Review
Immunology
Seyyed Mostafa Arabi, Mahla Chambari, Mahsa Malek-Ahmadi, Leila Sadat Bahrami, Vahid Hadi, Manfredi Rizzo, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of statin therapy in combination with ezetimibe on CRP and hs-CRP levels. The results showed that the combination therapy significantly reduced the levels of hs-CRP and overall CRP, suggesting its potential in suppressing inflammation.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Runze Zhao, Xiaoyue Ning, Mengqi Wang, Huanhuan Wang, Guang Xing, Li Wang, Chengzhi Lu, Ao Yu, Yongjian Wang
Summary: The study developed a redox-responsive nanoprodrug that achieved targeted drug release to plaques and synergistic therapeutic effects of simvastatin and ticagrelor on atherosclerosis treatment, showing promising therapeutic efficacy and biosafety profile.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mauro Vaccarezza, Francesco Maria Galassi
Summary: Despite advancements in standard care, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Atherosclerosis is the main culprit behind heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular diseases, imposing significant burdens on life expectancy, quality of life, morbidity, and costs. Elevated cholesterol levels and inflammation have been recognized as cardiovascular risk factors, and recent research highlights the role of inflammation in determining cardiovascular risk independent of cholesterol levels and treatments.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Yanna Lei, Qingsong Cui, Guang Yang, Limei Piao, Aiko Inoue, Hongxian Wu, Xiang Li, Masafumi Kuzuya, Xian Wu Cheng
Summary: The study demonstrates that pitavastatin can prevent vascular senescence and atherogenesis induced by chronic stress and high fat diet in mice, potentially by increasing GLP-1 and APN levels and suppressing plaque inflammation and oxidative stress.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Seyedmehdi Hossaini Nasr, Xuefei Huang
Summary: Nanomedicine is a powerful tool that can target atherosclerotic plaques, and the advances in designing nanoparticles with therapeutic effects on these plaques have been summarized to stimulate further development and future translation.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Adam J. Nelson, Kevin Haynes, Sonali Shambhu, Zubin Eapen, Mark J. Cziraky, Michael G. Nanna, Sara B. Calvert, Kerrin Gallagher, Neha J. Pagidipati, Christopher B. Granger
Summary: This study evaluated the patterns and predictors of statin use among patients with ASCVD. The results showed substantial underuse of statins among a large cohort of patients with ASCVD in the United States. Concerning gaps in appropriate statin use were observed among younger patients, women, and those with noncoronary ASCVD.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Radoslaw Motkowski, Pawel Abramowicz, Jolanta Kubalska, Bozena Mikoluc, Jerzy Konstantynowicz
Summary: This retrospective cohort study presented the 20-year experience of comprehensive care for pediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia in a single academic center. The study demonstrated that statin treatment in children with FH is highly effective and safe.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Cadence F. Lee, Rachel E. Carley, Celia A. Butler, Alan R. Morrison
Summary: Coronary artery disease caused by atherosclerosis is a major global cause of morbidity and mortality, with inflammation mediated by immune signaling mechanisms playing a key role. Targeting hypercholesterolemia is a critical strategy in current treatments for atherosclerotic vascular disease, and future directions may involve regulating immune signaling pathways.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Tiziano Lucchi
Summary: ASCVD is the leading cause of death and disability in the elderly, highlighting the importance of controlling LDL-C levels through lifestyle changes and statin therapy. Clinical trials provide limited evidence on the benefits of statin therapy in adults aged 75 and older, leading to debates on the management of dyslipidemia in the elderly population. The use of statins in elderly patients requires careful risk-benefit evaluation and shared decision-making between healthcare providers and patients.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Angelo Zinellu, Arduino A. Mangoni
Summary: This study suggests that statins significantly lower homocysteine concentrations, which can be beneficial in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
EXPERT REVIEW OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Fabiana Baganha, Rob C. M. de Jong, Erna A. Peters, Wietske Voorham, J. Wouter Jukema, Mirela Delibegovic, Margreet R. de Vries, Paul H. A. Quax
Summary: This study found that atorvastatin has a positive effect on atherosclerosis by inhibiting neovascularization and promoting vessel maturation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Noflatscher, Monika Hunjadi, Michael Schreinlechner, Philip Sommer, Daniela Lener, Markus Theurl, Rudolf Kirchmair, Axel Bauer, Andreas Ritsch, Peter Marschang
Summary: In this study, a negative correlation was found between high peripheral plaque volume and cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC). This result supports the role of CEC in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dorota Formanowicz, Jacek B. Krawczyk, Bartlomiej Perek, Dawid Lipski, Andrzej Tykarski
