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Background: Little is known about changes in gastrointestinal symptoms compatible with disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) with increasing age at the population level. The objective of this study was to describe the patterns of DGBI in individuals 65 years of age and above and contrasting them with those of younger adults. Methods: A community sample of 6300 individuals ages 18 and older in the US, UK, and Canada completed an online survey. Quota‐based sampling was used to ensure equal proportion of sex and age groups (40% aged 18–39, 40% aged 40–64, 20% aged 65+) across countries, and to control education distributions. The survey included the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire for DGBI, demographic questions, questionnaires measuring overall somatic symptom severity and quality of life, and questions on healthcare utilization, medications, and surgical history. Results: We included 5926 individuals in our analyses; 4700 were 18–64 years of age and 1226 were ages 65+. Symptoms compatible with at least one DGBI were less prevalent in participants ages 65+ vs. ages 18–64 years (34.1% vs. 41.3%, p < 0.0001). For symptoms compatible with upper GI DGBI, lower prevalence for most disorders was noted in the 65+ group. For lower GI DGBI, a different pattern was seen. Prevalence was lower in ages 65+ for irritable bowel syndrome and anorectal pain, but no differences from younger participants for the disorders defined by abnormal bowel habits (constipation and/or diarrhea) were seen. Fecal incontinence was the only DGBI that was more common in ages 65+. Having a DGBI was associated with reduced quality of life, more severe non‐GI somatic symptoms, and increased healthcare seeking, both in younger and older participants. Conclusion: Symptoms compatible with DGBI are common, but most of these decrease in older adults at the population level, with the exception of fecal incontinence which increases. This pattern needs to be taken into account when planning GI health care for the growing population of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that hydrocephalus in early life has a detrimental effect on neurodevelopment and can result in death, and rapid access to neurosurgical care for patients with acute deterioration, and usually, multiple procedures that can be burdensome for the child and the family. It mentions that Hydrocephalus denotes enlargement of the brain's ventricles due to disturbed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in intraventricular hemorrhage.

Myelomeningocele (MMC) and congenital heart disease (CHD) are independent risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality in the newborn period and each can require significant operations shortly after birth. Few studies have examined the impact of these combined lesions. We sought to examine the incidence of CHD in patients with MMC, and to evaluate length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, and mortality. Using the Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File, ~ 6.9 million newborn records between 1/1999 and 12/2016 were examined. Hospitalizations were classified as MMC without CHD (n = 3054), CHD without MMC (n = 72,266), and MMC with CHD (n = 171). The birth prevalence of CHD with MMC was 0.3/10,000 live hospital births, with 5% of patients with MMC having CHD, and 0.2% of those with CHD having MMC. There was increased LOS in patients with both MMC and CHD (median 15 days, IQR 5–31), compared to CHD without MMC (median 6 days, IQR 2–20) and MMC without CHD (median 8 days, IQR 1–14) and higher total hospital charges (median $95,007, IQR $26,731–$222,660) compared to CHD without MMC (median $27,726, $6463–$118,370) and MMC without CHD (median $40,066, IQR $5744–$97,490). Mortality was significantly higher in patients with MMC and CHD (22.2% compared to 3.1% in MMC without CHD and 4.1% in CHD without MMC). Significance remained when limiting for patients without genetic conditions or additional major birth defects. MMC with CHD in the newborn compared to either CHD or MMC alone is associated with longer LOS, higher charges, and increased mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fetoscopic meningomyelocele repair in a gas-filled uterus is a new technique performed in very few centers. There are few opportunities as well as ethical prohibitions on the initial development and subsequent refinement of innovative fetal surgery techniques in humans, and using an animal model is both very expensive and logistically difficult.Method: We developed a low-fidelity endoscopic fetal surgery simulation using a plastic doll and pieces of chicken breast to simulate a fetal meningomyelocele, and a polyurethane ball to simulate a gas-filled uterus, along with a standard endoscopy system and instruments.Experience: A unique two-port technique with significant differences from the standard laparoscopic surgery procedure was developed and refined through an iterative phase into a standardized methodology, and the simulator was then used to train three other teams to perform standardized fetoscopic meningomyelocele repair.Conclusion: A low-fidelity fetoscopic surgery simulator is a useful tool for developing new fetoscopic operations and for training multidisciplinary fetal surgery teams without the need for extensive use of an animal model. This simulator may be used to further explore the human uterus as a new surgical space for additional fetal surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe development of a two-port fetoscopic technique for spina bifida repair in the exteriorized, carbon dioxide-filled uterus and report early results of two cohorts of patients: the first 15 treated with an iterative technique and the latter 13 with a standardized technique.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study (2014-2016). All patients met Management of Myelomeningocele Study selection criteria. The intraoperative approach was iterative in the first 15 patients and was then standardized. Obstetric, maternal, fetal, and early neonatal outcomes were compared. Standard parametric and nonparametric tests were used as appropriate.Results: Data for 28 patients (22 endoscopic only, four hybrid, two abandoned) are reported, but only those with a complete fetoscopic repair were analyzed (iterative technique [n=10] compared with standardized technique [n=12]). Maternal demographics and gestational age (median [range]) at fetal surgery (25.4 [22.9-25.9] compared with 24.8 [24-25.6] weeks) were similar, but delivery occurred at 35.9 (26-39) weeks of gestation with the iterative technique compared with 39 (35.9-40) weeks of gestation with the standardized technique (P<.01). Duration of surgery (267 [107-434] compared with 246 [206-333] minutes), complication rates, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes rates (4/12 [33%] compared with 1/10 [10%]), and vaginal delivery rates (5/12 [42%] compared with 6/10 [60%]) were not statistically different in the iterative and standardized techniques, respectively. In 6 of 12 (50%) compared with 1 of 10 (10%), respectively (P=.07), there was leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the repair site at birth. Management of Myelomeningocele Study criteria for hydrocephalus-death at discharge were met in 9 of 12 (75%) and 3 of 10 (30%), respectively, and 7 of 12 (58%) compared with 2 of 10 (20%) have been treated for hydrocephalus to date. These latter differences were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Fetoscopic open neural tube defect repair does not appear to increase maternal-fetal complications as compared with repair by hysterotomy, allows for vaginal delivery, and may reduce long-term maternal risks.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02230072. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, maternal-fetal surgery for repair of myelomeningocele requires an upper-segment hysterotomy, which likely increases maternal postsurgical risks. If fetoscopic repair of myelomeningocele achieves similar or better fetal outcomes while decreasing maternal risks, it would be a better option.Case: A patient with a fetus with a L3-S1 meningomyelocele underwent a laparotomy and fetoscopic repair using a two-port, in-CO2 approach at 23 2/7 weeks of gestation. The neonate was delivered at 30 6/7 weeks of gestation by lower segment cesarean delivery and required no further surgery, has not needed a shunt (5 months), and has normal, age-appropriate neurologic function.Conclusion: This innovative fetoscopic approach may offer an alternative to open fetal surgery and may prevent the need for hysterotomy and cesarean delivery in index and subsequent pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second of a two-part summary of a National Institutes of Health conference on fecal incontinence (FI) that summarizes current treatments and identifies research priorities. Conservative medical management consisting of patient education, fiber supplements or antidiarrheals, behavioral techniques such as scheduled toileting, and pelvic floor exercises restores continence in up to 25% of patients. Biofeedback, often recommended as first-line treatment after conservative management fails, produces satisfaction with treatment in up to 76% and continence in 55%; however, outcomes depend on the skill of the therapist, and some trials are less favorable. Electrical stimulation of the anal mucosa is ineffective, but continuous electrical pulsing of sacral nerves produces a ≥50% reduction in FI frequency in a median 73% of patients. Tibial nerve electrical stimulation with needle electrodes is promising but remains unproven. Sphincteroplasty produces short-term clinical improvement in a median 67%, but 5-year outcomes are poor. Injecting an inert bulking agent around the anal canal led to ≥50% reductions of FI in up to 53% of patients. Colostomy is used as a last resort because of adverse effects on quality of life. Several new devices are under investigation but not yet approved. FI researchers identify the following priorities for future research: (1) trials comparing the effectiveness, safety, and cost of current therapies; (2) studies addressing barriers to consulting for care; and (3) translational research on regenerative medicine. Unmet patient needs include FI in special populations (e.g., neurological disorders and nursing home residents) and improvements in behavioral treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and dual incontinence in a large cohort of older women and compare risk factors across the three conditions. METHODS: These cross-sectional analyses used data from the Nurses' Health Study. The 2008 questionnaire, mailed to 96,480 surviving participants aged 62-87 years, included two separate items on the prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence. A response of leakage at least once per month defined incontinence for both urine and stool. Dual incontinence was defined by responses at this frequency for both conditions. Using a polytomous logistic regression model, we assessed each risk factor for prevalence of urinary, fecal, and dual incontinence. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 64,396 women. Thirty-eight percent had urinary incontinence alone, 4% had fecal incontinence alone, and 7% had dual incontinence. Age older than 80 years compared with age younger than 70 years was associated most strongly with dual incontinence (odds ratio [OR] 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.28-2.73) followed by depression (OR 2.28, 95% CI 2.13-2.43), neurologic disease (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.65-2.07), functional limitations (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.71-2.02), multiparity (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.41-1.94), and heavier fetal birth weight (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.41). Obesity was associated only with urinary incontinence (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.90-2.08) and type 2 diabetes mellitus was a stronger risk factor for fecal than urinary incontinence (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.28-1.59). Black race was associated with a reduced risk of all types of incontinence, especially dual incontinence (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.21-0.44). CONCLUSION: In this large cohort, dual incontinence was primarily associated with advanced age, decompensating medical conditions, depression, and multiparity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews the evidence for validity of symptom-based criteria (Manning, Rome I, Rome II, and Rome III) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Two kinds of validations are reported: (i) studies testing whether symptom criteria discriminate patients with structural disease at colonoscopy from patients without structural disease; and (ii) studies testing whether symptom criteria discriminate patients presumed to have IBS by positive diagnosis from healthy subjects or patients with other functional and structural disorders. The first study type addresses an important clinical management question but cannot provide meaningful information on the sensitivity or positive predictive value because IBS is defined only by exclusion of structural disease. Specificity is modest (about 0.7) but can be improved to 0.9 by the addition of red flag signs and symptoms. The second type of study judges validity by whether the symptom criteria consistently perform as predicted by theory. Here, factor analysis confirms consistent clusters of symptoms corresponding to IBS; symptom-based criteria agree reasonably well (sensitivity, 0.4–0.9) with clinical diagnoses made by experienced clinicians; and patients with a clinical diagnosis of IBS who fulfill Rome II criteria have greater symptom severity and poorer quality of life than patients with a clinical diagnosis of IBS who do not fulfill Rome criteria. There are no consistent differences in sensitivity or specificity between Manning, Rome I, and Rome II. Both study types support the validity of symptom-based IBS criteria. Tests of Rome III are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report a rare case of primary disseminated intradural malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) of the spine in a 5-year-old child without neurofibromatosis type I (NF-I). This child presented with abdominal pain and gait disturbance. MRI revealed a large intradural extramedullary tumor at C4–5 with dissemination to the thoracic spine, cauda equina and leptomeninges. Following a 2-level cervical laminectomy, the tumor was biopsied and debulked. Based on pathological and immunohistological findings, the tumor was diagnosed as an MPNST. Because of the rarity of this pathological entity, a review of the literature was performed. The reported clinical outcomes for adult and pediatric patients with intradural MPNST are very poor. No established standard for the treatment of these tumors exists. We report the first pediatric case – without or with NF-I – of disseminated intradural MPNST primarily localized proximal to the conus medullaris. It must always be considered in the differential diagnosis for intradural extramedullary tumors of the pediatric spine, along with neurofibromas and schwannomas, even in children without NF-I. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The purpose of this report is to describe the use of lumbar drainage of CSF in children to achieve brain relaxation for occipital lobe approaches with the need for minimal retraction. This technique of brain relaxation, widely reported and used in the adult neurosurgical literature, has not been documented by published reports in the pediatric literature. Case Description: We illustrate this technique through the case of a 5-year-old patient who was operated on for an AVM of the occipital lobe through a suboccipital supratentorial approach. Conclusions: We confirm that lumbar drainage of CSF is an effective and safe technique, and an alternative to ventriculostomy placement, in accomplishing brain relaxation and minimal retraction in occipital lobe approaches in children. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages related to lumbar drain and ventriculostomy placement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Comorbid nongastrointestinal symptoms account for two-thirds of excess health-care costs in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). OBJECTIVES: To determine whether IBS patients are at greater risk for specific comorbid disorders versus showing a general tendency to overreport symptoms; whether patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) show patterns of comorbidity similar to IBS; whether comorbidity is explained by psychiatric disease; and whether excess comorbidity occurs in all IBS patients. METHODS: All 3,153 patients in a health maintenance organization with a diagnosis of IBS in 1994–1995 were compared to 3,153 age- and gender-matched controls, and to 571 IBD patients. All diagnoses in a 4-yr period beginning 1 yr before their index visit were categorized as gastrointestinal, psychiatric, or nongastrointestinal somatic. Nongastrointestinal somatic diagnoses were further divided into symptom-based versus biological marker-based diagnoses. RESULTS: Forty-eight of 51 symptom-based and 16 of 25 biomarker-based diagnoses were significantly more common in IBS versus controls. However, there were no unique associations. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections and stroke were among diagnoses made more frequently in IBS. IBD patients were similar to controls. Greater somatic comorbidity was associated with concurrent psychiatric diagnosis. Only 16% of IBS patients had abnormally high numbers of comorbid diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity in IBS is due to a general amplification of symptom reporting and physician consultation rather than a few unique associations; this suggests biased symptom perception rather than shared pathophysiology. Comorbidity is influenced by, but is not explained by, psychiatric illness. Excess comorbidity is present in only a subset of IBS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Treatment trials for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) usually define a responder as a patient who reports satisfactory relief or adequate relief of symptoms at the end of the trial. However, these measures have not been adequately validated. AIMS: (1) Compare a binary satisfactory relief measure to alternative ways of defining a treatment responder. (2) Determine whether baseline IBS symptom severity or psychological distress influence the sensitivity of these outcome measures. METHODS: A total of 350 patients (81% females, average age 50 yr) who had a medical diagnosis of IBS and satisfied Rome II criteria, were recruited from Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound. At baseline the Irritable Bowel Severity Scale (IBSS) was used to assess symptom severity and to classify patients as mild, moderate, or severe. Psychological distress and IBS-specific quality of life (IBS-QOL) were also assessed. After 6 months treatment with standard medical care, IBSS and IBS-QOL were reassessed, and patients were asked whether they had experienced satisfactory relief and whether they were somewhat or markedly better. RESULTS: Initial severity of IBS significantly affected the proportion who reported satisfactory relief (mild, 72%; moderate, 53%; severe, 44%) and the proportion who were somewhat or markedly better (mild, 62%; moderate, 44%; severe, 38%), but did not affect the proportion with a 50% reduction in symptoms (mild, 26%; moderate, 25%; severe, 23%). Although mild patients were the most likely to report satisfactory relief, they showed no average decrease in symptom severity or improvement in IBS-QOL. Conversely, severe patients, who were the least likely to report satisfactory relief, had the largest reductions in IBS symptom severity and the largest improvements in IBS-QOL. Psychological distress had no significant effect on the responder rate after adjusting for IBS symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS: These data from a descriptive study suggest that satisfactory relief is confounded with initial IBS symptom severity and is poorly correlated with the amount of symptom improvement. Confirmation of these findings in a clinical trial is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) runs in families. The aims of this study were (i) to exclude biased perception by a mother with irritable bowel as the explanation for increased gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in their children, (ii) to determine whether non-GI as well as GI symptoms run in families, and (iii) to determine whether parent IBS status and solicitous responses to illness exert independent effects on children's symptom reports, medical clinic visits, and school absences.METHODS: Two hundred and eight mothers with irritable bowel and their 296 children (cases: average age 11.9 yr; 48.6% male) and 241 nonirritable bowel mothers and their 335 children (controls: 11.8 yr; 49.0% male) were interviewed. Other factors assessed were stress, mother's and child's psychological symptoms, child's perceived competence, pain coping style, age, and sex. Children were interviewed apart from their parents.RESULTS: Case children independently reported more frequent stomach aches (F(591)= 9.22;p= 0.0025) and non-GI symptoms (F(562)= 21.03;p<0.001) than control children. Case children also had more school absences (F(625)= 26.53;p<0.0001), physician visits for GI symptoms (F(602)= 8.09;p= 0.005), and non-GI clinic visits (F(602)= 27.92;p<0.001) than control children. Children whose mothers made solicitous responses to illness complaints independently reported more severe stomach aches (F(590)= 11.42;p<0.001), and they also had more school absences for stomach aches (F(625)= 5.33;p<0.05), but solicitous behavior did not significantly impact non-GI symptom reporting, clinic visits, or school absences. Differences between cases and controls remained significant after adjusting for potential moderators.CONCLUSIONS: (i) Frequent GI complaints in children whose mothers have irritable bowel are not explained by the mother's biased perceptions; (ii) children of mothers with irritable bowel have more non-GI as well as GI symptoms, disability days, and clinical visits; (iii) and parent IBS status and solicitous responses to illness have independent effects on the child's symptom complaints.(Am J Gastroenterol 2004;99:1-10) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ideal duration of antibiotic treatment for shunt infection remains a major unanswered question in pediatric neurosurgery. To date, no study has objectively determined the best length of treatment, i.e. that which minimizes both the length of hospital stay and the chance of reinfection. This study was undertaken to determine whether an increase in reinfection risk would be tolerated if the duration of therapy were shortened. Sixty-one members of the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons (44 responding) and 831 patients or parents of patients with shunts (385 responding) were surveyed using similar questionnaires. Sixty-four percent of neurosurgeons (28/44) and 54% of patients (178/325) responding to the survey would tolerate an increased reinfection risk in order to gain a shorter duration of treatment. These data support the feasibility of a planned randomized study to determine the ideal length of antibiotic treatment for shunt infection.Copyright © 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is our impression that the management strategy for infected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts varies significantly among pediatric neurosurgeons. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a practice survey on the treatment of shunt infections which was distributed to all active members of the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons (ASPN). Eighty-four of 129 ASPN members (65%) responded to the survey. Most ASPN members remove the shunt and place an external ventricular drain (EVD) to treat Staphylococcus epidermidis (59.5%), S. aureus (64.3%) and gram-negative rod infections (67.9%). The second most common method of treatment was externalization of the shunt (33.3, 29.8 and 25%, respectively). The duration of antibiotic treatment was extremely variable. When the shunt was removed and an EVD inserted, the duration of antibiotic treatment for S. epidermidis and S. aureus ranged from 5 to 21 total days (2–21 days of sterile cultures). For gram-negative rod infections treated with shunt removal and an EVD, the total duration of antibiotic therapy ranged from 5 to 24 days (2–37 days of sterile cultures). The majority of ASPN members remove the infected CSF shunt and place an EVD for the management of shunt infections. Significant variation exists in the duration of antibiotic therapy. Determining the most effective duration of antibiotic therapy in an effort to shorten hospitalization and minimize complications without sacrificing efficacy will require further study.Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Outcomes for pineal region and superior cerebellar tumors in young children often hinge on extent of microsurgical resection, and thus choosing an approach that provides adequate visualization of pathology is essential. The occipital interhemispheric transtentorial (OITT) approach provides excellent exposure while minimizing cerebellar retraction. However, this approach has not been widely accepted as a viable option for very young children due to concerns for potential blood loss when incising the tentorium. The aim of this paper is to characterize our recent institutional experience with the occipital interhemispheric transtentorial approach (OITT) for tumor resection in infants and toddlers.A retrospective study was performed between 2016 and 2023 of pediatric patients less than 36 months of age who underwent OITT for tumor resection at a high-volume referral center. Patients with at least 3 months of postoperative follow-up and postoperative MRI were included. Primary outcomes included extent of resection, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and neurologic outcome. Secondary outcomes included length of stay and estimated blood loss.Eight patients, five male, were included. The median age at the time of surgery was 10 months (range 5–36 months). Presenting symptoms included macrocephaly, nausea/vomiting, strabismus, gait instability, or milestone regression. Hydrocephalus was present preoperatively in all patients. Average tumor volume was 38.6 cm3, ranging from 1.3 to 71.9 cm3. All patients underwent an OITT approach for tumor resection with stereotactic guidance. No intraoperative complications occurred, and no permanent neurologic deficits developed postoperatively. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases per postoperative MRI report, and no instances of new cerebellar, brainstem, or occipital lobe ischemia were noted.OITT approach for tumor resection in very young children (≤ 36 months) is an effective strategy with an acceptable safety profile. In our series, no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing this technique specifically in patients less than 36 months of age.Methods: Outcomes for pineal region and superior cerebellar tumors in young children often hinge on extent of microsurgical resection, and thus choosing an approach that provides adequate visualization of pathology is essential. The occipital interhemispheric transtentorial (OITT) approach provides excellent exposure while minimizing cerebellar retraction. However, this approach has not been widely accepted as a viable option for very young children due to concerns for potential blood loss when incising the tentorium. The aim of this paper is to characterize our recent institutional experience with the occipital interhemispheric transtentorial approach (OITT) for tumor resection in infants and toddlers.A retrospective study was performed between 2016 and 2023 of pediatric patients less than 36 months of age who underwent OITT for tumor resection at a high-volume referral center. Patients with at least 3 months of postoperative follow-up and postoperative MRI were included. Primary outcomes included extent of resection, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and neurologic outcome. Secondary outcomes included length of stay and estimated blood loss.Eight patients, five male, were included. The median age at the time of surgery was 10 months (range 5–36 months). Presenting symptoms included macrocephaly, nausea/vomiting, strabismus, gait instability, or milestone regression. Hydrocephalus was present preoperatively in all patients. Average tumor volume was 38.6 cm3, ranging from 1.3 to 71.9 cm3. All patients underwent an OITT approach for tumor resection with stereotactic guidance. No intraoperative complications occurred, and no permanent neurologic deficits developed postoperatively. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases per postoperative MRI report, and no instances of new cerebellar, brainstem, or occipital lobe ischemia were noted.OITT approach for tumor resection in very young children (≤ 36 months) is an effective strategy with an acceptable safety profile. In our series, no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing this technique specifically in patients less than 36 months of age.Results: Outcomes for pineal region and superior cerebellar tumors in young children often hinge on extent of microsurgical resection, and thus choosing an approach that provides adequate visualization of pathology is essential. The occipital interhemispheric transtentorial (OITT) approach provides excellent exposure while minimizing cerebellar retraction. However, this approach has not been widely accepted as a viable option for very young children due to concerns for potential blood loss when incising the tentorium. The aim of this paper is to characterize our recent institutional experience with the occipital interhemispheric transtentorial approach (OITT) for tumor resection in infants and toddlers.A retrospective study was performed between 2016 and 2023 of pediatric patients less than 36 months of age who underwent OITT for tumor resection at a high-volume referral center. Patients with at least 3 months of postoperative follow-up and postoperative MRI were included. Primary outcomes included extent of resection, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and neurologic outcome. Secondary outcomes included length of stay and estimated blood loss.Eight patients, five male, were included. The median age at the time of surgery was 10 months (range 5–36 months). Presenting symptoms included macrocephaly, nausea/vomiting, strabismus, gait instability, or milestone regression. Hydrocephalus was present preoperatively in all patients. Average tumor volume was 38.6 cm3, ranging from 1.3 to 71.9 cm3. All patients underwent an OITT approach for tumor resection with stereotactic guidance. No intraoperative complications occurred, and no permanent neurologic deficits developed postoperatively. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases per postoperative MRI report, and no instances of new cerebellar, brainstem, or occipital lobe ischemia were noted.OITT approach for tumor resection in very young children (≤ 36 months) is an effective strategy with an acceptable safety profile. In our series, no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing this technique specifically in patients less than 36 months of age.Conclusions: Outcomes for pineal region and superior cerebellar tumors in young children often hinge on extent of microsurgical resection, and thus choosing an approach that provides adequate visualization of pathology is essential. The occipital interhemispheric transtentorial (OITT) approach provides excellent exposure while minimizing cerebellar retraction. However, this approach has not been widely accepted as a viable option for very young children due to concerns for potential blood loss when incising the tentorium. The aim of this paper is to characterize our recent institutional experience with the occipital interhemispheric transtentorial approach (OITT) for tumor resection in infants and toddlers.A retrospective study was performed between 2016 and 2023 of pediatric patients less than 36 months of age who underwent OITT for tumor resection at a high-volume referral center. Patients with at least 3 months of postoperative follow-up and postoperative MRI were included. Primary outcomes included extent of resection, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and neurologic outcome. Secondary outcomes included length of stay and estimated blood loss.Eight patients, five male, were included. The median age at the time of surgery was 10 months (range 5–36 months). Presenting symptoms included macrocephaly, nausea/vomiting, strabismus, gait instability, or milestone regression. Hydrocephalus was present preoperatively in all patients. Average tumor volume was 38.6 cm3, ranging from 1.3 to 71.9 cm3. All patients underwent an OITT approach for tumor resection with stereotactic guidance. No intraoperative complications occurred, and no permanent neurologic deficits developed postoperatively. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases per postoperative MRI report, and no instances of new cerebellar, brainstem, or occipital lobe ischemia were noted.OITT approach for tumor resection in very young children (≤ 36 months) is an effective strategy with an acceptable safety profile. In our series, no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing this technique specifically in patients less than 36 months of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidence suggests proton radiation therapy may offer cognitive sparing advantages over photon radiation therapy, yet dosimetry has not been compared previously. The purpose of this study was to examine dosimetric correlates of cognitive outcomes in children with medulloblastoma treated with proton versus photon radiation therapy. In this retrospective, bi-institutional study, dosimetric and cognitive data from 75 patients (39 photon and 36 proton) were analyzed. Doses to brain structures were compared between treatment modalities. Linear mixed-effects models were used to create models of global IQ and cognitive domain scores. The mean dose and dose to 40% of the brain (D40) were 2.7 and 4.1 Gy less among proton-treated patients compared with photon-treated patients (P =.03 and.007, respectively). Mean doses to the left and right hippocampi were 11.2 Gy lower among proton-treated patients (P <.001 for both). Mean doses to the left and right temporal lobes were 6.9 and 7.1 Gy lower with proton treatment, respectively (P <.001 for both). Models of cognition found statistically significant associations between higher mean brain dose and reduced verbal comprehension, increased right temporal lobe D40 with reduced perceptual reasoning, and greater left temporal mean dose with reduced working memory. Higher brain D40 was associated with reduced processing speed and global IQ scores. Proton therapy reduces doses to normal brain structures compared with photon treatment. This leads to reduced cognitive decline after radiation therapy across multiple intellectual endpoints. Proton therapy should be offered to children receiving radiation for medulloblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subgroups of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are likely to respond differently to existing and evolving therapies. The following criteria for subgrouping may be considered: (1) Patients with different predominant bowel habits respond differently to treatment (antidepressants, 5HT3-antagonists, psychotherapy). (2) Postprandial exacerbation of pain or other gastrointestinal symptoms is seen in approximately half of patients with IBS and may identify patients who are more responsive to some classes of drugs (e.g., those targeted at motility). (3) Women appear to respond differently from men to 5HT3-antagonists, and there may be gender differences in gastrointestinal physiology. (4) There is more overlap in the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia and IBS than would be predicted by chance, and both are associated with hyperalgesia to intraluminal distention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the progress in behavioral medicine applications for gastrointestinal disorders since 1982 and suggests possible directions for future research. Growth of behavioral research in gastroenterology; Fecal incontinence; Irritable bowel syndrome; Vomiting disorders; Peptic ulcer and functional dyspepsia; Inflammatory bowel disease; More.

Focuses on a study which reported the use of biofeedback, habit training and relaxation training to treat urinary incontinence in patients between ages of 60 and 86. Background on urinary incontinence in the elderly; Methodology; Results of the study.

The stability of physiological activity in the distal colon was investigated by recording 5-6 hours in each of 6 healthy adults. Contractions and myoelectric slow waves were recorded from the sigmoid colon (25-30 cm from the skin surface) and rectum (10-15 cm), and pressure waves were recorded from the proximal small intestine. The activity index (sum of areas of all waves divided by recording time) varied by 200% to 800% across 4-min samples for all motility and myoelectric slow wave recordings. Spectral analysis indicated that contractile activity waxed and waned in a cycle with a period of 40-55 min in the colon and 64-80 min in the small intestine. Myoelectric slow wave activity in the colon cycled with a period of 30-40 min. Contractile activity in the sigmoid colon was correlated with similar activity in the rectum but myoelectric slow wave activity in the colon was not correlated with myoelectric slow waves in the rectum. The frequency composition of contractions and slow waves was unstable over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological and subjective effects of being touched on the wrist by another person were investigated in 20 normal adults at rest and during immersion of the band in ice water. Touching reliably reduced heart rate compared to an immediately preceding baseline and compared to an alpha biofeedback condition. Heart rate during painful ice water stimulation was also lower when the subject was touched as compared to when he/she practiced alpha biofeedback, but this effect was not mediated by a reduction in the perceived painfulness of the ice water. Instead, touching and pain bad independent, additive effects on heart rate. Touching did not produce generalized reductions in respiratory rate, SRR frequency, or frontalis EMG activity, although subjects did rate being touched as more pleasant and more relaxing than practicing alpha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three experiments were conducted to determine whether the external anal sphincter contraction which typically follows rectal distention is a reflex or a voluntary response. Experiment I compared 15 chronically constipated patients to 10 normal subjects. A reflex should be reliably elicited by its unconditional stimulus; but if this response is voluntary, chronically constipated patients would be less likely to show it because they have had fewer opportunities to practice it. Only half of chronically constipated patients showed the response compared to 100% of normals. Experiment II investigated whether the response is elicited by rectal distention during sleep in 10 healthy subjects. The response was significantly less likely to occur during sleep. Experiment III in 6 normal subjects revealed that this response can be voluntarily omitted. These experiments indicate that external anal sphincter contraction following rectal distention is a voluntary response, not a reflex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which developed and validated questionnaires for the assessment of childhood social learning about illness in the United States. Overview of the previous studies of illness behavior; How the study was conducted; Results of the study; Factor loadings for principal components analysis of pooled samples.

