Adipose Layer Research Articles

Deletion of adipocyte Sine Oculis Homeobox Homolog 1 prevents lipolysis and attenuates skin fibrosis.

Dermal fibrosis is a cardinal feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) for which there are limited treatment strategies. This is in part due to our fragmented understanding of how dermal white adipose tissue (DWAT) contributes to skin fibrosis. We identified elevated sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1) expression in SSc skin samples from the GENISOS and PRESS cohorts, the expression of which correlated with adipose-associated genes and molecular pathways. SIX1 localization studies identified increased signals in the DWAT area in SSc and in experimental models of skin fibrosis. Global and adipocyte specific Six1 deletion abrogated end-stage fibrotic gene expression and dermal adipocyte shrinkage induced by SQ bleomycin treatment. Further studies revealed a link between elevated SIX1 and increased expression of SERPINE1 and its protein PAI-1 which are known pro-fibrotic mediators. However, SIX1 deletion did not appear to affect cellular trans differentiation. Taken together these results point at SIX1 as a potential target for dermal fibrosis in SSc.

Interleukin-10 deficiency induces thoracic perivascular adipose tissue whitening and vascular remodeling.

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is an adipose layer, surrounding blood vessels, with a local modulatory role. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been shown to modulate vascular tissue. This study aimed to characterize the endogenous role of IL-10 in vascular remodeling, and PVAT phenotyping. Thoracic aortic segments from control (C57BL/6J) and IL-10 knockout (IL-10-/-) male mice were used. Analyzes of aorta/PVAT morphometry, and elastin, collagen and reticulin deposition were performed. Tissue uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) was accessed by Western blotting. Endogenous absence of IL-10 reduced total PVAT area (p = 0.0310), and wall/lumen ratio (p = 0.0024), whereas increased vascular area and thickness (p < 0.0001). Total collagen deposition was augmented in IL-10-/-, but under polarized light, the reduction of collagen-I (p = 0.0075) and the increase of collagen-III (p = 0.0055) was found, simultaneously with reduced elastic fibers deposition (p = 0.0282) and increased deposition of reticular fibers (p < 0.0001). Adipocyte area was augmented in the IL-10 absence (p = 0.0225), and UCP1 expression was reduced (p = 0.0420). Moreover, relative frequency of white adipose cells and connective tissue was augmented in IL-10-/- (p < 0.0001), added to a reduction in brown adipose cells (p < 0.0001). Altogether, these data characterize aorta PVAT from IL-10-/- as a white-like adipocyte phenotype. Endogenous IL-10 prevents vascular remodeling and favors a brown-like adipocyte phenotype, suggesting a modulatory role for IL-10 in PVAT plasticity.

Early diagnostic value of carotid artery ultrasound parameters combined with epicardial adipose layer thickness in coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease is associated with coronary atherosclerosis indicated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) thickening and altered vascular elasticity. The epicardial adipose layer can secrete proinflammatory factors that promote the formation of coronary atherosclerosis. Thus, the epicardial fat layer thickness (EAT) may also predict coronary heart disease. AIM To determine the role of common carotid artery ultrasound parameters and EAT in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease. METHODS Based on coronary angiography, patients with newly suspected coronary heart disease were divided into case (n = 107) and control (n = 41) groups. The carotid ultrasound parameters, including vascular stiffness (β), elastic coefficient (EP), pulse wave conduction velocity (PWV-β), CIMT, and EAT were compared between the case and control groups and among patients with different lesion numbers in the case group. Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the early diagnostic value of EAT, common carotid artery elasticity, and CIMT for coronary heart disease. RESULTS EP, β, PWV-β, CIMT, and EAT were significantly higher in the case group compared with the levels in the control group (all P &lt; 0.001). In the case group, lesions were detected in one vessel in 34 patients, two vessels in 38 patients, and three vessels in 35 patients. Within the case group, β, EP, PWV-β, CIMT, and EAT levels significantly increased with an increased number of lesions (all P &lt; 0.001). EAT positively correlated with β, EP, PWV-β, and CIMT (all P &lt; 0.01). The area under the curve for diagnosing coronary heart disease using EAT combined with CIMT and carotid elasticity was 0.893, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.890 and 0.837. CONCLUSION EAT correlated well with changes in carotid artery elasticity and CIMT in patients with coronary heart disease. The combination of EAT, carotid artery elasticity, and CIMT facilitates the early diagnosis of coronary heart disease.

