Effect of isolated left bundle-branch block on biventricular volumes and ejection fraction: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment.

Background: Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is associated with abnormal left ventricular (LV) contraction, and is frequently associated with co-morbid cardiovascular disease, but the effect of an isolated (i.e. in the absence of cardiovascular dissease) LBBB on biventricular volumes and ejection fraction (EF) is not well characterized.

Improving a process to obtain hepatitis B serology among patients treated with infliximab at a large urban children's hospital.

Background: Hepatitis B infection is a significant public health challenge despite improvements in vaccination efforts. Patients such as those on chronic immunosuppressive therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or rheumatic disease may incur greater risk. The risk of reactivation of hepatitis B while on immunosuppressive therapy may have mortality rates up to 25%.

Relationship between native papillary muscle T time and severity of functional mitral regurgitation in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background: Functional mitral regurgitation is one of the severe complications of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Non-contrast native T mapping has emerged as a non-invasive method to evaluate myocardial fibrosis. We sought to evaluate the potential relationship between papillary muscle T time and mitral regurgitation in DCM patients.

Diffuse myocardial fibrosis in patients with mitral valve prolapse and ventricular arrhythmia.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the association of diffuse myocardial fibrosis by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T with complex ventricular arrhythmia (ComVA) in mitral valve prolapse (MVP).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 41 consecutive patients with MVP referred for CMR between 2006 and 2011, and 31 healthy controls. Arrhythmia analysis was available in 23 patients with MVP with Holter/event monitors.

Towards the development of a sustainable soya bean-based feedstock for aquaculture.

Soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is sought after for both its oil and protein components.