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Past studies of fetal tetralogy of fallot (ToF) have reported extra-cardiac anomalies (ECAs) in 17%-45%, genetic syndromes in as low as 20% and poor postnatal outcomes. This study sought to examine these factors in a contemporary cohort.A retrospective review examining 83 fetuses with ToF diagnosed 2012-2019. Referral indication, ToF subtype, additional cardiac, extra-cardiac and genetic diagnoses, pregnancy outcomes and survival were documented.The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 23 ± 4 weeks. Of 94% (78/83) with genetic testing (GT), 30% (23/78, 95%CI 21%-40%) had genetic anomalies (GA), including Trisomy 21 (39%, 9/23), 22q11 deletion (35%, 8/23), Trisomy 13 or 18 (17%, 4/23) and 9% (2/23) others. A further 4% (3/78) had VACTERL association. Forty-one percent (34/83, 95%CI 31%-52%) had ≥1 major ECA of whom 41% (14/34) also had a genetic anomaly.22% (18/83) pregnancy termination, 5% (4/83) intrauterine death and 72% (60/83) live birth. Of live births, 3% (2/60) experienced neonatal death, 7% late death (4/60) and 90% (54/60) were alive at last follow-up (mean age 3.5 ± 2.4 years).In a cohort of fetuses with ToF and high rates of GT, compared to previous reports, GA were more common and there were similar rates of ECAs.

Background Tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Surgical tricuspid valve (TV) repair is common, but durable repair remains challenging. The aim of this study was to examine mechanisms of TR requiring surgery, features associated with unsuccessful repair, and TV changes after surgical repair. Methods Thirty-six patients with HLHS requiring TV repair (TVR) and 36 matched control subjects with HLHS were assessed using two-dimensional and three-dimensional echocardiography. Using three-dimensional echocardiography, TV coordinates from the annulus, leaflet, and ventricle were used to measure annular, leaflet, prolapse, and tethering values and anterior papillary muscle angle. TR grade and ventricular size, function, and shape were assessed using two-dimensional echocardiography. Results Patients requiring TVR had greater total leaflet prolapse, larger TV annular and leaflet areas, and flatter annuli, with no difference in tethering, coaptation index, or anterior papillary muscle angle. In patients with HLHS, successful TVR at follow-up (58%) was associated with preoperative total leaflet prolapse (especially posterior). Unsuccessful repair was associated with preoperative tethering of the septal leaflet. TVR in patients with HLHS caused a reduction of total annular and leaflet size and reduced prolapse and tethering of the posterior leaflet but did not affect anterior leaflet prolapse or septal leaflet tethering. Conclusions Features associated with TVR include a flattened and dilated TV annulus with leaflet prolapse. The additional presence of a tethered septal leaflet before TVR is associated with significant postoperative TR. Current surgical techniques, predominantly posterior annuloplasty and commissuroplasty, adequately address annular size and posterior leaflet pathology, but not septal leaflet tethering. Individualized and innovative surgical techniques are vital to improve surgical repair success.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating catastrophe to the whole world, China is the first country seriously affected. This review shows that it is possible to stop wide-spread infection in the country and to provide good quality oncology services even during this challenging period, through concerted efforts with well-organized actions at all levels (National/Municipal, Hospital and Department). The key strategies leading to successful impacts are summarized for sharing. In addition to making practice changes to cope with the adverse realities, oncologists should also work together to raise pragmatic suggestions to policy makers and be strong advocates to protect our patients from the detrimental effect of delay or compromised treatment.

PurposeTransnational learning has become a mainstream issue in recent years due to the rise of global education. There are many kinds of overseas learning, including degree-seeking, joint/double degree, student exchange, internship, service learning and so on. The scope of learning may involve research, teaching/learning and community service. The purpose of the case study is to investigate how the Taiwanese students participating in an international internship project of the US–Taiwan Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE) acquire professional knowledge and soft skills, including cross-cultural awareness, interdisciplinary communication, skill development and social networking. It also explores how a joint research project contributes into a collaborative educational program.Design/methodology/approachTo better understand participants' experiences in the PRIE, this study held three focus groups and seven in-depth interviews on the students, faculty members and project managers for data collection.FindingsThree major findings are shown in the study. First, participants agreed that the overall learning experiences in knowledge acquisition or skill development have been positive. Second, participants obviously expressed their greater interests in intercultural interaction with the locals, which did not happen quite often during the internship. Third, the extent of interest in applying for the PIRE deg ree program after the internship program is escalating year by year.Research limitations/implicationsMore investigation into participants’ social and cultural engagement in similar project will be needed for future research.Practical implicationsThe results will be implicated into other cross-border education project evaluation.Originality/valueThis study manages to investigate the cross-border research initiative from different participants' perspectives and received comprehensive feedbacks.

