Pancreatectomy with vein reconstruction: technique matters.

Background: A variety of techniques have been described for portal vein (PV) and/or superior mesenteric vein (SMV) resection/reconstruction during a pancreatectomy. The ideal strategy remains unclear.

Methods: Patients who underwent PV/SMV resection/reconstruction during a pancreatectomy from 2005 to 2014 were identified.

Optogenetic Stimulation of Neural Grafts Enhances Neurotransmission and Downregulates the Inflammatory Response in Experimental Stroke Model.

Compelling evidence suggests that transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) from multiple sources ameliorates motor deficits after stroke. However, it is currently unknown to what extent the electrophysiological activity of grafted NSC progeny participates in the improvement of motor deficits and whether excitatory phenotypes of the grafted cells are beneficial or deleterious to sensorimotor performances. To address this question, we used optogenetic tools to drive the excitatory outputs of the grafted NSCs and assess the impact on local circuitry and sensorimotor performance.

The contemporary management of renal artery aneurysms.

Background: Renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) are rare, with little known about their natural history and growth rate or their optimal management. The specific objectives of this study were to (1) define the clinical features of RAAs, including the precise growth rate and risk of rupture, (2) examine the current management and outcomes of RAA treatment using existing guidelines, and (3) examine the appropriateness of current criteria for repair of asymptomatic RAAs.

Methods: A standardized, multi-institutional approach was used to evaluate patients with RAAs at institutions from all regions of the United States.

Current treatment of renal artery aneurysms may be too aggressive.

Objective: Most studies recommend repair of renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) >2 cm in diameter in asymptomatic patients, but other studies have suggested that their natural history may be more benign. We hypothesized that rupture and death in patients with asymptomatic RAAs is low and that current recommendations for RAA treatment at 2 cm may be too aggressive.

Methods: Retrospective review of all RAAs treated at a tertiary care medical center from 2002 to 2012.

Distal digital replantation.

Background: Hand surgeons have been hesitant to perform distal digital replantation because of the technical challenges and the perception of a high cost-to-benefit ratio. Recent studies, however, have shown high survival rates and excellent functional and aesthetic results, providing renewed enthusiasm for distal replantation.

Methods: The authors reviewed the literature and summarize key points regarding the surgical treatment, perioperative care, and outcomes of distal digital replantation.

Imaging neural stem cell graft-induced structural repair in stroke.

Stem cell therapy ameliorates motor deficits in experimental stroke model. Multimodal molecular imaging enables real-time longitudinal monitoring of infarct location, size, and transplant survival. In the present study, we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to track the infarct evolution,tissue repair, and the fate of grafted cells.

Female genomic response to mate information.

Females should be choosier than males about prospective mates because of the high costs of inappropriate mating decisions. Both theoretical and empirical studies have identified factors likely to influence female mate choices. However, male-male social interactions also can affect mating decisions, because information about a potential mate can trigger changes in female reproductive physiology.