Changes In Wall Research Articles

Tunnel Infection and Peritonitis Induced by Staphylococcus aureus Due to Decubitus Change of the Anterior Abdominal Wall in a Patient on Peritoneal Dialysis: Case Report

The occurrence of anterior abdominal wall ulcer at the site of the peritoneal catheter (PC) is one of the rarest complications of peritoneal dialysis (PD). When present, it is mainly caused by staphylococci which respond well to vancomycin therapy. Despite well-conducted therapy, there is a tendency to relapse and induce peritonitis, which makes it necessary to remove the PC and change the dialysis model of treatment and/or re-insert the catheter at another place to preserve PD as a treatment method. In the present study, we discuss a case of a 53-year-old patient with end-stage kidney disease treated with PD and with decubitus changes at the PC exit site; the change occurred due to migration of the catheter middle part by protruding from the abdominal cavity to the skin, thus allowing ulcer appearance. Although the PC site was treated with antibiotics, as advised by the surgeon, the patient was finally transferred to hemodialysis as the repositioning of the catheter was not performed. This leads to the conclusion that the antibiotic treatment and catheter repositioning are mandatory to preserve peritoneal dialysis as an end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treatment model.

Intraoperative assessment of intestinal wall viability (literature review)

The analysis of data from relevant domestic and foreign literature on the intraoperative determination of intestinal viability using modern diagnostic methods in various diseases of the abdominal cavity accompanied by impaired blood supply to the intestinal wall is presented in this work. The analysis is based on the concept of mesenteric ischemia and the methods of its intraoperative assessment, which are described in the literature. Methods: An analysis of the literature on intraoperative assessment of intestinal ischemia using online search engines, libraries, and various databases was conducted. Mesenteric blood supply disorders, often found in surgical practice, are the result of several causes (mesenteric thrombosis, acute adhesive intestinal obstruction, strangulated hernia, etc.), and they are a high-risk factor for death.Special attention is paid to the occlusive pathogenic mechanism of mesenteric ischemia, which leads to rapid development of irreversible morphological changes in tissues and pronounced disruption of the body's homeostatic system. The currently available intraoperative method for visual assessment of intestinal viability does not provide unambiguous results in determining the severity of ischemic changes in the intestinal wall. The algorithm for assessing intestinal viability includes evaluating the color of the intestinal wall, presence of peristaltic activity, pulsation, and blood flow in mesenteric vessels. These signs are assessed dynamically after administering a local anesthetic solution to the intestinal mesentery and warming the intestine with sodium chloride-soaked napkins. However, surgeons currently require a more comprehensive intraoperative evaluation of organ perfusion during surgery.Clinical recommendations for an objective assessment of intestinal blood supply: If technically feasible, it is recommended to utilize intraoperative ultrasound, laser Doppler flowmetry, and regional transillumination angiotensometry of the intravenous vessels of the small intestine to assess the blood supply. These methods are highly sensitive to changes in blood microcirculation. However, there is still ambiguity in the literature regarding the effectiveness of these methods for assessing regional hemomicrocirculatory disorders and intestinal viability. Therefore, further research is needed to study and evaluate the use and effectiveness of these techniques.

Implications of compressive loading of the stomach wall: Interplay between mechanical deformation and microstructure.

During gastric surgery, the stomach wall is compressed with clamps and sutures or staple lines. These short- and long-term deformations can severely compromise the integrity of the tissue and make it difficult for the stomach wall to respond and remodel to the new loading conditions. Consequently, serious intra- and postoperative complications such as the formation of leaks during bariatric surgeries, can be associated with these immense tissue deformations. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the effects of compressive loading of the stomach wall in the radial direction. This was done by macroscopic mechanical loading of the stomach wall in each region of the stomach and evaluating the microstructural changes inflicted in the tissue. For this purpose, several imaging techniques were used, i.e., a histological analysis, second-harmonic generation microscopy, and X-ray micro-computed tomography. The combination of these three methods allowed us to investigate the gradual compression of the different stomach layers as well as the local reorientation and deformation of the main microstructural components, e.g., collagen fibers and muscle bundles. Importantly, this study found that the collagen bundles in the stomach wall straighten and reorient toward the circumferential-longitudinal plane and partially fan out with increased radial compressive deformation. The 3D scans of the stomach wall indicated a deterioration of the blood vessels and buckling of the mucosal glands due to compression. Statement of significance Unfortunately, little is known about the load transfer in the stomach wall during gastric surgery and the associated deformations on the macro- and microscale. The present study investigates the structural changes of the stomach wall, its layers and the inherent biological building blocks using histology, multi-photon microscopy, and micro-computed tomography. For the first time, the layer-specific response to stepwise radial compression of the stomach wall was studied, the related collagen fiber parameters were estimated, and a 3D sample structure was visualized. This clinically-oriented study links the structural changes within the wall to the postoperative remodel- ing process and the irreversibly altered gastric motility, thereby underscoring its relevance to the field of biomedical engineering, e.g., the development and improvement of surgical instruments.

Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity score, an estimator of cognitive performance in the elderly: results from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging.

Ageing-related changes in the vascular wall influence the function of different organs; for this reason, we assessed how arterial stiffness measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) modulates: the basal cognitive performance and the change in cognitive performance over the follow-up time. We developed a prospective, population-based cohort study with 1581 participants aged > 65years were obtained from the Toledo Study for Healthy Aging. Participants from the second wave (2011-2013) were selected for the cross-sectional analysis. Those who also performed the cognitive assessment in the third wave (2015-2017) were selected for the prospective analysis. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by cf-PWV. Multivariate segmented regression models were used to evaluate the association between cf-PWV scores and basal neuropsychological evaluation scores and change of neuropsychological evaluation scores along follow-up. Cross-sectional analysis showed that as cf-PWV grew within the cf-PWV (5- < 10) category an improvement was observed in 7-min test, free short-term memory, and hole peg test. Furthermore, in the cf-PWV (> 13-18) category a decrease was observed in total short-term memory, free long-term memory, and total long-term memory. Prospective analysis showed a progressive worsening of cognitive function as cf-PWV increases within the cf-PWV (> 13-18) category in 7-min test, object denomination, immediate and short-term memory, and hole peg test, while in the cf-PWV (5- < 10) category, there was observed a decrease in Cumulative Executive Dysfunction Index score and short-term memory. In conclusion, a higher cf-PWV score is associated with worse cognitive performance, and with a worse evolution, reinforcing the need to plan interventions to delay arterial stiffness and its consequences.

Design of a non-oxidative adhesive dopamine-grafted hyaluronic acid/NOCC hydrogel for enhanced cell spheroid formation and soft tissue regeneration

Tissue adhesive hydrogels from dopamine represent a compelling material with diverse applications across engineering and medical fields. Although numerous designed adhesive hydrogels have been developed, significant limitations have arisen from the reliance on hydrogen peroxide as an activating agent for crosslinking hydrogels. To address this, our study investigates an innovative approach to create an adhesive and biocompatible hydrogel from dopamine conjugated-hyaluronic acid (Da-HA) and N, O-Carboxymethyl Chitosan (NOCC) without the need for oxidative agent treatment for use in biomedical engineering application. The reactions were performed under mild alkaline conditions, vigorous stirring, and curing, resulting in DHC hydrogels. Proper modification and reactions in the hydrogel matrix were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The gelling and tissue adhesive properties of the produced DHC hydrogel are proportional to the Da-HA content in the hydrogel. Scanning electron microscopy revealed changes in pore walls among samples and pore diameters ranging from 100 to 300 nm. Rheological analysis demonstrated a high visco-elastic material and self-healing properties. Importantly, the growth of L929 cell spheroids was noted upon their cultivation atop the designed hydrogel. The material holds significant promise for 3D printing and cell encapsulation therapies, as well as in situ tissue repair, particularly for mechanically dynamic tissues like the dermis.

