The optimal TR for prostate diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) remains unclear. Given prostate cancers' shorter T1/T2 relaxation times versus benign tissues, TR adjustment may improve contrast. We evaluated 56 clinically significant cancers in 33 patients, comparing synthetic DWI (b-value = 2000 s/mm2) at TR500/1000/1500/2000 ms against conventional TR6000 ms. Assessments included contrast ratio, apparent SNR, lesion conspicuity score, DWI scores based on Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2.1, and background suppression. TR6000 showed significantly lower contrast ratio but higher apparent SNR compared with shorter TRs. TR1000-2000 showed higher lesion conspicuity score than TR500, while TR1500-6000 had higher DWI scores than TR500. TR500-1500 provided better background suppression than TR2000/6000. For optimal balance of contrast and noise, TR1000 or TR1500 is recommended for prostate DWI, potentially enhancing prostate cancer detection in clinical practice.

PURPOSE:This study aimed to compare the clinical feasibility and measurement performance of free-breathing three-dimensional (3D) pancreatic water T1 mapping between a 3D radial 6-point DIXON Look-Locker (3D-LL) technique and a conventional breath-hold two-dimensional Look-Locker (2D-LL) technique. METHODS:Six phantom syringes, comprising three organ-equivalent phantoms and three serial gadolinium dilution phantoms, were scanned using inversion recovery (IR), 2D-LL, and 3D-LL techniques. Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analyses were used to assess measurement accuracy relative to IR and agreement between 2D-LL and 3D-LL, respectively. This prospective clinical study included 45 participants who underwent breath-hold 2D-LL T1 mapping and free-breathing 3D-LL pancreatic water T1 mapping. Two independent readers measured T1 values in the pancreatic head, body, and tail, and calculated whole-pancreas averages. Nonevaluable regions were recorded. T1 values were compared between the two techniques using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS:Phantom experiments demonstrated very strong correlations with IR for both techniques (2D-LL, r = 0.9998; 3D-LL, r = 0.9993), and Bland-Altman analysis revealed a small positive bias of 3D-LL over 2D-LL (+15.1 ms). A clinical study revealed coverage- or motion-related regional failures that precluded T1 measurement in six participants (13%) with 2D-LL, but in none with 3D-LL. The median T1 values in the pancreatic head (P = 0.25), body (P = 0.21), tail (P = 0.25), and whole-pancreas average (P = 0.17) did not differ significantly between the two techniques. CONCLUSION:The 3D-LL technique demonstrated accurate T1 quantification in phantoms, comparable to IR and 2D-LL. Clinical data indicated that the 3D-LL technique improves pancreatic measurability by avoiding coverage- and motion-related regions that are not amenable to T1 measurement.

