Multi-Modality Imaging of Atheromatous Plaques in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Integrating Molecular and Imaging Markers

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common and debilitating condition characterized by the narrowing of the limb arteries, primarily due to atherosclerosis. Non-invasive multi-modality imaging approaches using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear imaging have emerged as valuable tools for assessing PAD atheromatous plaques and vessel walls. This review provides an overview of these different imaging techniques, their advantages, limitations, and recent advancements. In addition, this review highlights the importance of molecular markers, including those related to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, in PAD pathophysiology. The potential of integrating molecular and imaging markers for an improved understanding of PAD is also discussed. Despite the promise of this integrative approach, there remain several challenges, including technical limitations in imaging modalities and the need for novel molecular marker discovery and validation. Addressing these challenges and embracing future directions in the field will be essential for maximizing the potential of molecular and imaging markers for improving PAD patient outcomes

Biallelic mutations in valyl-tRNA synthetase gene VARS are associated with a progressive neurodevelopmental epileptic encephalopathy.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) function to transfer amino acids to cognate tRNA molecules, which are required for protein translation. To date, biallelic mutations in 31 ARS genes are known to cause recessive, early-onset severe multi-organ diseases. VARS encodes the only known valine cytoplasmic-localized aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. Here, we report seven patients from five unrelated families with five different biallelic missense variants in VARS. Subjects present with a range of global developmental delay, epileptic encephalopathy and primary or progressive microcephaly. Longitudinal assessment demonstrates progressive cortical atrophy and white matter volume loss. Variants map to the VARS tRNA binding domain and adjacent to the anticodon domain, and disrupt highly conserved residues. Patient primary cells show intact VARS protein but reduced enzymatic activity, suggesting partial loss of function. The implication of VARS in pediatric neurodegeneration broadens the spectrum of human diseases due to mutations in tRNA synthetase genes

Review of patency rates between one-stage and two-stage brachial-basilic transposition arteriovenous fistulae creation in an asian population

Objective: To compare patency rates between one- and two-stage (first-stage arteriovenous anastomosis followed by second-stage superficialization) creation of brachial-basilic transposition arteriovenous fistula (BBT-AVF) in an Asian population. Methods: A retrospective review of BBT-AVFs was conducted between July 2008 and March 2015. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log-rank test were used to evaluate patency. Results: In total, 103 BBT-AVFs were created in 86 patients (mean age, 61 years; men, 57%). The overall primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months were 70%, 48%, 38%, and 35%; 86%, 70%, 62%, and 59%; and 90%, 77%, 70%, and 63%, respectively. There was no significant difference in demographics and preoperative vessel caliber between the groups. The primary failure rate was 24% in the one-stage group, compared with 21% in the two-stage group (p=0.803). There were no statistically significant differences in primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates between the groups. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in primary failure and patency rates between the two groups. Both one-stage and two-stage procedures conferred good outcomes with overall 12-month primary patency, secondary patency, and primary failure rates of 70%, 90%, and 23%, respectively.Published versio

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on choice of central venous access device for delivery of chemotherapy

Ensuring reliable central venous access with the fewest complications is vital for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. A systematic review and network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the safety, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of different types of central venous access devices (CVADs) for patients receiving chemotherapy

sj-xlsx-2-ijl-10.1177_15347346241233962 - Supplemental material for A Systematic Review and Classification of Factors Influencing Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment Adherence, in Accordance With the WHO Dimensions of Adherence to Long-Term Therapies

Supplemental material, sj-xlsx-2-ijl-10.1177_15347346241233962 for A Systematic Review and Classification of Factors Influencing Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment Adherence, in Accordance With the WHO Dimensions of Adherence to Long-Term Therapies by Gwyneth WY Ng, Keith F Gan, Huiling Liew, Lixia Ge, Gary Ang, Joseph Molina, Yan Sun, Prajwala S Prakash, Keerthi B Harish and Zhiwen Joseph Lo in The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds</p

sj-docx-1-ijl-10.1177_15347346241233962 - Supplemental material for A Systematic Review and Classification of Factors Influencing Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment Adherence, in Accordance With the WHO Dimensions of Adherence to Long-Term Therapies

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-ijl-10.1177_15347346241233962 for A Systematic Review and Classification of Factors Influencing Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment Adherence, in Accordance With the WHO Dimensions of Adherence to Long-Term Therapies by Gwyneth WY Ng, Keith F Gan, Huiling Liew, Lixia Ge, Gary Ang, Joseph Molina, Yan Sun, Prajwala S Prakash, Keerthi B Harish and Zhiwen Joseph Lo in The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds</p