Histological Changes of Porcine Animal Skin with Micro-focused Ultrasound.

As a noninvasive alternative therapy, microfocused ultrasound (MFU) has become a research hotspot in recent years for its potential to enhance skin laxity. While several clinical studies have explored the effects of MFU on improving skin laxity, there is limited literature available on the histological changes resulting from MFU treatments. It has been established that the skin structure and composition of the Bama miniature pigs closely resembles that of humans, including collagen content, type I collagen distribution, and elastin distribution. This study primarily focuses on examining the histological alterations in the skin tissue of Bama miniature pigs following MFU application. We also selected some typical clinical photographs of patients treated with MFU and compared the clinical effects with histological changes observed in porcine skin. The MFU device utilized in this study incorporates ultra-pulse technology and large focal area technology. Following the standard operating procedures provided by the manufacturer, different handles were used in different skin area of pigs. Biopsies were obtained immediately after treatment and 1 month after treatment. Significant histological changes were observed in the Bama miniature pigs skin, including collagen contraction and fragmentation, dilation and congestion of superficial dermal capillaries immediately after MFU treatment; dermal thickening, increased thickness and density of collagen fibers, elevated levels of elastin and type I collagen, as well as thickened fiber septa in the adipose layer 1 month later. These histological results corresponded to clinical findings in human, such as facial redness and swelling immediately after treatment, and improvement in facial relaxation after approximately 1 month after treatment. Collectively, these histological findings provide valuable evidence supporting the clinical application of MFU for enhancing skin laxity. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Utilizing a Porcine Fat Grafting Model for Translational Research: Surgical Approach, Complications, and Expected Outcomes

Autologous fat grafting, or lipotransfer, is an important surgical approach to relocate adipose tissue within an individual to create volume. While used extensively in plastic and reconstructive surgery, significant drawbacks exist, including unpredictable volume retention. Thus, considerable research has been undertaken to identify surgical or therapeutic approaches that improve outcomes, primarily utilizing a xenograft immunocompromised mouse model. Large animal models are an important step in translating preclinical laboratory studies to the clinic, and previous studies utilizing pigs have been applied successfully for fat grafting research, but protocol variability exists across studies, and no previous publication has adequately described the impact of the swine breed on the experimental outcomes. In this report, we provide information on the critical attributes of the swine fat grafting model, including the following: (1) model selection; (2) donor site and surgical harvest approach; (3) tissue processing; (4) recipient site location and preparation; (5) post-operative care; and (6) longitudinal fat grafting assessments. Our experience comparing the use of Yorkshire and Yucatan breeds in our model showed that Yorkshire adipose tissue was fibrotic, extremely difficult to obtain through liposuction, and labor intensive to process into injectable formats. Alternatively, Yucatan adipose was more similar to human tissue, could be readily obtained through the surgical excision of inguinal fat pads, was amenable to mincing with surgical scissors, and yielded injectable tissue with a 95% efficiency. We determined that generation of a surgical pocket reduced the graft migration and spread, consequently facilitating the graft retrieval without significantly impacting retention. Using 5 cc grafts, the ultimate 3-month volume retention in 16 grafts was 19% ± 17% (or 1.14 cc ± 1.08 cc). While the use of ultrasound did not readily enable graft volume approximation during the study, it was a useful method to visualize the graft placement and ensure injection into the subcutaneous adipose layers.

