Decellularized biologic muscle-fascia abdominal wall scaffold graft.

Background: Complex abdominal wall reconstruction using biologic mesh can lead to increased recurrence rates, nonincorporation, and high perioperative costs. We developed a novel decellularization method and applied it to porcine muscle fascia to mirror target-tissue architecture. The aims of this study were to analyze mechanical strength and tissue-graft incorporation.

Ethnic differences in cytokine gene polymorphisms: potential implications for cancer development.

Differences in incidence and outcome of cancer among ethnic groups may be explained by biological and/or socio-economic factors. Genetic variations that affect chronic inflammation, a potentially important risk factor for carcinogenesis, may differ across ethnic groups. Such differences may help explain cancer disparities among these groups.

Comparative phenotypic and CARD15 mutational analysis among African American, Hispanic, and White children with Crohn's disease.

Background: Despite a large body of literature on the subject of Crohn's disease (CD), very little information is available on racial/ethnic differences related to disease presentation, clinical course, and genetics. The first identified CD susceptibility gene, CARD15, seems to be present in up to 40% of white children with CD. However, the frequency of this gene among patients with CD of other racial/ethnic groups in the United States is not known.

High protein diet mimics hypertyrosinemia in newborn infants.

Tyrosinemia resulting from administration of protein-dense infant diets was detected by newborn screening in two infants. Change of formula resulted in rapid resolution of the hypertyrosinemia. These cases identify nonstandard infant diets as a benign and reversible cause of tyrosinemia and a potential cause of positive newborn phenylketonuria screening.