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Association of media use with sleep of children and adolescents: an umbrella review.

Adequate sleep is essential for child and adolescent development, driving extensive research across scientific disciplines. This umbrella review provides a comprehensive overview of existing evidence on media consumption and sleep and thereby lays the foundation for identifying key concepts and gaps. An inclusive systematic search for reviews reporting literature searches was conducted in 02/2021 and updated last in 09/2024. Methodological quality of the included reviews was assessed using AMSTAR-2. We included 84 reviews reporting on the association between media use and sleep in individuals aged 0-18 years. The field is dominated by reviews of low methodological quality, mainly including original cross-sectional studies with subjective measures in older children and adolescents. A total of 475 original articles were covered by the reviews; only 10 of them appeared in at least seven and at most nine reviews. Screen time generally had a negative impact on sleep, though evidence varied from very low to strong. Evidence for effects of conventional books on sleep remains inconclusive. High quality systematic reviews are needed to evaluate robust studies using objective measures of sleep and contemporary media use across all age groups up to adolescence and to explore the impact of non-digital media use on sleep, considering age and gender differences.

Humans

Quality of life and gender identity in females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia after genital restoration surgery: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Legislation restricting surgical interventions in children with differences of sex development (DSD) has intensified debate about female genital restoration surgery (FGRS) in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Long-term patient-reported outcomes are needed regarding the optimal timing of surgery. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), gender identity, and family satisfaction regarding surgical timing and outcome in females with CAH following genital restoration surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of CAH patients who underwent surgery between January 2007 to December 2016 at our institution. Validated instruments (KINDL questionnaire for HRQoL, Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale, UGDS) and structured telephone interviews were employed. RESULTS: Data on HRQoL was available for 25 patients (self- and/or parent-reported) out of 56 eligible patients (45% response rate). Median age at first surgery was 6 months (range: 3-137 months). Patients' age at time of participation ranged from 2 to 28 years. All had 21-hydroxylase deficiency (92% salt-wasting form) with Prader grades ranging from II-V. Wound dehiscence requiring secondary suturing occurred in 15% of patients with primary surgery at our center, while only one (4%) patient developed vaginal stenosis after early primary vaginoplasty. Two additional patients (8%) with prior outside surgery required vaginal revision after FGRS at age 12. HRQoL scores were comparable to healthy reference populations across most age groups. Children aged 3-6 and adolescents and young adults showed no significant difference from reference values, while children aged 7-13 showed a slight elevation. None of five patients &#x2265;14 years demonstrated gender dysphoria (all UGDS scores <40, threshold &#x2265;40). 14 patients and families were also interviewed by telephone. All preferred early surgical timing. No family expressed regret about the decision or preferred delayed surgery. DISCUSSION: This study provides validated intermediate-term patient- and parent-reported outcomes after FGRS in CAH. Key limitations include the small sample size, single-center design, and young age of most patients. Selection bias may exist, though participating families included those who underwent revision surgery. The absence of a non-operated comparison group reflects current clinical reality, as nearly all CAH patients with urogenital sinus underwent surgical correction. CONCLUSIONS: Females with CAH reported normal HRQoL and a comfortable female gender identity after early FGRS. The patients and their families expressed a preference for early surgery. However, there is need for longer-term follow-up to assess sexual function and reproductive outcomes as well comparison of outcomes with a non-operated group.

Humans

Predictors of Treatment Failure in Children With HIV Starting First-line Antiretroviral Therapy in the ODYSSEY Trial.

