Celiac trunk angiography with balloon occlusion of splenic artery for diagnosis and treatment of splenic steal syndrome.

Splenic steal syndrome (SSS) post liver transplant is a potential cause of graft dysfunction in the setting of peripheral hepatic arterial bed resistance and redirection of blood flow to a dominant splenic artery resulting in reduction of hepatic arterial inflow. We report utilization of balloon occlusion of the proximal splenic artery as an objective measure to confirm the diagnosis of SSS in a patient with orthotopic liver transplant followed by successful treatment with proximal splenic artery embolization using Gelfoam and Amplatzer vascular plug. Written informed consent for the publication of this case report was obtained from the patient.

International Counseling Values: Recognizing Valued Approaches Identified by International Counseling Professionals Through Qualitative Inquiry.

People may assume that the counseling profession functions with a shared set of values that promote well-being and mental health to individuals, families, and communities across the globe. Common values, such as described in training programs, ethical codes, and other areas, reflect the approach and direction for providing professional counseling services among counseling professionals throughout the world. The researchers designed this qualitative study using a phenomenological approach to explore how counseling values are experienced and implemented across various cultures.

Efficient entry of cell-penetrating peptide nona-arginine into adherent cells involves a transient increase in intracellular calcium.

Understanding the mechanism of entry of cationic peptides such as nona-arginine (R9) into cells remains an important challenge to their use as efficient drug-delivery vehicles. At nanomolar to low micromolar R9 concentrations and at physiological temperature, peptide entry involves endocytosis. In contrast, at a concentration ≥10 μM, R9 induces a very effective non-endocytic entry pathway specific for cationic peptides.