157 Percutaneous femoral implantation of aortic valve prosthesis without surgical cutdown. A single center experience

PurposeFemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is usually done by surgical cut down under general anesthesia. Complete percutaneous approach has become widely accepted in endovascular management of aortic disease, and we have decided to apply this technique for TAVI. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the sheath size on safety and efficacy of this technique.MethodThe study cohort included 64 consecutive patients who underwent femoral approach using Prostar XL device at our institution between Mar 2008 and Feb 2010. The cohort was divided into two groups: group 1, 18 or 19 Fr sheath (1 Prostar XL device) and group 2, 22 or 24Fr (2 Prostar XL). The iliac and femoral angiogram was obtained before insertion and after removal of the sheath using contralateral approach. Device success was defined as immediate hemostasis without surgery or death related to access site during hospital stay.ResultsClinical characteristics were similar in both groups (83.6±5.7 years, male gender 50% and logistic Euroscore 25.3±11.0%) besides higher rate of hypertension (81.0% vs 56.1%; p=0.03) in group 1.In group 1, Corevalve was used in 14 cases and Edwards valve in 9 cases. In group 2, 22 Fr sheath was used in 22 cases and 24Fr in 19.The angiogram showed smaller femoral artery diameter in group 1 (7.7±1.2 vs 9.0±0.9mm; p=0.001 and common iliac artery 9.4±1.4 vs 11.5±1.8mm; p=0.001), a lower calcium score (0.6±0.8 vs 1.1±0.7; p=0.034) and tortuosity score (0.6±0.7 vs 1.2±0.7; p=0.001). Device success was achieved in 100% in group 1 and 95.1% in group 2 (p=ns).The rate of iliac artery perforation or rupture was lower in group 1 (0% vs 9.8%; p=0.044). Death due to access site complication was observed only in 1 case in group 2 (p=ns).ConclusionThanks to the development of lower profile devices, percutaneous approach for femoral arterial access is emerging as a promising method for TAVI and will decrease the need for general anesthesia in this high risk patients

Comparative Analysis between a Discrete Spiral Chamber and a Continuous Spiral Chamber via ANSYS

Hydraulic turbines have been elements of utmost importance to meet the energy needs of communities worldwide. These are used with elements that improve the flow behavior of water to the turbine so that its energy benefits are improved. Spiral chambers are circular elements where their cross-section is constantly changing and are used in reaction turbines, such as Francis turbines. Their main function is to distribute evenly the fluid into the impeller inlet. This paper sought to use engineering simulation tools (ANSYS - CFX) to compare behavior and performance from a discreet continuous spiral chamber in a virtual environment under the same physical operating conditions, providing a comparative view of the performance present between the two manufacturing methods of spiral chambersLas turbinas hidráulicas han sido un elemento de alta importancia para suplir las necesidades energéticas de las comunidades a nivel global, éstas son empleadas en conjunto con elementos que mejoren el comportamiento del flujo de agua hacia la turbina de tal manera que se mejoren las prestaciones energéticas de la misma. Las cámaras en espiral son elementos circulares dónde su sección transversal varía constantemente y son empleadas en turbinas de reacción, como las turbinas Francis, su función principal es distribuir uniformemente el fluido en la entrada del rodete, éste trabajo busca emplear herramientas ingenieriles de simulación (Ansys - CFX) para generar una comparativa del comportamiento y prestaciones entre una cámara en espiral discreta y una continua, en un entorno virtual bajo las mismas condiciones físicas y de operación, aportando una vista comparativa al rendimiento que se puede presentar entre los dos métodos de fabricación de las cámaras en espiral

Biological activity of hyphomycete entomopathogenec fungi against gynaikothrips uzeli (thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)

Weeping fig, Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae) is an ornamental plant species grown worldwide. In Mexico, it is one of the most widely used ornamentals in urban green areas. Leaves of the tree are damaged by the thrips Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmerman (Cambero et al. 2010). Thrips feed on leaf terminals and inject toxins causing deformed leaves and gall formation (Held et al. 2005; Retana-Salazar & Sánchez-Chacón 2009). Chemical control of Gynaikothrips spp. is possible (Held & Boyd 2008), but insecticides should be used wisely in order to preserve associated natural enemies (Wheeler et al. 2007). In Mexico, Montandoniola confusa Streito & Matocq and Androthrips ramachandrai (Karny) have been found to be predators of Gynaikothrips spp (Cambero et al. 2010). In North America north of Mexico, A. ramachandrai, Montandoniola moraguesi Puton and Thripastichus gentilei (Del Guercio) are reported natural enemies (Held et al. 2005; Held & Boyd 2008).Higuera llorona, Ficus benjamina L. (Moraceae) es una planta ornamental cultivada en todo el mundo. En México, es una de las plantas ornamentales más utilizadas en áreas verdes urbanas. Las hojas del árbol son dañadas por los trips Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmerman (Cambero et al., 2010). Los trips se alimentan en las terminales foliares e inyectan toxinas que causan hojas deformadas y formación de hielos (Held et al., 2005; Retana-Salazar & Sánchez-Chacón 2009). Control químico de Gynaikothrips spp. Es posible (Held & Boyd 2008), pero los insecticidas deben usarse sabiamente para preservar los enemigos naturales asociados (Wheeler et al., 2007). En México, Montandoniola confusa Streito & Matocq y Androthrips ramachandrai (Karny) han demostrado ser depredadores de Gynaikothrips spp (Cambero et al., 2010). En América del Norte, al norte de México, A. ramachandrai, Montandoniola moraguesi Puton y Thripastichus gentilei (Del Guercio) son enemigos naturales (Held et al., 2005; Held & Boyd 2008)

