bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Harrington Amanda W. , Gasior Alessandra C. , Einarsdottir Hulda , Rothstein David H. , Rollins Michael D. , Ozgediz Doruk E. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTHirschsprung disease, like most surgically correctable congenital anomalies, is now survivable well into adulthood. Patients are, therefore, presenting later in life with problems that were previously infrequently encountered by colorectal surgeons or gastroenterologists. The goals of our review are to describe the current state of care transition for this patient population, identify the specific needs for these patients, and propose guidelines which could inform a future model of transition from the pediatric to adult setting. This is a review of the current state of care transition and long‐term outcomes for patients with Hirschsprung disease. Although these patients report a generally good quality of life, the majority suffer from some degree of lifelong gastrointestinal complication, regardless of the type of operative repair. A more formalized transition of care will provide a guide for pediatric surgeons and patients, alleviate colorectal surgeon and gastroenterologist concerns, and provide better long‐term care for these patients.
Making Patients Fit for Surgery
Authors: van Rooijen Stefanus J. , Molenaar Charlotte J.L. , Schep Goof , van Lieshout Rianne H.M.A. , Beijer Sandra , Dubbers Rosalie , Rademakers Nicky , Papen-Botterhuis Nicole E. , van Kempen Suzanne , Carli Francesco , Roumen Rudi M.H. , Slooter Gerrit D. 
Published: May 2019

Background
Considering the relation between preoperative functional capacity and postoperative complications, enhancing patients’ functional capacity before surgery with a prehabilitation program may facilitate faster recovery and improve quality of life. However, time before surgery is short, mandating a multimodal and high-intensity training approach. This study investigated feasibility and safety of a prehabilitation program for colorectal cancer.

Methods
Multimodal prehabilitation was offered to patients eligible for participation and they were assigned to an intervention or control group by program availability. The prehabilitation program consisted of the following four interventions: in-hospital high-intensity endurance and strength training, high-protein nutrition and supplements, smoking cessation, and psychological support. Program attendance, patient satisfaction, adverse events, and functional capacity were determined.

Results
Fifty patients participated in this study (prehabilitation 20, control 30). Program evaluation revealed a high (90%) attendance rate and high level of patient satisfaction. No adverse events occurred. Endurance and/or strength were improved. Eighty-six percent of patients with prehabilitation recovered to their baseline functional capacity 4 weeks postoperatively, 40% in the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions
Multimodal prehabilitation including high-intensity training for colorectal cancer patients is feasible, safe, and effective. A randomized controlled trial (NTR5947) was initiated to determine whether prehabilitation may lower morbidity and mortality rates in colorectal surgery.
Brief Report: Impact of ART Classes on the Increasing Risk of Cerebral Small-Vessel Disease in Middle-Aged, Well-Controlled, cART-Treated, HIV-Infected Individuals
Authors: Januel Edouard , Godin Ophelia , Moulignier Antoine , Lescure François-Xavier , Savatovsky Julien , Lamirel Cédric , Valin Nadia , Tubiana Roland , Canestri Ana , Roux Pascal , Sadik Jean-Claude , Salomon Laurence , Katlama Christine , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Pialoux Gilles , Girard Pierre-Marie , Costagliola Dominique , Assoumou Lambert ,   for the Microvascular Brain Retina And Kidney (MicroBREAK) Study Group
Published: May 2019

Background:
Cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD) is a chronic disease accounting for one-third of strokes and the second etiology of dementia. Despite sustained immunovirological control, CSVD prevalence is doubled in middle-aged persons living with HIV (PLHIVs), even after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We aimed to investigate whether exposure to any antiretroviral drug class could be associated with an increasing risk of CSVD.

