Green environments and cardiovascular health.

Several large epidemiological studies have found robust associations between greenness and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). These studies report that close residential proximity to greenness is associated with a decrease in cardiovascular mortality as well as major adverse cardiovascular events. Although mechanisms underlying this link are not well understood, the beneficial health effects of greenness have been linked to its ability to relieve stress, decrease air pollution, and encourage physical activity.

G1961E mutant allele in the Stargardt disease gene ABCA4 causes bull's eye maculopathy.

The aim of this study was to characterize the pathological and functional consequences of the G1961E mutant allele in the Stargardt disease gene ABCA4. Data from 15 patients were retrospectively reviewed and all the patients had at least one G1961E mutation. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination, full-field and pattern electroretinograms, and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging were performed on all patients.

Malrotation with volvulus of the transverse colon and duodenal obstruction secondary to Ladd's bands.

Colonic volvulus is a relatively uncommon cause of large bowel obstruction, accounting for 10% of colonic obstructions. Volvulus of the transverse colon is quite rare, accounting for only 4-11% of all reported cases of colonic volvulus (Kerry RL, Ransom HK. Volvulus of the colon: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Narrowing of the proximal jejunal limbs at their passage through the transverse mesocolon: a potential pitfall of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Objective: We reviewed images obtained in patients who had recently undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures, noting radiographic appearances and possible complications.

Conclusion: In five (45%) of 11 patients, we observed a focal area of circumferential narrowing of the proximal jejunal Roux-en-Y loop. This narrowing corresponded to the site of multiple circumferential sutures from the edge of the hiatus created in the transverse mesocolon to the serosa of the traversing jejunal Roux-en-Y loop as the latter courses superiorly to join the gastric pouch.

Demonstration of inferior phrenic arteries on spiral CT--case report.

An unusual case is presented in which normal noncollateral left and right inferior phrenic arteries (IPAs) are clearly visualized on two successive CT axial sections for long continuous lengths of their courses, presumably due to their relative horizontal orientation. They are both noted to penetrate the diaphragm (infradiaphragmatic to supradiaphragmatic) as a normal variation. There was no liver pathology, other tumor, or other unusual anatomy.

The cisterna chyli: incidence and characteristics on CT.

The objective of this study was primarily to determine the incidence of the cisterna chyli (CC) on computed tomography (CT). Its radiologic characteristics were also evaluated. Retrospective review of 403 randomly chosen CT cases was made.