Vessel Area Research Articles

PSII-7 Is Scrotal Ultrasound a Useful Tool in Ram Breeding Soundness examination?

Abstract Varicocele, a condition of abnormally dilated veins within the pampiniform plexus, is associated with reduced male fertility in several species but its frequency and impact in rams is not well documented. Semen was collected and pampiniform plexus ultrasound performed in early December during breeding soundness examinations (BSE) of mature Composite-IV rams over a three-year study. A portion of rams were evaluated in multiple years and data from a total of 129 collections on 90 rams were available for analyses. Semen parameters were estimated by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Imaging software was used to quantify the cross-sectional area of five vessels per testis and average areas of the left testis (AAL), right testis (AAR), and both testes (AAT) were calculated. The correlation between AAL and AAR measured on the same ram within a year was moderate and positive (0.51; P < 0.001). However, correlations between AAL, AAR, and AAT measured on the same ram in consecutive years were not different from zero. Average vessel area was analyzed with fixed effects of testis side (AAL or AAR), year (2020, 2021, or 2022), ram age (2, 3, or ≥ 4 yr-old) and a random effect of ram. Across years, AAL was 23 to 25% greater than AAR and 16 to 18% greater in ≥ 4-yr-old than younger rams (P < 0.01). Unilateral varicocele (UV) was diagnosed when AAL/AAR or AAR/AAL ratio exceeded 1.5 in a ram and, for rams sampled in multiple years, those diagnosed in one year were considered affected for all subsequent years. Within year, prevalence of UV ranged from 16 to 36%. Scrotal circumference (SC) and CASA parameters were analyzed with fixed effects of year, ram age, and UV status and a random effect of ram. Within 2- and 3-yr-olds, sperm from UV rams had lower motility than unaffected rams (42.1 ± 6.7% vs 62.2 ± 4.1% and 47.8 ± 7.4% vs 70.1 ± 4.7%, respectively; P ≤ 0.02) but no differences were observed within 4-yr-old rams. Across ages, sperm from UV rams had a lower percentage of normal than unaffected rams (91.5 ± 1.1% vs 94.3 ± 0.74%; P = 0.03). Sperm concentration, progressive motility, and SC were unaffected by UV status. Future studies will evaluate the effect UV status on siring capacity. Ultrasound methodologies previously refined to diagnose varicocele in boars helped identify sub-fertile rams that would not have been classified by routine BSE procedures. However, these methodologies would benefit from concurrent machine learning and software development to ensure imaging consistency across technicians and streamline procedures for real-time decision making. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Spatial Transcriptomics Reveals Distinct Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niches in Mouse Fetal Liver

The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) microenvironment, termed the niche, supports the proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation abilities of HSCs. The definitive HSCs emerge from the hemogenic endothelium in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region after E10.5, and then migrate to the fetal liver (FL) after E12.5 for expansion. After E18.5, HSCs migrate to the bone marrow where they reside for the postnatal stage and adulthood. Because the fetal liver is thought to be a harbor for the rapid expansion of HSCs, numerous studies have focused on the FL-HSC niche in the search for novel niche factors and niche cells that support HSC expansion. However, to our knowledge thus far, there have been no successes in translating the niche factors to a clinical application for the expansion of HSCs ex vivo. In this study, we use cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics to comprehensively investigate the transcriptomics and interactions between HSCs and the niche cells in the fetal liver. As a result, we have uncovered two distinct niches: the portal-vessel (PV) niche and the sinusoidal niche. To understand the spatial distribution and interactions between FL-HSCs and niche cells, we introduced 2 spatial transcriptomic methods, Slide-seq (10uM resolution), and 10x Genomics Visium (55uM resolution), in our study on E14.5 and E16.5 mouse fetal liver. By integrating with single-cell RNA sequencing, we discovered the spatial transcriptomics of HSCs and potential niche cells, including hepatoblasts, endothelial cells, macrophages, megakaryocytes, and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in E14.5 and E16.5 mouse fetal liver. Interestingly, we found that MSCs and hepatoblasts were characterized by enriched N-cadherin expression. Both slide-seq and 10x Visium showed that the N-cadherin-expressing MSCs are enriched in the portal vessel area. Importantly, the majority of FL-HSCs are in close proximity to N-cadherin-expressing MSCs and endothelial cells, compared with other potential niche cells, indicating a supportive role of N-cadherin-expressing MSCs and endothelial cells in HSC maintenance. Subsequent CellPhoneDB (CPDB) analysis demonstrated that the N-cadherin-expressing MSCs are major niche-signaling senders with an enriched expression of niche factors and stemness pathway-related ligands. This finding is consistent with our previous finding that N-cadherin-expressing MSCs can maintain reserve HSCs in the adult bone marrow. To investigate the potential role of N-cadherin-expressing cells in supporting FL-HSCs, we generated an N-cadCreER;Cxcl12 and an N-cadCreER;Kitl mouse model to conditionally knockout the well-studied niche factors, Cxcl12 and Kitl (Scf), in N-cadherin-expressing cells. Interestingly, deletion of either Cxcl12 or Kitl through N-cad-CreERT induction resulted in the expansion of myeloid-biased FL-HSCs. Slide-seq further showed that depletion of Cxcl12 through N-cad-CreERT induction led to the repositioning of FL-HSCs from the PV region, which is enriched with MSCs, to the hepatic sinusoidal region, which lacks MSCs. These findings suggested the existence of distinct niches in the fetal liver: the PV niche is composed of N-cadherin + MSCs and peri-PV endothelial cells, and it maintains FL-HSCs with multilineage potential. In contrast, the sinusoidal niche preliminary consists of sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and hepatoblasts, which facilitates the proliferation of FL-HSCs but with a bias toward myeloid lineage. Previous studies suggested that the two forms of Kitl, soluble Kitl (sKitl) and membrane-bound Kitl (mKitl), may have different functions in supporting HSCs. Here, we discovered that mKitl is highly enriched in MSCs, whereas hepatoblasts are the major source of the sKitl. This finding suggests that mKitl may serve as the key niche factor that contributes to the homing and maintenance of FL-HSCs. In summary, by using cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics, we uncovered the existence of distinct niches, the portal-vessel (PV) niche and the sinusoidal niche, in mouse fetal liver and the critical role of N-cadherin + MSCs in maintaining FL-HSCs and a role of hepatoblasts in promoting proliferation. The insight learned from this study enhances our understanding of the complex regulation of HSCs and opens new avenues for potential clinical applications.

Dermoscopy in the Diagnosis of Mycosis Fungoides: Can it Help?

The diagnosis of mycosis fungoides (MF) is challenging since it can mimic a variety of benign skin conditions. Multiple biopsies for histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination are required to diagnose MF. Dermoscopy is an affordable, non-invasive device with expanding indications in dermatology, OBJECTIVES: To investigate the dermoscopic morphology of MF variants and assess the correlation between dermoscopic criteria, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical findings, METHODS: We included 88 patients with several MF variants (classic, hypopigmented, hyperpigmented, poikilodermatous, erythrodermic, and folliculotropic). The diagnosis was histopathologically and immunohistochemically confirmed. Dermoscopic findings were collected, statistically analyzed, and correlated with the results of histopathology and immunohistochemistry, RESULTS: All patients had MF diagnosis in H&E-stained sections. The majority revealed positive staining with CD3, 4, 8 and negative CD7. Orange-red areas of discoloration, short linear, and spermatozoa like blood vessels are the most frequent dermoscopic findings, while an analysis per MF variant was also performed. The frequently observed dermoscopic structures in classic MF were patchy whitish scales, dotted, short linear vessels, and spermatozoa-like vessels, CONCLUSIONS: Dermoscopy reveals a repetitive dermoscopic pattern in MF (non-homogenous pink to erythematous background, patchy areas of orange discoloration, patchy whitish scales, dotted and short linear blood vessels with some variations according to the clinical variant.