Localized trans-browning and pro-angiogenesis inductive self-assembled collagen resveratrol bio-matrix for tissue repair and regeneration in obese conditions

The present study probes into the complexities of wound management in obesity by proposing a novel biomaterial designed to reprogram the altered skin physiology prevalent in obese conditions. The strategy involves the development of a multifunctional biomaterial addressing issues such as excessive exudate, pressure ulcers, and reduced vascularity. The bio-matrix demonstrates the localized transformation of white adipocytes through trans-browning, coupled with the simultaneous induction of angiogenesis at obese wound sites, resulting in expedited wound closure. The collagen bio-matrices, stabilized with Resveratrol (Rsv), exhibit remarkable thermal, mechanical, and biological stability. The porous 3D microstructure of the Rsv-stabilized collagen bio-matrix closely resembled the natural extracellular matrix, facilitating effective cell adhesion. The bio-matrix exhibited the unique capability to induce localized thermogenesis in the subcutaneous fat layer while concurrently activating angiogenesis. In vivo wound healing studies conducted on DIO-C57BL6 mice demonstrated complete healing within 10 days, showcasing accelerated tissue regeneration, blood vessel formation, robust collagen deposition, and significant activation of browning in the subcutaneous adipose layer. This study introduces the concept of tailored regenerative biomaterials with the ability to reprogram the challenging wound environment associated with obesity. This innovative approach opens up new avenues for enhanced wound care strategies, particularly for bariatric patients.

Reconstructed Human Skin with Hypodermis Shows Essential Role of Adipose Tissue in Skin Metabolism

Background:Dysregulation of skin metabolism is associated with a plethora of diseases such as psoriasis and dermatitis. Until now, reconstructed human skin (RhS) models lack the metabolic potential of native human skin, thereby limiting their relevance to study human healthy and diseased skin. We aimed to determine whether incorporation of an adipocyte-containing hypodermis into RhS improves its metabolic potential and to identify major metabolic pathways up-regulated in adipose-RhS.Methods:Primary human keratinocytes, fibroblasts and differentiated adipose-derived stromal cells were co-cultured in a collagen/fibrin scaffold to create an adipose-RhS. The model was extensively characterized structurally in two- and three-dimensions, by cytokine secretion and RNA-sequencing for metabolic enzyme expression.Results:Adipose-RhS showed increased secretion of adipokines. Both RhS and adipose-RhS expressed 29 of 35 metabolic genes expressed in ex vivo native human skin. Addition of the adipose layer resulted in up-regulation of 286 genes in the dermal-adipose fraction of which 7 were involved in phase I (CYP19A1, CYP4F22, CYP3A5, ALDH3B2, EPHX3) and phase II (SULT2B1, GPX3) metabolism. Vitamin A, D and carotenoid metabolic pathways were enriched. Additionally, pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-23, IL-33, IFN-α2, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10, IL-12p70) secretion was reduced in adipose-RhS.Conclusions:Adipose-RhS mimics healthy native human skin more closely than traditional RhS since it has a less inflamed phenotype and a higher metabolic activity, indicating the contribution of adipocytes to tissue homeostasis. Therefore it is better suited to study onset of skin diseases and the effect of xenobiotics.

Apigenin Self-Assembled Collagen Biomatrix for Reprogramming the Obese Wound Microenvironment for Its Management and Repair.

Wound management in obesity is complicated by excessive exudates from wounded areas, pressure ulcerations due to stacking of the fat layer, and vascular rarefaction. The current study explored the development of biomaterials for reprogramming the altered wound microenvironment under obese conditions. Self-assembled collagen biomatrix with trans and de novo browning activator, apigenin, was fabricated as a soft tissue regenerative wound dressing material. The as-synthesized self-assembled collagen biomatrix exhibited excellent thermal, mechanical, and biological stability with a superior wound exudate absorption capacity. The apigenin self-assembled collagen biomatrix exhibited porous 3-D microstructure that mimicked the extracellular matrix that promoted cell adhesion and proliferation. The apigenin self-assembled collagen multifunctional biomatrix triggered adaptive localized thermogenesis in the subcutaneous fat layer, resulting in the activation of angiogenesis and fibroblast spreading and migration. The in vivo wound healing assay performed in DIO-C57BL6 mice showed faster tissue regeneration within 9 days, with well-defined neo-epidermis, blood vessel formation, thick collagen deposition, minimal inflammation, and significant activation of browning in the subcutaneous adipose layer. This study paves the way forward for the development of specialized regenerative biomatrices that reprogram the obese wound bed for faster tissue regeneration.

