The infantile cutaneous microbiome: A review

Recent focus on the neonatal intestinal microbiome has advanced our knowledge of the complex interplay between the intestinal barrier, the developing immune system, and commensal and pathogenic organisms. Despite the parallel role of the infant skin in serving as both a barrier and an interface for priming the immune system, large gaps exist in our understanding of the infantile cutaneous microbiome. The skin microbiome changes and matures throughout infancy, becoming more diverse and developing the site specificity known to exist in adults. Delivery method initially determines the composition of the cutaneous microbiome, though this impact appears transient. Cutaneous microbes play a critical role in immune system development, particularly during the neonatal period, and microbes and immune cells have closely intertwined, reciprocal effects. The unique structure of newborn skin influences cutaneous microbial colonization and the development of dermatologic pathology. The development of the infantile skin barrier and cutaneous microbiome contributes to future skin pathology. Atopic dermatitis flares and seborrheic dermatitis have been linked to dysbiosis, while erythema toxicum neonatorum is an immune response to the establishment of normal bacterial skin flora. Physicians who care for infants should be aware of the impact of the infantile skin microbiome and its role in the development of pathology. A better understanding of the origin and evolution of the skin microbiome will lead to more effective prevention and treatment of pediatric skin disease.     

Heteroepitaxy of Cerium Oxide Thin Films on Cu(111)

An important part of fundamental research in catalysis is based on theoretical and modeling foundations which are closely connected with studies of single-crystalline catalyst surfaces. These so-called model catalysts are often prepared in the form of epitaxial thin films, and characterized using advanced material characterization techniques. This concept provides the fundamental understanding and the knowledge base needed to tailor the design of new heterogeneous catalysts with improved catalytic properties. The present contribution is devoted to development of a model catalyst system of CeO₂ (ceria) on the Cu(111) substrate. We propose ways to experimentally characterize and control important parameters of the model catalyst—the coverage of the ceria layer, the influence of the Cu substrate, and the density of surface defects on ceria, particularly the density of step edges and the density and the ordering of the oxygen vacancies. The large spectrum of controlled parameters makes ceria on Cu(111) an interesting alternative to a more common model system ceria on Ru(0001) that has served numerous catalysis studies, mainly as a support for metal clusters.     

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm as a late complication of mitral annuloplasty

A 59-year-old hypertensive male, 1 year after uncomplicatedmitral annuloplasty for regurgitation with MAZE procedure, witha history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and repeatedpulmonary     

Role of five platelet membrane glycoprotein polymorphisms in branch retinal vein occlusion.

To determine whether polymorphisms of platelet surface glycoprotein associated with arterial thrombosis are risk factors for branch retinal vein occlusion. A case-control study in which 69 patients with branch retinal vein occlusion and 147 controls who attended the eye clinic for nonvascular complications participated. DNA was extracted from whole blood and analyzed for genotyping of platelet glycoprotein polymorphisms by polymerase chain reactions and specific restricted enzymes. No relationship was found between the four platelet glycoprotein polymorphisms i.e. GPIa C807T, VNTR and Kozak of glycoprotein Ibalpha, the HPA-1 of glycoprotein IIIa and the occurrence of branch retinal vein occlusion. The HPA-2 polymorphism was found in 18 out 60 (30%) patients with branch retinal vein occlusion in comparison with 27 out 142 (19%) of controls, with an estimated odds ratio of 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 0.91-3.65). The four platelet glycoprotein polymorphisms are not risk factors for branch retinal vein occlusion and therefore it seems unnecessary to screen those patients for it. A larger study is required, however, to determine whether HPA-2 is a novel risk factor for branch retinal vein occlusion.