Three-Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography for Semiautomated Analysis of the Tricuspid Annulus: Validation and Normal Values.

Background: The expansion of tricuspid valve (TV) interventions has underscored the need for accurate and reproducible three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) tools for evaluating the tricuspid annulus and for 3D normal values of this structure. The aims of this study were to develop new semi-automated software for 3D TTE analysis of the tricuspid annulus, compare its accuracy and reproducibility against those of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) reference, and determine normative values.

Methods: Three-dimensional TTE images of 113 patients with variable degrees of tricuspid regurgitation were analyzed using the new semiautomated software and conventional MPR methodology (as the reference standard), each by three independent readers.

AUTOMATED VENTRICLE PARCELLATION AND EVAN'S RATIO COMPUTATION IN PRE- AND POST-SURGICAL VENTRICULOMEGALY.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a brain disorder associated with enlarged ventricles and multiple cognitive and motor symptoms. The degree of ventricular enlargement can be measured using magnetic resonance images (MRIs) and characterized quantitatively using the Evan's ratio (ER). Automatic computation of ER is desired to avoid the extra time and variations associated with manual measurements on MRI.

Deep learning assisted measurement of echocardiographic left heart parameters: improvement in interobserver variability and workflow efficiency.

Machine learning techniques designed to recognize views and perform measurements are increasingly used to address the need for automation of the interpretation of echocardiographic images. The current study was designed to determine whether a recently developed and validated deep learning (DL) algorithm for automated measurements of echocardiographic parameters of left heart chamber size and function can improve the reproducibility and shorten the analysis time, compared to the conventional methodology. The DL algorithm trained to identify standard views and provide automated measurements of 20 standard parameters, was applied to images obtained in 12 randomly selected echocardiographic studies.

The Role of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Assessing Neurovascular Compression Before Microvascular Decompression in Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Background: Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a standard component of the preoperative clinical workup for patients before microvascular decompression (MVD). However, its ability to accurately exclude neurovascular compression of the trigeminal nerve is not well understood.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1020 patients with available preoperative MRI data before microvascular decompression.

A joint ventricle and WMH segmentation from MRI for evaluation of healthy and pathological changes in the aging brain.

Age-related changes in brain structure include atrophy of the brain parenchyma and white matter changes of presumed vascular origin. Enlargement of the ventricles may occur due to atrophy or impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation. The co-occurrence of these changes in neurodegenerative diseases and in aging brains often requires investigators to take both into account when studying the brain, however, automated segmentation of enlarged ventricles and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) can be a challenging task.

High resolution 3D magnetic resonance imaging of Gruber's ligament: a pilot study.

Introduction: Gruber's ligament (GL), a surgical landmark, extends from the lateral upper clivus to the petrous apex (PA), forming the superior boundary of Dorello's canal (DC). It overlies the interdural segment of the abducens nerve (CN VI). High-resolution 3D skull base MRI (SB-MRI) demonstrates anatomic details visible to the surgeon, but not well seen on traditional cross-sectional imaging.

Draft Genome Sequence of sp. Strain MMG025, Isolated from Giant Kelp.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of sp. strain MMG025, isolated from the surface of giant kelp and assembled and analyzed by undergraduate students participating in a marine microbial genomics course. A genomic comparison suggests that MMG025 is a novel species, providing a resource for future microbiology and biotechnology investigations.

Systematic volumetric analysis predicts response to CSF drainage and outcome to shunt surgery in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Objectives: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles, which can be diagnosed by invasive CSF drainage test and treated by shunt placement. Here, we aim to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic power of systematic volumetric analysis based on brain structural MRI for INPH.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study with a cohort of 104 probable INPH patients who underwent CSF drainage tests and another cohort of 41 INPH patients who had shunt placement.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Healthy Adult Individuals: Results of the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography Normal Values Study.

Background: The World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography (WASE) study was conducted to describe echocardiographic normal values in adults and to compare races and nationalities using a uniform acquisition and measurement protocol. This report focuses on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function.

Methods: WASE is an international, cross-sectional study.

Does Tweeting Improve Citations? One-Year Results From the TSSMN Prospective Randomized Trial.

