Autograft Reoperation Following the Ross Procedure: Evolving Strategies and Future Perspectives.

Background: Pulmonary autograft failure remains a cause of reoperation following the Ross procedure. The aim of this study is to describe our evolving approach to autograft reoperations. Methods: Retrospective study of all patients who underwent a pulmonary autograft reoperation following a Ross procedure between June 1997 and July 2022. Results: Two-hundred and thirty-five Ross procedures were performed. Thirty-six patients (15%) plus one referral underwent an autograft reoperation at a median of 7.8 years (IQR 4.6-13.6). The main indication was: neoaortic root dilatation associated with mild/moderate (n = 12) or severe (n = 8) aortic regurgitation; isolated severe aortic regurgitation (n = 6); infective endocarditis (IE) (n = 8); and aortic root pseudoaneurysm with no history of IE (n = 3). The autograft was spared in 29 cases (78%): 9 patients (24%) underwent aortic valve repair or aortic root remodeling, 15 patients (40%) aortic root reimplantation, 5 patients neoaortic root stabilization with a Personalized External Aortic Root Support (PEARS) sleeve. There were no in-hospital deaths. At a median follow up of 37 months (IQR 8-105), all patients were alive, 30 (81%) were asymptomatic. Eight patients (22%) required nine further reoperations. Estimated freedom from further reoperation was 90%, 72%, and 72% at 12-, 36-, and 60-months. Conclusions: Autograft reoperations following the Ross procedure can be safely performed and do not affect overall survival in the early and mid-term. Valve-sparing autograft replacement is technically feasible but remains at risk of further interventions. Alternative strategies, such as the PEARS sleeve, are becoming increasingly available but requires validation in the long term.

Immediately placed implants using simvastatin and autogenous tooth graft combination in periodontally compromised sites: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess clinically and radiographically the usage of autogenous tooth bone graft (ATBG) combined with and without Simvastatin (SMV) around immediately placed dental implants in periodontally compromised sites. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients required a single extraction of periodontally compromised tooth were divided into three groups (13 patients each). Group I received immediate implant placement (IIP) without grafting. Group II received IIP with ATBG filling the gap around IIP. Group III received SMV gel mixed with ATBG around IIP. Radiographic changes were reported at the baseline, 6-, and 12-months post-surgery. RESULTS: All implants achieved the success criteria with no complications. At 6- and 12-months post-surgery, group III showed a statistically lower mean ridge width loss compared to Group I and Group II (P < .001). Group II revealed less reduction in the mean alveolar ridge width compared to group I (P < .001). Group III showed a statistically significantly less MBL loss than group I and group II (P < .001). All groups showed a statistically significant increase in BD gain compared to baseline (P < .001). Group III showed statistically significant high BD compared to group II (P < .001). Group II showed statistically significantly higher mean BD gain than that of group I (P < .001). CONCLUSION: SMV combined with ATBG boosts the hard tissue parameters around dental implants over ATBG alone. Clinical trial registration was on August 1, 2021 (NCT04992416). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ATBG with SMV in periodontally compromised sites could improve implant osseointegration and promote favorable changes in peri-implant tissues.

Efficacy of photobiomodulation using diode laser 650 nm combined with nano-cellulose and nano-amorphous calcium phosphate in bone healing of rabbit tibial defects assessed by H&E staining and computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of Diode LLLT 650 nm, TEMPO oxidized Nano-fibrillated cellulose mixed with Nano-Amorphous calcium phosphate, and their combination on bone healing in rabbit tibia using H&E staining and computed tomography. METHODS: Eighteen adult male New Zealand rabbits were selected, two circular bone defects were created in each tibia, resulting in four bony defects in each rabbit, representing the four tested groups; group A (negative control), group B (filled with mineralized nano-cellulose), group C (combination), group D (laser). Animals were euthanized after two weeks and one month, defects were assessed by CT for bone density, then histological samples were examined by H&E stain. RESULTS: In both evaluation periods, group D recorded the greatest mean area percent of new bone formation and bone density, followed by group A, while group C recorded the lowest value. Groups A and D showed full closure of the defects, while groups B and C showed partial defect closure with retained bone graft material. H&E and CT showed that Laser group had the best results of defects healing, bone density and new bone formation, followed by the negative control group. CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser 650nm photobiomodulation significantly improved bone defects healing. Mineralized nano-cellulose experimental bone substitute material showed a delayed effect in bone healing and graft material resorption. The combination of LLLT with the graft material had no positive outcome on bone defect healing.

In vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extracts of Annona muricata on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-15 Cell Lines and its Effect On Expression of Bcl 2-associated X protein, B-cell C/Lymphoma 2 and p53 Genes.

Background: Due to their wide spectrum of phytochemical components and lack of side effects, the use of plants for the prevention and treatment of cancer has recently attracted increased attention. One among them is Annona muricata, commonly called soursop. According to recent investigations, several types of cancer have been successfully treated using this plant's extracts. However, studies on oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are very limited. Aim: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxic potential of leaf extract of A. muricata (LEAM) against oral tongue SCC-15 cell lines, using in vitro assays. Materials and Methods: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-dipenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to assess cytotoxic activity, and the apoptotic effect was determined using gene expression analyses of Bcl 2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell C/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and tumor-suppressor phosphoprotein (p53). Results: Significant cytotoxicity (P ≤ 0.05) with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 40 µg/ml was observed with the LEAM on SCC-15 cell lines. A highly significant decrease was observed in Bcl-2 gene expression (P < 0.05), whereas p53 and BAX genes revealed a highly significant increase (P < 0.05) when SCC-15 cell lines were treated with LEAM in the study group compared to the control. Conclusion: These results show that LEAM has the potential for development as a therapeutic agent for cytotoxicity, particularly on oral SCC cells, following further investigation.

Association between toxoplasmosis and autoimmune rheumatic diseases in Egyptian patients.

PURPOSE: To explore the association between T. gondii and autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). METHODS: This study involved 82 patients with ARDs: 44 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 28 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 10 systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 61 age- and sex-matched controls. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, and disease activity was assessed. Exposure to toxoplasmosis risk factors was investigated. Serological tests for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies were assessed using ELISA. RESULTS: In SLE patients, a significant difference of T. gondii IgM versus controls was detected (P=.03). In RA and SLE patients, T. gondii IgG showed a significant difference versus controls (34 (77.3%) P=.001 and 18 (64.3%) P=.03, respectively). There was no significant difference in SSc versus controls. Fetal congenital anomalies displayed a significant difference in IgM seropositive compared to seronegative patients (P=.04). Cat exposure showed a significant difference between IgM and IgG seropositive versus seronegative patients (12 (80.0%) P=.02 and 34 (59.6) P=.04, respectively). There was no significant difference in seropositive patients regarding history of abortion, neuro-psychiatric manifestations, disease activity parameters (ESR, CRP), or different regimens of medications. CONCLUSION: Toxoplasma IgM seropositivity is associated with SLE patients. T. gondii IgG seropositivity is associated with both RA and SLE patients. However, Toxoplasma seropositivity had no association with SSc patients. An association between fetal congenital anomalies and IgM seropositivity was demonstrated. A linkage between cat exposure as a risk factor and toxoplasmosis was suggested among ARD patiants. Exploration of impact of toxoplasmosis on ARDs is a necessity through randomized controlled trials.

Association between toxoplasmosis and autoimmune rheumatic diseases in Egyptian patients / Asociación entre toxoplasmosis y enfermedades reumáticas autoinmunes en pacientes egipcios

Purpose: To explore the association between T. gondii and autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs). Methods: This study involved 82 patients with ARDs: 44 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 28 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 10 systemic sclerosis (SSc) and 61 age- and sex-matched controls. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, and disease activity was assessed. Exposure to toxoplasmosis risk factors was investigated. Serological tests for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies were assessed using ELISA. Results: In SLE patients, a significant difference of T. gondii IgM versus controls was detected (P=.03). In RA and SLE patients, T. gondii IgG showed a significant difference versus controls (34 (77.3%) P=.001 and 18 (64.3%) P=.03, respectively). There was no significant difference in SSc versus controls. Fetal congenital anomalies displayed a significant difference in IgM seropositive compared to seronegative patients (P=.04). Cat exposure showed a significant difference between IgM and IgG seropositive versus seronegative patients (12 (80.0%) P=.02 and 34 (59.6) P=.04, respectively). There was no significant difference in seropositive patients regarding history of abortion, neuro-psychiatric manifestations, disease activity parameters (ESR, CRP), or different regimens of medications. Conclusion: Toxoplasma IgM seropositivity is associated with SLE patients. T. gondii IgG seropositivity is associated with both RA and SLE patients. However, Toxoplasma seropositivity had no association with SSc patients. An association between fetal congenital anomalies and IgM seropositivity was demonstrated. A linkage between cat exposure as a risk factor and toxoplasmosis was suggested among ARD patiants. Exploration of impact of toxoplasmosis on ARDs is a necessity through randomized controlled trials.(AU)

