Cardiac Applications of PET/MR Imaging.

Simultaneous acquisition PET/MR imaging combines the anatomic capabilities of cardiac MR imaging with quantitative capabilities of both PET and MR imaging. Cardiac PET/MR imaging has the potential not only to assess cardiac tumors but also to provide thorough assessment of myocardial ischemia, infarction, and function and specific characterization of cardiomyopathies, such as cardiac sarcoid. In this article, the authors start with a discussion of the technical challenges specific to cardiovascular PET/MR imaging followed by a discussion of the use of PET/MR imaging in various cardiovascular conditions.

Disease-specific cardiovascular positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging: a brief review of the current literature.

The hybrid positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) is a new imaging tool that has garnered immense research interest for its potentials to assist clinical investigations. PET/MR combines the quantitative measurement of PET with dynamic functional and anatomic assessment of MR and can deliver a robust clinical examination. Currently, simultaneous cardiovascular PET/MR imaging remains in the pre-clinical research stage, and most institutions have not adopted a clinical PET/MR clinical imaging service.

Use of an atriocaval shunt in a trauma patient: first reported case in Hawai'i.

Background: Traumatic injuries to the retrohepatic vena cava are typically fatal. Emergent access to this area is difficult and patients typically exsanguinate before the injury can be identified and fixed.

Objective: To report the use of an atriocaval shunt in the repair of an injury to the retrohepatic vena cava from a gunshot wound.

Analysis of 14-3-3 family member function in Xenopus embryos by microinjection of antisense morpholino oligos.

The 14-3-3 intracellular phosphoserine/threonine-binding proteins are adapter molecules that regulate signal transduction, cell cycle, nutrient sensing, apoptotic, and cytoskeletal pathways. There are seven 14-3-3 family members, encoded by separate genes, in vertebrate organisms. To evaluate the role of individual 14-3-3 proteins in vertebrate embryonic development, we utilized an antisense morpholino oligo microinjection technique in Xenopus laevis embryos.

The 14-3-3tau phosphoserine-binding protein is required for cardiomyocyte survival.

14-3-3 family members are intracellular dimeric phosphoserine-binding proteins that regulate signal transduction, cell cycle, apoptotic, and metabolic cascades. Previous work with global 14-3-3 protein inhibitors suggested that these proteins play a critical role in antagonizing apoptotic cell death in response to provocative stimuli. To determine the specific role of one family member in apoptosis, mice were generated with targeted disruption of the 14-3-3tau gene.

Valve replacement in endocarditis: setting limits in noncompliant intravenous drug abusers.

An intravenous (IV) drug abuser underwent repeated valve replacements because of recurrent infective endocarditis. Is it ethically permissible to withhold valve surgery in a recalcitrant, noncompliant IV drug abuser? We believe so, and in our analysis, discuss the principles of futility, rationing, personal responsibility, and justice. Because of her continued drug abuse, the patient is responsible and accountable for the medical consequences.

Differential role of 14-3-3 family members in Xenopus development.

The 14-3-3 proteins are intracellular dimeric phosphoserine/threonine binding molecules that participate in signal transduction, checkpoint control, nutrient sensing, and cell survival pathways. Previous work established that 14-3-3 proteins are required in early Xenopus laevis development by modulating fibroblast growth factor signaling. Although this general requirement for 14-3-3 proteins in Xenopus early embryogenesis is established, there is no information about the specific role of individual 14-3-3 genes.