Intraoperative ultrasound for surgical resection of high-grade glioma and glioblastoma: a meta-analysis of 732 patients.

PURPOSE: Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the use of intraoperative ultrasound (iUS)-guided resection in patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma (HGG) or glioblastoma (GBM). Our aim was to determine whether iUS improves clinical outcomes compared to conventional neuronavigation (CNN). METHODS: Databases were searched until April 21, 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies that compared surgical outcomes for patients with HGG or GBM with the use of either iUS in addition to standard approach or CNN. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes include volumetric extent of resection (EOR), gross total resection (GTR), and progression-free survival (PFS). Outcomes were analyzed by determining pooled relative risk ratios (RR), mean difference (MD), and standardized mean difference (SMD) using random-effects model. RESULTS: Of the initial 867 articles, only 7 articles specifically met the inclusion criteria (1 RCT and 6 retrospective cohorts). The analysis included 732 patients. Compared to CNN, the use of iUS was associated with higher OS (SMD = 0.26,95%CI=[0.12,0.39]) and GTR (RR = 2.02; 95% CI=[1.31,3.1]) for both HGG and GBM. There was no significant difference in PFS or EOR. CONCLUSION: The use of iUS in surgical resections for HGG and GBM can improve OS and GTR compared to CNN, but it did not affect PFS. These results suggest that iUS reduces mortality associated with HGG and GBM but not the risk of recurrence. These results can provide valuable cost-effective interventions for neurosurgeons in HGG and GBM surgery.

Social Challenges as a Consequence of the COVID-19 Pandemic among South Florida Preschool Children with Disability and Obesity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the childcare industry over the past two years. This study examined how pandemic-related challenges impacted preschool-aged children by disability and obesity status. Participants were 216 children (80% Hispanic, 14% non-Hispanic Black) aged 2 to 5 years in 10 South Florida childcare centers. In November/December 2021, parents completed a COVID-19 Risk and Resiliency Questionnaire, and body mass index percentile (BMI) was collected. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association of COVID-19 pandemic-related social challenges (transportation, employment) and child BMI and disability status. As compared to normal-weight children, those families with a child who was obese were more likely to report pandemic-related transportation (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.03-6.28) challenges and food insecurity (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.05-6.43). Parents of children with disabilities were less likely to report that food did not last (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.07-0.48) and that they could not afford balanced meals (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.85). Spanish-speaking caregivers were more likely to have a child who was obese (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.19-8.52). The results suggest that COVID-19 impacts obese preschool children from Hispanic backgrounds, while disability was a protective factor.

Functional alterations of two novel MC4R mutations found in Argentinian pediatric patients with early onset obesity.

Loss-of-function mutations in melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) are the most common cause of monogenic obesity, a severe type of early-onset obesity. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of MC4R mutations in a cohort of 97 Argentinian children with early-onset obesity. We found two novel mutations (p.V52E and p.G233S) and estimated a prevalence of 2.1%. We investigated the pathogenicity of mutations in HEK293T cells expressing wild-type or mutant MC4R and found that both mutants exhibited reduced plasma membrane expression and altered agonist-induced cAMP responses, with no changes in basal activity. Besides, MC4R G233S mutant demonstrated an altered agonist-dependent inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels type 2.2. Results using a Gαs protein inhibitor suggest that the G233S mutation could be recruiting a different G-protein signaling pathway. The identification of new mutations in MC4R and characterization of their functional impact provide tools for the diagnosis and treatment of monogenic obesity.

Riesgo de deficiencia de vitamina D en pacientes pediátricos con parálisis cerebral que reciben nutrición enteral domiciliaria / Risk of vitamin D deficiency in pediatric patientes with cerebral palsy receiving home enteral nutrition

Introducción: La malnutrición y la deficiencia de micronutrientes son complicaciones frecuentes en los pacientes con parálisis cerebral (PC). Objetivo: Analizar los niveles de vitamina D (VitD) en pacientes PC en Nutrición Enteral Domiciliaria (NED). Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo analítico de corte transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes PC, e/ 2-18 años, con dosaje de VitD al final del invierno 2021. Se analizó: sexo, edad, discapacidad por Gross Motor Scale (GMS), estado nutricional, drogas antiepilépticas, fórmula, aporte de VitD, volumen, vía de acceso, gasto energético basal (GEB). Se agruparon: Grupo I (GI VitD ≥ 30 ng/ml) GII (VitD ≤ 29 ng/ml). Resultados: se incluyeron 34 pacientes PC, 15 femeninos (44,11 %), edad media 10,87 años (DS 4,78), todos fueron grado V (GMS). La media de Z score de IMC (OMS) fue -1,33 (DS 3,14). Todos recibieron NE diaria. El aporte medio fue de 1270 Kcal (DE:243), 1,16 (Kcal sobre lo estimado según Schofield). Las fórmulas aportaron el 80% del requerimiento de VitD. Los niveles sanguíneos de VitD mostraron: 16 pacientes ≥ de 30 ng/ml y 18 ≤ 29 ng/ml. 14 fueron deficientes y 4 insuficientes. El 59% (20) de los pacientes recibían medicación anticonvulsivante. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre G1 y G2 para sexo, edad, Z score de IMC, aporte de VitD, calorías recibidas/ GMB y medicación anticonvulsivante. Conclusión: El alto porcentaje de pacientes PC pediátricos con niveles subóptimos de VitD muestra que se trata de una población de riesgo y sugiere la necesidad del chequeo sistemático para una adecuada prevención y tratamiento

