An in vivo murine excisional wound splinting model, followed by the experimental infection of the wounds with S. aureus and their treatment with the synthesized dressings, pointed to the reduction of the bacterial load in wounds after 7 days, though the total elimination of the infection was not reached. The findings indicated the relevance of the direct contact between the dressings and the bacteria, highlighting the need to tune their design considering the wound surface and the nature of the antimicrobial cargo contained.Purpose To evaluate patients with Down syndrome for keratoconus and corneal abnormalities using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR) in a pediatric setting. Methods The Pentacam scans of patients with Down syndrome seen at Children's Hospital Colorado Ophthalmology Department were reviewed retrospectively, and the following data were collected keratometry values, pachymetry values, components of the Belin ABCD Grading System, the Belin/Ambrosio enhanced ectasia display D value, and topometric indices, including ISV, IVA, and KI. Subjective interpretation was used to classify scans as normal, abnormal, keratoconus suspect, and definite keratoconus. Results A total of 56 eyes of 31 patients aged 4-24 years (mean, 12.4) were included. The average value for K1 was 44.95 ± 1.73 D (range, 40.90-49.3 D); for K2, 46.87 ± 2.16 D (range, 42.50-51.80 D); for Kmax, 48.20 ± 3.11 D (range, 43-61.7 D); and for Kmean, 45.81 ± 1.85 D (range, 41.7-50.35 D). Mean pachymetry at the thinnest point was 509 ± 44.24 μm (range, 410-612 μm) and at the apex was 519 ± 44.24 μm (range, 412-646 μm). The mean D value was 2.08 ± 1.57 (range, 0.08-9.71).  https://www.selleckchem.com/MEK.html  There were 10 patients (32%) with either keratoconus suspect or definite keratoconus in at least one eye. Conclusions We found a high frequency of keratoconus and keratoconus suspect in pediatric and young adult patients with Down syndrome. The corneas in this population had steeper K values and thinner pachymetry values compared to previously reported controls.Purpose To investigate the different causes of vision loss and school-based treatment regimens at Quanzhou Blind School (QBS), China's largest blind school, in 2008 and 2016. Methods In 2008, 144 students received comprehensive eye examinations along with a complete family and ophthalmic history; in 2016, 125 students were examined. Vision loss was categorized into visual impairment and blindness classifications based on WHO guidelines. The etiologies of impairment and blindness in 2008 were compared to those in 2016 using the Fisher exact test. The prevalence and type of visual aids were also analyzed during this period. Results The leading cause of visual impairment significantly shifted from corneal scarring in 2008 to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in 2016 (P = 0.020). Congenital cataracts remained the leading cause of blindness in 2008 and 2016. In 2016 there was a significant increase in the use of visual aids, with 63.2% of students using them in 2016 compared to 8.3% in 2008 (P = 0.0001). Conclusions Between 2008 and 2016, the leading cause of visual impairment shifted from corneal scarring to ROP, while congenital cataracts remained the leading cause of blindness.Background Bedside insertion of Impella percutaneous ventricular assistant device (pVAD) (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) under transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance is an attractive strategy enabling lifesaving treatment in patients with cardiogenic shock and who cannot to be transported promptly to the catheterization laboratory (Cathlab). Methods In this retrospective, single-center study, we reviewed all consecutive patients supported with Impella pVAD for CS. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of those who underwent Impella pVAD insertion under fluoroscopic guidance (Fluoro group) in the Cathlab with those who underwent insertion under TEE guidance at bedside (TEE group). Results Between February 2013 and April 2018, a total of 150 consecutive patients with CS were supported with Impella. Fifty-five (38%) were in TEE group and 95 (62%) in Fluoro group. Impella insertion was successful in all the patients. At the time of Impella insertion patients among the TEE group had higher incidence of refractory hemodynamic collapse (87% vs 53%; p less then 0.001) and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (62% vs 35%, p=0.002). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the TEE group (55% vs. 31%, p=0.04). Rates of Impella-related complications were not different between the two groups, except for higher requirement for renal replacement therapy in the TEE group (35% vs 17%; p = 0.004). Conclusions Emergent Impella insertion with TEE guidance is feasible, safe and effective in critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock.Background Congenital heart disease (CHD) entails a broad spectrum of malformations with various degrees of severity and prognosis. Consequently, new and specific healthcare needs are emerging, requiring responsive healthcare provision. Research on this matter is predominantly performed on population-based databases, to inform clinicians, researchers and policy-makers on health outcomes and economic burden of CHD. Most databases contain data either from administrative sources or from clinical systems. We describe the methodological design of the BELgian COngenital Heart Disease Database combining Administrative and Clinical data (BELCODAC), to investigate patients with CHD. Methods Data on clinical characteristics from three university hospitals in Belgium (Leuven, Ghent and Brussels) were merged with mortality and socio-economic data from the official Belgian statistical office (StatBel), and with healthcare use data from the InterMutualistic Agency, an overarching national organization that collects data from the seven sickness funds for all Belgian citizens. Over 60 variables with multiple entries over time are included in the database. Results BELCODAC contains data on 18,510 patients, of which 8926 patients (48%) have a mild, 7490 (41%) a moderately complex and 2094 (11%) a complex anatomical heart defect. The most prevalent diagnosis is Ventricular Septal Defect in 3879 patients (21%), followed by Atrial Septal Defect in 2565 patients (14%). Conclusions BELCODAC comprises longitudinal data on patients with CHD in Belgium. This will help build evidence-based provision of care to the changing CHD population.