrostomy was performed. However, nowadays only a gastropexy is performed to prevent the stomach from migrating into the thorax. Approximation of the esophageal ends was evaluated by postoperative X-rays. Thoracoscopic adhesiolysis was performed when necessary. Both ends were anastomosed during the final surgical procedure, usually within a week.

Results
In 11 patients the anastomosis could be completed by thoracoscopic traction technique. In two patients the elongation procedure failed. In the first patient the sutures tore out. The second patient had an accidental perforation of the proximal pouch by the Replogle tube. Median time on ventilation until after the final anastomosis was 14 days (range 4–34 days). Five patients required chest tube drainage for anastomotic leakage. The median hospitalization time during the first admission was 47 days (range 31–170 days). All patients needed a median of 4 (range 1–16) dilatations for anastomotic stenosis. Ten patients needed a fundoplication within a median time of 8 weeks (range 2–16 weeks) after the esophageal anastomosis. One patient developed an esophago-bronchial fistula. Median weight at age of 2 years was −1.88 SD (range −3.54 – −0.16) and at age of 4 years −1.53 SD (range −2.94–0.66). All patients tolerated full oral feeding.

Conclusion
LGEA can be treated successfully after elongation by thoracoscopic traction technique. The procedure leads to an earlier anastomosis and shorter initial hospital stay as compared to delayed primary anastomosis. Full oral feeding is possible in all patients. Dilatation for anastomotic strictures and antireflux surgery is necessary in (almost) all patients.
DOZ047.75: Ectopic pancreas in children with esophageal atresia: not an incidental association
Authors: García L , Giné C , Laín A , Barila P , López M 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Aim of the Study
Ectopic pancreas (EP) is pancreatic tissue lacking vascular or anatomic connection with the main body of the pancreas. Incidence in the general population ranges between 0.15% and 5.2%, and it is most commonly located in the stomach. It is usually asymptomatic, but it can lead to intestinal occlusion, bleeding, or malignant degeneration. After a patient with esophageal atresia (EA) debuted with a symptomatic EP, we aimed to determine EP incidence in our series of EA patients.

Method
Prospective single center review (2016–2018) was performed of children with upper gastrointestinal diseases who underwent diagnostic or therapeutic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Patients were divided according to main diagnosis and gastric EP was actively searched for in every case.

Results
EGD was performed in 192 patients and the main diagnoses were EA in 53 (27.60%), eosinophilic esophagitis in 37 (19.27%), celiac disease in 23 (11.97%), and other upper gastrointestinal disorders in 79 (41.14%). EP was found in 7 cases (4 ♂/3 ♀), all of them in the EA group (7/53, 13.2%). Out of the 7, 4 had type III EA and in every case the EP was found at a prepyloric location. One patient debuted with hematemesis, so surgical excision was performed. Since the remaining 6 are asymptomatic, conservative treatment has been proposed. PE was not found in any of the other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
In this series, the incidence of EP in children with EA was higher (13.2%) than the one found in other groups (0%) or in the general population (0.15%–5.2%). These findings suggest that there is an association between EP and EA. Ectopic pancreas should be ruled out in every patient with esophageal atresia due to its potential morbidity, and when found, long-term follow-up is advisable.
DOZ047.86: Open tracheostomy vs percutaneous tracheostomy in pediatrics
Authors: Urquizo M , Lobos P , Coraglia C , Mercado P , Gallegos D F 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Tracheostomy is one of the most frequent surgical procedures in chronically ill pediatric patients and mechanical ventilatory assistance. The most widely used technique is open; however, the percutaneous technique guided by endoscopy is becoming increasingly common. Due to the current controversy, this study presents our experience in both techniques.

Methodology
Retrospective and descriptive analysis was carried out of 100 patients selected between 2010 and 2017. They were divided into two groups: open tracheostomy (TA) and percutaneous tracheostomy (PT), with 50 patients each according to the technique used. The age, diagnosis, indication of tracheostomy, days of intubation, endoscopic findings, cannula size, surgical time, intraoperative complications, and definitive decannulation were analyzed. A bibliographic review was also carried out.

