Targeting of 3D oral cancer spheroids by αVß6 integrin using near-infrared peptide-conjugated IRDye 680.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of oral cavity cancer, margin status is one of the most critical prognostic factors. Positive margins are associated with higher local recurrence and lower survival rates. Therefore, the universal goal of oral surgical oncology is to achieve microscopically clear margins. Near-infrared fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) could improve surgical resection using fluorescent probes. αVß6 integrin has shown great potential for cancer targeting due to its overexpression in oral cancers. Red fluorescent contrast agent IRDye 680 coupled with anti-αVß6 peptide (IRDye-A20) represents an asset to improve FGS of oral cancer. This study investigates the potential of IRDye-A20 as a selective imaging agent in 3D three-dimensional tongue cancer cells. METHODS: αVß6 integrin expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western Blotting in 2D HSC-3 human tongue cancer cells and MRC-5 human fibroblasts. Targeting ability of IRDye-A20 was studied in both cell lines by flow cytometry technique. 3D tumor spheroid models, homotypic (HSC-3) and stroma-enriched heterotypic (HSC-3/MRC-5) spheroids were produced by liquid overlay procedure and further characterized using (immuno)histological and fluorescence-based techniques. IRDye-A20 selectivity was evaluated in each type of spheroids and each cell population. RESULTS: αVß6 integrin was overexpressed in 2D HSC-3 cancer cells but not in MRC-5 fibroblasts and consistently, only HSC-3 were labelled with IRDye-A20. Round shaped spheroids with an average diameter of 400 µm were produced with a final ratio of 55%/45% between HSC-3 and MRC-5 cells, respectively. Immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated an uniform expression of αVß6 integrin in homotypic spheroid, while its expression was restricted to cancer cells only in heterotypic spheroid. In stroma-enriched 3D model, Cytokeratin 19 and E-cadherin were expressed only by cancer cells while vimentin and fibronectin were expressed by fibroblasts. Using flow cytometry, we demonstrated that IRDye-A20 labeled the whole homotypic spheroid, while in the heterotypic model all cancer cells were highly fluorescent, with a negligible fluorescence in fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated an efficient selective targeting of A20FMDV2-conjugated IRDye 680 in 3D tongue cancer cells stroma-enriched spheroids. Thus, IRDye-A20 could be a promising candidate for the future development of the fluorescence-guided surgery of oral cancers.

Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on symptoms and interoception in trauma-related disorders and exposure to traumatic events: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Interoception is defined as the sense of the internal state of the body. Dysfunctions in interoception are found in several mental disorders, including trauma-related conditions. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have been shown to influence interoceptive processes. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated whether MBIs impact symptoms and interoception in patients with trauma-related disorders. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize these data. We included RCTs with an MBI arm which enrolled adult patients with trauma related-disorders or exposure to a traumatic experience, and addressed changes in interoception and trauma-related symptoms. A random-effects multivariate meta-analytic model was performed to quantify group differences in score change from baseline to follow-up. Twelve studies were included in the systematic review, and eleven in the meta-analysis. Overall, MBIs showed small to moderate positive effects on both interoception and symptoms. Despite a high heterogeneity in results, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. We conclude that the efficacy of MBIs on trauma-related symptoms and interoception is supported by randomised evidence. However, further research is needed to understand whether changes in interoception might underpin the effectiveness of MBIs in trauma-related disorders.

