Publications by authors named "Juan Merchan"

Use of checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab has continued to grow since its approval in 2014. Rare instances of conduction side effects have been described including brady and tachyarrhythmias, heart block and even cardiac arrest. We present a case of Pembrolizumab induced myocarditis and persistent third-degree heart block.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study examines how the COVID-19 outbreak affected the treatment and outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Spain, focusing on changes in patient care before and after the pandemic.
  • Results showed a 27.6% decrease in STEMI patient treatments and a significant rise in in-hospital mortality during COVID-19 (7.5% vs 5.1%) despite consistent use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention as a treatment strategy.
  • The findings indicate that COVID-19 led to longer ischemic times for patients and a notable incidence of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections during hospitalization, highlighting the challenges faced in managing STEMI cases during the pandemic.
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Article Synopsis
  • The study evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the treatment and outcomes of patients with STEMI in Spain, comparing cohorts treated before and after the pandemic began.
  • It found a significant decrease in both suspected and confirmed STEMI patients, along with a longer ischemic time for those treated during COVID-19; however, the reperfusion strategy remained largely unchanged.
  • In-hospital mortality increased during the COVID-19 period, with a reported rate rising from 5.1% to 7.5%, highlighting a concerning trend in patient outcomes despite consistent treatment methods.
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Objective: This study aims to optimize coronary sinus (CS) computerized tomography (CT) imaging and evaluate its utility for preprocedural planning and intraoperative guidance by overlay of 3D reconstructed CS images on live fluoroscopy.

Background: Optimal CS lead placement for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains challenging. Preprocedural knowledge of CS anatomy can significantly affect procedural outcome.

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The regenerative potential of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has been adapted for the treatment of myocardial and limb ischemia via ex vivo expansion. We sought to enhance EPC function by the efficient genetic modification of EPCs in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Peripheral blood EPCs were expanded and transduced, using adeno-associated virus (AAV).

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Thymic carcinoma is a rare, highly aggressive type of tumor that typically occurs in the anterior mediastinum. We describe the case of a 73-year-old man who presented with weakness, cough, dyspnea, anorexia, and weight loss. An echocardiogram showed an intrapericardial mass that occupied the space around the lateral walls of the left ventricle and distally compressed the right ventricle.

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We report a case of severe deep venous thrombosis (DVT) treated with multimodality therapy that was complicated by sepsis due to thrombus likely infected by Salmonella virchow. We review the current therapeutic options in the therapy of severe DVT and cardiovascular pathology associated with non-typhoid Salmonella.

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A new synthesis and stabilization method was developed for paramagnetic nanoparticles composed of nickel and nickel oxides. Nickel/nickel oxides nanoparticles were synthesized by a method based on ligand displacement of bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)-nickel(0), zerovalent organometallic precursor and simultaneous formation of a thiourea inclusion compound. Nickel/nickel oxides nanoparticles were stabilized with the amphipathic peptide H2N-Cys-Leu-Pro-Phe-Phe-Asp-NH2 having H2N-Leu-Pro-Phe-Phe-Asp-NH2 a peptide with potential properties for Alzheimer's disease therapy.

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Vascular endothelial cells (EC) have been targeted for the treatment of pathological conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, post-angioplasty restenosis and hypertension. Non-pathogenic adeno-associated virus (AAV) has been shown as a good gene delivery tool in a variety of cell lines as well as in animal models. However, AAV has been reported to induce less endothelial cell transduction.

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