PURPOSE:To determine whether QP-Prostate, a commercially available artificial intelligence (AI) decision-support system, improves Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS)-based detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) using prostate MRI by readers with different levels of experience, without loss of specificity. METHODS:This single-center retrospective study included 52 men with pathologically confirmed csPCa who underwent preoperative 3.0-T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and radical prostatectomy between 2021 and 2023. To match AI inputs, four radiologists (1-25 years of experience) interpreted the PI-RADS findings using only biparametric components (T2WI and DWI) under three scenarios: reader-alone, reader + AI, and AI-alone. Per-case (evaluating sensitivity only) and per-lesion analyses were conducted, setting PI-RADS ≥ 3 as positive. The primary endpoint was the within-reader per-lesion AUC difference evaluated via DeLong's test with Holm adjustment; secondary metrics were assessed using DeLong and McNemar tests. RESULTS:In the per-case (index-lesion) analysis, AI assistance significantly increased sensitivity only for the least-experienced reader, from 0.73 to 0.87 (p = 0.046), whereas higher point estimates for the other readers were not statistically significant. In the per-lesion analysis, AI assistance significantly improved sensitivity for 3/4 readers and increased AUC for all readers (p-values ranging 0.002-0.027; within-reader ΔAUC, +0.013 to + 0.037; all 95% CIs excluded zero), with no statistically significant change in specificity (all p ≥ 0.061). AI-alone showed high specificity (0.94) and low sensitivity (0.34) in the per-lesion analysis, with a per-lesion AUC (0.64) closest to that of the least-experienced reader. CONCLUSION:In this small prostatectomy-enriched cohort, AI assistance was associated with improved lesion-level discrimination and increased sensitivity, with the greatest apparent benefit observed among less-experienced readers. These findings should be interpreted as proof-of-concept/feasibility data rather than as evidence of improved reader agreement or immediate clinical generalizability.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health burden, encompassing a heterogeneous group of disorders with diverse etiologies and pathophysiological mechanisms. Conventional biomarkers such as serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and proteinuria are indispensable for detection and staging, yet they may be insensitive to early CKD including diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and can be discordant with underlying structural damage. Over the past 15 years, functional renal MRI has gained attention as a promising noninvasive approach to quantify complementary domains of renal pathology without ionizing radiation or gadolinium-based contrast agents, enabling repeated assessments even in patients with impaired renal function. This review provides a comprehensive overview of multiparametric MRI techniques for evaluating renal microstructure and physiology across CKD, including T1 and T2 mapping for interstitial expansion and inflammatory activity, blood oxygenation level dependent MRI for oxygenation and corticomedullary gradients, diffusion-based methods (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], diffusion tensor imaging, intravoxel incoherent motion) for microstructural injury and microvascular components, and arterial spin labeling for perfusion. Corticomedullary differentiation (CMD) is highlighted as an integrative feature across modalities, including signal-intensity-based CMD using noncontrast steady-state free precession (SSFP) with spatially selective inversion recovery and individualized optimal inversion time (multi-TI). Across CKD populations, many MRI-derived metrics correlate with contemporaneous kidney function, and diffusion-derived indices-particularly cortical ADC-have been associated with subsequent eGFR decline, suggesting potential value for progression-risk assessment. DKD is discussed as an important illustrative subtype in which complex pathophysiology may highlight the added value of multiparametric approaches. Clinical translation will depend on standardized acquisition, quality control, and multicenter validation to establish reproducibility and outcome-based thresholds.

Objective:The T-wave peak-end (TpTe) interval and its ratio to the QT interval (TpTe:QT) are ECG markers of myocardial repolarization dispersion. We hypothesized that these markers are associated with echocardiographic indices reflecting structural remodeling in dogs with the dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) phenotype and are minimally influenced by heart rate (HR). Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in dogs with an echocardiographic subtype of DCM, excluding sighthound breeds, between July 2021 and June 2023. Dogs receiving antiarrhythmic drugs prior to the diagnostic ECG were excluded. Repolarization markers (QT interval, corrected QT interval using the Fridericia formula [QTc], TpTe interval, and TpTe:QT) were retrospectively evaluated from in-clinic ECGs and correlated with echocardiographic variables (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter normalized to body weight [LVEDDN], left ventricular end-systolic diameter normalized to body weight [LVESDN], end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume [ESV], end-diastolic volume normalized to body surface area, ESV normalized to body surface area, fractional shortening, and ejection fraction). Results:Correlation analysis between repolarization markers and HR showed a significant moderate negative correlation for the QT interval, whereas QTc exhibited a weak positive correlation. The TpTe interval showed a weak negative correlation, and TpTe:QT demonstrated a negligible correlation with HR; however, neither association was statistically significant. The TpTe interval showed significant weak correlations with LVEDDN and LVESDN, whereas TpTe:QT showed significant weak to moderate correlations with LVEDDN, LVESDN, ESV, and ESV normalized to body surface area, even after adjustment for HR. In contrast, QT and QTc were not significantly associated with any echocardiographic variable. Conclusions:The TpTe interval and TpTe:QT might have been independent of HR and correlated with left ventricular diameter and volume. Clinical Relevance:The TpTe interval and TpTe:QT may serve as ECG repolarization markers reflecting myocardial structural remodeling in dogs with DCM.

Prostate multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is an indispensable diagnostic tool in the clinical management of patients suspected of prostate cancer (PCa). This mpMRI consists of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI). This review first outlines the importance of preparation techniques in mpMRI examinations and the evolution, current status, and latest technologies of these imaging techniques. It then addresses the clinical applications of diffusion tensor imaging, particularly its potential in surgical strategies for radical prostatectomy. Additionally, this review addresses the issues and clinical application potential of biparametric MRI, which omits DCE-MRI, in PCa diagnosis. It also discusses countermeasures for category 3 lesions with insufficient positive rates for clinically significant PCa in the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) diagnostic criteria for prostate mpMRI, as well as the current status of MRI-ultrasound fusion guided prostate targeted biopsy in clinical practice using prostate mpMRI as a guide.