BACKGROUND: Data on predictors of treatment failure in children starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) are limited, particularly on dolutegravir-based regimens (DTG). METHODS: ODYSSEY demonstrated superior efficacy of DTG versus standard-of-care (SOC). We assessed predictors at ART initiation of treatment failure by 96 weeks. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-one children started first-line ART (82% African). At ART-initiation, median age was 10.5 years (IQR: 6.5, 14.0, 67 < 3 years), CD4% 20% (IQR: 12, 28), BMI-for-age Z-score -.58 (IQR:-1.48, +.25). One hundred and eighty-nine children started DTG, 192 started SOC (91% &#x2265;3 years started efavirenz; 79% <3 years started lopinavir). Seventy-five children experienced treatment failure (24 DTG, 51 SOC). Failure risk was lower on DTG than SOC (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.29-0.77, P = .002). Lower BMI-for-age Z-score (HR = 0.82 for each unit gain, 95% CI: 0.70-0.96, P = .01) and being at an African site (HR = 2.09, 95% CI: 0.82-5.31, P = .09) were associated with higher failure risk. Risk was also higher at younger ages with the steepest increase in the youngest children and increased at lower CD4%, with a stronger CD4% effect at younger ages. At CD4% = 20, HRs relative to age 10 years were 2.40 (95% CI: 1.58-3.65) at age 1 year, 1.30 (95% CI: 1.15-1.48) at age 5 years, and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72-0.89) at age 18 years. At age 1 year, HRs relative to CD4% = 20 were 1.39 (95% CI: 1.16-1.66) at CD4% = 15, and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.36-0.75) at CD4% = 30; at age 10, corresponding estimates were 1.07 (95% CI: 0.94-1.20) at CD4% = 15, and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.69-1.13) at CD4% = 30. CONCLUSIONS: Young age, low BMI-for-age, and low CD4% at ART initiation predicted higher risk of treatment failure and can guide targeted support.

Humans

Bedtime tetrahydrocannabinol ingestion reduces morning orthostatic cardiovascular reactivity in adults: An exploratory study.

Acute cannabis use and its primary psychoactive constituent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can induce postural dizziness, indicating increased risk of orthostatic instability. However, it is unknown if vulnerabilities persist the morning after bedtime THC consumption. This study investigated the influence of bedtime THC consumption on cardiovascular variables during an orthostatic challenge. Nine individuals with no cannabis use and eight individuals who regularly use cannabis participated in a tilt table test associated with a 3-day in-laboratory stay. Participants underwent an acclimatization day, followed by a placebo dosing day, and a 10&#x2009;mg THC dosing day. Placebo and THC pills were given 1&#x2009;h before a participant's habitual bedtime, and the tilt table test was performed ~1&#x2009;h upon awakening. Participants were instrumented with an electrocardiogram and an automated sphygmomanometer. Fluid intake and output were measured throughout the study. The morning after THC administration, individuals with no cannabis use reported a higher frequency of dizziness and exhibited a significant reduction in both diastolic blood pressure and heart rate reactivity to tilt (reactivity&#x2009;=&#x2009;tilt - baseline) compared to the morning after placebo. Our results indicate a potential increased risk for orthostatic instability the morning after cannabis consumption in individuals with no cannabis use history.

Humans

Phase 3 Trial of Oral Infigratinib in Children with Achondroplasia.

BACKGROUND: Achondroplasia is a genetic skeletal condition caused by FGFR3 pathogenic variants. Infigratinib, an oral FGFR1-3 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, down-regulates key pathways in the pathogenesis of achondroplasia. METHODS: In this phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned children with achondroplasia (3 to 17 years of age) in a 2:1 ratio to receive infigratinib (at a dose of 0.25 mg per kilogram of body weight) or placebo once daily for 52 weeks. The primary end point was the change from baseline in the annualized height velocity in the infigratinib group as compared with the placebo group at week 52. Key secondary end points were the change from baseline in the height z score and in the upper-to-lower body segment ratio at week 52. The primary analysis evaluated the treatment effect at week 52 in the full analysis population, with missing data handled with a prespecified imputation approach. RESULTS: In all, 114 patients underwent randomization: 75 patients to receive infigratinib (with 1 withdrawal before treatment) and 39 patients to receive placebo. The difference between infigratinib and placebo in the least-squares mean change from baseline to week 52 was 1.74 cm per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31 to 2.17; P<0.001) for the annualized height velocity, 0.32 (96% CI, 0.23 to 0.41; P<0.001) for the height z score, and -0.02 (96% CI, -0.06 to 0.01) for the upper-to-lower body segment ratio. Adverse events occurred in 71 of 74 patients (96%) in the infigratinib group and in 37 of 39 patients (95%) in the placebo group; serious adverse events occurred in 4 of 74 patients (5%) and 1 of 39 patients (3%), respectively. No serious adverse events or adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation were considered by the investigator to be related to infigratinib or placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In children with achondroplasia, treatment with once-daily oral infigratinib for 52 weeks resulted in a significantly greater increase from baseline in the annualized height velocity than placebo. (Funded by BridgeBio Pharma; PROPEL 3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06164951; EudraCT number, 2023-506130-67.).

