National Analysis of Over 48,000 Veterans With HIV Demonstrates CD4/CD8 Ratio as a Risk Marker for Anal Intraepithelial Lesions and Anal Cancer.

Background: Anal squamous intraepithelial lesions are identifiable and treatable precancerous lesions that lack defined risk factors determining screening necessity.

Objective: Assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with low- and high-grade anal squamous intraepithelial lesions and anal squamous cell carcinoma.

Design: Retrospective cohort analysis of veterans with HIV between 1999-2023.

Management of twin-reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies characterized by placental anastomoses between a normally developed twin and an acardiac mass. Though several treatment modalities exist, the optimal management strategy is unclear. This study aims to compare the various treatment strategies for TRAP sequence.

Positron emission tomography neuroimaging of [F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and related behavior in the -/- rat model of Parkinson disease.

Introduction: Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition affecting multiple sensorimotor and cognitive systems. The rat model exhibits vocal, cognitive, and limb use deficits seen in idiopathic PD. We sought to measure glucose metabolism in brain regions in and wild type (WT) rats, and to associate these to measures of ultrasonic vocalization, cognition, and limb use behavior.

Cytomegalovirus Post-Prophylaxis Surveillance in High-Risk Kidney and Liver Recipients Prevents CMV End-Organ Disease and Ganciclovir-Resistance.

Purpose: Evaluate cytomegalovirus (CMV) post-prophylaxis surveillance in high-risk (D+/R-) kidney and liver transplant recipients.

Methods: Adult D+/R- patients were included if transplanted between 6/1/15 and 11/30/22 and divided into a pre-CMV-stewardship-era (6/1/15-5/31/18), CMV-stewardship-era (6/1/18-6/30/20), and a surveillance-era (7/1/2020-11/30/2022) then followed through 12 months. The primary objective was to evaluate CMV-related outcomes.

Predictors for postoperative dysphagia in liver transplant recipients.

Introduction: Liver transplant recipients are at a heightened risk for oropharyngeal dysphagia; identification of those who are at high risk for postoperative dysphagia could reduce hospital costs and length of stay. We sought to identify predictors of dysphagia, in a large cohort of patients who underwent liver transplantation.

Methods: Electronic medical records were queried for patients undergoing liver transplantation, who underwent instrumental swallowing evaluations.

Body mass Index does not impact long-term survival of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis undergoing lung transplantation.

Objective: We investigated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on post-operative outcomes and survival of patients with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) undergoing lung transplantation.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 222 patients with IPF that underwent lung transplant (LT) at our institution from 2005 to 2019. Recipients were divided in 4 groups: group-1 consisted of underweight patients (BMI ≤18.

Effects of Cervical Bracing on Elderly Patients With Dysphagia.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if cervical bracing with a PMT collar increases risk of airway invasion and pharyngeal residue in elderly patients with dysphagia. Additionally, it aimed to identify patient preference for cervical bracing during deglutition.

Method: Twenty-one patients underwent a videofluoroscopic swallow study.

Detrimental impact of early biopsy-proven rejection in liver transplantation.

Existing literature offers conflicting conclusions about whether early acute cellular rejection influences long-term outcomes in liver transplantation. We retrospectively collected donor and recipient data on all adult, first-time liver transplants performed at a single center between 2008 and 2020. We divided this population into two cohorts based on the presence of early biopsy-proven acute cellular rejection (EBPR) within the first 90 days post-transplant and compared outcomes between the groups.

Small Monetary Incentives Lead to Greater Adherence in a Weight Loss Program.

Purpose: Understand how weekly monetary incentives for dietary tracking and/or weight loss impact 6-month weight loss behavioral adherence.

Design: Secondary analysis of participants randomized to one of four conditions in a behavioral weight loss intervention: incentives for dietary tracking, incentives for weight loss, both, or none.

Setting: Participants were asked to self-weigh at least twice weekly, log food and drink in a mobile application five days weekly, and attend bi-weekly, group-based classes.

Effects of Device-Facilitated Lingual Strengthening Therapy on Dysphagia Related Outcomes in Patients Post-Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Swallowing impairments resulting from stroke have few rehabilitative options. Prior evidence suggests lingual strengthening exercise may provide some benefit, but more randomized controlled trials are required. The purpose of this study was to examine efficacy of progressive lingual resistance training on lingual pressure generative capacity and swallowing outcomes for individuals with dysphagia after stroke.

Early Increases in Posttransplant Pancreatic Enzymes Are Associated With Surgical Complications But Not Graft Failure Among Pancreas Transplant Recipients.

Objectives: This study aimed to find the association between immediate postoperative increases in pancreatic enzymes and posttransplant complications among pancreas transplant recipients (PTRs).

Methods: We analyzed all PTRs transplanted at the University of Wisconsin between June 2009 and September 2018. Enzyme levels were presented as a ratio of absolute numbers to the upper limit of normal value, with value >1 considered as abnormal.

Pink1-/- Rats Demonstrate Swallowing and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in a Model of Prodromal Parkinson Disease.

