Fraping: A computational tool for detecting slight differences in fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) data for actin polymerization analysis.

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a laser method of light microscopy to evaluate the rapid movement of fluorescent molecules. To have a more reliable approach to analyze data from FRAP, we designed Fraping, a free access R library to data analysis obtained from FRAP. Unlike other programs, Fraping has a new form of analyzing curves of FRAP using statistical analysis based on the average curve difference.

Atherosclerosis prevention starts in childhood: the obesity epidemic.

The atherosclerotic process begins in childhood and advances rapidly triggered by multiple genetic and environmental factors, including obesity. Obesity has reach epidemic proportions mainly by the consumption of junk food and a sedentary lifestyle. Our children spend long time inactive in front of the television and video games, further aggravated by the consumption of excessive calories of unhealthy food bombardment from TV commercials.

An update to the National Cholesterol Education Program: 2009 suggested changes.

In view of new, robust data published after the publication of the NCEP-ATP III in 2001, I am proposing a more aggressive management of cholesterol. Lower LDL-C levels must be achieved to stop and regress atherosclerosis and further reduce cardiovascular mortality.

Update on evidence-based diagnosis and management of mixed dyslipidemias.

This article summarizes the principal publications and those evidence-based clinical trials on dyslipidemias, including their main findings and recommendations for practicing cardiologists and clinicians. Emphasis is given to the confirmed data regarding the pathophysiology as well as the diagnoses of dyslipidemias, and the established therapeutic approaches validated in multiple well supervised control trials. The basic recommendations provided by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology are presented as well as a brief description of the objectives, findings and results of the most recognized control trials, particularly those whose results have been published from 2000 to 2008.

Pericardial abscess in an intravenous drug user: a case report.

A 45 year old man, intravenous drug user, without history of systemic illness, presented with fever, chills and an anterior left thorax pulsatile mass. Echocardiogram showed an anterior mediastinal fluid collection with no apparent pericardial communication and without evidence of endocarditis. Chest tomography revealed a large left anterior mediastinal abscess with multiple pulmonary abscesses.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a condition that affects women during the reproductive years in the late pregnancy period and/or early postpartum period. Although it is associated with several risk factors and various hypotheses exist of its etiology the cause of this disorder is still unknown. Standard therapy for PPCM is the same as for heart failure.

Evaluation of cardiovascular risks for non cardiac surgery.

Physicians are frequently concerned with the management of the surgical risk in patients with heart disease requiring non cardiac surgery. A preoperative evaluation helps to assess the cardiac risk for the planned surgery and helps to take measures to reduce that risk. We summarize the essentials in evaluating patients with coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, arterial hypertension, arrhythmias, permanent pacemaker bearers, and those with congestive heart failure in order to prevent cardiac complications during the required surgery.

Essentials in the diagnosis and management of peripheral arterial disease.

Peripheral arterial disease results from the atherosclerotic involvement of arteries of the upper and lower extremities as well as that of the renal and carotid arteries. In view of the importance of its early recognition we have summarized the clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures and tests, and the current medical and surgical management including percutaneous revascularization. Algorithms that guide in the diagnostic steps and management decisions have been presented.