Body Functions Research Articles

Work and disability benefit unraveled in chronic gastrointestinal patients

Abstract Background Persons with a chronic disease, such as chronic gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreatico-biliary (GI-HPB) disease, have a lower work participation (WP) than the healthy population. Instead, they might receive a disability benefit (DB). Positive Health (PH) is a newly developed, holistic view of health and comprises six dimensions: bodily functions, mental well-being, meaningfulness, quality of life, participation, and daily functioning. In this study we aim to determine whether the dimensions of PH relate to WP and DB in persons with GI-HPB. Methods GI-HPB patients attending the outpatient clinic of the Maastricht University Medical Center between 2019-2021 received validated questionnaires (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Short Form-36, Disease Experience Questionnaire, EuroQol-5D-5L) and items regarding WP and DB. The relation between the six dimensions of PH, and WP and DB, were tested with univariate and multivariate statistics. Results 448 patients (Mage = 45 years; 69% female) were included. Univariate analysis revealed that, except for meaningfulness, all dimensions were significantly associated with WP (p≤.02) and DB (p≤.005). In multivariate analyses, lower age (p=.010), better general health (p=.044) and better physical functioning (p<.001) related to WP. Higher age (p=.002) and lower physical functioning (p=.011) related to DB. Conclusions Among GI-HPB patients, physical functioning related to both WP and DB. The chance of working was higher among younger patients and those with better general health while those with a higher age received DB more often. The PH concept was only partially relevant to work status and DB. Key messages • Within the dimensions of Positive health, work participation was associated with a lower age, a better general health and a better physical functioning. • Within the dimensions of Positive health, disability benefit was associated with higher age and lower physical functioning.

Measurability of overall health in patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract Background Chronic gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreatico-biliary (GI-HPB) patients experience problems in all life areas. The Positive health (PH) concept, based on six different dimensions of health, may hold the answers for a broader understanding of the patients’ well-being. Aim To measure the overall health status of GI-HPB patients, according to the PH concept. Methods In 2019-2021, patients with GI-HPB attending the outpatient clinic of the Maastricht University Medical Center filled in questionnaires before consultation. The six dimensions of PH (bodily functions, mental well-being, meaningfulness, quality of life, participation, daily functioning) were measured by validated questionnaires (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Short Form-36, Disease Experience Questionnaire, EuroQol-5D-5L). Results were compared to control groups and assessed with McDonald’s Omega, Zero-order Pearson correlations, and t-tests. Results The 235 participating patients scored lower on quality of life, participation, and daily functioning than healthy controls (p ≤ 0.001) but similar to those with other chronic conditions. Malnutrition (moderate-severe 45.6%) and depressive/anxious symptoms (35%/21.6%) were higher in the GI-HPB group compared to those with other chronic conditions. Conclusions Validated questionnaires addressing the six dimensions of PH showed a significant worse health status compared to controls, and malnutrition and depressive symptoms were higher compared to other patient groups. Key messages • GI-HPB patients have a lower quality of life, participate less, and have less daily functioning than healthy controls and higher malnutrition and depression than those with other chronic diseases. • By using validated questionnaires, an impression of the overall health status of patients can be obtained through the concept of Positive Health.

Nitric oxide: Potential therapeutic target in Heat Stress-induced Multiple Organ Dysfunction.

As climate change intensifies, urgent action is needed to address global warming and its associated health risks, particularly in vulnerable regions. Rising global temperature and increasing frequency of heatwaves present a hidden health risk, disrupting the body's temperature regulation and leading to severe consequences such as heat stress-induced multiple organ dysfunction (HS-MOD). Multiple organ injury triggered by heat stress involves complex molecular pathways such as nitric oxide dysregulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium homeostasis disruption, and autophagy impairment that contribute to cellular damage. Understanding these molecular pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions to alleviate the impact of heat stress (HS). As we explore numerous therapeutic strategies, a remarkable molecule captures our attention: nitric oxide (NO). This colorless gas, mainly produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes, plays crucial roles in various body functions. From promoting vasodilation and neurotransmission to regulating the immune response, platelet function, cell signaling, and reproductive health, NO stands out for its versatility. Exploring it as a promising treatment for heat stress-induced multiple organ injury highlights its distinctive features in the journey towards effective therapeutic interventions. This involves exploring both pharmacological avenues, considering the use of NO donors and antioxidants, and non-pharmacological strategies, such as adopting nitrate-rich diets and engaging in exercise regimens. This review highlights the concept of heat stress, the molecular framework of the disease, and treatment options based upon some new interventions.