Adolescent

Psychological interventions for children with chronic physical conditions: a systematic review assessing the role of coping, emotional and cognitive processes.

OBJECTIVES: Coping, emotional and cognitive processes are crucial in child development, particularly in children with pediatric chronic physical conditions (CPC). No systematic review in pediatric psychology has investigated the effectiveness of interventions on these processes concurrently. This review addresses this gap by focusing on the effectiveness of psychological interventions on coping, emotional and cognitive processes in children with CPCs. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched for studies assessing at least one of these processes. Only randomized-controlled trials with children (8-12&#x2009;years) with a CPC (e.g. diabetes, asthma), which implemented a psychological intervention were included. This study is registered in (CRD42021233505). RESULTS: Ten intervention studies were identified. While cognitive interventions (Cogmed) showed some improvements in working memory, the effects varied across studies despite similar methodologies. Coping interventions (e.g. Coping Skills Training) showed little effect on coping strategies or psychological health variables and were no more beneficial than control groups. No study trained coping, emotional processes and cognitive processes together. CONCLUSION: This review shows current limitations in evaluating psychological interventions targeting coping, cognitive or emotional processes in children with CPCs, limiting a comprehensive understanding of the interventions' action mechanisms. Systematically including underlying processes in intervention studies could help to better adjust those interventions.

Humans

Structural and tissue-specific organisation of endocrine Fgf19 and Fgf21 signalling in rainbow trout.

Endocrine fibroblast growth factors (FGF19 subfamily) play a key role in regulating metabolic homeostasis in vertebrates. However, their functional diversification in salmonids remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted an integrative characterisation of Fgf19 and Fgf21 signalling in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by combining phylogenetic, structural and expression analyses. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the conservation of single fgf19 and fgf21 genes, despite the extensive expansion of receptors post-Ss4R (salmonid-specific fourth-round whole genome duplication). Structural modelling and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated the stable interactions of both ligands to multiple Fgfr isoforms, with receptor-specific energetic profiles and conserved core interaction residues. Tissue expression profiling revealed clear differences from mammalian models, such as predominant hepatic fgf19 expression and the absence of hepatic fgf21 under basal conditions. In addition, there were complex and tissue-dependent distributions of fgfr and klotho transcripts. These findings support a receptor-driven diversification model of endocrine Fgf signalling in salmonids, suggesting enhanced endocrine plasticity associated with the retention of receptors following post-genomic duplication. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the structural and regulatory organisation of endocrine Fgf signalling, as well as its potential role in metabolic regulation in rainbow trout.

Animals

Comparative analysis of genomic variations among different Cdo1 paralogs for salinity-adaptation in oysters.