Determination of lipid-rich plaques by artificial intelligence-enabled quantitative computed tomography using near-infrared spectroscopy as reference

Background and aimsArtificial intelligence quantitative CT (AI-QCT) determines coronary plaque morphology with high efficiency and accuracy. Yet, its performance to quantify lipid-rich plaque remains unclear. This study investigated the performance of AI-QCT for the detection of low-density noncalcified plaque (LD-NCP) using near-infrared spectroscopy-intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS). MethodsThe INVICTUS Registry is a multi-center registry enrolling patients undergoing clinically indicated coronary CT angiography and IVUS, NIRS-IVUS, or optical coherence tomography. We assessed the performance of various Hounsfield unit (HU) and volume thresholds of LD-NCP using maxLCBI4mm ≥ 400 as the reference standard and the correlation of the vessel area, lumen area, plaque burden, and lesion length between AI-QCT and IVUS. ResultsThis study included 133 atherosclerotic plaques from 47 patients who underwent coronary CT angiography and NIRS-IVUS The area under the curve of LD-NCP<30HU was 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93–1.00] with an optimal volume threshold of 2.30 mm3. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 94% (95% CI: 88–96%], 93% (95% CI: 76–98%), and 94% (95% CI: 88–98%), respectively, using <30 HU and 2.3 mm3, versus 42%, 100%, and 27% using <30 HU and >0 mm3 volume of LD-NCP (p < 0.001 for accuracy and specificity). AI-QCT strongly correlated with IVUS measurements; vessel area (r2 = 0.87), lumen area (r2 = 0.87), plaque burden (r2 = 0.78) and lesion length (r2 = 0.88), respectively. ConclusionsAI-QCT demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance in detecting significant LD-NCP using maxLCBI4mm ≥ 400 as the reference standard. Additionally, vessel area, lumen area, plaque burden, and lesion length derived from AI-QCT strongly correlated with respective IVUS measurements.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with a Ferulic Acid-Rich Bioactive Component of Wheat Bran in a Murine Model of Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a common and severe complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Its prevention and treatment is a major challenge. Ferulic acid (FA) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could be attractive in this setting. Our aim was to evaluate a bioactive ingredient derived from wheat bran (WB), selected for its high concentration of FA, in a murine model of GvHD. The ingredient was obtained via a bioprocess involving hydrolysis and spray-drying. GvHD was induced via HSCT between MHC-mismatched mouse strains. FA treatment was administered orally. Survival and disease scores (weight loss, hunching, activity, fur texture, and skin integrity, each scored between 0 and 2 depending on disease severity) were recorded daily, histological evaluation was performed at the end of the experiment, and serum inflammatory cytokines were analyzed on days 9 and 28. Treatment with FA did not protect GvHD mice from death, nor did it diminish GvHD scores. However, histological analysis showed that ulcers with large areas of inflammatory cells, vessels, and keratin were less common in skin samples from FA-treated mice. Areas of intense inflammatory response were also seen in fewer small intestine samples from treated mice. In addition, a slight decrease in INF-γ and TNF-α expression was observed in the serum of treated mice on day 28. The results showed some local effect of the ingredient intervention, but that the dose used may not be sufficient to control or reduce the inflammatory response at the systemic level in mice with GvHD. Higher dosages of FA may have an impact when evaluating the immunomodulatory capabilities of the hydrolyzed WB ingredient. Thus, further experiments and the use of technological strategies that enrich the ingredients in soluble ferulic acid to improve its efficacy in this setting are warranted.

The Impact of Urbanization on Tree Growth and Xylem Anatomical Characteristics.

In the context of the intensification of global urbanization, how urbanization (urban heat island effect and air pollution) affects urban tree growth is not fully understood. In this paper, the radial growth and xylem anatomical characteristics of three different tree species (Quercus mongolica, Fraxinus mandshurica, and Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) in urban and rural areas of Harbin were compared by means of tree-ring anatomy. The results showed that there were significant differences in the growth of both broadleaf trees and conifers between urban and rural areas. The vessel number, cumulative area of vessels, and theoretical hydraulic conductivity of all tree species in rural areas were higher than those in urban areas, indicating that urbanization may have the effect of slowing down growth. However, broadleaf trees in urban areas had higher vessel density and a greater percentage of a conductive area within xylem and theoretical xylem-specific hydraulic conductivity. The thickness of cell walls and cell wall reinforcement index of P. sylvestris var. mongolica were strongly reduced by air pollution, implying that it may be more sensitive to urbanization. Compared to Q. mongolica, F. mandshurica showed less sensitivity to urbanization. Warming and drying climate in Harbin may be an important factor affecting tree growth.