Early motor and non-motor signs of Parkinson disease (PD) include dysphagia, gastrointestinal dysmotility, and constipation. However, because these often manifest prior to formal diagnosis, the study of PD-related swallow and GI dysfunction in early stages is difficult. To overcome this limitation, we used the Pink1-/- rat, a well-established early-onset genetic rat model of PD to assay swallowing and GI motility deficits.

Treating acute diverticulitis in pre- and post-solid-organ transplant patients: a single-institution cohort study.

Aim: Immunosuppressed patients are more likely to fail nonoperative management of acute diverticulitis and have more postoperative complications than the immunocompetent. Transplant recipients form a subcategory among the immunosuppressed with unique challenges. The aim of this work is to report 30-day postoperative complications after colectomy for acute diverticulitis and success rates of nonoperative management in pre- and post-transplant patients.

Duration of Time CD4/CD8 Ratio is Below 0.5 is Associated with Progression to Anal Cancer in Patients with HIV and High-Grade Dysplasia.

Background: A CD4/CD8 ratio < 0.5 is associated with increased risk of advanced anal disease (AAD) but it is unknown if duration below 0.5 matters.

Measuring Success in Headache Surgery: A Comparison of Different Outcomes Measures.

Background: Studies of migraine surgery have relied on quantitative, patient-reported measures like the Migraine Headache Index (MHI) and validated surveys to study the outcomes and impact of headache surgery. It is unclear whether a single metric or a combination of outcomes assessments is best suited to do so.

Methods: All patients who underwent headache surgery had an MHI calculated and completed the Headache Impact Test, the Migraine Disability Assessment Test, the Migraine-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, and an institutional ad hoc survey preoperatively and postoperatively.

Systemic Delivery of a Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibitor More Effective than Topical Delivery in Preventing Anal Carcinogenesis in an HPV Transgenic Mouse Model.

Introduction: Anal dysplasia is a growing health concern that over time can result in squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) of the anus. In this study, we compare a topical versus systemic (oral) administration of LY3023414, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, to prevent anal carcinogenesis in a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) mouse model of anal cancer.

Materials And Methods: transgenic mice were used to model HPV-induced anal carcinogenesis.

The Use of the Protease Inhibitor, Saquinavir, to Treat Anal Cancer Spheroids Derived From Human Papillomavirus Transgenic Mice.

Background: Anal cancer is associated with high-risk human papillomavirus infection and oncoprotein expression. We have identified several protease inhibitors, used to treat HIV, that decrease oncogene expression.

Objective: The aim of this project is to determine whether saquinavir, a protease inhibitor, results in a treatment response in anal cancer spheroids.

Consequences of anastomotic leaks after minimally invasive esophagectomy: A single-center experience.

Background: Anastomotic leak (AL) after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is a well-described source of morbidity for patients undergoing surgical treatment of esophageal neoplasm. With improved early recognition and endoscopic management techniques, the long-term impact remains unclear.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent MIE for esophageal neoplasm between January 2015 and June 2021 at a single institution.

Anal Cancer Prevention Through the Topical Use of Single or Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors.

Introduction: Anal dysplasia and anal cancer are major health problems. This study seeks to determine if inhibition of mTOR and/or PI3K pathways is effective at anal cancer prevention in mice with/without established precancerous lesions of the anus (anal dysplasia).

Methods: K14E6/E7 mice were entered into the study at 5 wk, 15 wk, or 25 wk of age.

Blood products and liver transplantation: A strategy to balance optimal preparation with effective blood stewardship.

Background: Unanticipated transfusion requirements during liver transplantation can delay lifesaving intraoperative resuscitation and strain blood bank resources. Risk-stratified preoperative blood preparation can mitigate these deleterious outcomes.

Study Design And Methods: A two-tiered blood preparation protocol for liver transplantation was retrospectively evaluated.

Efficacy of Topically Administered Dihydroartemisinin in Treating Papillomavirus-Induced Anogenital Dysplasia in Preclinical Mouse Models.

The artemisinin family of compounds is cytopathic in certain cancer cell lines that are positive for human papillomaviruses (HPV) and can potentially drive the regression of dysplastic lesions. We evaluated the efficacy of topical dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on cervical dysplasia and anal dysplasia in two papillomavirus mouse models: transgenic mice, which express HPV16 oncogenes; and immunodeficient NOD/SCID gamma (NSG) mice infected with papillomavirus (MmuPV1). Mice started treatment with DHA at 25 weeks of age () or 20 weeks post infection (MmuPV1-infected), when the majority of mice are known to have papillomavirus-induced low- to high-grade dysplasia.

Risk factors for high level cytomegalovirus viremia in liver transplant recipients and associated outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate epidemiology, risk-factors, and outcomes of high-level (HL) cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia in liver transplant recipients.

Methods: Adult patients receiving a liver transplant between 1/1/2017 and 9/30/2020 were evaluated. Viral loads at University of Wisconsin Health Clinical Laboratories were required to allow for numerical comparison.

Rethinking Routine Intensive Care After Cytoreductive Surgery With Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: The Fiscal Argument.

Background: Patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are frequently admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for mitigation of potential complications, although ICU length of stay (LOS) is a significant driver of cost. This study asked whether a fiscal argument could be made for the selective avoidance of ICU admission after CRS/HIPEC.

Methods: Prospective data for select low-risk patients (e.