Methods:
The MicroBREAK-2 case–control study (NCT02210130) enrolled PLHIVs aged 50 years and older, treated with combined antiretroviral therapy for ≥5 years, with plasma HIV load controlled for ≥12 months. Cases were PLHIVs with radiologically defined CSVD, and controls were CSVD-free PLHIVs matched for age (±5 years), sex, and year of HIV diagnosis (±5 years). Multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses focused on cumulative exposure to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors and/or exposure to integrase inhibitors (yes or no), adjusted for hypertension, CD4 nadir, current CD4/CD8 ratio, and HIV transmission group.

Results:
Between May 2014 and April 2017, 77 cases and 77 controls (85.7% males) were recruited. PLHIVs' median age was 57.6 years, and median HIV diagnosis year was 1992. The increasing risk of CSVD was not associated with exposure to any ART class.

Conclusion:
No deleterious effect of ART class exposure on the risk of CSVD was found for middle-aged treated PLHIVs.
Impact of the Affordable Care Act on trauma and emergency general surgery: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zerhouni Yasmin A. , Scott John W. , Ta Christina , Hsu Paul Chiu-Hsieh , Crandall Marie , Gale Stephen C. , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Bottiggi Anthony J. , Cornwell Edward E. , Eastman Alexander , Davis Jennifer Knight , Joseph Bellal , Robinson Bryce R. H. , Shafi Shahid , White Cassandra Q. , Williams Brian H. , Haut Elliott R. , Haider Adil H. 
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND
Trauma and emergency general surgery (EGS) patients who are uninsured have worse outcomes as compared with insured patients. Partially modeled after the 2006 Massachusetts Healthcare Reform (MHR), the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010 with the goal of expanding health insurance coverage, primarily through state-based Medicaid expansion (ME). We evaluated the impact of ME and MHR on outcomes for trauma patients, EGS patients, and trauma systems.

METHODS
This study was approved by the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma Guidelines Committee. Using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology, we defined three populations of interest (trauma patients, EGS patients, and trauma systems) and identified the critical outcomes (mortality, access to care, change in insurance status, reimbursement, funding). We performed a systematic review of the literature. Random effect meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses were calculated for outcomes with sufficient data.

RESULTS
From 4,593 citations, we found 18 studies addressing all seven predefined outcomes of interest for trauma patients, three studies addressing six of seven outcomes for EGS patients, and three studies addressing three of eight outcomes for trauma systems. On meta-analysis, trauma patients were less likely to be uninsured after ME or MHR (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.66). These coverage expansion policies were not associated with a change in the odds of inpatient mortality for trauma (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.05). Emergency general surgery patients also experienced a significant insurance coverage gains and no change in inpatient mortality. Insurance expansion was often associated with increased access to postacute care at discharge. The evidence for trauma systems was heterogeneous.

CONCLUSION
Given the evidence quality, we conditionally recommend ME/MHR to improve insurance coverage and access to postacute care for trauma and EGS patients. We have no specific recommendation with respect to the impact of ME/MHR on trauma systems. Additional research into these questions is needed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Review, Economic/Decision, level III
Long-Term Stability of Neuroaxonal Structure in Alemtuzumab-Treated Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Chan Jillian K. , Hernandez Martínez de Lapiscina Elena , Taylor Carolyn , Nguyen Ai-Lan , Alba-Arbalat Salut , Devonshire Virginia , Sayao Ana-Luiza , Carruthers Robert , Costello Fiona , Traboulsee Anthony 
Published: May 2019

