Validation of a Novel Assay to Distinguish Bacterial and Viral Infections.

Background: Reliably distinguishing bacterial from viral infections is often challenging, leading to antibiotic misuse. A novel assay that integrates measurements of blood-borne host-proteins (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, interferon γ-induced protein-10, and C-reactive protein [CRP]) was developed to assist in differentiation between bacterial and viral disease.

Methods: We performed double-blind, multicenter assay evaluation using serum remnants collected at 5 pediatric emergency departments and 2 wards from children ≥3 months to ≤18 years without ( = 68) and with ( = 529) suspicion of acute infection.

Adaptive optics implementation with a Fourier reconstructor.

Adaptive optics takes its servo feedback error cue from a wavefront sensor. The common Hartmann-Shack spot grid that represents the wavefront slopes is usually analyzed by finding the spot centroids. In a novel application, we used the Fourier decomposition of a spot pattern to find deviations from grid regularity.

Leptin and cytokines levels in children with failure to thrive.

Background: The majority of cases of failure to thrive (FTT) are non-organic. Many of these patients present with significant decreased caloric intake. It appears as if the appetite regulation center in the hypothalamus is not attuned to the calorie requirements of the infant.