Propósito: Explorar la asociación entre Toxoplasma gondii y enfermedades reumáticas autoinmunes (ERA).Métodos: Este estudio involucró a 82 pacientes con ERA: 44 con artritis reumatoide (AR), 28 con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) y 10 con esclerosis sistémica (SSc); y 61 controles emparejados por edad y sexo. Se recopilaron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio, y se evaluó la actividad de la enfermedad. Se indagó exposición a factores de riesgo de toxoplasmosis. Las pruebas serológicas de anticuerpos IgM e IgG antitoxoplasma se evaluaron mediante ELISA.Resultados: En pacientes con LES se detectó una diferencia significativa de T. gondii IgM vs. controles (p = 0,03). En pacientes con AR y LES, T. gondii IgG mostró una diferencia significativa frente a los controles (34 [77,3%] p = 0,001 y 18 [64,3%] p = 0,03, respectivamente). No hay diferencia significativa en SSc vs. controles. Las anomalías congénitas fetales mostraron una diferencia significativa en los pacientes seropositivos para IgM en comparación con los pacientes seronegativos (p = 0,04). La exposición a los gatos mostró una diferencia significativa entre los pacientes seropositivos para IgM e IgG frente a los seronegativos (12 [80%] p = 0,02 y 34 [59,6] p = 0,04, respectivamente). No hubo diferencias significativas en pacientes seropositivos con respecto a antecedentes de aborto, manifestaciones neuropsiquiátricas, parámetros de actividad de la enfermedad (ESR, CRP) o diferentes regímenes de medicamentos.(AU)

HPLC/UV approach method for the first simultaneous estimation of molnupiravir and ertapenem as a binary mixture in human plasma and dosage form as a regimen for COVID-19 treatments.

COVID-19 is a serious virus that can have a lot of effects, one of which is a secondary bacterial infection that can be more life-threatening and even lethal than the initial viral infection. Hence a fast and sensitive HPLC/UV method was developed and validated for the first estimation of a binary mixture of molnupiravir (MOL) and ertapenem (ERT) as a co-administrated medicine for the management of COVID-19 in pharmaceutical dosage forms, and human plasma samples. The drug combination was separated within 5 min via RP-ODS column using isocratic elution with a mobile phase of 0.05 M phosphate buffer (pH 3.5): acetonitrile with a 76: 24% ratio v/v. The presented method provided a linear response ranging from 0.03 to 17.0 and 0.05-20 µg mL-1 with LOD values of 0.009 and 0.008 µg mL-1 for MOL and ERT respectively. The good separation and high sensitivity of the HPLC method provide the determination of the cited drugs in human plasma without matrix interference with a percent of recovery ranging from 94.97 ± 2.05 to 98.44 ± 1.92. Based on the results, this method could be utilized to monitor cited drugs in quality control and therapeutic laboratories.

Seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton in the northern part of Suez Gulf, Egypt.

This study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal variability of phytoplankton in the northern part of the Gulf of Suez (Suez Bay), considering the contribution of physicochemical parameters of bay water in shaping the dynamics, and eutrophication assessment. Water and phytoplankton samples were collected seasonally at nine stations in the Suez Bay during the period from the winter to autumn of 2012. A total of 423 phytoplankton species were identified, comprised mainly of 224 diatoms, 127 dinoflagellates, 33 cyanophytes, 20 chlorophytes, and 9 euglenophytes; the rest of the species (10 species) belong to other six groups. Of these, 28 species were potentially harmful. The total phytoplankton abundance exhibits a significant seasonal variation, with the autumn being the most fertile season, followed by the winter due to the proliferation of diatom species Thalassionema nitzschioides and Proboscia alata f. gracillima, respectively. While the seasonal species richness indicates that the winter attained the highest number of species, followed by summer. Generally, the major diatom genera were Chaetoceros (16 species), Navicula (15 species), Nitzschia (15 species), and Amphora (14 species), while dinoflagellates were principally composed of the genera Protoperidinium (34 species), and Tripos (26 species). Water temperature, pH, salinity, nitrate, and nitrite were the most important explanatory parameters in regard to phytoplankton abundance and chlorophyll a concentration. In addition, the phytoplankton stability exhibited a significant positive relationship with the mean values of dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand and the variability of salinity and phosphate, while a negative relationship was observed with ammonia and nitrite and the variability of nitrate. Based on the trophic index (TRIX), the bay water was classified as mesotrophic (moderately polluted) for almost the entire year except in the autumn as it turned eutrophic. The results explored the potential importance of the environmental heterogeneity in the bay as a key structuring mechanism of phytoplankton abundance and biomass, influenced by anthropogenic activities.

