Xenogeneic cardiac extracellular matrix scaffolds with or without seeded mesenchymal stem cells exhibit distinct in vivo immunosuppressive and regenerative properties.

Unlabelled: Cardiac extracellular matrix (cECM) scaffolds are promising biomaterials for reconstructive surgery applications since they possess the structure/function properties of native tissue. Production of cECM scaffolds has been achieved using decellularization approaches, which commonly employ denaturing detergents, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Our antigen removal (AR) method has been shown to remove cellular and nonmyocyte components, while preserving cECM scaffold structure/function relationships.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Seeding of Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosal Extracellular Matrix for Cardiovascular Applications.

In this study, we investigate the translational potential of a novel combined construct using an FDA-approved decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (SIS-ECM) seeded with human or porcine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cardiovascular indications. With the emerging success of individual component in various clinical applications, the combination of SIS-ECM with MSCs could provide additional therapeutic potential compared to individual components alone for cardiovascular repair. We tested the in vitro effects of MSC-seeding on SIS-ECM on resultant construct structure/function properties and MSC phenotypes.

Retrospective review of unintentional pediatric ingestions of doxylamine.

Background: Doxylamine is a first-generation antihistamine similar in structure to diphenhydramine. Unlike diphenhydramine, however, there is a paucity of data regarding the risk of toxicity following unintentional exposures in pediatric patients.

Methods: We performed an observational case series with data collected retrospectively from a poison system database for all single-substance pediatric (5 years-old and younger) doxylamine ingestions for the period of 1997-2012.

Examining the risk of methanol poisoning from methyl acetate-containing products.

Objectives: This retrospective study aims to review California Poison Control System data to qualitatively describe reported methyl acetate (MA) exposures and determine if a metabolic acidosis develops.

Methods: We queried the Poison Control System data between January 1997 and December 1, 2010. Inclusion criteria were single MA ingestions.

A retrospective review of isolated duloxetine-exposure cases.

Background: Duloxetine is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) approved in the US for the treatment of major depression, generalized anxiety, fibromyalgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Given the limited published information regarding human overdoses to this medication, our goal was to characterize such exposures.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a state poison system's database for all single agent exposures to duloxetine from 2004-2011.

A retrospective poison center review of varenicline-exposed patients.

Background: Varenicline was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription smoking cessation aid in May 2006. Varenicline is both a partial nicotine agonist and an antagonist. Recent reports by the Institute of Safe Medication Practices identified safety problems associated with varenicline use, and the FDA recently issued a boxed warning.