Impact of potential biomarkers, SNRPE, COX7C, and RPS27, on idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neuro-degenerative disorder most common in older adults which is associated with impairments in movement and other body functions. Most PD cases are classified as idiopathic PD (IPD), meaning that the etiology remains unidentified. To identify key genes and molecular mechanisms to identify biomarkers applicable to IPD. We applied a bioinformatics approach using a gene expression in whole blood dataset to pinpoint differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways involved in IPD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of DEGs were subsequently performed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was then constructed to select hub genes that may influence IPD. We further investigated the levels of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and differentially expressed microRNA (DEMs) of whole blood of patients with IPD to validate hub genes. Additionally, we examined the hub gene expression patterns in the substantia nigra (STN) using single-cell RNA sequencing datasets. In total, we identified 124 DEGs in the blood samples of patients with IPD, with GO and KEGG analyses highlighting their significant enrichment. Analysis of PPI networks revealed three major clusters and hub genes: small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide E (SNRPE), cytochrome C oxidase subunit 7C (COX7C), and ribosomal protein S27 (RPS27). DMRs and DEMs analyses revealed hub gene regulation via epigenetic and RNA interference. In particular, SNRPE and RPS27 showed identically regulated gene expression in the STN. This study suggests that SNRPE, COX7C, and RPS27 in whole-blood samples derived from patients may be useful biomarkers for IPD.

Peer-Mediated Social Skills Interventions in Primary School Settings for Autistic Children in the Light of the ICF Bio-psycho-social Model. A Systematic Review.

This systematic review expands the current knowledge about Peer-Mediated Interventions (PMIs) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, focusing exclusively on primary school age (6-12years). The study has three aims: (1) describing the main features of the PMI programs; (2) discussing the PMIs efficacy on autistic children's social skills; (3) analyzing whether the PMIs were coherent with the bio-psycho-social model promoted by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) classification system, by referring to the person-environment interaction and to the concepts of body functions and structures, environmental factors, and activity and participation. The systematic review followed the PRISMA-P method. The literature search was conducted in August 2024 through PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Education Source, and PubMed databases. A total of 558 articles were generated; 1 study was later added. Twenty-four articles were finally included. Most of the studies used a multiple baseline design across subjects and proved to be effective. Yet, only 5 studies included a follow-up assessment, which showed contrasting results. PMIs partly fit the ICF bio-psycho-social vision, even if they were not designed for this purpose. Our analysis arises from the belief that systematically including the perspective of individual-environment interaction could better guarantee the intervention efficacy.

Predicting the long-term course: Shunt surgery results in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus-a comprehensive study.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder primarily affecting the elderly. Shunt surgery is the gold standard treatment, yet long-term outcome remains poorly investigated, especially concerning neuropsychological performance, motor skills and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of shunting in iNPH patients up to three years post-surgery. A cohort of 30 patients with iNPH who underwent shunt placement between January 2020 and February 2021 was followed up for three years. A standardized test battery assessed neuropsychological performance, quality of life, and motor skills. The patients were tested before and one, two and three years after surgery. Motor skills, particularly lower body function, significantly improved post-surgery and remained improved even after three years. Upper body motor skills exhibited mixed results, with improvement in manual dexterity but not in finger tapping tests. Neuropsychological assessments revealed sustained improvement in certain aspects up to three years post-surgery, while a various degree of deterioration was observed in others. Quality of life, as measured by the Rankin Scale as well as Stein and Langfitt Grading, showed initial improvement post-surgery but declined over time. iNPH patients demonstrate sustained improvements in motor skills, neuropsychological function and quality of life after shunt surgery. In long-term, motor skill and certain neuropsychological aspects remained improved, quality of life and some other neurocognitive aspects declined progressively over the follow up period.These findings underscore the importance of long-term follow-up and highlight the need for further research to better understand iNPH.

