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Learning disabilities (LDs) and working memory problems (WM) are common brain-related comorbidities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Despite growing evidence on the efficacy of computerized WM training in children with LDs, research in DMD is lacking. This exploratory study assessed whether training (1) improves dystrophin-associated WM problems in DMD, (2) effects are present at post-intervention, 3 and 8 months follow-up, and (3) improves problems that arise from their LDs. A single case non-concurrent multiple baseline across patients design evaluated the target behaviour i.e. parental reports of WM problems of four DMD participants with LDs. Additionally, participants completed cognitive tests of verbal and visual WM, academics, attention, processing speed and fluid reasoning. Parents and teachers completed behavioural questionnaires. Testing and questionnaires were administered at baseline, post-intervention (T2), 3 (T3) and 8 (T4) months follow-up. Positive effects on target behaviour were found for three of four participants, but parental bias cannot be ruled out. Short and long-term, near-and far transfer effects were found for verbal and visual WM (T2:n = 2, T3&T4:n = 1), reading (T2:n = 4,T3:n = 3,T4:n = 2), arithmetic (all T:n = 1), processing speed (all T:n = 4) and fluid reasoning (T2:n = 1,T3&T4:n = 2). Behavioural questionnaires displayed minimal changes (T2:n = 1,T3&T4:n = 2). Promising WM training results are shown in DMD that merit further research.

Aim: To assess the added value of Near InfraRed Fluorescence (NIRF) imaging during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: This international multicentre randomized controlled trial included participants with an indication for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Participants were randomised into a NIRF imaging assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy (NIRF-LC) group and a conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) group. Primary end point was time to ‘Critical View of Safety’ (CVS). The follow-up period of this study was 90 postoperative days. An expert panel analysed the video recordings after surgery to confirm designated surgical time points. Results: A total of 294 patients were included, of which 143 were randomized in the NIRF-LC and 151 in the CLC group. Baseline characteristics were equally distributed. Time to CVS was on average 19 min and 14 s for the NIRF-LC group and 23 min and 9 s for the CLC group (p 0.032). Time to identification of the CD was 6 min and 47 s and 13 min for NIRF-LC and CLC respectively (p < 0.001). Transition of the CD in the gallbladder was identified after an average of 9 min and 39 s with NIRF-LC, compared to 18 min and 7 s with CLC (p < 0.001). No difference in postoperative length of hospital stay nor occurrence of postoperative complications was found. ICG related complications were limited to one patient who developed a rash after injection of ICG. Conclusion: Use of NIRF imaging in laparoscopic cholecystectomy provides earlier identification of relevant extrahepatic biliary anatomy: earlier achievement of CVS, cystic duct visualisation and visualisation of both cystic duct and cystic artery transition into the gallbladder.

Background: During extracorporeal life support (ECLS), bleeding is one of the most frequent complications, associated with high morbidity and increased mortality, despite continuous improvements in devices and patient care. Risk factors for bleeding complications in veno-venous (V-V) ECLS applied for respiratory support have been poorly investigated. We aim to develop and internally validate a prediction model to calculate the risk for bleeding complications in adult patients receiving V-V ECLS support. Method(s): Data from adult patients reported to the extracorporeal life support organization (ELSO) registry between the years 2010 and 2020 were analyzed. The primary outcome was bleeding complications recorded during V-V ECLS. Multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise elimination was used to develop the predictive model. The performance of the model was tested by discriminative ability and calibration with receiver operating characteristic curves and visual inspection of the calibration plot. Result(s): In total, 18 658 adult patients were included, of which 3 933 (21.1%) developed bleeding complications. The prediction model showed a prediction of bleeding complications with an AUC of 0.63. Pre-ECLS arrest, surgical cannulation, lactate, pO2, HCO3, ventilation rate, mean airway pressure, pre-ECLS cardiopulmonary bypass or renal replacement therapy, pre-ECLS surgical interventions, and different types of diagnosis were included in the prediction model. Conclusion(s): The model is based on the largest cohort of V-V ECLS patients and reveals the most favorable predictive value addressing bleeding events given the predictors that are feasible and when compared to the current literature. This model will help identify patients at risk of bleeding complications, and decision making in terms of anticoagulation and hemostatic management.Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Artificial Organs published by International Center for Artificial Organ and Transplantation