Under rapid climate change and anthropogenic activities, oysters, a global aquaculture species, are subjected to exacerbated culturing environments, especially for those living in in-shore estuarine species, such as Suminoe oysters Crassostrea ariakensis. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms of salinity adaptation of C. ariakensis. We performed an expression genome-wide association study (eGWAS) to compare genetic regulation among 5 paralogous copies of a key salinity-related gene, cysteine dioxygenase 1 (Cdo1). A total of 40 significant eSNPs with 82 adjacent eGenes were identified in 2 copies (Cdo1_26639 and Cdo1_1666). We identified only trans-eSNPs for Cdo1_26639 and more cis-eSNPs for Cdo1_1666, and different eGenes for these 2 Cdo1 copies, which indicated that the expressional regulation of these paralogs may undergo distinct pathways. We identified 3 eGenes that exhibited identical expression patterns with Cdo1_26639 and Cdo1_1666, including 6-Pgdh, Trapp and tandem copy of Cdo1_27337. The expression correlation between Cdo1 copies and eGenes was enhanced under salinity stresses, suggesting the crucial role of eGenes in regulating Cdo1's expression in response to salinity changes. Our results provide comprehensive identification and comparison of eSNPs across different paralogous copies of one gene, along with insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance, and genetic markers for breeding salinity-resistant oysters.

Animals

Characteristics of children with ureteroceles presenting for urological evaluation in the modern medical era.

INTRODUCTION: Historically, children with ureteroceles presented symptomatically and were managed surgically. It is unclear if this changed in the modern medical era of prenatal imaging and shared decision making. We aimed to describe the presentation and management of ureteroceles during initial urological evaluation of children in the era of widespread prenatal ultrasonography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of children (<18 years old [yo]) initially evaluated at our center with a ureterocele (2011-2020). We analyzed demographics, renal anatomy, initial presentation for evaluation, and initial management with non-parametric statistics. Febrile urinary tract infections (fUTIs, &#x2265; 38 &#xb0;C) were classified as 1) urosepsis (positive urine culture admitted to pediatric intensive care), 2) documented (positive urine culture) or 3) family-reported. RESULTS: We identified 188 children (65% female). Median age at presentation was 1.2 months old (mo) (IQR 18 days-4.4 mo). Antenatally-detected congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (aCAKUT) were noted in 143 (76%) children with a confirmed postnatal diagnosis of ureterocele. Overall, 129/188 (69%) children presented without symptoms and 59 (31%) presented with symptoms. fUTI was the most common symptomatic presentation (46/188, 24%): urosepsis (6 children), documented (30), and family-reported (10). Children with aCAKUT presented earlier than those without aCAKUT (27 days vs. 1.6 yo, p < 0.0001). They were also less likely to present with symptoms (11% vs. 96%, p < 0.0001), including fUTIs (7% vs. 78%, p < 0.0001). In total, 108 children (57%) were initially managed with transurethral incision, 73 (39%) were observed, and 7 (4%) had reconstructive surgery. Asymptomatic children with aCAKUT (42%) and symptomatic children without aCAKUT (37%) were more likely to be observed than symptomatic children with aCAKUT (7%, p = 0.02). Among 143 children with aCAKUT, those on antibiotic prophylaxis were less likely to present with a history of a fUTI compared to those not on prophylaxis (4/106 vs. 6/37, 4% vs. 16%, p = 0.02). COMMENT: We present a large observational study describing clinical and anatomical characteristics of children presenting with ureteroceles in a medical era of ubiquitous prenatal ultrasonography. Our retrospective study was limited by incomplete documentation of all antenatal ultrasonography and adherence with antibiotic prophylaxis. Long-term clinical outcomes will be the focus of future work. CONCLUSION: In contrast to historical cohorts, most children presented to urologists with asymptomatic ureteroceles diagnosed with aCAKUT. Most children without aCAKUT presented with a fUTI. Overall, 39% of children were initially observed, indicating an increased use of observation in the modern medical era.

Humans

Correlative analysis of endogenous miRNA expression profiles underlying brown planthopper adaptation to resistant rice.

