Connective Tissue Fibers Research Articles

Mulberry lesion: Fibro-epithelial hyperplasia with an unusual clinical presentation

Fibro-epithelial hyperplasia comes under the category of reactive lesions which are basically progressive fibrous overgrowths which arise from the gingival connective tissue and periodontal ligament fibres and are presented in the oral cavity due to long standing local irritation which are not neoplastic and/or may cause esthetic and functional problems. Following case is presented describing an unusual type of clinical presentation of a long standing fibro-epithelial hyperplasia in a 55 year old female with a history of 3 years which was excised using a scalpel and was sent for a histopathogical analysis.

Pathogenesis of human atheroma necrotic core: degradation of connective tissue fibers and possible involvement of cathepsin K

BackgroundAtheroma is a serious atherosclerotic lesion related to plaque rupture, thrombosis, and ischemic disease. To clarify the pathogenesis of human atheroma, particularly the formation of the liponecrotic tissue in the necrotic core, the distribution of connective tissue fibers, such as collagen and elastic fibers, and related substances was investigated in this study.MethodsAtherosclerotic lesions in human coronary arteries were classified into three categories: pathologic intimal thickening (PIT), atheroma with lipid core (ALC), and atheroma with necrotic core (ANC). PIT and ALC consisted of the lipid pool and the lipid core, respectively. The necrotic core of ANC was composed of a lipid core-like region and liponecrotic tissue containing amorphous materials and lacking cells and connective tissue fibers. The distribution of collagen type I, elastin, C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX-I), and cathepsin K (CatK) was investigated through immunohistochemistry. CTX-I is a fragmented peptide consisting of the C-terminal region of collagen type I that is generated by CatK. The distribution of denatured and unfolded collagen chains was also investigated through collagen hybridizing peptide staining.ResultsCollagen type I, denatured and unfolded collagen chains, and elastin were positively stained in the PIT, ALC, and lipid core-like region of ANC. However, they were negatively stained in the liponecrotic tissue of ANC. CTX-I and CatK were positively stained in all four regions, and their grade of staining appeared to show a positive relationship. Both CTX-I and CatK demonstrated higher staining grades in the liponecrotic tissue. These findings suggested that pre-existing collagen type I was severely degraded by CatK, resulting in the production of CTX-I in the liponecrotic tissue, and that pre-existing elastin was also degraded in this region. CatK was mainly found in macrophage foam cells, many of which were localized within and around the liponecrotic tissue.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the liponecrotic tissue in the necrotic core of human atheroma is formed by severe degradation of pre-existing connective tissue fibers and consequent collapse of tissue structure. This degradation is likely caused by proteolytic enzymes, such as CatK, secreted by macrophage foam cells.

The Potential of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1 (TGFβ1) in Fibrotic Tissue of Leiomyoma Specimens

Background: Fibrosis can define as the development of excessive fibrous tissue in an organ or tissue. In the situation of the uterus, leiomyoma or scar tissue may involve fibrosis state. The main feature of fibrosis in myoma is the existence of disordered smooth muscle cells and collagen that can be recognized via histological examinations in addition to extracellular component deposition. Leiomyoma is the most public uterine disorder that is mainly consists of smooth muscle cells, myo-fibroblast, and an obvious content of extracellular matrix. The myofibroblast in myoma lesion produced an elevated content of ECM. This paper displays the fibrotic circumstantial in leiomyoma and the mechanisms related to deposition of ECM components. Methods: this study involved (50) patients of 18-80 years old women diagnosed with benign uterine fibroid. Tumor samples were attained by consent from women undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy at the Al Karama Teaching Hospitals in Kut, Wasit Province, Iraq between October 2022 to March 2023. samples from normal and fibroid were subjected to routein histological processing and subsequently stained with routein stains for general description, Masson Trichrome stain, Van Gieson's stain to visualize collagen content and histochemical stain (Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff) to evaluate the profile of mucins secreted via tumor cells.Normal myometrium and myoma tissue expression of TGF β1 growth factor was compared using immunohistochemical staining. Qupath and Image J programs were used to analysis the content of fibrous tissue within normal and myoma tissue. Results: Microscopical results revealed that myoma have a proliferation of overlap fusiform cells organized in bundles alienated by variable amounts of connective tissue fibers, enclosed peripherally by a pseudo capsule. Special stained sections analysis revealed deposition of extracellular martix components specially collagen fibers that vary within each nodular fibroid (intrafascicular, interfascicular) enclosed myocytes that reflect the state of fibrosis that appears as blue – green colors enclosed in Masson's trichrome stain, while in Van Gieson's stain appears as red color. Proliferative tumor cells were revealed via Alcian Blue-PAS stain in dark blue color. results showed distribution of perivascular fibers in myoma as compared with normal adjacent myometrium, which appears in red color in Van Gieson's stain. Immunostaining recorded the significantly higher intensity of TGF-β in the leiomyoma tissue than in the normal myometrium (P < 0.05). The effects of the TGF-β1 inhibitor significantly differed between normal myometrium and leiomyoma tissue, with a greater decrease in cell survival in the leiomyoma tissue (P < 0.05). Conclusion: highly fibrous tissue contents showed within myoma and perivascular than adjacent myometrium, these fibrous tissues were detected via special colours in both Masson Trichrome and Van Gieson's stains. The fibrous tissue within leiomyoma showed higher intensity to TGF than normal myometrium.

