Search

Background Levofloxacin prophylaxis is recommended to prevent gram-negative bloodstream infections (BSIs) in patients with prolonged chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. However, increasing fluoroquinolone resistance may decrease the effectiveness of this approach. Methods We assessed the prevalence of colonization with fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales (FQRE) among patients admitted for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from November 2016 to August 2019 and compared the risk of gram-negative BSI between FQRE-colonized and noncolonized patients. All patients received levofloxacin prophylaxis during neutropenia. Stool samples were collected upon admission for HCT and weekly thereafter until recovery from neutropenia, and underwent selective culture for FQRE. All isolates were identified and underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing by broth microdilution. FQRE isolates also underwent whole-genome sequencing. Results Fifty-four of 234 (23%) patients were colonized with FQRE prior to HCT, including 30 of 119 (25%) allogeneic and 24 of 115 (21%) autologous HCT recipients. Recent antibacterial use was associated with FQRE colonization (P = .048). Ninety-one percent of colonizing FQRE isolates were Escherichia coli and 29% produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Seventeen (31%) FQRE-colonized patients developed gram-negative BSI despite levofloxacin prophylaxis, compared to only 2 of 180 (1.1%) patients who were not colonized with FQRE on admission (P Conclusions Nearly one-third of HCT recipients with pretransplant FQRE colonization developed gram-negative BSI while receiving levofloxacin prophylaxis, and infections were typically caused by their colonizing strains. In contrast, levofloxacin prophylaxis was highly effective in patients not initially colonized with FQRE.

Stool specimens are frequently used to detect gastrointestinal tract colonization with antimicrobial-resistant enteric bacteria, but they cannot be rapidly collected. Perianal swab specimens can be collected more quickly and efficiently, but data evaluating their suitability as a specimen type for this purpose are sparse. We performed selective culture for extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) and fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales (FQRE) using paired perianal swab and stool specimens that were collected within 1 day of each other from hematopoietic cell transplant recipients and patients with acute leukemia. Nineteen (7.6%) of 251 stool specimens yielded ESBL-E and 64 (26%) of 246 stool specimens yielded FQRE. The positive percent agreement of perianal swab specimens compared to stool specimens was 95% (18/19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 74% to 100%) for detecting ESBL-E and 95% (61/64; 95% CI, 87% to 99%) for detecting FQRE. The concordance between specimen types was 98% (95% CI, 97% to 100%). Perianal swabs are a reliable specimen type for surveillance of the gastrointestinal tract for ESBL-E and FQRE.

