Maternal self-reported polycystic ovary syndrome with offspring and maternal cardiometabolic outcomes.

STUDY QUESTION: Do children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an adverse cardiometabolic profile including arterial stiffness at 9 years of age compared to other children? SUMMARY ANSWER: Children of mothers with PCOS did not have differing cardiometabolic outcomes than children without exposure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: While women with PCOS themselves have higher risk of cardiometabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, the evidence on intergenerational impact is unclear. Given in utero sequalae of PCOS (e.g. hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance), the increased risk could be to both boys and girls. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: The Upstate KIDS cohort is a population-based birth cohort established in 2008-2010 to prospectively study the impact of infertility treatment on children's health. After ∼10 years of follow-up, 446 mothers and their 556 children attended clinical visits to measure blood pressure (BP), heart rate, arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV), mean arterial pressure, lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and anthropometrics. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Women self-reported ever diagnoses of PCOS ∼4 months after delivery of their children in 2008-2010. Linear regression models applying generalized estimating equations to account for correlation within twins were used to examine associations with each childhood cardiometabolic outcome. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: In this cohort with women oversampled on infertility treatment, ∼14% of women reported a PCOS diagnosis (n = 61). We observed similarities in BP, heart rate, PWV, lipids, hsCRP, HbA1c, and anthropometry (P-values >0.05) among children born to mothers with and without PCOS. Associations did not differ by child sex. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The sample size of women with PCOS precluded further separation of subgroups (e.g. by hirsutism). The population-based approach relied on self-reported diagnosis of maternal PCOS even though self-report has been found to be valid. Participants were predominantly non-Hispanic White and a high proportion were using fertility treatment due to the original design. Differences in cardiometabolic health may be apparent later in age, such as after puberty. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our results provide some reassurance that cardiometabolic factors do not differ in children of women with and without self-reported PCOS during pregnancy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, United States (contracts #HHSN275201200005C, #HHSN267200700019C, #HHSN275201400013C, #HHSN275201300026I/27500004, #HHSN275201300023I/27500017). The authors have no conflicts of interest. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03106493.

Hyperfractionated Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone Alone or in Combination with Daratumumab and/or Carfilzomib for the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (HyperCd) alone, or with carfilzomib(K) and/or daratumumab(D), represents a potential treatment option when rapid disease control is needed for patients with aggressive presentations of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of adult patients with RRMM who received HyperCd with or without K and/or D between May 1, 2016 and August 1, 2019 at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. We here report treatment response and safety outcomes. RESULTS: Data from 97 patients, 12 with plasma cell leukemia (PCL), were reviewed in this analysis. Patients had had a median of 5 prior lines of therapy and received a median of 1 consecutive cycle of hyperCd-based therapy. The overall response rate (ORR) of all patients was 71.8% (HyperCd 75%, HyperCdK 64.3%, D-HyperCd 73.3%, and D-HyperCdK 76.9%). Median progression-free survival and overall survival among all patients was 4.3 months (HyperCd 3.1 months, HyperCdK 4.5 months, D-HyperCd 3.3 months, and D-HyperCdK 6 months) and 9.0 months (HyperCd 7.4 months, HyperCdK 9.0 months, D-HyperCd 7.5 months, and D-HyperCdK 15.2 months), respectively. Grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities were common, thrombocytopenia being the most frequent at 76%. Notably, 29-41% of patients per treatment group had existing grade 3/4 cytopenias at initiation of hyperCd-based therapy. CONCLUSION: HyperCd-based regimens provided rapid disease control among MM patients, even when heavily pre-treated and with few remaining treatment options. Grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities were frequent, but manageable with aggressive supportive care.

Examining the validity of the drinking motives questionnaire for identifying reward and relief drinking subgroups in college students.