Snakebite envenomation poses a significant threat to both public health and animal welfare, resulting in substantial human suffering and economic burden worldwide. Recognized by the World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease, snakebites disproportionately affect impoverished rural regions across Africa, Asia, and South America, with an estimated 2.7 million envenomations and 81,000–138,000 deaths annually. In veterinary medicine, snakebites are similarly impactful, with up to 300,000 animals affected each year in the United States alone—primarily dogs and cats—while global veterinary cases likely number in the millions. Despite this, snakebites remain non-notifiable diseases, contributing to significant underreporting. The economic implications are profound, with treatment costs for human victims exceeding $200,000 per case and veterinary care ranging from $8,000 to $50,000 per case, often surpassing the financial capacity of pet owners. Beyond acute care, long-term sequelae such as chronic neuropathy and tissue damage further compound the burden. Current literature is limited in comparative analyses of envenomation mechanisms across species, particularly in livestock. This review will create a deeper understanding of pathophysiology, treatment modalities, and emerging therapies. Understanding of this background is essential to further advancements in science surrounding snake envenomation in both human and veterinary species.

OBJECTIVES:To compare the performance of one point-of-care activated clotting time (ACT) machine (Vet-Tube), one point-of-care activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) machine (Coagulation DX), and one bench-top ACT machine (Medtronic ACT II plus) with previously published measurements from stationary devices in whole blood from healthy horses. DESIGN:Prospective, observational study SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital, from August 2023 to September 2023. ANIMALS:Thirty healthy university-owned horses. METHODS:ACT and aPTT were measured via point-of-care analyzers (ACT POC, aPTT POC) and by conventional stationary analyzers (ACT Stationary, aPTT Stationary) in non-heparinized and heparinized blood collected from healthy horses. Samples were analyzed within 30 min of collection. RESULTS:Moderate correlation (r = 0.5), acceptable bias, and a low intraassay coefficient of variation (<5%) were seen for the ACT stationery device and ACT POC coagulation tubes. The ACT stationery and ACT POC showed no significant difference for both non-heparinized (n = 30, p = 0.64) and heparinized samples (n = 15, p = 0.43). Strong correlation but high bias and a high intraassay coefficient of variation (>5%) were seen for the aPTT POC device, with the aPTT stationary device being within previously published ranges. The aPTT stationary chemistry analyzer and aPTT POC showed a significant difference for non-heparinized samples (n = 30, p = 0.0002) but had no significant difference for heparinized samples (n = 15, p = 0.03). CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The results of this study provide proof of concept for the use of low-cost POC monitoring of ACT in equine patients with coagulopathy or undergoing heparin therapy. Rigorous evaluation in patients with clinical disease is still necessary.

OBJECTIVE:To compare the outcome of treatment with extracorporeal therapy (ECT) and medical therapy (MED) in dogs with baclofen intoxication. DESIGN:Multicenter retrospective study between June 1, 2013, and October 31, 2023. SETTING:Six university teaching hospitals and three private specialty hospitals. ANIMALS:Eighty dogs treated for baclofen intoxication. INTERVENTIONS:None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:Twenty-nine of 80 (36%) dogs required endotracheal intubation, and 18 (23%) required mechanical ventilation (MV). Twenty-one (26%) dogs were treated with ECT, and 59 (74%) dogs received MED. The median estimated maximal exposure dose was 8.3 mg/kg (range: 3.6-48 mg/kg) in the ECT group and 5.7 mg/kg (range: 0.46-132 mg/kg) in the MED group (p = 0.044). Nine of 21 (43%) dogs treated with ECT had an improvement in their level of consciousness. The mean duration of MV was 20 ± 11 h in dogs treated with ECT and 23 ± 23 h in dogs treated with MED. The median hospitalization time was 58 h (range: 17-124 h) in the ECT group and 24 h (range: 0.5-188 h) in the MED group. Survival was 95% for dogs treated with ECT and 92% for dogs treated with MED. Multivariable Poisson regression modeling was performed, controlling for estimated maximal exposure dose (mg/kg). ECT was associated with a shorter duration of MV (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.76 [95% CI: 0.58-0.99]; p = 0.038). However, ECT was associated with longer hospitalization times (IRR: 1.57 [95% CI: 1.45-1.71]; p < 0.001). No association was found between the use of ECT and survival (odds ratio: 1.61 [95% CI: 0.16-16.13]; p = 0.684). CONCLUSIONS:ECT is associated with high survival despite large estimated exposure doses. Although ECT was associated with a shorter duration of MV, no difference was found in survival or hospitalization time.