Summary: The study proposed a novel logistic control-theoretic model of atherosclerosis progression and calibrated it with a recent clinical database to infer an optimal age to start statin treatment. It was found that initiating statin treatment at the steepest point of the IMT logistic growth curve can efficiently lower future IMT levels.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angelo Zinellu, Arduino A. Mangoni
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that statin treatment significantly reduces the concentration of the endogenous inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, ADMA, in serum or plasma. This effect is independent of baseline cholesterol levels. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether the reduction in ADMA mediates the protective effects of statins against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
NITRIC OXIDE-BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Piotr Fularski, Julia Krzeminska, Natalia Lewandowska, Ewelina Mlynarska, Maciej Saar, Magdalena Wronka, Jacek Rysz, Beata Franczyk
Summary: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a severe health problem that affects multiple systems in the human body. Kidney dysfunction is closely related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to mechanisms of cellular aging and inflammation. As kidney function deteriorates, the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality increases in CKD patients. Oxidative stress and inflammation are interrelated processes that initiate a vicious cycle. Aging, oxidative stress, and inflammation are major contributors to the development and progression of CVD in CKD patients.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Asger Andersen, Kristina Laut Matzen, Grethe Andersen, Magnus Settergren, Christina Sjostrand, Helle K. Iversen, Risto O. Roine, David Hildick-Smith, John David Spence, John F. Rhodes, Scott E. Kasner, Lars Sondergaard, Jens Erik Nielsen-Kudsk
Summary: In the REDUCE clinical study, postprocedural atrial fibrillation was mostly early onset, transient and with no later recurrence. Postprocedural AF occurred more frequently among patients with higher age and larger devices. Male sex was the only independent predictor of postprocedural AF.
CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS
(2022)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
M. Reza Azarpazhooh, Ellisiv Mathiesen, Tatjana Rundek, Michel Romanens, Ansgar Adams, Luis Armando, Hernan Perez, Hugo Villafane, Nestor H. Garcia, Borja Ibanez, Chrysi Bogiatzi, Reza Tabrizi, Valentin Fuster, J. David Spence
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Kosmas I. Paraskevas, J. David Spence, Dimitri P. Mikhailidis, Pier Luigi Antignani, Peter Gloviczki, Hans-Henning Eckstein, Francesco Spinelli, Francesco Stilo, Luca Saba, Pavel Poredos, Alan Dardik, Christos D. Liapis, Armando Mansilha, Gianluca Faggioli, Rodolfo Pini, Mateja K. Jezovnik, Sherif Sultan, Piotr Musia, Guillaume Goudot, George S. Lavenson, Arkadiusz Jawien, Ales Blinc, Piotr Myrcha, Jose Fernandes e Fernandes, George Geroulakos, Stavros K. Kakkos, Michael Knoflach, Robert M. Proczka, Laura Capoccia, Tatjana Rundek, Alexei S. Svetlikov, Mauro Silvestrini, Jean-Baptiste Ricco, Alun H. Davies, Vincenzo Di Lazzaro, Jasjit S. Suri, Gaetano Lanza, Gustav Fraedrich, Clark J. Zeebregts, Andrew N. Nicolaides
Summary: Current guidelines do not recommend screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (AsxCS) due to the potential risks associated with unnecessary interventions. Conversely, screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms is strongly recommended.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
J. David Spence
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
J. David Spence
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Kosmas I. Paraskevas, Hans-Henning Eckstein, Armando Mansilha, Jean-Baptiste Ricco, George Geroulakos, Vincenzo Di Lazzaro, Tatjana Rundek, Gaetano Lanza, Gustav Fraedrich, Alexei S. Svetlikov, Jasjit S. Suri, Clark J. Zeebregts, Alun H. Davies, Laura Capoccia, Robert M. Proczka, Piotr Myrcha, Pier Luigi Antignani, Jose Fernandes e Fernandes, J. David Spence, Alan Dardik, Mateja K. Jezovnik, Michael Knoflach, George S. Lavenson, Stavros K. Kakkos, Arkadiusz Jawien, Mauro Silvestrini, Ales Blinc, Francesco Spinelli, Francesco Stilo, Piotr Musialek, Sherif Sultan, Guillaume Goudot, Christos Liapis, Luca Saba, Gianluca Faggioli, Rodolfo Pini, Pavel Poredos, Dimitri P. Mikhailidis, Peter Gloviczki, Andrew N. Nicolaides
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
Ran Zhou, Fumin Guo, M. Reza Azarpazhooh, J. David Spence, Haitao Gan, Mingyue Ding, Aaron Fenster
Summary: In this study, a UNet++ ensemble approach was developed for automated vessel wall volume (VWV) measurement, trained on five small data sets and tested on 100 participants with coronary artery disease. The results showed that our approach could provide accurate and reproducible carotid VWV measurements using relatively small training data sets, supporting deep learning applications for monitoring atherosclerosis progression.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Mingjie Jiang, Baohua Yuan, Weixuan Kou, Wen Yan, Harry Marshall, Qianye Yang, Tom Syer, Shonit Punwani, Mark Emberton, Dean C. Barratt, Carmen C. M. Cho, Yipeng Hu, Bernard Chiu
Summary: This study proposes a flexible and efficient multistream fusion encoder for prostate lesion segmentation from multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). It achieves improved feature maps and segmentation performance by fusing features extracted from multiple imaging streams. The proposed framework outperforms single-stream networks and other multistream networks in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