Abstract 4119470: ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction as a Complication of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Description of Case: A 19-year-old female with history of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) presented to the emergency department after a syncopal episode at a concert. She reported a prodrome of feeling hot and dizzy prior to the event, followed by epigastric discomfort, nausea, and vomiting after regaining consciousness. She had been diagnosed with GPA one year prior to presentation based on serology and biopsy results. Because her disease was felt to be well-controlled on azathioprine, she had been tapered off of prednisone one month prior to presentation. Initial vitals included blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg, and heart rate of 94 bpm. A 12-lead EKG revealed ST segment elevation in leads I, II and aVF with T wave inversions in the lateral leads ( Figure 1 ). Initial bloodwork was notable for troponin I of 0.11ng/mL (upper limit of normal 0.034 ng/mL). A diagnosis of inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction was made. She was treated with oral aspirin and prasugrel load as well as intravenous heparin and taken urgently to the catheterization laboratory. Diagnostic coronary angiography was significant for single vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) of the right coronary artery (RCA), with acute complete occlusion of the mid-RCA ( Figure 2A-B ). She was treated successfully with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and implant of two overlapping drug eluting stents in the mid-RCA ( Figure 2C ). Discussion: GPA is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) that predominantly affects small to medium sized vessels in the respiratory tract and kidneys. Cardiovascular manifestations in GPA are uncommon, but include pericarditis, myocarditis, and coronary arteritis. GPA can affect the coronary arteries either primarily through inflammatory changes in the arterial wall or via systemic inflammation leading to accelerated atherosclerosis. No standardized criteria exist to establish the diagnosis of coronary arteritis and to differentiate it from accelerated atherosclerosis. Long-term treatment of vasculitis patients with coronary involvement is also poorly supported by evidence. Optimization of cardiovascular risk factors is advocated as per standard of care, and vasculitis control may slow disease progression. This case not only raises awareness of cardiac complications in GPA, but highlights the current lack of evidence surrounding secondary prevention in young patients with vasculitis and cardiac complications.

Examination of testicular veins in children with varicocele

BACKGROUND: Diagnostics and management of varicocele in children, adolescents and males are issues of annual discussions in the professional community, yet the debates still continue. Pathophysiological changes in the testicular veins in children with varicocele are dubious and require further in-depth fundamental researches. AIM: To study the difference in ultrastructural organization of testicular veins in boys with varicocele depending on the malformation degree. METHODS: In the present study, the authors examined the ultrastructure of 58 bioptats taken from spermatic veins during surgeries in adolescent boys aged 11–17 with varicocele of degree II and III. RESULTS: A comparative analysis of ultrastructural changes in the spermatic veins revealed that signs of endotheliocyte destruction of varying degree are met in 86% of biopsy samples in Group I and in 100% in Group II. Electron microscopy allowed to examine the muscular component of testicular veins in varicocele, as well as to examine the structure of connective tissue component in the venous wall, basing on an anatomical-functional paradigm of the connective tissue as the main "building brick" of organ and system structures. CONCLUSION: Ultrastructural changes in the testicular vein wall were revealed in children with varicocele, what indicates the presence of congenital malformation in this wall and of accompanied endothelial dysfunction. Foldings of the vascular wall with hollows and pockets, connective tissue loosening and separation of fibers, endothelium destruction and detachment were equally met in boys and adolescents with varicocele of degree II and III.

MORPHOFUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE WALL OF BRONCHI AND LUNG TISSUE STRUCTURES OF DIFFERENT CALIBER IN EXPERIMENTAL BRONCHOECTASIS

Objective: This study aims to investigate the structural and functional changes in the bronchial wall and lung tissue induced by experimental bronchiectasis in a rabbit model. Method: A total of 34 adult rabbits weighing 2-2.5 kg were subjected to bronchiectasis induction using a modified method involving the insertion of a sterile Capron thread into the tracheal cavity. The rabbits were examined at intervals of 3 to 6 months post-induction, with histological and morphometric analyses conducted on their respiratory tissues. Results: Significant findings included the presence of purulent-mucous exudate, thickening of the bronchial mucosa, and inflammatory infiltrates comprising lymphocytes, neutrophils, and histiocytes. The thickness of the bronchial walls and changes in lung tissue, including emphysema and atelectasis, were also observed, indicating progressive disease over the study period. Morphometric analysis showed a marked increase in the number of cells in the bronchi and lung tissues at 3, 4, and 5 months. Novelty: This study contributes new insights into the pathological progression of bronchiectasis in an animal model, demonstrating the dynamic changes in bronchial structure and inflammatory responses over time, which may have implications for understanding the disease in human populations.

