La Crosse Virus Neuroinvasive Disease in Children: A Contemporary Analysis of Clinical/Neurobehavioral Outcomes and Predictors of Disease Severity.

BACKGROUND: La Crosse virus (LACV) is the most common neuroinvasive arboviral infection in children in the United States. However, data regarding predictors of disease severity and neurologic outcome are limited. Additionally, long-term neurologic and neurobehavioral outcomes remain relatively sparse. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study, followed by recruitment for a cross-sectional analysis of long-term neurobehavioral outcomes, among children aged 0-18 years with proven or probable LACV neuroinvasive disease (LACV-ND) between January 2009 and December 2018. Case ascertainment was assured by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes cross-referenced with laboratory results detecting LACV. Demographics, diagnostics, radiographs, and outcomes were evaluated. Recruitment of patients with prior diagnosis of LACV-ND occurred from January 2020 to March 2020, with assessment performed by validated pediatric questionnaires. RESULTS: One-hundred fifty-two children (83 males; median age, 8 years [interquartile range, 5-11.5 years]) were diagnosed with proven (n = 61 [47%]) and probable (n = 91 [60%]) LACV-ND. Sixty-five patients (43%) had severe disease. Altered mental status (AMS) (odds ratio [OR], 6.36 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.03-19.95]; P = .0002) and seizures at presentation (OR, 10.31 [95% CI, 3.45-30.86]; P = .0001) were independent predictors of severe disease. Epileptiform discharges on electroencephalogram (EEG) were independently associated with epilepsy diagnosis at follow-up (OR, 13.45 [95% CI, 1.4-128.77]; P = .024). Fifty-four patients were recruited for long-term neurobehavioral follow-up, with frequent abnormal assessments identified (19%-54%) irrespective of disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Severe disease was observed frequently among children with LACV-ND. Seizures and AMS at presentation were independent predictors of severe disease. EEG may help determine long-term epilepsy risk. Long-term neurobehavioral issues are frequent and likely underrecognized among children with LACV-ND.

Disparities in survival outcomes among Black patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer.

Patients with human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) have a favorable prognosis and excellent overall survival (OS), and studies have demonstrated these findings in cohorts of predominantly White patients. Racial/ethnic (R/E) minorities, particularly Black patients, with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have worse survival outcomes compared with White patients. In this study, we aimed to determine if Black patients with HPV-OPSCC have a similar favorable prognosis to the White population. This was a population-based retrospective cohort study that analyzed HNSCC patients using the National Cancer Database from 2010 to 2016. We identified patients with Stage I-IV HPV- OPSCC who were treated with radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of modalities. Patient outcomes were stratified by R/E groups including White Versus Black patients. The main outcome in this study was OS. Analyses for proportions of categorical variables were performed using a χ2  or Fisher's exact test. Univariate and multivariate time-to-event survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier product limit estimates and log-rank test to test the differences between strata. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association between covariates and risk of death (OS). We identified 9256 OPSCC patients who met inclusion criteria and were treated between 2010 and 2016, of which 7912 were White (85.5%) and 1344 were Black (14.5%). A total of 1727 were HPV-OPSCC, of which 1598 were White (92.5%) and 129 (7.5%) were Black. By race, the 5-year OS for White versus Black OPSCC patients was 42% versus 23%, respectively (log-rank, p < 0.0001). Among HPV-positive OPSCC patients, the 5-year OS for White versus Black patients was 65% versus 39% (log-rank, p < 0.0001). Among HPV-negative patients, the 5-year OS for White versus Black patients was 36% versus 13% (log-rank, p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, after accounting for age, sex, insurance status, income, Charlson-Deyo score, receipt of surgery, distance from facility, and total treatment time, Black race trended toward, but was not associated with worse survival. Hazard ratio (HR:1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85-1.81, p = 0.255). This national cohort study of OPSCC patients demonstrates that Black patients with HPV-OPSCC have a poor prognosis and OS similar to HPV-negative White patients. This may be partly due to socioeconomic barriers such as insurance and income. Further work is needed to better understand the specific drivers of inferior survival outcomes in this specific patient population.