The Beneficial Impact of Intraoperative Ultrasound on Resection Margin Status during Breast Conserving Surgery.

Background: Surgical resection with clear surgical cut margins is the mainstay of managing malignant breast neoplasms. Multiple techniques have been suggested to enhance resection status during breast-conserving surgery (BCS), including intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS). Herein, we conducted the current investigation to reveal the benefit of IOUS on the achievement of R0 resection. Patients and Methods. This retrospective investigation included 140 patients who underwent BCS. They were divided into two groups: the IOUS group (40 cases) and the control group (100 cases). Our primary objective was to determine the free resection margin status (R0). Results: Both study groups expressed statistically comparable demographic and clinical data. Additionally, histopathological examination revealed no significant difference between the two groups regarding the tumor type, stage, or grade. Nonetheless, the R0 resection margin was more frequently encountered in association with IOUS application (97.5% compared to 79% in the control group), and that difference was statistically significant (p=0.007). Conclusion: The application of IOUS has a significant beneficial impact on the outcomes of BCS. It is associated with a marked decline in positive resection margins, and its application should be encouraged in the breast oncological practice.

Faecal calprotectin in COVID-19 patients with intestinal symptoms.

Introduction: Extra-pulmonary manifestations of the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) have been increasingly reported, especially gastrointestinal and hepatic system dysfunction. The concern of faecal-oral transmission for COVID-19 was raised. Aim: To study the trend of faecal calprotectin in COVID-19 patients with intestinal symptoms. Material and methods: Forty confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection presenting with diarrhoea were subjected to a thorough history taking, clinical examination, and routine laboratory investigations. They were treated according to the Egyptian MOH guidelines. Faecal calprotectin (FC) concentration was measured at initial presentation and after 3 months. Those who had persistently elevated levels ≥ 200 µg/g were subjected to colonoscopic examination and histopathological examination. Forty confirmed cases of COVID-19 without diarrhoea were recruited as a control group in the initial FC evaluation. Results: Faecal calprotectin was found to be significantly elevated in the studied COVID-19 patients who presented with diarrhoea, with a mean value 260 ±80 µg/g compared to the those without diarrhoea, with a mean value of 31.6 ±12.9 µg/g (p < 0.001). Moreover, 20% (8 patients) had an elevated level exceeding 200 µg/g 3 months after recovery; among them, 5 patients showed mild colonoscopic changes whereas 3 patients showed severe ileocolitis. Out of the 3 patients with marked ileocolitis, 2 showed histopathological changes raising the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Conclusions: Faecal calprotectin was found to be elevated in COVID-19 patients with intestinal symptoms, especially diarrhoea, with or without colonoscopic and histopathological changes.

Outcomes of the Ross procedure in young adults with previous aortic valve interventions.

