Search

In X-ray computed tomography (CT) an important objective is to reduce the radiation dose without significantly degrading the image quality. Compressed sensing (CS) enables the radiation dose to be reduced by producing diagnostic images from a limited number of projections. However, conventional CS-based algorithms are computationally intensive and time-consuming. We propose a new algorithm that accelerates the CS-based reconstruction by using a fast pseudopolar Fourier based Radon transform and rebinning the diverging fan beams to parallel beams. The reconstruction process is analyzed using a maximum-a-posterior approach, which is transformed into a weighted CS problem. The weights involved in the proposed model are calculated based on the statistical characteristics of the reconstruction process, which is formulated in terms of the measurement noise and rebinning interpolation error. Therefore, the proposed method not only accelerates the reconstruction, but also removes the rebinning and interpolation errors. Simulation results are shown for phantoms and a patient. For example, a 512 × 512 Shepp-Logan phantom when reconstructed from 128 rebinned projections using a conventional CS method had 10% error, whereas with the proposed method the reconstruction error was less than 1%. Moreover, computation times of less than 30 sec were obtained using a standard desktop computer without numerical optimization.

Purpose HRCT is the preferred imaging technique to evaluate Interstitial-Lung-Disease. Optimal Low-Dose-Computed-Tomography protocol for monitoring ILD with lowest radiation dose and optimal diagnostic accuracy and image quality unknown. Methods 28 Patients underwent HRCT. Image reconstructions with varying combinations of tube current (50mA, 20mA, 15 mA, 10mA) and image-thickness/increment (1/1mm, 2/2mm, 3/2.4mm, 5/4mm) were simulated from raw data. 448 CTs evaluated by 2 readers on image quality and ILD-specific features (ground glass opacification (ggo), honeycombing (hc), reticulation (ret)). Results Reduced dose settings with 20 mA did not show any significant difference to standard dose settings for all parameters in reader 1, while results were significantly altered in reader 2. Slice thickness did not significantly influence rating of typical ILD features like ggo, hc, ret or total disease extent. The correct differentiation between UIP and NSIP could be made on all dose settings and with all slice thickness. It was even found, that an increased slice thickness can compensate for the noise associated image quality degradation. Overall, for ggo detection a combination of 20 mA and 3 or 5 mm slice thickness was not different to the original evaluation. Conclusions Assessment of ILD specific CT features down to 20 mA and a slice thickness of 3 or 5 mm is feasible.

Background Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) limits long-term survival after lung transplantation (LTx). Early detection or prediction of CLAD can lead to changes in patient management that, in turn, may improve prognosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of quantitative computed tomography (CT) lung density analysis in early prediction of CLAD. Methods This retrospective cohort was drawn from all consecutive adult, first LTxs performed between 2006 and 2011. Post-transplant monitoring included scheduled surveillance bronchoscopies with concurrent pulmonary-functions tests and low-dose chest CT. Quantitative density metrics (QDM) derived from CT scans obtained at the time of 10%-19% decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were evaluated: 114 bilateral LTx recipients (66 with CLAD and 48 stable) and 23 single LTx recipients (11 with CLAD, 12 stable) were included in the analysis. Results In both single and double LTx, at the time of 10%-19% drop in FEV1 from baseline, the QDM was higher in patients who developed CLAD within 3 years compared with those patients who remained stable for at least 3.5 years. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.89 for predicting CLAD in single LTx and 0.63 in bilateral LTx. A multipredictor AUC accounting for FEV1, QDM, presence of consolidation, and ground glass opacities increased the AUC to 0.74 in double LTx. Conclusions QDM derived from a CT histogram at the time of early drop in FEV1 may allow prediction of CLAD in patients after single or double LTx.

To determine the relationship between renal hemodynamic function and neuropathy in adults with ≥50-years of type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared to nondiabetic controls.Glomerular filtration rate (GFR, inulin), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF, p-aminohippurate), modified Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (mTCNS), corneal confocal microscopy, nerve conduction, and heart rate variability (autonomic function) were measured; afferent (RHigher mTCNS associated with lower renal blood flow (β ± SE:-9.29 ± 4.20, p = 0.03) and greater RAlthough neurological dysfunction in the presence of diabetes may contribute to impaired renal blood flow resulting in ischemic injury in patients with T1D, early autonomic dysfunction does not appear to be associated with kidney function changes.

Introduction: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is routinely used for clinical assessment of kidney function. However, the accuracy of estimating equations in older adults is uncertain. Methods: In 66 adults with ≥50 years type 1 diabetes (T1D) duration and 73 nondiabetic controls from age/sex-matched subgroups (65 ± 8 years old and 77[55%] were women) we evaluated the performance of estimated GFR (eGFR) by creatinine (Modification of Diet and Renal Disease [MDRD], Chronic Kidney Disease–Epidemiology [CKD-EPI]cr), cystatin C (CKD-EPIcys, CKD-EPIcr-cys), and β2-microglobulin (β2M) compared with measured GFR by inulin clearance (mGFR). Performance was evaluated using metrics of bias (mean difference), precision (SD), and accuracy (proportion of eGFR that differed by >20% of mGFR). Results: Mean mGFR was 104 ± 18 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (range: 70–154 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and was not different between T1D and controls (103 ± 17 vs. 105 ± 19 ml/min per 1.73 m2, P = 0.39). All equations significantly underestimated mGFR (bias: −15 to −30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, P < 0.001 for all comparisons) except for β2M, which had bias of 1.9 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (P = 0.61). Bias was greatest in cystatin C–based equations. Precision was lowest for β2M (SD: 43.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2, P < 0.001 for each comparison). Accuracy was lowest for CKD-EPIcysC (69.1%, P < 0.001 for each comparison). Cystatin C–based equations demonstrated greater bias and lower accuracy in older age subgroups (

Background Patient preference is pivotal for widespread adoption of tests in clinical practice. Patient preferences for invasive versus other noninvasive tests for coronary artery disease are not known. Purpose To compare patient acceptance and preferences for noninvasive and invasive cardiac imaging in North and South America, Asia, and Europe. Materials and Methods This was a prospective 16-center trial in 381 study participants undergoing coronary CT angiography with stress perfusion, SPECT, and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Patient preferences were collected by using a previously validated questionnaire translated into eight languages. Responses were converted to ordinal scales and were modeled with generalized linear mixed models. Results In patients in whom at least one test was associated with pain, CT and SPECT showed reduced median pain levels, reported on 0-100 visual analog scales, from 20 for ICA (interquartile range [IQR], 4-50) to 6 for CT (IQR, 0-27.5) and 5 for SPECT (IQR, 0-25) (P < .001). Patients from Asia reported significantly more pain than patients from other continents for ICA (median, 25; IQR, 10-50; P = .01), CT (median, 10; IQR, 0-30; P = .02), and SPECT (median, 7; IQR, 0-28; P = .03). Satisfaction with preparation differed by continent and test (P = .01), with patients from Asia reporting generally lower ratings. Patients from North America had greater percentages of "very high" or "high" satisfaction than patients from other continents for ICA (96% vs 82%, respectively; P < .001) and SPECT (95% vs 79%, respectively; P = .04) but not for CT (89% vs 86%, respectively; P = .70). Among all patients, CT was preferred by 54% of patients, compared with 18% for SPECT and 28% for ICA (P < .001). Conclusion For cardiac imaging, patients generally favored CT angiography with stress perfusion, while study participants from Asia generally reported lowest satisfaction. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Woodard and Nguyen in this issue.