Due to global influence and local demand, Taiwan's higher education system has experienced great changes in policy agenda and system reform over the past few decades. After President Tsai took the ...

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound that is thought to have vasculoprotective properties. Its observed effects are proposed, in part, to be mediated through the induction of endothelial Krϋppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) expression. KLF2 is a nuclear transcription factor that is highly expressed within the vascular endothelium. Studies from our laboratory and others have shown that this protein mediates vascular function through its transactivation domain, and its targeted expression promotes vascular health, notably by acting as an important positive regulator of endothelial barrier function. In this study, we demonstrate that resveratrol possesses endothelial barrier protective effects dependent on the presence of KLF2, with several key endothelial tight junction proteins expressed in a KLF2-dependent manner. Collectively, our findings identify KLF2 as essential for resveratrol-mediated endothelial barrier protection, thus further implicating KLF2 as a critical vasculoprotective factor.

Background: Fetuses of diabetic mothers develop left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and are at increased long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. In our previous longitudinal study from midgestation to late infancy we showed persistence of LV hypertrophy and increased aortic stiffness compared with infants of healthy mothers, the latter of which correlated with third trimester maternal hemoglobin A1c. In the present study, we reexamined the same cohort in early childhood to determine if these cardiovascular abnormalities persisted. Methods: Height, weight, and right arm blood pressure were recorded. A full functional and structural echocardiogram was performed with offline analysis of LV posterior wall and interventricular septal diastolic thickness (IVSd), systolic and diastolic function, and aortic pulse wave velocity. Vascular reactivity was assessed using digital thermal monitoring. Participants also completed a physical activity questionnaire. Results: Twenty-five children of diabetic mothers (CDMs) and 20 children from healthy pregnancies (mean age, 5.6 ± 1.7 and 5.3 ± 1.3 years, respectively; P = not significant) were assessed. Compared with controls, IVSd z score was increased in CDMs (1.2 ± 0.6 vs 0.5 ± 0.3, respectively; P = 0.006), with one-fifth having a z score of more than +2.0. Aortic pulse wave velocity was increased in CDMs (3.2 ± 0.6 m/s vs 2.2 ± 0.4 m/s; P = 0.001), and correlated with IVSd z score (R2 = 0.81; P = 0.001) and third trimester maternal A1c (R2 = 0.65; P < 0.0001). Body surface area, height, weight, blood pressure, vascular reactivity, and physical activity scores did not differ between groups. Our longitudinal analysis showed that individuals with greater IVSd, and aortic stiffness in utero, early and late infancy also tended to have greater measures in early childhood (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: CDMs show persistently increased interventricular septal thickness and aortic stiffness in early childhood. Résumé: Introduction: Les fœtus des mères diabétiques présentent une hypertrophie du ventricule gauche (VG) et sont exposés à un risque accru à long terme de souffrir d’une maladie cardiovasculaire. Dans notre étude longitudinale précédente qui portait sur la période mi-gestationnelle à la fin de la première enfance, nous avons montré la persistance de l’hypertrophie du VG et l’augmentation de la rigidité aortique par rapport aux bébés des mères bien portantes, qui sont en corrélation avec le troisième trimestre de l’hémoglobine A1c maternelle. Dans la présente étude, nous avons réexaminé la même cohorte au début de la seconde enfance pour déterminer si ces anomalies cardiovasculaires persistaient. Méthodes: Nous avons enregistré la taille, le poids et la pression artérielle au bras droit. Nous avons réalisé une échocardiographie complète pour évaluer l’état fonctionnel et structurel par analyse hors ligne de la paroi postérieure du VG et de l’épaisseur du septum interventriculaire en diastole (SIVd), la fonction systolique et diastolique, et la vitesse de l’onde de pouls aortique. Nous avons évalué la réactivité vasculaire à l’aide de la surveillance thermique numérique. Les participants ont également rempli un questionnaire sur l’activité physique. Résultats: Vingt-cinq enfants issus de mères diabétiques (EMD) et 20 enfants de mères bien portantes (âge moyen, 5,6 ± 1,7 et 5,3 ± 1,3 ans, respectivement ; P = non significatif) ont fait l’objet d’une évaluation. Comparativement aux témoins, les EMD avaient un score z du SIVd plus élevé (1,2 ± 0,6 vs 0,5 ± 0,3, respectivement ; P = 0,006), et un cinquième de ces enfants avaient un score z de plus de +2,0. La vitesse de l’onde de pouls aortique était plus élevée chez les EMD (3,2 ± 0,6 m/s vs 2,2 ± 0,4 m/s ; P = 0,001), et était en corrélation avec le score z du SIVd (R2 = 0,81 ; P = 0,001) et le troisième trimestre de l’A1c maternelle (R2 = 0,65 ; P < 0,0001). Les scores de la surface corporelle, la taille, le poids, la pression artérielle, la réactivité vasculaire et l’activité physique ne différaient pas entre les groupes. Notre étude longitudinale a montré que les individus qui avaient une plus grande SIVd et une rigidité aortique in utero, au début et à la fin de la première enfance, avaient également tendance à avoir des mesures plus grandes au début de la seconde enfance (P < 0,001 et P < 0,0001, respectivement). Conclusions: Les EMD montrent une persistance de l’augmentation de l’épaisseur du septum interventriculaire et de l’augmentation de la rigidité aortique au début de la seconde enfance.

