Multi-strain probiotic administration decreases necrotizing enterocolitis severity and alters the epigenetic profile in mice.

Background: Probiotic administration may decrease the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) through mechanisms that are largely unknown. We investigated the effects of probiotics on intestinal epigenetics and assessed their effects on intestinal inflammation and motility using both ileum-predominant and combined ileo-colitis mouse NEC models.

Methods: C57BL/6 J mice were gavage-fed a multi-strain probiotic from postnatal days 3-11, consisting of B.

Artificial Intelligence vs. Doctors: Diagnosing Necrotizing Enterocolitis on Abdominal Radiographs.

Background: Radiographic diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is challenging. Deep learning models may improve accuracy by recognizing subtle imaging patterns. We hypothesized it would perform with comparable accuracy to that of senior surgical residents.

Colitis-Induced Small Intestinal Hypomotility Is Dependent on Enteroendocrine Cell Loss in Mice.

Background & Aims: The abdominal discomfort experienced by patients with colitis may be attributable in part to the presence of small intestinal dysmotility, yet mechanisms linking colonic inflammation with small-bowel motility remain largely unexplored. We hypothesize that colitis results in small intestinal hypomotility owing to a loss of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) within the small intestine that can be rescued using serotonergic-modulating agents.

Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice, as well as mice that overexpress (EEC) or lack (EEC) NeuroD1+ enteroendocrine cells, were exposed to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis (2.

Early Surgery for Spontaneous Pneumothorax Associated With Reduced Recurrence, Resource Utilization.

Background: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) occurs in adolescent patients and frequently recurs. Reliable predictors of recurrence may identify candidates for early VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery). We hypothesize that demographic and clinical factors are associated with recurrence, and that earlier surgery is associated with decreased recurrence and resource utilization.

Survivors of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair Face Barriers to Long-Term Follow-Up Care.

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) carries high morbidity and mortality, and survivors commonly have neurodevelopmental, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary sequela requiring multidisciplinary care well beyond repair. We predict that following hospitalization for repair, CDH survivors face many barriers to receiving future medical care.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all living CDH patients between ages 0 to 12 years who underwent repair at Riley Hospital for Children (RHC) from 2010 through 2019.

Two Decades Using Stentless Porcine Aortic Root in Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction.

Background: The stentless porcine aortic root prosthesis (SPAR) has been described as a suitable valve for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOTR). Indiana University Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana began using this valve for RVOTR in 1998. This study reports medium-term to late- term outcomes of the valve in the pulmonary position.