Traits coordination at leaf and branch level in response to the urban environment

The response of urban trees to the environment is the key content to explain the functional toughness of urban green space. However, how urban greening trees adapt to the dry and hot environment of the city remains unclear due to the single index and the limitations of the research area. We selected four representative cities in northern China with different regional dryness and measured 18 economic, hydraulic and anatomical traits of the common greening tree species (Fraxinus chinensis Roxb). The results show that there was generally a significant divergence in plant functional traits across urban dryness, and the traits have strong plasticity. As urban dryness increases, the number of leaf veins closed loops increases, forming a more complete network system of veins. While a significant decrease in the vessel vulnerability index further indicates the increased drought tolerance of urban trees to resist dry and hot environments. The increase of dryness leads to the decrease of vessel hydraulic diameter and area. The reduction in the vessel vulnerability index indicates an increase in the drought resistance of the twigs, which may be related to the input and distribution of resources in the branches and leaves. There was a strong correlation between plant economic-anatomical-hydrological traits. Under the stress of a dry urban environment, plants prefer to invest resources in the water sparing capacity of the stem, as well as in the construction of defence structures and nutrient storage capacity of the leaves.

Relative expression of hormone receptors by endothelial and smooth muscle cells in proliferative and non-proliferative areas of congenital arteriovenous malformations

BackgroundEpisodic growth due to microvascular proliferations (MVP) has been reported in congenital arteriovenous malformations (AVM), which are normally quiescent lesions composed of mature malformed vessels. Since AVM also may worsen under conditions of hormonal dysregulation, we hypothesized that hormonal influences may stimulate this process of vasoproliferative growth through potential interactions with hormone receptors (HR).Methods13 Cases of AVM tissue with histologically documented vasoproliferative growth were analyzed quantitatively for the presence and tissue localization of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PGR), growth hormone receptor (GHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) in relation to resident cells of interest (endothelial cells (EC), smooth muscle cells (SMC) and mast cells (MC)) by applying multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Expression patterns in lesions with MVP and mature vessels were quantified and compared. Available fresh frozen tissues of 3 AVM samples were used to confirm the presence of HR using Reverse-Transcriptase quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR).ResultsAll four HR studied were expressed in all cases within EC and SMC in areas of MVP and mature vessels, but not in normal skin tissue. ER, GHR, and FSHR showed more expression in EC of MVP and in SMC of mature vessels. RT-qPCR confirmed presence of all 4 HR in both areas.ConclusionExpression of ER, PGR, GHR, and FSHR in vasoproliferative areas of congenital AVM could explain onset of sudden symptomatic growth, as has observed in a subpopulation of patients. These findings may have implications for eventual anti-hormonal targeted therapy in the lesions involved.

Analysis of long-term outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty for congenital corneal opacity

