Dynamic establishment and maintenance of the human intestinal B cell population and repertoire following transplantation in a pediatric-dominated cohort.

Introduction: It is unknown how intestinal B cell populations and B cell receptor (BCR) repertoires are established and maintained over time in humans. Following intestinal transplantation (ITx), surveillance ileal mucosal biopsies provide a unique opportunity to map the dynamic establishment of recipient gut lymphocyte populations in immunosuppressed conditions. Methods: Using polychromatic flow cytometry that includes HLA allele group-specific antibodies distinguishing donor from recipient cells along with high throughput BCR sequencing, we tracked the establishment of recipient B cell populations and BCR repertoire in the allograft mucosa of ITx recipients. Results: We confirm the early presence of naïve donor B cells in the circulation (donor age range: 1-14 years, median: 3 years) and, for the first time, document the establishment of recipient B cell populations, including B resident memory cells, in the intestinal allograft mucosa (recipient age range at the time of transplant: 1-44 years, median: 3 years). Recipient B cell repopulation of the allograft was most rapid in infant (<1 year old)-derived allografts and, unlike T cell repopulation, did not correlate with rejection rates. While recipient memory B cell populations were increased in graft mucosa compared to circulation, naïve recipient B cells remained detectable in the graft mucosa for years. Comparisons of peripheral and intra-mucosal B cell repertoires in the absence of rejection (recipient age range at the time of transplant: 1-9 years, median: 2 years) revealed increased BCR mutation rates and clonal expansion in graft mucosa compared to circulating B cells, but these parameters did not increase markedly after the first year post-transplant. Furthermore, clonal mixing between the allograft mucosa and the circulation was significantly greater in ITx recipients, even years after transplantation, than in deceased adult donors. In available pan-scope biopsies from pediatric recipients, we observed higher percentages of naïve recipient B cells in colon allograft compared to small bowel allograft and increased BCR overlap between native colon vs colon allograft compared to that between native colon vs ileum allograft in most cases, suggesting differential clonal distribution in large intestine vs small intestine. Discussion: Collectively, our data demonstrate intestinal mucosal B cell repertoire establishment from a circulating pool, a process that continues for years without evidence of stabilization of the mucosal B cell repertoire in pediatric ITx patients.

Dynamic establishment of recipient resident memory T cell repertoire after human intestinal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Understanding formation of the human tissue resident memory T cell (TRM) repertoire requires longitudinal access to human non-lymphoid tissues. METHODS: By applying flow cytometry and next generation sequencing to serial blood, lymphoid tissue, and gut samples from 16 intestinal transplantation (ITx) patients, we assessed the origin, distribution, and specificity of human TRMs at phenotypic and clonal levels. FINDINGS: Donor age ≥1 year and blood T cell macrochimerism (peak level ≥4%) were associated with delayed establishment of stable recipient TRM repertoires in the transplanted ileum. T cell receptor (TCR) overlap between paired gut and blood repertoires from ITx patients was significantly greater than that in healthy controls, demonstrating increased gut-blood crosstalk after ITx. Crosstalk with the circulating pool remained high for years of follow-up. TCR sequences identifiable in pre-Tx recipient gut but not those in lymphoid tissues alone were more likely to populate post-Tx ileal allografts. Clones detected in both pre-Tx gut and lymphoid tissue had distinct transcriptional profiles from those identifiable in only one tissue. Recipient T cells were distributed widely throughout the gut, including allograft and native colon, which had substantial repertoire overlap. Both alloreactive and microbe-reactive recipient T cells persisted in transplanted ileum, contributing to the TRM repertoire. INTERPRETATION: Our studies reveal human intestinal TRM repertoire establishment from the circulation, preferentially involving lymphoid tissue counterparts of recipient intestinal T cell clones, including TRMs. We have described the temporal and spatial dynamics of this active crosstalk between the circulating pool and the intestinal TRM pool. FUNDING: This study was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) P01 grant AI106697.

Dynamic establishment and maintenance of the human intestinal B cell population and repertoire following transplantation.