Article
Acoustics
Xueli Chen, Yuan Zhao, J. David Spence, Bernard Chiu
Summary: A new method for measuring voxel-based vessel-wall-plus-plaque volume (VWV) was developed, taking into consideration both local thickness change and circumferential change associated with vascular remodeling. The proposed biomarker, AVVol%, detected a significant difference between patients randomized to pomegranate juice/extract and placebo groups, with a sensitivity approximately three times higher than the local VWT biomarker.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Mingjie Jiang, Bernard Chiu
Summary: This study proposes an approach that combines a centerline extraction network and a dual-stream centerline-guided network for segmenting the carotid section from 3D ultrasound images. By utilizing the arterial centerline, the segmentation network achieves improved accuracy in segmenting the vessel wall and plaque boundaries. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms other methods and has the potential to be integrated into clinical workflows.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yuan Zhao, Mingjie Jiang, Wai Sum Chan, Bernard Chiu
Summary: Automated segmentation of carotid lumen-intima boundary (LIB) and media-adventitia boundary (MAB) using deep convolutional neural networks (CNN) from three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) images has improved the efficiency of assessing and monitoring carotid atherosclerosis compared to manual segmentation. This study investigates the effect of interslice distance (ISD) on the reproducibility of MAB and LIB segmentations. It is concluded that an ISD of 2 mm provides sufficient reliability for CNN training. The study also proposes a time-based partitioning approach for training CNN, which results in more accurate segmentation. This study forms the basis for an efficient, reproducible, and accurate 3DUS workflow for serial monitoring of carotid atherosclerosis.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Qinhong Yan, Bernard Chiu
Summary: The study proposed a semi-supervised artery localization and segmentation model that improves segmentation performance with the use of unlabeled image slices. The results show that the semi-supervised approach and the proposed continuity score independently improve femoral vessel wall segmentation.
MEDICAL IMAGING 2023
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Acoustics
Bo-Wen Ren, Bernard Chiu
Summary: Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) imaging is more sensitive to treatment effect and stroke risk stratification than two-dimensional ultrasound (2DUS) imaging. Point-of-care ultrasound screening (POCUS) is important for patients with limited mobility and limited access to ultrasound scanning facilities, especially during the COVID-19 era.
MEDICAL IMAGING 2023
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
J. David Spence
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Ran Zhou, Yanghan Ou, Xiaoyue Fang, M. Reza Azarpazhooh, Haitao Gan, Zhiwei Ye, J. David Spence, Xiangyang Xu, Aaron Fenster
Summary: This article proposes an image reconstruction-based self-supervised learning algorithm (IR-SSL) for carotid plaque segmentation when few labeled images are available. Through evaluation on two independent datasets, it was found that IR-SSL improved segmentation performance when trained on limited labeled images and showed strong correlation with manual results.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
Ting Luo, Zhen Wang, Xiaoling Yu, Zhiyu Han, Zhigang Cheng, Fangyi Liu, Jie Yu, Ping Liang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the contribution of subtotal ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) to the inhibition of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The results showed that MWA >50% AR could enhance immune-related gene expression, activate CD8+ T cells, and thereby boost the immunomodulatory effect of PD-1 inhibitors.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Letter
Acoustics
Bernard Cosyns, Sharon L. Mulvagh
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Keith Barron, Michael Blaivas, Laura Blaivas, John Sadler, Isadora Deal
Summary: Researchers investigated whether quantitative ultrasound assessment of hyoid bone movement during induced swallowing would predict the failure of traditional assessment methods in stroke patients. They found that manual ultrasound measurement was not accurate in predicting the assessment outcome, but a machine learning algorithm showed substantial agreement with the results, suggesting its potential for improving dysphagia assessment.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Sheng Chen, Yi-Jie Qiu, Qi Zhang, Xiu-Yun Lu, Yun-Lin Huang, Yi Dong, Wen-Ping Wang
Summary: The impact of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor size on Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) enhancement features was evaluated. The study found that tumor size had a significant impact on the washout features of HCC lesions, with smaller lesions exhibiting a later occurrence of washout.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Sean Mcgrath, Yu-Jack Shen, Masato Aragaki, Yamato Motooka, Takamasa Koga, Alexander Gregor, Nicholas Bernards, Emmanuel Cherin, Christine E. M. Demore, Kazuhiro Yasufuku, Naomi Matsuura