AIMS To examine the relationship between normal plasma uric acid (PUA) levels, renal haemodynamic function, arterial stiffness and plasma renin and aldosterone over a wide range of type 1 diabetes (T1D) durations in adolescents, young adults and older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS PUA, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), vascular stiffness parameters (aortic augmentation index [AIx], carotid AIx, carotid femoral pulse wave velocity [cfPWV]), and plasma renin and aldosterone were measured during a euglycaemic clamp in people with T1D: 27 adolescents (mean ± SD age 16.8 ± 1.9 years), 52 young adults (mean ± SD age 25.6 ± 5.5 years) and 66 older adults (mean ± SD age 65.7 ± 7.5 years). RESULTS PUA was highest in patients with the longest T1D duration: 197 ± 44 μmol/L in adolescents versus 264 ± 82 μmol/L in older adults (P

Objectives: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We aimed to explore clinical and biochemical factors, including the achievement of American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommended targets associated with DKD in people living with T1D for ≥50 years. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study of 75 participants enrolled in the Canadian Study of Longevity in T1D. We explored diabetes-related complications, including neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, and DKD. Study participants were dichotomized based on the achievement of ADA recommended targets as the low-target group (achieving ≤4 targets, n = 31) and high-target group (achieving >4 targets, n = 44). The outcome of interest was DKD defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values 30 mg. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for DKD with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Of the 75 participants with prolonged T1D duration (45% male, mean age 66 years), 25 participants had DKD and 50 did not. There was no statistical difference between the high- and low-target groups in terms of age and body mass index. eGFR was significantly higher and the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was significantly lower in the high-target group. Older age at diagnosis of T1D and lower frequency component to high-frequency component ratio increased the odds of having DKD. Conclusions: In adults with prolonged T1D duration, older age at diagnosis and lower heart rate variability may be associated with DKD.

OBJECTIVE The importance of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation in retinopathy for long-standing diabetes is not well understood. We determined retinopathy stage and evaluated associations with other vascular complications before and after physiological RAAS activation in adults with long-standing (≥50 years duration) type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants underwent retinal examination by digital funduscopic photography and optical coherence tomography and were classified as having nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), or no diabetic retinopathy (NDR) with or without diabetic macular edema (DME). Neuropathy was measured by clinical neuropathy examination scores, electrophysiologically, and by corneal confocal microscopy. Renal function was measured by inulin and para-aminohippurate clearance methods. Arterial stiffness was measured by applanation tonometry. Renal function, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness were measured before and after RAAS activation with angiotensin II (ANGII). Associations were determined using linear regression. RESULTS Twelve (16%) of the 75 participants had NDR, 24 (32%) had NPDR, and 39 (52%) had PDR. A low overall prevalence of DME (4%) was observed. Those with PDR had worse nerve function and reduced corneal nerve density, were more likely to have macrovascular disease, and had increased arterial stiffness in response to ANGII compared with those with NPDR or NDR. Prevalence of kidney disease or renal hemodynamic function did not differ by retinopathy status. CONCLUSIONS PDR was associated with neuropathy severity and cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. In those with PDR, RAAS activation may be linked to vascular stiffening, an effect that persists in long-standing type 1 diabetes.

The preferences of rural youth towards different fisheries vocations have been assessed using the Thurstone paired comparison technique. Six major fisheries vocations which trainings were imparted to the rural youth by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Doda during 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 were identified. A sample of 94 rural youth was randomly drawn from 940 rural youth who attended various awareness programmes, training programmes and exposure visits organised by KVK Doda independently or in collaboration with National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad and Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal during these three years. Trout culture with the highest scale value of 0.563 was the most preferred fishery vocation by the rural youth and aquarium making was the least preferred with scale value of 0.00. Other vocations viz., carp culture, fish seed production, ornamental fish production and fish feed production were found in between this continuum with varying degrees of the scale distances. The average value of Absolute Discrepancy (AD) estimated was 0.009, which implies that the calculated scale values of the various fisheries vocations had very high level of consistency. Key words: Fisheries, Paired comparison, Rural youth, Thurstone paired comparison technique, Training, Vocation

Quantitative measurement of lung perfusion is a promising tool to evaluate lung pathophysiology as well as to assess disease severity and monitor treatment. However, this novel technique has not been adopted clinically due to various technical and physiological challenges; and it is still in the early developmental phase where the correlation between lung pathophysiology and perfusion maps is being explored. The purpose of this research work is to quantify the impact of pulmonary artery occlusion on lung perfusion indices using lung dynamic perfusion CT (DPCT). We performed Lung DPCT in ten anesthetized, mechanically ventilated juvenile pigs (18.6–20.2 kg) with a range of reversible pulmonary artery occlusions (0%, 40–59%, 60–79%, 80–99%, and 100%) created with a balloon catheter. For each arterial occlusion, DPCT data was analyzed using first-pass kinetics to derive blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV) and mean transit time (MTT) perfusion maps. Two radiologists qualitatively assessed perfusion maps for the presence or absence of perfusion defects. Perfusion maps were also analyzed quantitatively using a linear segmented mixed model to determine the thresholds of arterial occlusion associated with perfusion derangement. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using Kappa statistics. Correlation between arterial occlusion and perfusion indices was evaluated using the Spearman-rank correlation coefficient. Our results determined that perfusion defects were detected qualitatively in BF, BV and MTT perfusion maps for occlusions larger than 55%, 80% and 55% respectively. Inter-observer agreement was very good with Kappa scores > 0.92. Quantitative analysis of the perfusion maps determined the arterial occlusion threshold for perfusion defects was 50%, 76% and 44% for BF, BV and MTT respectively. Spearman-rank correlation coefficients between arterial occlusion and normalized perfusion values were strong (− 0.92, − 0.72, and 0.78 for BF, BV and MTT, respectively) and were statically significant (p 0.01). These findings demonstrate that lung DPCT enables quantification and stratification of pulmonary artery occlusion into three categories: mild, moderate and severe. Severe (occlusion ≥ 80%) alters all perfusion indices; mild (occlusion BF and MTT but BV is preserved.