It is unknown how intestinal B cell populations and B cell receptor (BCR) repertoires are established and maintained over time in humans. Following intestinal transplantation (ITx), surveillance ileal mucosal biopsies provide a unique opportunity to map the dynamic establishment of gut lymphocyte populations. Using polychromatic flow cytometry that includes HLA allele group-specific mAbs distinguishing donor from recipient cells along with high throughput BCR sequencing, we tracked the establishment of recipient B cell populations and BCR repertoire in the allograft mucosa of ITx recipients. We confirm the early presence of naïve donor B cells in the circulation and, for the first time, document the establishment of recipient B cell populations, including B resident memory cells, in the intestinal allograft mucosa. Recipient B cell repopulation of the allograft was most rapid in infant (<1 year old)-derived allografts and, unlike T cell repopulation, did not correlate with rejection rates. While recipient memory B cell populations were increased in graft mucosa compared to circulation, naïve recipient B cells remained detectable in the graft mucosa for years. Comparisons of peripheral and intra-mucosal B cell repertoires in the absence of rejection revealed increased BCR mutation rates and clonal expansion in graft mucosa compared to circulating B cells, but these parameters did not increase markedly after the first year post-transplant. Furthermore, clonal mixing between the allograft mucosa and the circulation was significantly greater in ITx recipients, even years after transplantation, than in healthy control adults. Collectively, our data demonstrate intestinal mucosal B cell repertoire establishment from a circulating pool, a process that continues for years without evidence of establishment of a stable mucosal B cell repertoire.

Procedure-specific Training for Robot-assisted Distal Pancreatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To train practicing surgeons in robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (RADP) and assess the impact on 5 domains of healthcare quality. BACKGROUND: RADP may reduce the treatment burden compared with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP), but studies on institutional training and implementation programs are scarce. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center, cohort study evaluating surgical performance during a procedure-specific training program for RADP (January 2006 to September 2017). Baseline and unadjusted outcomes were compared "before training" (ODP only; June 2012). Exclusion criteria were neoadjuvant therapy, vascular- and unrelated organ resection. Run charts evaluated index length of stay (LOS) and 90-day comprehensive complication index. Cumulative sum charts of operating time (OT) assessed institutional learning. Adjusted outcomes after RADP versus ODP were compared using a secondary propensity-score-matched (1:1) analysis to determine clinical efficacy. RESULTS: After screening, 237 patients were included in the before-training (133 ODP) and after-training (24 ODP, 80 RADP) groups. After initiation of training, mean perioperative blood loss decreased (-255 mL, P<0.001), OT increased (+65 min, P < 0.001), and median LOS decreased (-1 day, P < 0.001). All other outcomes remained similar (P>0.05). Over time, there were nonrandom (P < 0.05) downward shifts in LOS, while comprehensive complication index was unaffected. We observed 3 learning curve phases in OT: accumulation (<31 cases), optimization (case 31-65), and a steady-state (>65 cases). Propensity-score-matching confirmed reductions in index and 90-day LOS and blood loss with similar morbidity between RADP and ODP. CONCLUSION: Supervised procedure-specific training enabled successful implementation of RADP by practicing surgeons with immediate improvements in length of stay, without adverse effects on safety.

A case of an Infant with SARS-CoV-2 hepatitis early after liver transplantation.

We present a case of a pediatric liver transplant recipient diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection four days after receiving a living donor liver allograft from her mother. The recipient was a 6-month-old with end-stage liver disease due to biliary atresia and failed Kasai. The infant had an uncomplicated implantation, excellent graft function and down-trending liver enzymes until developing fevers, diarrhea, and moderate respiratory distress requiring non-invasive respiratory support. SARS-CoV-2 testing (nasal swab Polymerase Chain Reaction) was positive on post-operative day (POD) 4. Liver enzymes peaked ~1000 U/L (5-fold higher than the previous day) on POD 6. Histology demonstrated a mixed picture of moderate acute hepatitis and classical elements of mild to moderate acute cellular rejection. Her hepatitis and respiratory symptoms improved coincident with completing treatment with hydroxychloroquine, reduced immunosuppression, and intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG).