Objective: To investigate the long-term outcomes of corneal grafts after penetrating keratoplasty(PK) for congenital corneal opacity(CCO) in children aged 0 to 5 years and the related influencing factors. Methods: It was a retrospective series case study. Data of 39 children (55 eyes) who underwent PK surgery due to CCO in the keratology Department of Beijing Tongren Hospital from April 2014 to April 2018 and were followed up for more than 30 months were collected. Among them, there were 17 males (43.6%) and 22 females (56.4%). The age at operation was (16.2±13.3) months, and the follow-up time was (46.4±13.8) months. Clinical data such as basic information, preoperative diagnosis, operation age, operation method and postoperative complications were recorded. The corneal graft transparency was analyzed according to preoperative diagnosis, corneal neovascularization area, age at surgery, monocular or binocular surgery interval, primary surgery type and further surgery, and postoperative complications were observed. Results: At 12 months, 24 months and the last follow-up after PK, 78.2% (43/55), 70.9% (39/55) and 58.2% (32/55) of the affected eyes had clear corneal grafts, respectively.There was no statistical significance between Peters anomaly and sclerocornea (P>0.05), while the extent of neovascularization in the limbus had a significant effect on corneal graft transparency, and graft opacity was more likely to occur in patients with vessel area exceeding 2 quadrants (P<0.05).The highest corneal graft transparency was found in children aged 1 to 3 years 80.8%(21/26) (P<0.05), followed by children younger than 6 months (7/15).The translucency rate of the corneal graft was higher in patients undergoing unilateral surgery than in those undergoing bilateral surgery (P<0.05).Translucency of corneal graft was higher in children with simple surgery than with combined surgery (P<0.05), however, cataract surgery after PK had no significant effect on corneal graft transparency (P>0.05).The postoperative complications mainly included immune rejection in 19 eyes (34.5%), complicated cataract in 13 eyes (23.6%), glaucoma in 7 eyes (13.2%), persistent corneal epithelial defect in 7 eyes (13.2%). Conclusions: After PK in children with CCO, the transparent rate of corneal grafts decreases gradually with time, but the long-term translucency of corneal grafts can still be obtained. The range of corneal neovascularization, age at the time of surgery, whether the surgery was binocular and whether the surgery was combined had an effect on the transparency of corneal graft.

Root acclimations to soil flooding prime rice (Oryza sativa L.) for subsequent conditions of water deficit

Background and aimsThe root barrier to radial O2 loss is a trait induced during soil flooding restricting oxygen loss from the roots to the anoxic soil. It can also restrict radial water loss, potentially providing tolerance towards drought during conditions of water deficit. Several root traits (aerenchyma and xylem vessels area) respond in a similar way to soil flooding and low soil water potentials. Therefore, we hypothesised that root acclimations to soil flooding prime plants to withstand conditions of water deficit.MethodsWe raised plants in hydroponics mimicking contrasting soil water conditions (aerated controls for well-watered soils; stagnant, deoxygenated solutions for flooded soils, and aerated solutions with different PEG6000 concentrations to mimic conditions of water deficit). We used O2 microsensors and gravimetric measurements to characterize the formation of a barrier to radial O2 loss during conditions of water deficit, and measured key anatomical root traits using light microscopy.ResultsSeveral root traits were induced in stagnant conditions as well as in conditions of water deficit, including the barrier to radial O2 loss. The tightness of the barrier to water loss was similar in both stagnant and PEG6000 treatments. Moreover, plants growing in stagnant conditions tolerated a following severe condition of water deficit, whereas those growing in mimicked well-watered conditions did not.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that plants growing in stagnant conditions can withstand following severe conditions of water deficit. We propose that key root traits, such as the barrier to radial O2 loss, which are induced in stagnant conditions as well as mild conditions of water deficit, prime the plants for a following severe condition of water deficit.

Correlation of retinal vascular characteristics with laboratory and ocular findings in Fabry disease: exploring ocular diagnostic biomarkers

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to evaluate macular microvascular changes in patients with Fabry disease (FD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to explore their correlation with laboratory and ocular findings.MethodsA total of 76 eyes (38 patients) and 48 eyes of 24 healthy controls were enrolled in this prospective study. Vessel Area Density (VAD) and Foveal Avascular Zone (FAZ) area were calculated on 2.9 × 2.9 mm OCTA images scanned with the Heidelberg Spectralis II (Heidelberg, Germany). VAD was measured in three layers: Superficial Vascular Plexus (SVP), Intermediate Capillary Plexus (ICP), and Deep Capillary Plexus (DCP). All scans were analyzed with the EA-Tool (Version 1.0), which was coded in MATLAB (The MathWorks Inc, R2017b). FAZ area was manually measured in full-thickness, SVP, ICP and DCP scans.ResultsAverage VAD in SVP, ICP and DCP was higher in Fabry disease patients than in controls (49.4 ± 11.0 vs. 26.5 ± 6.2, 29.6 ± 7.4 vs. 20.2 ± 4.4, 32.3 ± 8.8 vs. 21.7 ± 5.1 respectively, p < 0.001). Patients with cornea verticillata (CV) had a higher VAD in ICP and DCP compared to patients without CV (p < 0.01). Patients with increased lysoGb3 concentration had a higher VAD in DCP when compared to patients with normal lysoGb3 concentration (p < 0.04). There was no difference in VAD in patients with and without vascular tortuosity. However, a significantly higher VAD was observed in patients with vascular tortuosity compared to controls (p < 0.03).ConclusionsIncreased lysoGb3 and VAD in DCP could be reliable biomarkers of disease activity. Cornea verticillata could be adopted as a predictive biomarker for VAD changes and disease progression. The combination of cornea verticillata and increased VAD may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for Fabry disease, however due to the discrepancies in VAD values in various studies, further research has to be done to address this claim.