Human computer interaction (HCI) between medical radiation technologists (MRTs) and x-ray equipment influence the quality and safety of patient care with diagnostic procedures and should be considered during purchase of equipment. Practitioners from London Health Sciences Centre collaborated with a professor and students of the Fanshawe Advanced Ergonomic Program to complete a field study to identify HCI Factors in x-ray equipment that could be used as part of a hospital’s centralized purchasing guide.

Physical activity (PA) is recommended to improve glycemic control in T1D; however, the effect of PA on distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) and cardiac autonomic function in longstanding T1D is unknown.Data from 75 participants were collected as part of the Canadian Study of Longevity in T1D. Participants completed a physical exam, medical history, extensive complications phenotyping and reported their daily PA from the preceding 12-months. Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to assess PA time and complications variables. Linear regression was used to test associations between PA time, neurological and electrophysiological measures. Univariable regression was used to indicate the change in the given independent variables associated with a 30-min increase in PA per week.Participants were 66 ± 8 years old with diabetes duration of 54 [52,58] years, HbAIn longstanding T1D, PA time is associated with superior large nerve fibre function in the lower limbs and some better measures of small nerve fibre function.

The relationship between renal function and neuropathy is not well established in T1D. Our objective was to determine the relationship between renal hemodynamic function and neuropathy in adults with a ≥50-year history of T1D compared to nondiabetic controls. GFR (inulin), effective renal plasma flow (ERPF, p-aminohippurate) and modified Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (mTCNS) were measured in 66 patients with T1D for ≥50-years and in 73 patients without diabetes matched for age and sex. Afferent (RA), efferent (RE) arteriolar resistances and glomerular hydrostatic pressure (PGLO) were estimated using Gomez’s equations. Presence of DKD was defined as eGFRMDRD30mg/day at the screening visit. Linear regressions were applied to examine the relationships between renal function (dependent variable) and measures of neuropathy (independent variable), adjusted for age, sex and HbA1c in participants with T1D and for age and sex in nondiabetic controls. Greater mTCNS, a measure of neuropathy signs and symptoms, was associated with lower renal blood flow (β=-9.57±4.15, p=0.024) and greater RE (β=32.79±15.13, p=0.034) in adults with T1D after adjusting for age, sex and HbA1c. Participants with T1D and DKD had a greater mTCNS compared to those without DKD (6.3±5.2 vs. 3.8±3.6, p=0.016). In contrast, renal hemodynamic parameters did not associate with measures of neuropathy in nondiabetic controls in multivariable models. Neuropathy score was associated with lower renal perfusion in adults with longstanding T1D. Neurological dysfunction in the presence of diabetes may contribute to impaired renal perfusion resulting in ischemic injury in patients with T1D. Further work is required to understand factors - including the autonomic nervous system - that contribute to maintaining normal renal perfusion in longstanding T1D. Disclosure Y. Lytvyn: None. P. Bjornstad: Advisory Panel; Self; XORTX Therapeutics Inc. Consultant; Self; Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novo Nordisk Foundation. Research Support; Self; Horizon Pharma. L. Lovblom: None. H. Liu: None. J.A. Lovshin: Consultant; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Spouse/Partner; Bayer Inc. Consultant; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk Inc. Research Support; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc. G. Boulet: Advisory Panel; Self; Medtronic. M. Farooqi: None. A. Weisman: None. H.A. Keenan: None. M.H. Brent: Advisory Panel; Self; Bayer AG, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., Roche Canada. N. Paul: None. V. Bril: Advisory Panel; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Takeda Canada. Consultant; Self; Akcea Therapeutics, CSL Behring, Sanofi. Research Support; Self; Biogen, Grifols, Momenta Pharmaceuticals. B.A. Perkins: Consultant; Self; Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Insulet Corporation. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Novo Nordisk A/S. Other Relationship; Self; Medtronic. D. Cherney: Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim-Lilly, Merck, Janssen, Sanofi, AstraZeneca and Novo-Nordisk. Other Relationship; Self; from Boehringer Ingelheim-Lilly, Merck, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Abbvie, Janssen, Bayer, Prometic, BMS and Novo-Nordisk.

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to define the relationships between plasma biomarkers of kidney injury and intrarenal haemodynamic function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR], effective renal plasma flow [ERPF], renal vascular resistance [RVR]) in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS The study sample comprised patients with longstanding T1D (duration ≥50 years), among whom 44 were diabetic kidney disease (DKD) resistors (eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and

Computed tomography imaging phantom devices have proven to be beneficial in improving computed tomography diagnostic techniques. Though commercial phantoms are available with tissue mimicking properties, there is a lack of low-density tissue specificity and variety. This study proposes a method for the fabrication of various low-density tissue mimicking computed tomography imaging phantoms. By illustrating the fabrication technique, material properties can be shown to be controlled and assessed against characteristic computed tomography imaging properties, most particularly, the computed tomography number in Hounsfield Units. A batch cellular foaming technique was utilized on thermoplastic polyurethane with ranging heated water bath foaming times from 0.5 to 10 min to fabricate polymeric computed tomography phantoms of controlled foam material properties. Computed tomography number values were experimentally measured. Additionally, separate experimental measurements were made on the foam characteristic properties of fabricated thermoplastic polyurethane foams. A relative decreasing trend was exhibited between the foam characteristic properties of cell density, average cell size, and material density to computed tomography number.

Background Molecular testing in advanced lung cancer is standard in guiding treatment selection. However, population-wide implementation of testing remains a challenge. We developed a knowledge translation intervention to improve understanding among diagnostic specialists about molecular testing and appropriate diagnostic sampling in lung cancer. Methods Specialty-specific education programs were developed from existing literature and input from Canadian leaders in lung pathology, respirology, interventional radiology, thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. The programs, including key messages, review of current data, existing guidelines, group discussion, and participant feedback, were administered at provincial and national specialty meetings. Participant knowledge was assessed before and after the intervention by using anonymous questionnaires. Molecular ( EGFR ) testing rates in Ontario were also evaluated before and after the intervention period. Results Ten programs were administered to diagnostic specialists, including respirologists, pathologists, thoracic surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, with completion of 255 preintervention and 219 postintervention surveys. At baseline, 30% were unsure of tissue handling methods for molecular testing, 20% chose an incorrect technique, and half were unfamiliar with how to initiate testing. After intervention, specialist knowledge improved regarding tissue handling and appropriate fixation techniques and uncertainty decreased from 30% to 2% ( p EGFR ) testing requests in Ontario was observed over the intervention period ( p = 0.0032). Conclusions Significant knowledge gaps exist among diagnostic specialists regarding molecular testing and targeted therapy in lung cancer. This initiative significantly improved understanding of the importance and methods of successful molecular testing and correlated with increased testing rates.