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens St&#xe5;l, BPH) is a major insect pest threatening global rice production. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptation of BPH populations with different virulence levels to resistant rice cultivars remain poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as key post-transcriptional regulators, play critical roles in host adaptation in herbivorous insects. In this study, we analyzed the miRNA expression profiles of a high-virulent population (IR56p) and a low-virulence population (TN1p) after feeding on susceptible (TN1) and resistant (IR56) rice cultivars. Our findings reveal distinct miRNA-mediated regulatory strategies employed by the two populations. The IR56p population showed downregulation of miRNAs including miR-10, miR-124, and miR-316, showing an inverse correlation with increased expression of predicted target genes involved in detoxification (carboxylesterase, UDP-glycosyltransferase) and effector function (calmodulin). In contrast, several miRNAs highly expressed in IR56p, including miR-307, miR-317, and miR-275, were predicted to target rice genes associated with hormone signaling, cell wall biosynthesis, and oxidative homeostasis, suggesting a possible but unproven inter-species regulatory role that requires functional validation. Collectively, these descriptive and correlative findings provide hypothesis generating insights into insect-plant coevolution and identifies candidate molecular targets for future functional validation and RNA interference-based pest management strategies.

Animals

Pain outcomes of pediatric circumcision patients following administration of pre-operative ketorolac: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Circumcision is a common surgical intervention, and pain is the most common complaint. Poorly managed pain can increase morbidity and reduce patient and parent satisfaction. Ketorolac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), provides analgesia and may be effective in reducing pain after circumcision in pediatric patients. STUDY OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to determine the effect of pre-operative intravenous ketorolac versus normal saline placebo on parental perception of postoperative pain at 24 h. We also explored the effect of ketorolac on postoperative pain scores, incidence of bleeding, incidence of vomiting, and analgesic use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial was conducted at a single tertiary children's hospital. Patients aged 1-17 presenting for circumcision were included and randomized to either normal saline injectate or ketorolac (0.5 mg/kg, maximum 30 mg). Postoperative delirium and pain scores were recorded in the post-anesthetic care unit. Parents completed the parents' postoperative pain measure (PPPM) at 24 h. The CONSORT criteria and checklist were used to guide reporting of this randomized controlled trial. RESULTS: A total of 100 participants were included. 50 participants were in each group. Mean (SD) PPPM score 24 h after normal saline and ketorolac was 6.1 (3.4) and 5.5 (3.3), respectively for a mean difference of -0.55 points [95% CI: -1.9 to 0.83; p = 0.427]. The mean (95% CI) fixed effect size of ketorolac on post anesthetic care unit reported Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability score was -0.17 (-0.77 to 0.43, p = 0.585) points, while the mean (95% CI) effect size of ketorolac on numerical rating scale was -1.2 (-2.2 to -0.18, p = 0.026) points. DISCUSSION: Pre-operative intravenous ketorolac, compared to normal saline placebo, did not result in a difference in parental perception of postoperative pain at 24 h after circumcision surgery. As part of exploratory analyses, those receiving ketorolac had modestly lower mean immediate postoperative pain scores, likely not of clinical importance. Ketorolac has often been avoided due to concerns of increased bleeding risk, however it is important to consider that there is no substantial evidence to support this. This is the first study to our knowledge evaluating the effect of ketorolac in pediatric circumcision patients. While the PPPM score is a family centered outcome, it is an indirect measurement of pediatric pain. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative intravenous ketorolac was not associated with lower parental reported pain scores at 24 h compared to normal saline placebo after pediatric circumcision surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02973958.

Humans

ScRNA-seq analysis reveals the effects of nitrite stress on the endocrine system of the eyestalk in Litopenaeus vannamei.