A new segment method for pulmonary artery and vein.

Accurate differentiation between pulmonary arteries and veins (A/V) holds pivotal importance in the realm of diagnosing and treating pulmonary ailments. This study presents a new approach that leverages grayscale differences between A/V. Distinctions are measured using median and mean grayscale values within the vessel area. Initially, adherent regions are removed based on vessel structure. The trunk regions are segmented using gray level information near the heart region of the lung boundary. Incorrectly segmented vessels are corrected based on connectivity. For distal lung vessels, a similar distance field is established using a graph-cut method. Experimental results show the algorithm's superior segmentation accuracy, achieving 97.26% compared to the CNN-based average accuracy of 91.67%. Error branches are more concentrated, aiding subsequent manual and automatic correction. This demonstrates the algorithm's effective segmentation of pulmonary A/V.

A semi-implicit finite volume scheme for blood flow in elastic and viscoelastic vessels

A novel staggered semi-implicit finite volume method for the simulation of one-dimensional blood flow in networks of elastic and viscoelastic vessels is proposed. The one-dimensional blood flow model is split into three subsystems: one containing the nonlinear convective terms, a second one for the viscoelastic terms and a final subsystem for the pressure-related terms. An explicit approach is then employed to discretize the convective subsystem, while the viscous and pressure terms are treated implicitly. This leads to a CFL-type time step restriction which depends only on the bulk velocity of the flow and not on the speed of the pressure waves or on the visco elasticity. As such, the method is computationally efficient in case of low speed index, which is equivalent to a low Mach regime for the Navier-Stokes equations. To extend the proposed methodology to the case of networks, a novel and very simple 3D approach for the treatment of junctions is proposed. Each junction is represented by a unique three-dimensional primal cell and the Euler equations are employed to approximate the velocity and pressure unknowns. A multidimensional numerical flux then takes into account the elementary information of the junction geometry, namely normal vectors and areas of the incident vessels, when approximating the blood flow at the cell interfaces embedded in the 3D cell. As such, the final scheme, based on guaranteeing mass and momentum conservation through the junction, is able to capture reflecting waves properly considering the effect of the different incident angles of vessels at a junction. The proposed methodology is carefully validated in the context of single elastic and viscoelastic vessels and small networks showing a good agreement with available analytical, experimental and numerical data.

Assessing the impact of aneurysm morphology on the risk of internal carotid artery aneurysm rupture: A statistical and computational analysis of endovascular coiling

Computational modeling and investigation have become increasingly useful in assessing the hemodynamic and structural factors that contribute to aneurysm rupture, particularly when conventional clinical tools are inadequate. To this end, we conduct a study of a realistic internal carotid artery (ICA) under various working conditions using computational fluid dynamics. We analyze nine specific real ICA geometries in terms of coiling porosity and blood hematocrit, using a response surface model to evaluate 25 runs across selected geometrical parameters and treatment factors. The computational domain is created using computed tomography data from an actual patient, and we apply proposed boundary conditions to solve three-dimensional transient Navier–Stokes equations. By analyzing these cases, we try to understand how the sac section area, mean radius of the parent vessel, hematocrit, and coiling porosity interact and affect the risk of ICA rupture. We conduct an extensive study of the effects of sac section area and mean radius of the parent vessel on blood hemodynamics, examining several factors and comparing them at the peak systolic time instant, including wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), pressure distributions, and velocity. Our results show that a 12% increase in the mean radius of the parent vessel reduced the maximum OSI value by approximately 50%, while a 120% increase in the sac section area decreases WSS on the aneurysm wall by up to 300%. These findings demonstrate the potential of computational modeling to provide valuable insight into the complex factors that influence aneurysm rupture, especially in cases where traditional clinical tools may be insufficient.