Does surgical approach affect outcomes of enucleation for benign and low-grade pancreatic tumors? An ACS-NSQIP evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Enucleation of low-grade pancreatic tumors achieves oncological outcomes equivalent to resection but conserves parenchyma. Given strict selection criteria, we hypothesized that minimally-invasive (MI) enucleation is associated with decreased composite major morbidity (CMM) compared to open. METHODS: Pancreas-targeted ACS NSQIP (2014 -2016) was queried for enucleation (CPT code: 48120) and analyzed by intended surgical approach regardless of conversion. The primary outcome was CMM, a validated 30-day composite metric of adverse events. RESULTS: Enucleation was performed using an open (n = 71; 62.3%) or MI (n = 43; 37.7%) approach with 7 conversions (16.2%). Both cohorts had interchangeable baseline characteristics. No selection factors governing MI were identified. MI-enucleation reduced median length of stay (4 vs. 5 days; p = 0.003), whereas rates of CMM after open (24; 34%) and MIenucleation (12; 28%) were equivalent (p = 0.541). Multivariable analysis demonstrated an association between CMM and prolonged operative time (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.14 -6.74), female sex (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16 -0.94), and ASA score <3 (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16 -0.96) but not surgical approach. CONCLUSION: MI-enucleation was not associated with reduced 30-day CMM compared to open, whereas prolonged operating time and unmodifiable patient factors were correlated with adverse outcomes.

Prevalencia de los trastornos del espectro autista en niños en Estados Unidos, Europa y España: coincidencias y discrepancias / Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in USA, Europe and Spain: coincidences and discrepancies

Los trastornos del espectro autista (TEA) engloban a un grupo heterogéneo de trastornos del neurodesarrollo que tienen en común la presencia de problemas para la interacción/comunicación social y la tendencia a mostrar intereses restringidos o conductas repetitivas. Diversos estudios epidemiológicos realizados en diferentes países en los últimos años han mostrado de forma consistente dos características: el incremento progresivo en la prevalencia de los TEA a nivel mundial y la existencia de una gran variabilidad geográfica entre territorios y dentro de un mismo territorio. En el presente artículo analizamos los datos de prevalencia más recientemente publicados en EE.UU. y en diversos países de Europa (incluyendo España), que muestran tasas de prevalencia muy variables, con un rango que abarca desde 1/59 niños con trastornos del espectro autista en EE. UU., hasta 1/806 en Portugal. En un segundo tiempo describimos brevemente algunas de las principales hipótesis que intentan explicar esta variabilidad.

Autism spectrum disorders are a heterogeneous group of disorders that share the presence of two core symptoms: problems in social interaction / communication and the tendency to present restricted interests and repetitive behavior. Over the last years, several epidemiologic studies have been published by different authors in diverse countries, having all of them shown two common characteristics: a global increase in the prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorders, and the existence of a great geographical variability no only between geographical areas, but also within the same geographical areas. At the present manuscript, we analyze some of the most recent prevalence data published in USA and some European countries (including Spain). All of them show different prevalence rates, ranging from 1/59 children with autism spectrum disorders in the USA to 1/806 in Portugal. In a second part, we briefly describe some of the current scientific hypotheses that try to explain this variability.

Early abortion with buccal versus sublingual misoprostol alone: a multicenter, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy, safety/side effects and acceptability of buccal versus sublingual administration of a misoprostol-only regimen commonly used for early medical abortion. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a randomized trial at six clinics in two Latin American countries. We randomized women seeking early abortion to buccal or sublingual administration of three doses of misoprostol 800 mcg repeated every 3 h. At initial follow-up (7-14 days after misoprostol), we offered women without a complete abortion aspiration or additional misoprostol plus waiting 7 more days. The primary outcome was continuing pregnancy at initial follow-up. Secondary outcomes included continuing pregnancy at final follow-up, incomplete abortion, successful abortion, side effects, acceptability and complications. We analyzed all outcomes as intention to treat. RESULTS: We enrolled 401 women and randomized 202 into the buccal arm and 199 into the sublingual arm. Continuing pregnancy at initial follow-up occurred in 11/201 (5.5%) and 2/189 (1.1%) women, respectively (p=.02). Additional misoprostol at follow-up increased success, defined as complete abortion, from 170/201 (84.6%) to 184/199 (92.5%) in the buccal arm and 165/189 (87.3%) to 177/189 (93.7%) in the sublingual arm. We found no differences by gestational age. Women reported similar acceptability and side effects across groups except for chills and fever, which women using sublingual misoprostol reported more frequently (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sublingual administration was superior to buccal administration in reducing continuing pregnancy risk after a three-dose regimen of 800 mcg misoprostol. Complete abortion rates were comparable across groups, and in both cases, additional misoprostol at follow-up increased success. IMPLICATIONS: If the primary goal is to avoid continuing pregnancy, sublingual administration of misoprostol 800 mcg every 3 h for three doses should be recommended. If chills or fever are a concern and the primary goal is to avoid surgery, buccal administration may be preferable. For either route, additional misoprostol can be given for incomplete abortion or continuing pregnancy.

[Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in USA, Europe and Spain: coincidences and discrepancies]. / Prevalencia de los trastornos del espectro autista en niños en Estados Unidos, Europa y España: coincidencias y discrepancias.

Autism spectrum disorders are a heterogeneous group of disorders that share the presence of two core symptoms: problems in social interaction / communication and the tendency to present restricted interests and repetitive behavior. Over the last years, several epidemiologic studies have been published by different authors in diverse countries, having all of them shown two common characteristics: a global increase in the prevalence rates of autism spectrum disorders, and the existence of a great geographical variability no only between geographical areas, but also within the same geographical areas. At the present manuscript, we analyze some of the most recent prevalence data published in USA and some European countries (including Spain). All of them show different prevalence rates, ranging from 1/59 children with autism spectrum disorders in the USA to 1/806 in Portugal. In a second part, we briefly describe some of the current scientific hypotheses that try to explain this variability.

Los trastornos del espectro autista (TEA) engloban a un grupo heterogéneo de trastornos del neurodesarrollo que tienen en común la presencia de problemas para la interacción/comunicación social y la tendencia a mostrar intereses restringidos o conductas repetitivas. Diversos estudios epidemiológicos realizados en diferentes países en los últimos años han mostrado de forma consistente dos características: el incremento progresivo en la prevalencia de los TEA a nivel mundial y la existencia de una gran variabilidad geográfica entre territorios y dentro de un mismo territorio. En el presente artículo analizamos los datos de prevalencia más recientemente publicados en EE.UU. y en diversos países de Europa (incluyendo España), que muestran tasas de prevalencia muy variables, con un rango que abarca desde 1/59 niños con trastornos del espectro autista en EE. UU., hasta 1/806 en Portugal. En un segundo tiempo describimos brevemente algunas de las principales hipótesis que intentan explicar esta variabilidad.

Transversus abdominis plane block reduces pain and narcotic consumption after robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Minimizing pain and disability are key postoperative objectives of robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (RADP). This study tested effects of bupivacaine transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on opioid consumption and pain after RADP. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study (June 2012 -Oct 2017) evaluating bilateral intraoperative bupivacaine TAP block as an interrupted time series. Linear regression evaluated opioid consumption in terms of intravenous (IV) morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and controlled for preoperative morbidity. Secondary outcomes included numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores. RESULTS: 81 RADP patients met eligibility, 48 before and 33 after implementation of TAP. Baseline characteristics were equivalent with a trend toward higher age, Charlson comorbidity, and ASA score among the TAP cohort. TAP patients consumed on average 4.52 fewer IV MME than controls during the first six postoperative hours (p = 0.032) and reported lower mean NRS scores at six (p = 0.009) and 12 h (p = 0.006) but not at 24 h (p = 0.129). Postoperative morbidity and lengths of stay (LOS) were equivalent (5 vs. 6 days, p = 0.428). CONCLUSION: Bupivacaine TAP block was associated with significant reductions in opioid consumption and pain after RADP but did not shorten hospital LOS consistent with bupivacaine's limited half-life.

Nutritional Challenges in Patients After Intestinal Autotransplantation and Ex Vivo Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal autotransplantation (IATx) and ex vivo resection is a novel surgical strategy to treat patients with unresectable abdominal neoplasms involving the mesenteric root. Nutritional challenges after IATx and ex vivo surgery have not been well described. METHODS: Eleven patients, aged 7-68 years (median, 49 years) underwent IATx and ex vivo resection at our center from 2009 to 2016. A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate nutrition status, tolerance of an oral diet, and need for parenteral nutrition (PN) and enteral (EN) nutrition. These factors were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Prior to surgery, 10 of 11 patients were tolerating oral diets without need for additional PN or EN. Postoperatively, PN was initiated in all patients from 1-15 days after surgery (median, 5 days) and continued from 12-122 days (median, 32.5 days), except for of 1 patient who underwent a total enterectomy and required subsequent allotransplantation with ongoing PN. EN was initiated in 9 patients from 4-117 days after surgery (median, 17 days) and has been ongoing in 5 patients. Oral diets were initiated in all patients from 5-115 days (median, 14 days) postoperatively; at 3 months, 11 of 12 patients were tolerating oral diets. CONCLUSION: IATx and ex vivo resection presents a unique challenge with respect to nutrition management. Patients undergoing these complex surgeries may have difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition with an oral diet alone in the immediate postoperative period and beyond and may require prolonged nutrition support.