Objectives Timely identification of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors at risk of experiencing low health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the near future is important for enabling appropriately tailored preventive actions. We previously developed and internally validated risk prediction models to estimate the 1-year risk of low HRQoL in long-term CRC survivors. In this article, we aim to externally validate and update these models in a population of short-term CRC survivors. Study Design and Setting In a pooled cohort of 1,596 CRC survivors, seven HRQoL domains (global QoL, cognitive/emotional/physical/role/social functioning, and fatigue) were measured prospectively at approximately 5 months postdiagnosis (baseline for prediction) and approximately 1 year later by a validated patient-reported outcome measure (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of life Questionnaire–Core 30). For each HRQoL domain, 1-year scores were dichotomized into low vs. normal/high HRQoL. Performance of the previously developed multivariable logistic prediction models was evaluated (calibration and discrimination). Models were updated to create a more parsimonious predictor set for all HRQoL domains. Results Updated models showed good calibration and discrimination (AUC ≥0.75), containing a single set of 15 predictors, including nonmodifiable (age, sex, education, time since diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stoma, and comorbidities) and modifiable predictors (body mass index, physical activity, smoking, anxiety/depression, and baseline fatigue and HRQoL domain scores). Conclusion Externally validated and updated prediction models performed well for estimating the 1-year risk of low HRQoL in CRC survivors within 6 months postdiagnosis. The impact of implementing the models in oncology practice to improve HRQoL outcomes in CRC survivors needs to be evaluated.

Vitamin D is an important factor in bone metabolism. Animal studies have shown a positive effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on fracture healing, but evidence from clinical trials is inconclusive. A randomized controlled trial was performed to assess the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on fracture healing using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) based outcome parameters. Thirty-two postmenopausal women with a conservatively treated distal radius fracture were included within two weeks post-fracture and randomized to a low-dose (N = 10) and a high-dose (N = 11) vitamin D intervention group receiving a 6-week bolus dose, equivalent to 700 and 1,800 IU vitamin D3 supplementation per day respectively, in addition to a control group (N = 11) receiving no supplementation. After the baseline visit 1-2 weeks post-fracture, follow-up visits were scheduled at 3-4, 6-8 and 12 weeks post-fracture. At each visit, HR-pQCT scans of the fractured radius were performed. Cortical and trabecular bone density and microarchitectural parameters and μFEA derived torsion, compression and bending stiffness were assessed. Additionally, serum markers of bone resorption (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen; CTX) and bone formation (N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen; PINP) were measured. Baseline serum levels of 25(OH)D3 were < 50 nmol/L in 33% of all participants and < 75 nmol/L in 70%. Compared to the control group, high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation resulted in a decreased trabecular number (regression coefficient B: -0.22; p < 0.01) and lower compression stiffness (B: -3.63; p < 0.05, together with an increase in the bone resorption marker CTX (B: 0.062; p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the control and low-dose intervention group. In conclusion, the bolus equivalent of 700 U/day vitamin D3 supplementation in a Western postmenopausal population does not improve distal radius

Background Many colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors experience persisting health problems post-treatment that compromise their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Prediction models are useful tools for identifying survivors at risk of low HRQoL in the future and for taking preventive action. Therefore, we developed prediction models for CRC survivors to estimate the 1-year risk of low HRQoL in multiple domains. Methods In 1458 CRC survivors, seven HRQoL domains (EORTC QLQ-C30: global QoL; cognitive, emotional, physical, role, social functioning; fatigue) were measured prospectively at study baseline and 1 year later. For each HRQoL domain, scores at 1-year follow-up were dichotomized into low versus normal/high. Separate multivariable logistic prediction models including biopsychosocial predictors measured at baseline were developed for the seven HRQoL domains, and internally validated using bootstrapping. Results Average time since diagnosis was 5 years at study baseline. Prediction models included both non-modifiable predictors (age, sex, socio-economic status, time since diagnosis, tumor stage, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stoma, micturition, chemotherapy-related, stoma-related and gastrointestinal complaints, comorbidities, social inhibition/negative affectivity, and working status) and modifiable predictors (body mass index, physical activity, smoking, meat consumption, anxiety/depression, pain, and baseline fatigue and HRQoL scores). Internally validated models showed good calibration and discrimination (AUCs: 0.83–0.93). Conclusions The prediction models performed well for estimating 1-year risk of low HRQoL in seven domains. External validation is needed before models can be applied in practice.

Objective: To assess the capacity of transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL) versus hysterosalpingography (HSG) as a primary tool to diagnose tubal pathology. Study Design: We performed a multicenter RCT (NTR3462) in 4 teaching hospitals in the Netherlands, comparing THL and HSG as first line tubal test in subfertile women. The primary outcome of the trial was cumulative live birth rate at 24 months. Here, we present the secondary outcomes, the diagnostic findings of both THL and HSG as well as performance defined as failures, complications and pain- and acceptability scores. Result(s): Between May 2013 and October 2016, we allocated 149 women to THL and 151 to HSG, of which 17 women in the THL group (11.4%) and 12 in the HSG group (7.9%) conceived naturally before the scheduled procedure, while 13 HSGs and 5 THLs were not performed for other reasons (withdrawal of informed consent, not willing to undergo tubal testing and protocol violations). A total of 119 THLs and 134 HSGs were carried out. Failures were seen more in the THL group (n = 8, 5.6%) than in the HSG group (n = 1, 0.7%) (p = 0.014). Complications did not differ significantly between the groups (THL n = 4; 2.8% vs HSG n = 1; 0.7%) (p = 0.20). Bilateral tubal occlusion was detected in one versus three women (0.9% versus 2.2%) of the THL group and HSG group, while unilateral tubal occlusion was detected in seven (6.2%) versus eight (5.9%) women, respectively. Normal findings were seen in 96 (79.3%) women randomised to THL and in 119 (87.5%) in women randomised for HSG (RR 0.91 95%CI 0.81-1.01, p = 0.08). The pain score was significantly less for THL (VAS 4.7 (SD: 2.5)) than for HSG (VAS 5.4 (SD:2.5)) (p 0.038). The acceptability rate of THL and was high and comparable. Conclusion(s): THL and HSG have a comparable capacity in diagnosing tubal pathology with comparable performance in safety, pain and acceptability.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V.