Objectives: To analyse the implementation, applicability and accuracy of the pretest probability calculation provided by NICE clinical guideline 95 for decision making about imaging in patients with chest pain of recent onset. Methods: The definitions for pretest probability calculation in the original Duke clinical score and the NICE guideline were compared. We also calculated the agreement and disagreement in pretest probability and the resulting imaging and management groups based on individual patient data from the Collaborative Meta-Analysis of Cardiac CT (CoMe-CCT). Results: 4,673 individual patient data from the CoMe-CCT Consortium were analysed. Major differences in definitions in the Duke clinical score and NICE guideline were found for the predictors age and number of risk factors. Pretest probability calculation using guideline criteria was only possible for 30.8 % (1,439/4,673) of patients despite availability of all required data due to ambiguity in guideline definitions for risk factors and age groups. Agreement regarding patient management groups was found in only 70 % (366/523) of patients in whom pretest probability calculation was possible according to both models. Conclusions: Our results suggest that pretest probability calculation for clinical decision making about cardiac imaging as implemented in the NICE clinical guideline for patients has relevant limitations. Key Points: • Duke clinical score is not implemented correctly in NICE guideline 95. • Pretest probability assessment in NICE guideline 95 is impossible for most patients. • Improved clinical decision making requires accurate pretest probability calculation. • These refinements are essential for appropriate use of cardiac CT.

Objective The study aims to optimize visualization of the coronary wall during computed tomography coronary angiography. Methods A coronary plaque phantom was scanned on a wide-volume computed tomography scanner. Spatial resolution, contrast resolution, and vessel wall thickness were measured at different x-ray tube currents and voltages. Results Spatial resolution ranged from 0.385 to 0.625 mm and was significantly lower at higher currents. Contrast-to-noise ratio was significantly higher at higher currents. The most accurate wall thickness measurements were quantified at 300 and 400 mA for 80 and 100 kVp and 300 mA for 120 and 135 kVp. Conclusions Lower spatial resolution at higher currents was due to added blur from increased focal spot size. Contrast-to-noise ratio was higher at higher currents owing to decreased quantum noise. Wall thickness was measured more accurately at intermediate currents with midrange contrast-to-noise ratio but optimal spatial resolution. For accurate coronary wall thickness measurement, contrast-to-noise ratio is compromised to achieve optimal spatial resolution.

OBJECTIVE To assess national differences in diabetes care and quality of life (QOL) between individuals with long-standing type 1 diabetes (≥50 years) in Canada and the U.S. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional data from identical surveys administered in the Canadian Study of Longevity in Diabetes and the Joslin Medalist Study, collected in 2013–2016 and 2005–2011, respectively, were compared. Laboratory values and ophthalmic examination were completed by clinical care physicians for Canadians and the Joslin Clinic for Americans. Univariate comparisons and multivariable regression for HbA1c, QOL, insulin pump use, and coronary artery disease (CAD) were performed. Nephropathy, CAD, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were self-reported; neuropathy was defined by a Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (Questionnaire component) score ≥3, and proliferative retinopathy was documented from ophthalmic examination. QOL was self-reported on an ordinal scale. RESULTS Three hundred sixty-one Canadians and 668 Americans had similar ages (mean 65.78 years [SD 8.67] vs. 66.38 years [7.66], P = 0.27) and durations of diabetes (median 53.00 years [interquartile range 51.00, 58.00] vs. 53.00 years [51.00, 57.00], P = 0.51). Canadians had higher HbA1c (mean 7.53% [SD 1.03] [59 mmol/mol] vs. 7.22% [0.98] [55 mmol/mol], P < 0.0001), lower QOL (36.9% vs. 48.7% with “excellent” QOL, P = 0.0002), and less CAD (29.7% vs. 41.2%, P = 0.0003) and insulin pump use (43.3% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.0002). Other complication rates were similar. Residual differences for Canadians compared with Americans remained after adjustment for age, sex, CAD, PAD, education, and relevant a priori selected variables: 0.28% higher HbA1c (P = 0.0004); and odds ratios of 0.68 (95% CI 0.51, 0.90), 0.46 (0.31, 0.68), and 0.71 (0.52, 0.96) for higher QOL, CAD, and insulin pump use, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although Canadians and Americans have similar rates of complications other than CAD, further research is required to understand why Canadians have higher HbA1c levels, lower QOL, and less insulin pump use.

Combined CT angiography and CT myocardial perfusion enables similar prediction of 2-year major adverse cardiovascular event–free survival, including the need for myocardial revascularization procedures, similar to that achieved with standard invasive coronary angiography and single photon emission CT perfusion imaging.

PUA is associated with renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) activation, which promotes hypertension and kidney disease in T1D. Our aims were to examine (1) the effect of an ANG II infusion on PUA and (2) the association between PUA and systemic and renal hemodynamic responses to ANG II over a wide range of T1D duration. In this post hoc analysis, blood pressure, PUA, GFRinulin and ERPFPAH were measured during a euglycemic clamp before and after an ANG II infusion (1 ng·kg-1·min-1) in participants with T1D: 49 young (26.2±5.5 years) and 62 older (66.0±7.9 years) adults and healthy controls (HC): 27 young (25.1±4.6 years), and 72 older (64.6±8.0 years) adults. ANG II infusion caused a greater decline in GFRinulin in older vs. younger adults with T1D; there was no such difference between older vs. younger HC adults. ANG II decreased PUA more in HC than T1D in both age groups (p Our findings suggest that ANG II infusion reduces PUA, potentially through direct effects on the ANG II type 1 receptor (AT1R). The presence of T1D attenuates PUA lowering effects irrespective of diabetes duration, suggesting an interaction between hyperglycemia, RAAS signaling pathways and PUA. Further studies are required to better understand the effects of AT1R receptor signaling on PUA concentrations. Disclosure Y. Lytvyn: None. J.A. Lovshin: Consultant; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Intarcia Therapeutics, Inc., Prometic Life Sciences Inc. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk Inc. P. Bjornstad: Advisory Panel; Self; Horizon, XORTX. Consultant; Self; Bayer US, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. L. Lovblom: None. A. Katz: None. A. Lytvyn: None. G. Boulet: Other Relationship; Self; Medtronic. M.A. Farooqi: None. A. Weisman: None. H.A. Keenan: Employee; Self; Sanofi Genzyme. M.H. Brent: Advisory Panel; Self; AbbVie Inc., Bayer Canada, Novartis Canada. Research Support; Self; Bayer Canada, Novartis Canada, Roche Canada. N. Paul: Consultant; Self; Bayer AG. V. Bril: Advisory Panel; Self; Akcea Therapeutics, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Alnylam, CSL Behring. Consultant; Self; Pfizer Inc. Research Support; Self; Baxter, Biogen, Grifols, UCB, Inc. A. Advani: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Dexcom, Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. B.A. Perkins: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Insulet Corporation. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. Other Relationship; Self; Abbott, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Lilly Diabetes, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. D. Cherney: Other Relationship; Self; AbbVie Inc., AstraZeneca, Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Prometic Life Sciences Inc., Sanofi. Funding JDRF (17-2013-312)