Uso actual del balón de resucitación aórtico endovascular (REBOA) en trauma / Current use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in trauma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Non-compressible torso haemorrhage is the leading cause of death in trauma cases. This has led to the development of new devices to control bleeding, including Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA). Objective: To perform a non-systematic review of the literature on the use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in trauma. Materials and methods: A systematic literature search through Medline was conducted. Articles relevant to our objective were selected. A qualitative and narrative synthesis of results is presented. Results: Our qualitative and narrative results show that Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta could be a safe and effective intervention for the control of haemorrhage in abdomino-pelvic trauma. Its use is controversial in thoracic trauma. Finally, the performance of this intervention may cause complications. Conclusion: Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta is an alternative that can be used in damage control surgery. It could be effective for early control of bleeding in patients with non-compressible torso haemorrhage. As a complex intervention, REBOA is in its development phase, and the evidence available preclude us from providing strong recommendations.

Resumen Introducción: La hemorragia no compresible del torso es la principal causa de muerte asociada al trauma. Esto ha llevado al desarrollo de nuevos dispositivos para el control hemorrágico, y uno de estos es el balón de resucitación aórtico endovascular (REBOA). Objetivo: Realizar una revisión no sistemática de la literatura con respecto al uso del REBOA en trauma. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en Medline, se seleccionaron los artículos relevantes para el logro de nuestro objetivo ycon estos se realizó una síntesis cualitativa y narrativa de la literatura disponible. Resultados: Nuestra síntesis cualitativa y narrativa muestra que el REBOA podría ser una intervención segura yefectiva para el control de la hemorragia en trauma abdominopélvico. Su uso es controvertido en trauma torácico. Finalmente, el uso del balón de resucitación aórtico endovascular puede causar complicaciones relacionadas con su aplicación. Conclusión: El REBOA es una alternativa en la cirugía de control de daños que podría ser efectiva en el control de la hemorragia no compresible del torso de origen abdominopélvico. Al ser una intervención compleja, el REBOA se encuentra todavía en fase de desarrollo yla evidencia disponible no es suficiente para proveer recomendaciones fuertes.

Dengue perinatal: Reporte de caso / Perinatal Dengue: A case Report

Resumen Introducción: El dengue perinatal es una patología de la que poco se sabe, los reportes disponibles describen riesgo de resultados perinatales adversos. Objetivo: Reportar un caso de dengue perinatal, como diagnóstico diferencial de sepsis neonatal, que debe tenerse en cuenta en zonas endémicas. Caso clínico: Recién nacido de una mujer de 23 años quien a las 36 semanas de gestación presentó cuadro de dengue con antígeno Non-Structural Protein 1 (NS1) positivo y anticuerpos anti-dengue negativos. Al sexto día de enfermedad dio a luz a un recién nacido sano, quien, al segundo día de vida, presentó fiebre sin otros hallazgos patológicos al examen físico, asociado a trombocitopenia severa (17.900 plaquetas/uL) y aumento de la proteína C reactiva, antígeno viral NS1 positivo e in-munoglobulina G (IgG) anti dengue positiva. Fue manejado con antibióticoterpia con ampicilina y gentamicina por protocolo de la institución para sepsis neonatal probable. El neonato mostró me joría clínica, con estabilidad hemodinámica y aumento significativo de plaquetas, siendo dado de alta. Conclusiones: El dengue en el embarazo trae consigo el riesgo de resultados perinatales adver sos, particularmente bajo peso al nacer y parto pre-término. Los hijos de madres diagnosticadas con dengue al final del embarazo deberían ser observados estrechamente con realización de hemograma seriado en los primeros días de vida, debido al riesgo de transmisión vertical.

