The April 2018 issue of Vascular Medicine explores the latest imaging and diagnostic techniques for vascular disease. Key findings include updates on ABI testing, duplex ultrasound, MRA, and CTA, as well as recent advances in MRI for patients with PAD.
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Researchers at UCSB used star ascidian to study the interaction between cells and their physical environment, finding a mechanism that allows blood vessels to shrink without impeding blood flow. This discovery has implications for understanding cellular development and metastasis in cancer.
A recent study found that high blood sugar following leg surgery is common and associated with poorer outcomes, including increased infection rates, hospital stays, and mortality. Patients without diabetes were also at a higher risk of complications, highlighting the importance of glucose management in surgical interventions.
A new progeria-on-a-chip model has provided insights into the mechanisms of premature aging and vascular disease. The study found that cells from HGPS donors exhibited an exacerbated response to biomechanical strain, leading to increased inflammation.
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Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a set of guidelines for assessing vascular cognitive impairment, which can help determine the likelihood that cognitive decline was caused by vascular disease. The guidelines are based on pathological criteria and can be used to streamline research into dementia.
A new study found a correlation between microscopic brain damage and impaired cognitive performance in patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease. The researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to assess white matter tract skeleton mean diffusivity, which showed the closest correlation with cognitive impairment.
A new study reveals an unconventional antibody that targets the patient's vascular response to sepsis, converting a harmful protein into a protective one. This approach stabilizes blood vessels, strengthens barrier function, and quells systemic inflammation, prolonging survival in mice with sepsis.
The Society for Vascular Medicine coalition advocates for PAD treatment guidelines that improve health outcomes in Medicare beneficiaries. The recommendations include reclassifying the ankle brachial index, comprehensive medical intervention, and supervised exercise training programs.
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Elsevier has launched a new open access journal, Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases, to publish high-quality case reports on all aspects of vascular diseases. The journal aims to provide novel and timely information to practicing clinicians and researchers in the field.
Researchers found that African Americans have impaired blood flow regulation in the brain, contributing to a greater risk of stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases. The study suggests underlying mechanisms of blood vessel dysfunction occur in relatively young and healthy African Americans.
Newly created endothelial colony-forming cells can proliferate into human blood vessels, restoring blood flow in mice with damaged tissues. The discovery opens the door for potential treatments for diseases like amputation and blindness.
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The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study found that low levels of physical activity combined with heavy use of electronic media increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and vascular diseases in 6-8 year-old children. Heavy electronic media use is also linked to higher risk factors even in physically active children.
A study found that longer diabetes duration is associated with brain volume loss and grey matter shrinkage, contrary to previous assumptions about its impact on small vessel ischemic disease. The researchers suggest potential implications for cognitive decline in patients with diabetes.
A new classification system for emergency operations has been implemented in Finland, allowing for fair and efficient management of a large volume of such surgeries. The system has objectively measurable benefits, including decreased nighttime emergency operations without compromising elective surgeries.
A phase 2 study found that GM-CSF therapy did not improve treadmill walking time in patients with intermittent claudication, a common symptom of peripheral artery disease. The treatment may still warrant further investigation due to observed secondary outcomes.
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Researchers identify ATRX as a crucial gene in maintaining genomic stability, preventing chromosomal mutations and rearrangements that can cause disease and aging. Atrx deficiency in mice leads to increased DNA damage, endocrine dysfunction, shortened lifespans, and degenerative phenotypes similar to human premature aging disorders.
The study identified the DNA transcription factor SRF and its cofactors MRTF-A and MRTF-B as critical regulators of vascularization in the postnatal mouse eye. Loss of Srf led to microaneurysms and excess blood vessel formation similar to human retinal diseases.
Patients with peripheral artery disease who received ramipril for 24 weeks experienced significant improvements in pain-free walking time and maximum walking time, as well as enhanced physical health and quality of life. Ramipril also showed promise in improving patient-perceived ability to perform daily activities.
Depression in Medicare recipients over 65 is associated with prevalent mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and increased dementia risk. The study found that depression was related to higher MCI and dementia risks, as well as progression from MCI to dementia.