Influence of autonomous regulation type on the connective tissue content in the muscular membrane of the chickens’ small intestine

The relationship between the small intestine's muscular membrane structure of chickens and the autonomous regulation type was investigated. Based on electrocardiographic and variational pulsometric studies, adult laying hens of the Isa-Brown breed were divided into two groups: sympathotonic (ST) and sympatho-normotonic (ST-NT). The volume of individual layers and the entire muscle membrane, as well as the volume of connective tissue fibers located in it, was determined in the small intestine of the hens. In general, the relationship between morphological parameters and the autonomous regulation type is similar throughout the whole intestine, but it has certain peculiarities in different intestine parts. An increase in the volume of both the circumferential and longitudinal layers of the intestinal muscular membrane accompanies an increase in sympathetic tonus. This pattern is typical for both groups. The ratio between these layers varies along the intestinal wall: the share of the longitudinal layer increases while that of the circumferential layer decreases. Accordingly, the average volume of the entire small intestine's muscular membrane in ST and ST-NT chickens differs by 590.6 mm3, and the total volume by 1771.7 mm3. Increased sympathetic tonus also contributes to a more significant number of collagen fibers in the circular layer of the muscle membrane. In the average values of the small intestine, its superiority over the longitudinal layer is 5.6 % in ST chickens and 3.4 % in ST-NT chickens. Regarding absolute values of elastic fiber volume, no group of birds has a complete advantage along the small intestine. However, the average values of this section are still dominated by ST chickens, which outnumber the other group by 15.3 mm3 in the circumferential layer and by 11.7 mm3 in the longitudinal layer of the muscle membrane. Birds with persistent sympathotonia also have more collagen fibers per 1 mm3 muscle membrane. Regarding average small intestine parameters, ST-NT chickens demonstrate a lower value (0.005 mm3). However, regarding the number of elastic fibers alone, ST-NT chickens already occupy a dominant position, and the difference between the two groups decreases to 0.004 mm3. The established muscle membrane's morphological features indicate its plasticity in adapting the intestinal wall to the autonomous regulation peculiarities.

Histological and Histomorphometrical Characterization of the Cardiac Architecture in Pre-natal Non-descript Sheep (Ovis aries)

Background: Being the vital organ of circulatory system, the development of the heart before birth must be studied to safeguard the animal from the incidence of various developmental anomalies. The histological and histomorphometrical details of cardiac architecture especially in pre-natal sheep have not yet been reported. Methods: The foeti of sheep were collected from the local slaughter houses situated at Laxmisagar and Jadupur of Bhubaneswar city. The collected foeti were divided into three age groups viz. early prenatal (up to 50 days) or G-I, mid prenatal (51-100 days) or G-II and late prenatal (101 to 150 days) or G-III. The heart samples of the sheep foeti were processed by routine paraffin technique and after section cutting, the slides were stained by routine Haematoxyline and Eosin stains, Masson’s trichrome stain, Verhoeff’s stain and Gomori’s stain for studying the detailed histological and histomorphometrical parameters. Result: It was revealed that the cells lining the endocardium and epicardium became elongated from flat shape with advancing age. The intercalated discs appeared continuous from broken lines with advancing age in the myocardium of cardiac wall in sheep foeti. The frequency of blood vessels, connective tissue fibres and connective tissue cells increased with age in the subendothelium, subepicardium, myocardium and epicardium in the sheep foeti. The average thickness of heart chambers, average diameter of the myocardiocytes and their nuclei in atrial and ventricular walls, papillary muscles, pectinate muscles and Purkinje fibre cells revealed an age dependent rise in sheep foeti of G-I to G-III. The frequency distribution of myocardiocytes and fibroblast in myocardium also increased with in sheep foeti of G-I to G-III.

