Dynamic Morphological Changes Research Articles

Prediction of Dynamic Ni Morphology Changes in Patterned Ni-YSZ Anode with Physics-Informed Neural Networks

Abstract Nickel (Ni) film on patterned Ni- yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode shows dynamic spreading and splitting during solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operation, where wettability of Ni on YSZ is greatly enhanced (Z. Jiao, N. Shikazono, J. Power Sources 396 119–123, 2018). In the present study, a physics-informed neural network (PINN) constrained by Cahn-Hilliard equation of phase field model is proposed to estimate the unknown parameters for predicting dynamic Ni movements of the patterned Ni-YSZ anode. The unknown parameters such as interface thickness and mobility are inversely inferred by PINN using top-view images obtained from the operando experiments. Obtained excess surface diffusivity values were three to four orders of magnitude larger than the values reported for surface diffusion in the literature. It is therefore considered that Ni spreading and splitting of patterned anode cannot be simply explained by surface diffusion, and other mechanisms should be introduced.

Nanostructuring, fractal characterization and wettability of ion irradiated Au thin films and their thickness effect

This study proposes a method for modifying the wettability of Au thin films of thicknesses 5 nm and 10 nm on Si substrates using 8 keV Ne ion beam irradiation at different fluences, thereby enabling surface wettability adjustment at the nano-scale and its thickness dependence. This advancement would be highly beneficial for applications such as high-resolution printing and nano-biotechnology. The contact angle of the irradiated region for the 5 nm thin film changed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic with increasing ion dosage, whereas for the 10 nm thin film, it changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic under the same conditions. Fractal analysis was performed on pristine and ion beam modified surfaces to investigate the underlying nano-structuring process, with reported values for average roughness (Ra), Hurst exponent (H), fractal dimension (Df), contact angle (CA), and wettability at different ion dosages. Atomic Force Microscopy and Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy were used to examine surface roughness and depth profile. The process of sputtering becomes crucial when the ion range approaches the thickness of thin films, with the sputter yield showing dependence on the thickness of thin films at different ion fluence levels. Monte Carlo simulations SRIM/TRIM and TRIDYN were used for comparison with the experimental results, with TRIDYN taking into account dynamic changes in the target's morphology and composition.

Smart antibiofouling composite coatings based on photothermally-active polyaniline and thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

Marine biofouling profoundly affects the economic viability of the marine sector. With a view towards addressing this issue, this work reported the successful development of smart photo-responsive and thermo-responsive antibiofouling coatings by combining photothermally-active polyaniline (PANI) with temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). Under light irradiation, the PNIPAM/PANI coating could be photothermally heated to temperatures as high as 89.3 ± 1.6 °C, delivering a maximum antibacterial rate of 99.99 %. Impressively, light-induced temperature changes in the PNIPAM/PANI coating caused dynamic changes in film morphology and wettability. Upon lowering the temperature to below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM, the water contact angle of the PNIPAM/PANI coating decreased from 81° to 35° and the coating surface roughened appreciably, resulting in a 99.99 % release rate for both E.coli and S. aureus, thus achieving a dynamic self-cleaning effect. Furthermore, the developed PNIPAM/PANI coating demonstrated excellent resistance against protein and algae adhesion. These findings showcase the broad application potential of PNIPAM/PANI antifouling coatings in the marine sector.

Regenerative Solid Interfaces Enhance High-Performance All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries.

The performance of all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) is significantly impacted by lithium interfacial instability, which originates from the dynamic chemical, morphological, and mechanical changes during deep Li plating and stripping. In this study, we introduce a facile approach to generate a conductive and regenerative solid interface, enhancing both the Li interfacial stability and overall cell performance. The regenerative interface is primarily composed of nanosized lithium iodide (nano-LiI), which originates in situ from the adopted solid-state electrolyte (SSE). During cell operation, the nano-LiI interfacial layer can reversibly diffuse back and forth in synchronization with Li plating and stripping. The interface and dynamic process improve the adhesion and Li+ transport between the Li anode and SSE, facilitating uniform Li plating and stripping. As a result, the metallic Li anode operates stably for over 1000 h at high current densities and even under elevated temperatures. By using metallic Li as the anode directly, we demonstrate stable cycling of all-solid-state Li-sulfur batteries for over 250 cycles at an areal capacity of >2 mA h cm-2 and room temperature. This study offers insights into the design of regenerative and Li+-conductive interfaces to tackle solid interfacial challenges for high-performance ASSLBs.