BACKGROUND: Heavy alcohol use in college is associated with a risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Characterizing variability in individual risk factors for alcohol use could help mitigate risk by informing personalized approaches to prevention. This study examined the validity of a brief measure for identifying reward/relief drinking phenotypes in non-treatment-seeking young adults. METHODS: College students (n = 454) who reported binge drinking completed the Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised-Short Form (DMQ-R-SF). Confirmatory factor and latent profile analyses (CFA; LPA) of the DMQ-R-SF were performed to assess structural validity and identify reward/relief drinking subgroups. We compared models measuring reward drinking with the DMQ-R-SF enhancement motives (reward-enhancement) subscale to models measuring reward drinking with enhancement and social motives (reward-enhancement/social). Across models, relief drinking was measured with coping motives. We examined associations between reward/relief drinking subgroups and alcohol and personality variables concurrently and prospectively at a 6-week follow-up. RESULTS: A two-factor reward and relief structure of the DMQ-R-SF was supported. Three latent profiles were identified (low reward/low relief: n = 133, high reward/low relief: n = 249; high reward/high relief: n = 72). Both CFA and LPA models that utilized reward-enhancement/social items indicated a better fit than reward-enhancement items alone. At baseline, individuals in the high-reward/high-relief profile demonstrated the poorest alcohol use outcomes and higher negative affect. Those in the high-reward/low-relief profile demonstrated greater alcohol use severity than those in the low-reward/low-relief profile. Prospectively, individuals classified in the high-reward/low-relief subgroup reported greater binge drinking frequency and those in the high-reward/high-relief profile reported greater alcohol consequences. CONCLUSIONS: The DMQ-R-SF is a valid measure for identifying reward and relief drinking subgroups in college students with binge drinking and could have utility for precision prevention efforts that target individuals in the high-reward/low-relief and high-reward/high-relief subgroups.

Placental characteristics and risks of maternal mortality 50 years after delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery and preeclampsia are associated with a higher maternal risk for subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. While such pregnancy conditions are related to abnormal placentation, little research has investigated whether pathologic placental measures could serve as a risk factor for future CVD mortality in mothers. METHODS: Longitudinal study of 33,336 women from the Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP; 1959-1966) linked to mortality information through December 2016. Pathologists took extensive morphological and histopathological measures. Apart from assessing associations with morphological features, we derived an overall composite score and specific inflammation-related, hemorrhage-related, and hypoxia-related pathologic placenta index scores. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent of women died with mean (standard deviation, SD) time to death of 39 (12) years. Mean (SD) placental weight and birthweight were 436 g (98) and 3156 g (566), respectively. Placenta-to-birthweight ratio was associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.03: 1.01, 1.05 per SD in ratio). In cause-specific analyses, it was significantly associated with respiratory (HR 1.06), dementia (HR: 1.10) and liver (HR 1.04) related deaths. CVD, cancer, diabetes and kidney related deaths also tended to increase, whereas infection related deaths did not (HR 0.94; 0.83, 1.06). Placental measures of thickness, diameters, and histopathological measures grouped by inflammatory, hemorrhagic, or hypoxic etiology were not associated with mortality. DISCUSSION: Placental weight in relation to birthweight was associated with long-term maternal mortality but other histopathologic or morphologic features were not.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of tracheostomy outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the entire COVID-19 Tracheostomy cohort was conducted to determine the cumulative incidence of complications, mortality, time to decannulation and ventilatory weaning. Outcomes of surgical versus percutaneous and outcomes relative to tracheostomy timing were also analysed. Studies reporting outcome data on patients with COVID-19 undergoing tracheostomy were identified and screened by 2 independent reviewers. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Outcome data were analysed using a random-effects model. From 1016 unique studies, 39 articles reporting outcomes for a total of 3929 patients were included for meta-analysis. Weighted mean follow-up time was 42.03±26 days post-tracheostomy. Meta-analysis showed that 61.2% of patients were weaned from mechanical ventilation [95%CI 52.6%-69.5%], 44.2% of patients were decannulated [95%CI 33.96%-54.67%], and cumulative mortality was found to be 19.23% [95%CI 15.2%-23.6%] across the entire tracheostomy cohort. The cumulative incidence of complications was 14.24% [95%CI 9.6%-19.6%], with bleeding accounting for 52% of all complications. No difference was found in incidence of mortality (RR1.96; p=0.34), decannulation (RR1.35, p=0.27), complications (RR0.75, p=0.09) and time to decannulation (SMD 0.46, p=0.68) between percutaneous and surgical tracheostomy. Moreover, no difference was found in mortality (RR1.57, p=0.43) between early and late tracheostomy, and timing of tracheostomy did not predict time to decannulation. Ten confirmed nosocomial staff infections were reported from 1398 tracheostomies. This study provides an overview of outcomes of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients, and contributes to our understanding of tracheostomy decisions in this patient cohort.

