Harmonizing data on correlates of sleep in children within and across neurodevelopmental disorders: lessons learned from an Ontario Brain Institute cross-program collaboration.

There is an increasing desire to study neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) together to understand commonalities to develop generic health promotion strategies and improve clinical treatment. Common data elements (CDEs) collected across studies involving children with NDDs afford an opportunity to answer clinically meaningful questions. We undertook a retrospective, secondary analysis of data pertaining to sleep in children with different NDDs collected through various research studies. The objective of this paper is to share lessons learned for data management, collation, and harmonization from a sleep study in children within and across NDDs from large, collaborative research networks in the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI). Three collaborative research networks contributed demographic data and data pertaining to sleep, internalizing symptoms, health-related quality of life, and severity of disorder for children with six different NDDs: autism spectrum disorder; attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; obsessive compulsive disorder; intellectual disability; cerebral palsy; and epilepsy. Procedures for data harmonization, derivations, and merging were shared and examples pertaining to severity of disorder and sleep disturbances were described in detail. Important lessons emerged from data harmonizing procedures: prioritizing the collection of CDEs to ensure data completeness; ensuring unprocessed data are uploaded for harmonization in order to facilitate timely analytic procedures; the value of maintaining variable naming that is consistent with data dictionaries at time of project validation; and the value of regular meetings with the research networks to discuss and overcome challenges with data harmonization. Buy-in from all research networks involved at study inception and oversight from a centralized infrastructure (OBI) identified the importance of collaboration to collect CDEs and facilitate data harmonization to improve outcomes for children with NDDs.

Evaluating the Current State of Epilepsy Care in the Province of Ontario.

There are numerous challenges pertaining to epilepsy care across Ontario, including Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) bed pressures, surgical access and community supports. We sampled the current clinical, community and operational state of Ontario epilepsy centres and community epilepsy agencies post COVID-19 pandemic. A 44-item survey was distributed to all 11 district and regional adult and paediatric Ontario epilepsy centres. Qualitative responses were collected from community epilepsy agencies. Results revealed ongoing gaps in epilepsy care across Ontario, with EMU bed pressures and labour shortages being limiting factors. A clinical network advising the Ontario Ministry of Health will improve access to epilepsy care.

Atypical Presentation of Spitz Nevus: A Case Report.

Introduction: The Spitz nevus (SN) is an acquired melanocytic neoplasm composed of epithelioid and/or spindle cells, which tends to develop in childhood. In pediatric patients, it is usually located on the face and neck. Unusual locations have been found in the literature, such as the penis, mouth, and tongue, as well as 2 cases of ungual SN. Case Report: A 15-year-old male evaluated for dark brown-black longitudinal melanonychia that covered 40% of the nail, with pseudo-Hutchinson's sign, of 1 year of evolution. Discussion: The SN accounts for 1% of the melanocytic neoplasms. In the present paper, we show the third case of ungual SN never previously disclosed, which presents a zigzag pattern reported in the literature for its association with the pediatric population.

Alternative conceptions of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 assumed by Basic Education pre-service teachers. A case study for Universidad Técnica del Norte, Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Almost at the end of 2022, the world is experiencing a relative calm after the rigors imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing the ideas, feelings and procedures used by people in this type of unexpected events, which exceeded all established standards of educational and health actions, can help us be prepared for the possible occurrence of similar events. This study aims to determine the main alternative conceptions that pre-service teachers hold about the pandemic and the post-pandemic within the framework of the four basic pillars of Education. METHODS: A case study was conducted using an ethnographic approach. The unit of analysis was made up of 227 students from the major of Primary Education at Universidad Técnica del Norte. Two research instruments were used to collect the data: a test for verbal associations where participants can express themselves freely with hierarchical, substitution and connotative evocations; and Specialized Analytical Summary sheets to revise and organize specialized scientific texts. The data was analyzed using the IRaMuTeQ software. RESULTS: At first glance, what was expressed in the two contexts, both in the pandemic and in the post-pandemic, show a similar structure; however, a deeper analysis reveals different perspectives. CONCLUSIONS: In the end, the alternative conceptions moved from expressing fear to tranquility.

