Textiles Functionalized with Copper Oxides: A Sustainable Option for Prevention of COVID-19.

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent severe problems in health centers and public areas. Polyester/cotton (PES/CO) blend fabrics have been functionalized with copper oxides on an industrial scale. For functionalization, the impregnation dyeing technique was applied.

Rapid Brainstem Infiltration of a Cerebellar Glioblastoma.

A 79-year-old female complained of a one-month history of imbalance and headache. Brain MRI showed an irregular rim enhancing solid and cystic mass centered in the superomedial left cerebellar hemisphere. Resection of the lesion was recommended; however, the patient opted to undergo the procedure the following month because of the nearby Christmas holidays.

Negative Cultures for Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples taken from the Myelomeningocele Sac on the Day of Repair.

Objective: Our goal was to evaluate the intraoperative laboratory analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) aspirated from the myelomeningocele (MMC) sac prior to the repair to determine if there was bacterial growth in the culture.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the CSF cultures of 45 MMC patients operated on during the years of 2002 to 2013 at the University Pediatric Hospital. Before repairing the defect, the sac area was cleaned and three milliliters of CSF were drawn and sent for analysis for red blood cells, white blood cells, glucose level, protein level, chloride level, gram stain and culture.

Risk Factors for Developing Hydrocephalus in Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage.

Objective: More than 50% of the premature infant survivors of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) develop serious neurological sequelae, including progressive posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PPHH) requiring a ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt. Little is known about the risk factors associated with the development of PPHH in the neonatal population of Puerto Rico and thus the purpose of this study was to learn more about those risk factors.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on neonates born from 2013 through 2017 who had been diagnosed with IVH.

Efficacy of Hydromer-Coated and Antibiotic- Impregnated Shunt Systems in Reducing Early Shunt Infections in the Pediatric Population.

Objective: Shunt infection is the most common complication following a Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure with devastating consequences. This study analyzes the efficacy of different shunt systems in reducing early shunt infections in the pediatric population.

Methods: Retrospective case study analysis of 177 pediatric patients with hydrocephalus de novo shunted using hydromer-coated (HC) shunt systems, antibiotic-impregnated (AI) shunt systems and standard non impregnated shunt systems was performed and compared for the incidence of shunt infection in the early postoperative period.