Predictors of Poor Functional Status in Adult Fontan Patients Living at Moderate Altitude.

Patients who have undergone Fontan palliation have reduced exercise tolerance measured by maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Declining exercise capacity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The impact of hemodynamics and other variables on this population's functional status is not well understood. This study sought to identify variables that predict low VO2 max in Fontan patients living at moderate altitude (5,000-8,000 feet). We performed a retrospective cohort study of 44 adult Fontan patients living at moderate altitude who had undergone cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and cardiac catheterization. We evaluated hemodynamic parameters measured during catheterization, imaging results, and laboratory studies for correlation with VO2 max measured during CPET. Our study cohort (median age 30 years, 52% female) had exercise impairment with mean VO2 max of 21.6 mL/kg/min. Higher trans-pulmonary gradient (TPG) (p < 0.001) and mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure (p = 0.013) were predictors of lower maximal and submaximal VO2. Higher BNP values correlated with lower VO2 max (p = 0.01). Platelet count, GGT, albumin, and pulmonary vasodilator therapy did not correlate with VO2 max. None of the studied variables were associated with higher minute ventilation to peak carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2 slope) or change in VO2 max over time. In conclusion, higher TPG and mean PA pressure predicted lower exercise tolerance amongst our cohort of adult Fontan patients living at moderate altitude. Future studies are needed to determine if these clinical variables represent viable therapeutic targets that could result in improved exercise tolerance and outcomes in patients with Fontan circulation.

Real-time screening tool for identifying post-traumatic stress disorder in facial trauma patients in a UK maxillofacial trauma clinic.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a distressing consequence of a traumatic event associated with an increased suicide risk and reduced quality of life. Surgeons often have low confidence in identifying psychological problems. The prevalence of PTSD following facial trauma ranges from 23% to 41%. This highlights the importance of identifying and managing at-risk patients to optimize both mental and physical recovery. IMPARTS (Integrating Mental and Physical healthcare: Research, Training and Services) provides electronic screening tools to guide the non-mental health clinician in the 'real-time' identification, documentation, and management of potential mental health problems. The bespoke IMPARTS facial trauma screening tool was piloted in a UK oral and maxillofacial surgery trauma clinic from July 2015 to November 2017. A total of 199 patients completed screening, with 48 (24%) screening positive for possible PTSD. Further analysis of these 48 patients revealed that four (8%) had PTSD symptoms alone; three (6%) also screened positive for depression, 17 (35%) for co-existing symptoms of anxiety, and 24 (50%) for PTSD, anxiety, and depression. IMPARTS was found to be a highly effective tool aiding the non-mental health clinician to screen for PTSD and initiate prompt management. The data captured informs planning of the psychological support service.

Psychometric Properties of Chinese Version of Work and Social Adjustment Scale for Outpatients With Common Mental Disorders: Classical Test Theory and Rasch Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the work and social adjustment scale (CWSAS) in outpatients with common mental disorders, and to evaluate the correlations of CWSAS with Physical Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), World Health Organization Five Well-being Index (WHO-5), and Chinese version of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (CPSS-10). METHODS: Forward and backward translations of the CWSAS was performed. Between October 2018 and March 2020, 252 outpatients with a common mental disorder who had a job or a job plan were recruited from two psychiatric centres in Hong Kong. Participants were asked to complete the CWSAS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, WHO-5, and CPSS-10. Classical test theory and Rasch analysis were undertaken to determine the psychometric properties of the CWSAS and its correlations with other tools. RESULTS: Principal component analysis revealed that the CWSAS was a one-factor structure and showed adequate convergent and discriminant validities, internal consistency, item-total correlation, and inter-item correlation. There was a significant group difference in terms of employment status. CPSS-10 and PHQ-9 were predictors for CWSAS score. The CWSAS was a distinct factor among other outcome measures. Rasch analysis indicated that the CWSAS was well-targeted and unidimensional. The CWSAS had an adequate person separation index, item separation index, person reliability, and item reliability. No categorical disordering was found, whereas inadequate adjacent threshold distance was reported. The item of ability to work indicated a noticeable differential item functioning in employment status and main source of finance. CONCLUSION: The CWSAS is psychometrically appropriate to measure functional outcomes in outpatients with common mental disorders.

