Executive function in XXY: Comparison of performance‐based measures and rating scales

Few studies have systematically assessed executive functioning (EF) skills in boys with XXY, and these are limited by small samples and restricted EF assessment. This study used a broader battery of performance‐based measures as well as parent‐rating scales of EF in 77 boys and adolescents with XXY (mean age = 12.5 years), recruited from a clinical trial and an outpatient clinic. Exploratory factor analyses were used to create EF domains from performance‐based measures, and similar domains were measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and Conners Parent‐Rating Scales. The boys with XXY showed a distinct EF profile, with the greatest deficit in attention and more moderate deficits in working memory, switching, and planning/problem solving. Parent ratings showed similar challenges, as well as impaired inhibition. Independent sample t‐tests showed no difference on performance measures between boys diagnosed or not diagnosed with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although parents of boys diagnosed with ADHD reported more difficulties. There were no differences on performance‐based tests between those diagnosed pre‐ and postnatally, although parents of postnatally diagnosed boys reported more metacognitive problems. Language deficits, cognition, and socio‐economic status did not account for EF deficits.     

Oxygen concentrators

Oxygen concentrators offer an alternative source of oxygen to conventional methods of supply. The disadvantage of their high initial purchase price is offset by low running costs. In hospitals they may find a place in providing "oxygen" for some gas pipeline systems. They are the method of choice for supplying oxygen for long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy.     

Clinical pharmacology of oral and intravenous 4-demethoxydaunorubicin

Summary The clinical pharmacology of 4-demethoxydaunorubicin (4-DMDNR) was studied in 28 patients with advanced breast cancer, using a sensitive reverse-phase HPLC technique. All patients had normal renal and hepatic function. The serum levels of 4-DMDNR after a single i.v. bolus injection followed a triple exponential decay curve (T1/2=9.6 min, T1/2=3.2 h and T1/2=34.7 h) and conformed to a three-compartment model. Comparison of the area under the curve (AUC) and urinary excretion for the oral and i.v routes suggests an oral bioavailability of approximately 24%. In patients treated with a schedule of weekly oral administration for periods of up to 12 months there was no significant alteration in either AUC or elimination half-life for the parent drug or its principal metabolite 13-OH4DMDNR. Moreover, there was no evidence of accumulation of the metabolite although measurable amounts were present 7 days after administration of 4-DMDNR.This work was supported by the Cancer Research Campaign and Farmitalia Carlo Erba Ltd     

Modulation of the peritoneal clearance of liposomal cytosine arabinoside by blank liposomes

Summary Liposomes containing cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) release drug slowly and can be used to maintain a locally high concentration of ara-C in the peritoneal cavity for intracavitary chemotherapy. However, a significant amount of active drug does reach the systemic circulation and contributes to systemic toxicity. We have devised a novel method of decreasing toxicity and increasing intraperitoneal half-life by pretreatment with blank liposomes containing no active drug. This technique has resulted in prolongation of intraperitoneal half-life of the liposomal ara-C from 21 h to 165 h, enabling maintenance of a therapeutic drug concentration even at 11 days after initial injection. One hundred percent cures (60-day survival) were achieved with a single-dose therapy begun 1 day after i. p. implantation of 10⁶ L1210 leukemia cells.Supported in part by Public Health Service grants CA-01082, CA-35309, and CA 23100 from the National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, DHHS. This work was conducted in part by the Clayton Foundation for Research, California Division. Stephen B. Howell is a Clayton Foundation Investigator     

Synovectomy as treatment for purulent joint infection

Summary Conventional treatment of pyogenic knee joint infections leads to unsatisfactory results. Through early synovectomy, before cartilage damage and osteoarthritis appear, the infected focus can be excised. Functional after-treatment avoids cartilage atrophy, wound adhesions, and muscle weakness. The excellent results after 26 knee joipt infections confirm this.

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Zusammenfassung Die konservative Behandlung eitriger Kniegelenkinfekte führt oft zu unbefriedigenden Ergebnissen. Bevor der Gelenkknorpel destruiert ist, kann der Infektherd, die Synovialis exzidiert werden. Die sofortige funktionelle Nachbehandlung vermeidet Knorpelatrophie, Wundadhäsionen und Muskelinsuffizienzen. Die ausgezeichneten Ergebnisse nach 26 synovektomierten Kniegelenkinfekten lassen dieses Therapieverfahren empfehlen.

     

Improving Postpartum Care: Identifying Opportunities to Reduce Postpartum Emergency Room Visits Among Publicly-Insured Women of Color

Maternal and Child Health Journal - The purpose of this study was to explore the postpartum experiences of publicly-insured women of color, and identify how postpartum care can be improved to...     

Introduction: The Quest for Birth Equity and Justice—Now is the Time

Maternal and Child Health Journal -     

Management of cervicofacial lymphatic malformations requires a multidisciplinary approach

Background/PurposeCervicofacial lymphatic malformations (CFLM) are rare, potentially life-threatening vascular anomalies, yet reports on multidisciplinary treatment strategies are lacking. We evaluated outcomes for CFLMs following sclerotherapy, surgical resection, and/or medical management.MethodsWe identified children with a CFLM at a vascular anomalies center from 2004 to 2019. Exclusion criteria: retro-orbital malformations, untreated malformations, patients without follow-up. Primary clinical outcome was contour improvement, with significance defined as LM volume reduction of > 50% by cross-sectional imaging.ResultsSixty-three children met inclusion criteria: 35 with macrocystic CFLMs, six with microcystic CFLMs, and 22 with mixed-type malformations. Mean post-intervention follow-up was 27.5 months. Fifty-eight patients underwent sclerotherapy (median: two treatments). Doxycycline and/or bleomycin were used in 95% of patients. After sclerotherapy, 97% of macrocystic CFLMs improved significantly compared to 82% of mixed and 67% of microcystic lesions. Sixteen children underwent surgical resection with 75% significantly improving; two additional patients were successfully treated with sclerotherapy after debulking surgery. Six children received sirolimus for microcystic disease, of which 33% significantly improved.ConclusionSclerotherapy is very effective for macrocystic components of CFLMs, albeit less so for microcystic disease. Microcystic CFLMs frequently require surgical resection. Sirolimus is a helpful therapeutic adjunct, particularly for microcystic lesions, but more study is needed.Level of EvidenceLevel II, prognosis study