PURPOSE:To develop and evaluate a motion-compensated diffusion imaging with phase-contrast (MC-DIP) technique for mitigating errors in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) quantification caused by physiological brain motion. METHODS:Diffusion-weighted images were acquired in 11 healthy volunteers on a 3.0 T MRI system using three gradient schemes: second-order motion-compensated (2nd-MC), first-order motion-compensated (1st-MC), and non-compensated (non-MC) diffusion gradients. Absolute rCBF maps were generated for each scheme by calibrating intravoxel incoherent motion-derived relative perfusion maps with total cerebral blood flow measured by phase-contrast MRI. The rCBF values from the DIP methods were compared in gray and white matter with a reference arterial spin labeling (ASL) measurement. RESULTS:Both motion-compensated schemes (2nd-MC and 1st-MC) provided significantly better biexponential fitting accuracy in gray matter compared with the non-MC scheme (p < 0.05). In white matter, however, only the 2nd-MC scheme resulted in a significant improvement over the other methods (p < 0.05). While rCBF values from all three DIP methods showed a strong positive correlation with ASL in gray matter (ρ ≥ 0.82, p < 0.05), only the 2nd-MC-DIP method demonstrated a significant positive correlation in white matter (ρ = 0.69, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:The implementation of second-order motion compensation within the DIP framework improves fitting accuracy, enabling robust rCBF quantification.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) in dogs and cats managed with mechanical ventilation (MV).DesignRetrospective single-institution study (Jan 2015–Aug 2023).SettingUniversity teaching hospital.Animals96 animals, including 81 dogs and 15 cats, undergoing MV management.Measurements and main resultsThe incidence of AKI in this animal cohort was 26% (25/96). There was no significant difference in AKI incidence between dogs and cats (p > 0.99). The mortality rate of animals with AKI was 64% (16/25) while those without AKI was 50.7% (36/71) (p = 0.35). AKI development was not significantly associated with the survival to discharge rate, while SpO2 measured before (p = 0.01) and after initiation of MV (p = 0.0079) and duration of hospitalization (p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with the survival to discharge rate. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age, baseline serum creatinine, congestive heart failure status, and duration of MV and hospitalization were not independently associated with AKI development.ConclusionAKI was common in animals managed with MV. However, the development of AKI was not significantly associated with the survival to discharge rate in this cohort.

OBJECTIVE:To determine the prevalence, case-fatality rate, and primary disease processes associated with high corrected chloride concentration (hyper[Cl-]) in dogs and cats. DESIGN:Single-center retrospective study. SETTING:Electrical medical records were reviewed to identify dogs and cats with at least one chloride and sodium concentration measured simultaneously during a 60-month period. ANIMALS:A total of 17,120 dogs and 4197 cats presented to a veterinary teaching hospital. INTERVENTIONS:None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:Measured hyper[Cl-] was diagnosed in 18.1% (3092/17,120) dogs and 9.4% (396/4197) cats. Corrected hyper[Cl-] was diagnosed in 21.1% (3607/17,120) dogs and 9.1% (384/4197) cats. The case-fatality rates were higher in animals with corrected hyper[Cl-] than in those with normal corrected [Cl-] (p < 0.0001). The case-fatality rate was higher in dogs with measured hyper[Cl-] than in those with corrected hyper[Cl-] (p = 0.011). Of the dogs and cats with corrected hyper[Cl-], a total of 50.9% (1835/3607) dogs and 38.3% (147/384) cats were categorized as prehospital corrected hyper[Cl-], whereas a total of 39.5% (1424/3607) dogs and 48.7% (187/384) cats with corrected hyper[Cl-] were categorized as hospital-acquired corrected hyper[Cl-]. The case-fatality rate of dogs and cats with hospital-acquired corrected hyper[Cl-] was higher than that of prehospital corrected hyper[Cl-] in dogs (p < 0.0001) but not in cats (p = 0.9). Various primary disease processes, including neurologic and urologic diseases, were identified in animals with corrected hyper[Cl-]. CONCLUSIONS:Corrected hyper[Cl-] was a common electrolyte abnormality identified in dogs and cats, and it was associated with higher case-fatality rates than normal corrected [Cl-]. Hospital-acquired corrected hyper[Cl-] was less common but was associated with a higher case-fatality rate than prehospital corrected hyper[Cl-] in dogs. Further investigation of corrected hyper[Cl-] in association with its morbidity and mortality and the role of therapy to target normal [Cl-] is warranted.

