Cardiac computed tomography in cardio-oncology: an update on recent clinical applications.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have drastically improved cancer survival, but they can result in significant short- and long-term cardiovascular complications, most commonly heart failure from chemotherapy, whilst radiotherapy increases the risk of premature coronary artery disease (CAD), valve, and pericardial diseases. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) with calcium scoring has a role in screening asymptomatic patients for premature CAD, cardiac CT angiography (CTCA) allows the identification of significant CAD, also in the acute settings where concerns exist towards invasive angiography. CTCA integrates the diagnostic work-up and guides surgical/percutaneous management of valvular heart diseases and allows the assessment of pericardial conditions, including detection of effusion and pericardial calcification. It is a widely available and fast imaging modality that allows a one-step evaluation of CAD, myocardial, valvular, and pericardial disease. This review aims to provide an update on its current use and accompanying evidence-base for cardiac CT in the management of cardio-oncology patients.

Phosphate oxygen isotopes within aquatic ecosystems: global data synthesis and future research priorities.

The oxygen isotope ratio of dissolved inorganic phosphate (δ(18)Op) represents a novel and potentially powerful stable isotope tracer for biogeochemical research. Analysis of δ(18)Op may offer new insights into the relative importance of different sources of phosphorus within natural ecosystems. Due to the isotope fractionations that occur alongside the metabolism of phosphorus, δ(18)Op could also be used to better understand the intracellular and extracellular reaction mechanisms that control phosphorus cycling. In this review focussed on aquatic ecosystems, we examine the theoretical basis to using stable oxygen isotopes within phosphorus research. We consider the methodological challenges involved in accurately determining δ(18)Op, given aquatic matrices in which potential sources of contaminant oxygen are ubiquitous. Finally, we synthesise the existing global data regarding δ(18)Op in aquatic ecosystems, concluding by identifying four key areas for future development of δ(18)Op research. Through this synthesis, we seek to stimulate broader interest in the use of δ(18)Op to address the significant research and management challenges that continue to surround the stewardship of phosphorus.