Effect of Motor Intervention for Infants and Toddlers With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Purpose: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of motor intervention on motor function of infants and toddlers with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of motor interventions for children with or at high risk of CP younger than 36 months. Studies were excluded if less than 50% of children developed CP.

MRI detection of suspected nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Endoscopic biopsy is recommended for diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A proportion of lesions are hidden from endoscopic view but detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the diagnostic performance of MRI for detection of NPC.

Metastatic Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Presenting as Thoracic Cord Compression.

Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is an uncommon cancer and the incidence of FTC is higher in endemic areas of iodine deficiency or endemic goiter. Up until the 1990s Fiji was listed as an iodine deficient country. We report a rare case of a 53-year-old native Fijian man who presented to our hospital with spinal cord compression due to a metastatic deposit of an undiagnosed FTC.

The Genomic Landscape of Thyroid Cancer Tumourigenesis and Implications for Immunotherapy.

Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy that comprises mostly indolent differentiated cancers (DTCs) and less frequently aggressive poorly differentiated (PDTC) or anaplastic cancers (ATCs) with high mortality. Utilisation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and advanced sequencing data analysis can aid in understanding the multi-step progression model in the development of thyroid cancers and their metastatic potential at a molecular level, promoting a targeted approach to further research and development of targeted treatment options including immunotherapy, especially for the aggressive variants. Tumour initiation and progression in thyroid cancer occurs through constitutional activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway through mutations in , , mutations in the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and/or receptor tyrosine kinase fusions/translocations, and other genetic aberrations acquired in a stepwise manner.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in thyroid papillary carcinoma: molecular networks and interactions.

In 1989, Stephen Paget proposed the 'seed and soil' theory of cancer metastasis. This theory has led to previous researchers focusing on the role of a tumour as a cancer seed and antiangiogenesis agents as cancer soil fumigant; for the latter to be effective, it is important for them to be able to distinguish cancer cells from stromal cells. However, antiangiogenesis agents have not produced dramatic survival benefits in vivo.

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and its association with PD-L1 and CD8 in thyroid cancer.

Programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has recently been shown to play a role in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT); however, the relationship between PD-L1 expression, EMT and the inflammatory tumour microenvironment has yet to be investigated in thyroid cancer. To address this issue, we examined the expression of CD8, PD-L1 and the EMT markers E-cadherin and vimentin in a cohort of 74 papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients and investigated the association of these with clinicopathologic characteristics and disease-free survival (DFS). The relationship between PD-L1 and EMT was further examined in three thyroid cancer cell lines via Western blot and live cell imaging.

Suprapubic penetrating abdominal trauma - defining peritoneal breach and choices in operative intervention.

Penetrating abdominal trauma is an uncommon cause of presentation to emergency departments in Australia and is frequently associated with the clinical need for emergent operative intervention. Advances in imaging modalities, improved laparoscopic techniques and structured approaches to resuscitation in trauma have now allowed potential minimally invasive management of such injuries, avoiding laparotomy and therefore defining peritoneal breach; the major determinant of intra-abdominal organ injury in this setting is critical. We present the case of a self-inflicted stab injury to the suprapubic region in an otherwise healthy man and describe the combination of imaging and operative modalities used to define peritoneal breach in this case which successfully reduced the patient's morbidity by avoiding non-therapeutic laparotomy.

Pembrolizumab for anaplastic thyroid cancer: a case study.

Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway with targeted monoclonal antibodies has demonstrated encouraging anti-tumour activity in multiple cancer types. We present the case of a patient with BRAF-negative stage IVC anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) treated with the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, pembrolizumab, following radiographic progression on chemoradiation. Blood samples were collected prior to and at four time points during treatment with pembrolizumab.

Elevated levels of soluble PD-L1 are associated with reduced recurrence in papillary thyroid cancer.

To date, no research evaluating the predictive capabilities of soluble programmed cell death-ligand 1 (sPD-L1) in thyroid cancer patients has been performed. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of sPD-L1 expression in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and to evaluate the association between sPD-L1 levels with tumoural PD-L1 expression and patient outcomes. Pre-treatment levels of serum and plasma sPD-L1 were measured by ELISA in 101 PTC patients.

Differences in LC3B expression and prognostic implications in oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Background: This study examined the prognostic significance of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) expression in oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The prognostic significance of LC3B expression in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV) status in oropharyngeal SCC was also examined.

Methods: Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded oropharyngeal (n = 47) and oral cavity (n = 95) SCC tissue blocks from patients with long-term recurrence and overall survival data (median = 47 months).

Clinicopathologic and Prognostic Significance of Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expression in Patients with Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Evidence has shown that programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to immune therapies in several human cancers. However, data on the prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in thyroid cancer are limited and remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate comprehensively the clinicopathologic significance and prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in non-medullary thyroid cancers.