Introduction: Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are frequent complications in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Objective: to analyze the levels of vitamin D (VitD) in CP patients receiving Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN). Material and Methods: Retrospective analytical cross-sectional study. CP patients, from 2 to 18 years old, with measured VitD at the end of winter 2021, were included. The following study variables were analyzed: sex, age, disability by Gross Motor Scale (GMS), nutritional status, antiepileptic drugs, formula, VitD intake, volume, access route, basal energy expenditure (BEE), according to Schofield P/T. They were grouped: Group I (GI VitD ≥ 30 ng/ml) GII (VitD ≤ 29 ng/ml). Results: 34 CP patients were included, 15 female (44.11 %), mean age 10.87 years (SD 4.78), all grade V (GMS). The mean BMI Z score (WHO) was -1.33 (SD 3.14). EN was daily in all, 33 due to gastrostomy and 1 due to SNG. The average contribution 1270 Kcal (DS243), 1.16 (Kcal received according to Schofield). The formulas provided 80 % of the VitD requirement. VitD blood levels showed: 16 patients (47 %) ≥ 30 ng/ml and 18 (52 %) ≤ 29 ng/ml. 14 (41.17 %) were deficient and 4 insufficient (11.76 %). 59 % (20) of the patients received anticonvulsant medication. No significant differences were found between G1 and G2 for sex, age, BMI Z score, VitD intake, calories received/GMB and anticonvulsant medication. Conclusion: The high percentage of pediatric CP patients with suboptimal levels of Vit D shows that it is a population at risk and suggests the need for systematic check-up for adequate prevention and treatment

Evolución de los parámetros antropométricos de niños con parálisis cerebral asistidos por un equipo especializado en soporte nutricional domiciliario / Evolution of the anthropometric parameters of children with cerebral palsy assisted by a team specialized in home nutritional support

Introducción: los niños con parálisis cerebral (PC) presentan habitualmente compromiso nutricional. Objetivos: evaluar el estado nutricional antropométrico de niños con PC con nutrición enteral (NE) asistidos por un equipo especializado en domicilio. Materiales y métodos: cohorte retrospectiva sobre datos de historia clínica, evaluados durante un año (2018-2019). Se evaluó: z score de .peso (Pz), z score de talla (Tz), z score de índice de masa corporal (IMC) (IMCz). En los que no pudo usarse pediómetro, se utilizó medición de la longitud de la tibia (LT). Se los dividió en: 10 años (Grupo 2). Se excluyeron: síndromes genéticos y/o epilepsia refractaria, y quienes no adhirieron al tratamiento nutricional. Se registraron complicaciones asociadas al tratamiento nutricional. Resultados: se analizaron 72 pacientes, Grupo 1: 38 pacientes; inicio: Tz x -2,85(-4,50;-1,41), Pz x -2,83 (-3,72;-1,59), promedio de IMCz -1,10 (DE 2,25). Final, Tz fue x -2,55 (-3,92; -1,42), el Pz x -2,15 (-3,05;-1,03), promedio IMCz: 0,93 (DE 2,21). Se observó diferencia significativa entre el inicio y el final del período en el Z score peso (p=0,030). En el Grupo 2 se incorporaron 34 pacientes (47%), 22 (64%) de sexo masculino con una mediana de 13,62 de edad (r 11,6-14,83 años). La mediana del Tz fue -3,00 (-3,81; -1,53), el score Pz -2,63 (-3,68; -2,23), la media del IMCz fue -1,75 (DE:1,73). En el final del período observado, la mediana del Tz e -2,84 (-4,13;-1,25), Pz -2,84 (-3,42; -1,83), la media del IMCz fue -1,53 (DE:2,19). Se observaron diferencias significativas entre el inicio y final del período observado en el Pz (p=0,049). No se identificaron complicaciones graves en el período observado (hospitalizaciones, broncoaspiración, fallecimientos). Conclusiones: se observó mejoría del estado nutricional y bajo índice de complicaciones en el período estudiado