This report describes a 10-year-old female who presented with poor growth and right hemihypotrophy. She had crossed sensory findings on neurologic examination consistent with a lateral medullary syndrome with no discernible cranial nerve findings, ataxia, or vertigo. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brainstem revealed a large right parapontine epidermoid. The possible relationship between the hemihypotrophy and the epidermoid is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article discusses the use of endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy as a treatment for pediatric patients with ventral brainstem compression caused by congenital skeletal dysplasia. The study involved four pediatric patients who underwent posterior instrumented fusion followed by endoscopic endonasal odontoid resection. The patients experienced symptoms such as dysphagia, dysphonia, gait instability, extraocular movement dysfunction, and tongue numbness. The procedure was successful in achieving brainstem decompression and improving or resolving preoperative symptoms. The article highlights the challenges of performing this procedure in pediatric patients, including narrow nasopharyngeal anatomy and the need for preoperative planning and specialized instruments. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but potentially morbid disease in the pediatric population, and the optimal treatment is not fully understood. Endovascular intervention for this condition has been rarely reported.Methods: The Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry was queried for patients aged less than or equal to 18 years undergoing endovascular treatment for CVST in the past 10 years. Clinical charts and radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 90 days postprocedure was determined as the primary outcome.Results: A total of seven patients across five pediatric centers ranging from 7 to 16 years of age were identified with a mean follow-up of 28 months. All had underlying conditions predisposing to CVST. Endovascular intervention was undertaken due to neurological deterioration despite systemic anticoagulation; venous infarct was evident preoperatively in six of seven patients. Mechanical venous thrombectomy was attempted in all individuals, and intrasinus thrombolytic therapy was also performed in three cases. Six patients had favorable outcome with mRS 0 or 1 at 90 days postprocedure; one remained neurologically devastated.Conclusions: Endovascular treatment by an experienced interventionalist may be safe and effective in severe cases of CVST in children failing frontline therapy. Children with radiographic or clinical progression despite anticoagulation may be considered for endovascular intervention in a timely manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "The Association of Fecal Incontinence With Institutionalization and mortality in Older Adults," by T. AlAmeel, M. K. Andrew, and C. Macknight in the 2010 issue.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Lactulose breath testing does not discriminate patients with irritable bowel syndrome from healthy controls," by J. R. Bratten and colleagues in the previously published 2008 issue.

Twin studies have traditionally been used to assess the heritability of diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by comparing concordance rates in monozygotic twins (identical genetic endowment) to dizygotic twins (half of genes shared). Wojczynski et al. used twins in a novel way—they studied monozygotic twins who were discordant for IBS (but who shared identical genes) to show that the comorbidity of IBS with major depressive disorder could NOT be due to genetic influences. This paradigm provides the most rigorous method for separating genetic from environmental influences and should be adopted by other researchers. However, the authors' conclusion that major depressive disorder and IBS are part of the same pathophysiological process is questioned on the basis of (a) incomplete co-occurrence of IBS and major depressive disorder (13–45% co-occurrence) and (b) lack of specificity—the authors show that chronic widespread pain (related to fibromyalgia) and chronic fatigue are also strongly associated with IBS. This study provides precise, generalizable estimates from a large population-based study for the comorbidity of IBS with major depressive disorder, chronic widespread pain, and chronic fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by William E. Whitehead and others to a letter to the editor about their article related to medical treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is presented.

Background and Aims: The Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES) assessed the prevalence, burden, and associated factors of Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction (DGBI) in 33 countries around the world. Achieving worldwide sampling necessitated use of two different surveying methods: In‐person household interviews (9 countries) and Internet surveys (26 countries). Two countries, China and Turkey, were surveyed with both methods. This paper examines the differences in the survey results with the two methods, as well as likely reasons for those differences. Methods: The two RFGES survey methods are described in detail, and differences in DGBI findings summarized for household versus Internet surveys globally, and in more detail for China and Turkey. Logistic regression analysis was used to elucidate factors contributing to these differences. Results: Overall, DGBI were only half as prevalent when assessed with household vs Internet surveys. Similar patterns of methodology‐related DGBI differences were seen within both China and Turkey, but prevalence differences between the survey methods were dramatically larger in Turkey. No clear reasons for outcome differences by survey method were identified, although greater relative reduction in bowel and anorectal versus upper gastrointestinal disorders when household versus Internet surveying was used suggests an inhibiting influence of social sensitivity. Conclusions: The findings strongly indicate that besides affecting data quality, manpower needs and data collection time and costs, the choice of survey method is a substantial determinant of symptom reporting and DGBI prevalence outcomes. This has important implications for future DGBI research and epidemiological research more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No comprehensive assessment of disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) in the United States (US) national population has been published in the past three decades. We aimed to provide an updated picture of DGBI in the United States and associated factors, using data from two national Internet surveys. Methods: Data were analyzed from 1949 people surveyed in 2015, and 2023 people surveyed in 2017 as a part of the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study (RFGES). The surveys had nearly identical methodology and included the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire and questions on demographics, quality of life (QoL), emotional symptoms, and healthcare utilization. Key Results: The prevalence of having any DGBI was 36.0% and 39.9% in the two surveys. Prevalence estimates for the 22 DGBI assessed were broadly comparable between the surveys, as their 95% confidence intervals overlapped for every disorder. Females had DGBI more commonly than males in both surveys (odds ratios 1.66 and 1.52), and people of age 65 and older had lower DGBI prevalence than younger age groups. Having DGBI was associated in both surveys with significant QoL impairment, elevated anxiety, depression and somatization symptoms, and increased doctor visits. Conclusions and Inferences: Approximately 4 out of every 10 US adults have a DGBI; more commonly women and people under the age of 65. DGBI adversely affect QoL and emotional well‐being and increase healthcare needs. The similarity of findings between the two surveys supports the reliability of DGBI prevalence estimates obtained with the Internet survey method used globally in the RFGES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Research has shown that children who undergo radiotherapy for brain tumors are at risk for long-term changes in both their thinking and brain structure. Compared to photon radiotherapy (i.e., X-rays), proton radiotherapy may cause less damage to healthy brain tissue and result in fewer cognitive problems. This study compared cognitive functioning and white matter damage in survivors of pediatric brain tumors who were treated with proton