Trajectories of parent well-being in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: This longitudinal cohort study aimed to identify trajectories of parent well-being over the first 2 years after their child's evaluation for candidacy for epilepsy surgery, and to identify the baseline clinical and demographic characteristics associated with these trajectories. Parent well-being was based on parent depressive and anxiety symptoms and family resources (i.e., family mastery and social support). METHODS: Parents of 259 children with drug-resistant epilepsy (105 of whom eventually had surgery) were recruited from eight epilepsy centers across Canada at the time of their evaluation for epilepsy surgery candidacy. Participants were assessed at baseline and 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up. The trajectories of parents' depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and family resources were jointly estimated using multigroup latent class growth models. RESULTS: The analyses identified three trajectories: an optimal-stable group with no/minimal depressive or anxiety symptoms, and high family resources that remained stable over time; a mild-decreasing-plateau group with mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that decreased over time then plateaued, and intermediate family resources that remained stable; and a moderate-decreasing group with moderate depressive and anxiety symptoms that decreased slightly, and low family resources that remained stable over time. Parents of children with higher health-related quality of life, fathers, and parents who had higher household income were more likely to have better trajectories of well-being. Treatment type was not associated with the trajectory groups, but parents whose children were seizure-free at the time of the last follow-up were more likely to have better trajectories (optimal-stable or mild-decreasing-plateau trajectories). SIGNIFICANCE: This study documented distinct trajectories of parent well-being, from the time of the child's evaluation for epilepsy surgery. Parents who present with anxiety and depressive symptoms and low family resources do not do well over time. They should be identified and offered supportive services early in their child's epilepsy treatment history.

Machine learning models for predicting seizure outcome after MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy in children.

OBJECTIVE: MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is associated with lower seizure-free outcome but better safety profile compared to open surgery. However, the predictors of seizure freedom following MRgLITT remain uncertain. This study aimed to use machine learning to predict seizure-free outcome following MRgLITT and to identify important predictors of seizure freedom in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS: This multicenter study included children treated with MRgLITT for drug-resistant epilepsy at 13 epilepsy centers. The authors used clinical data, diagnostic investigations, and ablation features to predict seizure-free outcome at 1 year post-MRgLITT. Patients from 12 centers formed the training cohort, and patients in the remaining center formed the testing cohort. Five machine learning algorithms were developed on the training data by using 10-fold cross-validation, and model performance was measured on the testing cohort. The models were developed and tested on the complete feature set. Subsequently, 3 feature selection methods were used to identify important predictors. The authors then assessed performance of the parsimonious models based on these important variables. RESULTS: This study included 268 patients who underwent MRgLITT, of whom 44.4% had achieved seizure freedom at 1 year post-MRgLITT. A gradient-boosting machine algorithm using the complete feature set yielded the highest area under the curve (AUC) on the testing set (AUC 0.67 [95% CI 0.50-0.82], sensitivity 0.71 [95% CI 0.47-0.88], and specificity 0.66 [95% CI 0.50-0.81]). Logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and neural network yielded lower AUCs (0.58-0.63) compared to the gradient-boosting machine but the findings were not statistically significant (all p > 0.05). The 3 feature selection methods identified video-EEG concordance, lesion size, preoperative seizure frequency, and number of antiseizure medications as good prognostic features for predicting seizure freedom. The parsimonious models based on important features identified by univariate feature selection slightly improved model performance compared to the complete feature set. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the predictors of seizure freedom after MRgLITT will assist with prognostication.

