Children's Health: Fewer repeat surgeries for children born with heart defect, ♦ dolescents uncertain about risks of marijuana, e-cigarettes,♦ Screening for vascular disorder among extremely preterm infants

Reinforced cylinder leads to fewer repeat surgeries for children born with heart defect Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a congenital defect in which the left side of the heart does not develop properly, impairing normal circulation. A series of surgeries can help restore heart function. A new study has found use of a ring-reinforced cylinder instead of the usual non-reinforced conduit improved survival, reduced need for re-interventions, and induced physiological changes that may make patients better candidates for recovery after future surgeries.

Benefit of early screening for vascular disorder among extremely preterm infants Among extremely preterm infants, early screening for the vascular disorder patent ductus arteriosus before day three of life was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital death and pulmonary hemorrhage, but not with differences in other severe complications

Adolescents uncertain about risks of marijuana, e-cigarettes, study finds Teenagers are very familiar with the risks of smoking cigarettes, but are much less sure whether marijuana or e-cigarettes are harmful, according to a new study. The researchers compared teens' knowledge of cigarettes, e-cigarettes and marijuana because they heard from teachers, parents and youth that anti-smoking efforts needed to address more than just conventional cigarettes.

Researchers identify gene mutation that can cause key-hole shape defect in eye A scientific collaboration has pinpointed the genetic cause of a rare form of blindness, which can present itself as a key-hole shaped defect in the eye in newborn babies.