Background:Although randomized controlled trials comparing hip arthroscopy with physical therapy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome have emerged, no studies have investigated potential moderators or mediators of change in hip-related quality of life.Purpose:To explore potential moderators, mediators, and prognostic indicators of the effect of hip arthroscopy and physical therapy on change in 33-item international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) score for FAI syndrome.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Overall, 99 participants were recruited from the clinics of orthopaedic surgeons and randomly allocated to treatment with hip arthroscopy or physical therapy. Change in iHOT-33 score from baseline to 12 months was the dependent outcome for analyses of moderators, mediators, and prognostic indicators. Variables investigated as potential moderators/prognostic indicators were demographic variables, symptom duration, alpha angle, lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), Hip Osteoarthritis MRI Scoring System (HOAMS) for selected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, and delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) score. Potential mediators investigated were change in chosen bony morphology measures, HOAMS, and dGEMRIC score from baseline to 12 months. For hip arthroscopy, intraoperative procedures performed (femoral ostectomy ± acetabular ostectomy ± labral repair ± ligamentum teres debridement) and quality of surgery graded by a blinded surgical review panel were investigated for potential association with iHOT-33 change. For physical therapy, fidelity to the physical therapy program was investigated for potential association with iHOT-33 change.Results:A total of 81 participants were included in the final moderator/prognostic indicator analysis and 85 participants in the final mediator analysis after exclusion of those with missing data. No significant moderators or mediators of change in iHOT-33 score from baseline to 12 months were identified. Patients with smaller baseline LCEA (β = −0.82; P = .034), access to private health care (β = 12.91; P = .013), and worse baseline iHOT-33 score (β = −0.48; P < .001) had greater iHOT-33 improvement from baseline to 12 months, irrespective of treatment allocation, and thus were prognostic indicators of treatment response. Unsatisfactory treatment fidelity was associated with worse treatment response (β = −24.27; P = .013) for physical therapy. The quality of surgery and procedures performed were not associated with iHOT-33 change for hip arthroscopy ( P = .460-.665 and P = .096-.824, respectively).Conclusion:No moderators or mediators of change in hip-related quality of life were identified for treatment of FAI syndrome with hip arthroscopy or physical therapy in these exploratory analyses. Patients who accessed the Australian private health care system, had smaller LCEAs, and had worse baseline iHOT-33 scores, experienced greater iHOT-33 improvement, irrespective of treatment allocation.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood motor disability, yet its link to single-gene disorders is under-characterized. To explore the genetic landscape of CP, we conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) in a cohort of patients with CP.We performed comprehensive phenotyping and WES on a prospective cohort of individuals with cryptogenic CP (who meet criteria for CP; have no risk factors), non-cryptogenic CP (who meet criteria for CP; have at least one risk factor), and CP masqueraders (who could be diagnosed with CP, but have regression/progressive symptoms). We characterized motor phenotypes, ascertained medical comorbidities, and classified brain MRIs. We analyzed WES data using an institutional pipeline.We included 50 probands in this analysis (20 females, 30 males). Twenty-four had cryptogenic CP, 20 had non-cryptogenic CP, five had CP masquerader classification, and one had unknown classification. Hypotonic-ataxic subtype showed a difference in prevalence across the classification groups (p = 0.01). Twenty-six percent of participants (13/50) had a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in 13 unique genes (ECHS1, SATB2, ZMYM2, ADAT3, COL4A1, THOC2, SLC16A2, SPAST, POLR2A, GNAO1, PDHX, ACADM, ATL1), including one patient with two genetic disorders (ACADM, PDHX) and two patients with a SPAST-related disorder. The CP masquerader category had the highest diagnostic yield (n = 3/5, 60%), followed by the cryptogenic CP category (n = 7/24, 29%). Fifteen percent of patients with non-cryptogenic CP (n = 3/20) had a Mendelian disorder on WES.WES demonstrated a significant prevalence of Mendelian disorders in individuals clinically diagnosed with CP, including in individuals with known CP risk factors.

Background Home care in the United States (US) provides rehabilitative care to people who are homebound after acute hospitalization. Patients with stroke and brain injury (BI) are commonly seen by physical therapists (PTs/PTAs), who often address the loss of walking independence. Clinical reasoning (CR) is required for walking assistive device (WAD) prescription within the home. There has never been a description of the home care PT CR process, which could inform entry-level training and health policy. Purpose To describe the homecare CR process by identifying factors used for prescription of WADs in patients with stroke and BI. Secondly, to describe any practice issues associated with WADs. Methods Directors of 7 agencies affiliated with Nazareth College DPT program were recruited to identify PTs/PTAs to complete an online survey between March - July 2017. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected, and analyzed for frequencies or for common themes. Results A total of 334 PTs/PTAs were enrolled from all agencies and 72 responses were analyzed. The CR process did not differ between stroke and BI. Safety was the primary factor, which was assessed by patient query, observation skills, and objective measures. PTs/PTAs also measured balance, strength, function, cognition, and patient preferences within the context of the home. WADs obtained prior to initiation of home care often weren't used. Conclusion A complex CR process has been described for WAD prescription in home care for patients with stroke and BI. Entry-level training and health policy implications are described.

BackgroundArthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI) is known to lead to self-reported symptom improvement. In the context of surgical interventions with known contextual effects and no true sham comparator trials, it is important to ascertain outcomes that are less susceptible to placebo effects. The primary aim of this trial was to determine if study participants with FAI who have hip arthroscopy demonstrate greater improvements in delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cartilage (dGEMRIC) index between baseline and 12 months, compared to participants who undergo physiotherapist-led management.MethodsMulti-centre, pragmatic, two-arm superiority randomised controlled trial comparing physiotherapist-led management to hip arthroscopy for FAI. FAI participants were recruited from participating orthopaedic surgeons clinics, and randomly allocated to receive either physiotherapist-led conservative care or surgery. The surgical intervention was arthroscopic FAI surgery. The physiotherapist-led conservative management was an individualised physiotherapy program, named Personalised Hip Therapy (PHT). The primary outcome measure was change in dGEMRIC score between baseline and 12 months. Secondary outcomes included a range of patient-reported outcomes and structural measures relevant to FAI pathoanatomy and hip osteoarthritis development. Interventions were compared by intention-to-treat analysis.ResultsNinety-nine participants were recruited, of mean age 33 years and 58% male. Primary outcome data were available for 53 participants (27 in surgical group, 26 in PHT). The adjusted group difference in change at 12 months in dGEMRIC was -59 ms (95%CI − 137.9 to - 19.6) (p = 0.14) favouring PHT. Hip-related quality of life (iHOT-33) showed improvements in both groups with the adjusted between-group difference at 12 months showing a statistically and clinically important improvement in arthroscopy of 14 units (95% CI 5.6 to 23.9) (p = 0.003).ConclusionThe primary outcome of dGEMRIC showed no statistically significant difference between PHT and arthroscopic hip surgery at 12 months of follow-up. Patients treated with surgery reported greater benefits in symptoms at 12 months compared to PHT, but these benefits are not explained by better hip cartilage metabolism.Trial registration detailsAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry reference:ACTRN12615001177549. Trial registered 2/11/2015.

Infectious diarrhea following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. Most HCT recipients experience diarrhea in the post-transplantation period, and infectious pathogens are frequently detected during diarrheal episodes. However, little is known about how frequently these patients are colonized with gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens before their transplantation and whether colonization predicts future diarrheal illness. We sought to determine how frequently HCT recipients are colonized with GI pathogens before HCT and the degree to which pre-HCT colonization predicts post-transplantation infectious diarrheal illness. We conducted a prospective cohort study of allogeneic and autologous HCT recipients at a single center between December 2016 and January 2019. Stool samples were collected during the week before HCT, and formed samples were evaluated for the presence of 22 diarrheal pathogens using the BioFire FilmArray GI panel. We determined the frequency with which participants were colonized with each pathogen and identified factors associated with colonization. We then determined how frequently pretransplantation colonization led to post-transplantation diarrheal infections due to the colonizing pathogen and whether colonization was associated with increased number of days of post-transplantation diarrhea during the transplant hospitalization. We enrolled 112 asymptomatic patients (allogeneic, 61%; autologous, 39%) who had a formed stool specimen before HCT, of whom 41 (37%) had a GI pathogen detected. The most commonly detected organisms were Clostridioides difficile (n = 21; 19%), Yersinia enterocolitica (n = 9; 8%), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) (n = 6; 6%), and norovirus (n = 5; 4%). Female sex and previous C. difficile infection were associated with C. difficile colonization, and having non-Hodgkin lymphoma was associated with being colonized with a diarrheal pathogen other than C. difficile. Thirteen of 21 patients (62%) with pretransplantation C. difficile colonization developed a clinical C. difficile infection post-transplantation, and 8 of 10 patients (80%) colonized with EPEC or enteroaggregative E. coli developed post-transplantation infections due to their colonizing pathogen. Pretransplantation C. difficile colonization was also associated with an increased duration of post-transplantation diarrhea (P = .048). Conversely, none of the 9 patients with pretransplantation Yersinia enterocolitica colonization developed a post-transplantation Y. enterocolitica infection. Patients admitted for HCT are frequently colonized with a diverse range of GI pathogens. Colonization with C. difficile colonization and diarrheagenic E. coli is frequently associated with post-transplantation diarrheal infections caused by these organisms, but the clinical significance of colonization with other GI pathogens is not clear.

Cadmium in the diet is of concern as it is a renal toxicant and a carcinogen, with a half-life in the body measured in decades. Inorganic arsenic is a chronic carcinogen. For many subpopulations, rice and rice products may be the dominate source of cadmium and inorganic arsenic. In particular, rice porridge, cereal and cake are widely used to feed infants (children

Sunscreen is a staple in melanoma prevention and foreign innovation in formulation and application provide consumers with methods of sun protection. Nevertheless, FDA regulations designed to protect American consumers from ineffective sunscreens often act as a barrier to entry for these innovative, foreign sunscreens from reaching American consumers. This Note will address balancing concerns between consumer protection and promoting product innovation. The Note outlines the history of sunscreen regulation in the United States. Then it discusses the current regulatory framework and what sunscreen filters are currently available to American consumers before providing examples of foreign innovation in sunscreen formulation.

