A risk-stratified comparison of fascial versus flap closure techniques on the early outcomes of infants with gastroschisis.

Background: While fascial closure is traditionally used in gastroschisis (GS), flap closure (skin or umbilical cord) has gained popularity. We evaluated early outcomes and complications of the two techniques.

Methods: A national, population-based gastroschisis data registry was analyzed from 2005 to 2011.

Role of interleukin-10 in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal emergency in premature neonates. The pathogenesis of NEC is characterized by an intestinal epithelial injury caused by perinatal insults, leading to the activation of the mucosal innate immune system and exacerbation of the epithelial barrier damage. Cytokines play an important role in mucosal immunity.

Human isolates of Cronobacter sakazakii bind efficiently to intestinal epithelial cells in vitro to induce monolayer permeability and apoptosis.

Background: Cronobacter sakazakii (CS) is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in infants. This pathogen has been implicated in the outbreaks of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with associated rates of high mortality and morbidity. In this study, we compared the abilities of CS strains isolated from human and environmental sources to bind to intestinal epithelial cells and trigger apoptosis.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children: a feasible alternative to the standard laparoscopic approach.

Purpose: Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of the single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) cholecystectomy compared with the standard 4-incision laparoscopic (SL) cholecystectomy.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients undergoing cholecystectomy using the SIL approach from January 2008 to September 2010 was performed. These patients were compared with a cohort who underwent an SL cholecystectomy from January 2007 to June 2009.

Role of neutrophils and macrophages in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis caused by Cronobacter sakazakii.

Background: Cronobacter sakazakii (CS) is a highly virulent gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that has been implicated in clinical outbreaks of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The role of mucosal immune cells in CS infection is not well understood. In this study, we sought to elucidate the role of neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes; PMNs) and macrophages in the pathogenesis of NEC induced by CS using a novel newborn mouse model.

Recruitment of dendritic cells is responsible for intestinal epithelial damage in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis by Cronobacter sakazakii.

Cronobacter sakazakii is a Gram-negative pathogen associated with the cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) that result from formula contamination. In a mouse model of NEC, we demonstrate that C. sakazakii infection results in epithelial damage by recruiting greater numbers of dendritic cells (DCs) than macrophages and neutrophils in the gut and suppresses DC maturation, which requires outer membrane protein A (OmpA) expression in C.

Pediatric single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: lessons learned in the first 25 cases.

Purpose: We are reporting our experience so far with single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children.

Methods: After the approval of the institutional review board, we performed a retrospective chart review of our single port cases from 01/2008 to 10/2009. We used operating room (OR) times, length of stay, as well as IV narcotic use as our outcome measures.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a pediatric population: a preliminary report.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become a standard procedure for treatment of gallbladder diseases. The operation is performed through a four-trocar technique. Single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) has recently gained popularity.

Inversion herniotomy: a laparoscopic technique for female inguinal hernia repair.

Purpose: Laparoscopic inversion herniotomy (LIH) is a method of inguinal hernia repair for female patients. In this article, we report our technique and outcomes for this procedure. We propose that LIH is a valid alternative to conventional open herniorraphy.

Role of the host defense system and intestinal microbial flora in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease that affects primarily the intestine of premature infants. Despite recent advances in neonatology, NEC remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Neonatal mucosal defenses and adherence of bacterial pathogens may play an important role in the pathogenesis of NEC.

Disparities in the delivery of pediatric trauma care.

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. During the last few decades, trauma systems have evolved to improve the care of the injured with an ultimate goal of saving lives. As a result, pediatric trauma centers (PTC) have been established to optimize outcomes for injured children.