Heart conditions in which the tricuspid valve (TV) faces either increased volume or pressure stressors are associated with premature valve failure. Mechanistic studies to improve our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology responsible for the development of premature TV failure are lacking. Due to the inability to conduct these studies in humans, an animal model is required. In this manuscript, we describe the protocols for a novel chronic recovery infant piglet heart model for the study of changes in the TV when placed under combined volume and pressure stress. In this model, volume loading of the right ventricle and the TV is achieved through the disruption of the pulmonary valve. Then pressure loading is accomplished through the placement of a pulmonary artery band. The success of this model is assessed at four weeks post intervention surgery through echocardiography, intracardiac pressure measurement, and pathologic examination of the heart specimens.

The current research tests whether and how being in the presence of attractive individuals alters consumers’ evaluations of their expected dining experience and the taste of the products consumed. Our results uncover a novel phenomenon in the domains of physical attractiveness and taste perception: attractiveness does indeed impact taste perception, but its influence varies as a function of the valence of the food consumed. When the server is attractive, good food tastes better but bad food tastes worse. Six studies demonstrate this effect and, importantly, show that it occurs for male, but not female consumers and only if the male consumers are low in need for cognition. The implications of this work and potential avenues for additional research are discussed.

In their paper, Li, Gordon and Gelfand (this issue) introduced the Tightness–Looseness (T–L) framework to the consumer domain, and offered several ideas on how this framework could be applied to consumer behavior. In this commentary, we examine the T–L framework through the consumer lens and discuss how the uniqueness of the consumption context can refine and broaden this psychological framework. We identify four questions that aim to enrich our discussion of this framework from the perspective of consumer research, and to motivate future research questions. Specifically, we consider 1) how the interplay between the tightness/looseness of a culture and its effect on consumer behavior can be a bi-directional relationship, 2) how variances in T–L in different consumption subcultures and aspects of society (e.g., economic, political) can impact consumer behavior, 3) how the examination of T–L at different stages in the consumption process is a relevant and important question to consider, and 4) how T–L may contribute to further investigation and understanding of punishment toward business and consumer norm violators.

Digitally sharing our experiences engages a process of empathy shaped by available informational cues. Biosensory data is one informative cue, but the relationship to empathy is underexplored. In this study, we investigate this process by showing a video of a "target'' person's visual perspective watching a virtual reality film to sixty "observers''. We vary information available to observers via three experimental conditions: a baseline unmodified video, video with narrative text, or with a graph of electrodermal activity (EDA) of the target. Compared to baseline, narrative text increased empathic accuracy (EA) while EDA had an opposite, negative effect. Qualitatively, observers describe their empathic processes as using their own feelings supplemented with the information presented depending on the interpretability of that information. Both narration and EDA prompted observers to reconsider assumptions about another's experience. Our findings lead to a discussion of digitally-mediated empathy with implications for associated research and product development.

