Assessment of revascularization impact on microvascular oxygenation and perfusion using spatial frequency domain imaging.

The microvasculature (with vessels <100 μm in diameter) plays a crucial role in tissue oxygenation, perfusion and wound healing in the lower limb. While this holds clinical significance, microvasculature evaluation in the limbs is not a standard practice. Surgical interventions focus on reestablishing blood flow in larger vessels affected by the peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Association between race/ethnicity and the risk of amputation of lower extremities among medicare beneficiaries with diabetic foot ulcers and diabetic foot infections.

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the association of race and ethnicity on the risk of lower extremity amputations among Medicare beneficiaries with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and diabetic foot infections (DFIs).

Research Design And Methods: A retrospective study included 2011-2015 data of a 5% sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with a newly diagnosed DFU and/or DFI. The primary outcome was the time to the first major amputation episode after a DFU and/or DFI were identified using the diagnosis and procedure codes.

Correction: Disparities in outcomes of patients admitted with diabetic foot infections.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Disparities in outcomes of patients admitted with diabetic foot infections.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the disparities in the outcomes of White, African American (AA) and non-AA minority (Hispanics and Native Americans (NA)), patients admitted in the hospitals with diabetic foot infections (DFIs).

Research Design And Methods: The HCUP-Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002 to 2015) was queried to identify patients who were admitted to the hospital for management of DFI using ICD-9 codes. Outcomes evaluated included minor and major amputations, open or endovascular revascularization, and hospital length of stay (LOS).

Endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 is a marker for high-risk carotid plaques and target for ultrasound molecular imaging.

Background: Molecular imaging of carotid plaque vulnerability to atheroembolic events is likely to lead to improvements in selection of patients for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The aims of this study were to assess the relative value of endothelial inflammatory markers for this application and to develop molecular ultrasound contrast agents for their imaging.

Methods: Human CEA specimens were obtained prospectively from asymptomatic (30) and symptomatic (30) patients.

RhoGEF and positioning of rappaport-like furrows in the early Drosophila embryo.

Early Drosophila embryogenesis is characterized by shifting from astral microtubule-based to central spindle-based positioning of cleavage furrows. Before cellularization, astral microtubules determine metaphase furrow position by producing Rappaport-like furrows, which encompass rather than bisect the spindle. Their positioning is explained by our finding that the conserved central spindle components centralspindlin (mKLP1 and RacGAP50C), Polo, and Fascetto (Prc1) localize to the astral microtubule overlap region.