Nitrite is a harmful substance generated in Litopenaeus vannamei farming systems, largely originating from the inadequate breakdown of surplus feed and shrimp feces. Its accumulation in the water can affect the growth and physiological functions of shrimp, damage the immune system, and even cause mass mortality, thus becoming a key environmental factor restricting the green development of the industry. Under nitrite stress, the eyestalk, as an important neuroendocrine regulatory center in crustaceans, participates in the stress adaptation of the organism and exerts a protective effect by regulating energy metabolism and immune function. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism of the eyestalk in response to nitrite stress remains unclear. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology was used to analyze the heterogeneity of eyestalk cells in L. vannamei under nitrite stress. A total of 18, 394 high-quality cells were obtained, and six major cell subpopulations, including Neurosecretory cell, Motor neuron, Sensory neuron, Interneuron, Neurogliocyte, and Support cell, were identified. Differential expression analysis identified 839 differentially expressed genes, and different cell types showed distinct specific responses to nitrite stress. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that pathways such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome function, and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing were significantly activated, while signal transduction and DNA repair-related pathways were inhibited. Further analysis revealed that nitrite stress could induce mitochondrial function changes and trigger oxidative stress, thereby affecting the neuroendocrine system function of the eyestalk. This study provided insights into transcriptomic responses of the eyestalk to nitrite stress at the single-cell level, laying a theoretical foundation for the management of aquaculture environments.

Animals

Avian egg incubation period: Revisiting existing allometric relationships via surface area-to-volume ratio of an egg.

The incubation period (I) for bird eggs varies among species and is used in establishing allometric relationships. Research on variations in I shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms that gave rise to the differentiation of embryonic development in distinct taxa of birds. Here, using a sampling of 444 images from 444 avian species, 89 families and 30 orders, we calculated their major geometric dimensions: volume (V) and surface area (S). An assessment of the relationship between I and the measured and calculated egg parameters demonstrated the closest and most significant correlation (R&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.760) between I and the S/V ratio that was adopted as a conditional indicator and reflects the embryo's metabolic rate. Approximation of the values of these parameters made it possible to derive a power-law dependence for the prediction of I depending on the S/V value of a particular egg (R2&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.757). The prediction accuracy was higher (R2&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.783) if the eggs of the family Procellariiformes (petrels), whose I value is characterized by a longer time, were removed from the general sampling computation. We conclude that the value of the S/V ratio can characterize both the metabolism of an embryo and the conditional thermal conductivity of an egg, which aids in ensuring the temperature regime of egg incubation.

Animals

Comparison of three tracking methods to assess usage of two pediatric powered mobility devices for young children with cerebral palsy.

Powered mobility devices are underutilized for promoting self-initiated mobility in young children with cerebral palsy due to prioritization of walking, caregiver effort, device characteristics, and environmental factors. Understanding device usage patterns is important to assess the impact of powered mobility interventions on child outcomes. As part of clinical trial (NCT04684576), three objective tracking methods including integrated loggers, Global Positioning System trackers (GPST), and caregiver reported activity logs (CRAL) were compared to provide insights into device usage patterns. Metrics included play session frequency, session duration, total usage minutes, and unique usage days for two powered mobility devices: Modified Ride-on Cars (MROC) and the Permobil Explorer Mini (EM). Twelve children with cerebral palsy used each device for eight consecutive weeks in home and community settings (16&#x2009;weeks total), with device ordered randomized. Results showed no significant differences among tracking methods for the MROC. For the EM, only session duration differed between GPST and CRAL. Correlation analysis revealed variable relationships amongst tracking methods for both devices. The EM was used more frequently than the MROC, with significantly greater total usage minutes and session duration via CRAL, not GPST. The findings highlight the need for reliable tracking technologies that can be used across powered mobility devices.

Child, Preschool

Single-center experience with isolated male epispadias: Outcomes of Thiersch-Duplay and modified Cantwell-Ransley repairs by anatomical subtype.

