Evaluation of an Instructional Video and Simulation Model for Teaching Slit Lamp Examination to Medical Students.

 This article assesses the efficacy of an instructional video and model eye simulation for teaching slit lamp exam to medical students as compared to traditional preceptor teaching.  First through 4th year students from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine were recruited via email to participate in the study. Students were randomized into two groups.

Serum Decorin, Biglycan, and Extracellular Matrix Component Expression in Preterm Birth.

Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Decorin and biglycan are proteoglycans that play key roles in maintaining the connective tissue matrix and tensile strength of human fetal membranes and have been previously linked to PPROM. Extracellular matrix proteins, such as matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (TIMP-2), and collagen VI (COL-6), have also been linked to PPROM and may have utility in a serum-based screening model for this condition.

Fulminant group B Streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with undiagnosed malignancy: a case report.

Group A Streptococcus is well established as the most common pathogen causing necrotizing fasciitis. In contrast, Group B Streptococcus (GBS, or ) is a rare cause of necrotizing fasciitis, particularly in adults. We present the case of a patient who developed a fulminant case of GBS necrotizing fasciitis on a backdrop of a previously undiagnosed malignancy, and review the relevant literature.