Detection of coronary artery disease in postmenopausal women: the significance of integrated stress imaging tests in a 4-year prognostic study.

Background: The present prospective study investigated whether a combined approach integrating two different stress imaging modalities may improve the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic impact of non-invasive coronary artery disease (CAD) tests in postmenopausal women. In women non-invasive tests for detecting CAD are less accurate than in men, leading to a high proportion of unnecessary coronary angiographies (CAs).

Methods: 424 consecutive postmenopausal women (mean 61 ± 7 years, mean Reynolds Risk Score 13 ± 3 %) with symptoms suggestive of CAD were prospectively included and followed up for 4 ± 1 years.

Cognitive flexibility in juvenile anorexia nervosa patients before and after weight recovery.

Deficits in set-shifting abilities have been robustly described in adult patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). These deficits are associated with behavioral traits, such as rigidity and perfectionism, and are independent of starvation. However, little is known about neurocognitive deficits in juvenile patients with AN.

Biocompatibility of PLGA/sP(EO-stat-PO)-coated mesh surfaces under constant shearing stress.

Background: In order to allow inflammatory response modification and ultimately improvement in tissue remodeling, we developed a new surface modification for meshes that will serve as a carrier for other substances. Biocompatibility is tested in an animal model.

Methods: The animal model for diaphragmatic hernia repair was established in prior studies.

Heavy silicone oil versus standard silicone oil in as vitreous tamponade in inferior PVR (HSO Study): interim analysis.

Purpose: The Heavy Silicone Oil versus Standard Silicone Oil Study (HSO study) is designed to answer the question whether a heavier-than-water tamponade improves the prognosis of eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) of the lower retina.

Methods: The HSO Study is a multicentre, randomized, prospective, controlled clinical trial stratified by surgeon comparing two endotamponades within a two-arm parallel-group design. Patients with inferiorly and posteriorly located PVR grade C-A6 were randomized to either HSO or standard silicone oil as a tamponading agent.

Layer-specific analysis of myocardial function for accurate prediction of reversible ischaemic dysfunction in intermediate viability defined by contrast-enhanced MRI.

Background: Contrast-enhanced MRI (ceMRI) has impaired accuracy in the prediction of functional recovery after revascularisation in cases of intermediate myocardial viability.

Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of layer-specific myocardial deformation analysis for improvement in ischaemic dysfunction after revascularisation.

Methods: In 132 patients with ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction undergoing revascularisation, myocardial viability was assessed by pixel-tracking-derived myocardial deformation imaging and ceMRI.

Association between neuroendocrinological parameters and learning and memory functions in adolescent anorexia nervosa before and after weight recovery.

A growing body of evidence indicates that hormones play an important role in learning and memory functions as well as in mood modulation. During the acute stage of anorexia nervosa (AN), weight loss has a significant effect on serum levels of estrogen, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. Furthermore deficits in learning and memory functions are evident in patients with eating disorders during emaciation.

Chronic kidney disease aggravates arteriovenous fistula damage in rats.

Neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) and impaired dilatation are important contributors to arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure. It is unclear whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) itself causes adverse remodeling in arterialized veins. Here we determined if CKD specifically triggers adverse effects on vascular remodeling and assessed whether these changes affect the function of AVFs.