DANPY (dimethylaminonaphthylpyridinium): an economical and biocompatible fluorophore.

Dyes with nonlinear optical (NLO) properties enable new imaging techniques and photonic systems. We have developed a dye (DANPY-1) for photonics applications in biological substrates such as nucleic acids; however, the design specification also enables it to be used for visualizing biomolecules. It is a prototype dye demonstrating a water-soluble, NLO-active fluorophore with high photostability, a large Stokes shift, and a favorable toxicity profile.

Development of quality metrics for ambulatory care in pediatric patients with tetralogy of Fallot.

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop quality metrics (QMs) relating to the ambulatory care of children after complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Design: A workgroup team (WT) of pediatric cardiologists with expertise in all aspects of ambulatory cardiac management was formed at the request of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology Council (ACPC), to review published guidelines and consensus data relating to the ambulatory care of repaired TOF patients under the age of 18 years. A set of quality metrics (QMs) was proposed by the WT.

Development of Quality Metrics in Ambulatory Pediatric Cardiology.

The American College of Cardiology Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology (ACPC) Section had attempted to create quality metrics (QM) for ambulatory pediatric practice, but limited evidence made the process difficult. The ACPC sought to develop QMs for ambulatory pediatric cardiology practice. Five areas of interest were identified, and QMs were developed in a 2-step review process.

Intracardiac tumor causing left-ventricular outflow-tract obstruction in a newborn.

The following report describes the case of newborn girl with an asymptomatic systolic murmur, which on imaging revealed a nearly obstructive mass in the left-ventricular outflow tract. The mass was resected and found to be consistent with a rhabdomyoma. Here, we describe the pathologic and clinical characteristics of this tumor.

Congenital heart block: development of late-onset cardiomyopathy, a previously underappreciated sequela.

Objective: We report 16 infants with complete congenital heart block (CHB) who developed late-onset dilated cardiomyopathy despite early institution of cardiac pacing.

Background: Isolated CHB has an excellent prognosis following pacemaker implantation. Most early deaths result from delayed initiation of pacing therapy or hemodynamic abnormalities associated with congenital heart defects.