Objective:The T-wave peak-end to QT ratio (TpTe:QT) is an ECG marker of myocardial repolarization dispersion that is not influenced by the RR interval. The authors hypothesized that TpTe:QT would be prolonged in Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study included clinically healthy Doberman Pinschers that were pyruvate kinase dehydrogenase 4 and/or titin genotype positive as the controls and dogs diagnosed with subclinical DCM as the DCM+ group. Data were collected between 2019 and 2024. Dogs receiving antiarrhythmic drugs were excluded. The QT interval, corrected QT interval, TpTe, TpTe:QT, and corrected TpTe were measured as repolarization markers with the use of ambulatory ECGs. Interrelationships among RR interval, DCM phenotype, and each marker were determined with a mixed-effects model. Results:36 dogs were included: 12 in the DCM+ group and 24 in the controls. The TpTe:QT was significantly higher in the DCM+ group compared to controls (risk ratio, 1.23), with negligible to weak correlation identified to RR interval (0.04 in controls; -0.16 in DCM+). The TpTe and corrected TpTe were also elevated in the DCM+ group (risk ratios 1.04 and 1.06, respectively): these values were significantly influenced by RR interval. Conclusions:TpTe:QT is a potential marker for distinguishing Doberman Pinschers with subclinical DCM from those that are normal, yet genetically at risk. Its independence from heart rate variation underscores its potential utility in clinical practice. Clinical Relevance:TpTe:QT is a simple, noninvasive, and readily available test that may predict subclinical, clinically evident DCM in Doberman Pinschers. Larger clinical investigations of this easily obtained variable are warranted.

Objective:To determine the effect of hemoperfusion with a polymer-based column on systemic cytokine concentrations and neutrophil dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide-treated horses in vivo. Methods:6 university-owned horses received 60 ng/kg lipopolysaccharide, IV, as a bolus and then 60 ng/kg, IV, as a constant rate infusion over 1 hour. Endotoxemia was confirmed by clinical signs and neutropenia. In a crossover model that was completed from January 2024 through July 2024, hemoperfusion was performed for 4 hours with either a sham or polymer column. Blood was collected at 5 time points over a 72-hour period for flow cytometry analysis and 14 time points for cytokine multiplex analysis. Results:There were significant differences between column treatment and sham treatment, including increased early and late neutrophil apoptosis and improved reactive oxygen species production in response to stimulation at the postfiltration time point. Additionally, 2 of 5 column-treated horses had improved CBC parameters compared to 0 of 5 sham-treated horses. Systemic cytokines were not significantly different between column and sham treatment. Conclusions:The results of this study provide proof of concept for hemoperfusion with a polymer-based column as a potential treatment to mitigate deleterious lipopolysaccharide-induced immune responses in adult horses. Clinical Relevance:Further investigation and optimization of hemoperfusion as an adjunctive treatment for sepsis in the horse is warranted. Because there are known differences in lipopolysaccharide infusion and clinical sepsis, further investigation in horses with clinical sepsis is needed.