The influence of 2020 coronavirus lockdown on presentation of oral and maxillofacial trauma to a central London hospital.

The novel coronavirus COVID-19 was first identified in China in December 2019. Its spread resulted in a pandemic, with the United Kingdom entering a period of national lockdown on 23 March 2020 to reduce disease burden on the National Health Service (NHS). King's College Hospital is a Major Trauma Centre serving an inner-city population of 700,000 with 120,000 patients attending the emergency department (ED) annually. We aimed to determine the effect of lockdown on OMFS trauma presentations and lessons learned from emergency service provision during a pandemic. All referrals to the oral and maxillofacial surgical (OMFS) team from ED during the first six weeks of the lockdown period - 23 March 2020 - 3 May 2020 - were compared with the same six-week period in 2019. A total of 111 referrals were made to OMFS during the first six weeks of the lockdown period in 2020 compared with 380 referrals in 2019. Of these, 50.5%, (n=192) were related to facial trauma in 2019 vs (63.1%, n=70) in 2020. Fewer patients were admitted under OMFS: 17.4% (n=35) in 2019 vs 2.9% (n=2) in 2020, and a greater number of patients were discharged from OMFS care directly from the ED: 63.2% (n=127) in 2019 vs 82.9% (n=58) in 2020. There was profound effect of the lockdown on referrals to OMFS from the ED, in number and type of diagnosis. This is potentially reflective of the increased availability of acute/emergency dental services in South-East London during the lockdown period. This gives us valuable insight for service planning in the event of further restrictions.

Printed titanium implants in UK craniomaxillofacial surgery. Part II: perceived performance (outcomes, logistics, and costs).

This second part explores perceptions and understanding of clinical performance, turnaround, and costs for printed titanium implants or plates in common procedures, evaluating both 'in-house' and 'outsourced' CAD-CAM pathways. A cross-sectional study, supported by the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) and a national trainee-led recruitment team, was conducted over 14 weeks. A total of 132 participants took part (demographic data is reported in Part I). For fibular-flap mandibular reconstruction, most participants (69% - 91%) perceived printed titanium as superior to intraoperatively or preoperatively hand-bent plates for surgical duration, accuracy, dental restorability, and aesthetics. There was less agreement about complications and plate-failure risks. Most perceived printed plates to be superior to traditional wafer-based maxillary osteotomy for surgical duration (61%) and maxillary positioning (60%). For orbital floor repair, most perceived improvements in surgical duration (83%, especially higher-volume operators p=0.009), precision (84%), and ease of placement (69%). Rarely (less than 5%) was any outcome rated inferior to traditional techniques for any procedure. Perceived turnaround times and costs were variable, but the greatest consensus was for two-segment fibular-flap reconstructions and orbital floor repair. Industry estimates were generally consistent between two company representatives, but manufacturing-only costs differed when using in-house (departmental) designers. Costs and turnaround times are questionable barriers since few understand 'real-world' figures. Designing in-house can dramatically alter costs. Improved accuracy and surgical duration are common themes but biomechanical benefits are less-well understood. This study paints a picture of the potentially routine applications and benefits of printed titanium, capacity for uptake, understanding amongst surgeons, and areas for improvement.

Printed titanium implants in UK craniomaxillofacial surgery. Part I: access to digital planning and perceived scope for use in common procedures.