Mounting evidence of global plastic pollution has prompted many studies of its potential effects on aquatic ecosystems. In particular, most research has focused on organismal responses to microplastics and the effects of microplastics when introduced as food. However, there has been far less research into the possible effects of microplastics on primary producers. In this review, we document the available evidence for possible effects from the literature and from a laboratory experiment using cyanobacteria and microplastic fragments. Our review shows that primary producer–microplastic interactions can alter algal photosynthesis, growth, gene expression, and colony size and morphology, possibly via adhesion and/or transfer of adsorbed pollutants from microplastics; and, these effects could be transferred up the food web, including to humans. We recommend that the effects of microplastics on primary producers be incorporated into microplastic research to better understand its full effects on freshwater and marine ecosystems.

The goals of this undertaking were to assess the outcomes of thyroid screening tests and adherence to thyroid screening guidelines across five Down syndrome (DS) specialty clinics in various states. Data related to thyroid screening were collected for 663 individuals across five clinics specializing in the comprehensive care of individuals with DS for a period of 1 year. Of the 663 participants, 47.7% of participants had a TSH and free T4 ordered at their DS specialty clinic visit. Approximately 19.0% (60/316) had a new thyroid disorder diagnosis made. We conclude that a sizable proportion of the patients with DS are not up-to-date on current guidelines when they present to a DS specialty clinic, while adherence to thyroid screening guidelines helps facilitate early diagnoses. Hypothyroidism is prevalent in the population, consistent with reported literature. DS specialty clinics can help patients stay current on screening guidelines.

CASE Grant is a 13-year-old boy with trisomy 21 who presents with his mother for concerns regarding the emergence of several new disruptive behaviors. While he is verbal, he also communicates through an augmentative communication device. He currently attends a residential school. Over the past 2 months, he has begun spitting at the staff, engaging in self-injurious behaviors, placing his hands in his pants, and frequently talking about "pee and poop." Notably, Grant has undergone several changes to his educational placement and medical health over the past several months. He recently transferred to his current residential school from another placement to be closer to his family, although this has meant that Grant was unable to work with his long-time aide. Additionally, most of the students at Grant's current school are significantly lower functioning than him, such that Grant is one of the few verbal children.Approximately 3 months ago, Grant underwent significant dental work under anesthesia. Grant had previously taken an alpha-agonist for behavioral management, although he was weaned off this 4 months ago because of increasing somnolence increasing somnolence. Grant's recent behavioral challenges make performing community and home activities more challenging.Grant's behavioral history is notable for a previous episode of behavioral and emotional challenges 18 months ago. This occurred in the setting of transitioning to a new classroom with higher academic and behavioral expectations and decreased time spent with his family. These behaviors had consisted of self-injurious behaviors and tantrums consisting of crying and social withdrawal. This was managed by increased behavioral and academic supports via trained teachers and aides, medication management, and optimizing his augmentative communication. After these interventions, Grant's behavioral and emotional functioning improved and remained stable until this current episode.Grant's mother is concerned about what may be causing these emerging behaviors and wondering if any of the recent educational and medical stressors could be contributing. What do you do next?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs frequently in people with Down syndrome (DS) with reported prevalences ranging between 55% and 97%, compared to 1–4% in the neurotypical pediatric population. Sleep studies are often uncomfortable, costly, and poorly tolerated by individuals with DS. The objective of this study was to construct a tool to identify individuals with DS unlikely to have moderate or severe sleep OSA and in whom sleep studies might offer little benefit. An observational, prospective cohort study was performed in an outpatient clinic and overnight sleep study center with 130 DS patients, ages 3–24 years. Exclusion criteria included previous adenoid and/or tonsil removal, a sleep study within the past 6 months, or being treated for apnea with continuous positive airway pressure. This study involved a physical examination/medical history, lateral cephalogram, 3D photograph, validated sleep questionnaires, an overnight polysomnogram, and urine samples. The main outcome measure was the apnea-hypopnea index. Using a Logic Learning Machine, the best model had a cross-validated negative predictive value of 73% for mild obstructive sleep apnea and 90% for moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea; positive predictive values were 55% and 25%, respectively. The model included variables from survey questions, medication history, anthropometric measurements, vital signs, patient’s age, and physical examination findings. With simple procedures that can be collected at minimal cost, the proposed model could predict which patients with DS were unlikely to have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and thus may not need a diagnostic sleep study.