Visualizing dynamic interactions between mitochondria and lysosomes in living cells using novel pH-sensitive fluorescent probes in dual-channel

The neutral fluorescent probes 1a-1c based on D-π-A-π-D structure, with benzopyranoquinoline as the fluorophore and the electron-donating groups at both ends, were developed, which emitted dual-channel fluorescence in different pH environments. Among them, probe 1a with both N,N-diethyl group and morpholine ring as electron-donating groups exhibited the best fluorescence performance, showing a red shift of 85 nm in dual emission at 505 nm and 590 nm, and a Stokes shift of 95 nm in both channels. The neutral 1a displayed green fluorescence specifically targeting mitochondria, while the protonated form 1a+H+ resulting in red fluorescence localized in lysosomes. The ability to distinguish healthy and pathological cells such as cancer or inflammation could be achieved by observing the differences in red fluorescence within lysosomes. Probe 1a could migrate and retarget between mitochondria and lysosomes, and it was discovered by the physiological effects of chloral hydrate experiments. In addition, the dynamic changes in morphology and movement of mitochondria and lysosomes during cellular autophagy through the variation of fluorescence intensity in green and red channels induced by rapamycin and starvation conditions had been investigated deeply.

Exposure to nitrate induces intestinal inflammation, as determined by an integrated transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression network analysis in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

The accumulation of nitrate in recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) may adversely affect the intestinal health of fish. To understand the toxic effects of nitrate on fish intestines, we systematically examined the dynamic changes in intestinal morphology, immunity, barrier function, and transcriptome profiles of the intestines of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) at three time points after nitrate exposure. Our results showed that nitrates induced intestinal histopathological damage, inflammatory response, and weakened barrier in a time-dependent manner. The findings of bioinformatics analyses revealed that ECM-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, focal adhesion, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were the four key pathways that were significantly affected by nitrate exposure. Five different expression patterns also exhibited dynamic changes in the DEGs to deal with nitrate stress, as determined by the STEM analysis. Six hub genes related to collagen synthesis including col1a2, col5a1, col6a1, col6a2, col6a3 and LOC118282543 were identified by the WGCNA analysis, which suggested that they exerted a key role in the four key pathways associated with the response of turbot to nitrate stress. The obtained findings of the current work offered the first transcriptome map of the fish intestine associated with nitrate stress. Our findings may offer valuable information on the molecular mechanisms of the response of fish to nitrate stress and also may contribute to the welfare of fish in RAS.

Dynamic changes in perivascular space morphology predict signs of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome in bed rest

During long-duration spaceflight, astronauts experience headward fluid shifts and expansion of the cerebral perivascular spaces (PVS). A major limitation to our understanding of the changes in brain structure and physiology induced by spaceflight stems from the logistical difficulties of studying astronauts. The current study aimed to determine whether PVS changes also occur on Earth with the spaceflight analog head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR). We examined how the number and morphology of magnetic resonance imaging-visible PVS (MV-PVS) are affected by HDBR with and without elevated carbon dioxide (CO2). These environments mimic the headward fluid shifts, body unloading, and elevated CO2 observed aboard the International Space Station. Additionally, we sought to understand how changes in MV-PVS are associated with signs of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), ocular structural alterations that can occur with spaceflight. Participants were separated into two bed rest campaigns: HDBR (60 days) and HDBR + CO2 (30 days with elevated ambient CO2). Both groups completed multiple magnetic resonance image acquisitions before, during, and post-bed rest. We found that at the group level, neither spaceflight analog affected MV-PVS quantity or morphology. However, when taking into account SANS status, persons exhibiting signs of SANS showed little or no MV-PVS changes, whereas their No-SANS counterparts showed MV-PVS morphological changes during the HDBR + CO2 campaign. These findings highlight spaceflight analogs as models for inducing changes in MV-PVS and implicate MV-PVS dynamic compliance as a mechanism underlying SANS. These findings may lead to countermeasures to mitigate health risks associated with human spaceflight.

Dynamic changes in endoplasmic reticulum morphology and its contact with the plasma membrane in motor neurons in response to nerve injury.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) extends throughout a cell and plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Changes in ER shape could provide a clue to explore the mechanisms that underlie the fate determination of neurons after axon injury because the ER drastically changes its morphology under neuronal stress to maintain cellular homeostasis and recover from damage. Because of their tiny structures and richness in the soma, the detailed morphology of the ER and its dynamics have not been well analysed. In this study, the focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) analysis was performed to explore the ultra-structures of the ER in the somata of motor neuron with axon regenerative injury models. In normal motor neurons, ER in the somata is abundantly localised near the perinucleus and represents lamella-like structures. After injury, analysis of the ER volume and ER branching points indicated a collapse of the normal distribution and a transformation from lamella-like structures to mesh-like structures. Furthermore, accompanied by ER accumulation near the plasma membrane (PM), the contact between the ER and PM (ER-PM contacts) significantly increased after injury. The accumulation of extended-synaptotagmin 1 (E-Syt1), a tethering protein of the ER and PM that regulates Ca2+-dependent lipid transfer, was also identified by immunohistochemistry and quantitative Real-time PCR after injury. These morphological alterations of ER and the increase in ER-PM contacts may be crucial events that occur in motor neurons as a resilient response for the survival after axonal injury.

Right-sided infective endocarditis or thrombus? Report of two cases diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography

BackgroundRight-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) is a relatively uncommon condition which is difficult to distinguish from thrombus, particularly when the site of infection or the patient’s symptoms are atypical. There have been few reports exploring the differential diagnostic and analytical features between RSIE and thrombus.Case presentationHere, we presented two cases of RSIE—one involving the tricuspid valve and the other affecting the pulmonary artery. Notably, the second case was initially misdiagnosed as thrombus based on the findings of by computed tomography angiography(CTA).ConclusionsVegetation and thrombus can be distinguished according to the nature of the mass, its attachment location, and the clinical manifestation. Echocardiography can observe both the location and size of the mass, and the dynamic changes in cardiac hemodynamics and cardiac morphology, thereby facilitating an effective distinction between vegetation and thrombus.

Experimental determination and mathematical modeling of standard shapes of forming autophagosomes

The formation of autophagosomes involves dynamic morphological changes of a phagophore from a flat membrane cisterna into a cup-shaped intermediate and a spherical autophagosome. However, the physical mechanism behind these morphological changes remains elusive. Here, we determine the average shapes of phagophores by statistically investigating three-dimensional electron micrographs of more than 100 phagophores. The results show that the cup-shaped structures adopt a characteristic morphology; they are longitudinally elongated, and the rim is catenoidal with an outwardly recurved shape. To understand these characteristic shapes, we establish a theoretical model of the shape of entire phagophores. The model quantitatively reproduces the average morphology and reveals that the characteristic shape of phagophores is primarily determined by the relative size of the open rim to the total surface area. These results suggest that the seemingly complex morphological changes during autophagosome formation follow a stable path determined by elastic bending energy minimization.

Target-activated multicolor fluorescent dyes for 3D imaging of plasma membranes and tracking of apoptosis.