Chest computed tomography (CT) findings of nodules, ground glass opacities, and consolidations are often interpreted as representing invasive fungal infection in individuals with febrile neutropenia. We assessed whether these CT findings were present in asymptomatic individuals with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at low risk of invasive fungal disease. A retrospective study of consecutive asymptomatic adult patients with newly diagnosed AML over a 2-year period was performed at a tertiary care oncology center. Radiology reports of baseline chest CTs were reviewed. Of 145 CT scans, the majority (88%) had pulmonary abnormalities. Many (70%) had one or both of unspecified opacities (52%) and nodules (49%). Ground glass opacities (18%) and consolidations (12%) occurred less frequently. Radiologists suggested pneumonia as a possible diagnosis in 32% (n = 47) of scans. Chest CT may result in over-diagnosis of invasive fungal disease in individuals with febrile neutropenia if interpreted without correlation to the patients' clinical status.

We aimed to determine cross-sectional insulin pump prevalence and factors associated with measures of glycemic control as a secondary analysis in a long-standing type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) national cohort.Canadian participants with ≥50 years of T1DM (n = 305) were administered a comprehensive mail-based questionnaire including acquisition of contemporaneous laboratory results. Factors associated with pump use, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and hypoglycemia were analyzed by regression.The 305 participants had a median age of 65 [interquartile range, 59, 71] years, median diabetes duration of 54 [51, 59] years, and mean HbA1c level of 7.5 ± 1.1%. Prevalence of pump use was 44% (133/305), with median duration of use 8 [4, 13] years. Compared with the non-pump subgroup, the pump subgroup had numerically lower but similar HbA1c levels (7.4 ± 0.9% vs. 7.6 ± 1.2%; P = 0.22) and reported greater numbers of minor hypoglycemia events (6.5 vs. 5.1 events/patient·month; P = 0.004) and fewer severe hypoglycemia events (0.5 vs. 1.3 events/patient·year; P = 0.02) in the past year. More frequent daily glucose tests and more frequent minor hypoglycemia events-but not pump therapy or its prescription parameters-were independently associated with lower HbA1c level in multivariable regression. However, use of insulin pump and habitual use of continuous glucose monitoring (≥1 week/month) were each independently associated with lower risk of severe hypoglycemia (risk ratio = 0.50 [P 0.0001] and 0.30 [P = 0.001], respectively).Insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring technologies were associated with lower risk of severe hypoglycemia, while frequent daily glucose testing was associated with lower HbA1c level. These findings imply that basic self-management skill and technology play complementary roles in glycemic control among older adults with long-standing T1DM.

To evaluate the heart rate lowering effect of relaxation music in patients undergoing coronary CT angiography (CCTA), pulmonary vein CT (PVCT) and coronary calcium score CT (CCS). Patients were randomised to a control group (i.e. standard of care protocol) or to a relaxation music group (ie. standard of care protocol with music). The groups were compared for heart rate, radiation dose, image quality and dose of IV metoprolol. Both groups completed State-Trait Anxiety Inventory anxiety questionnaires to assess patient experience. One hundred and ninety-seven patients were recruited (61.9 % males); mean age 56y (19-86 y); 127 CCTA, 17 PVCT, 53 CCS. No significant difference in heart rate, radiation dose, image quality, metoprolol dose and anxiety scores. 86 % of patients enjoyed the music. 90 % of patients in the music group expressed a strong preference to have music for future examinations. The patient cohort demonstrated low anxiety levels prior to CT. Relaxation music in CCTA, PVCT and CCS does not reduce heart rate or IV metoprolol use. Patients showed low levels of anxiety indicating that anxiolytics may not have a significant role in lowering heart rate. Music can be used in cardiac CT to improve patient experience. • Relaxation music does not reduce heart rate in cardiac CT • Relaxation music does not reduce beta-blocker use in cardiac CT • Relaxation music has no effect on cardiac CT image quality • Low levels of anxiety are present in patients prior to cardiac CT • Patients enjoyed the relaxation music and this results in improved patient experience

There is a growing interest in using Computed Tomography (CT) and Hounsfield Unit (HU) measurements in identifying and assessing non-calcified plaque; however, the complex geometry of the coronary arteries poses a challenge in achieving good image quality, which is crucial in providing patients with an accurate diagnosis. Minimizing artifacts associated with cardiac motion is also an important step in improving CT diagnostic accuracy of Coronary Artery Disease. Existing arterial phantoms are commonly straight, short tubular sections that are often rigid, and do not represent the geometry of the entire arterial network, with which image quality and Hounsfield Unit measurements vary and are dependent on. In this study, the process of manufacturing a plaque phantom with physiologically accurate geometry of the coronary arteries is demonstrated. A computer model is obtained by segmenting CTCA images, and several flexible commercially available materials are used to 3D print the model. The static and dynamic mechanical properties of the 3D printing materials are investigated under physiologically relevant loading and the CT numbers of contrast-enhanced tubular samples with 50%, 75%, and 90% concentric stenosis are characterized and compared with ranges for lipid-rich and fibrous plaque. The proposed plaque phantom design offers the possibility of investigating the effect of non-calcified plaque geometry and arterial motion on various parameters in CT optimization studies.