Gegen Qinlian Decoction Modulates Atherosclerosis and Lipid Metabolism Through Cellular Interplay and Signaling Pathways.

The objective of this study is to investigate Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) effects on lipid metabolism and explore its mechanism for preventing and treating atherosclerosis. An atherosclerotic rat model was established, and after an 8-week high-fat diet, atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were assessed. Subsequently, GQD was administered at low and high doses. Histopathological aortic wall changes, hepatic lipid deposition, and blood lipid changes were evaluated. ELISA indicated the influence of TNF-α and IL-13, and Western blotting revealed MerTK, ABCA1, and LXR-α expression. A foam macrophage model was established, and Cell activity was detected by the MTT method. ELISA indicated the influence of PPAR-γ. The expression of ABCA1, ABCA7, ABCG1, GAS6, MerTK, SCARB1, LXR- α and LXR-β mRNA were detected by qPCR. and Western blotting revealed MerTK and LXR-α expression. The impact of drug-containing serum of GQD on efferocytosis-related factors was studied. GQD improved atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and reduced serum low-density lipoprotein levels in the high-dose group. The high- and low-dose groups showed upregulated ABCA1, MerTK, and LXR-α expression in blood vessels and the liver, respectively. GQD decreased serum TNF-α and increased IL-13 levels. PPAR-γ expression was elevated in the high-, and low-dose groups. In the high-and low-dose groups, ABCA7, GAS6, SCARB1, and LXR-α, ABCA1 and MerTK, and ABCG1 gene expression were upregulated, respectively. Both low- and high-dose serum-containing drugs promoted LXR-β gene expression, and LXR-α protein expression was improved in the high-dose group. GQD improves rat atherosclerosis and hepatic lipid metabolism by regulating PPAR-γ, LXR-α, LXR-β, ABCA1, ABCA7, and ABCG1 expression and augmenting cellular intercalation through the GAS6/TAM pathway.

Fuzi polysaccharide isolated from Aconitum carmichaeli protects against liquid nitrogen cryopreservation-induced damage in rat abdominal aorta by enhancing autophagy

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential protective mechanisms of aconite polysaccharide (FZPS-1) during cryopreservation, with a particular emphasis on morphological changes in autophagy in rat abdominal aorta. MethodsThirty-six male SD rats were divided into the control group, the cryopreserved model group, and the FZPS-1 intervention group treated with different concentrations of FZPS-1. The structural changes of the abdominal aortic wall were assessed via Masson staining, while cytolysosomes were identified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of Beclin-1, LC3-II, and P62 was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot separately. Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA expression was measured by RT-qPCR. ResultsCompared with the control group, the abdominal aortic wall in the model group was severely damaged. Contrarily, FZPS-1 10 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL groups had relatively normal structure of the blood vessel wall, higher cytolysosome counts, and increased Beclin-1 and LC3-II expression compared with the model group (all P<0.05); P62 expression also increased in the FZPS-1 20 mg/mL group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 in the cryopreservation model group was reduced (P<0.05), while Bax was increased (P<0.05). Compared with the cryopreservation model group, the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was upregulated, while Bax was downregulated in the FPS 10 mg/L group (P<0.05). ConclusionDuring liquid nitrogen cryopreservation, autophagy is inhibited in the rat abdominal aorta, and the blood vessel wall structure is damaged. FZPS-1, as a cryoprotectant, can enhance autophagy and mitigate blood vessel wall damage in the rat abdominal aorta.

In vitro 3D co-culture model of human endothelial and smooth muscle cells to study pathological vascular remodeling

Pathological vascular remodeling of the vessel wall refers to the structural and functional changes of the vessel wall that occur in response to injury that eventually leads to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The vessel wall is composed of two main types of cells, endothelial cells (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), whose communication is crucial in both the development of the vasculature and the homeostasis of mature vessels. Changes in the dialogue between ECs and VSMCs are associated with various pathological states that triggers remodeling of the vascular wall. For many years, considerable efforts have been made to develop effective diagnoses and treatments for these pathologies by studying their mechanisms in both in vitro and in vivo models. Compared to animal models, in vitro models can provide great opportunities to obtain data in a more homogeneous, economical and massive way, providing an overview of the signaling pathways responsible for these pathologies. The implementation of three-dimensional in vitro co-culture models for the study of other pathologies has been postulated as a potentially applicable methodology, which determines the importance of its application in studies of cardiovascular diseases. In this article we present a method for culturing human endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, grown under non-adherent conditions, that generate three-dimensional spheroidal structures with greater physiological equivalence to in vivo conditions. This in vitro modeling could be used as a study tool to identify cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathological processes underlying vascular remodeling.