Objective The objective of the present study is to examine the craniofacial development of patients with Down syndrome (DS) and compare them with a neurotypical population. Methods This study is a cross-sectional analysis of lateral cephalometric radiographs of participants with DS. The study population consisted of children and young adults with DS aged 3–25 years. Cephalometric data were summarized by age and sex. Raw and normalized z-scores were computed. One-sample t tests were used to test whether mean z-scores differed from zero. The demographic characteristics between those with or without lateral cephalograms among all study participants were compared by Fisher’s exact tests. Results The study sample comprised of 27 participants with DS. Study subjects demonstrated a class III skeletal pattern. This was more pronounced in the older age groups as compared to younger age groups. Subjects also had an increased proportionate lower anterior face height to total facial height compared to normative standards. Gonial angles, mandibular plane angles, and airway measurements increased with age. Conclusions Patients with Down syndrome present typically with class III skeletal pattern and long lower anterior facial heights. In patients with Down syndrome, comprehensive phase of orthodontic treatment may be best initiated following cessation of growth.

The main purposes of this undertaking were to determine how often patients with Down syndrome (DS) are screened for celiac disease (CD) across five DS specialty clinics, which symptoms of CD are most often reported to DS specialty providers at these clinics, and, how many individuals were diagnosed with CD by these clinics. This was accomplished by following 663 individuals with DS for 1 year, across five clinics in different states specializing in the comprehensive care of people with DS. Of the 663 participants, 114 individuals were screened for CD at their visit to a DS specialty clinic. Protracted constipation (43.2%) and refractory behavioral problems (23.7%) were symptoms most often reported to DS specialty providers. During the 1 year study period, 13 patients screened positive for CD by serology. Of those, eight underwent duodenal biopsy, and three were diagnosed with CD. We conclude that CD is an important consideration in the comprehensive care of individuals with DS. However, while symptoms are common, diagnoses are infrequent in DS specialty clinics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Kristen is a 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome (DS) who was seen urgently with concerns of cognitive and developmental regression including loss of language, social, and toileting skills. The evaluation in the DS clinic focused on potential medical diagnoses including atlantoaxial joint instability, vitamin deficiency, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and seizures. A comprehensive medical evaluation yielded only a finding of moderate OSA. A reactive depression was considered in association with several psychosocial factors including moving homes, entering puberty/onset of menses, and classroom change from an integrated setting to a self- contained classroom comprising unfamiliar peers with behavior challenges.Urgent referrals for psychological and psychiatric evaluations were initiated. Neuropsychological testing did not suggest true regression in cognitive, language, and academic skills, although decreases in motivation and performance were noted with a reaction to stress and multiple environmental changes as a potential causative factor. Psychiatry consultation supported this finding in that psychosocial stress temporally correlated with Kristen's regression in skills.Working collaboratively, the team determined that Kristen's presentation was consistent with a reactive form of depression (DSM-IV-TR: depressive disorder, not otherwise specified). Kristen's presentation was exacerbated by salient environmental stress and sleep apnea, rather than a cognitive regression associated with a medical cause. Treatment consisted of an antidepressant medication, continuous positive airway pressure for OSA, and increased psychosocial supports. Her school initiated a change in classroom placement. With this multimodal approach to evaluation and intervention, Kristen steadily improved and she returned to her baseline function.

The Down Syndrome Study Group (DSSG) was founded in 2012 as a voluntary, collaborative effort with the goal of supporting evidenced-based health care guidelines for individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Since then, 5 DS specialty clinics have collected prospective, longitudinal data on medical conditions that co-occur with DS. Data were entered by clinical staff or trained designees into the National Down Syndrome Patient Database, which we created using REDCap software. In our pilot year, we enrolled 663 participants across the U.S., ages 36 days to 70 years, from multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds. Here we report: (i) the demographic distribution of participants enrolled, (ii) a detailed account of our database infrastructure, and (iii) lessons learned during our pilot year to assist future researchers with similar goals for other patient populations.

To review clinical updates and current healthcare issues for adolescents with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities, including behavioral, social, and emotional issues, health supervision recommendations, and recommendations for supporting the transition process.Several recent findings merit particular attention: low activity levels and implications for overweight and poor bone density; high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and its implications; prevalence of mental health and behavioral concerns; and need for appropriate transition services.In guiding adolescents with Down syndrome towards healthy productive adult lives, clinicians can make use of healthcare guidelines and should also take a broader, more interdisciplinary approach to ensure that social, educational, and vocational plans are in place to support physical and mental health and development during transition into adulthood. Many of these issues have broader applicability to any adolescent with an intellectual disability.