or photon therapy. The results showed that patients who received photon therapy had more cognitive problems and showed more white matter change than those who received proton therapy. Patients who underwent proton therapy, on the other hand, were similar to healthy individuals with no history of brain tumors. This study suggests that proton therapy may protect healthy brain tissue, leading to better long-term cognitive outcomes. Radiotherapy for pediatric brain tumors is associated with reduced white matter structural integrity and neurocognitive decline. Superior cognitive outcomes have been reported following proton radiotherapy (PRT) compared to photon radiotherapy (XRT), presumably due to improved sparing of normal brain tissue. This exploratory study examined the relationship between white matter change and late cognitive effects in pediatric brain tumor survivors treated with XRT versus PRT. Pediatric brain tumor survivors treated with XRT (n = 10) or PRT (n = 12) underwent neuropsychological testing and diffusion weighted imaging >7 years post-radiotherapy. A healthy comparison group (n = 23) was also recruited. Participants completed age-appropriate measures of intellectual functioning, visual-motor integration, and motor coordination. Tractography was conducted using automated fiber quantification (AFQ). Fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were extracted from 12 tracts of interest. Overall, both white matter integrity (FA) and neuropsychological performance were lower in XRT patients while PRT patients were similar to healthy control participants with respect to both FA and cognitive functioning. These findings support improved long-term outcomes in PRT versus XRT. This exploratory study is the first to directly support for white matter integrity as a mechanism of cognitive sparing in PRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Prenatal repair of myelomeningocele (MMC) via hysterotomy has demonstrated neurosurgical and motor benefits, when compared to postnatal repairs. Urologic benefits, however, remain to be seen. The purpose of this study was to review early postnatal bladder function in patients undergoing a novel endoscopic approach for MMC repair using an exteriorized uterus. METHODS: A prospective urologic assessment of patients undergoing fetoscopic MMC repair and receiving subsequent care at our facility, was performed. Patients were managed and urodynamic studies risk-stratified according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Urologic and Renal Protocol for the Newborn and Young Child with Spina Bifida. RESULTS: Fetoscopic MMC repair was performed in 14 patients. No patients had hydronephrosis or bladder thickening at birth. Detrusor overactivity was observed in nine (64.3%) patients. Impaired compliance was seen in eight (57.1%) patients. No patients had a detrusor leak point pressure of > 40 cm H2O or evidence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Three (21.4%) patients had vesicoureteral reflux, seven (50.0%) had an open bladder neck, and none had trabeculated bladders. CONCLUSION: In this early experience with fetoscopic MMC repair, postnatal bladder function does not appear to be any worse than that of previously reported prenatal or postnatal closures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "What constitutes standard medical care for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in U.S. primary care and gastroenterology clinics?" by William E. Whitehead and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Hypnosis home treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Exploratory study," by Olafur S. Palsson and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "IBS severity and health-related quality of life improve with age in women but not in men," by Olafur S. Palsson and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Development of the parental worries of recurrent abdominal pain questionnaire," by William E. Whitehead and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Mechanism of diagnosis and frequency of endoscopy in functional dyspepsia," by William E. Whitehead, Olafur S. Palsson, Victoria E. Barghout and Marsha J. Turner is presented.

The goals of this trial are to determine the efficacy and safety of two treatments for women experiencing fecal incontinence. First, we aim to compare the use of loperamide to placebo and second, to compare the use of anal sphincter exercises with biofeedback to usual care. The primary outcome is the change from baseline in the St. Mark's (Vaizey) Score 24 weeks after treatment initiation. As a Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (PFDN) trial, subjects are enrolling from eight PFDN clinical centers across the United States. A centralized data coordinating center supervises data collection and analysis. These two first-line treatments for fecal incontinence are being investigated simultaneously using a two-by-two randomized factorial design: a medication intervention (loperamide versus placebo) and a pelvic floor strength and sensory training intervention (anal sphincter exercises with manometry-assisted biofeedback versus usual care using an educational pamphlet). Interventionists providing the anal sphincter exercise training with biofeedback have received standardized training and assessment. Symptom severity, diary, standardized anorectal manometry and health-related quality of life outcomes are assessed using validated instruments administered by researchers masked to randomized interventions. Cost effectiveness analyses will be performed using prospectively collected data on care costs and resource utilization. This article describes the rationale and design of this randomized trial, focusing on specific research concepts of interest to researchers in the field of female pelvic floor disorders and all other providers who care for patients with fecal incontinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this study were to determine whether the symptoms of diarrhea (defined as loose or watery stools), constipation (hard or lumpy stools), abdominal pain, and bloating occur in episodes rather than sporadically in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); to identify rules for defining the onset and termination of symptom episodes; and to assess the overlap of these episodes.METHODS:IBS patients kept a symptom log in which they rated the consistency of each bowel movement (BM) on the Bristol Stool Scale for 3 months. Each night they transferred these data to an internet website and also rated abdominal pain and bloating for that day. Data were analyzed for 124 patients who completed at least 21 consecutive diary days (mean of 73 days) without taking laxative, antidiarrheal, or IBS-specific medications. For each symptom in each patient, we computed the correlation between consecutive observations (autocorrelations) in the diary to determine whether the symptom tended to occur in clusters of several instances, as would happen in episodes vs. happening randomly. Next, we compared different patterns by which diarrhea and nondiarrhea stools alternate to identify episode definitions that captured at least 75% of loose/watery stools. A similar pattern analysis was performed for constipation. Pain and bloating episodes were defined as days with an intensity rating >3 on a 0-10 scale. These patterns were converted into rules for defining the onset and termination of symptom episodes. Last, we used these episode definitions to examine the overlap of pain with episodes of diarrhea, constipation, and pain.RESULTS:Significant (P<0.05) autocorrelations were found in the Bristol Stool Scale ratings of 69.4% of patients and in the daily abdominal pain and bloating ratings of 52.4% and 68.5% of patients, respectively. Defining a diarrhea episode as two or more loose/watery stools never separated by >1 nonloose/watery stool or by a day without a BM captured 76% of all loose/water stools. Defining constipation episodes as two or more hard/lumpy stools never separated by >1 nonhard/lumpy stool captured 80% of hard/lumpy stools. Sequences of 3 or more days without a BM were also defined as constipation episodes because they were strongly associated with hard stools. Average episode durations were 2.1 days for diarrhea, 4.5 days for constipation, 3.1 days for pain, and 3.5 days for bloating. Overlap analysis showed that only 41.6% of constipation episode days and 67.0% of diarrhea episode days were pain episode days. Bloating and pain coexisted on 59.1% of days on which either type occurred.CONCLUSIONS:Loose/watery stools and hard/lumpy stools occur in well-defined