Outcomes of definitive local therapy with intensity-modulated radiation therapy in elderly patients ≥70 years with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer.

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing among elderly (≥70 years) patients and the optimal treatment approach is not known. In this study, we aimed to determine disease and toxicity outcomes in an elderly HPV-OPSCC population primarily treated with a chemoradiation (CRT) approach. We identified 70 elderly HPV-OPSCC patients who were treated with either surgery, radiotherapy, or CRT between 2011 and 2021. Time-to-event analysis for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local control (LC) were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariable cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio associated with covariates. The median follow-up for our cohort was 43.9 months. Of the 70 elderly patients, 55 (78.6%) receive CRT and 15 (22.4%) received RT alone. Two patients underwent TORS resection. Of the 55 patients treated with CRT, the most common systemic agents were weekly carboplatin/taxol (n = 18), cetuximab (n = 17), and weekly cisplatin (n = 11). The 5-year OS, PFS, and LC were 57%, 52%, and 91%, respectively. On univariate analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were significant predictors of OS, while on multivariate analysis only CCI was a significant predictor of OS (p = 0.006). The rate of late peg tube dependency, osteoradionecrosis, and aspiration was 10%, 4%, and 4%, respectively. Definitive local therapy in elderly HPV-OPSCC patients is associated with excellent LC and a low rate of late toxicities. Prospective studies are needed to further stratify subgroups of elderly patients who may benefit from aggressive definitive local therapy.

Association between anxiety, depression, and emotional distress and hypoglossal nerve stimulator adherence.

PURPOSE: To evaluate relationships between hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) adherence and the presence of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of subjects with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), who had HNS implanted and activated at The Ohio State University Medical Center (OSUMC). Patient usage data from the previous 6 months was obtained from 33 patients. Adherence was defined as ≥28 h of use per week. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were administered, and the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS) score was calculated for all subjects. RESULTS: Sixty-five percent were adherent with average usage of 46.5±11.7 h per week vs 7.7±7.5 h per week in the non-adherent group. The average GAD-7 were 3.90±3.98 in the adherent group vs. 8.27±6.69 in the non-adherent group (p=0.049). PHQ-9 score was 6.15±4.31 vs. 10.09±7.53 (p=0.118), and PHQ-ADS was 10.05±7.49 vs. 19.20±9.80 (p=0.035). There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, pre-treatment AHI, and post-treatment AHI between the two groups, though there was a trend to higher age in the adherent group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated higher GAD-7 and PHQ-ADS scores in the non-adherent group compared to those who were adherent to HNS supporting that anxiety and emotional distress may contribute to HNS therapy adherence. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the relationship between anxiety, depression, emotional distress, and HNS adherence. Screening patients with the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 prior to implantation may be helpful when evaluating patient adherence to therapy.

Characterization of Esophageal and Sphincter Reflexes across Maturation in Dysphagic Infants with Oral Feeding Success vs Infants requiring Gastrostomy.

To test the hypothesis that esophageal and sphincteric sensory-motor reflexes are distinct across maturation in infants with dysphagia receiving gastrostomy-tube (G-tube). This is a retrospective review of 29 dysphagic infants (N = 15 study requiring gastrostomy, N = 14 age matched control achieving oral feeds) that underwent longitudinal pharyngeal-esophageal manometry at 42.3 (37-50.2) weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) and 48.9 (43.3-57.9) weeks PMA. Graded stimuli (0.1-5 mL) of varying media (air, water, and apple juice) tested esophageal peristaltic reflex, upper esophageal sphincter contractile reflex (UESCR), and lower esophageal sphincter relaxation reflex (LESRR). Comparisons were performed between study and controls and across maturation (time-1 vs time-2). Data represented as mean ± SE or OR (95% CI). Across maturation (time-1 vs time-2): Study infants did not exhibit significant differences across in peristaltic, UES, or LES reflexes (all p > 0.05). In contrast, controls exhibited increased UES resting pressure (13 ± 3 vs 17 ± 3 mmHg, p = 0.001), LES resting pressure (22 ± 3 vs 25 ± 3 mmHg, p < 0.009), LES nadir pressure (0.5 ± 1 vs 4.3 ± 1 mmHg, p = 0.001), and esophago-deglutition responses [2.5 (1.23-4.88), p = 0.04], and decreased secondary peristalsis [0.44 (0.31-0.61), p = 0.001], UESCR [0.4 (0.25-0.65), p = 0.001], LESRR [0.4 (0.24-0.75), p = 0.01], and symptoms [0.6 (0.45-0.83), p = 0.005]. Among infants with dysphagia, esophageal provocation induced peristaltic reflex, UESCR, and LESRR advance with longitudinal maturation when infants are oral-fed successfully, but not in those who received gastrostomy. Underlying mechanisms may be related to esophageal sensitivity, afferent or efferent transmission, and coordination of upstream excitation and downstream inhibition, which can be potential therapeutic targets for improving feeding capabilities after gastrostomy placement in infants with dysphagia.

