Implantation of an ICD lead via the tricuspid valve was avoided by the use of an epicardial pacing lead and a transvenous defibrillator lead placed in the vena brachiocephalica. The abdominal, subcostal pocket incision was used for an anterolateral minithoracotomy to implant the epicardial pacing lead.”
“The use of minimally-invasive
ablative therapies in localised prostate cancer offer potential for a middle ground between active surveillance and radical therapy. This article reviews the evidence for cryotherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of localised prostate cancer. These ablative technologies can deliver a minimally invasive, day case treatment with effective early cancer control and tow genitourinary morbidity. In addition, all have the ability to deliver focal therapy of only the malignant lesions within check details the prostate. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 2% of individuals worldwide. An improved understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis has led to the development of targeted biologic therapies. Briakinumab (ABT-874)
is a recombinant human antibody that blocks the biological activity of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 through their shared subunit p40. IL-12 and IL-23 are key mediators in T-cell differentiation and have been shown to play a significant role in maintaining inflammation and abnormal keratinocyte function in psoriasis patients through development and stimulation of Th1 and Th17 subsets, respectively. In one phase II and four phase Baf-A1 cost III studies (including two 52-week trials), the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)-75 score at weeks 12 and 52 was
achieved by at least 80.6% and 66.2% (p <0.001) of patients receiving more than one dose of briakinumab every 4 weeks, respectively, with high proportions of patients achieving PASI-90 and PASI-100 scores (at least 55.4% and 28.8%, respectively; p <0.001). These studies indicate safety and tolerance of briakinumab therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. In one clinical trial, therapy was BYL719 associated with increased incidence of major cardiac events. Available results from two brialcinumab trials show its positive impact on health-related quality of life. However, the manufacturer has now withdrawn the application in the EU and US.”
“Congenital atresia of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is an extremely rare cardiac anomaly, and no cases have been reported from the mainland of China. The diagnosis for the 20-month-old boy in the reported case highlights the essentiality of comprehensive diagnostic measures. To avoid a misdiagnosis, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evidence should be vigilantly explored in young children suspected of having dilated cardiomyopathy.