Aims: To investigate whether different calculation methods to express fluorescence intensity (FI) as target-to-background (BG) ratio are comparable and which method(s) match with human perception. Materials and Methods: Comparison of three calculation methods from current literature (OsiriX (R), ImageJ (R), and Photoshop (R)) to objectify FI during laparoscopic cholecystectomy measured at the exact same locations within recorded images of two categories: ex vivo and in vivo. Currently applied formulas to present FI in relation to the BG signal are compared with the subjective assessment by the human observers. These three formulas are Signal contrast = (FI in fluorescence regions-FI in BG)/255; Target-to-background ratio = (FI of target-FI of BG)/FI of BG; Signal-to-background ratio = FI of cystic duct/FI of liver and Target-to-background ratio = (FI of target-noise)/(FI of BG-noise). Results: In our evaluation OsiriX and ImageJ provided similar results, whereas OsiriX values were structurally slightly lower compared with ImageJ. Values obtained through Photoshop were less evidently related to those obtained with OsiriX and ImageJ. The formula Target-to-background ratio = (FI of target-noise)/(FI of BG-noise) was less corresponding with human perception compared with the other used formulas. Conclusions: FI results based on measurements using the programs OsiriX and ImageJ are similar, allowing for comparison of results between these programs. Results using Photoshop differ significantly, making direct comparison impossible. This is an important finding when interpreting study results. We propose to report both target and BG FI in articles, so that proper interpretation between articles can be made.

Cognition in absence epilepsy (AE) is generally considered undisturbed. However, reports on cognitive deficits in AE in recent years have suggested otherwise. This review systematically assesses current literature on cognitive performance in children with AE. A systematic literature search was performed in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science. All studies reporting on cognitive performance in children with AE were considered. In total 33 studies were eligible for inclusion. Neuropsychological tests were classified into the following domains: intelligence; executive function; attention; language; motor & sensory-perceptual examinations; visuoperceptual/visuospatial/visuoconstructional function; memory and learning; achievement. Random-effect meta-analyses were conducted by estimating the pooled mean and/or pooling the mean difference in case-control studies. Full-scale IQ in children with AE was estimated at 96.78 (95%CI:94.46-99.10) across all available studies and in case-control studies IQ was on average 8.03 (95%CI:-10.45- -5.61) lower. Verbal IQ was estimated at 97.98 (95%CI:95.80-100.16) for all studies and 9.01 (95%CI:12.11- -5.90) points lower in case-control studies. Performance IQ was estimated at 97.23 (93.24-101.22) for all available studies and 5.32 (95%CI:-8.27-2.36) points lower in case-control studies. Lower performance was most often reported in executive function (cognitive flexibility, planning, and verbal fluency) and attention (sustained, selective and divided attention). Reports on school difficulties, neurodevelopmental problems, and attentional problems were high. In conclusion, in contrast to common beliefs, lower than average neurocognitive performance was noted in multiple cognitive domains, which may influence academic and psychosocial development.

Background: The purpose of this simulation study is to compare bias in the estimation of regression coefficients between multiple imputation (MI) and complete case (CC) analysis when assumptions of missing data mechanisms are violated.Methods: The authors performed a stochastic simulation study in which data were drawn from a multivariate normal distribution, and missing values were created according to different missing data mechanisms (missing completely at random (MCAR), at random (MAR), and not at random (MNAR)). Data were analysed with a linear regression model using CC analysis, and after MI. In addition, characteristics of the data (i.e. correlation, size of the regression coefficients, error variance, proportion of missing data) were varied to assess the influence on the size and sign of bias. n Y, CC analysis resulted in severely biased regression coefficients; the Results: When data were MAR conditional oy were consistently underestimated in our scenarios. In the same scenarios, analysis after MI gave correct estimates. Yet, in case of MNAR MI yielded biased regression coefficients, while CC analysis did not result in biased estimates, contrary to expectation.Conclusion: The authors demonstrated that MI was only superior to CC analysis in case of MCAR or MAR, with respect to bias and precision. In some scenarios CC may be superior to MI. Often it is not feasible to identify the cause of incomplete data in a given dataset. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on reporting the extent of missing values, the method that was used to address the problem, and the assumptions that were made about the mechanism that caused missing data.