We investigated what added value, if any, a Down syndrome specialty clinic brings to the healthcare needs of children and adolescents with Down syndrome. For this quality improvement study, we performed a retrospective chart review of 105 new patients with Down syndrome, ages 3 and older, seen during the inaugural year of our specialty clinic. We asked how many of our patients were already up-to-date on the healthcare screenings recommended for people with Down syndrome. We further analyzed what tests we ordered, which referrals we suggested, and, ultimately, what new diagnoses of co-occurring medical conditions were made. Only 9.8% of our patients were current on all of the recommended Down syndrome healthcare screenings. Parents came to clinic with a variety of concerns, and after laboratory tests, radiologic studies, and subspecialty referrals, we made many new diagnoses of gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., constipation and celiac disease), seasonal allergies, dermatologic conditions (e.g., xerosis), behavioral diagnoses (e.g., autism spectrum disorder and disruptive behavior not otherwise specified), and clarifications of neurologic conditions. A Down syndrome specialty clinic can identify and address many healthcare needs of children and adolescents with Down syndrome beyond that which is provided in primary care settings.

Objective Clinical guidelines recommend that patients who sustain a minimal trauma fracture (MTF) should receive a bone mineral density (BMD) scan and bisphosphonate (or equivalent) therapy if diagnosed with osteoporosis. A pilot fracture liaison service (FLS) was implemented in regional NSW to improve adherence to the guidelines. Design Prospective cohort study with an historical control. Setting Primary care. Participants Control (n = 47) and cohort (n = 93) groups comprised patients consenting to interview who presented with a MTF to the major referral hospital 4 months before and 12 months after FLS implementation respectively. Main outcome measures Primary outcome measures were the rates of BMD scans and anti-osteoporotic medication initiation/review after MTF. Hospital admission data were also examined to determine death and refracture rates for all patients presenting during the study period with a primary diagnosis of MTF within 3 years of their initial fracture. Results Although there was no improvement in BMD scanning rates, the reported rate of medication initiation/review after fracture was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the FLS cohort. However, once adjusted for age, this association was not significant (P = 0.086). There was a lower refracture rate during the cohort period (P = 0.013), however, there were significantly more deaths (P = 0.035) within 3 years of initial fracture. When deaths were taken into account via competing risk regression, patients in the cohort period were significantly less likely to refracture than those in the control period (Hazard ratio = 0.576, P = 0.032). Conclusions A rurally based nurse-led FLS was associated with modest improvement after MTF. Consideration should be given to ways to strengthen the model of care to improve outcomes.

While the benefits of testosterone (T) therapy are well documented with regard to the clinical signs and symptoms of T deficiency, there is still a fear among the medical community that T therapy could be a stimulus for the emergence of prostate cancer (PCa) or promote its progression. However, the evidence shows that T appears to have limited stimulatory effects on the prostate. Several studies suggest that T stimulates the growth of prostatic neoplasia only at very low concentrations, and variations in the endogenous T levels within the physiological range or above do not appear to influence prostate growth or function, as measured by markers such as prostate-specific antigen. The recognition of the finite ability of androgens to stimulate prostate growth, called the saturation model, has led to important changes in medical practice, especially with regard to consideration of T therapy for men with a history of PCa. Recent clinical experiences with men with PCa have suggested that T therapy is not as risky as once believed. Studies regarding T administration in hypogonadal men after PCa treatment have shown no evidence of worse oncologic prognosis. Even in patients in active surveillance protocols, T has been administrated with no modification of oncologic outcomes, suggesting that T therapy is safe when correctly indicated and strictly monitored.

Community-based interventions have greater relevance and a greater chance of success and sustainability when the community is collaboratively involved in the research process. Opening Doors: Project Adventure is a research project designed to evaluate the impact of community-based inclusive recreation, using supportive mentoring, on children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs (CYDS). The project has a central goal of engaging CYDS who are members of underrepresented minorities, including those who face linguistic, cultural, and/or financial barriers to participation. In this article we describe the process of working with community partners and the lessons learned in the development and implementation of Project Adventure.