Prevalencia de parásitos intestinales en habitantes de calle atendidos en un hogar de paso de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia

Introduction. Intestinal parasitic infections represent a significant public health problem, especially among vulnerable populations. There are few studies examining the prevalence and determinants of intestinal parasites in street dwellers, who may experience significant health complications and socioeconomic implications. Therefore, understanding the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasites in this population is crucial for developing targeted interventions and mitigating the spread of these infections.Objective. To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in street dwellers attending a shelter in the city of Cali.Materials and methods. Sixty-six participants who met the inclusion criteria were selected, and serial stool samples were collected for laboratory evaluation. Additionally, sociodemographic information and data on hygiene habits and addictions were collected from the participants.Results. Seventy-six percent of the participants had intestinal parasites and/or commensals, with 30% presenting monoparasitism, 46% polyparasitism, and 20% eosinophilia. Blastocystis spp. was the most common organism (68.18%), followed by Endolimax nana (34.85%) and Entamoeba coli (18.18%). Among the pathogens, the most common were the Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii complex (10.61%) and hookworms (9.09%). The determinants related to these prevalences were evaluated.Conclusions. Intestinal parasitism remains a significant problem in vulnerable groups, such as street dwellers in Cali, Colombia. The use of serial examination is recommended for the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections, especially in cases of low parasite loads. Campaigns should be established to reduce the prevalence of these parasites in populations at risk of complications.Introducción. Las enteroparasitosis representan un importante problema de salud pública, especialmente entre poblaciones vulnerables. Son escasos los estudios que examinan la prevalencia y los determinantes de los enteroparásitos en habitantes de calle, quienes pueden sufrir complicaciones de salud e implicaciones socioeconómicas significativas. Por lo tanto, comprender la prevalencia y los factores asociados de los enteroparásitos en esta población es crucial para desarrollar intervenciones dirigidas y mitigar la propagación de estas infecciones.Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de enteroparásitos en habitantes de calle que acuden a un hogar de paso en la ciudad de Cali. Materiales y métodos. Se seleccionaron 66 participantes que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión, y se recolectaron muestras seriadas de materia fecal para su evaluación en el laboratorio. Además, se recopiló información sociodemográfica, así como datos sobre hábitos de higiene y adicciones de los participantes.Resultados. 76% de los participantes presentaron parásitos y/o comensales intestinales, con un 30% de monoparasitismo, 46% poliparasitismo y un 20% eosinofilia. Blastocystis spp. fue el organismo más frecuente (68,18%), seguido por Endolimax nana (34,85%) y Entamoeba coli (18,18%). Entre los patógenos, los más comunes fueron el complejo Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii (10,61%) y las uncinarias (9,09%). Se evaluaron los determinantes relacionados con estas prevalencias.Conclusiones. El parasitismo intestinal sigue siendo un problema importante en grupos vulnerables, como los habitantes de calle en Cali, Colombia. Se recomienda el uso del examen seriado para el diagnóstico de las parasitosis intestinales, especialmente en casos de bajas cargas parasitarias. Es necesario establecer campañas para disminuir la prevalencia de estos parásitos en poblaciones en riesgo de complicaciones

Design and implementation of the TRACIA: intracoronary autologous transplant of bone marrow-derived stem cells for acute ST elevation myocardial infarction

Objective: To describe the design of a protocol of intracoronary autologous transplant of bone marrow-derived stem cells for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and to report the safety of the procedure in the first patients included. Methods: The TRACIA study was implemented following predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The protocol includes procedures such as randomization, bone marrow retrieval, stem cells processing, intracoronary infusion of stem cells in the infarct-related artery, pre-and-post MRI, pre-and-post SPECT with radioisotope ventriculography, and clinical follow-up at 6 months. Results: Eight patients with a diagnosis of acute STEMI and duration of symptoms of <24 hours that were perfused successfully through primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) with a LVEF of <45% were assigned randomly to two groups (n = 4 each). One group treated with stem cells and the other corresponded to the control group. Neither death, re-infarction, no need for revascularization or thrombosis of the stent were observed at follow-up. Conclusions: The initial experience at the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez in the treatment of acute STEMI by means of autologous transplantation of bone marrow-derived stem cells is encouraging. Implementation was possible in the first eight patients with no complications