OBJECTIVE Type 1 diabetes carries a significant risk for cardiovascular mortality, but it is unclear how atherosclerosis associates with microvascular complications. We aimed to determine the relationships between atherosclerotic burden and neuropathy, retinopathy, and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in adults with a ≥50-year history of type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Adults with type 1 diabetes (n = 69) underwent coronary artery calcification (CAC) volume scoring by wide-volume computerized tomography. Microvascular complications were graded as follows: neuropathy by clinical assessment, electrophysiology, vibration and cooling detection thresholds, heart rate variability, and corneal confocal microscopy; retinopathy by ultra–wide-field retinal imaging; and DKD by renal hemodynamic function measured by inulin and para-aminohippurate clearance at baseline and after intravenous infusion of angiotensin II. The cohort was dichotomized to high (≥300 Agatston units [AU]) or low ( RESULTS CAC scores were higher in participants with type 1 diabetes (median Agatston score 1,000 [interquartile range = 222, 2,373] AU vs. 1 [0.75] AU in comparators, P < 0.001). In participants with type 1 diabetes, high CAC scores associated with markers of neuropathy and retinopathy, but not with DKD, or renal hemodynamic function at baseline or in response to angiotensin II. CONCLUSIONS The presence of high CAC in adults with longstanding type 1 diabetes was associated with large nerve fiber neuropathy and retinopathy but not with renal hemodynamic function, suggesting that neuropathy, retinopathy, and macrovascular calcification share common risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) detects incidental findings that require follow-up. In just over 50% of cases, those incidental findings are pulmonary nodules. Fleischner guidelines recommend that patients with nodules that have a high risk of malignancy should undergo CT followup within 3-12 months. OBJECTIVE: We examined the proportion of patients with pulmonary nodules requiring follow up who received repeat imaging within six weeks of the time frame recommended by the radiologist. DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent CTPA in the emergency department and inpatient settings at three teaching hospitals in Toronto, Canada between September 1, 2014, and August 31, 2015. Natural language processing software was applied to a linked radiology information system to identify all CTPAs that contained pulmonary nodules. Using manual review and prespecified exclusion criteria, we generated a cohort with possible new lung malignancy eligible for follow-up imaging; then we reviewed available health records to determine whether follow-up had occurred. RESULTS: Of the 1,910 CTPAs performed over the study period, 674 (35.3%) contained pulmonary nodules. Of the 259 patients with new nodules eligible for follow-up imaging, 65 received an explicit suggestion for follow-up by radiology (25.1%). Of these 65 patients, 35 (53.8%) did not receive repeat imaging within the recommended time frame. Explicit mention that follow-up was required in the discharge summary (P = .03), attending an outpatient follow-up visit (P < .001), and younger age (P = .03) were associated with receiving timely follow-up imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Over 50% of patients with new high-risk pulmonary nodules detected incidentally on CTPA did not receive timely follow-up imaging.

We aimed to measure the prevalence of retinopathy in a T1D cohort of 75 adults with T1D duration of ≥50 years, and to determine association with other vascular complications. Participants underwent ultra-widefield retinal imaging and optimal coherence tomography. Neuropathy was characterized by electrophysiology and corneal confocal microscopy. Intrarenal hemodynamic function was determined by inulin and para-aminohippurate clearance, and arterial stiffness was measured by applanation tonometry, both at baseline and in responses to intravenous angiotensin II (ANGII). Participants were classified as having no diabetic retinopathy (ⱷDR), non-proliferative (NPDR), or proliferative (PDR), and associations were determined using multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, sex, and HbA1c. Thirty-nine (52%) participants had PDR, 24 (32%) had NPDR, and 12 (16%) had ⱷDR. Those without retinopathy had lower HbA1c vs. those with NDPR and PDR (6.7±0.6% vs. 7.4±0.7% and 7.5±0.9%, p=0.019). PDR was associated with lower corneal nerve fibre density, worse electrophysiology, and a greater number of signs and symptoms of neuropathy, but not with intrarenal hemodynamic function. Retinopathy severity was associated with greater response to ANGII for carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (mean change -4.9±11.4% vs. 8.2±18.5% vs. 12.9±20.2% for ⱷDR, NPDR, and PDR respectively, p=0.043). In longstanding T1D, retinopathy associated strongly with neuropathy and arterial stiffening, but not with renal hemodynamic function. Greater understanding of the co-occurrence of microvascular complications in patients with T1D, and relationships with macrovascular abnormalities such as arterial stiffness, may improve early detection and management of diabetes-related diseases. Disclosure J.A. Lovshin: Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc.. Research Support; Self; Sanofi, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.. Other Relationship; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc.. L. Lovblom: None. P. Bjornstad: Consultant; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Y. Lytvyn: None. G. Boulet: Advisory Panel; Self; Medtronic, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk Inc.. Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Global Services, LLC., Abbott. A. Weisman: None. V.S. Lai: None. J.M. Tse: None. L. Cham: None. A. Orszag: None. H.A. Keenan: Research Support; Self; Sanofi. Employee; Self; Sanofi Genzyme. N. Paul: None. V. Bril: Consultant; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Research Support; Self; CSL Behring, Grifols. Advisory Panel; Self; CSL Behring. Consultant; Self; Grifols. Research Support; Self; Shire. Advisory Panel; Self; Pfizer Inc. M.H. Brent: Research Support; Self; Novartis Canada. Advisory Panel; Self; Novartis Canada. Research Support; Self; Bayer Canada. Advisory Panel; Self; Bayer Canada, Allergan Canada. Research Support; Self; Roche Canada. B.A. Perkins: Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Novo Nordisk Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Abbott. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Abbott, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Insulet Corporation. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Insulet Corporation, Dexcom, Inc. D. Cherney: Consultant; Self; AbbVie Inc.. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company. Consultant; Self; Sanofi. Other Relationship; Self; Merck & Co., Inc.. Consultant; Self; Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc..

Little is known about how tubular injury relates to intrarenal hemodynamic dysfunction in T1D. We sought to define the relationships between serum NGAL, a marker of tubular injury, and intrarenal hemodynamic function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR], effective renal plasma flow [ERPF], renal vascular resistance [RVR]) in T1D adults. The cohort consisted of patients with longstanding T1D (≥50 years duration); 44 Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) Resistors (eGFR >60mL/min/1.73m2 and Differences remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, HbA1c, SBP and LDL. DN Resistors had significantly lower serum NGAL vs. those with DN. Elevated NGAL is related to intrarenal hemodynamic dysfunction and afferent vasoconstriction in longstanding T1D. Disclosure P. Bjornstad: Consultant; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. J.K. Snell-Bergeon: Stock/Shareholder; Self; Abbott. Research Support; Self; Roche Diagnostics Corporation. J.A. Lovshin: Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc.. Research Support; Self; Sanofi, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.. Other Relationship; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc.. S.K. Singh: None. L. Lovblom: None. J.M. Tse: None. A. Orszag: None. Y. Lytvyn: None. M.H. Brent: Research Support; Self; Novartis Canada. Advisory Panel; Self; Novartis Canada. Research Support; Self; Bayer Canada. Advisory Panel; Self; Bayer Canada, Allergan Canada. Research Support; Self; Roche Canada. N. Paul: None. A. Weisman: None. H.A. Keenan: Research Support; Self; Sanofi. Employee; Self; Sanofi Genzyme. L. Cham: None. V. Bril: Consultant; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Research Support; Self; CSL Behring, Grifols. Advisory Panel; Self; CSL Behring. Consultant; Self; Grifols. Research Support; Self; Shire. Advisory Panel; Self; Pfizer Inc. B.A. Perkins: Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Novo Nordisk Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Abbott. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Abbott, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Insulet Corporation. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Insulet Corporation, Dexcom, Inc. D. Cherney: Consultant; Self; AbbVie Inc.. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company. Consultant; Self; Sanofi. Other Relationship; Self; Merck & Co., Inc.. Consultant; Self; Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc..