Results and Discussion
The main indication for tracheostomy in both groups was prolonged orotracheal intubation (TA group 78% and TP group 82%). Children who underwent percutaneous tracheostomy were older in age (median age of 9 years for TA group and 2.5 years for PT group). There were no significant differences regarding the days of previous intubation: 19 days for the TA group and 13 days for the TP group. Weaning was achieved before mechanical ventilation for the TP group (7 days in the TP group and 19 days in the TA group). The surgical time was almost 50% less for the TP group (TA group 80 minutes and TP group 45 minutes). There were no intraoperative complications in any group. Distant complications were more frequent in the TA group (34%). Definitive decannulation was achieved in 17 patients in the TA group (34%) and in 19 patients in the TP group (38%). The long-term follow-up was performed for 8 months by the TA group (r: 1–36 m) and 9 months by the TP group (r: 1–48 m).

Conclusions
Percutaneous tracheostomy is feasible in children. Simultaneous endoscopic vision is recommended for the control of complications during the procedure. At the same time it allows us to diagnose preexisting injuries. The size of the tracheostomy kit should be adjusted to the age of the patient and the size of the tracheostomy cannula to perform a safe tracheostomy.
DOZ047.88: Esophageal atresia: a scientometric analysis of the global research architecture and collaborative networks
Authors: Friedmacher F , O’Connor B R 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Background
Esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) represent a spectrum of relatively rare and complex malformations, which remain a major therapeutic challenge for most involved specialists. Whereas the number of EA/TEF-related publications is constantly growing, no thorough assessment of the global research architecture has been performed yet. Hence, this study aimed to critically evaluate the scientific EA/TEF activities in relation to geographical developments and existing research networks using a combination of scientometric methodologies and visualization tools.

Methods
A comprehensive search strategy for the Web of Science™ database was designed to retrieve bibliographic data on scientific EA/TEF publications for the time span between January 1900 and December 2018. The total reseach output of countries, institutions, individual authors, and collaborative networks was analzyed. Semiqualitative research measures, including citation rate and h-index, were assessed. Choropleth mapping and network diagrams were employed to visualize results.

Results
A total of 4586 publications on EA/TEF were identified, originating from 86 countries (79.0% written in English). The largest number was published by the USA (n = 799; 17.4%), the UK (n = 260; 5.7%), and Canada (n = 190; 4.1%). The USA produced the highest number of co-operative articles (n = 73) and the most productive collaborative networks were established between USA/Canada (n = 22), USA/Netherlands (n = 19), and USA/Germany (n = 13). Scientific papers from the UK received the highest average citation rate, with 17.6 citations per item, whereas the USA, with 47, had the highest country-specific h-index. Eighty-two articles were published under the auspices of multicenter research consortiums and national study groups. The most productive institutions and authors were based in the UK, the USA, France, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Finland, and Spain.