Phosphate overload via the type III Na-dependent Pi transporter represses aortic wall elastic fiber formation.

Phosphate (Pi) induces differentiation of arterial smooth muscle cells to the osteoblastic phenotype by inducing the type III Na-dependent Pi transporter Pit-1/solute carrier family member 1. This induction can contribute to arterial calcification, but precisely how Pi stress acts on the vascular wall remains unclear. We investigated the role of extracellular Pi in inducing microstructural changes in the arterial wall. Aortae of Pit-1-overexpressing transgenic (TG) rats and their wild-type (WT) littermates were obtained at 8 weeks after birth. The thoracic descending aorta from WT and TG rats was used for the measurement of wall thickness and uniaxial tensile testing. Structural and ultrastructural analyses were performed using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Gene expression of connective tissue components in the aorta was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Aortic wall thickness in TG rats was the same as that in WT rats. Uniaxial tensile testing showed that the circumferential breaking stress in TG rats was significantly lower than that in WT rats (p<0.05), although the longitudinal breaking stress, breaking strain, and elastic moduli in both directions in TG rats were unchanged. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the aorta from TG rats showed damaged formation of elastic fibers in the aortic wall. Fibrillin-1 gene expression levels in the aorta were significantly lower in TG rats than in WT rats (p<0.05). Pi overload acting via the arterial wall Pit-1 transporter weakens circumferential strength by causing elastic fiber malformation, probably via decreased fibrillin-1 expression.

Is aortic elasticity associated with hydration status in stage of chronic renal disease in children?

Objective: We aimed to evaluate cardiovascular risks and influencing factors by measuring aortic elasticity parameters and carotid intima thickness in children with cronic kidney disease (CKD), and also evaluated the hydration status of patients with bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measurements and investigated the effect of hydration status on vascular functions. Patients and Methods: The study group included an average of 13.3 ± 3.7 years (16 girls and 22 boys, 38 CKD patients), control group on average 12.1 ± 2.9 (16 girls and 15 boys, 31 healthy children). Systolic and diastolic diameters of the aortic annulus and aorta at each level were obtained; z-scores, aortic strain, distensibility, stiffness index were calculated. Carotid intima-media thickness and flow – mediated dilatation were studied. Bioimpedance spectroscopy was performed to all patients. Results: Interventricular septum and left atrial (p=0.002, p=0.013), sinus valsalva and sinotubular junction z scores (p=0.009, p=0.012) were found to be higher and distensibility and strain decreased, stiffness index increased in the abdominal aorta of patients with CKD (p=0.007, p=0.002, p=0.004). Patients with CKD had statistically significant over-hydration. Conclusion: Vascular wall changes that affect the elastic properties of the aortic wall begin to develop in childhood in patients with CKD.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the mechanism underlying salinity-induced morphological changes in Skeletonema subsalsum.

Diatom cell walls are diverse and unique, providing the basis for species identification and supporting the ecological and economic value of diatoms. However, these important structures sometimes change in response to environmental fluctuations, especially under salt adaptation. Although studies have shown that salinity induces morphological plasticity changes in diatom cell walls, most research has focused on physiological responses rather than molecular mechanisms. In this study, Skeletonema subsalsum was cultured under four salinity conditions (0, 3, 6, 12). Through morphological and physiological methods, we found that salinity increased the cell diameter, protrusion lengths, distance between adjacent cells (DBCs), and nanopore size, while reducing cell height and silicification degree. To further investigate the mechanism underlying morphological changes in S. subsalsum, complementary transcriptome analysis was performed. In total, 20,138 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among the four treatments. Among them, 231 DEGs were screened and found to be closely associated with morphological changes, of which 107 were downregulated and 124 were upregulated. The findings demonstrated that elevated salinity inhibited silicon transport and deposition via downregulating the expression of DEGs involved in functions including chitin metabolism, putrescine metabolism, and vesicle transport, resulting in reduced silicon content and cell height. Increased salinity promoted the expression of DEGs related to microtubules (MTs), actin, and ubiquitin, which synchronously induced morphological changes. These findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of the salt tolerance of algae and a foundation for future studies on cell wall morphogenesis.

Cochlear lateral wall changes secondary to hypercholesterolemia and noise exposure in the chinchilla model

Objective: To investigate the effects of hypercholesterolemia on the cochlear lateral wall structures in chinchillas and its impact on the susceptibility of the inner ear structures to noise exposure. Materials and Methods: Fifteen chinchilla temporal bones were selected from the Animal Temporal Bone Collection of the Paparella Otopathology and Pathogenesis Laboratory at the University of Minnesota. The experimental group was subjected to 3-month 1% cholesterol diet, while the control group maintained a standard diet. After 3 months, the experimental group's left ears exposed to noise trauma for 10 minutes while right ears did not. One month later the animals were euthanized, and the temporal bones harvested from the animals underwent histopathological examination with morphometric assessments of stria vascularis (SV) and spiral ligament (SL). Results: Histopathological analysis revealed no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) in total SL area across cochlear turns between the experimental and control groups. However, distinct variations were observed in SV area within the lower basal (p

The value of ultrasound for monitoring disease activity in giant cell arteritis

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common primary systemic vasculitis in the elderly. Although the diagnosis of GCA has improved, monitoring its disease activity remains challenging due to the lack of validated tools and biomarkers. The current reliance on assessing symptoms, physical signs, and inflammatory markers during disease follow-up presents limitations, notably the nonspecific nature of GCA-related symptoms and the suppressive impact of IL-6 inhibitors on inflammatory markers. Therefore, recent attention has shifted toward acknowledging imaging as a monitoring tool, particularly ultrasound, given its widespread accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and well-established role in GCA diagnosis. Research on this topic has found that ultrasound characteristics, including the number of affected arterial segments and halo size, are associated with laboratory markers and treatment response, underscoring the ultrasound’s potential as a monitoring tool for GCA. It has also been demonstrated that ultrasound abnormalities progress differently throughout the disease course, depending on the type of arterial involvement, with vessel wall changes in the axillary arteries resolving more slowly than those in the temporal arteries. Nevertheless, there are still no studies comparing the added value of regular ultrasounds for monitoring disease activity to clinical and laboratory monitoring alone; hence, this imaging modality is not yet recommended for patients with GCA in clinical and biochemical remission. This narrative review aims to synthesize the main research findings of key studies addressing the role of ultrasound for monitoring disease activity in GCA, with a focus on the pattern of arterial involvement. It highlights the potential of ultrasound, particularly halo sign assessment, for evaluating disease progression but notes that further validation and standardization of protocols are needed to improve accuracy and enable routine use.

Load-dependent mechanisms contribute to increased aortic stiffness among women with a history of preeclampsia: relation with cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity.

Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, results in increased lifetime cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Total aortic stiffness, a robust risk factor for CVD, is composed of load-dependent (blood pressure load on arterial wall) and structural (intrinsic changes in arterial wall) mechanisms. Total aortic stiffness is also associated with reduced cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). We sought to determine 1) whether elevated total aortic stiffness among women with a history of preeclampsia (hxPE) is attributed to load-dependent or structural stiffness, and 2) whether either mechanism is associated with lower BRS. Total aortic stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) and spontaneous cardiovagal BRS (sequence technique) were measured among women 1-5 yr postpartum (n = 115; age 34 ± 4 yr; hxPE n = 51; controls n = 64). Structural aortic stiffness was calculated from participant-specific exponential models by standardizing aortic stiffness to a "reference" blood pressure. Load-dependent stiffness was calculated as total minus structural stiffness. Total [+0.8 m/s, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-0.99, -0.23), P = 0.002] and load-dependent [+0.4 m/s, 95% CI (-0.56, -0.22), P < 0.001], but not structural [95% CI (-0.52, 0.08), P = 0.16] aortic stiffness were higher among women with a hxPE compared with controls. Women with a hxPE had lower BRS (P = 0.042) that was negatively associated with total [B = -3.24 ms/mmHg, 95% CI (-6.35, -0.13), P = 0.042] and load-dependent [B = -5.91 ms/mmHg, 95% CI (-11.31, -0.51), P = 0.033] aortic stiffness. Load-dependent, not structural, aortic stiffness mechanisms contribute to higher total aortic stiffness among women with a hxPE and are associated with lower cardiovagal BRS. Postpartum monitoring for high BP is critical to reduce increased CVD risk after preeclampsia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The novel finding is that load-dependent stiffness, not structural stiffness, is the primary mechanism of aortic stiffness, and is associated with reduced baroreflex sensitivity in women with a history of preeclampsia. These findings may help tailor high blood pressure prevention and management strategies in this population to prevent structural aortic stiffening, altered baroreflex control, and increased lifetime cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Modulating phytoremediation: How drip irrigation system affect performance of active green wall and microbial community changes