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Research suggests that lifelong depression increases the risk of developing vascular dementia, while late-life depression may be an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease. A study of over 13,000 participants found a significant association between depressive symptoms in midlife and late life with increased risk of dementia.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology's impact factor increased by nearly 15% in 2010, reflecting its commitment to quality and tradition of excellence. The journal has expanded its reach through new media channels, including a podcast channel and redesigned website.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation has received a major corporate pledge of $500,000 from Navilyst Medical to support its Discovery Campaign. This funding will be used to support grants, research consensus panels, registries, studies addressing comparative effectiveness, clinical trials, and educational programming.
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Researchers at UTHealth have identified a fifth gene defect associated with thoracic aortic disease, as well as 47 DNA regions linked to the condition. The findings offer new insights into the role of smooth muscle cells in contracting the aorta and provide potential avenues for blocking or reversing the disease.
A living aortic valve replacement leads to better survival rates (97%) compared to traditional donor valves (83%), with improved freedom from reoperation and quality of life. The Ross procedure has shown promising results, suggesting that a living valve can improve clinical outcomes in patients.
Researchers compared two treatments for preventing strokes due to carotid artery disease, but found no clear winner. While surgery may be beneficial for patients who have had a stroke or temporary stroke in the past 12 months, stenting offers similar benefits for asymptomatic patients.
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A randomized multicenter study of 190 patients shows stent grafts are more effective in treating blocked access in kidney failure patients undergoing dialysis. The study found nearly 51% of dialysis accesses remained open at six months with stent grafts, compared to just 23% with balloon angioplasties.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center pioneered a technique to replace infected aortic grafts with the body's own veins, proving more durable and less prone to new infection than synthetic or cadaver grafts. The procedure has superior durability and lower long-term amputation rates compared to other operations.
Two new studies suggest that late-life dementia is a complex disease resulting from multiple processes, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular brain injury, and Lewy body disease. Higher levels of leptin may also be linked to reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to the findings.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology has consistently high quality and influence, ranking in the top half of 90 radiology journals. The Society of Interventional Radiology offers an International Affiliate Program with online-only access to professionals outside North America.
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The Society for Vascular Nursing has released a comprehensive guideline for patient care of those with vascular disease, focusing on endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The guidelines aim to improve patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care across the population.
The Society of Interventional Radiology honored Dr. Matthew A. Mauro for his extraordinary contributions to interventional radiology. He was awarded the Dr. Charles T. Dotter Lecture and received the SIR Foundation Award for Distinguished Service. Additionally, three individuals - Andreas Adam, Vincent P. Chuang, and Thomas A. Sos - we...
Patients with intermittent claudication may benefit from supervised exercise instead of revascularization. After six and 12 months, patients experienced similar improvements in functional capacity and quality of life scores.
Cells from menstrual blood, known as endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs), have been shown to restore blood flow in a mouse model with advanced peripheral artery disease. This breakthrough discovery holds promise for the treatment of critical limb ischemia, which causes approximately 150,000 amputations per year.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a probable molecular basis for the interaction between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that damaged blood vessels in the brain of young diabetic mice suffered from significant memory loss and inflammation before any overt signs of Alzheimer's disease appeared.
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A long-term study published in Neurology found that men who develop diabetes in mid-life are nearly one-and-a-half times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those without insulin problems. The association was strongest in people without the APOE4 gene, which is known to increase Alzheimer's risk.
Research finds that leaky blood vessels in mice with ALS mutations expose neurons to toxic substances, contributing to disease progression. The study opens a new front in understanding ALS, a debilitating disease that affects motor neurons.
A four-year study found that walking and moderate exercise significantly lowered the risk of developing vascular dementia in people over 65. Participants who exerted more energy through physical activities like walking, gardening, or house work had a 27% lower risk compared to those with less energy expenditure.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have a compromised blood-spinal cord barrier, leading to vascular leakage and potential mechanisms for motor neuron damage. Researchers hope this finding will lead to the development of new treatments targeting the barrier's repair.
