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.     

Wound conditioning by vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) in postoperative infections after dorsal spine surgery

The use of vacuum assisted closure (V.A.C.) therapy in postoperative infections after dorsal spinal surgery was studied retrospectively. Successful treatment was defined as a stable healed wound that showed no signs of acute or chronic infection. The treatment of the infected back wounds consisted of repeated debridement, irrigation and open wound treatment with temporary closure by V.A.C. The instrumentation was exchanged or removed if necessary. Fifteen patients with deep subfascial infections after posterior spinal surgery were treated. The implants were exchanged in seven cases, removed completely in five cases and left without changing in one case. In two cases spinal surgery consisted of laminectomy without instrumentation. In two cases only the wound defects were closed by muscle flap, the remaining ones were closed by delayed suturing. Antibiotic treatment was necessary in all cases. Follow up was possible in 14 patients. One patient showed a new infection after treatment. The study illustrates the usefulness of V.A.C. therapy as a new alternative management for wound conditioning of complex back wounds after deep subfascial infection.