Remote assessment of ADHD in children and adolescents: recommendations from the European ADHD Guidelines Group following the clinical experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic led ADHD services to modify the clinical practice to reduce in-person contact as much as possible to minimise viral spread. This had far-reaching effects on day-to-day clinical practice as remote assessments were widely adopted. Despite the attenuation of the acute threat from COVID, many clinical services are retaining some remote practices. The lack of clear evidence-based guidance about the most appropriate way to conduct remote assessments meant that these changes were typically implemented in a localised, ad hoc, and un-coordinated way. Here, the European ADHD Guidelines Group (EAGG) discusses the strengths and weaknesses of remote assessment methods of children and adolescents with ADHD in a narrative review based on available data and expert opinions to highlight key recommendations for future studies and clinical practice. We conclude that going forward, despite remote working in clinical services functioning adequately during the pandemic, all required components of ADHD assessment should still be completed following national/international guidelines; however, the process may need adaptation. Social restrictions, including changes in education provision, can either mask or exacerbate features associated with ADHD and therefore assessment should carefully chart symptom profile and impairment prior to, as well as during an ongoing pandemic. While remote assessments are valuable in allowing clinical services to continue despite restrictions and may have benefits for routine care in the post-pandemic world, particular attention must be paid to those who may be at high risk but not be able to use/access remote technologies and prioritize these groups for conventional face-to-face assessments.

Long-term survival after head and neck cancer surgery with immediate free flap reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide. A combination treatment including surgery is known to have a better survival rate than exclusive radiotherapy-chemotherapy. In extreme cases of non-metastatic patients who have voluminous tumor, or complex location, surgery with immediate reconstruction by free flap could be an option to improve long term survival. PURPOSE: To share experience of long-term survival of patients with head and neck cancer who underwent oncologic surgery with immediate free flap reconstruction, and to analyze influencing factors. METHODS: All consecutive patients treated with free flaps for reconstruction of extensive defects after resection of head and neck cancer in our center (Nancy, France) were retrieved from the hospital database. Data was recorded in a systematic way. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Between 1997 and December 2007, 70 patients underwent surgical resection of head and neck tumor with free flap reconstruction. 11 patients were excluded because of missing data. Follow-up time was 7.4 years, IQR from 4.3 to 11.3. Overall survival was 53.8%, 95% CI [39.9%; 65.8%] at 5 years and 38.6% [24.8%; 52.3%] at 10 years. Age>60 years at the surgery HR 2,373 (1,143; 4,927) and TNM score 3-4 HR 2,524 (1,093; 5,828) were statistically associated to a lesser survival rate. CONCLUSION: The ability to successfully and safely perform free flaps increases treatment options for patients with advanced head and neck cancer in a selected population. it seems worthwhile to perform these microvascular reconstructions.

Reflexiones sobre rehabilitación vestibular a propósito de un caso con uso de paradigma de tareas dobles / Insights on vestibular rehabilitation concerning one case with the use of dual task paradigm

Resumen Se presenta una reflexión producto de la introducción del paradigma de tareas dobles en el abordaje terapéutico en un caso de vestibulopatía unilateral periférica. Se aplicaron pautas de autovaloración de la discapacidad y riesgo de caídas, complementándose con una completa evaluación del equilibrio funcional y la marcha. Se planificó una terapia personalizada, jerarquizándose objetivos con un criterio funcional. Se incorporó el paradigma de tareas dobles, incluyéndose tareas cognitivas simples a la terapia tradicional de rehabilitación vestibular, con el fin de reducir la influencia cortical sobre la ejecución motora, potenciar la ganancia y funcionalidad de los reflejos remanentes, estimular funciones cognitivas superiores y potenciar procesos atencionales subyacentes, necesarios para lograr la compensación. Los resultados de la reevaluación mostraron una evolución favorable, con remisión de la sintomatología, disminución significativa de los puntajes obtenidos en las diferentes pautas empleadas y una mejoría subjetiva en el equilibrio y marcha funcional después de la terapia. Lo anterior se asoció a la recuperación de la autonomía e independencia para la ejecución de actividades diarias, incidiendo favorablemente en la calidad de vida de la paciente. Los hallazgos confirman los beneficios del programa de rehabilitación vestibular diseñado. Se requieren estudios adicionales, orientados a evidenciar y corroborar el impacto específico de la incorporación del paradigma de tareas dobles en la rehabilitación de los trastornos del equilibrio y especialmente, en procesos de estimulación o rehabilitación vestibular en adultos mayores.