Pre-Operative Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life Two Years After Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Seizure freedom is an important predictor of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after pediatric epilepsy surgery. This study aimed to identify the pre-operative predictors of HRQOL 2 years after epilepsy surgery in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. METHODS: This multicenter prospective cohort study assessed pre-operative predictors including child (demographics and clinical variables), caregiver (including caregiver depressive and anxiety symptoms) and family characteristics. HRQOL was assessed using the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE)-55 pre-operatively and 2-years after surgery. Univariable linear regression analyses were done to identify significant preoperative predictors of HRQOL 2-years after surgery, followed by multivariable regression. RESULTS: Ninety-five children underwent surgery, mean age was 11.4 (SD=4.2) years, and 59 (62%) were male. Mean QOLCE scores were 57.4 (95%CI: 53.8, 61.0) pre-operatively and 65.6 (95%CI: 62.0, 69.1) after surgery. Univariable regression showed fewer anti-seizure medications (ß=-6.1 [95%CI: -11.2, -1.0], p = 0.019), older age at seizure onset (ß=1.6 [95%CI: 0.8, 2.4], p<0.001), higher pre-operative HRQOL (ß=0.7 [95%CI: 0.5, 0.8], p<0.001), higher family resources (ß=0.6 [95%CI: 0.3, 0.9], p<0.001), better family relationships (ß=1.7 [95%CI: 0.3, 3.1], p = 0.017) and lower family demands (ß=-0.9 [95%CI: -1.5, -0.4], p<0.001) were associated with higher HRQOL after surgery. Caregiver characteristics did not predict HRQOL after surgery (p>0.05). Multivariable regression showed older age at seizure onset (ß=4.6 [95%CI: 1.6, 7.6], p = 0.003) and higher pre-operative HRQOL (ß=10.2 [95%CI: 6.8, 13.6], p<0.001) were associated with higher HRQOL after surgery. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the importance of optimizing pre-operative HRQOL to maximize HRQOL outcome after pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Clinical and radiological improvement in Gorham-Stout disease after sirolimus treatment.

BACKGROUND: Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a rare syndrome characterized by lymphatic malformations, mainly in bone structures, causing progressive osteolysis. Lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation depends on several growth factors that use the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and converge on the mammalian target molecule of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. These findings have allowed treating GSD with mTOR pathway inhibitors such as sirolimus or everolimus. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a one-year-old female patient referred to our institution after a right femur fracture and progressive limb volume increase, disproportionately to the trauma. After several episodes of soft tissue infections, imaging studies showed pseudarthrosis, lytic lesions, and progressive loss of the right femur that ended in total absence. A femur biopsy showed lymphatic structures positive with D2-40 staining, diagnosing GSD. After six months of non-response to traditional treatments, the limb was disarticulated at the hip level, and oral sirolimus treatment was initiated, showing clinical and radiological improvement with minor lytic lesions and evidence of ossification after 20 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Oral sirolimus treatment for GSD inhibits angiogenesis and osteoclastic activity, stimulating bone anabolism and leading to arrested osteolysis progression and improved ossification, quality of life, and patient prognosis. Therefore, sirolimus should be considered a therapeutic option for this rare disease.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad de Gorham-Stout es un trastorno poco frecuente caracterizado por malformaciones linfáticas localizadas sobre estructuras óseas que causan osteólisis progresiva. La proliferación de células endoteliales linfáticas depende de factores de crecimiento que utilizan la vía de la fosfoinositida-3 cinasa (PI3K)/Akt y convergen en la vía de la molécula diana de rapamicina de los mamíferos (mTOR). Este conocimiento ha permitido el tratamiento de esta enfermedad con inhibidores de esta vía como sirolimus o everolimus. CASO CLÍNICO: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino de un año referida a nuestra institución tras presentar fractura de fémur derecho y aumento de volumen de dicha extremidad posterior a un traumatismo. Después de diversos episodios de infecciones de tejidos blandos se realizaron estudios de imagen que mostraron pseudoartrosis, lesiones líticas y ausencia total del fémur derecho, así como una biopsia de fémur que mostró estructuras vasculares positivas con tinción D2-40, diagnosticándose enfermedad de Gorham-Stout. Durante su abordaje, se realizó la desarticulación de la extremidad a nivel de la cadera y se inició tratamiento con sirolimus oral, presentando una mejoría clínica y radiológica con menores lesiones líticas y evidencia de osificación posterior a 20 meses de tratamiento. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento con sirolimus oral para la enfermedad de Gorham-Stout inhibe la actividad osteoclástica y la angiogénesis, estimulando el anabolismo óseo que resulta en la detención de la progresión de la osteólisis y una mejoría en la osificación, la calidad de vida y el pronóstico del paciente. Por tal motivo, el sirolimus debe considerarse como una opción terapéutica para esta enfermedad.

Insights and protocols for discrimination of sugarcane clones by dissimilarity measures on RGB and NIR data.