Background:Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience progressive thinning in optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures of neuroaxonal structure regardless of optic neuritis history. Few prospective studies have investigated the effects of disease-modifying therapies on neuroaxonal degeneration in the retina. Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody shown to be superior to interferon β-1a in treating relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of alemtuzumab and first-line injectable treatments on OCT measures of neuroaxonal structure including peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and combined ganglion cell–inner plexiform (GCIP) layer volume in RRMS patients followed up over 5 years.Methods:In this retrospective pilot study with prospectively collected double cohort data, spectral domain OCT measures of RNFL thickness and GCIP volume were compared between alemtuzumab-treated RRMS patients (N = 24) and RRMS patients treated with either interferon-β or glatiramer acetate (N = 21).Results:Over a median of 60 months (range 42–60 months), the alemtuzumab cohort demonstrated a change in the mean RNFL thickness (thinning from baseline) of −0.88 μm (95% confidence interval [CI] −2.63 to 0.86;P= 0.32) and mean GCIP volume of +0.013 mm3(95% CI −0.006 to 0.032;P= 0.18). Over the same time period, the first-line therapy–treated cohort demonstrated greater degrees of RNFL thinning (mean change in RNFL thickness was −3.65 μm [95% CI −5.40 to −1.89;P= 0.0001]). There was also more prominent GCIP volume loss relative to baseline in the first-line therapy group (−0.052 mm3[95% CI −0.070 to −0.034;P< 0.0001]).Conclusions:Alemtuzumab-treated patients with RRMS demonstrated relative stability of OCT-measured neuroaxonal structure compared with RRMS patients treated with either interferon-β or glatiramer acetate over a 5-year period. These findings, along with previous demonstration of improved brain atrophy rates, suggest that alemtuzumab may offer long-term preservation of neuroaxonal structure in patients with RRMS.
Somatodendritic HCN channels in hippocampal OLM cells revealed by a convergence of computational models and experiments
Authors: Sekulić Vladislav , Yi Feng , Garrett Tavita , Guet-McCreight Alexandre , Lopez Yvette Y. , Solis-Wheeler Mychael , Wang Rui , Liu Xiaobo , Lawrence J.Josh , Skinner Frances K. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDetermining details of spatially extended neurons is a challenge that needs to be overcome. The oriens-lacunosum/moleculare (OLM) interneuron has been implicated as a critical controller of hippocampal memory making it essential to understand how its biophysical properties contribute to function. We previously used computational models to show that OLM cells exhibit theta spiking resonance frequencies that depend on their dendrites having hyperpolarization-activated cation channels (h-channels). However, whether OLM cells have dendritic h-channels is unknown. We performed a set of whole-cell recordings of OLM cells from mouse hippocampus and constructed multi-compartment models using morphological and electrophysiological parameters extracted from the same cell. The models matched experiments only when dendritic h-channels were present. Immunohistochemical localization of the HCN2 subunit confirmed dendritic expression. These models can be used to obtain insight into hippocampal function. Our work shows that a tight integration of model and experiment tackles the challenge of characterizing spatially extended neurons.
Fetal whole-heart 4D flow cine MRI using multiple non-coplanar balanced SSFP stacks
Authors: Roberts Thomas A. , van Amerom Joshua FP , Uus Alena , Lloyd David FA , Price Anthony N. , Tournier Jacques-Donald , Jackson Laurence H. , Malik Shaihan J , van Poppel Milou PM , Pushparajah Kuberan , Rutherford Mary A , Rezavi Reza , Deprez Maria , Hajnal Joseph V. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTPurposeTo develop an MRI framework for reconstruction of 4D velocity vector blood flow volumes for visualisation and quantification of circulation in the fetal heart and major vessels.MethodsA novel method of velocity-encoding using multiple non-coplanar stacks of bSSFP phase images was combined with a previous framework for reconstruction of motion-corrected 4D magnitude cine volumes to generate spatiotemporally-paired 4D flow cine volumes of the fetal circulatory system. The multiple stack velocity-encoding scheme was validated in a simulated flow phantom and compared with a gold-standard method for velocity-encoding in a physical flow phantom. The 4D flow cine framework was evaluated in seven fetal subjects. Reconstructed 4D flow volumes were evaluated by an expert fetal cardiologist and preliminary flow measurements were taken in various major vessels of the heart.ResultsPhantom experiments showed that the multiple non-coplanar stack velocity-encoding scheme was accurate. The 4D flow cine reconstruction framework was robust in fetal subjects and generated multi-dimensional velocity vector maps of blood flow through the cardiac cycle. Directionality of blood flow was consistent with expected fetal circulatory hemodynamics. Relative blood flow rates in the major vessels were in line with previous observations, although absolute values were underestimated by a factor of approximately two due to limitations of spatial and temporal resolution.Conclusion4D flow cine volumes can be reconstructed from multiple non-coplanar stacks of slices. The proposed framework was used to visualise and quantify flow through the whole fetal heart and great vessels, but is applicable to any imaging scenario where motion is a major challenge.
Predator recognition and anti-predatory behaviour in a recent aquatic invader, the killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus)
Authors: Rolla Matteo , Consuegra Sonia , de Leaniz Carlos Garcia 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus) is one of the most recent, but also most damaging, aquatic invasive species in Europe, but information on how the species responds to novel predation pressures in recently invaded areas is very limited. We employed an open test arena to examine predator recognition and anti-predatory behaviour in killer shrimp exposed to either blank water or water conditioned with fish kairomones to simulate a predator threat. Within five years after their introduction, killer shrimp spent much more time hiding in the presence of fish kairomones than when they were exposed to blank water. However, no significant difference was found in aggregation behaviour, and killer shrimp were strongly attracted to the scent of conspecifics regardless of predator threat. Given the strong selective pressures that fish predators can exert on native and invasive gammarids, our findings highlight the need to consider prey-predator interactions to better predict the dispersal and likely impact of killer shrimp into invaded ecosystems.
TRESK background K+ channel deletion selectively uncovers enhanced mechanical and cold sensitivity
Authors: Castellanos Aida , Pujol-Coma Anna , Andres-Bilbe Alba , Negm Ahmed , Callejo Gerard , Soto David , Noël Jacques , Comes Nuria , Gasull Xavier 
Published: May 2019