The average weight of the population has risen rapidly in much of the world. Concurrently, in recent years, advertisers have begun using larger models in their campaigns, and many of these advertisements claim that their larger models (vs. the thin models commonly used) possess “realistic” body types. Many groups have lauded these moves as beneficial for promoting a healthy body image in society. However, in five studies, the authors find that cues suggesting the acceptance of larger body types result in greater intended or actual consumption of food and a reduced motivation to engage in a healthier lifestyle. The authors suggest that the reason being larger bodied appears to be contagious is that, because it is considered more socially permissible, people exhibit lower motivation to engage in healthy behaviors and consume greater portions of unhealthy food. The authors also contrast acceptance with communications stigmatizing various body types and identify limitations of both approaches. They conclude with implications for public policy.

Across six experiments, the authors demonstrate that superficial imperfections in the form of packaging damage can engender negative consumer reactions that shape subsequent attitudes and behaviors in ways that are not always objectively justified. Their findings show that these reactions function in a relatively automatic fashion, even emerging under conditions in which the packaging damage does not convey information about a health and safety threat from the product. The authors extend work on contagion to show that superficial packaging damage can act as a contamination cue, automatically activating thoughts of contamination and health and safety concerns. This tendency to avoid superficial packaging damage can be eliminated by counteracting these thoughts of contamination. This can be done with positive brand associations (i.e., by branding the product as organic) or by creating a physical buffer between the packaging damage and the product itself. The authors close with a discussion of implications for marketers, consumers, and public policy makers.

The purpose of this study is to develop a crisp nonlinear method of programming to address production inventory problems based on both production inventory and conditions. In addition, we use a statistical confidence interval to derive level (1-β, 1-α) interval-valued fuzzy numbers, in order to solve problems in nonlinear programming for production inventory in the fuzzy sense.

We report on the development and validity assessment of a new scale that measures the extent to which a person has adopted the vigilante role identity (i.e., someone who monitors the environment fo...

Ventricular dysfunction is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiographic measures of right ventricular (RV) function before bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis palliation in predicting death or need for heart transplantation (HTx).RV fractional area change (RVFAC) and longitudinal and circumferential strain and strain rate (SR) were measured in 64 prospectively recruited patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome from echocardiograms obtained before bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis surgery. The composite end point of death or HTx was examined. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed, and cutoff values optimizing sensitivity and specificity were derived.At a median follow-up of 5.0 years (interquartile range, 2.8-6.4 years), 13 patients meeting the composite end point had lower longitudinal strain and SR, circumferential SR, and RVFAC compared with survivors (n = 51). The conventional cutoff of RVFAC35% was specific for death or HTx (86%) but had poor sensitivity (46%), with an area under the curve of 0.73. Speckle-tracking echocardiographic variables showed similar areas under the curve (range, 0.69-0.79), with negative predictive values90%. Addition of speckle-tracking echocardiographic variables to RVFAC35% showed no added benefit. However, in a subpopulation of patients with RVFAC ≥ 35% (n = 44), those meeting the composite end point (n = 7) had lower longitudinal SR (median, -1.0 1/sec [interquartile range, -0.8 to -1.1 1/sec] vs -1.21/sec [interquartile range, -1.0 to -1.3 1/sec], P = .03). Interobserver reproducibility was superior for longitudinal strain and SR (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.92) compared with RVFAC (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.75).Children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome with normal RVFAC and ventricular deformation before bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis have a low likelihood of death or HTx in the medium term. In the presence of reduced RVFAC, speckle-tracking echocardiography does not provide additional prognostic value. However, in patients with "normal" RVFAC, it may have a role in improving outcome prediction and warrants further investigation.