Predictive relevance of programmed cell death protein 1 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte expression in papillary thyroid cancer.

Background: Co-signaling molecule programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 has been shown to induce potent inhibition of T cell-mediated antitumoral immunity. Our study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte density as biomarkers in specimens from patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data and tissue samples of 75 patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

Perforator variability in the anterolateral thigh free flap: a systematic review.

Objectives: The use of free flaps greatly improves reconstruction options and quality of life for patients undergoing oncological resections. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap is frequently used in the head and neck. The aim of this review was to provide a summary of published evidence assessing perforator anatomy of this flap.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) versus sutureless aortic valve replacement (SUAVR) for aortic stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of matched studies.

Background: With improving technologies and an increasingly elderly populations, there have been an increasing number of therapeutic options available for patients requiring aortic valve replacement. Recent evidence suggests that transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is one suitable option for high risk inoperable patients, as well as high risk operable patients. Sutureless valve technology has also been developed concurrently, with facilitates surgical aortic valve replacement (SUAVR) by allow resection and replacement of the native aortic valve with minimal sutures and prosthesis anchoring required.

Differences in survival outcome between oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in relation to HPV status.

Background: This study examined the prognostic significance of human papillomavirus (HPV) in patients with oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods: Tissue microarrays were constructed from oropharyngeal and oral cavity SCC (n = 143). The presence of functional HPV in tumour was determined by combined assessments of p16 immunohistochemistry and HPV in situ hybridisation.

Social perception of morbidity in facial nerve paralysis.

Background: There are many patient-based and clinician-based scales measuring the severity of facial nerve paralysis and the impact on quality of life, however, the social perception of facial palsy has received little attention. The purpose of this pilot study was to measure the consequences of facial paralysis on selected domains of social perception and compare the social impact of paralysis of the different components.

Method: Four patients with typical facial palsies (global, marginal mandibular, zygomatic/buccal, and frontal) and 1 control were photographed.

Predicting readmission or death after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Risk factors for emergent readmissions or death after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are important in identifying patients at risk for major adverse events. However, there has been limited investigation conducted of prospective clinical registries to determine relevant risk factors.

Hypothesis: We hypothesize 30-day readmission or death could be predicted using patient, procedural, and process factors.

Sex disparities in pre-hospital and hospital treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Objective: To determine whether sex disparities exist in pre-hospital and hospital time to treatment in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Background: Evidence suggests that women experience poorer quality of care for STEMI.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 177 consecutive patients with STEMI who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention at a rural, tertiary medical center between January 2006 and October 2009.

Prognostic implications of lymph node yield and lymph node ratio in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background: The lymph node yield (LNY) and the lymph node ratio (LNR) have been shown to be important prognostic factors in oral, colon, and gastric cancers. The role of the LNY and LNR in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is unclear. The aims of this study were to determine if a high LNR and a low LNY decrease disease-free survival rates.

The evaluation of creatinine clearance, estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine in predicting contrast-induced acute kidney injury among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare creatinine clearance (CrCl), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine (SCr) in predicting contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), dialysis and death following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods And Materials: Data were prospectively collected on 7759 consecutive patients within the Dartmouth Dynamic Registry undergoing PCI between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2006. Renal function was measured at baseline and within 48 h after PCI using three methods: CrCl using the Cockcroft-Gault equation, eGFR using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation and SCr.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction: process improvements in rural prehospital care delivered by emergency medical services.

Background: Safe and effective patient care for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) relies on prompt emergency medical service (EMS) and established care coordination with receiving hospitals to conduct primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Likewise, a new emphasis has been placed on first medical contact-to-balloon (E2B) times as opposed to door-to-balloon times, identifying prehospital care as an important contributing factor for high-quality STEMI care. Therefore, we evaluated EMS processes of care before and after a period of continuous quality improvement to improve E2B times in our rural tertiary care medical center.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: process improvement in a rural ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving center.

Background: Rural ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care networks may be particularly disadvantaged in achieving a door-to-balloon time (D2B) of less than or equal to 90 minutes recommended in current guidelines. ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION PROCESS UPGRADE PROJECT: A multidisciplinary STEMI process upgrade group at a rural percutaneous coronary intervention center implemented evidence-based strategies to reduce time to electrocardiogram (ECG) and D2B, including catheterization laboratory activation triggered by either a prehospital ECG demonstrating STEMI or an emergency department physician diagnosing STEMI, single-call catheterization laboratory activation, catheterization laboratory response time less than or equal to 30 minutes, and prompt data feedback.

Evaluating Success: An ongoing regional STEMI registry was used to collect process time intervals, including time to ECG and D2B, in a consecutive series of STEMI patients presenting before (group 1) and after (group 2) strategy implementation.