AbstractChanges in TRESK K+ channel expression/function enhance sensory neurons excitability, but its role in somatosensory perception and nociception is poorly understood. We show that TRESK regulates the sensitivity to mechanical and cold stimuli but not the perception of heat. TRESK knockout mice nociceptive neurons present an enhanced excitability; skin nociceptive C-fibers show an increased activation by lower intensity cold or mechanical stimulation and mice lacking TRESK present mechanical and cold hypersensitivity. TRESK is also involved in osmotic pain and in early phases of formalin-induced inflammatory pain, but not in the development of mechanical and heat hyperalgesia during chronic pain. In contrast, mice lacking TRESK present cold allodynia that is not further enhanced by oxaliplatin. In summary, genetic removal of TRESK uncovers enhanced mechanical and cold sensitivity, indicating that it regulates the excitability of specific neuronal subpopulations involved in mechanosensitivity and cold-sensing, acting as a brake to prevent activation by low-intensity stimuli.
Spatial Distribution of Cholesterol in Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Aghaaminiha M. , Sharma S. 
Published: May 2019

1.AbstractWe have performed molecular simulations to study spatial distribution and orientation of cholesterol molecules within three symmetric lipid bilayer systems: two binary lipid mixtures, namely, DOPC/CHOL (1, 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine/cholesterol) and SM/CHOL (d20:1/20:0 sphingomyelin /Cholesterol), and a tertiary mixture of DOPC/SM/CHOL. We have studied the behavior of these bilayers at temperatures varying from 400 K to 210 K and cholesterol molar concentration from 0% to 60%.We observe that the spatial distribution of cholesterol is strongly correlated with the phase of the bilayer. In the disordered phase, cholesterol molecules are predominantly present near the center of the bilayer. In the ordered phase, cholesterol molecules are mainly present in the leaflets. At the order - disorder transition temperature, the fraction of cholesterol molecules is equal in the two leaflets and the center. In the leaflets, cholesterol molecules are oriented parallel to the bilayer normal, while near the center, cholesterol molecules are randomly oriented. In agreement with previous experimental studies, we find that increasing the cholesterol concentration favors ordered phase of the bilayers. The preference of cholesterol molecules to be present in the leaflets in the ordered phase is attributed to their favorable hydrophobic interactions with the lipid tails.2.Statement of SignificanceCholesterol has an important role in governing the physical properties of lipid bilayers, including their structural integrity, phase behavior and permeability. The spatial distribution of cholesterol in lipid bilayers is not well-understood because of the challenges associated with performing experiments for such a measurement. We show, via molecular simulations, that the spatial distribution of cholesterol molecules is strongly correlated with the phase behavior of the lipid bilayers. In the ordered phase, cholesterol molecules are predominantly present in the leaflets, whereas in the disordered phase, cholesterol molecules are in the center region of the bilayer. These results are important for understanding the relationship between lipid bilayer composition and their biological function and response.
Rapid adaptation to Elevated Extracellular Potassium in the Pyloric Circuit of the Crab, Cancer borealis
Authors: He Lily S. , Rue Mara C.P. , Morozova Ekaterina O. , Powell Daniel J. , James Eric J. , Kar Manaswini , Marder Eve 
Published: May 2019