The effect of central corneal thickness on intraocular pressure values using various tonometers in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intraocular pressure readings from three different tonometers, the Tono-Pen AVIA® (TP), TonoVet® (TV) and TonoVet Plus® (TV+) and to determine how measurements from each tonometer are affected by central corneal thickness (CCT). ANIMALS: Ninety dogs. PROCEDURES: Normal dogs and dogs with ocular disease were selected for study inclusion. Central corneal thickness measurements were gathered with the Pachette 4 ultrasonic pachymeter, and IOP measurements were gathered with the three tonometers in random order. ANOVA or Wilcoxon tests were utilized for overall group comparisons. Linear regression analyses were utilized to determine the association between IOP and CCT. RESULTS: When comparing tonometers to each other, for all dogs, readings from the TV+were significantly different compared to the TV (p = <.0001) and TP (p = <.0001); however, there was no significant difference between the TV and the TP (p = .999). Linear regression did not find any significant correlation between corneal thickness and IOP readings with any tonometer when looking at normal dogs or when including dogs with ocular abnormalities. DISCUSSION: This study did not find a significant correlation between an increase in CCT and increase in IOP reading in any tonometer comparison amongst normal and dogs with ocular abnormalities. The TV+produced consistently and significantly higher readings, but measurements did not exceed the expected IOP range in normal dogs. For consistency, the same tonometer should be used when monitoring IOP over time.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders at a Large Academic Center.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in pediatric functional abdominal pain disorders at a large Midwestern pediatric gastroenterology center. STUDY DESIGN: A survey of patients attending a follow-up visit for functional abdominal pain disorders was completed. Data were collected on demographics, quality of life, use of conventional therapies, patient's opinions, and perception of provider's knowledge of CAM. RESULTS: Of 100 respondents (mean age, 13.3 ± 3.5 years), 47 (60% female) had irritable bowel syndrome, 29 (83% female) had functional dyspepsia, 18 (67% female) had functional abdominal pain, and 6 (83% female) had abdominal migraine (Rome III criteria). Ninety-six percent reported using at least 1 CAM modality. Dietary changes were undertaken by 69%. Multivitamins and probiotics were the most common supplements used by 48% and 33% of respondents, respectively. One-quarter had seen a psychologist. Children with self-reported severe disease were more likely to use exercise (P < .05); those with active symptoms (P < .01) or in a high-income group (P < .05) were more likely to make dietary changes; and those without private insurance (P < .05), or who felt poorly informed regarding CAM (P < .05), were more likely to use vitamins and supplements. Seventy-seven percent of patients described their quality of life as very good or excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CAM in children with functional abdominal pain disorders is common, with a majority reporting a high quality of life. Our study underscores the importance of asking about CAM use and patient/family knowledge of these treatments.

Wound Fluid Cytokine Profile Following Bone Regeneration Procedures.

