Robert Gross MD and the Birth of Pediatric Heart Surgery.

Robert Gross performed the first repair of a patent ductus arteriosus in 1938. His life and career were dedicated to the advancement of vascular, cardiac, pediatric surgery, and the unrelenting care of his patients.

Therapeutic Angiogenesis and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review.

After the success of novel angiogenesis inhibitors in cancer treatment, angiogenesis promotors for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease became the target of significant research. Promising results in animal models led to numerous randomized control trials that failed to translate into meaningful clinical results. The goal of this review is to describe the history of investigation into therapeutic angiogenesis for cardiovascular disease and discuss the lessons learned and future directions.

Marijuana and Vascular Disease: A Review.

Marijuana use is common and increasing due to decriminalization, legalization, and expansion of medical use. As a result, the proportion of vascular patients with marijuana is also expected to increase, raising questions if cannabis use affects the incidence and outcomes of vascular disease. Active ingredients of cannabis have been shown to interact with receptors found on vascular endothelium, promoting oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction.

Continuation Rates of the Etonogestrel Implant and Factors Associated With Early Discontinuation.

Background: The etonogestrel implant is generally considered an effective, three-year, long-acting reversible contraceptive device. Previous research, such as the landmark CHOICE study, has reported a one-year continuation rate of 72% to 84%, however, in a real-world setting these rates may be significantly lower.

Objective: To study etonogestrel implant continuation rates and factors associated with early discontinuation in a specific clinical setting.

The Evolution of Current Management for Carotid Artery Bifurcation Disease.

Options for treatment of symptomatic carotid bifurcation disease include carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). While over the years CEA has established itself as the gold standard for carotid artery revascularization, results from recent trials have shown CAS to be safe and effective in selected patients. This review details the evolution of carotid artery bifurcation disease by highlighting key clinical trials.

A Case of Right Subclavian Artery Agenesis.

The authors present a 12-year-old male with an asymptomatic absence of the proximal right subclavian artery. On physical examination, his right brachial, radial, and ulnar pulses were diminished compared with the left side. Computed tomographic angiography revealed that the right subclavian artery was supplied from the anterior right internal mammary artery.

Stents in the Management of Stenotic and Occlusive Lesions in the Venous System.

Occlusive disease of the iliac veins or major intrathoracic veins have traditionally been managed by conservative management or by major vascular reconstructive procedures. Over the past 15-20 years, these lesions have become amenable to management with venous stents. Lesions in the iliac venous system are typically due to thrombus secondary to deep vein thrombosis, and lesions in the superior vena cava are due to either malignant intrathoracic lesions, indwelling central venous catheters, pacemaker leads, or enlarged nodes due to granulomatous disease.

Glioma and temozolomide induced alterations in gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome is fundamental in neurogenesis processes. Alterations in microbial constituents promote inflammation and immunosuppression. Recently, in immune-oncology, specific microbial taxa have been described to enhance the effects of therapeutic modalities.

Landscape of Genomic Alterations in Wild-Type Glioblastoma Identifies PI3K as a Favorable Prognostic Factor.

Purpose: wild-type (WT) glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor with poor survival despite current therapies. The aim of this study was to characterize its genomic profile and determine whether a particular molecular signature is associated with improved survival outcomes.

Patients And Methods: Tumor samples from 232 patients with -WT GBM were sequenced, and the landscape of genomic alterations was fully delineated.

Additional genetic alterations in BRAF-mutant gliomas correlate with histologic diagnoses.

Introduction: Recently, the term "Diffuse glioma, BRAF V600E-mutant" has been recommended for IDH-wildtype gliomas with BRAF p.V600E mutation and without CDKN2A/B deletion. However, additional alterations in gliomas that coexist with BRAF-mutations are poorly defined.

Acute Aortic Occlusion and Its Sequelae: Metabolic, Pathologic Etiology, and Management.

Acute occlusion of the abdominal aorta is a catastrophic occurrence that results in high risk of limb loss and death. The etiology has historically been either acute embolism obstructing the aortic bifurcation in 8% to 75% of patients, or thrombosis of existing aorta-iliac occlusive disease in 35% to 84% of patients. Other etiologies include thrombosis of either a previously placed endograft or aortic graft or acute dissection.

Middle Aortic Syndrome in a Child-Bearing Age Patient.

We report a rare case of a 30-year-old female who had a long-standing history of middle aortic syndrome that was being managed nonsurgically. She presented with hypertension and buttock pain with plans to become pregnant. She underwent an aortoiliac bypass.

Author Correction: Time-lapse imagery and volunteer classifications from the Zooniverse Penguin Watch project.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.