Mechanical pulmonic valve thrombosis: expanding role of cardiac CT and multimodality imaging.

We report a case of a 44-year-old man with a clinical history of Tetralogy of Fallot status post staged surgical correction with mechanical pulmonic valve replacement who presented with progressive exertional dyspnea in the setting of non-compliance with anticoagulation. In the context of this suggestive clinical presentation, the diagnosis of mechanical pulmonic valve thrombosis (MPVT) was made possible via multimodality imaging, including transthoracic echocardiogram and cardiac computed tomography angiography. Due to the uncommon nature of the condition, the patient was treated with systemic thrombolysis and anticoagulation using evidence-based guidelines, largely extrapolated from left-sided mechanical valve thrombosis.

The diagnostic and prognostic value of near-normal perfusion or borderline ischemia on stress myocardial perfusion imaging.

Background: Data on the diagnostic and prognostic value of subtle abnormalities on myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) are limited.

Methods And Results: In a retrospective single-center cohort of patients who underwent regadenoson SPECT-MPI, near-normal MPI was defined as normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 50%) and a summed stress score (SSS) of 1-3 vs SSS = 0 in normal MPI. Borderline ischemia was defined as normal LVEF, SSS = 1-3, and a summed difference score (SDS) of 1 vs SDS = 0 in the absence of ischemia.

The prognostic utility of regadenoson SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with end-stage renal disease: The largest cohort to date.

Background: There are limited data on the prognostic utility of regadenoson SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods And Results: In a single-center, retrospective study, we analyzed consecutive ESRD patients who underwent regadenoson SPECT-MPI. The severity of MPI abnormalities and ischemic burden were determined quantitatively.

Acute Pericarditis and Cardiac Tamponade in a Patient with COVID-19: A Therapeutic Challenge.

Unlabelled: We report a case of acute viral pericarditis and cardiac tamponade in a patient with COVID-19 to highlight the associated treatment challenges, especially given the uncertainty associated with the safety of standard treatment. We also discuss complications associated with delayed diagnosis in patients who potentially may need mechanical ventilation.

Learning Points: Large pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade should be considered in patients with COVID-19 who decompensate further after intubation and mechanical ventilation.

The prognostic value of regadenoson SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging: The largest cohort to date.

Background: Data on the prognostic value of regadenoson SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is limited and based on small cohorts.

Methods And Results: We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 10,275 consecutive patients who underwent regadenoson SPECT-MPI. Among the study subjects, 28.

Prognostic value of regadenoson stress myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with left bundle branch block or ventricular paced rhythm.

Background: Vasodilator stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is the provocative test of choice in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) or ventricular paced (V-paced) rhythm. The prognostic value of regadenoson SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in these patients has not been studied.

Methods And Results: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 562 patients [mean age, 69 ± 11 years; men, 53.

Prognostic significance of ischemic electrocardiographic changes with regadenoson stress myocardial perfusion imaging.

Background: In patients undergoing regadenoson SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), the prognostic value of ischemic ST-segment depression (ST↓) and the optimal ST↓ threshold have not been studied.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients referred for regadenoson stress MPI was conducted. Patients with uninterpretable ECG were excluded.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy-Induced Cardiac Free Wall Rupture: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is an acquired form of cardiomyopathy that is commonly seen among post-menopausal women. It is characterized by left ventricular apical ballooning, electrocardiographic changes and mild elevation of cardiac enzymes in the absence of significant coronary artery stenosis. TCM usually has benign course.

Clinical predictors and outcomes of patients with pericardial effusion in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Pericardial effusion is common in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We sought to identify predictors and prognostic impact of pericardial effusion in CKD patients.

Hypothesis: Clinical and biochemical parameters can predict pericardial effusion in CKD patients.

Validation of a Patient-Completed Caprini Risk Assessment Tool for Spanish, Arabic, and Polish Speakers.

Targeted prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) using the Caprini risk score (CRS) is effective reducing postoperative VTE. Despite its availability as preventive strategy, risk scoring remains underutilized. Critics to the CRS contend the time it takes to complete, and its limitation to English language.

Lead and copper contamination of soil from industrial activities and firing ranges.

Lead still remains one of the most thoroughly investigated heavy metals in the environment. Although the identification of lead in soil is a routine matter, its environmental consequence is still much debated because of its potential mobility. We have investigated lead- and copper-contaminated soil from two different areas.

Assessment of trace elements in honey produced on uranium mining reclaimed land.

The concentration of 24 elements in honey produced on uranium mining reclaimed land in Hobson, Texas was investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis. These elements were: As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hf, Hg, K, La, Na, Ni, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Th, U, Zn and Zr. The results obtained were compared to the concentration of the same elements in commercial honey and to the literature values for honey from different countries.

Effect of alternate-day hydrocortisone therapy on the immunologically immature rat. III: Changes in T- and B-cell areas in lymph nodes.

The histologic effects of the alternate-day hydrocortisone therapy (400 mg/M2 from day 7 to day 19 after birth) were studied on the mesenteric lymph nodes of immunologically immature rats. In rats sacrificed 2 days following the cessation of therapy, depletion of lymphocytes of the thymus-independent area was apparent. Smaller lymphocytes were more susceptible to the effect of hydrocortisone than larger ones.

Effect of alternate-day hydrocortisone therapy on the immunologically immature rat. II: Changes in T- and B-cell areas in spleen.

The histologic effect of 400 mg/M2/day of hydrocortisone, given alternatively from day 7 to day 19 after birth, was studied on the spleen of the immunologically immature rat. Two days after the cessation of treatment, the periarteriolar lymphatic sheaths were found to be largely depleted of small lymphocytes. Immunoperoxidase studies confirmed a depletion of T lymphocytes.

Protection of B cells against the effect of alloxan.

Alloxan induces diabetes in laboratory animals through the destruction of the endocrine pancreatic B cells. The mechanism of alloxan toxicity is still obscure. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADPH) treatment on the B cells in isolated rat islets prior to alloxan treatment.

Endocrine pancreas in the postnatal offspring of alloxan diabetic rats.

This study was conducted to investigate the morphological changes in the postnatal pancreatic islets in offspring of diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in female Sprague Dawley rats by intravenous injection of alloxan (40 mg/kg). After 1 week, rats with blood sugar above 270 mg% were bred and watched until spontaneous delivery occurred.

Determination of iodine value by bromine/instrumental neutron activation analysis.

A new microanalytical method has been developed to measure iodine value (IV) of oils and fats. Bromine vapor was used to saturate the ethylenic double bonds, and reacted bromine was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The method was applied to measure the iodine values of 7 commercially available vegetable oils: almond oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, soy oil, sesame oil, corn oil, and olive oil.

Seasonal changes in the prevalence of Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus hypobiotic larvae in tracer goats in Malaysia.

An investigation into the seasonal changes in the population structure of Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus in tracer goats was conducted over 12 months at Serdang, an area in southern West Malaysia with year-round tropical rainfall. Successive groups of parasite-free tracer goats were grazed for a month alongside naturally infected adult goats and necropsied for worm counts 14 days after their removal from pasture. No hypobiotic larvae of Trichostrongylus were recovered.

Experimental study on developing rat kidney after Naja haje envenomation.

In the present experiment 164 pregnant white Wistar rats were used to study the effect of Naja haje (Egyptian cobra) venom on the developing kidney. The rats were divided into 3 groups; a control group, a group receiving one LD50 of N. haje venom and the third injected with 1/8 of LD50.