In sugarcane breeding, dense experiments have been considered in the initial phase (T1), such as the Simplified System (SS) of genotype selection. In this method, the seedlings of each family are transplanted directly from the seed box to the field, forming a kind of carpet. Despite the practical aspect of the method, selection problems are common, as stalks from the same individual within the family are subject to being taken to later evaluation stages, to the detriment of stalks from different individuals. To facilitate the discrimination of stalks of the same family in SS, we evaluated using RGB images (red:green:blue) and NIR (near infrared) spectra. We applied Euclidean distance (D) and Mahalanobis distance (D2) dissimilarity measures to the image and spectral data to distinguish stalks with different genotypes. RGB and NIR data were taken from type +1 leaf samples collected from two experimental blocks, totaling 31 evaluated families. The analyzes were carried out in two stages. In the first stage, we sought to evaluate the classification capacity using RGB images and NIR spectra, using D as a measure of dissimilarity. In the second step, we developed and validated a protocol using RGB images to classify clones, with D2 as a dissimilarity measure. Preliminary results, with distance D, allowed to discriminate clones based on the distance of the evaluated attributes and their combinations. In addition, with the analyzes using the D distance, it was identified that only the use of the R attribute (red band) would give satisfactory results for the second stage, which was the proposed analysis protocol, applying the D2 distance. The D2 statistic and associated p-value confirmed the protocol's usefulness in discriminating stalks in SS, especially stalks from the same families.

The development of the pediatric stroke neuroimaging platform (PEDSNIP).

Childhood stroke occurs from birth to 18 years of age, ranks among the top ten childhood causes of death, and leaves lifelong neurological impairments. Arterial ischemic stroke in infancy and childhood occurs due to arterial occlusion in the brain, resulting in a focal lesion. Our understanding of mechanisms of injury and repair associated with focal injury in the developing brain remains rudimentary. Neuroimaging can reveal important insights into these mechanisms. In adult stroke population, multi-center neuroimaging studies are common and have accelerated the translation process leading to improvements in treatment and outcome. These studies are centered on the growing evidence that neuroimaging measures and other biomarkers (e.g., from blood and cerebrospinal fluid) can enhance our understanding of mechanisms of risk and injury and be used as complementary outcome markers. These factors have yet to be studied in pediatric stroke because most neuroimaging studies in this population have been conducted in single-centred, small cohorts. By pooling neuroimaging data across multiple sites, larger cohorts of patients can significantly boost study feasibility and power in elucidating mechanisms of brain injury, repair and outcomes. These aims are particularly relevant in pediatric stroke because of the decreased incidence rates and the lack of mechanism-targeted trials. Toward these aims, we developed the Pediatric Stroke Neuroimaging Platform (PEDSNIP) in 2015, funded by The Brain Canada Platform Support Grant, to focus on three identified neuroimaging priorities. These were: developing and harmonizing multisite clinical protocols, creating the infrastructure and methods to import, store and organize the large clinical neuroimaging dataset from multiple sites through the International Pediatric Stroke Study (IPSS), and enabling central searchability. To do this, developed a two-pronged approach that included building 1) A Clinical-MRI Data Repository (standard of care imaging) linked to clinical data and longitudinal outcomes and 2) A Research-MRI neuroimaging data set acquired through our extensive collaborative, multi-center, multidisciplinary network. This dataset was collected prospectively in eight North American centers to test the feasibility and implementation of harmonized advanced Research-MRI, with the addition of clinical information, genetic and proteomic studies, in a cohort of children presenting with acute ischemic stroke. Here we describe the process that enabled the development of PEDSNIP built to provide the infrastructure to support neuroimaging research priorities in pediatric stroke. Having built this Platform, we are now able to utilize the largest neuroimaging and clinical data pool on pediatric stroke data worldwide to conduct hypothesis-driven research. We are actively working on a bioinformatics approach to develop predictive models of risk, injury and repair and accelerate breakthrough discoveries leading to mechanism-targeted treatments that improve outcomes and minimize the burden following childhood stroke. This unique transformational resource for scientists and researchers has the potential to result in a paradigm shift in the management, outcomes and quality of life in children with stroke and their families, with far-reaching benefits for other brain conditions of people across the lifespan.