Correlation between obesity and income: A statistical analysis using linear regression models

Abstract. The rate of obesity across the world has seen a steady increase in the past several decades. This disease can lead to significant harm associated with ones body functioning and mental health. The potential causes of obesity incorporate social, environmental, and personal factors. This article attempts to cover the correlation between obesity and income level using a linear regression model. Samples were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey about 545 individuals from 2017 to 2020. The dataset was subdivided into four cohorts, which include non-Hispanic White male, non-Hispanic White female, non-Hispanic Black male, and non-Hispanic Black female, respectively, to avoid variables that might confound with the explanatory variable. The study found out that the correlation for White male, White female, and Black female can be either positive, negative, or non-existent, and positive on the other hand for the Black male cohort. However, the study concluded that the linear regression model is ineffective for the topic of analysis as the metrics indicate. The incompatibility of the model can be attributed to the fact that other variables that can possibly confound with the explanatory variable are neglected and not filtered out.

Handling the sugar rush: The role of the renal proximal tubule.

Blood glucose homeostasis is critical to ensure the proper functioning of the human body. Through the processes of filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and metabolism, much of this task falls to the kidneys. With a rise in glucose and other added sugars, there is an increased burden on this organ, mainly the proximal tubule which is responsible for all glucose reabsorption. In this review, we focus on the current physiological and cell biological functions of the renal proximal tubule as it works to reabsorb and metabolize glucose and fructose. We also highlight the physiological adaptations that occur within the proximal tubule as sugar levels rise under pathophysiological conditions including diabetes. This includes the detrimental impacts of an excess glucose load that leads to glucotoxicity. Finally, we explore some of the emerging therapeutics that modulate renal glucose handling and the systemic protection that can be realized by targeting the reabsorptive properties of the kidney.

Use of the international classification of functioning, disability and health in a group of older persons with osteoarticular disorders

Objective: to describe the main structural and functional impairments, activity limitations, and social participation restrictions in elderly individuals with myoarticular dysfunctions using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study based on the analysis of clinical and functional data of elderly individuals with osteomyoarticular dysfunctions. A questionnaire including components of Functionality and Disability (ICF, 2004), mobility and stability (Timed Up and Go), lower limb muscle strength (Sit-To-Stand Test), and pain (visual analog scale) was used. Results: a total of 11 elderly individuals (70±1.4 years) with at least two comorbidities (100%) were included, with the majority reporting episodes of falls (54.5%). Pain was the primary complaint in "Body functions," reported by all participants. In "Body structures," the lower limbs (45.4%) and upper limbs (18.1%) had the highest prevalence of complaints. In "Activities and Participation," the most frequently mentioned items were performing housework tasks (31.8%), moving around (31.8%), and recreation and leisure (27.3%). Conclusion: among the ICF components, pain sensation was the most common finding in elderly individuals, especially affecting the lower limbs. Regarding activity limitations and social participation restrictions, performing housework tasks, moving around, and recreation/leisure were prevalent.

Effects of Channelling a Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter on Blood Flow

A catheter is a device that is inserted into the venous system to infuse treatment with controlled doses per unit of time. The study of its interaction with blood flow cannot be easily analysed with common analytical methods or different visualization techniques in real life. Computational Fluid Dynamics has become a very useful tool in a wide variety of fields of scientific study and has allowed access to the understanding of the anatomical and physiological functioning of the human body. In this work, Computational Fluid Dynamics is used to study the effects of inserting a catheter on blood flow and the quality of the mixture of blood with the various substances infused through this device. Results show that the insertion of the catheter not only does not worsen the blood circulation but improves it by reducing stagnant zones. Regarding mixture, a homogenization of the fluids in the venous area before their entrance to the heart was observed. Highest quality mixtures correspond to fewer infused fluids and at lower velocity.