Abstract This article presents the analysis and reflections evoked from an experience in vestibular rehabilitation with the introduction of the paradigm of dual task in a unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy case. First, disability self-assessment guidelines, risk of falls scales and assessment tools of functional balance and gait were applied in order to determine the main symptoms and the main difficulties observed. Afterwards, a personalized therapy was planned, in which work objectives were hierarchized based on a functional criterion, introducing "dual-task" strategies as tools for diminish cortical influence on motor performances, allowing the automation of the required task; enhance the gain and functionality of the remaining reflexes, especially vestibulo ocular and vestibulospinal reflex and stimulate superior cognitive functions and underlying attentional processes, necessary to achieve central compensation. The final assessment showed a favorable evolution, with a significant decrease in the after-therapy scores obtained in fear of falling and disability self-perception protocols, before and after therapy and, finally, an improvement in functional balance and gait, through the pre and post therapy performance in the timed up and go and assessment of unipedal stand tests. This allowed the patient to regain her autonomy and independence in daily life activities improving her quality of life, confirming the benefits of the designed vestibular rehabilitation program. However, more studies are needed to corroborate the specific contribution of the dual-task paradigm in vestibular rehabilitation and specially, in vestibular stimulation or rehabilitation processes in older adults.

Evaluation of Plasma Disappearance Rate Indocyanine Green Clearance as a Predictor of Liver Graft Rejection in Donor Brain Death.

INTRODUCTION: There currently exist no quantitative methods to assess graft viability before the donor procurement procedure. In Europe, around 20% of liver grafts evaluated "in situ" by an experienced surgeon are discarded. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of the plasma disappearance rate indocyanine green (PDR-ICG) clearance in predicting liver graft rejection to avoid this 20% of futile surgeries. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate PDR-ICG as a predictor of liver graft rejection in death brain donors compared with the gold standard evaluation by an experienced surgeon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational single center study. From March 2017 to July 2019, 29 donors were included in the study, 17 were men and 12 women with a median age of 68 years ± 16.9 years. Donors had an intensive care unit stay of 2 days ± 4 days. PDR-ICG was measured with PICCO2 monitor. Indocyanine green clearance dose was 0.25 mg/kg injected intravenously in the operating room just before donor procurement procedure is initiated. The surgeon was unaware of the PDR-ICG measure until the decision of graft acceptance was taken. Data regarding the donors and biopsy results were included in a prospective database. RESULTS: PDR-ICG measure could be obtained in 10 minutes in all of the cases included. The median PDR-ICG obtained was 18%/min (range, 2.4-31%/min). Graft rejection took place in 15 out of the 29 donors. PDR-ICG value was less than 10%/min in 6 of these rejected grafts and less than 15%/min in 10 donors. All donor grafts with PDR-ICG <15% were discarded. The graft had been discarded in 5 donors with a PDR-ICG >15%. CONCLUSIONS: In our study a plasma disappearance rate <10 would have identified the grafts that would be rejected, thus avoiding the displacement work and expense of the surgical team. These results should be confirmed in a multicentric study.

Disfunción del conducto faringotimpánico. El ETDQ-7 como herramienta para el diagnóstico clínico / Pharyngothympanic tube dysfunction. The ETDQ-7 as a tool for clinical diagnosis