Clinical parameters available to evaluate early healing phases of bone regeneration procedures are limited. This study explores wound fluid (WF) content for molecular markers to differentiate wound healing responses in the early postoperative period after bone graft placement. Fifteen patients (50 ± 5 years old; 8 men) scheduled to receive tooth extraction and bone graft placement at maxillary nonmolar single-tooth sites were recruited. Primary wound closure was not intended at time of surgery. Gingival crevicular fluid from adjacent teeth or WF from surgical wound edges were collected (30 seconds) at baseline, at 3, 6, and 9 days, and at 1 and 4 months. Multiplex protein assay was used to determine concentration of various wound healing mediators. Immediately after surgery, 87% of surgical sites exhibited open wound. At day 9, mean wound exposure was 4.8 ± 0.4 mm. At 1 month, all wounds were clinically closed. The WF tripled in volume at day 3 and day 6 (P ≤ .05), compared with baseline gingival crevicular fluid, and gradually decreased as wounds closed. The WF concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, placental growth factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, and soluble cluster determinant 40 ligand were increased during early healing days, generally with peak concentration at day 6 (P ≤ .004). Conversely, WF concentrations of IL-18 and epidermal growth factor were decreased after surgery, generally not reaching baseline values until wound closure (P ≤ .008). In general, WF cytokine expression kinetics were concordant with wound closure dynamics (P ≤ .04). These results suggest that WF molecular markers such as IL-6, and to a lesser extent placental growth factor and IL-18, might help differentiate wound healing responses after bone regeneration procedures.

Outcomes and Direct Costs of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement and Retrieval within the IR and Surgical Settings.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes and costs of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement and retrieval in the interventional radiology (IR) and surgical departments at a tertiary-care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review was performed of 142 sequential outpatient IVC filter placements and 244 retrievals performed in the IR suite and operating room (OR) from 2013 to 2016. Patient demographic data, procedural characteristics, outcomes, and direct costs were compared between cohorts. RESULTS: Technical success rates of 100% were achieved for both IR and OR filter placements, and 98% of filters were successfully retrieved by IR means, compared with 83% in the OR (P < .01). Fluoroscopy time was similar for IR and OR filter insertions, but IR retrievals required half the fluoroscopy time, with an average of 9 minutes vs 18 minutes in the OR (P = .02). There was no significant difference between cohorts in the incidences of complications for filter retrievals, but more postprocedural complications were observed for OR placements (8%) vs IR placements (1%; P = .05). The most severe complication occurred during an OR filter retrieval, resulting in entanglement of the snare device and conversion to an emergent open filter removal by vascular surgery. Direct costs were approximately 20% higher for OR vs IR IVC filter placements ($2,246 vs $2,671; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Filter placements are equally successfully performed in IR and OR settings, but OR patients experienced significantly higher postprocedural complication rates and incurred higher costs. In contrast, higher technical success rates and shorter fluoroscopy times were observed for IR filter retrievals compared with those performed in the OR.

Presence of an arterial line improves response to simulated hypotension and pulseless electrical activity.

With pulseless electrical activity (PEA) emerging as one of the leading cardiac arrest arrhythmias, the rapid response and accurate diagnosis of PEA is essential to improve survival rates. Although the use of invasive blood pressure monitoring to more quickly detect changes in blood pressure is widespread, evidence for its use is largely anecdotal and placement is not without risk. This is a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial involving 58 senior anesthesiology residents undergoing a simulation of intraoperative PEA using high-fidelity simulation. Of the total 58 participants, 28 subjects were randomized to invasive blood pressure monitoring and 30 to non-invasive blood pressure monitoring in order to investigate the effects of arterial line information on the response time of ACLS-trained anesthesiology residents. Response times of subjects in the group provided with invasive blood pressure monitoring were faster to palpate pulses (6.5 s faster, p = .0470), initiate chest compressions (17 s faster, p = .004), and administer 1 mg of epinephrine (21 s faster, p = .0005. The absolute number of pharmacologic interventions was increased in the group with invasive blood pressure monitoring (p = .020). These findings suggest that noninvasive blood pressure monitoring and other readily available monitors are not as powerful as invasive blood pressure monitoring in influencing decision-making during a PEA event. As there is currently no specific blood pressure at which the patient is considered to be in PEA, future studies are necessary to clarify the correlation between the arterial line tracing and the appropriate trigger for ACLS initiation.