Cultivated Meat from Aligned Muscle Layers and Adipose Layers Formed from Glutenin Films.

Cultivated meat production is a promising technology to generate meat while reducing the reliance on traditional animal farming. Biomaterial scaffolds are critical components in cultivated meat production, enabling cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and orientation. In the present work, naturally derived glutenin was fabricated into films with and without surface patterning and in the absence of toxic cross-linking or stabilizing agents for cell culture related to cultivated meat goals. The films were stable in culture media for at least 28 days, and the surface patterns induced cell alignment and guided myoblast organization (C2C12s) and served as a substrate for 3T3-L1 adipose cells. The films supported adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation with mass balance considerations (films, cells, and matrix production). Freeze-thaw cycles were applied to remove cells from glutenin films and monitor changes in glutenin mass with respect to culture duration. Extracellular matrix (ECM) extraction was utilized to quantify matrix deposition and changes in the original biomaterial mass over time during cell cultivation. Glutenin films with C2C12s showed mass increases with time due to cell growth and new collagen-based ECM expression during proliferation and differentiation. All mass balances were compared among cell and noncell systems as controls, along with gelatin control films, with time-dependent changes in the relative content of film, matrix deposition, and cell biomass. These data provide a foundation for cell/biomaterial/matrix ratios related to time in culture as well as nutritional and textural features.

A prospective study of super-thin anterolateral thigh flap harvesting assisted by high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound in detecting perforators in deep adipose layers

To investigate the clinical application of high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound (HFCDU) in detecting perforators in the deep adipose layers for harvesting super-thin anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF). Between August 2019 and January 2023, 45 patients (46 sides) with skin and soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle were treated, including 29 males and 16 females, aged from 22 to 62 years, with an average of 46.7 years. The body mass index ranged from 19.6 to 36.2 kg/m 2, with an average of 23.62 kg/m 2. The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 15 cases, heavy object crush injury in 20 cases, mechanical injury in 8 cases, heat crush injury in 1 case, and chronic infection in 1 case. There were 20 cases on the left side, 24 cases on the right side, and 1 case on both sides. After thorough debridement, the wound size ranged from 5 cm×4 cm to 17 cm×11 cm. All patients underwent free super-thin ALTF transplantation repair. HFCDU was used to detect the location of the perforators piercing the deep and superficial fascia, as well as the direction and branches of the perforators within the deep adipose layers before operation. According to the preoperative HFCDU findings, the dimensions of the super-thin ALTF ranged from 6 cm×4 cm to 18 cm×12 cm. The donor sites of the flaps were directly sutured. A total of 55 perforators were detected by HFCDU before operation, but 1 was not found during operation. During operation, a total of 56 perforators were found, and 2 perforators were not detected by HFCDU. The positive predictive value of HFCDU for identifying perforator vessels was 98.2%, and the sensitivity was 96.4%. Among the 54 perforators accurately located by HFCDU, the orientation of the perforators in the deep adipose layers was confirmed during operation. There were 21 perforators (38.9%) traveled laterally and inferiorly, 12 (22.2%) traveled medially and inferiorly, 14 (25.9%) traveled laterally and superiorly, 5 (9.3%) traveled medially and superiorly, and 2 (3.7%) ran almost vertically to the body surface. Among the 54 perforators accurately located by HFCDU, 35 were identified as type 1 perforators and 12 as type 2 perforators (HFCDU misidentified 7 type 2 perforators as type 1 perforators). The sensitivity of HFCDU in identifying type 1 perforators was 100%, with a positive predictive value of 83.3%. For type 2 perforators, the sensitivity was 63.2%, and the positive predictive value was 100%. The surgeries were successfully completed. The super-thin ALTF had a thickness ranging from 2 to 6 mm, with an average of 3.56 mm. All super-thin ALTF survived, however, 1 flap experienced a venous crisis at 1 day after operation, but it survived after emergency exploration and re-anastomosis of the veins; 1 flap developed venous crisis at 3 days after operation but survived after bleeding with several small incisions; 3 flaps had necrosis at the distal edge of the epidermis, which healed after undergoing dressing changes. All 45 patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13.6 months). Three flaps required secondary defatting procedures, while the rest had the appropriate thickness, and the overall appearance was satisfactory. Preoperative application of HFCDU to detect the perforator in the deep adipose layers can improve the success and safety of the procedure by facilitating the harvest of super-thin ALTF.