Introduction: children with cerebral palsy (CP) usually present nutritional compromise. Objectives: to evaluate the anthropometric nutritional status of children with CP with enteral nutrition (EN) assisted by a specialized team at home. Materials and methods: a retrospective cohort study on clinical report data, evaluated during one year (2018-2019). The following were evaluated: weight z score (Pz), height z score (Tz), BMI z score (BMIz). In those that could not be used a pediometer, measurement of the tibia length (TL) was used. They were divided into: <10 years (Group1) and >10 years (Group2). The following were excluded: genetic syndromes and/or refractory epilepsy, and those who did not adhere to nutritional treatment. Complications associated with nutritional treatment were recorded. Results: 72 patients were analyzed, Group 1: 38 patients: baseline: Tz x -2.85 (-4.50, -1.41), Pz x -2.83 (-3.72, -1.59), BMIz 0,93 (SD 2,21). Final, Tz was x -2.55 (-3.92, -1.42), Pz x -2.15 (-3.05, -1.03), BMI x: 15.95. Significant differences were observed between the start-end in P p<0.001, T p0.001, and Pz p0.030. Group 2: 34 patients, 2018: Tz x -3.00 (-3.81, -1.53), Pz x -2.63 (-3.68, -2.23), BMIz x -1,75 (DE:1,73). Final Tz x -2.84 (-4.13, -1.25), Pz x -2.84 (-3.42,-1.83) BMI -1,53 (DE: 2,19).Significant differences were observed between the beginning and end of the period observed in the Pz (p=0.049). No severe complications were recorded (hospitalizations, bronchial aspiration, death). Conclusions: an improvement in nutritional status and no severe complications were observed in the period studied

Risk and resilience of well-being in caregivers of young children in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting communities worldwide, with direct effects of illness and mortality, and indirect effects on economies, workplaces, schools/daycares, and social life. However, we understand very little about the effects of this pandemic on families of young children. We used a risk and resilience model to evaluate the effects of the pandemic on mental health in diverse caregivers (N = 286) with children ages birth to 5. We evaluated the hypotheses that (a) pandemic stress and caregiver-reported child psychosocial concerns correlate with caregivers' mental health symptoms and (b) caregivers' pandemic-related self-efficacy and coping mediate these relationships. Caregivers completed surveys in April-May 2020 assessing pandemic stress (e.g., health, finances, and housing), child psychosocial problems, coping strategies, and self-efficacy to manage family needs. Our primary outcome was caregivers' self-reported changes in mental health symptoms since the outbreak. Path analysis revealed that higher pandemic stress was associated with caregivers' reduced confidence in meeting their family's needs related to COVID-19, which correlated with worse caregiver mental health symptoms. Greater child psychosocial problems also predicted worse caregiver mental health symptoms. Findings suggest that pandemic stress, child psychosocial problems, and caregiver self-efficacy are interrelated in their influence on caregivers' mental health. While further research is needed to examine strategies to foster resilience and buffer the pandemic's effects on caregiver mental health, this is a first step in evaluating the psychosocial effects of this pandemic in families of young children. Clinical implications are discussed for a tiered response to mitigate the pandemic's impacts on family functioning.

Plasma levels of ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin and LEAP2 in children with obesity: correlation with age and insulin resistance.

OBJECTIVE: The octanoylated peptide hormone ghrelin regulates appetite and glycaemic control. Des-acyl ghrelin abolishes some effects of ghrelin, but does not bind to ghrelin receptor. LEAP2 is a novel ligand for ghrelin receptor that blocks the effects of ghrelin. Some evidences show that plasma levels of these peptides are altered in adults with obesity, but their levels in childhood obesity remain poorly studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess fasting plasma levels of ghrelin, des-acyl ghrelin and LEAP2 in children with normoweight, overweight/obesity and their association with different anthropometric and metabolic variables. DESIGN: A total of 42 females and 40 males, ages 3-12 years old were enrolled as a cross-sectional cohort. RESULTS: Plasma levels of des-acyl ghrelin and LEAP2 (but not ghrelin) were lower and ghrelin/des-acyl ghrelin ratio was higher in children with overweight/obesity. Des-acyl ghrelin negatively correlated with age, BMI z-score, insulin and HOMA index, and the correlations were stronger in children with overweight/obesity. LEAP2 levels negatively correlated with BMI z-score. No gender differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that ghrelin tone is increased in childhood obesity, due to a decrease on plasma levels of des-acyl ghrelin and LEAP2, and that des-acyl ghrelin is associated to insulin resistance, particularly in children with overweight/obesity.

Ryan White CARE Act Part D: matches and gaps in political commitment and local implementation.

This article demonstrates the opportunities for and challenges of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act Part D to implementing its mandate for comprehensive family-centered systems of care for women, infants, children, and youth with HIV/AIDS. Part D legislation should promote practices addressing families with models for basic security, judiciously embrace those universal public health policies aiming to improve children's overall welfare, and consistently repudiate those policies infringing on human rights of women infected with HIV, or ignoring their children's basic needs. The proposed revisions to Part D implementation may renew its political commitment to serving the needs of families who are HIV affected.