Real-time tracking of dynamic changes in the three-dimensional morphology of the cell plasma membrane is of great importance for a deeper understanding of physiological processes related to the cell plasma membrane. However, there is a lack of imaging dyes that can specifically be used for a long term labelling of plasma membranes, especially for plant cells. Here, we have used molecular engineering strategies to develop a series of target-activated multicolour fluorescent dyes that can be used for long-term and three-dimensional imaging of plant cell plasma membranes. By combining different electron acceptors and donors, four molecular backbones with different emission colours from green to NIR have been obtained. In the designed styrene-based dyes, referred to as the SD dyes, several functional groups were introduced into the backbones to achieve the properties of target-activated fluorescence, rapid and wash-free staining, high plasma membrane targeting ability and long-term imaging function. Using onion epidermal cells as a platform, these dye molecules can provide high-quality imaging of the plasma membrane for up to 6 hours, providing a powerful tool for long-term monitoring of plasma membrane-related biological events. Calcium-mediated apoptosis of plant cells has been tracked for the first time by monitoring the morphological changes of the plasma membrane in real time using SD dyes. These dyes also exhibit excellent 3D imaging performance of the plasma membrane and were further used to track in real time the 3D morphological changes of the plasma membrane during plasmolysis of plant cells, providing a powerful imaging tool for three-dimensional (3D) biology. This work provides a set of multi-colour dye tools for long-term and three-dimensional imaging of plant cell plasma membranes, and also provides molecular design principles for guiding the transmembrane transport of small molecules.

Static and dynamic brain morphological changes in isolated REM sleep behavior disorder compared to normal aging.

To assess whether cerebral structural alterations in isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) are progressive and differ from those of normal aging and whether they are related to clinical symptoms. In a longitudinal study of 18 patients with iRBD (age, 66.1 ± 5.7 years; 13 males; follow-up, 1.6 ± 0.6 years) and 24 age-matched healthy controls (age, 67.0 ± 4.9 years; 12 males; follow-up, 2.0 ± 0.9 years), all participants underwent multiple extensive clinical examinations, neuropsychological tests, and magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and follow-up. Surface-based cortical reconstruction and automated subcortical structural segmentation were performed on T1-weighted images. We used mixed-effects models to examine the differences between the groups and the differences in anatomical changes over time. None of the patients with iRBD demonstrated phenoconversion during the follow-up. Patients with iRBD had thinner cortices in the frontal, occipital, and temporal regions, and more caudate atrophy, compared to that in controls. In similar regions, group-by-age interaction analysis revealed that patients with iRBD demonstrated significantly slower decreases in cortical thickness and caudate volume with aging than that observed in controls. Patients with iRBD had lower scores on the Korean version of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (p = 0.037) and frontal and executive functions (p = 0.049) at baseline than those in controls; however, no significant group-by-age interaction was identified. Patients with iRBD show brain atrophy in the regions that are overlapped with the areas that have been documented to be affected in early stages of Parkinson's disease. Such atrophy in iRBD may not be progressive but may be slower than that in normal aging. Cognitive impairment in iRBD is not progressive.

Imaging microglia surveillance during sleep-wake cycles in freely behaving mice.

Microglia surveillance manifests itself as dynamic changes in cell morphology and functional remodeling. Whether and how microglia surveillance is coupled to brain state switches during natural sleep-wake cycles remains unclear. To address this question, we used miniature two-photon microscopy (mTPM) to acquire time-lapse high-resolution microglia images of the somatosensory cortex, along with EEG/EMG recordings and behavioral video, in freely-behaving mice. We uncovered fast and robust brain state-dependent changes in microglia surveillance, occurring in parallel with sleep dynamics and early-onset phagocytic microglial contraction during sleep deprivation stress. We also detected local norepinephrine fluctuation occurring in a sleep state-dependent manner. We showed that the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system, which is crucial to sleep homeostasis, is required for both sleep state-dependent and stress-induced microglial responses and β2-adrenergic receptor signaling plays a significant role in this process. These results provide direct evidence that microglial surveillance is exquisitely tuned to signals and stressors that regulate sleep dynamics and homeostasis so as to adjust its varied roles to complement those of neurons in the brain. In vivo imaging with mTPM in freely behaving animals, as demonstrated here, opens a new avenue for future investigation of microglia dynamics and sleep biology in freely behaving animals.