Rapid assessment of dose for large-scale individual: a feasibility study

In certain situations, it is crucial to quickly estimate the dose for radiation workers across different weight percentiles. This study sets out to create weight percentiles above 50 by adding proper adipose and muscle layers around the revised ORNL hermaphrodite phantom torso. Neutron fluence-to-organ absorbed and effective dose conversion coefficients were calculated to different weight percentiles. Simulations were performed in the energy range 10−9 to 20 MeV, under Six different source irradiation geometries: anterior–posterior (AP), posterior–anterior (PA), right-lateral (RLAT), left-lateral (LLAT), Rotation (ROT), and Isotropic (ISO) by MCNPX code. The maximum relative differences observed between the 50th and other percentiles ranged from 11% to 28%. Comparative analysis of the fluence-to-absorbed and effective dose conversion coefficients between the 95th percentile and VIPMAN indicated that approximately 58% and 57% of the data had a relative difference below 15%, respectively overall neutron energies and irradiation geometries. Our finding demonstrate that this straightforward method is reliable, especially when the whole body is irradiated in the energies above 1 MeV.

Anatomical study of the architecture of the cutaneous branch-chained blood vessels in the medial lower leg in adult

Objective: To investigate the architecture of the cutaneous branch-chained blood vessels in the medial lower leg and provide the anatomical basis for design and clinical application of the cutaneous branch-chained flap from this region. Methods: The experimental research method was used. From March to May 2023, the anatomical study was conducted on the 5 voluntarily donated fresh adult (aged 50 to 70 years, all male) cadaveric specimens from Hangzhou Normal University School of Basic Medical Sciences. The fine anatomy under microscope was performed on each lower leg specimens of 5 corpses (1 lower leg specimen was conducted with digital radiography (DR) scan before fine anatomy), to observe, measure, and record the course of posterior tibial artery, quantity of perforator, the distance between the perforating point of each perforator and the medial condyle of tibia, the external diameter of posterior tibial artery perforator, the length of perforator pedicle, the horizontal distance between the posterior tibial artery perforator and the saphenous nerve, and the course of each perforator within superficial fascia after crossing the deep fascia and the distribution of the cutaneous branch-chains. The DR scan under the perfusion of barium sulfate was conducted in one lower leg specimen to observe the distribution of cutaneous branch-chained vascular network (hereinafter referred to as vascular chain) between perforators. Transparent skin specimen was made from one leg specimen after anatomy to observe the distribution of perforators and vascular chains between perforators. Results: In 5 lower leg specimens, the upper part of posterior tibial artery was located deep in soleus muscle, and the lower part was located between the medial edge of gastrocnemius muscle and flexor digitorum longus muscle. A total of 28 posterior tibial artery perforators were identified, with an average of 5.6 branches in each lower leg. The distance between the perforating point of perforator and the medial condyle of tibia ranged from 6.5 to 36.0 cm, mainly distributed at 22.0 (15.1, 28.1) cm from the medial condyle of tibia, in zones 3 to 6. The external diameters of perforators of posterior tibial arteries were 0.7-1.1 mm. The length of perforator pedicle was 1.0-4.5 cm, and the horizontal distance between the posterior tibial artery perforator and the saphenous nerve was 0.5-3.0 cm. The fine anatomy under microscope showed that the posterior tibial artery perforators had long upward and downward branches after crossing the deep fascia, and the ascending branches and descending branches were anastomosed longitudinally to form the nutrient cutaneous branch-chain in the medial lower leg. DR scan and transparent skin specimen both showed that longitudinal vascular chain was formed between the posterior tibial artery perforators, the transparent skin specimen also showed that longitudinal blood vessel chains included the direct connecting vessels in the adipose layer and the indirect connecting vessels in the subdermal layer. Conclusions: The cutaneous branch-chained vessels in the medial lower leg are constructed by posterior tibial artery perforators, direct connecting vessels, indirect connecting vessels, and traffic branches. The cutaneous branch-chained flap is reliable in terms of vascular anatomy, and can carry the saphenous nerve for partial restoration of its sensation, thus it is an ideal flap.