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A study published in Journal of Vascular Surgery found increased aortic arch calcium content and complex arch morphology are associated with higher risk of embolization during carotid artery stenting in patients over 75. This may lead to the use of alternative techniques to reduce risk.
Researchers found that female diabetic rats had reduced nitric oxide levels, while male diabetic rats produced more, leading to increased vascular dysfunction. The study suggests sex-specific therapeutic interventions may be necessary for effective treatment of vascular disease in diabetes.
Scientists have linked a genetic disorder to mutations in the TREX1 gene, which may also be relevant to common health problems like diabetes and vascular dementia. The discovery could accelerate efforts to understand and treat retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukodystrophy, a rare condition that causes vision loss and mini-strokes.
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Varicose veins affect 75-150 million people worldwide and traditional therapy involves costly surgery. Vascular Insights aims to reduce convalescence, complications, and pain with a single, disposable product for elimination of varicose veins.
A study found that depressed older adults are more likely to develop cognitive impairment within six years, with those experiencing moderate to high depression facing nearly twice the risk. The researchers discovered no correlation between depression and vascular disease, suggesting alternative mechanisms for the association.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has increased in Canada and worldwide since 1980, with 25,000 Canadians receiving life-sustaining treatment. Despite its benefits, there is a marked regional disparity in transplant rates, highlighting the need for tailored guidelines on eligibility across various criteria.
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A study by Rice University/Baylor College of Medicine found that areas with more vascular surgeons have lower amputation rates and more bypass surgery performed. The disease affects 8-12 million people and is a major cause of amputations, especially in diabetics.
A study of 180 Catholic nuns and priests found that nearly half with mild cognitive impairment met pathologic criteria for Alzheimer's disease. Meanwhile, about a quarter had cerebral infarcts, indicating a possible 'reserve' capacity in the brain that prevents cognitive decline despite pathology.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine discovered that glycyrrhizic acid can kill cells infected with Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, triggering apoptosis in transformed B lymphocytes. This finding suggests a potential new treatment approach for latent viral infections.
A study of 676 individuals with PAD found that those with lower ABI levels had greater declines in walking endurance and speed. Leg symptoms, particularly pain on exertion, also predicted rates of functional decline.
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A new study reveals that rural South Africa is facing a significant stroke crisis, with rates of disability comparable to those in developed countries. The prevalence of disabled stroke survivors has important implications for healthcare systems, highlighting the need for adapted care strategies and early treatment.
Researchers found African-Americans are two to four times more likely to undergo lower limb amputations, with higher rates among above-knee amputations. The study highlights the need for further investigation into underlying causes and public health initiatives to alleviate excess risk of limb loss.
Research suggests that high homocysteine levels are related to brain atrophy, with elderly individuals experiencing greater loss of brain cells and volume. Additionally, elevated homocysteine levels have been found to be associated with a higher risk of vascular disease in both healthy and Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers use MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect Alzheimer's disease by measuring chemical markers in the brain. The study found that this technique can distinguish patients with Alzheimer's from those without the disease and identify patterns of damage consistent with the disease.
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Researchers found that angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, contributes to arthritic disease progression. Treatment with an integrin antagonist reduced joint swelling, pannus formation, and cartilage erosion in animal models.
Scientists have identified a correlation between activated CD44 and disease flare-ups in pediatric patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests that monitoring blood levels of activated CD44 may enable early prediction of exacerbations, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
The American Urological Association's 93rd Annual Meeting featured groundbreaking research on prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and kidney diseases. Researchers presented studies showcasing the importance of PSA testing in African American men and the effectiveness of sildenafil in treating erectile dysfunction.
Fetal cells may be linked to an immune system reaction in women with systemic sclerosis, a form of scleroderma. The study found that 46% of women with the condition had male DNA in their blood and skin biopsies.
Researchers discovered a molecule, ERAB, that causes early neuron damage in Alzheimer's disease. The finding may lead to therapies that inhibit the interaction of ERAB and amyloid-B peptide, protecting neurons from damage.
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A new study finds that first and second generation Japanese-American men living in Hawaii have a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease compared to European-ancestry Americans. The study also notes that rates of vascular dementia remain unchanged in this population.