Increased Wall Thickness Research Articles

High porosity hafnia ceramics by freeze casting

Highly porous hafnia ceramics are prepared by freeze casting. The major challenge resides in the high density of the hafnia particles typically leading to settling in the slurry. To address this, we optimized the suspension formulation to achieve structures with porosities of 68–74 %. Our approach includes a reduction in additive quantities and an adjustment of the pH value for suspension stabilization and prevention of particle settling. The use of PVA and PEG ensures a green body strength during the process yielding in cellular microstructure with pore channels aligned in the freezing direction throughout the sample. With increasing solid loading, the scaffolds become denser and the pore wall thickness increases. Compressive strength tests confirm the enhanced stiffness of the samples with 15 vol% hafnia. Samples with 10 vol% hafnia show a buckling-dominated failure behavior. Our results provide valuable insights to the preparation of suspensions containing high density materials.

A computational study of right ventricular mechanics in a rat model of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) presents a significant challenge to right ventricular (RV) function due to progressive pressure overload, necessitating adaptive remodeling in the form of increased wall thickness, enhanced myocardial contractility and stiffness to maintain cardiac performance. However, the impact of these remodeling mechanisms on RV mechanics in not clearly understood. In addition, there is a lack of quantitative understanding of how each mechanism individually influences RV mechanics. Utilizing experimental data from a rat model of PAH at three distinct time points, we developed biventricular finite element models to investigate how RV stress and strain evolved with PAH progression. The finite element models were fitted to hemodynamic and morphological data to represent different disease stages and used to analyze the impact of RV remodeling as well as the altered RV pressure. Furthermore, we performed a number of theoretical simulation studies with different combinations of morphological and physiological remodeling, to assess and quantify their individual impact on overall RV load and function. Our findings revealed a substantial 4-fold increase in RV stiffness and a transient 2-fold rise in contractility, which returned to baseline by week 12. These changes in RV material properties in addition to the 2-fold increase in wall thickness significantly mitigated the increase in wall stress and strain caused by the progressive increase in RV afterload. Despite the PAH-induced cases showing increased wall stress and strain at end-diastole and end-systole compared to the control, our simulations suggest that without the observed remodeling mechanisms, the increase in stress and strain would have been much more pronounced. Our model analysis also indicated that while changes in the RV's material properties-particularly increased RV stiffness - have a notable effect on its mechanics, the primary compensatory factor limiting the stress and strain increase in the early stages of PAH was the significant increase in wall thickness. These findings underscore the importance of RV remodeling in managing the mechanical burden on the right ventricle due to pressure overload.

In-Plane Dynamic Cushioning Performance of Concave Hexagonal Honeycomb Cores

In order to further study the cushioning performance of concave hexagonal cores (CHCs) and expand their application range, the in-plane finite element model of CHCs is established in this paper. A dynamic cushioning coefficient method was proposed to characterize the cushioning performance of CHCs. The dynamic cushioning coefficient curve and minimum dynamic cushioning coefficient (MDCC) of CHCs with different impact velocities and structural parameters are obtained. The influence rules of structural parameters and impact velocities on the MDCC are analyzed; the deformation mode and transformation empirical formula are also obtained. The results show that when other parameters are constant, the MDCC of CHCs decreases with the increase of impact velocity, increases with the increase of wall thickness and side length ratio, and decreases with the increase of expansion angle. The theoretical analysis is consistent with the finite element results, which further verifies the reliability of the model. This paper provides a solid theoretical basis for the industrial application of the cushioning performance of CHCs and forms a key technical support.

Cell wall metabolism during the growth of peach fruit: Association of hardness with cell wall pectins

In this study, molecular composition of cell wall polysaccharides of peach during growth was investigated to elucidate influencing mechanism of hardness which regulated fruit quality. Results revealed that as fruit grew stage I to V (almost 36 to 103 day after flowering), hardness firstly increased and then decreased, reaching its peak in stage II. Microstructure indicated an increase in cell wall thickness and a transition from compact to loose adhesion between cell walls from stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ. Moreover, molecular weight (Mw), monosaccharide composition and fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) of peach polysaccharides extracted by water (WPP), chelating agent (CPP) and alkali (APP) indicated Mw of WPP and APP showed a downward trend and reaching the highest in stage II for CPP. Similar tendency appeared in the galacturonic acid (GalA) content. Content of galactose and arabinose in all polysaccharide decreased. Degree of esterificationa (DE) of CPP was the lowest in stage II. An increasing trend appeared in WPP. Finally, β-Galactosidase, α-l-arabinofuranosidase, pectin methyl esterase, polygalacturonase and their associated genes were analyzed to be evidence of the change of molecular composition. Above results implied Mw, GalA content and DE of CPP related with hardness during growth.