RESUMEN En la actualidad se hace referencia en la bibliografía a una gran variedad de métodos para evaluar la disfunción del conducto faringotimpánico (DCFT), la gran mayoría de ellos requiere de instrumental de alta complejidad y personal altamente capacitado. Pese a lo mencionado, ninguno de dichos métodos ha sido validado como herramienta gold standard para el diagnóstico de esta patología. En este contexto, se presenta una herramienta complementaria para el diagnóstico de la DCFT, el Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire -7 ítemes (ETDQ-7); cuestionario autoadministrado que considera 7 preguntas en base a una escala de Likert, fue creado para evaluar la sintomatología asociada a la disfunción del conducto con una puntuación que va desde lo más leve (1 punto) a lo más grave (7 puntos) de acuerdo con los síntomas percibidos, y posee un puntaje máximo de 49 puntos, correspondiente a una disfunción severa. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo buscar, organizar, clasificar y describir la información disponible en publicaciones científicas indexadas sobre el ETDQ-7 como herramienta para el diagnóstico clínico complementario de la DCFT. Se incluyeron 11 artículos científicos que hacen referencia al uso del ETDQ-7 en diferentes países. Los resultados recabados sugieren que el ETDQ-7 sería una valiosa herramienta, de alta sensibilidad, especificidad y validez clínica, que permitiría discriminar la presencia de la DCFT. No se encontró evidencia respecto a la aplicación o validación de este cuestionario en nuestro país.

ABSTRACT At present, great variety of methods are described to evaluate the dysfunction of the pharyngotympanic duct (DCFT), the vast majority of them require highly complex instruments and highly trained personnel. Despite this, none of these methods has been validated as the gold standard for the diagnosis of this pathology. In this context, a complementary tool for the diagnosis of the DCFT is presented. The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 items (ETDQ-7), a self-administered questionnaire that includes 7 questions based on a Likert scale, was created to evaluate the symptomatology associated with the dysfunction of the duet. It is scored ranging from the mildest symptomatology (1 point) to the most severe (7 points), according to the perceived symptoms, with a maximum score of 49 points, corresponding to a severe dysfunction. The present review aims to search, organize, classify and describe the available information in scientific indexed journals about the ETDQ-7 as a tool for complementary diagnosis of the DCFT. Eleven scientific articles were included, referred to the use of ETDQ-7 in different countries, describing it as a valid tool which allows to discriminate the presence of a DCFT.

Are the effects of methylphenidate uncertain?

OBJECTIVES: A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of methylphenidate (MPH) in children and adolescents by a Cochrane group, led by Storebø, raised concern around the level of evidence supporting the use of this medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. This led to several critical responses from a number of ADHD experts. METHODS: This paper reviews the conclusions reached from the Storebø meta-analysis by a critical analysis of methodologies used along with drawing on extant literature. RESULTS: The controversy raised by the Cochrane meta-analysis should lead to a balanced reflection on the research priorities and needs for the field. CONCLUSIONS: It is hoped the controversy will ultimately lead to improve the quality of the research on the efficacy, effectiveness and tolerability of MPH for ADHD.

[Treatments for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: what is the evidence base to date?] / Tratamientos para niños y adolescentes con trastorno por deficit de atencion/hiperactividad: cual es la base de la evidencia hasta ahora?

The evidence base from empirical studies is one of the elements, along with patients' preference and consideration of particular clinical state and circumstances, that should be taken into account in the process of clinical decision making. This paper provides an overview of the current evidence base for the treatment of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), drawing on the results of the most recent meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials assessing the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of ADHD. Overall, available recent meta-analyses show that psychostimulants, and, although to a less extent, non psychostimulants, are efficacious in terms of control of core ADHD symptoms, at least in the short term; and although the efficacy of non-pharmacological treatments (behavioral interventions, diet, cognitive training and neurofeedback) for ADHD core symptoms remains uncertain, some non-pharmacological approach are efficacious for ADHD-related problems, such as behavioral interventions for oppositional problems and parenting skills, and cognitive training for working memory deficits. However, most of the available randomized controlled trials are short-term efficacy trials recruiting selected populations of patients and, as such, they are not fully informative for the daily clinical practice. Head-to-head trials, pragmatic trials, placebo-withdrawal trials, network meta-analyses and individual patient data meta-analyses are encouraged in the field to bridge the gap between theoretical evidence and daily clinical practice.