Structure of Soft Tissues in Congenital Unilateral Cleft Lip, Light and Electron Microscopic Observations

Abstract Cleft lip (CL), palate (CP), or both (CLP) are one of the most common congenital abnormalities in humans, causing a heavy burden to the affected and their next of kin. We examined biopsy material from CL of seven children: Six 2 to 6 month-old babies and one 4-year-old boy. The samples were taken at the first surgical cleft lip repair. Light microscopy (LM) haematoxylin and eosin stained paraffin sections and toluidine blue stained 0.5–1 μm Durcupan sections from material processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), revealed abnormal “ragged” wavy muscle fibres in all seven children. The routine TEM confirmed our results LM; we found no other changes in the soft tissues in TEM; blood vessels of loose connective tissue and nerve fibres were normal. Therefore, we believe that myopathic changes in the cleft lip muscle fibres cannot be of neuronal origin.

Possibilities of local effect the healing of small bowel sutures in a rat model of acute intra-abdominal infection

Aims: Investigate the regeneration of the small bowel suture line regeneration after suturing with a material with antioxidant properties. Methodology: 7 intact rats, 63 with simulated intra-abdominal infection (IAI). A laparotomy was performed in 12 h after simulating. The small bowel was cut and sutured in 56 rats (2 groups of 28) after an abdominal lavage. Standard Kapron was used in the control group (CG). Kapron impregnated with a 5% solution of ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate was used in the research group (RG). Sections of the small bowel were collected from a total of 21 rats (7 intact rats, 7 rats with intra-abdominal infection (IAI) models, and 7 rats at different time points (1, 3, 5, and 7 days) post suturing) for subsequent histological examination. The preparations were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and by Mikel Calvo. The R/B coefficient (R/BC) was determined. The experiment's time duration was 7.5 days in December 2022. Results: R/BC increased (p<0.05) in the connective tissue fibers of the small bowel submucosal base in 12 h after the simulating of IAI. R/BC increased (p<0.05) in both groups in 1 day after suturing. R/BC increased in CG, decreased (p<0.05) in RG in 3 days. Fibrin was found between the ligature’s fibers in RG. R/BC decreased (p<0.05) in both groups in 5 days, indicators were smaller (p<0.01) in RG. Fibrin was found between the ligature’s fibers in CG, granulation tissue was in RG. R/BC decreased in both groups in 7 days, but indicators were smaller in RG (p<0.01). Unfilled areas in the granulation tissue between the ligature fibers were in CG. Conclusion: 1. The use of ligatures impregnated with the 5% ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate solution for suturing the small bowel in rats with intra-abdominal infection models is associated with the significant decrease in the activity of local proteins oxidation and the significant acceleration of local regeneration processes. 2. The creation of a suture material with antioxidant properties may be a promising direction for the prevention of suture leakage

Assessing the histomorphology, and microscopic composition of the triangular fibrocartilage complex [TFCC] of the wrist joint: A cadaveric observational study

TFCC, being a complicated structure, located on the ulnar side of the wrist is composed of multiple distinct anatomic entities which together play a critical role in wrist biomechanics. The anatomy of TFCC has not been extensively studied in the Indian population. To elucidate the microscopic anatomy and composition of the triangular fibrocartilage complex of the wrist joint using haematoxylin-eosin and Verhoff Van Gieson staining methods. Samples collected from 40 specimens (20 right and 20 left limbs) were placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for fixation. Paraffin-embedded blocks were prepared and tissue sections were taken at 7-micron thickness. The slides were subjected to H&E and VVG staining following standardized protocol. The morphological structure of the seven components of triangular fibrocartilage complexes was assessed. The articular disc consisted of densely packed interlaced fibrocartilage with sparse blood vessels. Radioulnar ligaments showed densely-packed-parallel or interlaced- collagen-bundles. A mixture of tight and loose parallel tissue was observed in the sub-sheath of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, the ulnar-triquetral (UTL), and the ulnar-lunate ligament (ULL). Irregular morphological composition and loose connective tissue predominated in the ulnar-carpal meniscus (UCM). Blood vessels were observed in the epi-fascicular/ fascicular areas of the UTL, interstitial region of ULL and UCM. The microscopic anatomy of TFCC was complex owing to the varied nature of its entities. An understanding of the distribution of connective tissue, blood vessels, and elastic fibres would be of immense help in planning arthroscopic procedures.