A Novel Rat Model of Mild Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Pulmonary Venous Congestion Induced by Left Pulmonary Vein Banding.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with left heart disease (PH-LHD) is the most common form of PH. In PH-LHD, changes in the pulmonary vasculature are assumed to be mainly caused by pulmonary venous congestion. However, the underlying mechanisms of this form of PH are poorly understood. We aimed to establish a model of PH associated with pulmonary venous congestion. Wistar-Kyoto rats underwent partial occlusion of the left pulmonary vein to induce pulmonary venous congestion or sham surgery and were assessed at various time points post-surgery (3, 6, 9, 12 weeks). In vivo cardiopulmonary phenotyping was performed by using echocardiography along with heart catheterization. Histomorphometry methods were used to assess pulmonary vascular remodeling (e.g., wall thickness, degree of muscularization). Left pulmonary vein banding (PVB) resulted in mildly elevated right ventricular systolic pressure and moderate right ventricular hypertrophy. In PVB rats, small- and medium-sized pulmonary vessels in the left lung were characterized by increased wall thickness and muscularization. Taken together, our data demonstrate that left PVB-induced pulmonary venous congestion is associated with pulmonary vascular remodeling and mild PH.

A prospective observational study of predictive factors for conversion of laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy

Background: Cholelithiasis affects about 10 to 15% of general population. LC became the procedure of choice for management of symptomatic gallstone disease for its minimally invasive nature, minimal pain and earlier recovery. Methods: This study was carried out on 300 consecutive patients who underwent LC for gall stone disease (patients falling under inclusion criteria) in the Department of General Surgery, The Calcutta Medical Research Institute, Kolkata. Results: In this study 9% patient were converted to open cholecystectomy while 91% of the patient underwent successfully LC. Increased wall thickness of gall bladder (p=0.01), pericholecystic fluid collection (p=0.04), stone impaction at gall bladder neck (p=0.001), pain abdomen (acute cholecystitis, recurrent acute cholecystitis) (p=0.03), previous abdominal surgery (p=0.001), pre-operative jaundice (p=0.005) were found significant in this study for conversion to open surgery. Increased TLC, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase (p<0.05) were also risk factors for conversion to open surgery. Conclusions: We conclude that LC is the gold standard treatment for gall stone disease. Identification and safeguarding the bile ducts and arteries is of utmost importance while performing LC.

Histomorphometric Adaptations of Superior and Inferior Vena Cavae after Moderate Intensity Continuous Exercise - A Preclinical Trial

Objective: This study was aimed at evaluation of effects of Moderate Intensity Continuous Training(MICT) on the histomorphometric parameters of superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava(IVC) in Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: Twenty-four male healthy Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups.Group A (n=12) was assigned to the Moderate Intensity Continuous Training whereas Group B (n=12)was the control group with no exercise. The exercise intervention was workout on treadmill at 70%Maximal exercise intensity for 22-24 mins for 5 consecutive days/week for four weeks. The animalswere sacrificed after completion of exercise protocol for histomorphometry of the Inferior Vena Cavaand Superior Vena Cava. H&E stained slides were examined under Nikon Ts2R-FL inverted micro-scope and images were taken. Images were analyzed and morphometry was performed by using Im-age J software. Luminal area, wall thickness and wall to lumen ratio were evaluated. Statisticalanalysis was performed on SPSS version 23. Results: Histomorphometric evaluation of the luminal area, wall thickness and wall to lumen ratio ofboth large veins showed statistically significant difference between control and the exercise groups.The luminal area, wall thickness and wall to lumen ratio of the IVC was significantly increased in theexercise group with p values 0.003, 0.04 and <0.001 respectively. There was statistically significant in-crease in luminal area and wall thickness of SVC in the exercise group (p<0.0001) and (p = 0.0001),whereas wall to lumen ratio was found to be reduced significantly p<0.001. Conclusion: Our study has revealed that moderate intensity continuous exercise of four weeks duration has profound effects on the histomorphometry of superior and inferior vena cava. The findings ofour study highlight that the venous morphological adaptations to meet the heightened demands generated after moderate intensity continuous exercise are as prevalent as cardiac and arterial adapta-tions

Lumped model for evaluating dynamic filtration and pressure drop behaviour in diesel particulate filters

Particulate matter (PM) emitted from diesel vehicles poses significant risks to the global climate, environment, and human health. Diesel particulate filters (DPF) are currently the only effective aftertreatment device for PM emissions reduction, and it is important to reflect the DPF filtration and pressure drop performance by numerical method. This study established and validated a lumped model based on the spherical packed bed theory and Darcy’s law. The model described the dynamic PM filtration process in DPF, predicting real-time characteristics such as wall porosity, soot load, and pressure drop with improved accuracy. The effects of channel characteristics, monolithic size, and exhaust conditions on filtration and pressure drop performance were also investigated. The results showed that an increase in cell density, wall thickness, DPF length, and diameter is beneficial for increasing filtration efficiency, while DPF inlet temperature and exhaust mass flow rate have adverse effects. Besides, wall thickness, DPF diameter and exhaust flow rate have a more significant impact on total pressure drop. The results improve the dynamic performance prediction in the PM filtration process and provide a theoretical basis for DPF structural optimization.