Conventional versus Drug-Eluting Bead Transarterial Chemoembolization for Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of conventional transarterial chemoembolization with drug-eluting bead (DEB) chemoembolization for treatment of neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center, retrospective study evaluated 177 transarterial chemoembolization treatments (78 conventional chemoembolization treatments using ethiodized oil-based cisplatin, mitomycin C, and doxorubicin and 99 DEB chemoembolization treatments using doxorubicin-loaded 100-300 µm DEBs) from 2012 to 2015. Hepatic disease distribution was 93% bilobar for both groups with largest lesion size 5.0 cm ± 2.7. No difference was noted in regard to lesion size or distribution, carcinoid syndrome, or pancreastatin production. Clinical outcomes including complications; liver function tests (LFTs); and radiologic (modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors), biochemical (pancreastatin levels), and symptomatic responses were evaluated at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Higher symptomatic response (complete and partial) was identified with conventional transarterial chemoembolization compared with DEB chemoembolization (47% vs 30%; P < .05). Patients receiving DEB transarterial chemoembolization experienced lower elevation of LFTs (aspartate aminotransferase, 39 U/L vs 122 U/L; alanine aminotransferase, 20 U/L vs 93 U/L; bilirubin, 0.001 mg/dL vs 0.123 mg/dL; P < .05) and less postembolization syndrome (50% vs 67%; P < .05). Patients undergoing first-time DEB transarterial chemoembolization had lower periprocedural octreotide maximum rate requirements (58 µg/h vs 66 µg/h; P < .05). No difference was observed in biochemical (P = .60) or radiologic (P < .20) responses. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional transarterial chemoembolization yields better symptomatic response and may be preferred for patients experiencing carcinoid symptoms. DEB transarterial chemoembolization, with lower LFT elevations and postembolization syndrome incidence, may be preferred for patients with poor liver function.

The impact of body mass index on patient survival after therapeutic hypothermia after resuscitation.

OBJECTIVES: Therapeutic hypothermia improves survival in patients after cardiac arrest, yet the impact of body mass index (BMI) on survival is lesser known. We hypothesized that nonobese patients would have greater survival post-therapeutic hypothermia than obese patients. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 164 patients who underwent therapeutic hypothermia after resuscitation for cardiac arrest from January 2012 to September 2014. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess for survival based upon BMI and comorbidities (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval). RESULTS: Forty-one percent of patients were obese. Obese patients presented less frequently with ventricular fibrillation (P=.046) but had similar rates of pulseless electrical activity (P=.479) and ventricular tachycardia (P=.262) to nonobese patients. In multivariable analysis, BMI less than 30 kg/m(2), hypertension, presence of pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, high glomerular filtration rate, and low neuron-specific enolase were all associated with increased survival post-therapeutic hypothermia, respectively: 0.36 (0.16-0.78), 0.28 (0.12-0.66), 0.23 (0.08-0.62), 0.25 (0.11-0.56), and 0.37 (0.14-0.96). Other comorbidities demonstrated no association with survival. CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index at least 30 kg/m(2) compared with BMI less than 30 kg/m(2) was a significant risk factor for mortality post-therapeutic hypothermia protocol. Absence of history of hypertension, lack of pacemaker/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, high neuron-specific enolase, and renal disease had greater associations with death. Larger studies will be needed to validate these findings.

The Effect of Platform Switching on Periimplant Crevicular Fluid Content During Early Wound Healing.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the soft tissue response and periimplant crevicular fluid (PICF) content around platform-switched (PS) and platform-matched (PM) implants during early healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nonsmokers treatment planned to receive a single implant in 2 quadrants were recruited. Two-stage implant placement protocol with 1 PM and 1 PS implant was implemented. Periimplant probing depths (PDs), modified sulcus bleeding index, and plaque indices were recorded, and PICF was collected at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after abutment connection. RESULTS: PD readings were higher at week 1 than at week 6 for both groups (P = 0.0005). PD was statistically deeper in PM than in PS at week 1 (P = 0.03). There was a time-dependent decrease in total PICF volume for both groups. This decrease was statistically significant for PS (P = 0.0005), with no differences between the 2 groups at any time (P > 0.05). The decrease observed in both PM and PS for PICF interleukin 6 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1ß, and in PS for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.03). TNF-α was statistically higher in PS than in PM at week 1 (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it seems that periimplant soft tissue response around PM and PS implants is mostly similar during the early healing period.