TITLE: Tratamientos para niños y adolescentes con trastorno por deficit de atencion/hiperactividad: cual es la base de la evidencia hasta ahora?La evidencia obtenida a partir de estudios empiricos constituye un elemento clave que, junto con la preferencia del paciente y la consideracion de su estado clinico y circunstancias particulares, deberia tenerse en cuenta en el proceso de toma de decisiones clinicas. Este articulo proporciona una vision global de la evidencia actual en relacion con el tratamiento del trastorno por deficit de atencion/hiperactividad (TDAH), y expone los resultados de los mas recientes metaanalisis de ensayos controlados aleatorizados que evaluan los tratamientos farmacologicos y no farmacologicos. En general, los recientes metaanalisis disponibles muestran que los psicoestimulantes, y en menor medida los no psicoestimulantes, son eficaces en terminos de control de los sintomas nucleares del TDAH, al menos a corto plazo, y que la eficacia para tratar los sintomas nucleares del TDAH de los tratamientos no farmacologicos (programas comportamentales, dietas, entrenamientos cognitivos y neurofeedback) continua siendo dudosa, aunque algunas intervenciones terapeuticas no farmacologicas son eficaces para resolver problemas asociados al trastorno, como las intervenciones conductuales para las conductas oposicionistas y las habilidades parentales, y el entrenamiento cognitivo para los deficits en la memoria de trabajo. No obstante, la mayoria de los ensayos controlados aleatorizados son ensayos de eficacia a corto plazo con muestras de pacientes reclutadas en poblaciones seleccionadas y, como tal, no son completamente ilustrativos para la practica clinica diaria. Con el fin de establecer una conexion entre la evidencia teorica y la practica clinica diaria, tenemos ensayos clinicos comparativos, ensayos pragmaticos, ensayos retirada-placebo, metaanalisis en red y metaanalisis con datos del paciente individual.

Children with developmental dyslexia showed greater sleep disturbances than controls, including problems initiating and maintaining sleep.

AIM: Although there have been frequent clinical reports about sleep disturbances in children with learning disabilities, no data are available about the prevalence of sleep disturbances in children with developmental dyslexia (DD). This study evaluated sleep disturbances in children with DD referred to a hospital clinic and compared their scores with healthy controls. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 147 children (66% male) aged 10.26 ± 2.63 years who were referred by clinical paediatricians to the Clinic for Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry at the Second University of Naples with DD and 766 children without DD (60% male) aged 10.49 ± 2.39 years recruited from schools in the same urban area. Sleep disturbances were assessed with the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC), which was filled out by the children's main carers. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the children with DD showed significantly higher rates of above threshold scores on the total SDSC score (p < 0.001) and on the subscales for disorders in initiating and maintaining sleep (p < 0.001), sleep breathing disorders (p < 0.001) and disorders of arousal (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Sleep disorders were significantly more frequent in children with DD than in healthy controls. A possible relationship between dyslexia and sleep disorders may have relevant clinical implications.

Guidance on conducting systematic reviews/meta-analyses of pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety outcomes: the gap is now filled.

Until recently, no comprehensive guidance specifically on the conduction of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety outcomes was available. In December 2015, the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharamacovigilance (ENCePP), a network coordinated by the European Medicines Agency, published their 'Guidance on conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of completed comparative pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety outcomes', filling an important gap in the field. This paper highlights the ENCePP recommendations in terms of study identification, data extraction, study quality appraisal and analytical plan. Although the ENCePP document should not be considered as definitive, since it will likely be refined following researchers' feedback, it is expected that it will be highly influential and useful for the field, with the ultimate goal to improve and standardise the conduction and reporting of systematic reviews/meta-analyses of pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety outcomes.

Detection of disseminated tumor cells in aspirative drains after neck dissection.