Rola mikrobioty jelit i jej metabolitów w przebiegu otyłości i cukrzycy

The gut microbiota is an indispensable component of the proper functioning of the human body, as gut microorganisms and their metabolites strongly influence the host's metabolism and immune functions. They also contribute to the biosynthesis of vitamins, production of gut hormones, maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity, protection against pathogens, as well as digestion and absorption of nutrients. Increasingly, the relationship between disturbances in the composition of gut microbiota and the onset of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes is being emphasized. Understanding the significance of the microbiota in the course of these diseases, its composition, and activity may offer new approaches to their treatment. Increasing attention is being paid to individual species of gut bacteria, among which Akkermansia muciniphila holds a special position, as a decrease in the abundance of this commensal bacterium in the gut is associated with many diseases, including obesity and diabetes.

Analysis of body composition, functionality and muscle-specific strength of older women with obesity, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity: a cross-sectional study

During aging, changes in body composition can result in sarcopenic obesity, which is a condition in which obesity occurs accompanied by the loss of muscle mass and strength caused by sarcopenia. Although the effects of obesity and sarcopenia on body composition are known, the muscle-specific strength in older women with sarcopenic obesity remains under-researched. The objective of this study was to evaluate community-dwelling older women for the absence or presence of obesity, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity and compare them in terms of body composition, functional physical performance and muscle-specific strength. One hundred and fifty-six older women (± 74 years) were evaluated for body composition using Dual X-ray Absorptiometry, handgrip strength with a Jamar dynamometer and functional performance using gait speed and timed up and go tests. The presence of obesity, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity was found in 32.7%, 15.4% and 25% of the sample, respectively. Comparing groups, community-dwelling older women with sarcopenic obesity exhibited poorer functional physical performance (TUG ± 14 s), and lower muscle-specific strength (± 1.18). Sarcopenic obesity was associated with muscle-specific strength (95% IC 0.016–0.241), and TUG (95% CI 1.001–1.137). These findings indicate that the combination of obesity and sarcopenia has a negative impact on skeletal muscle, reducing muscle-specific strength and physical performance in older women with more declines than either disease alone. Therefore, this comprehensive assessment gives useful information for incorporating muscle-specific strength into the diagnosis of sarcopenic obesity in the older people.

Optimization study on circadian tunability and Rec. 2020 of RGB-LED-based displays considering the users with different ages

The reasonable design of spectral power distribution (SPD) of GaN-based light-emitting diode (LED) display becomes more and more important and popular. In this work, we perform an investigation on the circadian effects of three-primary (red R, green G, and blue B, also denoted as RGB) LED based self-luminous displays (such as emerging mini-LED or micro-LED based displays) considering the users with different ages. With the increment of peoples’ ages from 1 year to 100 years, the optical transmittance of humans’ eyes may decrease due to the aging of their body functions. Therefore, it is important and meaningful for performing a spectral optimization study on the circadian effects of light that is emitting from self-luminous LED-based displays for the users with different ages. Here, the melanopic efficacy of luminous radiation (MELR) is mainly used to evaluate the circadian effects of white light coming from RGB-LED displays. With the aid of multi-objective optimization genetic algorithm (MOGA), the maximum MELR and the minimum MELR value are separately obtained for the standard observers at the age of 32, while maintaining at a certain high color gamut of Rec. 2020 standard (i.e., 60 %, 70 %, 80 %, and 90 % Rec. 2020, respectively) for these LED-based displays. Then, an extrapolation of optimal SPD at the age of 32 is done to other ages. Another parameter that can be denoted as circadian stimulus (CS) is also calculated and discussed for different ages. It is believable that this work is helpful for guiding the design and fabrication of future RGB-LED-based displays in consideration of the users with different ages, meeting large requirements of human-centric lighting (HCL) in the future.

Beneficial Effects of Selenium and Its Supplementation on Carcinogenesis and the Use of Nanoselenium in the Treatment of Malignant Tumors.

Selenium was recognized as a non-toxic element in the second half of the 20th century. Since then, the positive impact of selenium on the functioning of the human body has been noticed. It has been shown that low levels of selenium in the body are significantly associated with a higher risk of developing cancer. Selenium acts as an antioxidant and inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells. It has been shown that selenium supplementation may contribute to reducing the risk of DNA mutations and carcinogenesis. Nanomedicine has become very helpful in both the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Due to its anticancer properties, selenium is used in nanotechnology as selenium nanoparticles.