BACKGROUND: Isolated male epispadias (IME) is a rare congenital malformation. Surgical repair aims to improve urinary function, correct penile curvature, reconstruct the urethra and glans, and preserve future sexual function. Because available series are small, the influence of anatomical subtype and operative technique on outcome remains incompletely defined. OBJECTIVE: To report single-center outcomes of Thiersch-Duplay and modified Cantwell-Ransley repairs for IME, with attention to anatomical subtype, complications, and age-appropriate continence outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed boys with IME who underwent primary urethral reconstruction in my hospital, Capital Medical University, from May 2005 to June 2024. Data were locked on 30 June 2024. Primary outcomes were postoperative complications graded by the Clavien-Dindo system and urinary continence at last follow-up in patients aged 5 years or older. Secondary outcomes included improvement of preoperative incontinence, ICIQ score, subsequent bladder neck reconstruction, penile appearance/residual curvature when documented, and patient/parent-reported sexual function. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were included: 35 underwent modified Cantwell-Ransley repair and 32 underwent Thiersch-Duplay repair. The cohort included 26 glanular (38.8%), 23 penile (34.3%), and 18 penopubic (26.9%) cases. Median age at surgery was 28 months in both groups. Median age at last follow-up was 92.8 months (IQR 63.9-108.4) after modified Cantwell-Ransley repair and 137.9 months (IQR 77.9-172.6) after Thiersch-Duplay repair (P = 0.011). Procedure distribution differed by meatal location (P = 0.036), although penopubic cases were treated with both procedures. Total complications occurred in 5/35 and 5/32 patients, respectively. Formal continence analysis included 26 modified Cantwell-Ransley patients and 27 Thiersch-Duplay patients aged 5 years or older. Postoperative urinary incontinence persisted in 14/26 (53.8%) and 12/27 (44.4%), respectively. Among age-eligible patients with preoperative incontinence, any improvement was documented in 13/20 (65.0%) and 14/17 (82.4%), and complete remission occurred in 6/20 (30.0%) and 5/17 (29.4%), respectively. Three patients, all with penopubic epispadias treated with Thiersch-Duplay repair, subsequently underwent bladder neck reconstruction for persistent incontinence. Erectile function data were available in 37/67 patients (55.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In this large single-center retrospective cohort, Thiersch-Duplay and modified Cantwell-Ransley repairs had comparable overall complication rates. Continence and reoperation patterns were strongly influenced by anatomical subtype, with penopubic epispadias representing the highest-risk group. These findings support individualized, anatomy-conscious operative planning and prospective evaluation of standardized selection criteria, rather than a single prescriptive algorithm. CLINICAL/TRANSLATIONAL IMPLICATION: This series supports standardized reporting of anatomical subtype, age-appropriate continence outcomes, and graded complications when counseling families and comparing outcomes across centers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Humans

Multidisciplinary mHealth Rehabilitation for Patients With Abdominal Cancer Who Are Receiving Chemoradiotherapy: Randomized Phase II Trial.