Our aim was to better understand kidney function changes and RAAS activation over the natural history of T1D in patients with a wide range of T1D duration. GFRinulin and ERPFPAH were measured during a euglycemic clamp before and after an angiotensin II infusion (ANGII, 3 ng·kg-1·min-1-a measure of RAAS activation) in patients with T1D: 28 adolescents (age 16.2±2.0 years), 54 young adults (25.4±5.6 years) and 66 adults with ≥50 years of T1D (65.7±7.5 years) from the Canadian Study of Longevity. Gomez’s equations were used to estimate afferent (RA) and efferent (RE) arteriolar resistances and glomerular hydrostatic pressure (PGLO). In a step-wise fashion, GFRinulin, ERPFPAH, PGLO decreased, renal vascular resistance (RVR) and RA increased in adolescents vs. young adults vs. adults with ≥50 years of T1D (Figure 1). RE was similar in adolescents vs. young adults, but was higher in patients with ≥50 years of T1D. ANGII resulted in blunted renal hemodynamic responses in patients with ≥50 years of T1D (RVR increase of 0.033±0.016 vs. 0.049±0.019mmHg/L/min in adolescents, p=0.0006) suggesting a state of enhanced RAAS activation. With longer duration of disease, patients with T1D have evidence of renal vasoconstriction, leading to lower GFRinulin, ERPFPAH, elevated RVR and RAAS activation. Further work is required to understand the potential role of non-RAAS, pharmacologic agents that target RA in patients with early T1D. Disclosure Y. Lytvyn: None. P. Bjornstad: Consultant; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. J.A. Lovshin: Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc.. Research Support; Self; Sanofi, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.. Other Relationship; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc. G. Boulet: Advisory Panel; Self; Medtronic, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk Inc.. Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Global Services, LLC., Abbott. M. Farooqi: None. V.S. Lai: None. J.M. Tse: None. L. Cham: None. L. Lovblom: None. A. Weisman: None. H.A. Keenan: Research Support; Self; Sanofi. Employee; Self; Sanofi Genzyme. M.H. Brent: Research Support; Self; Novartis Canada. Advisory Panel; Self; Novartis Canada. Research Support; Self; Bayer Canada. Advisory Panel; Self; Bayer Canada, Allergan Canada. Research Support; Self; Roche Canada. N. Paul: None. V. Bril: Consultant; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Research Support; Self; CSL Behring, Grifols. Advisory Panel; Self; CSL Behring. Consultant; Self; Grifols. Research Support; Self; Shire. Advisory Panel; Self; Pfizer Inc. A. Advani: Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Other Relationship; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. E.B. Sochett: None. B.A. Perkins: Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Novo Nordisk Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Abbott. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Abbott, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Insulet Corporation. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Insulet Corporation, Dexcom, Inc. D. Cherney: Consultant; Self; AbbVie Inc.. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company. Consultant; Self; Sanofi. Other Relationship; Self; Merck & Co., Inc.. Consultant; Self; Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc..

Neuropathy and neuropathic pain are common complications in T1D. We aimed to determine if sex-specific differences in the prevalence of neuropathic pain and neuropathy exist in patients with longstanding T1D. In Phase 1 of the study, 361 Canadians with ≥50 years of T1D completed questionnaires which included subjective assessment for neuropathy defined by Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument Questionnaire score ≥3, termed NEUROPATHYMNSI-Q. In Phase 2 of the study, we studied a sub-cohort of 75 diabetes participants and 75 age- and sex-matched nondiabetic controls who completed objective neurological examinations which included assessment of abnormal nerve conduction studies (NCS) for neuropathy, termed NEUROPATHYNCS. In the Phase 1 cohort, more females than males reported neuropathic pain [87(42%) vs. 41(27%); p=0.003)], but the presence of neuropathy (NEUROPATHYMNSI-Q) did not differ by sex [87(42%) females vs. 66(43%) males, p=0.82], and thus neuropathic pain was independent of the presence of neuropathy [adjusted OR for neuropathic pain in females compared to males, 2.7 (1.4-5.0; p=0.002)]. In the Phase 2 participants, neuropathic pain was similar between the sexes (29% females vs. 21% males, p=0.43) while NEUROPATHYNCS was less prevalent among females (83% females vs. 97% males, p=0.05). Though not statistically significant, in a combined analysis of Phase 2 participants adjusted for NEUROPATHYNCS, females had a tendency to a higher adjusted OR for neuropathic pain compared to males [OR 2.0 (95% CI 0.8-4.7), p=0.11]. In conclusion, in patients with longstanding TID, neuropathic pain appears to be greater among females compared to males independent of the presence of neuropathy. Further research using larger datasets with objective neuropathy measures are required to further confirm and address these sex-specific differences. Disclosure N. Cardinez: None. L. Lovblom: None. J. Bai: None. A. Abraham: None. E.J. Lewis: Employee; Self; Nutarniq Corp. D. Scarr: None. J.A. Lovshin: Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc.. Research Support; Self; Sanofi, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.. Other Relationship; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc.. Y. Lytvyn: None. G. Boulet: Advisory Panel; Self; Medtronic, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk Inc.. Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Global Services, LLC., Abbott. M. Farooqi: None. A. Orszag: None. A. Weisman: None. H.A. Keenan: Research Support; Self; Sanofi. Employee; Self; Sanofi Genzyme. M.H. Brent: Research Support; Self; Novartis Canada. Advisory Panel; Self; Novartis Canada. Research Support; Self; Bayer Canada. Advisory Panel; Self; Bayer Canada, Allergan Canada. Research Support; Self; Roche Canada. N. Paul: None. V. Bril: Consultant; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Research Support; Self; CSL Behring, Grifols. Advisory Panel; Self; CSL Behring. Consultant; Self; Grifols. Research Support; Self; Shire. Advisory Panel; Self; Pfizer Inc. D. Cherney: Consultant; Self; AbbVie Inc.. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company. Consultant; Self; Sanofi. Other Relationship; Self; Merck & Co., Inc.. Consultant; Self; Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. B.A. Perkins: Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Novo Nordisk Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Abbott. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Abbott, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Insulet Corporation. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Insulet Corporation, Dexcom, Inc..