Background: The Thoracic Surgery Social Media Network (TSSMN) is a collaborative effort of leading journals in cardiothoracic surgery to highlight publications via social media. This study aims to evaluate the 1-year results of a prospective randomized social media trial to determine the effect of tweeting on subsequent citations and nontraditional bibliometrics.

Methods: A total of 112 representative original articles were randomized 1:1 to be tweeted via TSSMN or a control (non-tweeted) group.

High-Resolution MRI for Evaluation of Ventriculostomy Tubes: Assessment of Positioning and Proximal Patency.

Background And Purpose: Imaging evaluation of ventriculostomy tubes, despite the frequency of malfunction, has remained inadequate due to the absence of a systematic way of assessing the catheter itself. In this retrospective review, we assessed the utility of high-resolution 3D MR imaging techniques, including CISS and volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination sequences, in the evaluation of ventriculostomy catheters.

Materials And Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 23 clinical MR imaging cases of shunted hydrocephalus spanning a 3-year period, all depicting ventriculostomy catheters.

The Association of Trauma Center Transport and Long-term Functional Outcomes in Head-injured Older Adults Transported by Emergency Medical Services.

Objective: It is unclear whether trauma center care is associated with improved outcomes in older adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to management at nontrauma centers. Our primary objectives were to describe the long-term outcomes of older adults with TBI and to evaluate the association of trauma center transport with long-term functional outcome.

Methods: This was a prospective, observational study at five emergency medical services (EMS) agencies and 11 hospitals representing all 9-1-1 transfers within a county.

Similarities and Differences in Left Ventricular Size and Function among Races and Nationalities: Results of the World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography Normal Values Study.

Background: The World Alliance Societies of Echocardiography (WASE) Normal Values Study evaluates individuals from multiple countries and races with the aim of describing normative values that could be applied to the global community worldwide and to determine differences and similarities among people from different countries and races. The present report focuses specifically on two-dimensional (2D) left ventricular (LV) dimensions, volumes, and systolic function.

Methods: The WASE Normal Values Study is a multicenter international, observational, prospective, cross-sectional study of healthy adult individuals.

Examining the Psychosocial Needs of Adolescents With Craniofacial Conditions: A Mixed-Methods Approach.

Objective: To determine, for intervention development, the psychosocial needs of adolescents diagnosed with a craniofacial condition who attended focus group sessions.

Design: A mixed-methods design combining qualitative focus groups with quantitative measures.

Setting: An outpatient clinic at a major medical center in Manhattan, New York.

The Thoracic Surgery Social Media Network: Early experience and lessons learned.

Background: The Thoracic Surgery Social Media Network (TSSMN) is a social media collaborative formed in 2015 by The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery to bring social media attention to key publications from both journals and to highlight major accomplishments in the specialty. Our aim is to describe TSSMN's preliminary experience and lessons learned.

Methods: Twitter analytics was used to obtain information regarding the @TSSMN Twitter handle and #TSSMN hashtag.

The Thoracic Surgery Social Media Network: Early Experience and Lessons Learned.

Background: The Thoracic Surgery Social Media Network (TSSMN) is a social media collaborative formed in 2015 by The Annals of Thoracic Surgery and The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery to bring social media attention to key publications from both journals and to highlight major accomplishments in the specialty. Our aim is to describe TSSMN's preliminary experience and lessons learned.

Methods: Twitter analytics was used to obtain information regarding the @TSSMN Twitter handle and #TSSMN hashtag.

Social Media Improves Cardiothoracic Surgery Literature Dissemination: Results of a Randomized Trial.

Background: The Thoracic Surgery Social Media Network (TSSMN) represents a collaborative effort of leading journals in cardiothoracic surgery to highlight publications via social media, specifically Twitter. We conducted a prospective randomized trial to determine the effect of scheduled tweeting on nontraditional bibliometrics of dissemination.

Methods: A total of 112 representative original articles (2017-2018) were selected and randomized 1:1 to an intervention group to be tweeted via TSSMN or a control (non-tweeted) group.

Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound as a Consideration in the Patient Selection Process for Facial Transplantation.

Facial transplantation is emerging as a therapeutic option for self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The self-inflicted nature of this injury raises questions about the appropriate role of self-harm in determining patient eligibility. Potential candidates for facial transplantation undergo extensive psychosocial screening.