Pathological changes in the muscular tissue of the colon in diverticular disease

Comparative analysis of clinical data and structural characteristics of the colonic muscular tissue in patients with different course of DD and without colonic diverticula to identify morphological predictors of a complicated DD. A comparative analysis of clinical data, pathomorphological and ultrastructural changes of the colonic musculature in the surgical material from 68 patients undergoing left-sided hemicolectomy was carried out. The operative material of 37 patients with complicated course of DD, 19 with uncomplicated course of DD and 12 without diverticula was analyzed. In men, this disease occurs at a younger age than in women (Median age of men 49 (39.5; 61) years, women 66.5 (58; 81) years; U=178, p<0.001). It was shown that the area occupied by connective tissue fibres in the colonic musculature in patients with a complicated DD was 5 times greater (15%) than in observations with an uncomplicated DD (3%) and 50 times greater than in cases without colonic diverticula (0.3%; p<0.001). The present study demonstrates age- and sex-specific features of DD, as well as significant differences in the prevalence of fibrosis of the colonic musculature, which can be considered as a potential predictor of a complicated course of DD.

Comparative evaluation of transscleral laser exposure in anatomical experiment

This study comparatively analyzed the morphology of eye tissues after laser exposure using the latest generation of transscleral laser techniques - micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) and laser activation of scleral hydropermeability (LASH) - in an anatomical experiment. The study used pulsed-periodic radiation of an Er-glass fiber laser (λ=1.56 μm) and radiation of a diode laser (λ=0.81 μm) in the micropulse mode. A comparative morphological evaluation of histological preparations of target scleral and ciliary body (CB) tissues was performed with the study of laser-induced changes occurring after LASH and MP-TSCPC. The study of histological preparations obtained after MP-TSCPC and LASH did not reveal any noticeable signs of an inflammatory reaction or significant destructive changes. There were no signs of pronounced coagulative changes in the form of disorganization of connective and muscle tissue in the exposure area. At the same time, MP-TSCPC was accompanied by thinning and discontinuity of the CB pigment epithelium in the projection of its flat part and expansion of the gaps between the anterior connective tissue fibers fixing the CB to the sclera, which is likely a factor contributing to uveoscleral outflow. After LASH, in the irradiated areas at the level of the outer layers of the sclera (¾ of its thickness) located in the projection of the flat part of the ciliary body, multiple slit-like cavities and enlargements (stretching) of interfiber spaces were revealed with simultaneous compaction of the inner part of the sclera (¼ of its thickness). The identified morphological changes may indicate certain differences in the mechanisms of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction after MP-TSCPC and LASH. The results of this study suggest that the enhancement of uveoscleral outflow of intraocular fluid and the hypotensive effect after MP-TSCPC may be associated with laser-induced expansion of the interspaces between the anterior connective tissue fibers of the CB in the suprachoroidal space. With LASH, the possible mechanism of lowering IOP may be related rather to an increase in transscleral filtration due to the appearance of slit-like interfiber spaces in the sclera, caused by local contraction of scleral fibers in the area of laser exposure. The absence of pronounced destructive changes at the histological level indicates the gentle nature of both laser techniques and the possibility of expanding the indications for the use of LASH in the treatment of glaucoma, including at its earlier stages.

Sarcocystis spp.: histological examination and morphometry

The purpose of the research is localization and morphometry of sarcocysts in animals.Materials and methods. Samples of striated muscle tissue of cows and wild boars were studied to determine the infection intensity and prevalence and determine morphometric parameters of cysts. Pathological material was collected to 10 % buffered formalin solution. For histological examination, muscle tissue samples were taken from the abdominal wall and cardiac muscle. To process tissue samples, paraffin coating was used in semi-automatic equipment from Thermo Scientific. Histological specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and by Mallouri. The specimen histoarchitecture was assessed using an Axio A1.0 microscope; photographs were taken with AxioVision.Results and discussion. The sarcocyst infection prevalence was 60% in cattle and 100% in the boars, with the infection intensity of 1-2 and 2-4 sarcocysts in one FOV, respectively. It was found that the cyst formed a capsule in infected boars with a thickness of 2.6±0.28 μm, while it was practically invisible in cattle, and grouped loose connective tissue fibers were observed around the cyst. The infection intensity can be assessed as low in the studied animals; however, even single parasite cysts entered the human body contribute to sarcocystosis.

