Gastric outlet obstruction in an 11-year-old girl due to a pyloric diaphragm - A case report and a systematic literature review.

Introduction: Congenital pyloric web or diaphragm are rare causes of Gastric Outlet Obstruction (GOO) after infancy, representing approximately 1 % of gastrointestinal obstructions. While it typically presents in the neonatal period with nonbilious vomiting, delayed diagnosis beyond infancy is exceptionally rare.

Presentation Of The Case: An 11-year-old girl with presented with one-month history of postprandial vomiting.

Retinoblastoma programme outcome over a 10-year period in Lebanon: assessment of potential impact of the pandemic and economic crisis.

Background/objectives: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients enrolled in the retinoblastoma programme at the Children's Cancer Institute of the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) and to assess the effects of the Lebanese economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment outcomes.

Subjects/methods: A retrospective review of medical charts was conducted for retinoblastoma patients enrolled in the programme from 2012 to 2022. Parameters included age at diagnosis, gender, nationality, tumour characteristics, treatment modalities, follow-up duration, imaging results, and genetic testing outcomes.

Aggressive Pediatric Primitive Round Cell Tumors with MN1::ZNF341 Fusion: A Mimic of Neuroblastoma.

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common tumors in young children, arising from the adrenal medulla or paraspinal sympathetic ganglia. We describe primitive round cell tumors presenting in three patients less than 1.5 years old, with striking clinical and pathologic similarities to neuroblastoma.

The association of vaping and electronic cigarette use with postoperative hypoxemia and respiratory complications: a retrospective cohort analysis.

Purpose: Initially introduced as a safer alternative to smoking, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping have since been associated with lung injury. Nevertheless, there is limited perioperative data on their potential contribution to the harmful effects of mechanical ventilation on the lungs. We hypothesized that, in adults undergoing noncardiothoracic surgeries, preoperative vaping/e-cigarette use is associated with hypoxemia during the first postoperative hour, and with an increased incidence of intraoperative and postoperative pulmonary complications.

Single-Cell Fluidic Force Spectroscopy Reveals Dynamic Mechanical Fingerprints of Malignancy in Breast Cancer.

The interplay between cancer cell physical characteristics and metastatic potential highlights the significance of cancer cell mechanobiology. Using fluidic-based single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS), quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), and a model of cells with a spectrum of metastatic potential, we track the progression of biomechanics across the metastatic states by measuring cell-substrate and cell-to-cell adhesion forces, cell spring constant, cell height, and cell viscoelasticity. Compared to highly metastatic cells, cells in the lower spectrum of metastatic ability are found to be systematically stiffer, less viscoelastic, and larger.

Exosome-Mediated Paracrine Signaling Unveils miR-1246 as a Driver of Aggressiveness in Fusion-Negative Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a pediatric cancer associated with aggressiveness and a tendency to develop metastases. Fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma (FN-RMS) is the most commonly occurring subtype of RMS, where metastatic disease can hinder treatment success and decrease survival rates. RMS-derived exosomes were previously demonstrated to be enriched with miRNAs, including miR-1246, possibly contributing to disease aggressiveness.

Converting cell death into senescence by PARP1 inhibition improves recovery from acute oxidative injury.

Excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to macromolecular damage and high levels of cell death with consequent pathological sequelae. We hypothesized that switching cell death to a tissue regenerative state could potentially improve the short-term and long-term detrimental effects of ROS-associated acute tissue injury, although the mechanisms regulating oxidative stress-induced cell fate decisions and their manipulation for improving repair are poorly understood. Here, we show that cells exposed to high oxidative stress enter a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)-mediated regulated cell death, and that blocking PARP1 activation promotes conversion of cell death into senescence (CODIS).

Surviving Postpartum Group A Streptococcus Sepsis Complicated by Multiorgan System Failure: A Complex Case Presentation.

Postpartum group A streptococcal (GAS) sepsis is a rare obstetric complication with severe clinical implications and high morbidity and mortality, presenting diagnostic and management challenges. This report analyzes a complex case of postpartum GAS sepsis, highlighting the importance of understanding the pathophysiology and clinical trajectories of this often fatal pathogen. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on a patient with postpartum GAS sepsis.

Late presentations and missed opportunities among newly diagnosed HIV patients presenting to a specialty clinic in Lebanon.

Late presentation to medical care of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is linked to poor outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality. Missed opportunities for a prompt diagnosis are frequently reported among late presenters. We aimed to estimate the proportion of late presenters and missed opportunities in diagnosis among newly diagnosed HIV-positive subjects presenting to a specialty clinic in Lebanon.

Molecular-guided therapy for the treatment of patients with relapsed and refractory childhood cancers: a Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium trial.

Background: Children with relapsed central nervous system (CNS tumors), neuroblastoma, sarcomas, and other rare solid tumors face poor outcomes. This prospective clinical trial examined the feasibility of combining genomic and transcriptomic profiling of tumor samples with a molecular tumor board (MTB) approach to make real‑time treatment decisions for children with relapsed/refractory solid tumors.