Clinical and radiological improvement in Gorham-Stout disease after sirolimus treatment / Mejoría clínica y radiológica en la enfermedad de Gorham-Stout después del tratamiento con sirolimus

Abstract Background: Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a rare syndrome characterized by lymphatic malformations, mainly in bone structures, causing progressive osteolysis. Lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation depends on several growth factors that use the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and converge on the mammalian target molecule of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. These findings have allowed treating GSD with mTOR pathway inhibitors such as sirolimus or everolimus. Case report: We present the case of a one-year-old female patient referred to our institution after a right femur fracture and progressive limb volume increase, disproportionately to the trauma. After several episodes of soft tissue infections, imaging studies showed pseudarthrosis, lytic lesions, and progressive loss of the right femur that ended in total absence. A femur biopsy showed lymphatic structures positive with D2-40 staining, diagnosing GSD. After six months of non-response to traditional treatments, the limb was disarticulated at the hip level, and oral sirolimus treatment was initiated, showing clinical and radiological improvement with minor lytic lesions and evidence of ossification after 20 months of treatment. Conclusions: Oral sirolimus treatment for GSD inhibits angiogenesis and osteoclastic activity, stimulating bone anabolism and leading to arrested osteolysis progression and improved ossification, quality of life, and patient prognosis. Therefore, sirolimus should be considered a therapeutic option for this rare disease.

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad de Gorham-Stout es un trastorno poco frecuente caracterizado por malformaciones linfáticas localizadas sobre estructuras óseas que causan osteólisis progresiva. La proliferación de células endoteliales linfáticas depende de factores de crecimiento que utilizan la vía de la fosfoinositida-3 cinasa (PI3K)/Akt y convergen en la vía de la molécula diana de rapamicina de los mamíferos (mTOR). Este conocimiento ha permitido el tratamiento de esta enfermedad con inhibidores de esta vía como sirolimus o everolimus. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino de un año referida a nuestra institución tras presentar fractura de fémur derecho y aumento de volumen de dicha extremidad posterior a un traumatismo. Después de diversos episodios de infecciones de tejidos blandos se realizaron estudios de imagen que mostraron pseudoartrosis, lesiones líticas y ausencia total del fémur derecho, así como una biopsia de fémur que mostró estructuras vasculares positivas con tinción D2-40, diagnosticándose enfermedad de Gorham-Stout. Durante su abordaje, se realizó la desarticulación de la extremidad a nivel de la cadera y se inició tratamiento con sirolimus oral, presentando una mejoría clínica y radiológica con menores lesiones líticas y evidencia de osificación posterior a 20 meses de tratamiento. Conclusiones: El tratamiento con sirolimus oral para la enfermedad de Gorham-Stout inhibe la actividad osteoclástica y la angiogénesis, estimulando el anabolismo óseo que resulta en la detención de la progresión de la osteólisis y una mejoría en la osificación, la calidad de vida y el pronóstico del paciente. Por tal motivo, el sirolimus debe considerarse como una opción terapéutica para esta enfermedad.

Impact of Brahman genetics on skin histology characteristics with implications for heat tolerance in cattle.

Cattle lose heat predominantly through cutaneous evaporation at the skin-hair coat interface when experiencing heat stress. Sweating ability, sweat gland properties, and hair coat properties are a few of the many variables determining the efficacy of evaporative cooling. Sweating is a significant heat dissipation mechanism responsible for 85% of body heat loss when temperatures rise above 86°F. The purpose of this study was to characterize skin morphological parameters in Angus, Brahman, and their crossbred cattle. Skin samples were taken during the summer of 2017 and 2018 from a total of 319 heifers from six breed groups ranging from 100% Angus to 100% Brahman. Epidermis thickness decreased as the percentage of Brahman genetics increased where the 100% Angus group had a significantly thicker epidermis compared to the 100% Brahman animals. A more extended epidermis layer was identified in Brahman animals due to more pronounced undulations in this skin layer. Breed groups with 75% and 100% Brahman genes were similar and had the largest sweat gland area, indicative of superior resilience to heat stress, compared to breed groups with 50% or lower Brahman genetics. There was a significant linear breed group effect on sweat gland area indicating an increase of 862.0 µm2 for every 25% increase in Brahman genetics. Sweat gland length increased as the Brahman percentage increased, while the sweat gland depth showed an opposite trend, decreasing from 100% Angus to 100% Brahman. The number of sebaceous glands was highest in 100% Brahman animals which had about 1.77 more sebaceous glands (p < 0.05) per 4.6 mm2area. Conversely, the sebaceous gland area was greatest in the 100% Angus group. This study identified significant differences in skin properties related to heat exchange ability between Brahman and Angus cattle. Equally important, these differences are also accompanied by significant levels of variation within each breed, which is indicative that selection for these skin traits would improve the heat exchange ability in beef cattle. Further, selecting beef cattle for these skin traits would lead to increased resilience to heat stress without disrupting production traits.