Summary: This study assessed the imaging ability of CE-EBUS in vitro and in vivo and found that CE-EBUS can produce contrast imaging comparable to commercial pre-clinical and clinical ultrasound systems. CE-EBUS has the potential for clinical characterization of mediastinal lymph nodes in lung cancer patients.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Acoustics
Ahmed M. Al-Jumaily, Hassan Liaquat, Sharad Paul
Summary: This article presents a comprehensive review on the effect of various operational parameters of focused ultrasound (FUS) on the injury zone produced by ultrasound beams for different dermatological applications. The article highlights the efficient operational parameters of FUS to enhance pain relief during surgery and make skin treatment more affordable. Additionally, a prospective future technique for efficient FUS is discussed.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Celine Porte, Thomas Lisson, Matthias Kohlen, Finn von Maltzahn, Stefanie Dencks, Saskia von Stillfried, Marion Piepenbrock, Anne Rix, Anshuman Dasgupta, Patrick Koczera, Peter Boor, Elmar Stickeler, Georg Schmitz, Fabian Kiessling
Summary: This study aimed to refine ULM for breast cancer patients by optimizing the measurement protocol, identifying translational challenges, and combining ULM with shear wave elastography. The results showed that the settings for microbubble injection strongly influence ULM images, requiring optimized protocols for different indications. Patient and examiner motion were identified as the main translational challenges for ULM.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Acoustics
Jocelyne Rivera, Antonia Digklia, Anna S. Christou, James Anibal, Katherine A. Vallis, Bradford J. Wood, Eleanor Stride
Summary: Immunotherapy is a major modality in cancer medicine, but its efficacy is limited and it has potential side effects. Ultrasound and cavitation agents can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy and stimulate immune responses.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Shyamala Guruvare, Shripad Hebbar, Lakshmi Bai, Padmapriya Jaiprakash, Deepa Reddy, Deepa Hc
Summary: This study assessed the accuracy of 3-D surface rendering of 2-D ultrasound images of the uterus using FMRA software for mapping uterine fibroids compared to pathological evaluation. The results showed good correlation between the two methods in terms of fibroid size and location. Inter-observer analysis also demonstrated reproducibility of measurements from two sonologists using the 3-D model.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Yuting Shen, Jiadong Zhang, Daohuai Jiang, Zijian Gao, Yuwei Zheng, Feng Gao, Fei Gao
Summary: This study proposes a straightforward simulation approach based on superposed Wave (s-Wave) to accelerate photoacoustic simulation. By manipulating the phase and amplitude of sensor data, the computation time is significantly reduced. The results show that s-Wave exhibits a speed improvement >2000 times compared with k-Wave in a sparse system configuration, and in terms of optimization-based image reconstruction, the reconstruction time is reduced by approximately 50 times.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Jason Voorneveld, Johan G. Bosch
Summary: This study assesses the effect of spatial velocity gradients (SVGs) on block matching, and finds that the sinusoidal flow wavelength and SVG angle have significant impact on the bias and precision of block matching.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Kartini Rahmat, Nazimah Ab Mumin, Wei Lin Ng, Nur Aishah Mohd Taib, Wai Yee Chan, Marlina Tanty Ramli Hamid
Summary: This study demonstrates the value of ABUS as an adjunct to DBT in breast screening and diagnosis, with improved cancer detection rates.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Jieyu Hu, Sindre Hellum Olaisen, Erik Smistad, Havard Dalen, Lasse Lovstakken
Summary: This study introduces a fully automated, real-time method for measuring left atrial volume in echocardiography using a neural network to identify key time points and segmentation techniques. The results show that this method provides comparable accuracy to manual measurements while saving time and reducing operator variability, with an average volume difference of 2.9 mL for 2-D and 7.8 mL for 3-D imaging. The application of pseudo-labeling improves the stability of volume curves and the accuracy of end-systole measurement.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Anam Bhatti, Takuro Ishii, Yoshifumi Saijo
Summary: A new protocol for fabricating a microflow phantom with bifurcated geometry at a superficial region was proposed in this study. Ultrasound imaging confirmed the successful creation of the desired flow tract with bifurcation at a depth of 2-5 mm. The experiments demonstrated the validity of the proposed protocol for creating a microscale intricate flow tract with desired dimensions and depth. This new phantom will facilitate further improvement in ultrasound technologies for precise visualization of superficial complex vasculatures.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Acoustics
Nima Mobadersany, Pengcheng Liang, Paul Kemper, Elisa E. Konofagou
Summary: This study describes a technique for manufacturing arterial phantoms using polyvinyl alcohol and evaluates the use of pulse wave imaging (PWI) to assess plaque stiffness. The results show that PWI can distinguish between plaques of different stiffness and composition.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2024)