The dissemination of individual tumor cells is a common phenomenon in solid cancers. Detection of tumor cells in bone marrow disseminated tumor cells (DTC) and in peripheral blood circulating tumor cells (CTC) in nonmetastatic situation is of high prognostic significance. Compared to breast, colon and prostate cancers, the studies on CTC and DTC in head and neck cancers are sparse. The objective of our study was to detect DTC in drains after neck dissection. Fourteen patients undergoing surgery for stages III and IV head and neck cancers were enrolled in this study--twelve presenting with squamous cell carcinoma and two with adenocarcinoma. Redon drain analysis was performed by the Cellsearch method using immunomagnetic and fluorescence approaches. A positivity threshold value was set at 2DTC/7.5 ml of the sample. Tumor cells were detected in drains of 69 % of patients a few days after surgery. The range of quantification was 3-2,094 DTC/5 ml and we showed morphological differences between the two types of carcinoma cells. DTC were detected after neck dissection both in squamous cell carcinoma and in adenocarcinoma. Potential clinical significance of tumor cells needs to be further investigated as their presence could affect pre-surgical and post-operative treatments.

Value of the preservation of an osseous mandibular rim with a fibula free flap reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the mandible with microvascularized fibula transplants is actually a well-established procedure, yet the major component is the limited diameter of the diaphysis that can induce oral rehabilitation's failure, especially in dentate patients. In this paper, we report our surgical procedure allowing preservation of the mandibular height. The primary objective was to assess aesthetic and functional improvements of preservation of an osseous mandibular rim with a fibula free flap reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients (all males, mean age of 60 years) were treated with this method. Aetiologies were tumour in 3 cases, and osteoradionecrosis in the two others cases. We described all step of our surgical procedure and the functional, aesthetic and carcinologic results were evaluated. The follow up varies from 6 to 30 months. RESULTS: One patient died at 12 days from unrelated affection. For the other patients, both the aesthetics and functional outcomes were better than in case of mandibular interruption surgery. In fact, the mandibular contour of the mandibule was preserved and the height of mandible was restored. One patient is in progress of dental rehabilitation with osseous implants. Carcinologically, no local recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: This technique is reliable and enables to optimize oral rehabilitation with endosteal implants. Nevertheless, we consider that the 3D scanner is essential before the intervention to evaluate the osseous reach. Moreover, if necessarily the procedure can be modified intraoperatively.

Does psychostimulant treatment in children with ADHD increase later risk of substance use disorder?

Psychostimulants are the first choice medication in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite the proven high efficacy of psychostimulants, at least in the short term, for ADHD core symptoms, concerns continue to be raised on their adverse effects, including putative increased risk of substance use disorders (SUDs). A recent multicentre, case-control, longitudinal, prospective, European study by Groenman and colleagues found that treatment with psychostimulants in children with ADHD lowered the risk of SUDs in adolescence. However, this finding is at odds with other recent evidence concluding that ADHD children with and without medication treatment history did not significantly differ on any subsequent SUDs rates. In the present paper, we discuss the study by Groenman and colleagues in view of its methodological strengths and limitations, and we suggest possible implications for day-to-day clinical practice.

What are neuroimaging meta-analytic procedures?

Activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analyses allow investigators to integrate the results of multiple neuroimaging studies, potentially yielding novel results that may not have been evident in the individual studies. Here, we provide a brief, introductory description of ALE methods for readers without extensive expertise in neuroimaging.

The sleep macroarchitecture of children at risk for depression recruited in sleep centers.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to compare the sleep macroarchitecture of children and adolescents whose mothers have a history of depression with children and adolescents whose mothers do not. METHOD: Polysomnography (PSG) and Holter electroencephalogram (EEG) were used to compare the sleep architecture of 35 children whose mothers had at least one previous depressive episode (19 boys, aged 4-18 years, "high-risk" group) and 25 controls (13 males, aged 4-18 years, "low-risk" group) whose mothers had never had a depressive episode. The total sleep time, wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO), sleep latency, sleep efficiency, number of awakenings per hour of sleep, percentages of time spent in each sleep stage, rapid eye movement (REM) latency and the depressive symptoms of participants were measured. RESULTS: In children (4-12 years old), the high-risk group exhibited significantly more depressive symptoms than controls (P=0.02). However, PSG parameters were not significantly different between high-risk children and controls. In adolescents (13-18 years old), the high-risk subjects presented with significantly more depressive symptoms (P=0.003), a significant increase in WASO (P=0.019) and a significant decrease in sleep efficiency compared to controls (P=0.009). CONCLUSION: This study shows that children and adolescents born from mothers with a history of at least one depressive episode had significantly more depressive symptoms than controls. However, only high-risk adolescents presented with concurrent alterations of sleep macroarchitecture.

