Prevalence of aortoiliac aneurysms in solid organ transplant recipients using the National Inpatient Sample database.

Objective: Single-center studies have suggested that solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for arterial aneurysms. Moreover, they describe a more aggressive natural history with increased rates of expansion and rupture. In this exploratory analysis, we aimed to assess the frequency of arterial aneurysms in solid organ transplant recipients using a large-scale national database.

Psychometric Properties of a Digital Goniometer in Upper and Lower Cervical Range of Motion Measurement.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the intrarater reliability and criterion validity of a digital goniometer for measuring cervical range of motion including an active sitting version of the cervical flexion rotation test, an important clinical measure for capturing upper cervical dysfunction.

Methods: A cross-sectional study (n = 18; 78% women) examined total cervical and upper cervical active ranges of motion (flexion, extension, side bending, rotation) measured concurrently using 3 measurement methods (a digital goniometer, the cervical range-of-motion instrument, and 3-dimensional motion analysis). Intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1), Pearson correlation coefficients (digital goniometer versus 3-dimensional motion analysis), and minimum detectable change were calculated.

Paraventricular oxytocin neurons impact energy intake and expenditure: projections to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis reduce sucrose consumption.

Background: The part played by oxytocin and oxytocin neurons in the regulation of food intake is controversial. There is much pharmacological data to support a role for oxytocin notably in regulating sugar consumption, however, several recent experiments have questioned the importance of oxytocin neurons themselves.

Methods: Here we use a combination of histological and chemogenetic techniques to investigate the selective activation or inhibition of oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (Oxt).

Small apolipoprotein(a) isoforms may predict primary patency following peripheral arterial revascularization.

Background: High lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is associated with adverse limb events in patients undergoing lower extremity revascularization. Lp(a) levels are genetically pre-determined, with gene encoding for two apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)] isoforms. Isoform size variations are driven by the number of kringle IV type 2 (KIV-2) repeats.

Practice patterns in utilization of atherectomy and embolic protection devices in inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

Objective: The frequency of atherectomy in lower extremity arterial disease has increased substantially over the past several years, specifically in the office-based laboratory (OBL) setting, yet the efficacy compared with other interventions and the consequences of distal embolization remain unknown. Embolic protection devices (EPDs) have been used at varying rates depending on physician and practice setting. Previous studies have described lesion characteristics to consider when weighing the benefits and drawbacks associated with device use.