Mixed comparison of different exercise interventions on physical functioning in adult patients with morbid obesity following bariatric surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

IntroductionPeople who are overweight following bariatric surgery (BS) often need physical exercise to help with body function. However, it is not known which exercise interventions are more effective in improving physical function.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of different exercise interventions on physical function in patients with excessive obesity following bariatric surgery. Outcome measures included effect sizes for physical function (PF), expressed as the number of stand-sit passes or the maximum distance walked within a time limit, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure (BP). A systematic review was conducted to screen and synthesize the included studies, followed by a network meta-analysis for quantitative data analysis.ResultsA total of 15 studies involving 1011 patients were included. For PF, telehealth core exercise had the highest probability (0.46) of being the most effective intervention. For BMI, nutritional behavior and guided exercise, intervention had the highest probability (0.27) of being the most effective. Regarding BP, exercise prescription had the highest probability (0.47) for improving systolic blood pressure, while aerobic and strength and flexibility training had the highest probability (0.6) for improving diastolic blood pressure.DiscussionTelehealth core exercise may be the most effective intervention for enhancing PF in overweight patients after bariatric surgery. Changes in BMI and BP with different postoperative exercise interventions may depend more on the surgery itself than the exercise modality. More specifically designed RCTs are needed for reliable conclusions.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42024507209.

Role of Magnesium in Skeletal Muscle Health and Neuromuscular Diseases: A Scoping Review

Magnesium (Mg) is a vital element for various metabolic and physiological functions in the human body, including its crucial role in skeletal muscle health. Hypomagnesaemia is frequently reported in many muscle diseases, and it also seems to contribute to the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle impairment in patients with neuromuscular diseases. The aim of this scoping review is to analyze the role of Mg in skeletal muscle, particularly its biological effects on muscle tissue in neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) in terms of biological effects and clinical implications. This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. From the 305 studies identified, 20 studies were included: 4 preclinical and 16 clinical studies. Preclinical research has demonstrated that Mg plays a critical role in modulating pathways affecting skeletal muscle homeostasis and oxidative stress in muscles. Clinical studies have shown that Mg supplementation can improve muscle mass, respiratory muscle strength, and exercise recovery and reduce muscle soreness and inflammation in athletes and patients with various conditions. Despite the significant role of Mg in muscle health, there is a lack of research on Mg supplementation in NMDs. Given the potential similarities in pathogenic mechanisms between NMDs and Mg deficiency, further studies on the effects of Mg supplementation in NMDs are warranted. Overall, maintaining optimal Mg levels through dietary intake or supplementation may have important implications for improving muscle health and function, particularly in conditions associated with muscle weakness and atrophy.

Chronic tinnitus is associated with aging but not dementia

AimAging is related to deterioration of bodily and neural functions, leading to various disorders and symptoms, including the development of dementia, hearing loss, or tinnitus. Understanding how these phenomena are intertwined and how aging affects those is crucial for prevention and the future development of interventions. MethodsWe utilized the UK Biobank which includes a total of 502,382 participants between 40 and 70 years old. We used logistic regression models and cox proportional hazard models and compared hazard ratios. ResultsThe odds of reporting tinnitus in the older age group (i.e., older than 58 years) were increased by 53.6 % and a one decibel increase in the speech-reception thresholds enhanced the odds for tinnitus by 13.0 %. For our second analysis regarding hearing loss, the risk of dementia increased by 14.0 % with an increase by one decibel in the speech-reception threshold score. In terms of aging, each additional year increased the risk by 17.3 %. Tinnitus alone showed a significant influence with a hazard ratio of 52.1 %, however, when adding hearing loss, age and various covariates, the effect vanished. ConclusionFindings confirm that tinnitus is indeed related to aging, but presumably independent of the aging processes accompanying the development of dementia. This highlights the urge to further investigate the impact of aging on neural processes that are relevant for alterations in the auditory systems (e.g., leading to the development of tinnitus or hearing loss) as well as for increased vulnerability in terms of neurodegenerative diseases.

