Growth hormone receptor antagonism downregulates ATP-binding cassette transporters contributing to improved drug efficacy against melanoma and hepatocarcinoma .

Knockdown of GH receptor (GHR) in melanoma cells downregulates ATP-binding cassette-containing (ABC) transporters and sensitizes them to anti-cancer drug treatments. Here we aimed to determine whether a GHR antagonist (GHRA) could control cancer growth by sensitizing tumors to therapy through downregulation of ABC transporters . We intradermally inoculated Fluc-B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells into GHA mice, transgenic for a GHR antagonist (GHRA), and observed a marked reduction in tumor size, mass and tumoral GH signaling.

Characterization of an intestine-specific GH receptor knockout (IntGHRKO) mouse.

Objective: Growth hormone (GH) has been reported to enhance the intestinal barrier; as such, recombinant GH has been administered for several intestinal diseases. However, excess GH action has been implicated in increasing the risk of intestinal dysfunction. The goal of this study was to examine the direct effects of GH on the small and large intestines to clarify the role GH plays in intestinal function through the use of a mouse model.

Longitudinal analysis of hospital charges following injury in a level 1 pediatric trauma system.

Background: The treatment of injured children contributes substantially to the financial burden of a health care system. The purpose of this study was to characterize these charges at a level-1 pediatric trauma center.

Methods: Financial data for children (<14 years) admitted for traumatic injury from 1/2009 to 12/2014 were analyzed.

Clearance of tunneled central venous catheter associated blood stream infections in children.

Background: The optimal time to reinsert central venous catheters (tCVC) after a documented central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) is unclear. The goal of this study is to identify risk factors for children who develop persistent bacteremia after tCVC removal due to CLABSI.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study from a tertiary children's hospital.

Quantitative Ultrasound and Tibial Dysplasia in Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disorder associated with unilateral anterolateral bowing with subsequent fracture and nonunion. In infancy, physiologic bowing of the lower leg can be confused with pathologic tibial dysplasia in NF1. Little is known about the bone physiology of the tibiae prior to fracture or predictors of fracture.

The utility of a "trauma 1 OP" activation at a level 1 pediatric trauma center.

Purpose: To expedite flow of injured children suspected to require operative intervention, a "trauma 1 OP" (T1OP) activation classification was created. The purpose of this study was to review this strategy at a level 1 pediatric trauma center.

Methods: A retrospective review of T1OP activations between 2003 and 2015 was performed.

Enterocolitis and bowel function in children with Hirschsprung disease and trisomy 21.

Background/purpose: The purpose of this study was to study the effect of trisomy 21 (T21) on enterocolitis rates and bowel function among children with Hirschsprung disease (HD).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients with HD treated at our tertiary children's hospital (2000-2015) and a cohort of patients with HD treated in our pediatric colorectal center (CRC) (2011-2015) were performed.

Results: 26/207 (13%) patients with HD had T21.

Preventable pediatric intensive care unit admissions over a 13-year period at a level 1 pediatric trauma center.

Background: No formal criteria exist to determine the need for admission of injured children to the pediatric intensive care unit. Our objective was to analyze trauma patient admissions to the PICU at a level 1 pediatric trauma center.

Methods: The trauma registry was analyzed between 2002 and 2015.

The use of angiography in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma patients.

Background: Angiography is a common treatment used in adults with blunt abdominal trauma and/or severe pelvic fractures. The Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons has recently advocated for this resource to be urgently available at pediatric trauma centers; however, its usefulness in the pediatric setting is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of angiography in the treatment of blunt abdominal trauma among injured children.

Preventable transfers in pediatric trauma: A 10-year experience at a level I pediatric trauma center.

Background: Injured children are often treated at one facility then transferred to another that specializes in pediatric trauma care. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize potentially preventable transfers (PT) to a freestanding level-I pediatric trauma center.

Methods: Children with traumatic injuries transferred between 2003 and 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.

Fractures in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 from two NF clinics.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with osseous abnormalities occurring in up to one-third of patients. Several studies have documented osteopenia in both children and adults with NF1; however, the significance of lower bone mineral density (BMD) in relationship to fracture incidence is not well elucidated in NF1, particularly in children. We undertook a retrospective study to determine prevalence and location of fractures in children and adolescents with NF1, ages 5-20 years, using a standardized questionnaire.

Peripheral muscle weakness in RASopathies.

Introduction: RASopathies are a group of genetic conditions due to alterations of the Ras/MAPK pathway. Neurocutaneous findings are hallmark features of the RASopathies, but musculoskeletal abnormalities are also frequent. The objective was to evaluate handgrip strength in the RASopathies.