Objectives This study aimed to describe early postoperative changes in automated platelet counts (PLT) after mitral valve repair (MVR) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and to identify factors associated with these changes. Design Single-center retrospective cohort study. Animals Dogs with MMVD that underwent MVR from July 2022 to July 2023. After data extraction, the ten most common breeds were selected, and mixed breeds as well as breeds known for inherent platelet abnormalities (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Norfolk Terriers) were excluded. Measurements and Main Results A total of 313 dogs representing seven breeds met the inclusion criteria. PLT levels were assessed preoperatively (Day 0) and daily for 4 days postoperatively (Days 1–4). Mean (standard deviation) PLT values were 393±127 ×10³/µL on Day 0, 159±72 on Day 1, 137±67 on Day 2, 157±87 on Day 3, and 187±104 on Day 4. Postoperative thrombocytopenia (<100 ×10³/µL) occurred in 124 of 313 dogs during Days 1–4. In a multivariable mixed-effects model, PLT declined significantly after surgery (Day 0 to 1; β = −207.17 [×10³/µL per day], P < 0.001) and showed a postoperative upward trend (Day 1 to 4; β = 20.62 [×10³/µL per day], P = 0.079). Older age was associated with higher PLT; Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers demonstrated lower PLT than Chihuahuas; dogs with ACVIM Stages C– D had higher PLT compared with Stage B2; lower body weight correlated with lower PLT; and intact dogs tended to have higher PLT than neutered dogs. Conclusions PLT decreased sharply following MVR and demonstrated partial recovery within 5 days. Age, breed, clinical stage, body weight, and neuter status were associated with postoperative PLT patterns, indicating their importance for perioperative assessment and monitoring. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. * ACVIM : American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine CBC : Complete blood count CI : Confidence interval CPB : Cardiopulmonary bypass HR : Heart rate MVR : Mitral valve repair MMVD : Myxomatous mitral valve disease PLT : Platelet count RR : Risk ratio

To investigate whether synthetic DWI (SyDWI) calculated with short TR and zero TE can improve diffusion contrast in prostate compared to conventional DWI acquired with standard TR and TE. Thirty-two patients who underwent multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) on a 3.0 T scanner were enrolled. For SyDWI, DWIs at b0 were acquired with two different TRs and TEs in addition to b1000 and b2000 images acquired with single conventional TR and TE. Contrast ratio (CR) was compared between SyDWI calculated with TR of 1000 ms and TE of 0 ms and conventional DWI acquired with TR of 6000 ms and TE of 70 ms. The mean CR between prostate cancer (PCa) and normal prostate, and between PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is significantly higher in SyDWI compared to conventional DWI for both b-values of 1000 and 2000 s/mm2. In addition, contrast within some lesions is now visualized, suggesting that tumour heterogeneity can be observed that is not seen with conventional DWI. SyDWI calculated with TR of 1000 ms and TE of 0 ms significantly improves diffusion contrast between PCa and normal prostate or BPH, and within the lesion, compared to conventional DWI as a result of T1 shine-through.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of native T1 and T2 mapping in the bowel to evaluate disease activity in Crohn disease (CD) using endoscopy as the reference standard. Methods This was a prospective study. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed by using a 1.5-T Philips scanner. We used a modified look-locker inversion recovery and a multiecho gradient-spin-echo sequences for single breath-hold native T1 and T2 maps, respectively, for the short-axis image of the intestine, and the measurement at the most severe site was compared with partial Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease (pSES-CD, assessed by an expert endoscopist). A pSES-CD ≥ 4 indicated active disease. Statistical analyses were performed using the Student t test, Spearman correlation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results A total of 27 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 37 ± 18 years; 20 men, 7 women) were included in this study. The native T1 value of active disease was significantly higher than that of inactive disease (1170.8 ± 100.5 milliseconds vs 924.5 ± 95.3 milliseconds; P = 0.018), but the T2 value was not significantly different between active and inactive disease (76.1 ± 7.8 milliseconds vs 69.3 ± 10.9 milliseconds; P = 0.424). A good correlation was found between native T1 value and pSES-CD (ρ = 0.71; P < 0.001) but not between T2 value and pSES-CD (ρ = 0.06; P = 0.790). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for differentiating the disease activity was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90–1.00) for T1 values and 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.41–0.96) for T2 values. Conclusions Native T1 mapping could be potentially used as a noninvasive method to differentiate disease activity in patients with CD and may be superior to T2 mapping for this purpose.