The Level of Serum Selenium in Patients with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Medical City/ Baghdad Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Selenium is an essential trace element involved in different physiological functions of the human body. An inverse relationship between serum selenium levels and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia has been reported. cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is regarded as a potentially premalignant transformation of squamous cells of the cervix. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the serum level of selenium and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Baghdad Teaching Hospital and Iraqi National Cancer Research Center in the University of Baghdad during the period from July 2021 to July 2022. A convenient sample of 100 women was enrolled in the current study and included case group which consisted of 50 women who were diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and control group which consisted of 50 women who did not have cervical intraepithelial neoplasia as confirmed through histological examination after punch biopsy by colposcopy. Results: The serum level of the selenium was significantly lower in the case groups compared to the control groups (P-value=0.001). In addition, the proportion of the participant with abnormal levels of selenium was significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group (P-value=0.001). In the case group, there was a significant difference between the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade regarding the serum level of selenium, the level of selenium significantly decreased with the progression of the disease (P-value=0.001). Conclusions: Selenium deficiency may significantly increase the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. In addition, it significantly impacts the transformation to a higher degree as there was a significant difference between cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I, II, and III regarding the level of serum selenium.

Hepcidin Modulators: A Potential Alternative Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Heart Failure

Heart failure affects roughly 6.7 million Americans and is associated with many comorbidities and complications, including iron deficiency and anemia. Iron homeostasis is integral to optimal body function. Hepcidin, a hepatically produced peptide, is a major modulator in iron homeostasis. Its synthesis is induced in part by inflammatory states. Iron deficiency in heart failure is currently diagnosed with the assessment of serum ferritin and percent of transferrin saturation. Iron deficiency in the setting of hepcidin excess in inflammatory conditions, such as heart failure, is discussed in this literature review. Iron deficiency is associated with worse prognosis and poorer outcomes in heart failure patients. Targeted treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia may provide improved quality of life and decrease mortality and morbidity among heart failure patients. Current treatment options for iron deficiency and anemia include intravenous and oral iron supplementation, as well as other erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. However, concerns regarding safety have been raised in regards to these options. An emerging possibility for the treatment of iron deficiency in the setting of hepcidin overload is hepcidin modulators, including hepcidin antagonists or inhibitors. This review has addressed iron deficiency and anemia in heart failure and suggests that hepcidin antagonists/inhibitors may provide a viable alternative to the classic treatment methods.

Perioperative Outcomes: Polycarbonate Polyurethane Artificial Blood Vessel Versus Polyester Artificial Blood Vessel.

The objective of this study was to compare the perioperative performance of the novel large-diameter composite polycarbonate polyurethane graft and the polyester graft. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 14 patients with thoracic aortic prosthesis replacement from 2016 to 2021. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data of the 2 groups were assessed in detail. We defined the patients with polyester grafts as the control group and the patients with polycarbonate polyurethane grafts as the experimental group. The total operation time of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group, which were 159.29±38.13 minutes and 252.57±64.40 minutes, respectively (p<0.001). The length of time from aortic opening to the end of operation in the experimental group was significantly shorter than that in the control group, which were 70.43±8.08 minutes and 124.71±37.59 minutes, respectively (p<0.001). The mean total drainage of pleural fluid was lower in the experimental group than in the control group (383.43±139.68 mL vs. 828.00±457.27 mL; p<0.05). The mean postoperative in-hospital time was shorter in the experimental group than in the control group (6.71±0.75 days vs. 9.43±2.82 days; p<0.05). This study provides preliminary evidence that the novel artificial blood vessel has good mechanical properties, histocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and anti-seepage function in the human body. A multicenter randomized controlled trial is needed for further validation. The novel hybrid polycarbonate polyurethane (PCU)/polyester three-layered large-diameter artificial blood vessel simulates the internal, middle, and external layers of the human blood vessels. The inner and outer layer are made of PCU, and the middle reinforcing layer is woven by polyester. Because of the three-layered structure, this artificial blood vessel has excellent anti-seepage and anti-infection functions. the inner and outer layers of the blood vessel made of PCU let this artificial blood vessel has excellent blood compatibility, outstanding biocompatibility, high endothelialization rate, and 100% patency. By comparing the perioperative outcomes with the polyester artificial blood vessel, we find it has good mechanical properties, histocompatibility, hemocompatibility and anti-seepage function in the human body.