Serum Apolipoproteins,Lipoproteins and Fatty Acids in Relation to Ischaemic Heart Disease in Northern and Southern European Males

ABSTRACT Serum apolipoprotein and lipoprotein concentrations, fatty acid spectra of various lipids, dietary habits and common risk factors for ischaemic heart disease were studied in 73 and 77 randomly selected, 50-year-old healthy men in Naples and Stockholm, respectively. Mean serum cholesterol concentration was higher in Stockholm than in Naples men (6.23 vs. 5.47 mmol/l, p < 0.001) as were low (LDL) (4.08 vs. 3.57 mmol/l, p < 0.001) and high (HDL) (1.40 vs. 1.25 mmol/l, p < 0.001) density lipoprotein fractions. Mean serum triglyceride concentrations did not differ. Mean apolipoprotein B and C-I concentrations were higher in Stockholm men (1116 vs. 1020 mg/l, p < 0.05 and 96 vs. 79 mg/l, p < 0.01, respectively). Stockholm men derived significantly more of their calories from fat (38 vs. 28%, p < 0.001) and the dietary fat had significantly lower polyunsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratio (P/S-ratio 0.29 vs. 0.51, p < 0.001), and less from carbohydrate (44 vs. 49%, p < 0.001) than Naples men, respectively. Mean caloric intake and mean weight/height index did not differ. Stockholm men had higher blood pressures, but there were more smokers among Naples men. The higher fat intake in Stockholm men may offer an explanation of the differences seen in lipoprotein and apoprotein concentrations and compositions but other factors, such as genetic influences cannot be excluded. A greater cholesterol flux through the plasma compartment in Stockholm men may be one important factor contributing to the higher incidence of ischaemic heart disease in this population.     

Improved access to nonambulatory dental patients using extension tubing

In the absence of mobile equipment, access to dental services for nonambulatory people can be aided. A method of construction is described for both high-speed, air-water and high velocity evacuation. The extension device requires minimal maintenance and has not needed repairs. The extension devices also improved comfort of the dental staff.     

Skin Angiosarcoma Arising in an Irradiated Breast: Case-Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare, invasive malignancy originating from endothelial cells caused by many different clinical situations. AS following radiotherapy for breast cancer after conservative surgery is a rare but well-known association. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe a case of AS after breast conserving surgery and to review the literature to date. RESULTS: We report the case of an 84-year-old woman who developed AS four years after she was subjected to quadrantectomy for invasive ductal cancer, followed by 30 tangent field radiotherapy sessions. She presented with a one-month history or red papular skin eruptions on the operated breast. Skin lesions were submitted for biopsy, and they were positive for AS. The patients was subjected to surgical excision of the remaining breast including all AS lesions. She is alive with no evidence of disease after 10 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Post-radiotherapy AS is rare neoplasm, but it should be considered in the case of patients with red lesions after breast conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy.     

Brief Note: The Use of a Special Preservation Medium for the Maintenance of Platelet Viability at 4 C

Viability of rabbit platelets stored for 1 to 6 days in different media at 4 C.was studied using the Cr⁵¹-platelet survival technic.

Platelets stored for 24 hours in Triton-saline or DAS-gelatin had practicallyno viability.

When platelets were stored for 24 hours in diluted plasma, significant degrees of viability were found, but this decreased rapidly in the successive 48hours.

The viability of platelets stored in diluted plasma containing inosine, adenine,glucose and phosphate buffer was maintained at significant levels over a sixday period.

The data presented here suggest that viability and, consequently, the hemostatic properties of platelets stored at 4 C. can be maintained over relativelylong periods of time provided that loss of the ATP reserve of the cells can beprevented.

Submitted on January 26, 1960 Accepted on March 11, 1960     

Coronary Left Main and Non‐Left Main Bifurcation Angles: How are the Angles Modified by Different Bifurcation Stenting Techniques?

Background: Investigation of the correlation between bifurcation angles and outcomes is limited with discordant results. The aim of this study is to investigate left main (LM) and non‐left main (N‐LM) bifurcation angles and their modification after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Measurement of all three angles adds to our understanding of bifurcation anatomy and the resultant effect of different stenting techniques. Methods and Results: All three bifurcation angles were described according to the European Bifurcation Club definition: the A (proximal bifurcation angle), the B (distal bifurcation angle) and the C (main branch angle). Measurements were performed in 75 LM and 140 N‐LM bifurcations. In LM bifurcations baseline mean values of C, A, and B were 151°± 28°, 131°± 32°, and 78 ± 28°, respectively. In bifurcations with 2 stents the B significantly decreased by a mean of 10° (P = 0.003) and A increased by 10° (P = 0.006). Crush stenting significantly decreased B (A – 14°; P = 0.020) and increased A (A + 21°; P = 0.005), particularly non‐true bifurcations. In N‐LM bifurcations mean values for C, A, and B were 156°± 19°, 144°± 22°, and 60°± 20°, respectively. Similar to LM bifurcations, the B became narrower mainly at the expense of the A, which became wider. In both types of bifurcations the greatest variation in A and B was found following 2‐stent techniques performed in T‐shaped (≥70°) bifurcations. Conclusions: In both LM and N‐LM bifurcations we found a significant difference in A and B pre‐ and post‐PCI. This difference was driven by the 2‐stent technique and was most evident with a baseline bifurcation angle ≥70°. The Crush technique caused the largest angle variation post‐procedure, particularly in non‐true LM bifurcations. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:382–393)     

Concealed Automaticity From an Island of Atrial Myocardium Post Cavotricuspid Ablation

Island of Atrial Myocardium Post Cavotricuspid Ablation. We report the case of a patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in whom 2 previous cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablations were performed for recurrent type I counterclockwise atrial flutter. One year after the last CTI ablation, the patient underwent pulmonary vein isolation for AF and reassessment of conduction block in the CTI was performed during the procedure. While mapping the CTI, activations were documented within the CTI that were dissociated from both right atrial and ventricular activity during sinus rhythm and pacing maneuvers. This dissociated activity was confined to a region delimited by the 2 previous ablation lines, the tricuspid annulus and the inferior vena cava. These findings suggest that an island of atrial myocardium with automatic activity was created within the CTI by previous ablation lines. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1408‐1409, December 2010)