Methods: Subjects were divided into three strata: stratum 1-relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma; stratum 2-relapsed/refractory CNS tumors; and stratum 3-relapsed/refractory rare solid tumors.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the ovary: a review of 63 cases.

Objective: To describe the clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes of ovarian neuroendocrine neoplasms from a curated registry.

Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients in our registry with confirmed ovarian neuroendocrine neoplasms. We excluded patients with small cell carcinoma not otherwise specified, small cell hypercalcemic type, and those with neuroendocrine 'features' or 'differentiation.

A regional virtual case discussion forum in pediatric oncology: Experience of the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean Group.

Background: The Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) group that aims to share expertise among pediatric oncology providers across the Middle East, North Africa, and East Asia region initiated a virtual Case Discussion Forum (CDF) in 2013.

Methods: Meeting records from September 2013 till June 2021 were reviewed. Detailed minutes were available starting August 2016; case data were analyzed including diagnoses, purpose of presentation and recommendations.

Machine-learning assisted swallowing assessment: a deep learning-based quality improvement tool to screen for post-stroke dysphagia.

Introduction: Post-stroke dysphagia is common and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, rendering bedside screening of significant clinical importance. Using voice as a biomarker coupled with deep learning has the potential to improve patient access to screening and mitigate the subjectivity associated with detecting voice change, a component of several validated screening protocols.

Methods: In this single-center study, we developed a proof-of-concept model for automated dysphagia screening and evaluated the performance of this model on training and testing cohorts.

Impact of pelvic radiation therapy in patients with early neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma and no residual disease in the radical hysterectomy specimen: a NeCTuR study.

Objective: The impact of adjuvant pelvic radiation therapy on the rate and location of recurrences was evaluated in patients with early-stage (IA1-IB2) neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma who underwent prior conization or polypectomy with no residual disease and negative nodes in the subsequent upfront radical hysterectomy specimen. As a secondary objective, disease-free and overall survival were analyzed.

Methods: We searched the Neuroendocrine Cervical Tumor Registry (NeCTuR) to identify patients with clinical early-stage neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma with no residual disease in the specimen from upfront radical surgery and negative nodes.

Prospective External Validation of the Esbenshade Vanderbilt Models Accurately Predicts Bloodstream Infection Risk in Febrile Non-Neutropenic Children With Cancer.

Purpose: The optimal management of fever without severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] ≥500/µL) in pediatric patients with cancer is undefined. The previously proposed Esbenshade Vanderbilt (EsVan) models accurately predict bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) in this population and provide risk stratification to aid management, but have lacked prospective external validation.

Materials And Methods: Episodes of fever with a central venous catheter and ANC ≥500/µL occurring in pediatric patients with cancer were prospectively collected from 18 academic medical centers.

Social media use is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression in patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: A NeCTuR study.

Objective: Neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma (NECC) is rare. Educational resources are limited for NECC patients, leading many to seek information online through patient-led social networks. We sought to characterize the relationships between anxiety and depression levels and social media use among NECC patients.

The effect of intraoperative positive end expiratory pressure and tidal volume on postoperative acute kidney injury after orthopedic surgery.

Background: To test whether higher intraoperative PEEP levels and/or higher TV levels are associated with higher incidence of postoperative AKI within the first postoperative week, in adult patients having orthopedic surgeries under general anesthesia.

Methods: We conducted a sub analysis of a non-randomized alternating intervention cross over study performed in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH. We included four different combinations of PEEP (5 or 8 cm H O) and TV (6 or 10 mL/kg of PBW) that alternated each week in the six orthopedic operating rooms.

Clinicopathologic characteristics, oncologic outcomes, and prognostic factors in neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma: a Neuroendocrine Cervical Tumor Registry study.

Objective: To evaluate clinicopathologic features and oncologic outcomes of patients with neuroendocrine cervical carcinoma in an institutional neuroendocrine cervical tumor registry.

Methods: Retrospective study including patients with neuroendocrine cervical carcinomas diagnosed between 1986 and 2022. Patients were categorized into International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018 stage groups: early-stage (IA1-IB2, IIA1); locally advanced (IB3, IIA2-IVA); and advanced (IVB).

Development of EPAT: An assessment tool for pediatric hematology/oncology training programs.

Purpose: In the absence of a standardized tool to assess the quality of pediatric hematology/oncology training programs, the Education Program Assessment Tool (EPAT) was conceptualized as a user-friendly and adaptable tool to evaluate and identify areas of opportunity, pinpoint needed modifications, and monitor progress for training programs around the world.

Methods: The development of EPAT consisted of three main phases: operationalization, consensus, and piloting. After each phase, the tool was iteratively modified based on feedback to improve its relevance, usability, and clarity.