Coronary computed tomography angiography imaging features combined with computed tomography-fractional flow reserve, pericoronary fat attenuation index, and radiomics for the prediction of myocardial ischemia

BackgroundThis study aimed to predict myocardial ischemia (MIS) by constructing models with imaging features, CT-fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR), pericoronary fat attenuation index (pFAI), and radiomics based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Methods and resultsThis study included 96 patients who underwent CCTA and single photon emission computed tomography-myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI). According to SPECT-MPI results, there were 72 vessels with MIS in corresponding supply area and 105 vessels with no-MIS. The conventional model [lesion length (LL), MDS (maximum stenosis diameter × 100% / reference vessel diameter), MAS (maximum stenosis area × 100% / reference vessel area) and CT value], radiomics model (radiomics features), and multi-faceted model (all features) were constructed using support vector machine. Conventional and radiomics models showed similar predictive efficacy [AUC: 0.76, CI 0.62–0.90 vs. 0.74, CI 0.61–0.88; p >0.05]. Adding pFAI to the conventional model showed better predictive efficacy than adding CT-FFR (AUC: 0.88, CI 0.79–0.97 vs. 0.80, CI 0.68–0.92; p <0.05). Compared with conventional and radiomics model, the multi-faceted model showed the highest predictive efficacy (AUC: 0.92, CI 0.82–0.98, p <0.05). ConclusionpFAI is more effective for predicting MIS than CT-FFR. A multi-faceted model combining imaging features, CT-FFR, pFAI, and radiomics is a potential diagnostic tool for MIS.

Exploring root system architecture and anatomical variability in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seedlings

BackgroundThe growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is significantly hampered by drought and nutrient deficiencies. The identification of root architectural and anatomical characteristics holds paramount importance for the development of alfalfa genotypes with enhanced adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. In this study, we employed a visual rhizobox system to investigate the variability in root system architecture (including root depth, root length, root tips number, etc.), anatomical features (such as cortical traits, total stele area, number and area of vessel, etc.), as well as nitrogen and phosphorus uptake across 53 alfalfa genotypes during the seedling stage.ResultsOut of the 42 traits measured, 21 root traits, along with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) uptake, displayed higher coefficients of variation (CVs ≥ 0.25) among the tested genotypes. Local root morphological and anatomical traits exhibited more significant variation than global root traits. Twenty-three traits with CVs ≥ 0.25 constituted to six principal components (eigenvalues > 1), collectively accounting for 88.0% of the overall genotypic variation. Traits such as total root length, number of root tips, maximal root depth, and others exhibited positive correlations with shoot dry mass and root dry mass. Additionally, total stele area and xylem vessel area showed positive correlations with N and P uptake.ConclusionsThese root traits, which have demonstrated associations with biomass and nutrient uptake, may be considered for the breeding of alfalfa genotypes that possess efficient resource absorption and increased adaptability to abiotic stress, following validation during the entire growth period in the field.

Dynamic optical coherence tomography of chronic venous ulcers.