BACKGROUND: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for abdominal cancer frequently induces muscle loss, weight loss, and malnutrition. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory randomized phase II trial evaluated whether a multidisciplinary, mobile health (mHealth)-based multimodal rehabilitation program could preserve handgrip strength and muscle mass in patients with abdominal cancer undergoing CCRT. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label phase II trial (NCT05325554), 111 eligible patients with abdominal malignancies scheduled for CCRT were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either multidisciplinary mHealth rehabilitation care (MRC; n=57) or standard care (SC; n=54). The MRC program was delivered by a dedicated multidisciplinary team using the AiNST mHealth platform and wearable heart rate monitors. The primary end point was handgrip strength at the end of CCRT (analyzed with analysis of covariance adjusting for baseline). Secondary end points were exploratory and analyzed without multiplicity adjustment; sensitivity analysis using false discovery rate (FDR) correction was performed. RESULTS: Between February 2022 and April 2023, 111 patients were enrolled. Adherence was high (n=93, 83.9% achieved exercise targets). After adjusting for baseline handgrip strength, the MRC group had significantly higher handgrip strength at the end of CCRT than the SC group (adjusted mean difference 4.87 kg, 95% CI 3.36-6.38; P<.001). Exploratory analyses of secondary end points (without multiplicity adjustment) showed that the MRC group also had better preservation of body weight (P=.005), skeletal muscle mass (P<.001), serum albumin (P=.009), prealbumin (P=.02), and lower rates of hematological toxicity (P<.05), as well as improved psychological status (distress thermometer [DT] and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) and nutritional scores (Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 [NRS-2002] and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment [PG-SGA]) at the end of CCRT (all P<.05). All nominally significant secondary end points remained significant after FDR correction (q<.05). These findings are preliminary and should be interpreted with caution due to the open-label design, population heterogeneity, and exploratory secondary analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In this exploratory phase II trial, a multidisciplinary, mHealth-based multimodal rehabilitation program was associated with better preservation of handgrip strength, muscle mass, and nutritional status, as well as lower rates of certain treatment toxicities, compared with SC. However, definitive conclusions are limited by the open-label design, heterogeneity of tumor types, and short follow-up. Larger, blinded phase III trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Humans

Transcriptomics reveals species-specific adaptive strategies to calorie restriction in two Argopecten scallops with distinct lifespans.

Calorie restriction (CR) is a well-established non-genetic intervention for lifespan extension in multiple model organisms. Seasonal food shortage in cold and temperate seas may mimic CR, inducing in bivalves a response similar to that in vertebrates and thereby prolonging life expectancy. However, the relationship and the mechanism underlying the food availability and lifespan in bivalves remain largely unexplored. Two closely related scallop species the short-lived warm-water Argopecten irradians (lifespan <2&#xa0;years) and the longer-lived cold-water Argopecten purpuratus (7-10&#xa0;years) provide an ideal comparative system to investigate species-specific adaptive strategies. In this study, we subjected both species to CR for 30 and 56&#xa0;days and performed comparative transcriptomic profiling, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and physiological assays to elucidate their distinct molecular responses. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that A. purpuratus exhibited substantially more DEGs than A. irradians at both time points under CR, with both species showing downregulation of metabolic pathways but to different extents. A. irradians mounted an early nutrient-sensing response at 30&#xa0;days (IGF1R, PIK3R3, INSR suppression), indicating acute sensitivity to limitation; by contrast, A. purpuratus displayed delayed FoxO activation at 56&#xa0;days, along with its downstream effectors NFKBIA, CREB3L4, and SMAD4, suggesting a gradual adaptive program may link to its extended lifespan. WGCNA identified three negatively correlated modules in each species, with coral2 being the most prominent in A. irradians and darkolivegreen in A. purpuratus. The former was dominated by ciliary motility genes, whereas the latter featured coordinated repression of oxidative phosphorylation. Additionally, both species exhibited conserved suppression of mTOR/S6K growth signaling and activation of cellular maintenance programs. Collectively, these findings expand the understanding of CR-mediated longevity regulation in bivalves and provide candidate gene resources for future functional studies and breeding programs.

Pectinidae

Patient-reported outcomes in pediatric regional anesthesia trials: current use and limitations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the current use and limitations of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in pediatric regional anesthesia research. Despite the increasing emphasis on patient-centered outcomes, existing pediatric outcome assessment frameworks may inadequately capture the pain experience and interference with daily living. RECENT FINDINGS: Across 17 identified randomized controlled trials and 15 ongoing studies, PROM use remains highly variable, with consistent reliance on observational pain scales such as the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale and limited incorporation of standardized, longitudinal health-related quality-of-life measures. SUMMARY: Current pediatric PROM frameworks remain fragmented, limiting comprehensive evaluation of recovery. Greater standardization and incorporation of developmentally appropriate, longitudinal outcome measures are needed to better align clinical research with meaningful patient-centered endpoints and to improve assessment of functional and psychosocial recovery.

Humans