Conclusions
This is the first in-depth analysis of the worldwide EA/TEF research activity, offering unique insights into the global scientific landscape in this field. Over the past decades, EA/TEF research has increasingly become multidisciplinary but the main research endeavors continue to be concentrated in a few high-income countries. International EA/TEF collaborations and translational research should be strengthened to foster true scientific progress with this rare condition.
A New Sequence Type of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C Associated With a 2016 Meningitis Outbreak in Mali
Authors: Sanogo Yibayiri Osee , Guindo Ibréhima , Diarra Seydou , Retchless Adam C , Abdou Mahamadou , Coulibaly Souleymane , Maiga Mahamadou Farka , Coumaré Mama , Diarra Bakary , Chen Alexander , Chang How-Yi , Vuong Jeni T , Acosta Anna M , Sow Samba , Novak Ryan T , Wang Xin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn 2016, Mali reported a bacterial meningitis outbreak consisting of 39 suspected cases between epidemiologic weeks 9 and 17 with 15% case fatality ratio in the health district of Ouéléssebougou, 80 kilometers from the capital Bamako. Cerebrospinal fluid specimens from 29 cases were tested by culture and real-time polymerase chain reaction; 22 (76%) were positive for bacterial meningitis pathogens, 16 (73%) of which were Neisseria meningitidis (Nm). Of the Nm-positive specimens, 14 (88%) were N meningitidis serogroup C (NmC), 1 was NmW, and 1 was nongroupable. Eight NmC isolates recovered by culture from the outbreak were characterized using whole genome sequencing. Genomics analysis revealed that all 8 isolates belonged to a new sequence type (ST) 12446 of clonal complex 10217 that formed a distinct clade genetically similar to ST-10217, a NmC strain that recently caused large epidemics of meningitis in Niger and Nigeria. The emergence of a new ST of NmC associated with an outbreak in the African meningitis belt further highlights the need for continued molecular surveillance in the region.
Assessment of Effectiveness of Seasonal Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy in Preventing Influenza Infection in Infants in England, 2013–2014 and 2014–2015
Authors: Walker Jemma L , Zhao Hongxin , Dabrera Gavin , Andrews Nick , Thomas Sarah L , Tsang Camille , Ellis Joanna , Donati Matthew , Pebody Richard G 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMaternal influenza vaccination is increasingly recognized to protect infants from influenza infection in their first 6 months. We used the screening method to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE) against laboratory-confirmed influenza in infants in England, using newly available uptake data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink pregnancy register, matched on week of birth and region and adjusted for ethnicity. We found VE of 66% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18%–84%) in the 2013–2014 season and 50% (95% CI, 11%–72%) in 2014–2015, with similar VE against influenza-related hospitalization. VE against the dominant circulating influenza strain was higher, at 78% (95% CI, 16%–94%) against H1N1 in 2013–2014, and 60% (95% CI, 16%–81%) against H3N2 in 2014–2015.
Two Kinds of High-Level Probability
Authors: Hemmo Meir , Shenker Orly 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAccording to influential views the probabilities in classical statistical mechanics and other special sciences are objective chances, although the underlying mechanical theory is deterministic, since the deterministic low level is inadmissible or unavailable from the high level. Here two intuitions pull in opposite directions: One intuition is that if the world is deterministic, probability can only express subjective ignorance. The other intuition is that probability of high-level phenomena, especially thermodynamic ones, is dictated by the state of affairs in the world. We argue in support of this second intuition and we show that in fact there are two different ways in which high-level probability describes matters of fact, even if the underlying microscopic reality is deterministic. Our analysis is novel, but supports approaches by, e.g., Loewer, Albert, Frigg and Hoefer, List and Pivato. In particular, the reductive view we propose here can be seen as a naturalization of the above approaches. We consider consequences of our result for nonreductive physicalist approaches, such as functionalism, that admit multiple realization of the kinds that appear in the special sciences by physical kinds. We show that nonreductive physicalism implies the existence of nonphysical matters of fact.
The Role of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Reducing Intestinal Colonization With Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms: The Current Landscape and Future Directions
Authors: Woodworth Michael H , Hayden Mary K , Young Vincent B , Kwon Jennie H 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