Broadening the phenotypic and molecular spectrum of FINCA syndrome: Biallelic NHLRC2 variants in 15 novel individuals.

FINCA syndrome [MIM: 618278] is an autosomal recessive multisystem disorder characterized by fibrosis, neurodegeneration and cerebral angiomatosis. To date, 13 patients from nine families with biallelic NHLRC2 variants have been published. In all of them, the recurrent missense variant p.(Asp148Tyr) was detected on at least one allele. Common manifestations included lung or muscle fibrosis, respiratory distress, developmental delay, neuromuscular symptoms and seizures often followed by early death due to rapid disease progression.Here, we present 15 individuals from 12 families with an overlapping phenotype associated with nine novel NHLRC2 variants identified by exome analysis. All patients described here presented with moderate to severe global developmental delay and variable disease progression. Seizures, truncal hypotonia and movement disorders were frequently observed. Notably, we also present the first eight cases in which the recurrent p.(Asp148Tyr) variant was not detected in either homozygous or compound heterozygous state.We cloned and expressed all novel and most previously published non-truncating variants in HEK293-cells. From the results of these functional studies, we propose a potential genotype-phenotype correlation, with a greater reduction in protein expression being associated with a more severe phenotype.Taken together, our findings broaden the known phenotypic and molecular spectrum and emphasize that NHLRC2-related disease should be considered in patients presenting with intellectual disability, movement disorders, neuroregression and epilepsy with or without pulmonary involvement.

Families' Knowledge Change in Paediatric Drug Resistant Epilepsy: A Novel Clinic Model.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a chronic condition that affects approximately 95,000 Ontarians, of whom approximately 15,000 are children under the age of 18. Drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) will affect around 30% of these children who will require more advanced care due to their medical complexities. The purpose of this study is to determine if receiving care in a paediatric Comprehensive Epilepsy Clinic (CEC) is associated with positive outcomes for children living with DRE and their families by looking at three health outcomes: 1) families' knowledge of their child's diagnosis and treatment plan, 2) navigational access to both the hospital and community epilepsy services, and 3) health behaviours. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study in which families of children diagnosed with DRE would be exposed to a CEC care model for the first time and followed for 6-months after enrollment. This was analyzed by utilizing surveys from new families at baseline and 6 months post receiving care within a CEC. RESULTS: Results revealed a statistical significance in change of knowledge in families' knowing the type of epilepsy their child has and what epilepsy co-morbidities are. Families' also had a significant change in utilizing hospital epilepsy resources and knowing who to contact in the community and hospital for their epilepsy related questions. CONCLUSION: A CEC model improves families' knowledge about epilepsy diagnosis and treatment plan, navigational access to both the hospital and community epilepsy services, and health behaviours.

A longitudinal cohort study of mediators of health-related quality of life after pediatric epilepsy surgery or medical treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this longitudinal cohort study was to examine the variables that influence health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after epilepsy surgery in children. We examined whether treatment type (surgical vs medical therapy) and seizure control are related to other variables that have been shown to influence HRQOL, namely depressive symptoms in children with epilepsy or their parents, and the availability of family resources. METHODS: In total, 265 children with drug-resistant epilepsy were recruited from eight epilepsy centers across Canada at the time of their evaluation for candidacy for epilepsy surgery and were assessed at baseline, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up. Parents completed the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE-55) and measures of family resources and depression; children completed depression inventories. Causal mediation analyses using natural effect models were used to evaluate the extent to which the relationship between treatment and HRQOL was explained by seizure control, child and parent depressive symptoms, and family resources. RESULTS: Overall, 111 children underwent surgery and 154 were treated with medical therapy only. The HRQOL scores of surgical patients were 3.4 points higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.2, 7.0) relative to medical patients at the 2-year follow-up after adjusting for baseline covariates, with 66% of the effect of surgery attributed to seizure control. Child or parent depressive symptoms and family resources had negligible mediation effects between treatment and HRQOL. The effect of seizure control on HRQOL was not mediated by child or parent depressive symptoms, or by family resources. SIGNIFICANCE: The findings demonstrate that seizure control is on the causal pathway between epilepsy surgery and improved HRQOL in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. However, child and parent depressive symptoms and family resources were not significant mediators. The results highlight the importance of achieving seizure control to improve HRQOL.