ObjectiveDevelop, implement, and monitor for adverse effects of, a novel hemoperfusion therapy in adult horses.MethodsA prospective, observational feasibility study using three healthy adult horses from the North Carolina State University teaching herd. Health status was determined by physical exam, complete blood count, coagulation panel, and serum biochemistry. Each horse was instrumented with a 14 Fr × 25 cm double-lumen temporary hemodialysis catheter and underwent a 240 min polymer-based hemoperfusion session. Horses were administered unfractionated heparin to maintain anti-coagulation during the session. Given the novelty of this therapy in horses, each horse was treated as a learning opportunity that informed an iterative process of protocol development and modification.Measurements and main resultsOur long-term goal is to investigate potential clinical applications of hemoperfusion in horses, including cytokine reduction in horses with severe SIRS/sepsis. Horses were monitored for changes in clinical exam, biochemistry and hematology parameters. Additionally, cytokines were quantified to determine whether extracorporeal hemadsorption therapy alone caused an inflammatory response. Our results show that hemoperfusion therapy was associated with decreased platelet counts and serum albumin concentration. There was no significant change in plasma cytokine concentrations with hemoperfusion therapy. In one horse, the cytokine concentrations decreased, as previously reported with hemoperfusion therapy in humans.HypothesisWe hypothesized that hemoperfusion therapy could be performed in healthy adult horses without significant adverse effects.ConclusionPolymer-based hemoperfusion is a feasible extracorporeal therapy (ECT) modality for adult horses. Additional studies are needed to further establish clinical protocols, as well as establish efficacy of polymer-based hemoperfusion for treatment of various conditions in horses, including intoxications, immune-mediated conditions, and sepsis.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of a free-breathing sequence (4D FreeBreathing) combined with Compressed SENSE in dynamic contrast-enhanced pancreatic MRI and compare it with a breath-holding sequence (eTHRIVE). Method: Patients who underwent pancreatic MRI, either eTHRIVE or 4D FreeBreathing, from April 2022 to November 2023 were included in this retrospective study. Two radiologists, who were unaware of the scan sequence, independently and randomly reviewed the images at the precontrast, pancreatic, portal venous, and equilibrium phases and assigned confidence scores for motion and streaking artifacts, pancreatic sharpness, and overall image quality using a 5-point scale. Furthermore, the radiologists assessed the appropriateness of the scan timing of the pancreatic phase. Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests were conducted to compare the confidence scores and adequacy of the pancreatic phase scan timing between eTHRIVE and 4D FreeBreathing. Results: Overall, 48 patients (median age, 71 years; interquartile range, 64-77 years; 24 women) were included. Among them, 20 patients (42%) were scanned using 4D FreeBreathing. The 4D FreeBreathing showed moderate streaking artifact but improved motion artifact (P <.001-.17) at all phases. Pancreatic sharpness and overall image quality were almost comparable between two sequences (P = .17-.96). All 20 examinations in 4D FreeBreathing showed appropriate pancreatic phase images, but only 16 (57%; P <.001 for reviewer 1) and 18 (64%; P = .003 for reviewer 2) examinations showed it in eTHRIVE. Conclusion: The use of 4D FreeBreathing combined with Compressed SENSE was feasible in pancreatic MRI and provided appropriate pancreatic phase images in all examinations.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) afflicts humans, cats, pigs, and rhesus macaques. Disease sequelae include congestive heart failure, thromboembolism, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Sarcomeric mutations explain some human and cat cases, however, the molecular basis in rhesus macaques remains unknown. RNA-Seq of the LV tissues of five HCM-affected and seven healthy control rhesus macaques was employed for differential transcriptomic analyses. DNA from 15 severely HCM-affected and 21 healthy geriatric rhesus macaques were selected for whole-genome sequencing. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of disease status and SCD outcome was performed. 614 down- and 1,065 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between groups. The top DEG (MAFF) was overexpressed in affected animals (log2FoldChange = 4.71; P-Adjusted-value = 1.14E-133). Channelopathy-associated enriched terms were identified in similar to 57% of downregulated DEGs providing transcriptomic evidence of hypertrophic and arrhythmic disease processes. For GWAS, no putative variant withstood segregation. Polygenic modeling analysis resulted in poor prediction power and burden testing could not explain HCM by an association of multiple variants in any gene. Neither single nor compound genetic variant(s), or identified polygenic profile, suggest complex genotype-phenotype interactions in rhesus macaques. Brought forth is an established dataset of robustly phenotyped rhesus macaques as an open-access resource for future cardiovascular disease genetic studies.