Effect of Microwave Irradiation on staining methods of Connective Tissue Fibers (collagen Fiber)

Effect of Microwave Irradiation on staining methods of Connective Tissue Fibers (collagen Fiber)

Erratum to: Remodeling the Architecture of Collagen-Containing Connective Tissue Fibers of Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Erratum to: Remodeling the Architecture of Collagen-Containing Connective Tissue Fibers of Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Evaluation of the aortic wall structural alteration following cryopreservation in 1 year follow-up period

Vascular graft infection is still a life-threatening complication of reconstructive surgery. Among other options, application of cryopreserved homografts can eventuate favorable outcome, if graft replacement is necessary. The preparation and storage of these allografts need special infrastructure and deep subzero (− 80 °C) temperature. However, the longer storage time can lead to inferior results after implantation, based upon clinicians’ experiences. The goal of our investigation was to circumscribe the optimal storage time interval with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and histological evaluation, using porcine aorta. All samples were deep-freezed using − 80 °C. Cryopreservated grafts were melted after 4, 6, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 and 52 weeks; then, DSC and different types of histology were performed. Light microscopy analysis showed significant changes in the connective tissue fibers’ structure from the 16th week; while, DSC measurements confirmed systematic decrease in the thermal stability from the same week during the follow-up period. Our investigation suggested that cryopreservation can lead to significant and increasing microstructural damage of the fibers following the 12th week; thus, the homograft implantation can result in higher success rate inside this timeframe.

Texture modification of easily chewable pork meat batter for masticatory dysfunction people: effects and interactions of bromelain, κ‐carrageenan, and plant protein hydrolysates

SummaryMeat intake in masticatory dysfunction people is commonly reduced because the relatively tough texture of meat can impair mastication. Pork meat batters were prepared by different levels of bromelain (0%, 0.5% w/w), κ‐carrageenan (0.5%, 1.0% w/w), and rice berry and mung bean ratios (0:0, 1:0, 0:1, 0.5:0.5). The experiment was designed to study the effect of infusion treatments and their interaction on the properties of pork meat batter. Lower cooking losses (2.33%–3.45%) was observed in the samples with 1.0% (w/w) κ‐carrageenan. Hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and gumminess of samples with bromelain were lower, and higher in samples containing 1.0% (w/w) κ‐carrageenan. Bromelain also resulted in decreasing storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) values compared to nonbromelain‐treated samples. Microstructure revealed that connective tissue and muscle fibres were disrupted in bromelain‐treated meats while incorporation of plant proteins led to better binding of meat particles. These results revealed that bromelain has a potential to produce a softer texture batter, while 1.0% (w/w) κ‐carrageenan and plant proteins have potential to improve textural properties and shape a product. This implies that the effects and interactions of infusion treatments offer the possibility to improve texture‐optimised product for masticatory dysfunction people, such as elderly.

Remodeling the Architecture of Collagen-Containing Connective Tissue Fibers of Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Remodeling the Architecture of Collagen-Containing Connective Tissue Fibers of Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Lactobacillus fermentum attenuates the alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in mice.

This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus fermentum BELF11 on periodontitis in mice (LIP). Sixty mice were randomly assigned to a control group (CTL), LIP/PBS group (LIP and PBS applied), or LIP/BELF11 group (LIP and L. fermentum BELF11 applied). For 14 days, PBS or L. fermentum BELF11 was applied twice daily to the mice in the LIP/PBS or LIP/BELF11 group, respectively. After 14 days, radiographic, histological, and pro-inflammatory cytokine assessments were conducted. The LIP/PBS and LIP/BELF11 groups demonstrated greater alveolar bone loss than the CTL group (p < 0.05). The LIP/BELF11 group showed significantly reduced alveolar bone loss on the mesial side compared to the LIP/PBS group. Histologically, the LIP/BELF11 group showed consistent patterns of connective tissue fiber arrangement, lower levels of inflammatory infiltration, less alveolar bone loss, and higher alveolar bone density than the LIP/PBS group, despite showing more signs of destruction than the CTL group. The LIP/BELF11 group also exhibited significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines than the LIP/PBS group. L. fermentum BELF11 inhibits alveolar bone loss and periodontitis progression by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production. These findings suggest that L. fermentum BELF11 may be a potential adjunctive therapy in periodontal treatment.