Chronic ulcers, especially venous leg ulcers, are a major burden on the healthcare system. To date there are only few non-invasive established procedures for evaluation of blood perfusion in wounds. Dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT) provides images of the skin's superficial vascularisation. This study aims to investigate if and how the D-OCT measurement of chronic wounds can provide new information about the vascularisation during the healing process. We examined 16 venous ulcers over 16 weeks and evaluated the vessel morphology and density using D-OCT at the wound bed, borders, two centimetres adjacent to the wound und at non-ulcerated skin on the contralateral leg. In D-OCT scans clumps were unique and the most common vessel type in the wound area of venous ulcers, whereas lines and serpiginous vessels were the most common in non-ulcerated skin. At the wound border mottle and cluster patterns occurred more frequently. Healthy skin showed a significant increase of mesh pattern. Vessel density significantly increased at the wound area compared to non-ulcerated skin. During the healing process the wound border showed the most vascular changes while only an increase in curves was observed in the wound centre. Non-healing wounds had fewer dots and blobs at the borders, fewer dots, coils, clumps, lines and serpiginous vessels at the centre and fewer dots in adjacent skin. Temperature analysis showed higher temperatures in non-ulcerated skin, followed by the wound margin and centre. Non-healing wounds showed the lowest temperatures in the wound centre. These results highlight the non-invasive use of D-OCT for the examination and monitoring of wound healing in chronic venous ulcers. D-OCT imaging of blood vessels may offer the potential to detect disorders of wound healing at an early stage, differentiate ulcers of different genesis and to tailor more individualized, patient-oriented therapy.

Vascular optimality dictates plant morphology away from Leonardo’s rule

Metabolic scaling theory (MST) provides an understanding of scaling in organismal morphology. Empirical data on the apparently universal pattern of tip-to-base conduit widening across vascular plants motivate a set of generalized MST (gMST) relationships allowing for variable rates of conduit coalescence and taper and a transition between transport and diffusive domains. Our model, with coalescence limited to the distalmost part of the conductive system, reconciles previous MST-based models and extends their applicability to the entire plant. We derive an inverse relationship between stem volume taper and conduit widening, which implies that plant morphology is dictated by vascular optimality and not the assumption of constant sapwood area across all branching levels, contradicting Leonardo's rule. Thus, energy efficiency controls conduit coalescence rate, lowering the carbon cost needed to sustain the vascular network. Our model shows that as a plant grows taller, it must increase conduit widening and coalescence, which may make it more vulnerable to drought. We calculated how our gMST model implies a lower carbon cost to sustain a similar network compared to previous MST-based models. We also show that gMST predicts the cross-sectional area of vessels and their frequency along the relative length better than previous MST models for a range of plant types. We encourage further research obtaining data that would allow testing other gMST predictions that remain unconfirmed empirically, such as conduit coalescence rate in stems. The premise of energy efficiency can potentially become instrumental to our understanding of plant carbon allocation.

BvCPD promotes parenchyma cell and vascular bundle development in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) taproot.

Constitutive photomorpogenic dwarf (CPD) is a pivotal enzyme gene for brassinolide (BR) synthesis and plays an important role in plant growth, including increasing plant biomass and plant height, elongating cells, and promoting xylem differentiation. However, little is known about the function of the CPD gene in sugar beet. In the current study, we isolated CPD from Beta vulgaris L. (BvCPD), which encodes protein localized in the nucleus, cell membrane, and cell wall. BvCPD was strongly expressed in parenchyma cells and vascular bundles. The transgenic sugar beet overexpressing BvCPD exhibited larger diameter than that of the wild type (WT), which mainly owing to the increased number and size of parenchyma cells, the enlarged lumen and area of vessel in the xylem. Additionally, overexpression of BvCPD increased the synthesis of endogenous BR, causing changes in the content of endogenous auxin (IAA) and gibberellin (GA) and accumulation of cellulose and lignin in cambium 1-4 rings of the taproot. These results suggest that BvCPD can promote the biosynthesis of endogenous BR, improve cell wall components, promote the development of parenchyma cells and vascular bundle, thereby playing an important role in promoting the growth and development of sugar beet taproot.

Automated stereological image analysis approach of the human placenta: Surface areas and vascularization

Detecting and quantifying surface densities of placental villi and their vasculature adds important information on the development of the placenta under different exposures and pathological conditions. Today, a larger number of samples and tissue areas can be examined using automated Artificial Intelligence-based approaches. Although each image series calls for a particular approach, sharing the methods will help in facilitating reproducibility and comparability. Here we show the protocol of a software-based quantification of vessels (number and area) in villous tissues of human placentas, based on scanned images of full-size placental sections.