The Down Syndrome Study Group (DSSG) was founded in 2012 as a voluntary, collaborative effort with the goal of supporting evidenced-based health care guidelines for individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Since then, 5 DS specialty clinics have collected prospective, longitudinal data on medical conditions that co-occur with DS. Data were entered by clinical staff or trained designees into the National Down Syndrome Patient Database, which we created using REDCap software. In our pilot year, we enrolled 663 participants across the U.S., ages 36 days to 70 years, from multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds. Here we report: (i) the demographic distribution of participants enrolled, (ii) a detailed account of our database infrastructure, and (iii) lessons learned during our pilot year to assist future researchers with similar goals for other patient populations.

Objectives. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a medical home for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). In the Pediatric Al- liance for Coordinated Care (PACC), 6 pediatric practices introduced interventions to operationalize the medical home for CSHCN. The intervention consisted of a des- ignated pediatric nurse practitioner acting as case man- ager, a local parent consultant for each practice, the de- velopment of an individualized health plan for each patient, and continuing medical education for health care professionals. The objectives of this study were 1) to characterize CSHCN in the PACC, 2) to assess parental satisfaction with the PACC intervention, 3) to assess the impact on hospitalizations and emergency department episodes, and 4) to assess the impact on parental work- days lost and children's school days lost for CSHCN before and during the PACC intervention. Methods. A total of 150 CSHCN in 6 pediatric prac- tices in the Boston, Massachusetts, area were studied. Participants were recruited by their pediatricians on the basis of medical/developmental complexity. Physicians completed enrollment information about each child's di- agnosis and severity of condition. Families completed surveys at baseline and follow-up (at 2 years), assessing their experience with health care for their children. Results. A total of 60% of the children had >5 condi- tions, 41% were dependent on medical technology, and 47% were rated by their physician as having a "severe" condition. A total of 117 (78%) families provided data after the intervention. The PACC made care delivery easier, including having the same nurse to talk to (68%), getting letters of medical necessity (67%), getting re- sources (60%), getting telephone calls returned (61%), getting early medical care when the child is sick (61%), communicating with the child's doctor (61%), getting referrals to specialists (61%), getting prescriptions filled (56%), getting appointments (61%), setting goals for the child (52%), understanding the child's medical condition (56%), and relationship with the child's doctor (58%). Families of children who were rated "severe" were most likely to find these aspects of care "much easier" with the help of the pediatric nurse practitioner. Satisfaction with primary care delivery was high at baseline and remained high throughout the study. There was a statistically sig- nificant decrease in parents missing >20 days of work (26% at baseline; 14.1% after PACC) and in hospitaliza- tions (58% at baseline; 43.2% after PACC). The approxi- mate cost per child per year of the intervention was $400. Conclusions. The PACC medical home intervention increases parent satisfaction with pediatric primary care. Those whose needs are most severe seem to benefit most from the intervention. There are some indications of improved health as well as decreased burden of disease with the intervention in place. The PACC model allows a practice to meet many of the goals of serving as a medical home with a relatively small financial investment. Pedi- atrics 2004;113:1507-1516; children with special health care needs, medical home.

White dwarfs (WDs) are the most promising captors of dark matter (DM) particles in the crests that are expected to build up in the cores of dense stellar clusters. The DM particles could reach sufficient densities in WD cores to liberate energy through self-annihilation. The extinction associated with our Galactic Centre, the most promising region where to look for such effects, makes it impossible to detect the potential associated luminosity of the DM-burning WDs. However, in smaller stellar systems which are close enough to us and not heavily extincted, such as $\omega-$Cen, we may be able to detect DM-burning WDs. We investigate the prospects of detection of DM-burning WDs in a stellar cluster harbouring an IMBH, which leads to higher densities of DM at the centre as compared with clusters without one. We calculate the capture rate of WIMPs by a WD around an IMBH and estimate the luminosity that a WD would emit depending on its distance to the center of the cluster. Direct-summation $N-$body simulations of $\omega-$Cen yield a non-negligible number of WDs in the range of radii of interest. We apply our assumption to published HST/ACS observations of stars in the center of $\omega-$Cen to search for DM burning WDs and, although we are not able to identify any evident candidate because of crowding and incompleteness, we proof that their bunching up at high luminosities would be unique. We predict that DM burning will lead to a truncation of the cooling sequence at the faint end. The detection of DM burning in future observations of dense stellar clusters, such as globular clusters or ultra-compact dwarf galaxies could allow us to probe different models of DM distributions and characteristics such as the DM particle scattering cross section on nucleons. On the other hand, if DM-burning WDs really exist, their number and properties could give hints to the existence of IMBHs., Comment: Submitted. Comments welcome. Abstract has been abridged