Bone Conduction: A Linear Viscoelastic Mixed Lumped-Continuum Model for the Human Skin in the Acoustic Frequency Range

Abstract In conventional and skin-drive bone conduction, the performance of the exciter is strongly influenced by the mechanical impedance of the skin. This impedance is characterized by the resonance of the cutis on the underlying adipose layer. Although the existing Kelvin–Voigt-based lumped parameter skin model allows satisfactory approximation of the magnitude of the measured skin impedance, substantial deviations appear in the associated phase. The use of the existing skin model in coupled exciter-skin response calculations may thus lead to prediction errors at resonance peaks. The present work proposes an alternative model which considers the bending wave propagation in the cutis using a continuum model combined with a Zener material model for the underlying adipose tissue. It shows good agreement with the measurement results and leads to insights in the role of the different skin layers in the observed dynamic response.

Cutaneous Layer and SMAS Suspension (CaSS) Lift as a Minimally Invasive Lateral Midface Lift.

In our prior study, the authors determined that pulling on the superficial adipose layer is more effective in lifting the skin than pulling on the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Applying this concept of using the superficial adipose layer to transmit the lifting force to the skin, this study examined improvements in patients who underwent lateral midface lifting using our minimally invasive multilayer lifting technique and measured the duration of those improvements. Along the hairline in front of the sideburns, a W-shaped zigzag incision of 3 to 8mm in width and 3 to 4cm in length was made. On the temporal scalp, 3 to 4cm away from the first incision, a second incision was made more lateral/posterior to the first incision, and an elliptical excision of 3 to 5mm in width and 3 to 4cm in length was made. From the medial cut margin of the anterior first incision, the superficial temporal fascia/SMAS (the deep layer), and the superficial adipose layer (the superficial layer) were purchased with 3-0 polyester sutures, tunneled under the soft tissue, and fixed to the deep temporal fascia of the second posterior temporal incision. Prior to the excised temporal scalp closure, the dermis in the medial cut margin of the second incision was pulled to the rear as much as possible and fixed to the deep temporal fascia. The effects of surgery were monitored for 6 to 42 months after surgery. The nasolabial folds were improved. Skin elasticity also showed significant improvements, which lasted throughout the follow-up period (up to 42mo). Unlike traditional wide dissection SMAS facelift, our method requires minimal incisions and does not require skin undermining. Therefore, the operating time is shorter, and postoperative swelling is minimized. In our technique, the superficial adipose layer, the superficial temporal fascia/SMAS, and the dermis were pulled individually to lift all layers of the lateral midface soft tissues. This results in a significant and long-lasting lateral midface rejuvenation.