This first part of a two-part study examines perceived applications for and barriers to using printed titanium in light of current caseloads, funding pathways, and use of digital planning. It aims to demonstrate the scope for printed titanium in modern practice and to guide industry about the needs of UK surgeons. A cross-sectional study over 14 weeks was performed electronically with support from the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) and a national trainee-led recruitment team. Ethics approval was obtained at the lead centre. A total of 132 participants joined the study (70% consultants, 25% specialty registrars, and 5% other), approximating a 29% response rate from consultant/registrar BAOMS members throughout mainland UK. Eighty-eight per cent used CAD-CAM design, with highly variable funding/access, design/manufacturing workflows (in-house/outsourced). Eighty-eight per cent were involved with trauma, 61% with orthognathic, and 52% with oncology-reconstruction surgery. Favourite applications for printed titanium were orbital floor repair (89%) and free-flap jaw reconstruction (87%). Most participants also cited maxillary/zygomatic osteotomies and cranioplasty (range 61%-73%). Although a popular application (78%), the evidence base in temporomandibular joint surgery is limited. Those performing orthognathic surgery perceived more indications than those who did not (p=0.013). Key barriers included cost, turnaround time and logistics, and the need to be trained in traditional techniques. Printed titanium was useful for both common and niche procedures, but was specifically limited in emergency trauma. Most surgeons had experience in CAD-CAM surgery but technical understanding appeared unclear. Limiting factors included variable funding and production pathways, perceived costs, and logistics, but in-house design can minimise them. In part II, we quantify perceived benefits and limitations and whether surgeons' understanding and knowledge are sufficient to rationalise them.

Update to the Hong Kong Epilepsy Guideline: evidence-based recommendations for clinical management of women with epilepsy throughout the reproductive cycle.

Since the publication of the Hong Kong Epilepsy Guideline in 2009, there has been significant progress in antiepileptic drug development. New AEDs have emerged, and data about their uses have been published. Women require special attention in epilepsy care. Drug teratogenicity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, contraception, reproduction technology, menopause, and catamenial epilepsy are major topics. Antiepileptic drugs should be chosen individually for patients who are pregnant or may become pregnant with consideration of their teratogenicity and seizure control properties. Folate is commonly prescribed for women of childbearing age who are taking antiepileptic drugs. Spontaneous vaginal delivery and breastfeeding are not contra-indicated in most cases but need to be considered individually based on the patient's medical condition and wishes. Serum drug level monitoring of certain antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy and puerperium can guide dosage adjustment. For catamenial epilepsy, intermittent benzodiazepines such as clobazam during the susceptible phase of the menstrual cycle could be a treatment option.

Challenges of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients in a tertiary centre in inner city London.

The rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, has dominated healthcare services, with exponential numbers requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Tracheostomy facilitates respiratory and sedative weaning but risks potential viral transmission. This study reviewed the tracheostomy provision, techniques, and outcomes for a single-centre prospective cohort during the resource-pressured COVID-19 period. Seventy-two of 176 patients underwent tracheostomy at a median 17 days: 44 surgical (open), 28 percutaneous. Their median age was 58 years, the male to female ratio was 2.4:1, 75.1% were of BAME backgrounds, 76% had a BMI≥25kg/m2, and 65% had ≥2 major co-morbidities. Seventy-nine percent of patients were weaned from sedation at a median 2 days, 61% were weaned from mechanical ventilation at a median 10 days, 39% were discharged from the ICU at a median 11.5 days, and 19.4% were discharged home at a median 24 days. All patients survived the procedure. The mortality rate was 9.7% at a median 12 days. No clinician reported COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of the procedure. The role of tracheostomy in COVID-19 is currently unclear. Delivery of tracheostomy by maxillofacial surgeons relieved the workload pressure from ICU clinicians. The choice of technique was influenced by the patient and resource factors, resulting in a mixed cohort of open and percutaneous tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients. Preliminary data suggest that open tracheostomy is as favourable as percutaneous tracheostomy for COVID-19 patients, and is safe for clinicians.

Infertility treatment and autism risk using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT).