Objective.—To identify barriers to providing quality primary care to children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Methodology.—Descriptive cross-sectional needs assessment of primary care physicians caring for CSHCN. The population consists of 30 physicians from 2 health centers and 4 private offices participating in an intervention study designed to enhance primary care for CSHCN and 20 physicians from comparable sites (2 health centers, 5 private offices). An 86-item questionnaire was administered to participants. Results.—Among these physicians who care for large numbers of CSHCN, over 70% were satisfied with specialist care, emergency room, and hospital care. By contrast, fewer than 50% reported satisfaction with mental health services, information available for families, access to case managers, and resources for transition-to-adult services. Seventy-one percent reported that compensation systems affected care, and more than half the physicians reported needing more time or staff to provide optimal care for CSHCN. Conclusions—Experienced physicians providing primary care for large numbers of CSHCN report that their care is adversely affected by compensation systems. There is extensive dissatisfaction with the availability of mental health services, access to community resources, transition services, and availability of written information for families.

Our objective was to determine the efficacy of probiotic use in reducing the duration of increased stool output in children with acute diarrheal illness. Eligible studies were limited to trials of probiotic therapy in otherwise healthy children

Objectives: Children with Down syndrome (DS) have increased difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). As part of a quality improvement initiative, parents of children enrolled in the Children’s Hospital Boston Down Syndrome Program were surveyed about their child’s sleep and breathing patterns while asleep. Methods: An anonymous Internet-based questionnaire was used in the study. Results: The completion rate was 46.5% (255/548). DIMS and EDS were frequently/almost always present in more than half the children. Among parents unconcerned about their child’s breathing, 11.8% witnessed apnea and 4.2% gasping/choking more than once monthly. Parents of children status post adenotonsillectomy (AT) reported witnessed apnea (47.5%), gasping/choking (28.9%) more than once monthly. Discussion: There is room for improved screening of sleep disturbances, OSA in children with DS. The high frequency of persistence of OSA following AT should prompt for continued screening following AT.

Objective: To survey pediatric residents' attitudes toward caring for children with severe disabilities. Design: A cross-sectional survey of residents in a university-affiliated pediatric residency program between October and December 2005. Residents were asked to complete a newly designed, 13-item survey. For each item, participants selected the degree to which they did or did not agree with a statement about disabilities or caring for children with severe disabilities. Results: Fifty-five (43%) of 129 eligible residents participated. Eighty-nine percent felt that caring for children with severe disabilities was as rewarding as caring for other children. Ninety-two percent felt that there is a societal responsibility to care for such children; 98% felt families of children with disabilities love their children as much as other families. Two-thirds (66%) admitted frustration related to caring for children who cannot be cured or function independently, and 71 % questioned the aggressive treatment of such children. Residents in their second and third postgraduate years were more likely to question the aggressive treatment compared with their junior colleagues. Conclusions: Although pediatric residents had positive attitudes toward children with severe disabilities, emotional and moral tensions did arise around their care.

Vitamin E uptake by Caco-2 cells, a human intestinal cell line, was studied by incubating the cells with alpha-tocopherol/triglyceride emulsions with or without bile activated lipase or lipoprotein lipase. During a 1-h incubation, vitamin E was transferred to Caco-2 cells only in the presence of triglyceride hydrolysis by bile activated lipase and not by lipoprotein lipase. Incubation with either lipase resulted in hydrolysis of approximately 20% of the medium [3H]-triolein to free fatty acids and a 3-5-fold increase in cellular radioactivity. In the absence of lipases but the presence of taurocholate, addition of oleic acid in an amount equal to the molar concentration of triglyceride (5.7 mM) to triglyceride emulsions containing either alpha-tocopherol or cholesteryl ester resulted in an increase in cellular [3H]-triglyceride and alpha-tocopherol or cholesteryl ester. We suggest that the absorption of hydrophobic molecules such as vitamin E may occur in the presence of bile and amphipathic lipids via the uptake of micellar neutral lipids by the intestine.