Synchrotron-based X-ray phase contrast imaging of transmural cardiac tissue in patients treated for advanced heart failure

Abstract Background Cardiac imaging is essential for identifying structural changes in advanced heart failure (HF) and understanding underlying pathophysiology. Synchrotron radiation-based X-ray phase contrast imaging (X-PCI) is a non-destructive imaging modality that can provide high resolution three-dimensional (3D) visualisation of cardiac tissue on the microstructural level. Thus far, such analyses including the quantification of myocyte aggregates ranging from the epicardium to the endocardium, have been confined to animal models and human fetal tissue. We aimed to explore the feasibility of using X-PCI to quantify and compare structural organisation and orientation of myocyte aggregates in the myocardium across different advanced HF aetiologies. Methods and design Four adult patients were included - two receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and two undergoing heart transplantation (HTx). Aetiology of advanced HF in both the LVAD and HTx group was ischaemic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), respectively. Transmural tissue samples were obtained by left ventricular apical coring (LVAD) and from the explanted hearts (HTx). The tissue specimens were imaged by X-PCI at the TOMCAT beamline using an effective pixel size of 5.8 µm. Orientation of aggregates of cardiomyocytes was assessed using a structure tensor-based method and morphological parameters were derived - the helical angle (HA), or the angle between the circumferential left ventricular plane and myocyte aggregates, and fractional anisotropy (FA), the degree of anisotropy or disorganisation of the local myocardium. Results The general patient characteristics are shown in Table 1. X-PCI enabled 3D visualisation of transmural myocardial tissue samples showing differences in organisation of myocardial structure in different HF aetiologies (Figure 1). The epicardial adipose layer was thicker in DCM, paired with a thinner epicardial myocyte layer (yellow arrows). Furthermore, the epi-to-endocardial HA transition was clearly visualized in ICM (double arrows), whereas there was clear disruption of the HA gradient in DCM samples – a finding further quantified via FA (green arrows). Conclusion X-PCI allows non-destructive advanced imaging of ex-vivo tissue. By harnessing the power of digital 3D imaging on a cellular level, it provides a novel insight to differential information on tissue organisation in different aetiologies of advanced heart failure.Table 1Figure 1

Non-invasive estimation of in vivo optical properties and hemodynamic parameters of domestic animals: a preliminary study on horses, dogs, and sheep.

Biosensors applied in veterinary medicine serve as a noninvasive method to determine the health status of animals and, indirectly, their level of welfare. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been suggested as a technology with this application. This study presents preliminary in vivo time domain NIRS measurements of optical properties (absorption coefficient, reduced scattering coefficient, and differential pathlength factor) and hemodynamic parameters (concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, total hemoglobin, and tissue oxygen saturation) of tissue domestic animals, specifically of skeletal muscle (4 dogs and 6 horses) and head (4 dogs and 19 sheep). The results suggest that TD NIRS in vivo measurements on domestic animals are feasible, and reveal significant variations in the optical and hemodynamic properties among tissue types and species. In horses the different optical and hemodynamic properties of the measured muscles can be attributed to the presence of a thicker adipose layer over the muscle in the Longissimus Dorsi and in the Gluteus Superficialis as compared to the Triceps Brachii. In dogs the absorption coefficient is higher in the head (temporalis musculature) than in skeletal muscles. The smaller absorption coefficient for the head of the sheep as compared to the head of dogs may suggest that in sheep we are indeed reaching the brain cortex while in dog light penetration can be hindered by the strongly absorbing muscle covering the cranium.

Clinical and morphofunctional identity of the nasal SMAS.

The fascial system of the face (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system, SMAS) in the nasal part is a sustained layer that connects the nearby regions. In this paper, we aimed to emphasize the presence of SMAS in different areas of the nasal region: ala nasi, nasolabial fold, nasal dorsum and radix. We performed three studies (anatomical, histological, and radiological) to demonstrate the existence of nasal SMAS. The study group consisted of cadaveric analyses and retrospective analysis of the patient radiological data. The nasal SMAS was identified as a superficial fascia and a subcutaneous adipose layer. The anatomical dissection study together with histological and radiological evaluations demonstrated the presence of SMAS in the nasal region. We identified peculiarities of the nasal SMAS in two areas: in the ala nasi where it is thinner, and the deep part of the dermis does not adhere to the underlying structures and at the radix and dorsum nasi, where the adipose layer is very thin. The results of our research define nasal SMAS as a unit of great value in facial surgeries, such as facial rejuvenation, the resolution of malformations, or tumor removal.