In‐Plane Impact Characteristics of Auxetic Rotating Triangular Honeycomb Inspired by a Rotating Rigid Structure

Inspired by rotating rigid structures, an auxiliary rotating triangular honeycomb structure (ARTH) is designed in this article. The structure has dual platform stress, which can reduce the initial peak stress generated during collisions, reducing injuries to pedestrians and vehicle occupants. The accuracy of the finite element numerical model is verified by experiments, and a series of researches are carried out. The mechanical properties of the structure at different velocities are studied and the classification diagram of deformation modes is obtained. Under low‐speed impact load, ARTH has two deformation stages and two stress plateau regions, in which the stress of the second plateau is more than twice that of the first plateau. Then, a theoretical model based on plastic dissipation theory predicts the stress platform at different deformation stages under quasi‐static conditions. Parametric analysis shows that increasing wall thickness t can significantly improve the stress platform and energy absorption, but the negative Poisson's ratio effect is weakened. The influence of angle θ on the first stage deformation of ARTH is significant. These studies can provide some references for the design of double‐platform stress and the reduction of initial peak stress of rotating auxiliary structures.

The Controversy of Using Insufficient Great Saphenous Veins in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Comparative Morphological Analysis of Healthy and Insufficient Veins Related to the Possibility of Using Them as a Graft.

Despite advancements in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the optimal choice of graft material remains a subject of investigation. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the morphological characteristics of varicose veins, exploring their potential utilization in CABG compared to healthy veins. The study included 178 patients, categorized into two groups based on healthy and varicose veins. Morphological parameters, including maximum venous diameter, wall thickness, and specific changes in tunica intima (TI), tunica media (TM), and tunica adventitia (TA), were analyzed through microscopic evaluation. Varicose veins exhibited a significantly larger maximum venous diameter (p = 0.0001) and increased wall thickness (p = 0.0001) compared to healthy veins. Although varicose veins showed thickening in TI and TM, the differences were not statistically significant. Notably, disorganized smooth muscle bundles were more prevalent in varicose veins (p = 0.001), suggesting potential wall weakness. The absence of vasa vasorum in TA was significantly higher in varicose veins (p = 0.050), influencing vascularization considerations. The comparative morphological microscopic analysis of the specimens of healthy and varicose veins reveals significant differences between the groups, which make the conclusion of this study to plead for avoiding the use of varicose veins as a graft.

Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties in large-scaled complex titanium alloy castings during service based on quantitative abnormal microstructure analysis

This investigation delves into the microstructural heterogeneities of large-scale complex titanium alloy castings (LCTACs), with a specific focus on the emergence of abnormal coarse grains (ACGs), which pose a potential threat to the casting's operational longevity. This comprehensive analysis meticulously maps the spatial distribution of ACGs within the LCTAC, employing statistical methodologies to examine these grains across different zones subjected to varying service durations. The study reveals a nuanced correlation between wall thickness and the tendency for microstructural coarsening during operational life, concurrently tracing the evolution of mechanical properties in typical zones. Results demonstrate a distinctive 'staircase-like' progression in grain size distribution, accentuated as wall thickness increases. Throughout the operational lifespan, microstructures in zones of differential wall thickness exhibit varied degrees of growth. Notably, zones with thicker walls display a more marked enlargement in microstructure. This phenomenon coincides with a substantial increase in the extent of ACGs, ultimately leading to a significant diminution in mechanical properties, evidenced by a reduction exceeding 15% in both tensile and yield strength.

In vivo mitochondria-targeted protection against uterine artery vascular dysfunction and remodelling in rodent hypoxic pregnancy.

