The viable bioengineered allogeneic cellularized construct StrataGraft® synthesizes, deposits, and organizes human extracellular matrix proteins into tissue type-specific structures and secretes soluble factors associated with wound healing.

Background: StrataGraft® (allogeneic cultured keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in murine collagen-dsat) is an FDA-approved viable bioengineered allogeneic cellularized construct for adult patients with deep partial-thickness burns requiring surgery. We characterized the structural and functional properties of StrataGraft to improve product understanding by evaluating extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule distribution and secreted protein factor expression in vitro.

Methods: ECM protein expression was determined using indirect immunofluorescence on construct cross sections using commercial antibodies against collagen III, IV, VI, laminin-332, and decorin.

Anatomy of the sternum and humerus in the domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus).

Injuries of the sternum and humerus are an important welfare concern in domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus), especially laying hens. Published anatomic references using standardized terminology from the Nomina Anatomica Avium (NAA) are lacking. Objectives of the current retrospective, descriptive study were to provide a user-friendly hierarchical table of NAA-compliant anatomic terms and labeled images illustrating anatomic structures for the sternum and humerus of domestic chickens.

Pharmacologic Considerations in the Management of Patients Receiving Left Ventricular Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support.

Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, including the intraaortic balloon pump, Impella, and TandemHeart, are often used for hemodynamic support in the setting of refractory cardiogenic shock. The thrombotic and bleeding complications associated with these devices is well recognized, and the Impella and TandemHeart devices have unique anticoagulation considerations that may influence patient outcomes. Both devices typically require use of a heparinized purge solution in combination with intravenous unfractionated heparin, thereby providing multiple sources of heparin exposure.

Ivabradine, a novel medication for treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Purpose: To critically evaluate current literature, review pharmacology, and discuss clinical role of ivabradine for patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction.

Data Sources: A PubMed search was conducted using the search terms ivabradine and HF. All human studies analyzing the use of ivabradine in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction and prescribing information were evaluated.

Hepatitis B virus seroconversion rates among health sciences students in the southeastern United States.

Objective: To investigate the hepatitis B virus (HBV) seroconversion rate among health sciences students.

Participants: The study included pharmacy, doctor of nursing, and medical students over 18 years of age enrolled at the University of South Carolina between 2007 and 2011.

Methods: The primary end point was HBV seroconversion rates among students at the initial reporting period.