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma: repeated laser and radiofrequency ablation in the palliative setting.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to illustrate the use of radiofrequency and laser ablation in head and neck oncology and to describe the management of a case of laryngeal chondrosarcoma in a 90-year-old patient. CASE REPORT: A 90-year-old man, WHO performance status 3, with low-grade laryngeal chondrosarcoma was seen in the outpatients department at the end of 2008 for assessment of dysphonia. Total laryngectomy was considered to be too invasive and was consequently excluded. The patient was initially tracheotomized under local anaesthesia to relieve dyspnoea and was subsequently managed symptomatically by radiofrequency and laser ablation to ensure laryngeal disobstruction, allowing the patient to be extubated followed by speech therapy and oral feeding rehabilitation. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This patient received symptomatic palliative treatment with a combination of radiofrequency and laser. Radiofrequency ablation can be applied in head and neck oncology as an alternative treatment to surgery allowing improvement of quality of life and survival.

Breakfast skipping in prepubertal obese children: hormonal, metabolic and cognitive consequences.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Skipping breakfast influences cognitive performance. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between the variation of hormonal and metabolic postprandial parameters induced by breakfast consumption or fasting and cognitive performance in obese children. METHODS: Cross-sectional study for repeated measures. Memory and attention assessment tests, hormones and nutrient oxidation were measured before and after consuming breakfast vs fasting in 10 prepubertal obese children. RESULTS: Fasting induced a significant (P<0.05) increase of the Overall Index of the Continuous Performance Test II (a global index of inattention) and the Test of Memory and Learning Word Selective Reminding (a test of verbal memory), whereas no changes were found after breakfast. Fasting was associated with a reduction of insulin and an increase in glucagon, with no changes in glucose. The increase in inattention was associated with a reduction of carbohydrate oxidation (ρ=-0.66, P<0.05). We found no difference in the area under the curve of peptide YY and glucagon-like peptide-1 after breakfast or fasting, whereas Ghrelin was significantly lower. No association between postprandial hormone variation and cognitive performance was found. CONCLUSIONS: Attention and visual memory performance in the morning were reduced when the children skipped breakfast. No association was found with hormones or metabolic changes, but we did find an association with a reduction of carbohydrate oxidation. Nevertheless, these preliminary findings need confirmation in larger sample size.

The lifetime impact of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC).

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to present nationally representative data on the lifetime independent association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and psychiatric co-morbidity, correlates, quality of life and treatment seeking in the USA. METHOD: Data were derived from a large national sample of the US population. Face-to-face surveys of more than 34 000 adults aged 18 years and older residing in households were conducted during the 2004-2005 period. Diagnoses of ADHD, Axis I and II disorders were based on the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV version. RESULTS: ADHD was associated independently of the effects of other psychiatric co-morbidity with increased risk of bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, specific phobia, and narcissistic, histrionic, borderline, antisocial and schizotypal personality disorders. A lifetime history of ADHD was also associated with increased risk of engaging in behaviors reflecting lack of planning and deficient inhibitory control, with high rates of adverse events, lower perceived health, social support and higher perceived stress. Fewer than half of individuals with ADHD had ever sought treatment, and about one-quarter had ever received medication. The average age of first treatment contact was 18.40 years. CONCLUSIONS: ADHD is common and associated with a broad range of psychiatric disorders, impulsive behaviors, greater number of traumas, lower quality of life, perceived social support and social functioning, even after adjusting for additional co-morbidity. When treatment is sought, it is often in late adolescence or early adulthood, suggesting the need to improve diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.