In adult humans and pig models, strain rate (SR) correlates strongly with invasive measures of contractility but does not demonstrate a force-frequency relationship, which is a fundamental behavior of myocardial contraction. Given the considerable maturational changes of the myocardium from fetal stages to adulthood, extrapolation of adult findings to the young heart may not be appropriate. We sought to evaluate the SR response of the immature heart to increased heart rate (HR) and inotropic stimulation.The study consisted of two parts. In part 1, children without obvious structural or functional cardiac abnormalities were evaluated following successful radiofrequency ablation. Echocardiography was performed at baseline HR and then with atrial pacing and isoprenaline infusion titrated to achieve 130% of baseline HR. Left ventricular (LV) speckle tracking-derived SR and tissue Doppler isovolumic acceleration (IVA, a load-independent marker of contractility) were measured. In part 2, young piglets were submitted to atrial pacing at 200, 230, and 260 bpm. Invasive LV dP/dt was assessed, and speckle tracking-derived SR was measured at all stages. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for comparison with baseline values.In part 1, the LV SR and IVA (septal and lateral) in 23 children (ages 7.8-17.5 years) increased significantly with pacing and isoprenaline infusion (P .001). In part 2, SR and invasive dP/dt increased significantly with increasing HR in young piglets (1-17 days; P .01 and P .001, respectively). Both LV SR and dP/dt plateaued at highest HRs concurrent with the decrease in LV end-diastolic dimension from baseline (73.0% ± 9.9% of the baseline value at 260 bpm; P .001).SR in children is augmented with chronotropic and inotropic stimulation and in young infant piglets with chronotropic stimulation; in both children and piglets it has a force-frequency relationship, a behavior that is consistent with a measure of contractility.

Changes to regulations, packaging, and labeling and ongoing educational efforts are intended to support appropriate use of medicines. Yet annually poison centers receive500 000 reports of accidental or unsupervised exposure to medicines for children under 6 years of age.To identify root (i.e., fundamental and preventable) causes of accidental unsupervised ingestions (AUIs), we designed a questionnaire and conducted a follow-up survey of caregivers who contacted McNeil Consumer Healthcare (McNeil) following an AUI by a child under 12 years of age.Reports received between 1 October 2008 and 22 January 2009 were screened retrospectively for specific Medical Dictionary of Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Preferred Terms relating to AUIs. Using the questionnaire, we collected information about the child, caregiver, medicines involved in AUI, management of AUI, and storage location of medicines.Two hundred twenty reports met inclusion criteria and attempts to contact these caregivers were made throughout a 2-week period in March 2009; caregivers completed the questionnaire for 45 reports. All AUIs occurred in children under 7 years and 56% were boys. In 56% of AUI cases, the child involved was the intended recipient of the medicine; in 71%, a pediatric medicine was involved. Most AUIs occurred in the child's home; most caregivers reported not observing the AUI. Sixty percent of caregivers reported that the medicine involved in AUI was not in the normal storage location when AUI occurred. Among children involved in AUIs, 84% did not experience any symptoms. Seven children experienced mild, self-limiting symptoms which resolved. AUIs often occurred24 h after last therapeutic use when the medicine was removed from its normal storage location.These new insights may help guide-targeted interventions and educational efforts to focus caregivers' attention to reengaging childproofing mechanisms and returning medicines to a secure location, high and out of sight, immediately after use.

Norm violations disrupt social order, and according to prior research, social order can be restored through the punishment of norm violators. Based on this conceptual framework, the current research examines a prevalent yet overlooked behavior in the consumer literature by showing that consumers play an active role in making punishment decisions. Importantly, this article highlights three factors that affect the balance in social order and thus are critical in consumer-to-consumer punishment decisions. First, when a third party in the consumption environment restores social order through punishment, consumers will refrain from punishing further (study 1). Second, punishment is mitigated when the norm violator faces an unjustified adversity, as punishment would create a further imbalance in social order (studies 2a and 2b). Third, the level of punishment required to achieve social order is reduced for a higher status norm violator (study 3). Finally, this article identifies multiple avenues for future research that build on the current work.