Imaging microglia surveillance during sleep-wake cycles in freely behaving mice

Microglia surveillance manifests itself as dynamic changes in cell morphology and functional remodeling. Whether and how microglia surveillance is coupled to brain state switches during natural sleep-wake cycles remains unclear. To address this question, we used miniature two-photon microscopy (mTPM) to acquire time-lapse high-resolution microglia images of the somatosensory cortex, along with EEG/EMG recordings and behavioral video, in freely-behaving mice. We uncovered fast and robust brain state-dependent changes in microglia surveillance, occurring in parallel with sleep dynamics and early-onset phagocytic microglial contraction during sleep deprivation stress. We also detected local norepinephrine fluctuation occurring in a sleep state-dependent manner. We showed that the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system, which is crucial to sleep homeostasis, is required for both sleep state-dependent and stress-induced microglial responses and β2-adrenergic receptor signaling plays a significant role in this process. These results provide direct evidence that microglial surveillance is exquisitely tuned to signals and stressors that regulate sleep dynamics and homeostasis so as to adjust its varied roles to complement those of neurons in the brain. In vivo imaging with mTPM in freely behaving animals, as demonstrated here, opens a new avenue for future investigation of microglia dynamics and sleep biology in freely behaving animals.

Proton Permeable, Oxygen Blocking, Ultrathin Al2O3 Layers for Electrocatalytic Applications

Operating zero-gap electrolyzers at current densities above 1 Acm-2 is very challenging because ohmic losses associated with ion transport across the ion exchange membrane become predominant.[1] Technically, we can reach current densities up to 10 Acm-2. However, even a 100 micrometer thin nafion membrane would lead to cell voltages over 3 V [2] due to ohmic losses. Therefore, research and experimental development efforts are still needed to enable and increase the cell efficiency at elevated current densities.Implementing an ultrathin membrane of only a few nanometers in electrolyzers will minimize ion transport (i.e. protons) losses and will enable high-throughput electrolysis at low temperatures. However, to date, there is no concept available to perform electrochemical conversions using membranes of only of a few nanometers thickness that can block molecules but permeate protons.Multiple reports have demonstrated that dense ultrathin oxide layers, i.e. SiO2, can be used as electrocatalyst coatings to increase selectivities by blocking undesired ions/molecules from reaching the electrode.[3,4] The properties of such dense ultrathin oxide layers in principle fulfil the requirements of a proton exchange membrane, being only a couple of nanometer thin.To implement a nanometer thin proton exchange membrane into an electrolysis setup and enable mechanical integrity we envision a 3D-nanotube array design as shown in Figure 1a. In the ‘inside’ of the tube we perform the Hydrogen evolution reaction, and on the ‘outside’ the water oxidation reaction. Cathode and anode are separated only by a dense ultrathin oxide layer that permeates protons but blocks oxygen.Herein, we discuss the performance of ultrathin dense and amorphous Al2O3 layers made via pulsed laser deposition (2.5 nm, 3 nm, and 5 nm) with regard to proton and oxygen permeability. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy allows us to determine diffusion coefficients and charge transfer resistances (Figure 1b). We use state-of-the-art operando FT-IR reflection-absorption spectroelectrochemistry that enables us to probe the dynamic structural and morphological changes of the dense alumina layer over time vs. applied potential (Figure 1c). In fact, we observe that proton permeation improves over time while we can exclude dissolution of the Al2O3 layer.

Unraveling Transcriptome Profile, Epigenetic Dynamics, and Morphological Changes in Psoriasis-like Keratinocytes: "Insights into Similarity with Psoriatic Lesional Epidermis".