OBJECTIVES: Contemporarily modified Ross procedure continues to deliver excellent outcomes and remains part of the treatment strategy for aortic valve disease in the young adult population. The aim of this study was to assess whether Ross procedure carried out as a second or subsequent intervention for aortic valve disease carries similar risk and long-term benefit, when compared to Ross procedure for the first-time aortic valve replacement. METHODS: A total of 158 patients aged 16-60 years from a single congenital cardiac centre between 1997 and 2020 were included. The sample was split into 2 subgroups, based on the history of previous aortic valve interventions prior to the Ross procedure. Primary outcomes were defined as survival and pulmonary autograft failure. Coarsened exact matching was used to balance for covariates. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients underwent primary Ross and 55 underwent secondary Ross with a mean follow-up of 7.8 years. Twenty-two patients underwent 28 reoperations during follow-up. Forty-nine well-matched pairs were obtained through matching. Freedom from pulmonary autograft failure at 10 years was 84.5% in the primary group vs 100% in the secondary group (P = 0.021). Five- and ten-year survival were identical, 97.5% in the primary group vs 95.6% in the secondary group (P = 0.53). Male sex and era were found to be predictors of neoaortic root dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: The lower incidence of graft failure seen in secondary Ross could justify a stepwise approach to aortic valve intervention. Ross procedure delivers excellent outcomes in the adult population with no difference in survival for primary or secondary Ross.

A novel approach to stenting a stenotic graft housing a Berlin Heart cannula by utilizing an adapted left ventricular assist device circuit.

BACKGROUND: A 9-year-old boy with Berlin Heart biventricular assist device for diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy developed progressive reduction in left ventricular assist device(VAD) emptying and evidence of low cardiac output despite alterations to the device settings. Computed tomography revealed that the Dacron graft attaching the systemic cannula to the ascending aorta was stenosed. METHOD & RESULT: A minimally invasive approach with novel circuit modification was used to achieve antegrade stenting of the stenosed graft. CONCLUSION: This proposed technique provides a large port for minimally invasive access via an adapted VAD circuit allowing stent insertion to the aortic graft with an excellent outcome.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest During a Prolonged Liposuction and Lipofilling Procedure: A Case Report.

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure. Recently, there has been an increase in the reported complications. Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a rare life-threatening condition with challenging diagnosis. A young lady was admitted for liposuction and lipofilling procedure. After 180 minutes, cardiac arrest happened. She was revived after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. She was tachypneic, hypoxic, and feverish. Her chest x-rays were suggestive of acute respiratory distress syndrome. After exclusion of other differential diagnoses, she was diagnosed as post-arrest state on top of FES. Fortunately, she showed a gradual improvement, starting from the fourth day and was discharged to a regular ward on the sixth day. Sudden cardiac arrest during liposuction is a dreadful complication that may occur in healthy persons due to FES. Its diagnosis depends on high index of clinical suspicion and use of special criteria and scoring systems. The management depends on conservative measures with/without steroids administration.

Evolving Approach in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome With Restrictive and Intact Septum.

Background: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with either intact atrial septum (IS) or highly restrictive interatrial communication (HRIC) is associated with poor survival. Immediate postpartum access to cardiac therapy and timely left atrial decompression (LAD) are paramount to a successful outcome. We describe herein our evolving approach to LAD and report interstage and longer-term results. Methods: We retrospectively identified neonates with HLHS IS/HRIC requiring LAD between 2005 and 2019. All babies had prenatal/postnatal echocardiography. Our LAD strategy evolved over time from attempt at transcatheter balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) to surgical septectomy with inflow occlusion, to hybrid trans-atrial stent implantation. Results: Twelve neonates required LAD at a median time of 14 (0.5-31) hours after birth. Five patients underwent BAS that proved successful in 2 cases. Of the 3 unsuccessful cases, 2 required extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and died subsequently; one underwent hybrid trans-atrial stent implantation. Of the remaining 7 patients, 3 underwent surgical septectomy with inflow-occlusion and 4 underwent hybrid trans-atrial stent implantations. Overall, 8 patients survived LAD and reached Norwood palliation. Three of the 8 required ECMO postoperatively. There was no hospital mortality after Norwood stage 1 palliation and interstage survival was 100%. Six patients successfully underwent Glenn shunt (superior cavopulmonary anastomosis) and 5 have completed total cavopulmonary connection. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that prompt postnatal LAD can be safely achieved with careful multidisciplinary planning and accurate antenatal diagnosis. In our hands, hybrid trans-atrial septal stent insertion appears to be a safe approach which combines the versatility of transcatheter techniques together with the effectiveness of surgical control.

Ventricular assist devices in transposition and failing systemic right ventricle: role of tricuspid valve replacement.

