A novel iris transillumination grading scale allowing flexible assessment with quantitative image analysis and visual matching.

Purpose: To develop a sensitive scale of iris transillumination suitable for clinical and research use, with the capability of either quantitative analysis or visual matching of images.

Methods: Iris transillumination photographic images were used from 70 study subjects with ocular or oculocutaneous albinism. Subjects represented a broad range of ocular pigmentation.

Maternal dendrimer-based therapy for inflammation-induced preterm birth and perinatal brain injury.

Preterm birth is a major risk factor for adverse neurological outcomes in ex-preterm children, including motor, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities. N-acetyl-L-cysteine therapy has been used in clinical studies; however, it requires doses that cause significant side effects. In this study, we explore the effect of low dose N-acetyl-L-cysteine therapy, delivered using a targeted, systemic, maternal, dendrimer nanoparticle (DNAC), in a mouse model of intrauterine inflammation.

Placental Characteristics of Fetuses With Congenital Heart Disease.

Objectives: To investigate whether there is an association between congenital heart disease (CHD) and placental abnormalities.

Methods: We conducted a case-control study that included cases of infants with CHD who underwent cardiac surgery within 6 months of life at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center from 2000 to 2013, and gestational age-matched normal pregnancy controls (200 neonates per group).

Results: Overall, abnormal placental cord insertion (ie, eccentric, marginal, or velamentous) was associated with CHD (odds ratio, 2.

Tuberculous meningitis in adults: a review of a decade of developments focusing on prognostic factors for outcome.

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of TB. Despite treatment, mortality and long-term disability remain unacceptably high. Prevention, early recognition, diagnosis and treatment are fundamental to improving outcomes.