STUDY QUESTION: Are toddlers conceived by fertility treatment at higher risk of failing a screening tool for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) than toddlers not conceived by treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER: Compared with children not conceived by infertility treatment, children conceived by any infertility treatment, ovulation induction with or without intrauterine insemination (OI/IUI), or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) appeared to have had higher odds of failing an ASD screening; however, results were inconclusive and need replication. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Although most of the studies which have examined risk of ASD after ART show no association, the results are mixed. Thus, further studies are needed to clarify this association. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION: The Upstate KIDS Study is a population-based, prospective cohort study of children born in New York State between 2008 and 2010. Children were screened for ASD using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) at ages 18 and 24 months. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, AND METHODS: The New York State live-birth registry was used to identify newborns conceived with and without fertility treatment with a 1:3 ratio, frequency matched on region of birth. At 18 and 24 months, 3183 and 3063 mothers, respectively, completed the M-CHAT questionnaire. The current analysis included 2586 singletons and 1296 twins with M-CHAT information at 18 and/or 24 months. Multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to estimate odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjustment for covariates such as maternal age, education and plurality. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: We found that 200 (5.2%) and 115 (3.0%) children failed the M-CHAT at 18 and 24 months, respectively. The associations between use of infertility treatment and failing the M-CHAT at 18 and/or 24 months were positive but inconclusive as they failed to exclude no association (18 months aOR 1.71, 95% CI: 0.81-3.61; 24 months aOR 1.78, 95% CI: 0.66-4.81; and both 18 and 24 months aOR 1.53, 95% CI: 0.78-2.99). The relationships between OI/IUI and ART with M-CHAT failure at 18 and/or 24 months were similar to those of using any fertility treatment. In vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection was not consistently positively or inversely associated with M-CHAT failure at each time point (18 months aOR 1.20, 95% CI: 0.51-2.83; 24 months aOR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.37-2.31; and both 18 and 24 months aOR 1.09, 95% CI: 0.50-2.60). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: The M-CHAT is a screening tool used for ASD risk assessment, and therefore, M-CHAT failure does not indicate ASD diagnosis. In addition, we did not have power to detect associations of small magnitude. Finally, non-response to follow-up may bias the results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Despite lack of precision, the positive associations between ART and M-CHAT failure suggest that larger population-based studies with longer follow-up are needed. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD; contracts HHSN275201200005C, HHSN267200700019C). The sponsor played no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis or interpretation, writing of the manuscript or decision to submit the article for publication. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Not applicable.

Real-time optical vascular imaging: a method to assess the microvascular circulation of myofascial free flaps used in the head and neck region.

Microvascular free flaps are considered the gold standard in head and neck reconstructive surgery. Myofascial flaps, in particular, are useful in certain oral and maxillofacial reconstruction cases, where mucosal regeneration over the transplanted tissue is planned. Despite high success rates, 1-6% of free flaps fail. A plethora of methods are available to assess transplanted tissue viability after reconstruction, including clinical observational monitoring, surface Doppler, implantable Doppler probe, colour Doppler sonography, laser Doppler flowmeter, surface temperature and indocyanine green angiography. However, no method has demonstrated adequate reliability or has proven to be cost-effective. The authors tested a technique called real-time optical vascular imaging to evaluate the microvascular circulation of myofascial free flaps. This technique was develop at Guy's Hospital, London to observe the microvascular anatomy of the oral cavity in vivo, non-invasively and without the need for patient preparation, with the aim of detecting and monitoring oral diseases. This technology detects the red blood cells flowing inside the microvasculature at a depth of approximately 2mm, allowing the microvascular architecture and blood flow to be determined. This study showed that RTOVI may prove to be beneficial for the early detection of vascular compromise due to its immediacy and the feasibility of assessing multiple graft tissue regions.

Newborn adipokines and early childhood growth.