Abstract Introduction: Few reports are available about perinatal dengue, with controversial results in regards the risk of perinatal outcome. Objective: To report a case of perinatal dengue as a differential diagno sis with neonatal sepsis, which must be considered in endemic areas. Clinical case: Male newborn of a 23 year-old female, who presented a Non-Structural Protein 1 (NS1) antigen positive to dengue at 36 weeks of gestation and negative anti-dengue antibodies. At day six of the illness a healthy newborn was born. On the second day of life the neonate presented fever with no other pathological findings on the physical exam, associated with severe thrombocytopenia (17,900 platelets/uL), increased C-reactive protein, a positive NS1 antigen, and positive anti-dengue immunoglobulin G (IgG). He was treated with ampicillin and gentamicin according the Institution protocol of neonatal sepsis. The newborn showed clinical improvement, with hemodynamic stability and significant increase of platelets, receiving the medical discharge. Conclusions: Dengue in pregnancy produces the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, particularly low birth weight and preterm delivery. Children of mothers diagnosed with dengue at the end of pregnancy should be observed closely with serial hemograms during child's first days of life, due to the high risk of vertical transmission.

Ex vivo excision of retroperitoneal soft tissue tumors: A case report.

Ganglioneuromas are slow growing, clinically silent benign tumors for which surgery is considered to be the standard treatment. However, surgical excision in cases where surrounding structures are involved can be challenging. The present study reports a novel technique of ex vivo excision for the management of a retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma in a 21-year old patient, that appeared to be inoperable using standard surgical resection. Preoperative investigations revealed a large tumor with encasement of the origins of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and bilateral renal arteries. Initially, to prevent the need to explant the liver, the distal SMA (with takeoff of the replaced common hepatic artery) was anastomosed to the splenic artery. The bulk of the tumor along with the bilateral kidneys was mobilized from the retroperitoneum, and the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) were cross-clamped above and below the tumor and divided. The two kidneys were dissected free of the tumor at the back-table and were auto-transplanted in a standard technique following the reconstruction of the aorta and IVC. The patient tolerated surgery well and a one-year postoperative follow-up did not show any sign of tumor recurrence. Although technically demanding, ex vivo resection and auto-transplantation of the involved organs can be introduced as a final option for the treatment of tumors that are un-resectable using standard surgical techniques.

[Perinatal Dengue: A case Report]. / Dengue perinatal: Reporte de caso.

INTRODUCTION: Few reports are available about perinatal dengue, with controversial results in regards the risk of perinatal outcome. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of perinatal dengue as a differential diagno sis with neonatal sepsis, which must be considered in endemic areas. CLINICAL CASE: Male newborn of a 23 year-old female, who presented a Non-Structural Protein 1 (NS1) antigen positive to dengue at 36 weeks of gestation and negative anti-dengue antibodies. At day six of the illness a healthy newborn was born. On the second day of life the neonate presented fever with no other pathological findings on the physical exam, associated with severe thrombocytopenia (17,900 platelets/uL), increased C-reactive protein, a positive NS1 antigen, and positive anti-dengue immunoglobulin G (IgG). He was treated with ampicillin and gentamicin according the Institution protocol of neonatal sepsis. The newborn showed clinical improvement, with hemodynamic stability and significant increase of platelets, receiving the medical discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Dengue in pregnancy produces the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, particularly low birth weight and preterm delivery. Children of mothers diagnosed with dengue at the end of pregnancy should be observed closely with serial hemograms during child's first days of life, due to the high risk of vertical transmission.

Robotic enucleation of benign pancreatic tumors.

Robot-assisted enucleation provides the dual benefits of a minimally-invasive technique and pancreatic parenchymal conservation to selected patients with functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (F-pNETs) and serous cystadenomas. Insulinomas, the most common F-pNETs, are ideal candidates for enucleation when <2 cm given the 80% probability of being benign. Current evidence suggests enucleation for the following: benign, isolated lesions with a distance between tumor and main pancreatic duct ≥3 mm (no focal stricture or dilation), insulinomas, gastrinomas <2 cm, and nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-pNETs) <1-2 cm and low Ki67 mitotic index. Minimally-invasive enucleation is an imaging-dependent procedure that requires recognizable anatomic landmarks for successful completion, including tumor proximity to the pancreatic duct as well as localization relative to major structures such as the gastroduodenal artery, bile duct, and portal vein. Tumor localization often mandates intraoperative ultrasound aided by duplex studies of intratumoral blood flow and frozen section confirmation. Five patients have undergone robot-assisted enucleation at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center between January 2014 and January 2017 with median tumor diameter of 1.3 cm (0.9-1.7 cm) located in the pancreatic head [2] and tail [3]. Surgical indications included insulinoma [2] and NF-pNETs [3]. Median operative time was 204 min (range, 137-347 min) and estimated blood loss of 50 mL. There were no conversions to open or transfusions. Robotic enucleation is a safe and feasible technique that allows parenchymal conservation in a minimally-invasive setting, reducing operative time and length of stay with equivalent pathological outcomes compared to open surgery.

