Embolization of a septal branch perforation using subcutaneous fat during a percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion by retrograde approach

We describe a case of septal branch perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention of a right coronary artery chronic total occlusion. The septal branch perforation was treated with administration of autologous fat into the septal branch with significant reduction of extravasation. This treatment was followed by prolonged balloon inflation at the exit point of the septal branch in the donor artery which definitively sealed the perforation.     

Synchrony relationships between the left ventricle and a left ventricular assist device: an experimental study in pigs

Background: Synchronization between the left ventricle and a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be important for ventricular unloading and coronary perfusion. We assessed the synchrony between cardiac and LVAD cycles by increasing delays in steps of 100 msec throughout the cycle, under conditions of total and partial left ventricular support. Methods: We studied 7 healthy minipigs weighing 30-40 kg. A 60-cc Berlin Heart Excor LVAD was implanted and connected to a BCM 1200 console, making it possible to synchronize the LVAD systole and the EKG signal with a prefixed delay. We recorded hemodynamic parameters (including aortic, pulmonary, and left ventricular pressure) and LVAD flow for each delay. Results: Intraventricular pressure during LVAD systole was minimized with delays of around 40-80% of one cycle. In addition, total flow was higher under these conditions. Conclusions: This study shows that the synchronous mode of LVAD operation is feasible. Moreover, a delay in device contraction until the second half of the cardiac cycle optimizes ventricular unloading and may eventually improve myocardial recovery.     

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 as a potential biomarker in psoriasis

To discover novel biomarkers of psoriasis, a target‐specific antibody array screening of serum samples from psoriasis patients was initially performed. The results revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR‐3) was significantly elevated in the sera of psoriasis patients, compared to healthy controls. Next, ELISA validation studies in a larger cohort of psoriasis patients (N = 73) were conducted, which confirmed that serum VEGFR‐3 was indeed significantly increased in patients with psoriasis compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that serum VEGFR‐3 exhibited potential in distinguishing healthy controls from psoriasis patients: area under the curve = 0.85, P < 0.001. In addition, serum levels of VEGFR‐3 were correlated with Psoriasis Area Severity Index scores (R = 0.32, P = 0.008) in psoriasis patients. Interestingly, serum VEGFR‐3 levels were significantly elevated in psoriatic arthritis compared to non‐psoriatic arthritis (P = 0.026). A pilot longitudinal study demonstrated that serum levels of VEGFR‐3 could reflect disease progression in psoriasis. Collectively, serum VEGFR‐3 may have a clinical value in monitoring disease activity of psoriasis.     

Consensus Report of the XI Congress of the Spanish Society of Odontology for the Handicapped and Special Patients

This article summarizes the findings of consensus of the XI congress of the SEOEME. All of these conclusions are referring to the review articles responsible to the general rapporteurs in order to bringing up to date knowledge with regard to the use of implants in patients medically compromised and with special needs and, in the dental management of autism and cerebral palsy, in the dental treatment of patients with genetic and adquired haematological disorders, the dental implications of cardiovascular disease and hospital dentistry. Key words:Autism, cardiovascular diseases, cerebral palsy, dental implants, disabled patients, haematological disorders, hospital dentistry.     

Frequency of antibodies to Toxocara in Cuban schoolchildren

Objective The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of antibodies to Toxocara in Cuban schoolchildren. Methods The frequency of antibodies to Toxocara canis was assessed with a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays kit in school‐aged children from two municipalities of Cuba. Univariate analysis and a multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, municipality and co‐infection with helminth and/or protozoa were conducted. Results The percentage of children with antibodies to Toxocara was 38.8% (392/1011; 95% CI = 36.8–42.8). Antibody positivity was significantly associated with gender and co‐infections with intestinal parasites, but not with age or municipality. Conclusion Cuban children are highly exposed to the Toxocara parasite, corresponding well with reported environmental contamination with Toxocara parasite eggs and T. canis prevalences in dogs in Cuba. Relevant policy makers and the Cuban population need to be better informed about this preventable infection.