BACKGROUND: While adipokines can regulate satiety and energy metabolism, whether they are associated with childhood growth is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether adipokine levels at birth are associated with growth. METHODS: A total of 2264 singletons and 1144 twins from Upstate KIDS (born 2008-2010) had adiponectin, leptin, resistin and complement factor D measured in newborn blood spots. Parents reported anthropometry from paediatric visits via questionnaires every 4-6 months. Generalized linear mixed effects models were used to estimate growth trajectories through 3 years of age. RESULTS: Among singletons, resistin and leptin were associated with greater weight-for-age (0.12 z-score units (95%CI: 0.04, 0.20) [p = 0.003] and 0.15 (0.06, 0.24) [p = 0.001], respectively) and BMI z-score (0.11; 0.02, 0.20 [p = 0.02] and 0.18; 0.07, 0.28 [p = 0.002], respectively). After adjusting for birthweight, resistin and a ratio of resistin-to-adiponectin remained associated with weight through 3 years of age and odds of being overweight at 3 years of age in a subgroup of singletons. Among twins, adiponectin was associated with increased weight-for-age and length-for-age z-scores even after adjusting for birthweight (0.18; 0.08, 0.28 [p = 0.0006]; 0.20; 0.07, 0.33 [p = 0.003], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of adipokines were associated with early childhood growth in small magnitudes. Resistin may be relevant for further examination in paediatric obesity.

Patient understanding of commonly used oral medicine terminology.

Introduction Communication within the doctor-patient relationship is complex due to a variety of reasons; a patient's understanding may not correspond with the clinician's vocabulary, resulting in misunderstanding, anxiety and ill-informed decision making. We investigated the understanding of terminology commonly used in oral and maxillofacial surgery and oral medicine clinics.Methods We investigated patients' understanding using a questionnaire-based study in the out-patient setting. Age, gender, first language and highest educational level were recorded. The questionnaire included multiple choice questions regarding patients' understanding of words as well as asking patients to define certain terms. Vocabulary included 'ulcer', 'blister', 'cancer', 'malignant' and 'benign'.Results and conclusions Many patients have difficulty in understanding and explaining commonly used terminology. 'Blister' was the most commonly understood term, while 'benign' and 'lesion' were the least well understood. 'Tumour' was mistakenly thought of as synonymous with 'malignancy' by over a third of patients. Understanding was better among those for whom English was their first language. It is essential that all clinicians modify their language appropriately during consultations in order to deliver information in a comprehensive manner, to educate patients on their condition thus enabling informed decision making by patients.

How people from Chinese backgrounds make sense of and respond to the experiences of mental distress: Thematic analysis.

RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY: Many Chinese people do not contact mental health services when they first develop mental health problems. It is therefore important to find out reasons for low uptake of services so that strategies can be identified to promote early intervention. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THE TOPIC?: Most Chinese people only come into contact with mental health services during crisis situations. Language difference, lack of knowledge of mainstream services and stigma attached to mental health problems are barriers to access and utilize mental health services. WHAT THE STUDY ADDS TO THE INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE?: Chinese people apply both Western medication and traditional healing to manage distress caused by mental health problems. Because of the extreme stigma associated with mental health problems, Chinese people are reluctant to accept support from their own cultural groups outside their family. Family plays a major role in caring for relatives with mental health problems. Families are prepared to travel across the world in search of folk healing if not available in Western societies. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: It is important to recognize the different approaches to understanding and managing mental health problems among Chinese people, otherwise they will be dissuaded from engaging with mental health services if their beliefs are disregarded and invalidated. Services that involve Chinese speaking mental health workers can address the issue of language differences and sensitive mental health issues within the Chinese community. ABSTRACT: Introduction Late presentation and low utilization of mental health services are common among Chinese populations. An understanding of their journey towards mental health care helps to identify timely and appropriate intervention. Aim We aimed to examine how Chinese populations make sense of the experiences of mental distress, and how this understanding influences their pathways to mental health care. Method We undertook in-depth interviews with fourteen people with mental health problems (MHPs) and sixteen family members. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Results/Discussions Different conceptualization of mental distress and the stigma attached to MHPs explained why most participants accessed services at crisis points. Because of mental illness stigma, they were reluctant to seek help outside of the family. Participants used a pragmatic pluralistic approach to incorporate ritual healing and Western interventions to manage mental distress as they travelled further on the pathway journey. Families play a key role in the journey and are prepared to visit different parts of the world to seek traditional healers. Implications for practice Mental health nurses need to adopt a transcultural working approach to address mental health issues so that family will get the support needed to continue their caring role.