Keratinocytes are one of the primary cells affected by psoriasis inflammation. Our study aimed to delve deeper into their morphology, transcriptome, and epigenome changes in response to psoriasis-like inflammation. We created a novel cytokine mixture to mimic mild and severe psoriasis-like inflammatory conditions in cultured keratinocytes. Upon induction of inflammation, we observed that the keratinocytes exhibited a mesenchymal-like phenotype, further confirmed by increased VIM mRNA expression and results obtained from confocal microscopy. We performed RNA sequencing to achieve a more global view, revealing 858 and 6987 DEGs in mildly and severely inflamed keratinocytes, respectively. Surprisingly, we found that the transcriptome of mildly inflamed keratinocytes more closely mimicked that of the psoriatic epidermis transcriptome than the severely inflamed keratinocytes. Genes involved in the IL-17 pathway were a major contributor to the similarities of the transcriptomes between mildly inflamed KCs and psoriatic epidermis. Mild and severe inflammation led to the gene regulation of epigenetic modifiers such as HATs, HDACs, DNMTs, and TETs. Immunofluorescence staining revealed distinct 5-hmC patterns in inflamed versus control keratinocytes, and consistently low 5-mC intensity in both groups. However, the global DNA methylation assay detected a tendency of decreased 5-mC levels in inflamed keratinocytes versus controls. This study emphasizes how inflammation severity affects the transcriptomic similarity of keratinocytes to psoriatic epidermis and proves dynamic epigenetic regulation and adaptive morphological changes in inflamed keratinocytes.

EXPERIMENTAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL JUSTIFICATION OF THE ENTERAL INSUFFICIENCY DEVELOPMENT IN ABDOMINAL SEPSIS

Abstract. Abdominal sepsis continues to remain the most frequent and formidable complication that complicates the course of acute surgical diseases of the abdominal cavity in 15-25 % of cases, and the mortality rate in various forms of peritonitis, depending on the form and its spread, is from 4 % to 60 %, reaching 90 % in postoperative peritonitis.The aim of the study. To study the dynamics of morphological changes of internal organs in animals with simulated acute diff use peritonitis, depending on the stage of the infl ammatory process of the peritoneum.Material and methods. The object of experimental research was 54 white sexually mature non-linear rats weighing 0.18-0.20 kg, kept in the vivarium of the Bukovinian State Medical University, which were divided into two groups. The main group consisted of 28 animals that were simulated with abdominal sepsis. Control group – 26 intact rats. All animals had free access to food and water. Abdominal sepsis in rats was modeled according to our proposed method, which consisted in infecting the peritoneal cavity with the contents of the hollow organs of the abdominal cavity. Animals were removed from the experiment on 1, 3, and 7 days of simulated peritonitis by decapitation under thiopental anesthesia.The results. On the fi rst day of simulation of peritonitis in the animals of the main group, a histological examination of the peritoneum revealed focal purulent peritonitis with damage to the parietal peritoneum. Diff use hyperemia, focal edema of the connective tissue, which is most developed in the submesothelial layers, was observed. Areas of swollen connective tissue contain a slight but diff use mononuclear infl ammatory infi ltrate. We did not detect morphofunctional changes in the liver and kidneys of animals of the main group on the fi rst day of experimental peritonitis. However, already on the third day of the study, the structure of the liver lobe was only partially preserved. The central veins were well visualized, slightly dilated, and contained a small number of erythrocytes. Changes were also found in the lung tissue of animals with peritonitis: enlarged alveoli and congestion of small vessels and hemorrhages. Hemorrhagic syndrome is not excluded as an early manifestation of acute pulmonary insu ffi ciency. On the seventh day, the structure of the liver lobe was signifi cantly disturbed in the animals. The central veins were well visualized, slightly dilated and contained a large number of erythrocytes. Sinusoids were not visualized in the vast majority of fi elds of view, sometimes they were detected only centrilobularly. The beam organization of hepatocytes was disturbed throughout the size of the lobule. During the histological examination of the kidney tissue of the animals on the 7th day of Клінічна анатомія та оперативна хірургія – Т. 22, № 4 – 2023 27 the experiment, we observed that in the cortical layer of the kidney, the glomeruli were somewhat enlarged and dilated, their vessels were fi lled with blood, serous exudate was observed in the lumens, and individual glomeruli were shrunken and collapsed. The vessels of the venous bed were somewhat dilated, full of blood, and small perivascular spot hemorrhages were visualized.Conclusion. Morphological changes occur already during the reactive phase of abdominal sepsis and indicate the stages of multiple organ failure syndrome.

