The impact of plug-in fragrance diffusers on residential indoor VOC concentrations.

Plug-in fragrance diffusers are one of myriad volatile organic compound-containing consumer products that are commonly found in homes. The perturbing effects of using a commercial diffuser indoors were evaluated using a study group of 60 homes in Ashford, UK. Air samples were taken over 3 day periods with the diffuser switched on and in a parallel set of control homes where it was off.

Development of consensus recommendations for the management of post-operative chylothorax in paediatric CHD.

Objective: A standardised multi-site approach to manage paediatric post-operative chylothorax does not exist and leads to unnecessary practice variation. The utilised the Pediatric Critical Care Consortium infrastructure to address this gap.

Methods: Over 60 multi-disciplinary providers representing 22 centres convened virtually as a quality initiative to develop an algorithm to manage paediatric post-operative chylothorax.

Risk factors and outcomes of sudden cardiac arrest in pediatric heart transplant recipients.

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a prevailing cause of mortality after pediatric heart transplant (HT) but remains understudied. We analyzed the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for SCA at our center.

Methods: Retrospective review of all pediatric HT patients at our center from January 1, 2009 to January 1, 2021.

Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Williams Syndrome Compared With Matched Controls.

Objectives: Cardiovascular manifestations occur in over 80% of Williams syndrome (WS) patients and are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. One-third of patients require cardiovascular surgery. Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is common in WS.

Frequency of use of household products containing VOCs and indoor atmospheric concentrations in homes.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a key class of atmospheric emission released from highly complex petrochemical, transport and solvent sources both outdoors and indoors. This study established the concentrations and speciation of VOCs in 60 homes (204 individuals, 360 × 72 h samples, 40 species) in summer and winter, along with outdoor controls. Self-reported daily statistics were collected in each home on the use of cleaning, household and personal care products, all of which are known to release VOCs.

To Unifocalize or Not to Unifocalize?: A Comparison of Retroesophageal Versus Anterior Collaterals.

Background: The anatomy of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) can be highly variable with regard to number, anatomic origin, course, and relationship to the native pulmonary arteries. Some MAPCAs travel behind the esophagus (retroesophageal) and bronchus before entering the lung parenchyma. This study compared the physiologic and surgical characteristics of retroesophageal vs anterior located MAPCAs.

Texting preferences in a Paediatric residency.

Purpose: Text messaging is ubiquitous among residents, but remains an underused educational tool. Though feasibility has been demonstrated, evidence of its ability to improve standardised test scores and provide insight on resident texting preferences is lacking. The authors set out to evaluate: (1) satisfaction with a hybrid question-and-answer (Q&A) texting format; and (2) pre-/post-paediatric in-training exam (ITE) performance.

Gene expression changes induced by skin sensitizers in the KeratinoSens™ cell line: Discriminating Nrf2-dependent and Nrf2-independent events.

The KeratinoSens™ assay is an in vitro screen for the skin sensitization potential of chemicals. It is based on a luciferase reporter gene under the control of the antioxidant response element of the aldoketoreductase gene AKR1C2. The transferability, reproducibility, and predictivity of the KeratinoSens™ assay have been investigated in detail and it is currently under assessment at the European Center for Validation of Alternatives to animal testing (ECVAM).