episodes. Pain and bloating also occur in episodes, but contrary to the Rome criteria more than half of the pain episodes occur outside episodes of abnormal stool consistency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Radiotherapy for pediatric brain tumor has been associated with late cognitive effects. Compared to conventional photon radiotherapy (XRT), proton radiotherapy (PRT) delivers less radiation to healthy brain tissue. PRT has been associated with improved long term cognitive outcomes compared to XRT. However, there is limited research comparing the effects of XRT and PRT on verbal memory outcomes. Participants and Methods: Survivors of pediatric brain tumor treated with either XRT (n = 29) or PRT (n = 51) completed neuropsychological testing > 1 year following radiotherapy. XRT and PRT groups were similar with respect to sex, handedness, race, age at diagnosis, age at evaluation, tumor characteristics, and treatment history (i.e., craniospinal irradiation, craniotomy, shunting, chemotherapy, radiation dose). Verbal learning and memory were assessed using the age-appropriate version of the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT-II/CVLT-C). Measures of intellectual functioning, executive functioning, attention and adaptive behavior were also collected. Performance on neuropsychological measures was compared between treatment groups (XRT vs. PRT) using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). On the CVLT, each participant was classified as having an encoding deficit profile (i.e., impaired learning, recall, and recognition), retrieval deficit profile (i.e., impaired recall but intact recognition), intact profile, or other profile. Chi-squared tests of independence were used to compare the probability of each memory profile between treatment groups. Pearson correlation was used to examine associations between memory performance and strategy use, intellectual functioning, adaptive behavior, attention, and executive functioning. Results: Overall, patients receiving PRT demonstrated superior verbal learning (CVLT Trials 1-5; t(76) = 2.61, p =.011), recall (CVLT Long Delay Free; t(76) = 3.57, p =.001) and strategy use (CVLT Semantic Clustering; t(76) = 2.29, p =.025) compared to those treated with XRT. Intact performance was more likely in the PRT group than the XRT group (71% PRT, 38% XRT; X2 = 8.14, p =.004). Encoding and retrieval deficits were both more common in the XRT group, with encoding problems being most prevalent (Encoding Deficits: 31% XRT, 12% PRT, X2 = 4.51, p =.034; Retrieval Deficits: 17% XRT, 4% PRT, X2 = 4.11, p =.043). Across all participants, semantic clustering predicted better encoding (r =.28, p =.011) and retrieval (r =.26, p =.022). Better encoding predicted higher intellectual (r =.56, p <.001) and adaptive functioning (r =.30, p =.011), and fewer parent-reported concerns about day-today attention (r = -.36, p =.002), and cognitive regulation (r = -.35, p =.002). Conclusions: Results suggest that PRT is associated with superior verbal memory outcomes compared to XRT, which may be driven by encoding skills and use of learning strategies. Moreover, encoding ability predicted general intellectual ability and day-to-day functioning. Future work may help to clarify underlying neural mechanisms associated with verbal memory decline following radiotherapy, which will better inform treatment approaches for survivors of pediatric brain tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report a recalcitrant spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula arising from multiple, anatomically-linked lateral skull base defects, and to review the available literature to determine optimal techniques for operative repair of congenital CSF fistulae. Methods: A patient with recurrent episodes of otologic meningitis was found to have a patent tympanomeningeal fissure, also known as a Hyrtl's fissure, and internal auditory canal (IAC) diverticulum that communicated with the jugular bulb. A systematic review of the literature characterized all reports of spontaneous congenital perilabyrinthine CSF leaks, and all cases of Hyrtl's fissures. Results: An 11-year-old female was referred for recurrent meningitis. Imaging demonstrated a fistulous connection between the middle ear and IAC diverticulum via the jugular foramen. Specifically, a Hyrtl's fissure was identified, as well as demineralized bone around the jugular bulb. Obliteration of the fissure was initially performed, and a fistula reformed 4 months later. Multifocal CSF egress in the hypotympanum was identified on re-exploration, and middle ear obliteration with external auditory canal (EAC) overclosure was performed. A systematic review of the literature demonstrated 19 cases of spontaneous congenital perilabyrinthine CSF leaks. In total, 6 cases had multiple sources of CSF leak and 2 had history suggestive of intracranial hypertension. All of these noted cases demonstrated leak recurrence. Middle ear obliteration with EAC overclosure was successful in 4 recalcitrant cases. Conclusions: Repair of spontaneous congenital perilabyrinthine CSF leaks in cases demonstrating multiple sources of egress or signs of intracranial hypertension should be approached with caution. Middle ear obliteration with EAC overclosure may provide the most definitive management option for these patients, particularly if initial attempt at primary repair is unsuccessful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: There is evidence that psychological factors affect the onset, severity and duration of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, it is not clear which psychological factors are the most important and how they interact. The aims of the current study are to identify the most important psychological factors predicting IBS symptom severity and to investigate how these psychological variables are related to each other. Methods: Study participants were 286 IBS patients who completed a battery of psychological questionnaires including neuroticism, abuse history, life events, anxiety, somatization and catastrophizing. IBS severity measured by the IBS Severity Scale was the dependent variable. Path analysis was performed to determine the associations among the psychological variables, and IBS severity. Results: Although the hypothesized model showed adequate fit, post hoc model modifications were performed to increase prediction. The final model was significant (Chi2 =2.2; p=0.82; RMSEA<.05) predicting 36% of variance in IBS severity. Catastrophizing (standardized coefficient (β)=0.33; p<.001) and somatization (β=0.20; p<.001) were the only two psychological variables directly associated with IBS severity. Anxiety had an indirect effect on IBS symptoms through catastrophizing (β=0.80; p<.001); as well as somatization (β=0.37; p<.001). Anxiety, in turn, was predicted by neuroticism (β=0.66; p<.001) and stressful life events (β=0.31; p<.001). Conclusion: While cause-and-effect cannot be determined from these cross-sectional data, the outcomes suggest that the most fruitful approach to curb negative effects of psychological factors on IBS is to reduce catastrophizing and somatization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of fecal incontinence (FI) in older women and examine associations between potential risk factors and prevalent FI.METHODS:We conducted a cross-sectional study of prevalent FI in 64,559 women, aged 62-87 years, in the Nurses' Health Study. Since 1976, participants provided information on health and lifestyle on mailed biennial questionnaires. Data on FI were collected in 2008. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for FI were calculated using logistic regression models.RESULTS:The reported prevalence of liquid or solid stool incontinence at least monthly increased from 9% in women aged 62 to 64 years to 17% in women aged 85 to 87 years. Prevalent FI was 50% less common in black women compared with white women (6% vs. 12%, respectively). Other variables associated with increased odds of FI at least monthly were pregnancy, higher body mass index (BMI), lower physical activity, functional limitations, current cigarette smoking, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and neurologic disease. Urinary incontinence (UI) was a strong correlate of FI, with 63% of women with FI reporting UI at least monthly compared with 45% of women in the whole study population.CONCLUSIONS:FI is a common condition among older women, and often co-occurs with UI. Potentially modifiable risk factors include BMI, physical activity, and cigarette smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]