Igniting New Confocal Imaging Potential – Nikon AX R Series with NSPARC

Abstract The Nikon AX/AX R microscope with the recently developed Nikon Spatial Array Detector (NSPARC) provides rapid, super-resolution image acquisition of fixed and living cells. Here, we discuss the structure and function of the NSPARC, which provides excellent resolution and signal-to-noise (S/N) capabilities, and show applications related to in vitro neutrophil movement within pancreatic blood vessels and dynamic changes in mitochondrial morphology occurring over a matter of seconds. The large field-of-view and associated AI software facilitates acquisition and analysis of large 3D samples.

Dynamic changes in cardiac morphology, function, and diffuse myocardial fibrosis duration of diabetes in type 1 and type 2 diabetic mice models using 7.0 T CMR and echocardiography.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hence, early detection of cardiac changes by imaging is crucial to reducing cardiovascular complications. Early detection of cardiac changes is crucial to reducing cardiovascular complications. The study aimed to detect the dynamic change in cardiac morphology, function, and diffuse myocardial fibrosis(DMF) associated with T1DM and T2DM mice models. 4-week-old C57Bl/6J male mice were randomly divided into control (n=30), T1DM (n=30), and T2DM (n=30) groups. A longitudinal study was conducted every 4 weeks using serial 7.0T CMR and echocardiography imaging. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LV EF), tissue tracking parameters, and DMF were measured by cine CMR and extracellular volume fraction (ECV). Global peak circumferential strain (GCPS), peak systolic strain rate (GCPSSR) values were acquired by CMR feature tracking. LV diastolic function parameter (E/E') was acquired by echocardiography. The correlations between the ECV and cardiac function parameters were assessed by Pearson's test. A total of 6 mice were included every 4 weeks in control, T1DM, and T2DM groups for analysis. Compared to control group, an increase was detected in the LV mass and E/E' ratio, while the values of GCPS, GCPSSR decreased mildly in DM. Compared to T2DM group, GCPS and GCPSSR decreased earlier in T1DM(GCPS 12W,P=0.004; GCPSSR 12W,P=0.04). ECV values showed a significant correlation with GCPS and GCPSSR in DM groups. Moreover, ECV values showed a strong positive correlation with E/E'(T1DM,r=0.757,P<0.001;T2DM, r=0.811,P<0.001). The combination of ECV and cardiac mechanical parameters provide imaging biomakers for pathophysiology, early diagnosis of cardiac morphology, function and early intervention in diabetic cardiomyopathy in the future.

Left ventricular reverse remodeling after transcatheter aortic valve replacement for predominant aortic stenosis and mixed aortic valve disease.

Mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) is a frequent concomitant valve disease with unique cardiac pathological changes compared to predominant aortic stenosis (PAS). The previous studies about the MAVD are contradictory. Therefore, a new perspective is needed to assess the value of TAVR for this cohort of patients. From January 2018 to December 2021, 90 MAVD patients and 72 PAS patients who underwent TAVR in our hospital were collected. 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was used to control the bias in patient selection. The dynamic changes in left ventricular morphology and hemodynamics were compared by generalized estimating equations. Univariate or multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen for independent risk factors for the non-occurrence of left ventricular reverse remodeling (non-LVRR). After the matching procedure, 112 patients were included in the analysis (56 in each group). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. LVRR occurred in both groups, but MAVD had greater left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and left ventricular mass index, a higher incidence of mitral regurgitation (MR), and a more pronounced transformation of ventricular geometry patterns. Post-operative MR (odd ratio [OR]: 10.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.08-48.57; p < .001) and coronary artery disease (OR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.08-7.34; p = .034) were independent risk factors for non-LVRR. LVRR also occurs in patients with MAVD, post-operative MR and coronary artery disease were independent risk factors for non-LVRR.