Comprehensive characteristics of rectal morphology in chickens with different types of autonomous regulation

The influence of typological features of autonomous regulation on the dimensions, structure, and blood supply of the rectum in chickens has been studied. The experimental group consisted of clinically healthy adult chickens of the Isa-Brown breed, divided into two groups using electrocardiography and variation pulsometry methods: chickens with sympathetic-tonic regulation and chickens with sympathetic-normotonic regulation. In each group, the length and diameter of the rectum, the branching of its arterial vessels, and the microscopic structure of the intestinal wall were examined. The corresponding artery provides the blood supply to the rectum, the branching of which showed no significant differences between the poultry groups. The peculiarities of autonomous regulation significantly influence the morphological structure of the intestinal wall’s mucous and muscular membranes. The serous membrane does not respond to these features. Chickens with sympathetic-tonic regulation (ST chickens) are characterized by a greater thickness of all indicated membranes and, consequently, the entire intestinal wall. Chickens with sympathetic-normotonic regulation (ST-NT chickens) have a greater thickness only in the muscular plate of the mucous membrane and its longitudinal layer. Regarding the quantity of collagen and elastic fibers, ST chickens dominate the mucous membrane’s crypt area, while ST-NT chickens dominate the muscular membrane. However, the density of connective tissue fibers in the mucous membrane is much lower than in the muscular one. The quantity and distribution of plasma cells have similar patterns in both groups. Specific morphometric compensation between two functionally related indicators is also an important aspect. In this case, larger values of one indicator are combined with smaller values of another. For example, a smaller diameter of the rectum in ST chickens is associated with its greater length; a smaller number of goblet cells on one villus corresponds to a larger area of their secretory section; a larger area of the nerve node of the intramuscular nerve plexus is combined with a smaller number of these nodes per 1 cm² of the intestinal wall. Thus, the structure of the rectum in chickens, adapting to the corresponding type of autonomous regulation, maintains the balance at the level of individual membranes and the entire intestinal wall.

Monitoring the macrophage response towards biomaterial implants using label-free imaging.

Understanding the immune system's foreign body response (FBR) is essential when developing and validating a biomaterial. Macrophage activation and proliferation are critical events in FBR that can determine the material's biocompatibility and fate in vivo. In this study, two different macro-encapsulation pouches intended for pancreatic islet transplantation were implanted into streptozotocin-induced diabetes rat models for 15 days. Post-explantation, the fibrotic capsules were analyzed by standard immunohistochemistry as well as non-invasive Raman microspectroscopy to determine the degree of FBR induced by both materials. The potential of Raman microspectroscopy to discern different processes of FBR was investigated and it was shown that Raman microspectroscopy is capable of targeting ECM components of the fibrotic capsule as well as pro and anti-inflammatory macrophage activation states, in a molecular-sensitive and marker-independent manner. In combination with multivariate analysis, spectral shifts reflecting conformational differences in Col I were identified and allowed to discriminate fibrotic and native interstitial connective tissue fibers. Moreover, spectral signatures retrieved from nuclei demonstrated changes in methylation states of nucleic acids in M1 and M2 phenotypes, relevant as indicator for fibrosis progression. This study could successfully implement Raman microspectroscopy as complementary tool to study in vivo immune-compatibility providing insightful information of FBR of biomaterials and medical devices, post-implantation.

Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease.

Interstitial lung disease denotes a group of disorders which mainly affects pulmonary interstitium consisting of connective tissue fibers that support the lungs. High-resolution computed tomography is currently the main imaging modality of diagnosis, however except for few major cities in the country, availability of computed tomography scan facility is sparse in remote areas; thus relevant use of lung ultrasound in patients with suspected interstitial lung disease could be rewarding. A single center cross-sectional clinical diagnostic study was carried out at department of Radiology and Imaging, Patan Academy of Health Sciences after approval from institutional review committee. Lung ultrasound was done prior to patients undergoing high-resolution computed tomography chest. Senstivity, specificity, positive predictive value , negative predictive value , and accuracy of different echographic criteria-positive chest area score, total B lines score 5 and total B lines score 10 were calculated. Association of non-homogeneity of B lines and pleural line abnormalities with presence of interstitial lung disease, and association between B3 and B7 lines with alveolar and interstitial pattern were derived. Sensitivity (97.4%) and negative predictive value (97.9%) of total B lines score 5 was the highest. Maximum specificity (70.7%), PPV (61.4%) and accuracy (77.2%) was ofpositive chest area score. Pleural line abnormalities showed highly significant association with interstitial lung disease(p=0.003). B3 and B7 lines illustrated very highly significant association with alveolar and interstitial pattern respectively (p<0.001). Lung ultrasound can be a valid and reliable additional imaging method in evaluation of ILD in appropriate clinical scenario.