Deep-learning based segmentation of ultrasound adipose image for liposuction.

To develop an automatic and reliable ultrasonic visual system for robot- or computer-assisted liposuction, we examined the use of deep learning for the segmentation of adipose ultrasound images in clinical and educational settings. To segment adipose layers, it is proposed to use an Attention Skip-Convolutions ResU-Net (Attention SCResU-Net) consisting of SC residual blocks, attention gates and U-Net architecture. Transfer learning is utilised to compensate for the deficiency of clinical data. The Bama pig and clinical human adipose ultrasound image datasets are utilized, respectively. The final model obtains a Dice of 99.06±0.95% and an ASD of 0.19±0.18mm on clinical datasets, outperforming other methods. By fine-tuning the eight deepest layers, accurate and stable segmentation results are obtained. The new deep-learning method achieves the accurate and automatic segmentation of adipose ultrasound images in real-time, thereby enhancing the safety of liposuction and enabling novice surgeons to better control the cannula.

Fat tissue reduction by depurative diet and compressive microvibration with spheres of variable density

Society is characterised by a substantial increase in overweight and obesity, with progressive diseases such as diabetes, lipolymphedema and lipoedema. Many experiences have demonstrated the sensitivity of the subcutaneous adipose tissue utilising non-invasive mechanical treatments. This study aims to study the sensitivity of the subcutaneous adipose layer of the abdomen using compressive microvibration treatments with spheres of variable density. Thirty patients were followed between the period from 10th January to the 30th May 2022. Fifteen patients were treated with twelve compressive microvibration sessions with variable density spheres, and the other fifteen with the same treatment associated with a nutritional purification program. All patients were studied with clinical/instrumental examinations and evaluations in compliance with ethical and deontological standards. All patients showed improvements in the single treatment and the treatment associated with the nutritional program. The reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue observed with the treatment of compressive microvibration with spheres of variable density indicates a direct stimulation of the biochemical and biophysical structures that regulate the cellular biology of adipose tissue, with metabolic action induced by the vibrations.

Tracing the Change and Contribution of Subcutaneous Adipose to Skin Expansion Using a Luciferase-Transgenic Fat Transplantation Model.

During skin expansion, subcutaneous adipose tissue undergoes the greatest change. The adipose layer appears to gradually thin or even disappear in long-term expansion. The response and contribution of adipose tissue to skin expansion remain to be elucidated. The authors established a novel expansion model by transplanting luciferase-transgenic adipose tissue into the rat dorsum, followed by integrated expansion, to trace the dynamic changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue during expansion and the migration of adipose tissue-derived cells. In vivo luminescent imaging was performed to continuously track the adipose tissue changes. Histologic analysis and immunohistochemical staining evaluated the regeneration and vascularization of the expanded skin. Growth factor expression in expanded skin with or without adipose tissue was determined to evaluate the paracrine effect of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue-derived cells were traced in vitro by anti-luciferase staining, and their fate was determined by costaining for PDGFRα, DLK1, and CD31. In vivo bioimaging showed that cells in adipose tissue were alive during expansion. After expansion, the adipose tissue exhibited fibrotic-like structures, with more DLK1 + preadipocytes. Skin expanded with adipose tissue was significantly thicker than that without adipose tissue, with more blood vessels and cell proliferation. Vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor expression was higher in adipose tissue than in skin, indicating paracrine support from adipose tissue. Luciferase-positive adipose tissue-derived cells were observed in expanded skin, indicating direct participation in skin regeneration. Adipose tissue transplantation can effectively promote long-term skin expansion by contributing to vascularization and cell proliferation by means of various mechanisms. The authors' findings suggest that it would be better if the expander pocket is dissected over the superficial fascia to preserve a layer of adipose tissue with skin. In addition, their findings support the treatment of fat grafting when expanded skin presents with thinning.