Introduction INTERCEPT treatment is used to reduce platelet transfusion associated bacterial infections. Limited data are available in Switzerland. Patients and methods Patients with thrombocytopenia or thrombocyte dysfunction requiring platelet transfusions were enrolled in a prospective cohort study on safety (primary endpoint) and efficacy (secondary endpoint) of INTERCEPT treated platelets (I-PLTs). I-PLTs were produced from double-dose apheresis products. Data on safety were actively recorded for each transfusion. Results A total of 551 I-PLT units (mean platelet dose: 2.6±0.4×10 11 /unit) were transfused to 46 patients (mean number of platelet transfusions per patient: 12±12.5). Fifty-one (9%) transfusions were associated with adverse events and 12 (2%) with acute transfusion reactions. Eleven serious adverse events were observed, none considered as related to the administration of I-PLT. Mean 1–4h and 16–24h CCIs were 10.1±8.1 and 3.6±6.6, respectively. Conclusion The transfusion of I-PLT was associated with a good safety profile and adequate platelet count increments at 1–4h.

In a field study involving university students from Canada and Japan, we tested hypotheses from the theory of uncertainty orientation (Sorrentino and Roney in The uncertain mind: Individual differences in facing the unknown. Psychology Press, Philadelphia 2000). Consistent with previous research, those possessing an uncertainty orientation that matched their culture’s predominant style of uncertainty regulation perceived a better student-classroom fit than those who did not match their culture’s predominant style of uncertainty regulation. More importantly, we predicted and found that actual course grades varied as a function of the culture’s style of uncertainty regulation in interaction with the participant’s uncertainty orientation and achievement-related motives. Implications of these findings and applied relevance are discussed.

BACKGROUND: Amotosalen plus ultraviolet A (UVA) light inactivates a broad range of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and leukocytes in platelet (PLT) and plasma components. Upon UVA illumination a small fraction of amotosalen reacts with the nucleic acid of contaminating pathogens and residual white blood cells and the remaining fraction undergoes photodegradation into defined photoproducts. The levels of amotosalen and photoproducts can be accurately quantified. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study evaluated the relationship between the extent of photodegradation of amotosalen and the level of pathogen inactivation in PLT components. PLT components containing of 3.78 × 1011 to 7.23 × 1011 PLTs in 300 to 450 mL of 35% to 50% plasma and 50% to 65% PLT additive solution and up to 5 × 106 red blood cells (RBCs)/mL were prepared. Each component was contaminated with 105 to 106 colony-forming units/mL Klebsiella pneumoniae and treated with 115 to 200 µmol/L amotosalen and 0 to 3 J/cm2 UVA light. For each treatment condition, the level of K. pneumoniae inactivation (log-reduction) was measured by microbiologic methods. The initial and postillumination amotosalen concentrations (µmol/L) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: For a defined set of treatment conditions, the extent of amotosalen photodegradation was consistent and reproducible. The bacterial log-reduction correlated linearly with the extent of amotosalen photodegradation with a regression correlation coefficient (r2) between 0.845 and 0.890 regardless of the treatment variables such as PLT content, component volume, plasma content, RBC content, initial amotosalen concentration, and UVA dose. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the extent of amotosalen photodegradation can serve as an intrinsic actinometer which directly correlated with the level of pathogen inactivation.

BACKGROUND: The transmission of pathogens via blood transfusion is still a major threat. Expert conferences established the need for a pro-active approach and concluded that the introduction of a pathogen inactivation/reduction technology requires a thorough safety profile, a comprehensive pre-clinical and clinical development and an ongoing hemovigilance program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The INTERCEPT Blood System utilizes amotosalen and UVA light and enables for the treatment of platelets and plasma in the same device. Preclinical studies of pathogen inactivation and toxicology and a thorough program of clinical studies have been conducted and an active he-movigilance-program established. RESULTS: INTERCEPT shows robust efficacy of inactivation for viruses, bacteria (including spirochetes), protozoa and leukocytes as well as large safety margins. Furthermore, it integrates well into routine blood center operations. The clinical study program demonstrates the successful use for very diverse patient groups. The hemovigilance program shows safety and tolerability in routine use. Approximately 700,000 INTERCEPT-treated products have been transfused worldwide. The system is in clinical use since class III CE-mark registration in 2002. The safety and efficacy has been shown in routine use and during an epidemic. CONCLUSION: The INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets and plasma offers enhanced safety for the patient and protection against transfusion-transmitted infections.

Infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) develop left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction before birth and are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease as adults. In a previous longitudinal prospective maternal-fetal/infant study we observed that IDMs in late infancy had increased