Association of epicardial fat with noncalcified coronary plaque volume and with low attenuation plaque in people with HIV.

Objectives: People with HIV are exposed to a higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with the general population. Epicardial fat may play a unique role in promoting coronary atherosclerosis. We measured epicardial fat in participants living with HIV and controls and investigated its association with coronary plaque volume and low attenuation plaque, a marker of plaque vulnerability.

Inflammation and Hypervascularization in a Large Animal Model of Knee Osteoarthritis: Imaging with Pathohistologic Correlation.

Purpose: To evaluate if synovial inflammation and hypervascularization are present in a dog model of knee osteoarthritis and can be detected on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI), and quantitative digital subtraction angiography (Q-DSA) imaging.

Materials And Methods: Six dogs underwent MRI and angiography of both knees before and 12 weeks after right knee anterior cruciate ligament injury. Synovial vascularity was evaluated on CE-MRI, DCE-MRI, and Q-DSA by 2 independent observers.

Shear wave elasticity imaging for residual endoleak and thrombus characterisation after endoleak embolisation following endovascular aneurysm repair: a canine animal study.

Background: To evaluate residual endoleak and thrombus organisation with shear wave imaging (SWI) after endoleak embolisation through an animal study.

Methods: This prospective experimental study involved eight dogs with creation of 16 iliac aneurysms and type I endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Embolisation agents were injected into the sac to seal endoleak.

LI-RADS for CT diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: performance of major and ancillary features.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2017 major features, the impact of ancillary features, and categories on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study included 59 patients (104 observations including 72 HCCs) with clinical suspicion of HCC undergoing CECT between 2013 and 2016. Two radiologists independently assessed major and ancillary imaging features for each liver observation and assigned a LI-RADS category based on major features only and in combination with ancillary features.

Stabilization of renal function after the first year of follow-up in kidney transplant recipients treated for significant BK polyomavirus infection or BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy.

Background: BK polyomavirus virus (BKPyV) screening and immunosuppression reduction effectively prevent graft loss due to BKPyV-associated nephropathy (BKPVAN) during the first year after transplantation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of this infection during longer follow-up periods.

Methods: We reviewed the outcome of our screening and immunosuppression reduction protocol in 305 patients who received a kidney transplant between March 2008 and January 2013.

Anxiety, depression and PTSD-related symptoms in spouses and close relatives of burn survivors: When the supporter needs to be supported.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression and PTSD-related symptoms reported by spouses and close relatives of adult burn survivors. Potential associations between these symptoms and variables such as the severity of the burn were also explored.

Method: Participants were spouses (n=31) and close relatives (n=25) of hospitalized patients with acute burns.

Detection of Steatohepatitis in a Rat Model by Using Spectroscopic Shear-Wave US Elastography.

Purpose To compare low- versus high-frequency ultrasonographic (US) elastography for detection of steatohepatitis in rats by using histopathologic findings as the reference standard. Materials and Methods Between March and September 2014, after receiving approval from the institutional animal care committee, 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a standard chow for 4 weeks or a methionine- and choline-deficient diet for 1, 4, 8, or 12 weeks to induce a continuum of steatohepatitis severity. Liver shear stiffness was assessed in vivo by using US elastography at low (40-130-Hz) and high (130-220-Hz) frequencies.

Value of mechanical dyssynchrony as assessed by radionuclide ventriculography to predict the cardiac resynchronization therapy response.

Aims: To assess the value of mechanical dyssynchrony measured by equilibrium radionuclide angiography (ERNA) in predicting long-term outcome in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patients.

Methods And Results: We reviewed 146 ERNA studies performed in heart failure patients between 2001 and 2011 at our institution. Long-term follow-up focused on death from any cause or heart transplantation.

Neutrophil count is associated with survival in localized prostate cancer.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests a close relationship between systemic inflammation and cancer development and progression. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been shown to be an independent prognostic indicator in various advanced and localized cancers. We investigated the influence of markers of systemic inflammation such as leucocyte counts and metabolic co-morbidities on overall survival (OS) after radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer.