Changes In Thickness Research Articles

Evolution in changing seas: The loss of plasticity under predator invasion and warming oceans

The impact of invasive predators during the early stages of invasion is often variable in space and time. Such variation is expected to initially favor plasticity in prey defenses, but fixed defenses as invaders become established. Coincident with the range expansion of an invasive predatory crab in the Gulf of Maine, we document rapid changes in shell thickness—a key defense against shell crushing predators—of an intertidal snail. Field experiments, conducted 20 years apart, revealed that temporal shifts in shell thickness were driven by the evolution of increased trait means and erosion of thickness plasticity. The virtual elimination of the trade-off in tissue mass that often accompanies thicker shells is consistent with the evolution of fixed defenses under increasingly certain predation risk.

Differences in athlete’s left ventricular morphology by sex and sports discipline categories in elite Japanese athletes

ABSTRACT Objectives The cardiac morphology of elite athletes is related to sports disciplines and race; however, no studies have examined the effects of sports discipline on East Asian athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess left ventricular (LV) remodeling using transthoracic echocardiography in elite Japanese athletes and establish standard values for the indicators of the cardiac morphology of elite athletes in East Asia, considering the influence of body size. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 1,363 elite Japanese athletes who underwent electrocardiography and transthoracic echocardiography between January 2011 and December 2021. The athletes were assigned to four sports discipline categories (skill, power, mixed, and endurance). We evaluated the differences in LV volume and mass between the groups for each sex. Results The LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV mass indexed to the body surface area (BSA) in the endurance group (LVEDV/BSA: 72.3 ± 11.4 mL/m2 in males and 68.7 ± 11.0 mL/m2 in females, LV mass/BSA: 121.1 ± 19.1 g/m2 in males and 106.5 ± 18.0 g/m2 in females) were significantly larger than those of any other groups. Both values were affected by sex, BSA, and endurance sport type, whereas only LV mass was affected by age. Conclusion Cardiac remodeling is proportional to the sport type, with a significantly greater effect in athletes playing endurance sports. The remodeling is particularly evident in the left ventricle; however, the corresponding remodeling is also observed in other heart chambers. Cardiac remodeling in elite Japanese athletes is similar to that observed in elite athletes of other races, except for the changes in LV wall thickness.

Subfoveal choroidal thickness in pregnancy: A systematic review with meta-analyses.

Pregnancy induces a variety of changes in the eye. Mapping these changes provides a pathophysiological basis for understanding pregnancy-associated ocular disorders. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our aim was to determine how pregnancy affects subfoveal choroidal thickness and to explore temporal changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness during pregnancy and postpartum. On April 7, 2024, we searched eight literature databases for studies which used macular optical coherence tomography to evaluate subfoveal choroidal thickness in healthy pregnant women. We identified 26 studies summarizing data from 1935 healthy women, of which 1096 were pregnant and 839 non-pregnant. We found that pregnant women had a subfoveal choroidal thickness which was 31.1 μm (95% CI: 19.4-42.7 μm) thicker than non-pregnant women. No statistically significant changes were observed throughout trimesters. From the 3rd trimester to postpartum, we found a reduction in the subfoveal choroidal thickness at -41.9 μm (95% CI: -68.5 to -15.2 μm). In conclusion, in healthy women without ocular disease, pregnancy is associated with a thicker subfoveal choroid indicating a higher choroidal perfusion. Choroidal thickness remains stable across trimesters and is reduced postpartum, indicating a temporary physiological adaptation during pregnancy.

Soft Robotic Heart Formed with a Myocardial Band for Cardiac Functions.

The myocardial contracting ratio is approximately 20%, whereas ejection fraction exceeds 60%. Understanding the structure and kinetic mechanisms of the heart that enable this high ejection fraction is crucial in both basic and clinical medicine. However, these mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. The authors have developed a functional model based on the unique myocardial band theory, which posits that the ventricle is formed by a single myocardial band winding into a spiral. According to this theory, a muscle band, which incorporated thin McKibben artificial muscles embedded within a soft elastomer, was formed, and it was subsequently rolled to replicate the ventricle's structure. Thin McKibben muscles are well-suited for mimicking cardiac muscles due to their longitudinal contraction, radial expansion, and ability to operate in a curved position. In general, animal hearts exhibit approximately 20% myocardial contracting ratio, a 1.2-fold change in myocardial band thickness, and an ejection fraction in the range 50-70%. In comparison, soft robotic hearts demonstrated values of 17.3%, a 1.28-fold thickness change, and a 47.8% ejection fraction, respectively, which closely approximated those of real hearts. Water ejection experiments conducted using a soft robotic heart revealed that the maximum pressure during contraction reached 200 mmHg, generating a pressure-volume loop similar to that observed in the human heart. Thus, soft robotic hearts hold the potential for a wide range of clinical applications, including the elucidation of heart failure pathophysiology and the development of surgical treatments.

Fe3O4 modified graphene epoxy composite materials via polyether amine reduction with enhanced microwave absorption performance

Abstract The increasing complexity of electromagnetic environments demands the development of advanced absorbers with superior performance. In this study, a novel magnetic Fe3O4-modified graphene-based absorber (FARGO) is synthesized via an in-situ reduction process using polyether amine. The resulting FARGO composite exhibits excellent microwave absorption properties. When the filling content of FARGO is 5 wt% in epoxy resin, the optimal reflection loss is -23.12 dB with a thickness of 4 mm and a broad absorption bandwidth of 5.6 GHz can be achieved as the thickness changes to 2 mm. Polyether amine efficiently reduces GO to rGO, significantly improving electrical conductivity. Simultaneously, it grafts amine groups onto the graphene surface, enhancing dispersion and reactivity within the epoxy resin matrix. These synergistic effects make it a promising candidate for high-performance microwave absorbing materials.

Retinal and Choriocapillaris Thickness Changes in Spontaneously Diabetic Macaques.

Beyond the clinically apparent damage to the retinal vasculature, diabetes affects the neuroretina and choroid. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) serve as valuable models for human retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy. This study aimed to investigate changes in the thickness of the retina, RPE, and choriocapillaris in spontaneously diabetic cynomolgus macaques. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were obtained from 25 diabetic macaques and 26 age-matched nondiabetic macaques. The thickness of individual retinal layers in the macula, along with RPE and choriocapillaris, was measured manually. Choriocapillaris thickness was assessed in postmortem human globes from diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Diabetes predominantly affected the inner retina more than the outer retina in macaques. Notably, the nasal retina showed greater thinning compared to the temporal retina. A slight but significant thickening of the inner nuclear layer was observed. No changes were detected in the thickness of RPE/Bruch's membrane complex via OCT. However, a significant increase in choriocapillaris thickness was noted in the diabetic macaques. Postmortem human specimens from patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) also demonstrated thickening of choriocapillaris/Bruch's membrane. Consistent with humans, early diabetes in cynomolgus macaques results in notable alterations in retinal thickness, particularly affecting the nasal inner retina. The observed increase in choriocapillaris thickness in both diabetic macaques and human patients with NPDR likely indicates pathologic changes and remodeling due to diabetes. Cynomolgus macaque presents a valuable NHP model for studying diabetic retinopathy.

The effect of Ga-ion irradiation on sub-micron-wavelength spin waves in yttrium-iron-garnet films

We investigate the effect of focused-ion-beam (FIB) irradiation on spin waves with sub-micron wavelengths in yttrium-iron-garnet films. Time-resolved scanning transmission x-ray microscopy was used to image the spin waves in irradiated regions and deduce corresponding changes in the magnetic parameters of the film. We find that the changes of Ga+irradiation can be understood by assuming a few percent change in the effective magnetizationMeffof the film due to a trade-off between changes in anisotropy and effective film thickness. Our results demonstrate that FIB irradiation can be used to locally alter the dispersion relation and the effective refractive indexneffof the film, even for submicron wavelengths. To achieve the same change innefffor shorter wavelengths, a higher dose is required, but no significant deterioration of spin wave propagation length in the irradiated regions was observed, even at the highest applied doses.

Effect of hematoma-induced changes in auricular hardness, thickness and volume on the propagation components of cartilage conduction hearing: assessments by hearing threshold and ear-canal sound pressure

Abstract Cartilage conduction (CC) is a method of perceiving sounds via biological tissues by presenting a transducer to the auricular cartilage. Unlike conventional bone conduction perceived via bony sections of the skull, conduction through light auricular cartilage requires a weak force, resulting in lesser pain. CC is useful in individuals with auricular deformities such as auricular hematoma, in whom, ordinary earphones are unsuitable. However, hematoma-induced changes in the hardness, thickness, and volume of auricular cartilage might affect CC perception. This study investigated the effects of these factors on perception and sound propagation in CC by measuring hearing threshold and ear-canal sound pressure (ECSP) in individuals with normal-ear-morphology and auricular hematoma. The results showed that increased hardness, thickness and estimated hematoma volume were associated with low ECSP and high hearing thresholds at 250-1000 Hz suggesting that increased auricular mass and greater transducer-to-eardrum distance reduced vibration and/or air-conduction efficiency, potentially impacting CC perception.

Navajo Sandstone concretions record extended magnetic chronology.

This study investigates iron oxide concretions from the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone in Utah as potential recorders of long-term magnetic field variations. Using a combination of alternating field and thermal demagnetization, physical abrasion, chemical analysis, and magnetic modeling, we reveal multiple magnetic components with contrasting directions within individual concretions. Finite Element Magnetic Modelling demonstrates the sensitivity of magnetic signatures to small changes in layer thickness. X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometry confirms high iron concentrations in concretion crusts. Our results support a two-stage formation model involving initial iron hydroxide precipitation followed by progressive transformation to hematite. This extended formation process suggests these concretions may record paleomagnetic field changes, though their reliability as magnetic recorders need to be verified in more details. The identification of both goethite and hematite phases, coupled with their distinct magnetic behaviors, has implications for understanding similar concretionary structures observed on Mars. However, environmental differences between terrestrial and Martian settings require careful consideration when making such comparisons.

An optional formula for calculating crustal thickness using Sr/Y ratio and its application to the southeastern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

ABSTRACT Though tracking changes in crustal thickness during orogenic evolution with specific element ratios has been proven effective, available empirical formulas sometimes yield unreasonable results. In this study, we proposed a new formula for calculating the crustal thickness by the Sr/Y ratio. Global lower crust-derived magmatic rock (younger than 23 Ma) data from diverse geological settings were selected and filtered using key geochemical criteria, alternating and iteratively using K-means clustering algorithm and improved Thompson tau method to exclude outliers. Curve fitting between the filtered elemental ratios and crustal thickness showed that the formula derived from maximum Sr/Y is best fitted by quadratic fitting. The rmse value between the calculated crustal thickness using the new Sr/Y formula and the true values worldwide is 14.84, lower than those of previous formulas ranging from 19.15 to 32.77. It is shown that our new formula possibly performs better for revealing temporal variations of Paleozoic crustal thickness at the southeastern margin of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. During the Early Paleozoic Era, the crustal thickness of the Bainaimiao arc increased, corresponding to the subduction of the Southern Bainaimiao Ocean. In the Devonian, the crust in the Bainaimiao arc and northern North China Craton both continued thinning, implying for a post-collisional setting after the amalgamation between these two blocks. Crustal thickness in northern North China experienced transition from thickening to thinning, revealing a subduction-related convergent setting in the Carboniferous and an extensional setting due to slab roll-back in the Early Permian. The crustal thickness rapidly increased in the Late Permian and decreased in the Triassic, consistent with syn-collisional and post-collisional settings, respectively, associated with final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean. These results demonstrated that crustal thickness evolution of an orogen can be depicted in detail by our new formula and can put more insights into the understanding the complex histories of accretionary orogenic belts.

Effect of Resurfaced Patellar Thickness on Outcomes after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Paper for Salman and Karen to process.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the gold standard for treatment of end stage knee osteoarthritis. Patellar resurfacing is an optional step in the procedure and remains a controversial topic of discussion. This retrospective study aims to assess the impact of over-resecting and under-resecting the patella during resurfacing on patient reported outcomes (PROMs) and range of motion (ROM) after surgery. 438 (92.2%) of 475 patients who underwent TKA between August 2017 and November 2019 at a single center by a single surgeon were included in the analysis. Patients were split into three study groups based on reconstructed patellar thickness; normal resection (NR) was defined as within 2 mm native thickness, over-resected (OR) was defined as ≤ -2 mm, and under-resected (UR) was defined as ≥ 2 mm. Statistical analyses included chi-squared test, mixed effect models, and cox proportional hazards models. There were 364, 41, 33 patients were in NR, OR, UR group respectively. The cohort mean age at time of surgery was 67.1 ± 9.1 and had mean length of follow-up of 2.1 ± 1.7 years with no difference among cohorts. Significant differences were found in gender (p<0.001) and BMI (p=0.0134) with UR having less males, OR having more males, and OR having lower BMI. At 6 months, the complete cohort ROM improved from 108.7 ± 14.4 degrees to 111 ± 11 degrees, objective Knee Society Score (KSS) increase from 15.4 ± 11.2 to 36.2 ± 12, functional KSS increase from 47.3 ± 18.9 to 65.6 ± 22.2, and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score increase from 46.1 ± 15 to 70.7 ± 15 with no significant differences among cohorts. There were no patellofemoral related complications. This study supports that while it is important to restore the anatomy in the anterior compartment of the knee, minor changes in patellar thickness from patellar resurfacing likely have minimal impact on outcomes for patients. Further studies with a larger sample size are necessary to further validate these findings.

Fruit Cuticle Thickness and Anatomical Changes in Pedicel Xylem Vessels Influence Fruit Transpiration and Calcium Accumulation in Cranberry Fruit.

Ca is a key nutrient for fruit quality due to its role in bonding with pectin in the cell wall, providing strength through cell-to-cell adhesion, thus increasing fruit firmness and extending post-harvest life. However, Ca accumulation is mostly limited to the initial stages of fruit development due to anatomical and physiological changes that occur as fruits develop. The objective of this study was to evaluate fruit transpiration, cuticle thickness, and pedicel vessel changes during cranberry fruit development and the effect these parameters might have on Ca translocation. 'Stevens' cranberry fruits were collected weekly, starting seven days after full bloom (DAFB) until 70 DAFB. For each collection date, fruit transpiration was evaluated in the field, and samples were taken to analyze total fruit Ca content, stomata density, cuticle thickness, pedicel anatomical changes, and xylem functionality. Ca accumulation in the fruit exhibited a sigmoidal curve, beginning at 0.04 mg per berry at 7 DAFB, increasing to a maximum of 0.1 mg per berry at 28 DAFB, and remaining constant until harvest (70 DAFB). Fruit Ca accumulation was mostly explained by fruit transpiration, which exhibited a similar sigmoidal pattern. The rapid decline in fruit transpiration was largely modulated by increases in cuticle thickness, as well as anatomical changes in the pedicel xylem, thereby reducing the capacity to transport water and nutrients into the fruit. Thus, this research could help cranberry growers maximize fruit Ca content by prioritizing fertilization during the early stages of fruit development.

Statin is associated with higher cortical thickness in early Alzheimer's disease.

The brain is the most cholesterol-rich organ, essential for myelination and neuronal function. Statins, widely used to lower cholesterol, cross the blood-brain barrier and may impact brain cholesterol synthesis. Despite their widespread use, the effects of statins on cortical regions relevant to Alzheimer's disease (AD) are not well understood. This study aimed to compare cortical thickness between statin-exposed and statin-unexposed older adults and evaluate the potential neuroprotective effects of statins. Data were obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The sample included 193 healthy controls (HC), 485 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 169 individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participants were categorized as statin users if they had used statins for at least two years. MRI data were processed using FreeSurfer software to estimate cortical thickness in 64 regions of interest. ANCOVA models assessed the association between statin use and cortical thickness at baseline, and linear mixed models evaluated longitudinal changes. Statin use was associated with increased cortical thickness in multiple brain regions across HC, MCI, and AD participants. In HC, statin users had greater thickness in the right lateral occipital, left middle temporal, and left parahippocampal regions. MCI participants exhibited additional increases in the right cuneus, right posterior cingulate, and left superior temporal cortex. In AD, statin users had higher thickness in the right cuneus and right superior parietal lobule. Longitudinal analysis revealed no statin-related differences in cortical thickness changes among HC and AD groups, but in MCI, statins slowed cortical thinning in the left medial orbitofrontal cortex. Statin use is associated with greater cortical thickness in older adults, particularly in those with MCI. These findings suggest that statins may have neuroprotective effects, potentially mitigating neurodegenerative changes in early cognitive decline. Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods is needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms involved.

Age and Gender-Related Changes in Choroidal Thickness: Insights from Deep Learning Analysis of Swept-Source OCT Images.

The choroid is a vital vascular layer of the eye, essential for maintaining ocular health. Understanding its structural variations, particularly choroidal thickness (CT), is crucial for the early detection of diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), high myopia (HM), and diabetes mellitus (DM). Recent advancements in deep learning have significantly improved the segmentation and measurement of choroidal layers. This study aims to investigate age- and gender-related changes in CT and its components through deep learning analysis of swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images. A total of 262 participants (136 females and 126 males) were recruited from Peking University International Hospital. Exclusion criteria included ocular pathologies and systemic conditions. SS-OCT was utilized for CT, Sattler layer-choriocapillaris complex thickness (SLCCT), and Haller layer thickness (HLT) measurements. auto-measurement method, based on deep learning algorithms, ensured accuracy. Ethics approval and informed consent were obtained from all participants. Significant thinning of CT and SLCCT was observed after the age of 60, with HLT declining after the age of 30. Females exhibited marked thinning between the ages of 40 and 50, while males began to show thinning at age 60. This research highlights age-related changes in choroidal thickness, with a particular emphasis on gender differences. The findings suggest that females experience earlier thinning, potentially attributable to hormonal changes. Additionally, the study validates the efficiency of deep learning algorithms in measuring choroidal thickness, thereby enhancing the reliability of clinical practice.

Bioceramics for Guided Bone Regeneration: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

To compare the clinical effectiveness of a novel bioceramic (BC) with a control xenograft (BO) for guided bone regeneration (GBR) performed simultaneously with implant placement. This clinical study enrolled patients with insufficient bone volume who required GBR during implant placement to increase bone width using either BC or BO. Outcome measures included a dimensional reduction in buccal bone thickness measured by cone beam computed tomography performed immediately post-surgery and at 6 months postoperatively (ΔHBBT), soft tissue healing at 14 days, 1 month, and 6 months postoperatively, and complications rates. The primary outcome was the change in buccal bone thickness around the implant. Of the total 152 patients included, 76 from each group received BC and BO treatments. The ΔHBBT in BC and BO groups were -0.276 mm (-0.432, -0.121) and -0.614 mm (-0.769, -0.459) mm, respectively, rejecting the null hypothesis. No significant difference in soft tissue healing was observed between the two groups, with no inflammatory changes in 96.05% and 90.79% of the BC and BO groups, respectively, at 2 weeks postoperatively. However, the BC group exhibited a lower overall complication rate (3.95%), including mild inflammation, poor soft tissue healing, and bone graft extrusion in 3 out of 76 patients. Both BC and BO demonstrated favorable outcomes in bone regeneration and soft tissue healing when used for simultaneous implant placement and bone augmentation.

Impact of Two Flap Advancement Techniques and Periosteal Suturing on Graft Displacement During Guided Bone Regeneration.

This preclinical exvivo porcine study aimed to evaluate the effects of two flap advancement techniques and periosteal suturing (PS) on graft material displacement during primary wound closure in guided bone regeneration (GBR). Secondary objectives included assessing flap advancement and the impact of soft tissue characteristics on graft displacement. Standardized two-walled horizontal bone defects were created in second premolar sites of pig hemimandibles. Sites were randomized to using either full-thickness flaps with modified periosteal releasing incisions (MPRI) or combination flaps using the mucosal detachment technique (MDT), both with and without PS. Cone-beam computed tomography was used to measure changes in graft material thickness (GMT) at seven incremental levels (L0-L6) relative to the implant platform, before and after primary wound closure. Keratinized mucosa width (KMW), flap thickness (FT), and flap advancement (FA) were also recorded. Sixty-eight horizontal bone augmentation procedures were performed on 34 pig hemimandibles, divided into four groups (MDT+PS, MDT-PS, MPRI+PS, MPRI-PS). Mean overall change in GMT at L0 was -24.5% ± 14.0% for MPRI and - 23.0% ± 14.3% for MDT (p ≥ 0.085). PS reduced graft displacement (-14.2% ± 11.5%) compared with no PS (-33.2% ± 16.9%, p < 0.001). FA was 8.3 ± 1.1 mm (MPRI) and 8.3 ± 1.5 mm (MDT). The mean KMW was 6.8 ± 0.9 mm, and FT ranged from 0.8 to 1.6 mm. PS significantly reduced graft material displacement during primary wound closure, while flap advancement techniques and soft tissue characteristics had no impact on graft stability. Both surgical techniques provided sufficient flap advancement for primary wound closure.

Changes in optic nerve head microvasculature following disc hemorrhage absorption in glaucomatous eyes

This study investigated the changes in optic nerve head (ONH) microvasculature, circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness, and visual field (VF) sensitivity following the absorption of optic disc hemorrhage (DH). Intradisc vessel density (dVD) was calculated using a 3 × 3 mm optic disc scan in 60 eyes of 60 patients with primary open angle glaucoma and DH who had undergone two or more swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography exams. Clinical parameters at the time of DH occurrence and after absorption, as well as those between the subgroups based on DH recurrence and location, were compared. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with changes in cpRNFL thickness in the DH-affected quadrant. Mean dVD, cpRNFL thickness, and VF sensitivity significantly decreased after DH absorption (all P < 0.05). The reduction in dVD was more pronounced in eyes with recurrent DH compared to those with a single episode (P = 0.032). Eyes with DH occurring within or at the margin of the disc cup showed a greater dVD reduction than those with DH occurring outside the disc cup (P = 0.049). The reduction in cpRNFL thickness in the DH-affected quadrant correlated with dVD reduction in the same quadrant (β = 0.370, P = 0.013) and DH recurrence (β = -2.617, P = 0.033). This finding suggests that DH pathogenesis may be associated with changes in optic disc vasculature, contributing to glaucomatous progression.

Gold-etching redox reactions at the gold interface of an ionic liquid monitored using electrochemical surface plasmon resonance

I2/I− redox reaction on the gold interface of an ionic liquid, 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(nonafluorobutanesulfonyl)amide, has been studied using electrochemical surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to investigate how SPR can sense the dissolution/deposition of gold film accompanied with the two-step processes of the I2/I− redox reaction. The SPR response measured simultaneously with cyclic voltammetry (CV) has clearly shown that SPR can sense the change in the gold film thickness due to the gold dissolution/deposition. The classical least squares method has successfully separated the two contributions to the SPR response: one from the gold thickness and the other from the surface concentration of dissolved redox species. Model simulations for CV and light reflectivity have reproduced the two SPR contributions well. Furthermore, a systematic deviation of the experimental data from the simulation results observed at positive potentials has suggested that the gold dissolution/deposition processes induce the surface roughness change of the gold film on the Angstrom level.

The Interplay Between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Selected Serum Biomarkers in Various Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), the most common cause of which is hypertension and diabetes, is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study investigated the association between selected serum biomarkers in the context of intima-media thickness (IMT) changes, a common predictor of subsequent cardiovascular (CV) events. Methods: A total of 251 individuals were enrolled in the study, divided into groups based on the severity of CKD, the presence of CVD, and healthy controls. For this purpose, the data from the following groups of participants were analyzed: (1) end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (n = 106), (2) pre-dialyzed (PRE) (n = 48), (3) patients at stages 1 and 2 of CKD (CKD1-2) (n = 37), (4) patients with CVD and no kidney disease (CARD) (n = 28), and (5) healthy controls (HV) (n = 31). To find markers associated with elevated IMT, the each group with CVD (ESRD, PRE and CARD) was separated into two subgroups with normal and elevated IMT and compared in the relation of the studied serum biomarkers. Results: The findings identified glucose as the only marker exclusively associated with CVD. Markers uniquely linked to CKD included urea, creatinine, eGFR, total protein, CEL, neopterin, total calcium, phosphates, iPTH, sodium, iron, ferritin, and AST. All other markers reflected a combined influence of both CKD and CVD. By comparing patients with normal and elevated IMT, distinct types of CKD–CVD interactions were observed, i.e., independent (additive effects of CKD and CVD) for MPO, ALP, MMP-9, and MMP-9/TIMP-1; combined (enhanced effect due to interactions) for AOPPs and TIMP-1; and conditional (CVD impact specific to CKD patients) for AGEs, 3-NT, magnesium, UIBC, TIBC, ALT, and TIMP-1/MMP-9. However, certain markers, i.e., CML, sRAGEs, carbamylated protein groups, protein carbamylation, hsCRP, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, IL-18, klotho, FGF-23, klotho/FGF-23 ratio, potassium, NT-proBNP, and AIP were associated with both CKD and CVD, though the exact nature of their interaction could not be determined using IMT as a distinguishing factor. Conclusions: The results showed that relations between IMT and the remaining studied factors were not trivial, and most of the analyzed parameters were altered in CKD patients, especially if compared to patients with CVD but without CKD. IMT cannot be used as a universal CVD marker.

Assessment of Quadriceps Muscle Strength and Thickness in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case-control and Longitudinal Follow-up Study.

No studies have investigated muscle strength and thickness in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We investigated whether there were changes in quadriceps muscle thickness and strength between adolescents with PCOS and controls. Secondly, we evaluated the effects of six months of combined oral contraceptive (COC) treatment on the quadriceps muscle. The study included 20 adolescents with PCOS and 20 healthy adolescents. The isokinetic dynamometer for the knee muscle strengths and hand dynamometer for grip strength, and ultrasound for quadriceps muscle thickness were used. These measurements were repeated after six months of COCs treatment in the patient group. Age, weight, height, pubertal stage, Physical Activity Questionnaire scores, quadriceps muscle thickness, grip strength and all isokinetic knee strength values were similar between patients and controls (all p>0.05). Compared to baseline, weight, height, quadriceps strength and lipid profile increased (all p<0.05). According to subgroup analyses, significant (and greater) increases in quadriceps muscle strength were found in COC-containing levonorgestrel users (n=6) than in cyproterone acetate users (n=13) (both p<0.05). Quadriceps muscle thickness and strength values were similar between PCOS patients and controls. Significant and greater increases were observed in quadriceps muscle strength in levonorgestrel users than cyproterone acetate users. Further longitudinal studies with larger samples evaluating the COCs with different androgenic capacity are awaited to confirm our preliminary findings.