Higher PUA levels are associated with renal vasoconstriction, renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) activation and vascular stiffness, however the timeline for these associations in T1D is not clear. Our aim was to compare adolescents vs. young adults vs. adults with ≥50 years of T1D from the Canadian Study of Longevity to determine the relationship between PUA and changes in renal hemodynamic function, arterial stiffness and plasma renin and aldosterone over a wide range of diabetes duration. PUA, GFRinulin, ERPFPAH, vascular stiffness parameters (aortic augmentation index [AIx], carotid AIx, carotid femoral pulse wave velocity [cfPWV]), plasma renin and aldosterone were measured during a euglycemic clamp in participants with T1D: 27 adolescents (age 16.8±1.9 years), 52 young adults (25.6±5.5 years) and 66 older adults (65.7±7.5 years). PUA levels were highest in the cohort with the longest T1D duration: 197±44 in adolescents vs. 264±82µmol/L in older adults (p The relationship between higher PUA with lower GFR, increased arterial stiffness and RAAS activation was observed only in adults with longstanding T1D. T1D may modify the association between PUA, renal hemodynamic function and RAAS activation, leading to renal vasoconstriction and ischemia. Further work is required to determine whether pharmacological PUA lowering prevents injurious hemodynamic and neurohormonal sequelae of longstanding T1D, thereby improving clinical outcomes. Disclosure Y. Lytvyn: None. P. Bjornstad: Consultant; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. J.A. Lovshin: Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca. Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc.. Research Support; Self; Sanofi, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.. Other Relationship; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc. G. Boulet: Advisory Panel; Self; Medtronic, Sanofi, Novo Nordisk Inc.. Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Global Services, LLC., Abbott. M. Farooqi: None. V.S. Lai: None. J.M. Tse: None. L. Cham: None. L. Lovblom: None. A. Weisman: None. H.A. Keenan: Research Support; Self; Sanofi. Employee; Self; Sanofi Genzyme. M.H. Brent: Research Support; Self; Novartis Canada. Advisory Panel; Self; Novartis Canada. Research Support; Self; Bayer Canada. Advisory Panel; Self; Bayer Canada, Allergan Canada. Research Support; Self; Roche Canada. N. Paul: None. V. Bril: Consultant; Self; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Research Support; Self; CSL Behring, Grifols. Advisory Panel; Self; CSL Behring. Consultant; Self; Grifols. Research Support; Self; Shire. Advisory Panel; Self; Pfizer Inc. A. Advani: Research Support; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Other Relationship; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. E.B. Sochett: None. B.A. Perkins: Advisory Panel; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. Research Support; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Novo Nordisk Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc., Abbott. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Abbott, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Insulet Corporation. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Insulet Corporation, Dexcom, Inc. D. Cherney: Consultant; Self; AbbVie Inc.. Other Relationship; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Eli Lilly and Company. Consultant; Self; Sanofi. Other Relationship; Self; Merck & Co., Inc.. Consultant; Self; Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation. Other Relationship; Self; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc..

The gucchi mushroom, Morchella esculenta, commonly known as the morel, is called thunthoo in the Bhaderwahi dialect spoken in District Doda of Jammu and Kashmir, India, and is an expensive food item that grows wild and is collected manually. Its nutritive and medicinal values are acknowledged. The farming community in the district traditionally collects the mushroom from forested areas through a well-managed community approach. Elders of families and communities have taught farmers how to identify the mushroom, recognize distribution patterns, and collect it. The knowledge and ability to differentiate M. esculenta from other poisonous wild mushrooms has also been inherited from the elders and community members. Women and children collect it from the outskirts of the forested areas and villages; men penetrate deeper into the dense forests in groups. It is either sold fresh to local shopkeepers or dried at home; the majority of gucchi collectors do the latter. Traditionally, the mushrooms are most commonly dried in the sun or the kitchen. The mushroom fetches a remunerative price and supplements the household incomes of the rural folk who collect it. Marketing gucchi has not been reported as a constraint. It has traditionally been used to overcome gastric problems and indigestion, as a tonic, to help heal wounds, and to reduce joint pain. Its medicinal uses are, however, restricted to only the hills and far-flung areas.

The original version of this article, published on 19 March 2018, unfortunately contained a mistake. The following correction has therefore been made in the original: The names of the authors Philipp A. Kaufmann, Ronny Ralf Buechel and Bernhard A. Herzog were presented incorrectly.

Aim Neuropathy and neuropathic pain are common complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We aimed to determine if sex-specific differences in neuropathic pain are present in adults with longstanding T1D. Methods Canadians with ≥50 years of T1D (n = 361) completed health history questionnaires that included assessment of neuropathy (defined by Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument questionnaire components ≥3; NEUROPATHYMNSI-Q) and neuropathic pain. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine sex-differences in neuropathic pain controlling for neuropathy. Results Participants had mean age 66 ± 9 years, median diabetes duration 53[51,58] years, mean HbA1c 7.5 ± 1.0%, and 207(57%) were female. Neuropathic pain was present in 128(36%) of all participants, more prevalent among those with NEUROPATHYMNSI-Q compared to those without [96(63%) vs. 31(15%), p Conclusions We demonstrated a novel sex-specific difference in neuropathic pain in females compared to males with longstanding T1D, independent of the presence of neuropathy. Further research using more objective measures of neuropathy than the MNSI is justified to further understand this sex-specific difference.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency, characteristics, and survival of second primary lung cancer initially identified as an indeterminate lesion on the original computed tomography scan and then diagnosed during the surveillance period in a prospective study. Methods A prospective database of 271 patients enrolled in a surveillance study was updated. Indeterminate lesions present on the original computed tomography at the time of initial primary lung cancer diagnosis that subsequently grew and were diagnosed as cancer were termed “synchronous primary lung cancer.” Lesions that were not present on the original computed tomography scan and subsequently diagnosed on surveillance were termed “metachronous primary lung cancer.” Results Thirty patients (11.1%) developed 37 second primary lung cancers over a median surveillance period of 84.7 (range, 15.9-147.6) months. Of these, 15 of 37 (40.5%) were identified as synchronous primary lung cancer, and 22 of 37 (59.5%) were identified as metachronous primary lung cancer. At first identification, ground-glass lesions were identified in 9 of 15 (60%) synchronous primary lung cancers compared with only 5 of 22 (22.7%) of metachronous primary lung cancers ( P = .034). Compared with metachronous primary lung cancer, from first identification to diagnosis, synchronous primary lung cancer developed over a longer interval (33.6 vs 7.2 months, P = .001) and had a slower growth rate (0.17 vs 0.45 mm/month, P = .027). The 5-year overall survival from second lung cancer was 73.0%. No significant differences were observed between the synchronous primary lung cancer and metachronous primary lung cancer cohorts in overall survival from initial primary lung cancer ( P = .583) or from second lung cancer ( P = .966). Conclusions Computed tomography surveillance identifies 2 types of curable second lung cancers leading to excellent overall survival.