Preselection of robust radiomic features does not improve outcome modelling in non-small cell lung cancer based on clinical routine FDG-PET imaging.

Background: Radiomics is a promising tool for identifying imaging-based biomarkers. Radiomics-based models are often trained on single-institution datasets; however, multi-centre imaging datasets are preferred for external generalizability owing to the influence of inter-institutional scanning differences and acquisition settings. The study aim was to determine the value of preselection of robust radiomic features in routine clinical positron emission tomography (PET) images to predict clinical outcomes in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Comparison of robust to standardized CT radiomics models to predict overall survival for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Background: Radiomics is a promising tool for the identification of new prognostic biomarkers. Radiomic features can be affected by different scanning protocols, often present in retrospective and prospective clinical data. We compared a computed tomography (CT) radiomics model based on a large but highly heterogeneous multicentric image dataset with robust feature pre-selection to a model based on a smaller but standardized image dataset without pre-selection.

Health-related quality of life in neonates and infants: a conceptual framework.

Purpose: With reduced mortality of neonatal conditions, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important clinical outcome. However, since the meaning of HRQOL in dependent, non-autonomous infants and neonates remains largely undefined, HRQOL measurement and economic evaluation are limited due to the lack of age-specific methodology. The objective was to construct a conceptual framework of neonatal and infant HRQOL (NIHRQOL) which identifies factors relevant to the neonate and infant, their relationship with each other and the caregiving environment.

Repeat irradiation for children with supratentorial high-grade glioma.

Background: There are very few studies about the role of repeat irradiation (RT2) for children with recurrent supratentorial high-grade glioma (HGG). It was the aim of this study to assess the effectiveness and safety of RT2 in this population.

Procedure: This was a retrospective cohort study of 40 children age 18 years and under with recurrent supratentorial HGG who had received at least one course of RT.

Toxic shock syndrome in paediatric thermal injuries: A case series and systematic literature review.

Background: Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening complication of thermal injuries in children. The study objective was to systematically review the literature on paediatric TSS after burns or scalds, and describe our experience with this condition in Switzerland.

Methods: All tertiary paediatric healthcare centres managing burns and scalds in Switzerland were inquired.

Change of Outcomes in Pediatric Intestinal Failure: Use of Time-Series Analysis to Assess the Evolution of an Intestinal Rehabilitation Program.

Background: The clinical picture of pediatric intestinal failure has changed over the past 15 years, while effectiveness evolving treatment options remains unclear. This study explored evolution in care and quantified independent effects of new treatment options.

Study Design: Consecutive patients (n = 196) with neonatal or infantile intestinal failure, born between July 1996 and December 2011, were derived from an intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP) patient registry.

De novo epidermal regeneration using human eccrine sweat gland cells: higher competence of secretory over absorptive cells.

In our previous work, we showed that human sweat gland-derived epithelial cells represent an alternative source of keratinocytes to grow a near normal autologous epidermis. The role of subtypes of sweat gland cells in epidermal regeneration and maintenance remained unclear. In this study, we compare the regenerative potential of both secretory and absorptive sweat gland cell subpopulations.

The impact of multi-disciplinary intestinal rehabilitation programs on the outcome of pediatric patients with intestinal failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Pediatric intestinal failure (IF) is a complex clinical problem requiring coordinated multi-disciplinary care. Our objective was to review the evidence for the benefit of intestinal rehabilitation programs (IRP) in pediatric IF patients.

Methods: A systematic review was performed on Medline (1950-2012), Pubmed (1966-2012), and Embase (1980-2012) conference proceedings and trial registries.

Late surgical outcomes among congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients: why long-term follow-up with surgeons is recommended.

Background: CDH patients experience multi-system morbidity. Despite apparent health, late childhood complications do occur. We reviewed the long-term surgical morbidity of our CDH patients to determine whether protracted clinical surveillance is warranted.

Five-year outcomes after serial transverse enteroplasty in children with short bowel syndrome.

Aim: The aim of this study is to report 5-year outcomes in patients who have received serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) using clinical and biochemical assessments of intestinal function.

Methods: Thirty-one STEP procedures have been performed at our institution. Twelve patients who received STEP before January 2005 were analyzed.

An innovative method of pediatric chest wall reconstruction using Surgisis and swinging rib technique.

Purpose: Herein, we describe a new surgical approach for chest wall reconstruction using a native supporting rib and Surgisis.

Methods: A retrospective review of 3 cases from 2 tertiary pediatric health care centers presenting with chest wall defects in the neonatal period was performed. Perioperative data were collected.

Ethanol locks to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections in parenteral nutrition: a meta-analysis.

Objective: Patients with pediatric intestinal failure (IF) depend on parenteral nutrition for growth and survival, but are at risk for complications, such as catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). CRBSI prevention is crucial, as sepsis is an important cause of IF-associated liver disease and mortality. We aim to estimate the pooled effectiveness and safety of ethanol locks (ELs) in comparison with heparin locks (HLs) with regard to CRBSI rate and catheter replacements for pediatric IF patients with chronic parenteral nutrition dependence.

Costs of prenatal detection of congenital heart disease.

Little information is available about the transportation costs incurred from the missed prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD). The objectives of the present study were to analyze the costs of emergency transportation related to the postnatal diagnosis of major CHD and to perform a cost/benefit analysis of additional training for ultrasound technicians to study the implications of improved prenatal detection rates. The 1-year costs incurred for emergency transportation of pre- and postnatally diagnosed infants with CHD in Northern California and North Western Nevada were calculated and compared.

Eosinophilic esophagitis and intermediate esophagitis after tracheoesophageal fistula repair: a case series.

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is often missed or underdiagnosed in children, particularly in the setting of reflux disease associated with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Intermediate esophagitis (IE) is a recently described condition, which includes characteristics of gastroesophageal reflux disease and EE but does not present with enough eosinophils on biopsy to diagnose EE. Here we present a case series of EE and IE associated with TEF, and their clinical manifestations.

Lung torsion after tracheoesophageal fistula repair: a case report and review of literature.

Lung torsion is a very rare event that has been described after trauma, spontaneously, and post-thoracic surgery, with only 8 cases reported in the pediatric literature. We present the first case report of lung torsion complicating tracheoesophageal fistula repair. The diagnosis was suggested on chest ultrasonogram and Doppler and confirmed by computed tomographic scans.