OBJECTIVES: Ventricular assist device (VAD) for systemic right ventricular (RV) failure patients post-atrial switch, for transposition of the great arteries (TGA), and those with congenitally corrected TGA has proven useful to reduce transpulmonary gradient and bridge-to-transplantation. The purpose of this study is to describe our experience of VAD in systemic RV failure and our move towards concomitant tricuspid valve replacement (TVR). METHODS: This is a single-centre retrospective study of consecutive adult patients receiving HeartWare VAD for systemic RV failure between 2010 and 2019. From 2017, concomitant TVR was performed routinely. Demographic, clinical variables and echocardiographic and haemodynamic measurements pre- and post-VAD implantation were recorded. Complications on support, heart transplantation and survival rates were described. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent VAD implantation. Moderate or severe systemic tricuspid regurgitation was present in 83.3% of patients, and subpulmonic left ventricular impairment in 88.9%. One-year survival was 72.2%. VAD implantation was technically feasible and successful in all but one. Post-VAD, transpulmonary gradient fell from 16 (15-22) to 10 (7-13) mmHg (P = 0.01). Patients with TVR (n = 6) also demonstrated a reduction in mean pulmonary and wedge pressures. Furthermore, subpulmonic left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (44.3 vs 39.6 mm; P = 0.03) and function improved in this group. After 1 year of support, 72.2% of patients were suitable for transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: VAD is an effective strategy as bridge-to-candidacy and bridge-to-transplantation in patients with end-stage systemic RV failure. Concomitant TVR at the time of implant is associated with better early haemodynamic and echocardiographic results post-VAD.

Distal radial approach between theory and clinical practice.. Time to go distal!

BACKGROUND: Transradial access (TRA), which has a minimal risk of problems such as radial artery occlusion (RAO), hemorrhage, spasm, and so on, is now considered the standard procedure for cardiac catheterization. The aim of the study is to present the distal transradial access (d-TRA) as a possible promising novel technique in the field of cardiac coronary interventions comparing it to the standard conventional TRA using primary and secondary endpoints, exploring its benefits and drawbacks as a new experience in Alexandria University. One hundred cases with variable indications for coronary interventions were randomized to two arms using systematic random sampling method, coronary interventions in the first one were done via d-TRA (50 patients) and in the second arm via conventional TRA group (50 patients). RESULTS: Technically, there were highly statistically significant differences between the two arms in favor of TRA regarding procedural success, number of punctures taken, Access time, Total procedural time, vasodilator used, and crossover to another access site; meanwhile safety profile parameters have showed statistically significant differences in favor of d-TRA regarding post-operative hematoma, AV fistula, post-operative pain and compression time, and there were no statistically significant differences regarding RAO although it occurred more in TRA group. CONCLUSIONS: In the realm of cardiac intervention, the distal radial approach is a promising technique. When compared to TRA, we found it to be a viable and safe method for coronary angiography and interventions and it could be a real option for the interventionists in the near future, with a lower risk of radial artery blockage and no significant differences in wrist hematoma and radial artery spasm. The success rate of d-TRA is proportional to the steepness of the operator's learning curve and the quality of the examples chosen.

Experimental nano calcium aluminate/tri calcium silicate root repair: Synthesis, physical and mechanical properties compared to mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine / Reparo radicular experimental de nano aluminato de cálcio/silicato de tri cálcio: Síntese, propriedades físicas e mecânicas em comparação com agregado de trióxido mineral e Biodentine

Objective: Endodontic perforation is a challenging mishap that should be repaired with a biocompatible material, Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine are the most commonly used repair materials. However, these materials are expensive, (MTA) has prolonged setting time and difficult manipulation. The purpose of this study is to prepare the experimental nano calcium-aluminate/tri-calcium-silicate (CA/C3S) material and comparing its physical properties with biodentine and MTA, to evaluate the experimental material eligibility to compete the commercial repair materials. And to perform part two (animal study) that will evaluate the cytotoxicity, the biocompatibility and the efficacy of (CA/C3S) in furcal perforation repair compared to diode laser. Material and Methods: A mixture of calcium carbonate and aluminum oxide was used to formulate calcium aluminate phase (CA), tri-calcium-Silicate phase (C3S) was formulated by firing of calcium carbonate and quartz. The produced powders were investigated by X-ray diffraction, then (CA) and (C3S) mixed with water.(CA/ C3S) compared with MTA and biodentine for setting-time, micro-hardness, dimensional-stability and solubility. Results: Mean setting time of (CA/C3S) was (32.70±0.75min) which is significantly higher than MTA and Biodentine. The Mean microhardness of (CA/C3S) was (56.50±7.41VHN) which has no statical difference with MTA and Biodentine. Solubility results showed weight increase for (CA/C3S) as following (6.29±3.05)and loss of weight for MTA and Biodentine. The percentage of change in dimensions for(CA/C3S) increased as following (0.64±0.78) while decreased for MTA and Biodentine. Conclusion: The experimental (CA/C3S) material showed good microhardness, dimensional stability and acceptable setting time that could be improved in further work (AU)