The intestinal tract is a recognized reservoir of antibiotic-resistant organisms (ARO), and a potential target for strategies to reduce ARO colonization. Microbiome therapies such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have been established as an effective treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection and may be an effective approach for reducing intestinal ARO colonization. In this article, we review the current published literature on the role of FMT for eradication of intestinal ARO colonization, review the potential benefit and limitations of the use of FMT in this setting, and outline a research agenda for the future study of FMT for intestinal ARO colonization.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Contralateral Lumbar Foraminal Decompression via an Interlaminar Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Kashlan Osama Nezar , Kim Hyeun Sung , Khalsa Siri Sahib S , Ravindra Singh , Yong Zhang , Oh Seong Woon , Noh Jeong Hoon , Jang Il-Tae , Oh Seong-Hoon 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Nerve root compression by foraminal pathology is challenging for a surgeon to decompress without violating the facet joint, which may necessitate a fusion procedure. One nonfusion approach to foraminal pathology is a combination intracanal approach for a laminotomy/foraminotomy followed by a paraspinal Wiltse approach for far lateral decompression. Unfortunately, even with the combination approach, it continues to be difficult to achieve adequate decompression without violating much of the facet joint overlying the nerve root.
Spine endoscopy offers the ability to decompress the foraminal portion of the nerve without significant violation of the facet joint. We present a surgical video describing the technique for performing a percutaneous endoscopic contralateral L5-S1 foraminal decompression via an interlaminar approach, for a patient presenting with a left L5 radiculopathy due to L5-S1 foraminal stenosis. We explain the differences in the endoscopic channel docking point between ipsilateral and contralateral interlaminar approaches. The steps of an endoscopic foraminotomy are then described: dissect soft tissue and ligamentum flavum off the medial left S1 lamina and superior articulating process (SAP), undercut the superior articulating process of S1 and the inferior articulating process (IAP) of L5 with a drill, resect lateral ligamentum flavum off SAP and IAP exposing epidural fat, and finally dissect the left L5 nerve root and remove compressive lesions throughout its course in the lateral recess, foramen, and laterally. The presentation ends with an intraoperative photograph showing a decompressed L5 nerve root and postoperative imaging confirming this decompression.
Appropriate patient consent was obtained.
The expanded BXD family of mice: A cohort for experimental systems genetics and precision medicine
Authors: Ashbrook David G. , Arends Danny , Prins Pjotr , Mulligan Megan K. , Roy Suheeta , Williams Evan G. , Lutz Cathleen M. , Valenzuela Alicia , Bohl Casey J. , Ingels Jesse F. , McCarty Melinda S. , Centeno Arthur G. , Hager Reinmar , Auwerx Johan , Sen Saunak , Lu Lu , Williams Robert W. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe challenge of precision medicine is to model complex interactions among DNA variants, sets of phenotypes, and complex environmental factors and confounders. We have expanded the BXD family, creating a powerful and extensible test bed for experimental precision medicine and an ideal cohort to study gene-by-environmental interactions.These BXD segregate for over 6 million variants, with a mean minor allele frequency close to 0.5. We have increased the family two-fold to 150 inbred strains, all derived from C57BL/6J and DBA/2J. We have also generated updated and comprehensive genotypes and an unrivaled deep phenome.Approximately 10,000 recombinations have been located, allowing precision of quantitative trait loci mapping of ±2.0 Mb over much of the genome and ±0.5 Mb for Mendelian loci. The BXD phenome includes more than 100 ‘omics data sets and >7000 quantitative and clinical phenotypes, all of which is publicly available.The BXD family is an enduring, collaborative, and replicable resource to test causal and mechanistic links between genomes and phenomes at many stages and under a wide variety of treatments and interventions.
Distinct gene expression patterns in vector-residing Leishmania infantum identify parasite stage-enriched markers
Authors: Coutinho-Abreu Iliano V. , Serafim Tiago D. , Meneses Claudio , Kamhawi Shaden , Oliveira Fabiano , Valenzuela Jesus G. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPromastigotes of Leishmania infantum undergo a series of extracellular developmental stages inside the natural sand fly vector Lutzomyia longipalpis to reach the infectious stage, the metacyclic promastigote. There is limited information regarding the expression profile of L. infantum developmental stages inside the sand fly vector, and molecular markers that can distinguish the different parasite stages are lacking. We performed RNAseq on unaltered midguts of the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis after infection with L. infantum parasites. RNAseq was carried out at various time points throughout parasite development. Principal component analysis mapped the sequences corresponding to the procyclic, nectomonad, leptomonad or metacyclic promastigote stage into distinct positions, with the procyclic stage being the most divergent population. Transcriptional levels across genes varied on average between 10- to 100-fold. Comparison between procyclic and nectomonad promastigotes resulted in 836 differentially expressed (DE) genes; between nectomonad and leptomonad promastigotes in 113 DE genes; and between leptomonad and metacyclic promastigotes in 302 DE genes. Most of the DE genes do not overlap across stages, highlighting the uniqueness of each stage. Furthermore, the different stages of Leishmania parasites exhibited specific transcriptional enrichment across chromosomes. Using the transcriptional signatures exhibited by distinct Leishmania stages during their development in the sand fly midgut, we determined the genes predominantly enriched in each stage, identifying multiple stage-specific markers for L. Infantum. Leading stage-specific marker candidates include genes encoding a zinc transporter in procyclics, a beta-fructofuranidase in nectomonads, a surface antigen-like protein in leptomonads, and an amastin-like surface protein in metacyclics. Overall, these findings demonstrate the transcriptional plasticity of the Leishmania parasite inside the sand fly vector and provide a repertoire of stage-specific markers for further development as molecular tools for epidemiological studies.
An explicit formula for a dispersal kernel in a patchy landscape
Authors: Beykzadeh Ali , Watmough James 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIntegrodifference equations (IDEs) are often used for discrete-time continuous-space models in mathematical biology. The model includes two stages: the reproduction stage, and the dispersal stage. The output of the model is the population density of a species for the next generation across the landscape, given the current population density. Most previous models for dispersal in a heterogeneous landscape approximate the landscape by a set of homogeneous patches, and allow for different demographic and dispersal rates within each patch. Some work has been done designing and analyzing models which also include a patch preference at the boundaries, which is commonly referred to as the degree of bias. Individuals dispersing across a patchy landscape can detect the changes in habitat at a neighborhood of a patch boundary, and as a result, they might change the direction of their movement if they are approaching a bad patch.In our work, we derive a generalization of the classic Laplace kernel, which includes different dispersal rates in each patch as well as different degrees of bias at the patch boundaries. The simple Laplace kernel and the truncated Laplace kernel most often used in classical work appear as special cases of this general kernel. The form of this general kernel is the sum of two different terms: the classic truncated Laplace kernel within each patch, and a correction accounting for the bias at patch boundaries.
Deep neural network affinity model for BACE inhibitors in D3R Grand Challenge 4
Authors: Wang Bo , Ng Ho-Leung 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDrug Design Data Resource (D3R) Grand Challenge 4 (GC4) offered a unique opportunity for designing and testing novel methodology for accurate docking and affinity prediction of ligands in an open and blinded manner. We participated in the beta-secretase 1 (BACE) Subchallenge which is comprised of cross-docking and redocking of 20 macrocyclic ligands to BACE and predicting binding affinity for 154 macrocyclic ligands. For this challenge, we developed machine learning models trained specifically on BACE. We developed a deep neural network (DNN) model that used a combination of both structure and ligand-based features that outperformed simpler machine learning models. According to the results released by D3R, we achieved a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of 0.43(7) for predicting the affinity of 154 ligands. We describe the formulation of our machine learning strategy in detail. We compared the performance of DNN with linear regression, random forest, and support vector machines using ligand-based, structure-based, and combining both ligand and structure-based features. We compared different structures for our DNN and found that performance was highly dependent on fine optimization of the L2 regularization hyperparameter, alpha. We also developed a novel metric of ligand three-dimensional similarity inspired by crystallographic difference density maps to match ligands without crystal structures to similar ligands with known crystal structures. This report demonstrates that detailed parameterization, careful data training and implementation, and extensive feature analysis are necessary to obtain strong performance with more complex machine learning methods. Post hoc analysis shows that scoring functions based only on ligand features are competitive with those also using structural features. Our DNN approach tied for fifth in predicting BACE-ligand binding affinities.