Antioxidant micronutrients and the risk of renal cell carcinoma in the Women's Health Initiative cohort.

BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the eighth leading cancer among women in incidence and commonly is diagnosed at a more advanced stage. Oxidative stress has been considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of RCC. Various dietary micronutrients have antioxidant properties, including carotenoids and vitamins C and E; thus, diets rich in these nutrients have been evaluated in relation to RCC prevention. The objective of this study was to explore the correlation between antioxidant micronutrients and the risk of RCC. METHODS: In total, 96,196 postmenopausal women who enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) between 1993 and 1998 and were followed through July 2013 were included in this analysis. Dietary micronutrient intake was estimated from the baseline WHI food frequency questionnaire, and data on supplement use were collected using an interview-based inventory procedure. RCC cases were ascertained from follow-up surveys and were centrally adjudicated. The risks for RCC associated with intake of α-carotene, ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, lutein plus zeaxanthin, lycopene, vitamin C, and vitamin E were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: Two hundred forty women with RCC were identified during follow-up. Lycopene intake was inversely associated with RCC risk (P = .015); compared with the lowest quartile of lycopene intake, the highest quartile of intake was associated with a 39% lower risk of RCC (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.97). No other micronutrient was significantly associated with RCC risk. CONCLUSIONS: The current results suggest that further investigation into the correlation between lycopene intake and the risk of RCC is warranted.

Choroid plexus carcinoma in children: the Head Start experience.

BACKGROUND: Choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC) is a rare aggressive intracranial neoplasm with a predilection for young children and a historically poor outcome. Currently, no defined optimal therapeutic strategy exists. The Head Start (HS) regimens have included irradiation-avoiding strategies in young children with malignant brain tumors using high dose chemotherapy to improve survival and minimize neurocognitive sequelae. PROCEDURE: Three sequential HS studies have been conducted from 1991 to 2009. HS treatment strategy has consisted of maximal surgical resection followed by five cycles of intensive induction followed by consolidation myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue (AuHCR). Irradiation was given following recovery from consolidation based on the patient's age and evidence of residual disease. RESULTS: Twelve children with CPC (median age of 19.5 months) have been treated with HS regimens. Ten patients had >95% resection. Three patients had disseminated disease at diagnosis. Ten patients completed consolidation of whom five are alive, irradiation and disease free at 29, 43, 61, 66 and 89 months from diagnosis. Seven patients experienced tumor recurrence/progression at a median time of 13 months (range 2-43 months). Five patients received irradiation, one for residual disease and four upon progression or recurrence, of whom one is alive at 61 months. The 3- and 5-year progression-free survivals are 58% and 38% and overall survivals 83% and 62% respectively. Late deaths from disease beyond 5 years were also noted. CONCLUSION: Head Start strategies may produce long-term remission in young children with newly diagnosed CPC with avoidance of cranial irradiation.

CT Gray-Level Texture Analysis as a Quantitative Imaging Biomarker of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation Status in Adenocarcinoma of the Lung.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiogenomic correlation between CT gray-level texture features and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in adenocarcinoma of the lung. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 25 patients with exon 19 short inframe deletion (exon 19) and 21 patients with exon 21 L858R point (exon 21) EGFR mutations among 125 patients with EGFR mutant adenocarcinoma of the lung. The randomly formed control group consisted of 20 patients selected from 126 patients with EGFR mutation-negative (wild-type) adenocarcinomas. Five gray-level texture features (contrast, correlation, inverse difference moment, angular second moment, and entropy) were analyzed. RESULTS: Contrast differentiated both exon 19 (p = 0.00027) and exon 21 (p = 0.00001) mutants from the wild type. Wild-type adenocarcinomas had high scores for contrast (mean, 1598.547) compared with EGFR mutants (mean, 679.463). Correlation differentiated both exon 19 (p = 0.017) and exon 21 (p = 0.0015) mutants from wild-type adenocarcinomas. Inverse difference moment differentiated exon 19 mutants from exon 21 mutants (p = 0.019) and both exon 19 (p = 0.044) and exon 21 (p = 0.00001) mutants from wild-type adenocarcinomas. Angular second moment and entropy were not associated with statistically significant differences between mutation statuses. CONCLUSION: Contrast, correlation, and inverse difference moment texture features correlate with EGFR mutation status in adenocarcinoma of the lung. Further investigation with larger prospective studies is needed to validate the role of CT gray-level texture analysis as a quantitative imaging biomarker.