Potential Strengths and Weaknesses in Hospital Resilience in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil: A Case Study.

The analysis of hospital resilience is essential in understanding how health services prepared for and responded to sudden shocks and unexpected challenges in the COVID-19 health crisis. This study aimed to analyze the resilience of a referral hospital in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main theoretical approach based on resilience is the system's capacity to maintain essential functions and to absorb, adapt, and transform in the face of unprecedented or unexpected changes. A single case study approach was used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of this response capacity. Data triangulation was employed. Data were collected from April (beginning of case discharges) to October 2020 (decrease in the moving average of cases in 2020). A content analysis was then conducted. Data were analyzed in relation to context, effects, strategies, and impacts in facing the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The results indicated the occurrence of four configurations mostly favorable to hospital resilience during the study period. Among the main strengths were: injection of financial resources; implementation of new hospital protocols; formation of a support network; equipping and continuing education of professionals; and proactive leadership. Weaknesses found in the analysis included: initial insufficiency of personal protective equipment and confirmatory tests; difficulties in restructuring work schedules; increasing illness among professionals; stress generated by constant changes and work overload; sense of discrimination for being a health professional; lack of knowledge about the clinical management of the disease; and the reduction of non-COVID assistance services.

Does the duration of video-EEG recording influence diagnostic yield in pediatric epilepsy: Results from a single center study.

AIM: This exploratory study examines the association of the duration of electroencephalography (EEG) recordings to diagnostic yield in children undergoing evaluation for seizures. METHOD: Clinical and EEG data on three hundred and ten patients (167 males and 143 females) were reviewed retrospectively. 134 (43.2%) children with focal-onset seizures, and 59 (19%) children with generalized-onset seizures. The mean duration of recordings in studies interpreted as "diagnostic" was compared to studies that were interpreted as "non-diagnostic". EMU recordings were also compared to routine EEG studies to identify the relationship between routine EEG and diagnostic studies. RESULTS: The principal finding of this study indicates that a longer duration of monitoring is more likely to be associated with a positive diagnostic yield. Mean duration of recording in children with a "non-diagnostic study" was 31.05 hours versus 44.27 hours; p < 0.001 in a "diagnostic study". EMU recordings are likely to be diagnostic with longer epilepsy duration (2.6 years vs 3.7 years; p < 0.01). A diagnostic EEG from a prolonged recording is more likely to be achieved in children with abnormal routine EEG and focal-onset seizures. p < 0.001. INTERPRETATION: Tailoring the optimal duration of EEG recordings and factoring in confounding variables will reduce the need for repeated studies, improving diagnostic utility and permitting efficient utilization of resources.

A Shared Decision-Making Process Utilizing a Decision Coach in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery.

BACKGROUND & RATIONALE: The process to evaluate candidacy for epilepsy surgery is lengthy and stressful for caregivers, therefore the decision can be challenging. There is not a lot of information in regard to how families of a child living with epilepsy navigate the stressful decision during surgical candidacy evaluation. With difficult decisions comes the possibility of increased decisional conflict in both the child and the family. METHODS: A project designed to provide greater knowledge to the family was conducted utilizing the shared decision-making (SDM) process to assist families in the decision-making during surgical candidacy evaluation; this was done using a decision coach, who is an unbiased health care professional, providing families with evidence-based information and support tools while supporting them in making decisions based on their values. RESULTS: Results reveal that 90% (45 of 50) of families offered a consult with the decision coach agreed to participate. For these families, 78% (35 of 45) felt they were ready to move forward with surgery after the consult and 22% (10 of 45) felt they needed more information and testing. There was a significant improvement in the level of decisional conflict, uncertainty, and perception of preparation for decision making for the caregivers between the first and second consult, although 60% of families did not complete the postconflict survey. CONCLUSIONS: The SDM process assists families in their need for more knowledge regarding risks, benefits, and options for treatment before making a surgical choice. SDM utilizing an impartial decision coach outside the direct circle of care and individualized epilepsy surgery education aids improves parental decision conflict and satisfaction.