AbstractElevated [K+] is often used to alter excitability in neurons and networks by shifting the potassium equilibrium potential (EK) and, consequently, the resting membrane potential. We studied the effects of increased extracellular [K+] on the well-described pyloric circuit of the crab, Cancer borealis. A 2.5-fold increase in extracellular [K+] (2.5x[K+]) depolarized Pyloric Dilator (PD) neurons and resulted in short-term loss of their normal bursting activity. This period of silence was followed within 5-10 minutes by the recovery of spiking and/or bursting activity during continued superfusion of 2.5x[K+] saline. In contrast, when PD neurons were pharmacologically isolated from pyloric presynaptic inputs, they exhibited no transient loss of spiking activity in 2.5x[K+], suggesting the presence of an acute inhibitory effect mediated by circuit interactions. Action potential threshold in PD neurons hyperpolarized during an hour-long exposure to 2.5x[K+] concurrent with the recovery of spiking and/or bursting activity. Thus, the initial loss of activity appears to be mediated by synaptic interactions within the network, but the secondary adaptation depends on changes in the intrinsic excitability of the pacemaker neurons. The complex sequence of events in the responses of pyloric neurons to elevated [K+] demonstrates that electrophysiological recordings are necessary to determine both the transient and longer-term effects of even modest alterations of K+ concentrations on neuronal activity.Significance StatementSolutions with elevated extracellular potassium are commonly used as a depolarizing stimulus. Moreover, hyperkalemia is associated with a number of disease states, including epileptic seizures and brain traumas. We studied the effects of high [K+] saline on the well-described pyloric circuit of the crab stomatogastric ganglion. A 2.5-fold increase in extracellular [K+] led to a transient loss of activity in pyloric neurons that was not due to depolarization block. This was followed by a rapid increase in excitability and concurrent recovery of spiking and rhythmic bursting activity within minutes. These results suggest that effects of high [K+] on neuronal circuits can be complex and non-stationary.
Human Demographic Outcomes of a Restored Agro-Ecological Balance
Authors: Wyckhuys K.A.G. , Burra D.D. , Pretty J. , Neuenschwander P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAs prominent features of the Anthropocene, biodiversity loss and invasive species are exacting serious negative economic, environmental and societal impacts. While the monetary aspects of species invasion are reasonably well assessed, their human and social livelihood outcomes often remain obscure. Here, we empirically demonstrate the (long-term) human demographic consequences of the 1970s invasion of a debilitating pest affecting cassava -a carbohydrate-rich food staple-across sub-Saharan Africa. Successive pest attack in 18 African nations inflicted an 18 ± 29% drop in crop yield, with cascading effects on birth rate (−6%), adult mortality (+4%) and decelerating population growth. The 1981 deliberate release of the parasitic waspAnagyrus lopezipermanently restored food security and enabled parallel recovery of multiple demographic indices. This analysis draws attention to the societal repercussions of ecological disruptions in subsistence farming systems, providing lessons for efforts to meet rising human dietary needs while safeguarding agro-ecological functionality and resilience during times of global environmental change.