Longterm outcomes of auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation in preadolescent children with fulminant hepatic failure.

By preserving part of the native liver, auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT) provides the advantage of potential immunosuppression (ISP) withdrawal if the native liver recovers but has had limited acceptance, especially in the United States, due to technical complications and low rates of native liver regeneration. No previous study has evaluated APOLT specifically for preadolescent children with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). This population might benefit especially based on greater capacity for liver regeneration. Data from 13 preadolescent children who underwent APOLT were compared to 13 matched controls who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for FHF from 1996 to 2013. There were no significant differences in patient demographics or survival between the 2 groups. However, all surviving OLT recipients (10/13) remain on ISP, while all but 1 surviving APOLT recipient (12/13) showed native liver regeneration, and the first 10 recipients (76.9%) are currently off ISP with 2 additional patients currently weaning. In our experience, APOLT produced excellent survival and high rates of native liver regeneration in preadolescent children with FHF. This represents the largest series to date to report such outcomes. Liberating these children from lifelong ISP without the downside of increased surgical morbidity makes APOLT an attractive alternative. In conclusion, we therefore propose that, with the availability of technical expertise and with the technical modifications above, APOLT for FHF should be strongly considered for preteenage children with FHF.

Analysis of voltage effect on holographic gratings by modulation transfer function.

The experimental data allow us to determine the imaging quality of holographic gratings with photosensitive film using organic material based on a polyvinyl alcohol matrix doped with potassium dichromate and nickel (II) chloride hexahydrate. The diffraction efficiency is estimated by different spatial frequencies, and the readout image quality is analyzed by the modulation transfer function. The experiment is carried out, with and without voltage application, at different spatial frequencies to obtain the image quality of photosensitive film.

Intestinal and multivisceral transplantation in children.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a single-center experience of pediatric intestinal transplantation (Itx) and to provide an overview of the children who underwent this procedure along with their outcomes. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Pediatric Itx presents multiple challenges because of the very young ages at which patients require transplantation and their higher susceptibility to infectious complications. METHODS: We have performed 141 Itx in 123 children with a median age of 1.37 years. Primary grafts included isolated intestine (n = 28), liver and intestine (n = 27), multivisceral (n = 61), and multivisceral without the liver (n = 7). Two protocol modifications were introduced in 1998: daclizumab induction and frequent rejection surveillance. In 2001, indications for multivisceral transplantation were expanded, and induction with Campath-1H was introduced. RESULTS: Actuarial patient survival at 1 and 3 years for group 1 (January 1994 to December 1997, n = 25), group 2 (January 1998 to March 2001, n = 29), group 3a (April 2001 to present, daclizumab, n = 51), and group 3b (April 2001 to present, Campath-1H, n = 18) was 44%/32%, 52%/38%, 83%/60%, and 44%/44%, respectively (P = 0.0003 in favor of group 3a). Severe rejection implied a dismal prognosis (65% mortality at 6 months). Observed incidence of severe rejection in groups 1, 2, 3a, and 3b was 32%, 24%, 14%, and 11%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, use of a multivisceral (with or without liver) transplant (P = 0.002), induction with daclizumab (P = 0.005), patient at home prior to transplant (P = 0.007), and age at transplant > or =1 year (P = 0.02) favorably influenced patient survival. Multivisceral transplant was protective with respect to the mortality rate due to rejection, while an older age at transplant was associated with both a lower incidence rate of developing respiratory infection and lower risk of mortality following the respiratory infection. Survivors are off parenteral nutrition and have demonstrated significant growth catch-up. CONCLUSIONS: Itx in children still is a high-risk procedure but has now become a viable option for children who otherwise have no hope for survival. Control of respiratory infection is of particular importance in the younger children.