Immediate effects of tooth extraction on ridge integrity and dimensions.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess possible immediate post-extraction changes in ridge integrity and width. METHODS: Tooth extractions (53 teeth in 30 adults) were performed following atraumatic techniques. Root trunk and ridge width were measured at the crest level in buccolingual direction. Similarly, socket width and buccal plate thickness were also determined. Pre- and post-extraction buccal plate dehiscence, fenestration, or fracture was recorded. Diameter and length of extracted tooth root were also measured. Multinomial logistic regression was used to reveal relationships between ridge outcome (expanded, stable, or collapsed groups) and assessed tooth/site parameters. RESULTS: Post-extraction, buccal plate fracture developed in 5 (9%), dehiscence in 15 (28%), and complete buccal plate loss in 2 sites (4%). Following extraction, ridge width was expanded in 30 (57%), collapsed in 12 (23%), and remained unchanged in 11 (21%) sites. In most sites (72%), post-extraction socket size was wider than pre-extraction root trunk width (p < 0.0001). Socket size was a statistically significant predictor for ridge outcome (expansion or collapse compared to stable) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Loss of ridge integrity is uncommon, while ridge width expansion is a common finding immediately following tooth extraction. The significance of such expansion compared to integrity of socket walls remains to be established. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tooth extraction approaches that preserve ridge integrity are accompanied by mainly ridge expansion in ridge width. The significance of such immediate changes for the long-term ridge outcomes (i.e., effect on bone remodeling especially in relation to buccal bone integrity) needs further investigation.

Perceived stress predicts allergy flares.

BACKGROUND: A relation between stress and symptoms of rhinitis has not been established. OBJECTIVE: To determine if participants' reporting of allergy flares correlated with perceived emotional stress, depression, mood, and a biomarker of stress (cortisol). METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of 179 university employees who participated in a study evaluating the influence of several lifestyle interventions on health symptoms and inflammation. Perceived stress and depressive symptom questionnaires were obtained before each 2-week study period. Online diary entries documenting same-day allergy flares, stressful events, perceived stress, mood, and salivary cortisol levels were collected daily during 2 14-day blocks. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of subjects (n = 69) self-reported allergy symptoms. This allergy flare group had higher perceived stress scores than the group without allergy symptoms. Perceived stress, but not depressive symptoms, positively correlated with allergy flares evaluated during 2 independent 14-day periods. There also was a positive relation between negative mood scores and allergy flares over the course of the study. Cortisol had no association with allergy symptom flares. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that individuals with persistent emotional stress have more frequent allergy flares. Furthermore, those with more flares have greater negative mood.

Characteristics of esophageal refluxate and symptoms in infants compared between pre-treatment and on treatment with proton pump inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: To examine longitudinal pH-impedance characteristics from those infants who remained on proton pump inhibitors therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as parents/providers refused to discontinue therapy after 4 weeks. STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen infants with acid reflux index >3% underwent treatment, and pH-impedance data were compared prior to and on proton pump inhibitors at 42 ± 1 and 46 ± 1 weeks' postmenstrual age, respectively. Esophageal acid and bolus exposure, symptoms and swallowing characteristics were examined. RESULTS: Proton pump inhibitors reduces the acid-mediated effects of reflux but modifies impedance and clearance mechanisms (P < 0.05). Prolonged therapy did not reduce symptoms (P > 0.05). Infants evaluated while on proton pump inhibitors were 1.8 times more likely to have swallows before and after reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Prescription of proton pump inhibitors for objectively determined GERD should have time limits, as prolonged treatment can result in prolonged esophageal bolus clearance time without relieving symptoms.