Trajectory of Health-Related Quality of Life After Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery.

Importance: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is regarded as a key outcome for evaluating treatment efficacy. However, it is uncertain how HRQOL evolves after epilepsy surgery compared with medical therapy, such as whether it continues to improve over time, improves and then remains stable, or deteriorates after a period of time. Objective: To assess trajectory of HRQOL over 2 years in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) treated with surgery compared with medical therapy. Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospective cohort study assessing HRQOL longitudinally over 2 years. Participants were children recruited from 8 epilepsy centers in Canada from 2014 to 2019 with suspected DRE aged 4 to 18 years who were evaluated for surgery. Data were analyzed from May 2014 to December 2021. Exposures: Epilepsy surgery or medical therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures: HRQOL was measured using the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE)-55. HRQOL and seizure frequency were assessed at baseline, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-ups. Clinical, parent, and family characteristics were assessed at baseline. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate HRQOL over time, adjusting for baseline clinical, parent, and family characteristics. Results: There were 111 surgical and 154 medical patients (mean [SD] age at baseline was 11.0 [4.1] years; 118 [45%] were female). At baseline, HRQOL was similar among surgical and medical patients. HRQOL of surgical patients was 3.0 (95% CI, -0.7 to 6.8) points higher at 6-month, 4.9 (95% CI, 0.7 to 9.1) points higher at 1-year, and 5.1 (95% CI, 0.7 to 9.5) points higher at 2-year follow-ups compared with medical patients. Surgical patients experienced greater improvements in social functioning relative to medical patients, but not for cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning. At 2-year follow-up, 72% of surgical patients were seizure-free, compared with 33% of medical patients. Seizure-free patients reported higher HRQOL than those who were not. Conclusions and Relevance: This study provided evidence on the association between epilepsy surgery and children's HRQOL, with improvement in HRQOL occurring within the first year and remaining stable 2 years after surgery. By demonstrating that surgery improved seizure freedom and HRQOL, which has downstream effects such as better educational attainment, reduced health care resource utilization, and health care cost, these findings suggest that the high costs of surgery are justified, and that improved access to epilepsy surgery is necessary.

Seizure outcome of pediatric magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy versus open surgery: A matched noninferiority cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) has been proposed as an alternative to open epilepsy surgery, to address concerns regarding the risk of open surgery. Our primary hypothesis was that seizure freedom at 1 year after MRgLITT is noninferior to open surgery in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). The secondary hypothesis was that MRgLITT has fewer complications and shorter hospitalization than surgery. The primary objective was to compare seizure outcome of MRgLITT to open surgery in children with DRE. The secondary objective was to compare complications and length of hospitalization of the two treatments. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter cohort study included children with DRE treated with MRgLITT or open surgery with 1-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria were corpus callosotomy, neurostimulation, multilobar or hemispheric surgery, and lesion with maximal dimension > 60 mm. MRgLITT patients were propensity matched to open surgery patients. The primary outcome was seizure freedom at 1 year posttreatment. The difference in seizure freedom was compared using noninferiority test, with noninferiority margin of -10%. The secondary outcomes were complications and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-five MRgLITT patients were matched to 185 open surgery patients. Seizure freedom at 1 year follow-up was observed in 89 of 185 (48.1%) MRgLITT and 114 of 185 (61.6%) open surgery patients (difference = -13.5%, one-sided 97.5% confidence interval = -23.8% to ∞, pNoninferiority  = .79). The lower confidence interval boundary of -23.8% was below the prespecified noninferiority margin of -10%. Overall complications were lower in MRgLITT compared to open surgery (10.8% vs. 29.2%, respectively, p < .001). Hospitalization was shorter for MRgLITT than open surgery (3.1 ± 2.9 vs. 7.2 ± 6.1 days, p < .001). SIGNIFICANCE: Seizure outcome of MRgLITT at 1 year posttreatment was inferior to open surgery. However, MRgLITT has the advantage of better safety profile and shorter hospitalization. The findings will help counsel children and parents on the benefits and risks of MRgLITT and contribute to informed decision-making on treatment options.