Objetivo: A perfuração endodôntica é um percalço desafiador que deve ser reparado com um material biocompatível, Agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA) e Biodentina são os materiais de reparo mais comumente usados. No entanto, esses materiais são caros, (MTA) tem tempo de presa prolongado e difícil manipulação. O objetivo deste estudo é preparar o material experimental de nano aluminato de cálcio/silicato tricálcico (CA/C3S) e comparar suas propriedades físicas com biodentina e MTA, para avaliar a elegibilidade do material experimental para competir com os materiais de reparo comerciais. E realizar a segunda parte (estudo animal) que avaliará a citotoxicidade, a biocompatibilidade e a eficácia do (CA/C3S) no reparo de perfuração de furca em comparação ao laser de diodo.Material e Métodos: Uma mistura de carbonato de cálcio e óxido de alumínio foi usada para formular a fase de aluminato de cálcio (CA), a fase tri-cálcio-silicato (C3S) foi formulada por queima de carbonato de cálcio e quartzo. Os pós produzidos foram investigados por difração de raios X, em seguida (CA) e (C3S) misturados com água. (CA/ C3S) comparados com MTA e biodentina para tempo de presa, microdureza, estabilidade dimensional e solubilidade. Resultados: O tempo médio de presa de (CA/C3S) foi (32,70±0,75min) que é significativamente maior que MTA e Biodentine. A microdureza média de (CA/C3S) foi (56,50±7,41VHN) que não tem diferença estática com MTA e Biodentine. Os resultados de solubilidade mostraram aumento de peso para (CA/C3S) conforme a seguir (6,29±3,05) e perda de peso para MTA e Biodentine. A porcentagem de mudança nas dimensões para (CA/C3S) aumentou como segue (0,64±0,78), enquanto diminuiu para MTA e Biodentine. Conclusão: O material experimental (CA/C3S) apresentou boa microdureza, estabilidade dimensional e aceitável tempo de presa, que pode ser melhorado em trabalhos futuros (AU)

HeartWare Explant After Recovery 6 Years After Implant in a 3-Year-Old Child: Has the Game Changed?

The use of continuous-flow mechanical circulatory support in preschool children remains anecdotal. This case report describes the sequel to the implantation with a HeartWare HVAD system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) in a 3-year old child. A 3-year-old boy with myocarditis-related cardiomyopathy underwent implantation with a HeartWare device. After an uncomplicated postoperative course, the patient was discharged home. Serial echocardiography showed progressive left ventricular recovery. After 6 months, the device was decommissioned, and the outflow graft was tied off. Six years after insertion, the device was explanted uneventfully. The HeartWare ventricular assist device offers viable long-term mechanical circulatory support in selected children that results in sustainable care and good quality of life.

Prevalence of Oral Lesions in COVID-19 Egyptian Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to detect whether oral lesions affect the tongue mainly due to higher cells expressing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) than in other oral sites in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, the etiology of oral lesions was evaluated either resulting from SARS-CoV-2 sequelae or from adverse effects of drugs used for COVID-19 treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four patients were admitted to the study. All patients' data were obtained including age and gender, laboratory testing, drug administration, respiratory and systemic conditions, signs and symptoms, and oral manifestations. RESULTS: Oral manifestations were seen in 112 (90.3%) of all patients. Oral ulcers represented the most prevalent lesions in the oral cavity in 104 patients (92.8%). Lip, tongue, and labial mucosa showed the most common sites for oral ulcers. Most of oral lesions were displayed in the tongue in 96 patients (85.7%). Various medications were used in the treatment of patients. CONCLUSION: The tongue represented the most common site of oral lesions in COVID-19 patients followed by the labial mucosa. No correlation was found between the oral lesions and the drugs used for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The systemic health and the severity of the disease were not related to the spread of the oral lesions.