A recent innovation in air phytoremediation is active green walls, which utilises biofiltration technology with airflow from mechanical ventilation. While this novel technology is gaining traction, the influence of irrigation on soil moisture, and subsequently the microbial communities that play a role in air filtration is untested. In this study, the application of drip irrigation techniques in active green walls were investigated for their influence on system performance. A modular green wall system was tested, with tests across 7 different plant species, as well as a substrate only control. Water distribution across the modules, the water-carrying capacity and airflow through the substrate were measured. The microbial community present, which is critical to the phytoremediation process, was quantified by identifying individual microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) within the substrate. Results demonstrated that the lower-speed drip irrigation reduced water consumption compared to the rapid system, and had generally more uniform moisture distribution. High flow drip irrigation resulted in a water pathway phenomenon, leading to uneven moisture distribution within the green wall, and this effect was accentuated with fibrous root plant species. Drip irrigation did not change microbial community composition across planted modules, apart from increasing fungi by 6%, but did wash out bacteria at the high flow rate used (−56.67%), thus low flow rate irrigation rate is more beneficial for both plant growth and microbial community composition. The current work provides evidence that drip irrigation has considerable effects on both substrate airflow rate and substrate microbial density: both key to system air cleaning performance.

Changes in the cell wall of flax phloem fibers during gravitropic reaction

Changes in the cell wall of flax phloem fibers during gravitropic reaction

Reconstructive interventions on bile ducts in patients with benign obstructive jaundice

Aim. To evaluate immediate and long-term results of surgical reconstruction of the biliary system in various types of benign obstructive jaundice.Materials and methods. The study enrolled 110 patients with choledocholithiasis, iatrogenic biliary strictures, common bile duct strictures, as well as strictures of biliodigestive and biliobiliary anastomoses. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 included 43 patients with multiple choledocholithiasis and bile duct dilatation &gt;15 mm. Group 2 enrolled 35 patients with multiple choledocholithiasis and hepaticolithiasis who were intraoperatively diagnosed with stricture, injury, or pressure ulcers of the common bile duct wall. Group 3 included 32 patients with cicatricial and iatrogenic biliary strictures. The immediate and long-term results of surgical treatment were compared.Results. In group 1, the survival rate comprised 89.4%, the average duration of surgery amounted to 137 minutes, complications involved wound infection, bile leakage, bile peritonitis. In group 2, the survival rate accounted for 91.4%, the average duration of surgery comprised 192 minutes; strictures of biliodigestive anastomosis were detected in the remote period, and reconstructive surgeries were performed. Group 3 revealed the survival rate of 100%, the average duration of surgery of 215 minutes, and no complications in the long term.Conclusion. The diameter of the common bile duct, its wall changes, size of gallstones, signs of cholangitis, patency of the bile papilla, and localization of biliary stricture determine the surgical tactics, when performing biliary reconstruction in patients with non-cancerous obstructive jaundice. In case minimally invasive surgery is found impossible under conditions of multiple choledocholithiasis, common bile duct diameter &gt;15 mm, and preservation of its wall, choledocholithotomy with Kerr drainage is considered to be optimal. In case of damage to the CBD wall and patency of the bile papilla, preference shall be given to hepaticoenterostomy. Bile duct reconstruction with stent drainage is indicated for treatment of cicatricial and iatrogenic biliary strictures.