Gestational hypoxia adversely affects uterine artery function, increasing complications. However, an effective therapy remains unidentified. Here, we show in rodent uterine arteries that hypoxic pregnancy promotes hypertrophic remodelling, increases constrictor reactivity via protein kinase C signalling, and triggers compensatory dilatation via nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms and stimulation of large conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ -channels. Maternal in vivo oral treatment with the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ in hypoxic pregnancy normalises uterine artery reactivity and prevents vascular remodelling. From days 6-20 of gestation (term ∼22 days), female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to normoxic or hypoxic (13-14% O2 ) pregnancy±daily maternal MitoQ treatment (500 µm in drinking water). At 20 days of gestation, maternal, placental and fetal tissue was frozen to determine MitoQ uptake. The uterine arteries were harvested and, in one segment, constrictor and dilator reactivity was determined by wire myography. Another segment was fixed for unbiased stereological analysis of vessel morphology. Maternal administration of MitoQ in both normoxic and hypoxic pregnancy crossed the placenta and was present in all tissues analysed. Hypoxia increased uterine artery constrictor responses to norepinephrine, angiotensin II and the protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. Hypoxia enhanced dilator reactivity to sodium nitroprusside, the large conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ -channel activator NS1619 and ACh via increased nitric oxide-dependent mechanisms. Uterine arteries from hypoxic pregnancy showed increased wall thickness and MitoQ treatment in hypoxic pregnancy prevented all effects on uterine artery reactivity and remodelling. The data support mitochondria-targeted therapy against adverse changes in uterine artery structure and function in high-risk pregnancy. KEY POINTS: Dysfunction and remodelling of the uterine artery are strongly implicated in many pregnancy complications, including advanced maternal age, maternal hypertension of pregnancy, maternal obesity, gestational diabetes and pregnancy at high altitude. Such complications not only have immediate adverse effects on the growth of the fetus, but also they can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in the mother and offspring. Despite this, there is a significant unmet clinical need for therapeutics that treat uterine artery vascular dysfunction in adverse pregnancy. Here, we show in a rodent model of gestational hypoxia that in vivo oral treatment of the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ protects against uterine artery vascular dysfunction and remodelling, supporting the use of mitochondria-targeted therapy against adverse changes in uterine artery structure and function in high-risk pregnancy.

Anserine, a Histidine-Containing Dipeptide, Suppresses Pressure Overload-Induced Systolic Dysfunction by Inhibiting Histone Acetyltransferase Activity of p300 in Mice.

Anserine, an imidazole dipeptide, is present in the muscles of birds and fish and has various bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-fatigue effects. However, the effect of anserine on the development of heart failure remains unknown. We cultured primary cardiomyocytes with 0.03 mM to 10 mM anserine and stimulated them with phenylephrine for 48 h. Anserine significantly suppressed the phenylephrine-induced increases in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, ANF and BNP mRNA levels, and histone H3K9 acetylation. An in vitro histone acetyltransferase (HAT) assay showed that anserine directly suppressed p300-HAT activity with an IC50 of 1.87 mM. Subsequently, 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and were randomly assigned to receive daily oral treatment with anserine-containing material, Marine Active® (60 or 200 mg/kg anserine) or vehicle for 8 weeks. Echocardiography revealed that anserine 200 mg/kg significantly prevented the TAC-induced increase in left ventricular posterior wall thickness and the decrease in left ventricular fractional shortening. Moreover, anserine significantly suppressed the TAC-induced acetylation of histone H3K9. These results indicate that anserine suppresses TAC-induced systolic dysfunction, at least in part, by inhibiting p300-HAT activity. Anserine may be used as a pharmacological agent for human heart failure therapy.

Injectable, stretchable, and conductance-stable fiber for myocardial infarction repair

Injecting electroactive biomaterials into infarcted myocardium to restore blocked electrical signal pathways is an effective way for repairing myocardial infarction. However, re-establishing stable and anisotropic conductive pathways during the constant contraction and relaxation of the heart remains a challenge. Herein, inspired by the myocardial fibers with striated surfaces, a super-elastic and conductance-stable polyurethane fiber with buckled polypyrrole coating (PU150 %@PPy) was designed. The bionic composite fiber exhibited excellent stretchability (>450 %), electrical stability under large strains (ΔR/R0 of only 0.04 at 100 % strain), and long-term durability (>1000000 cycles), enabling stable transmission of electrical signals in a beating heart. Specifically, the composite fibers could be injected into the infarct area in minimally invasive manner and aligned with the myocardial fibers to provide anisotropic conductive pathways. After injecting the PU@PPy fibers into the infarcted heart, the cardiac function was improved (33.19 % increase in fractional shortening and 38.80 % increase in ejection fraction) and the myocardial remodeling was decreased (40.30 % reduction in infarct size and 95.12 % increase in myocardial wall thickness) by re-establishing the electrical communication of the electrically separated cardiomyocytes in the infarct area as well as by providing mechanical support. The injectable, stretchable, and conductance-stable fiber offers a promising strategy for reconstructing infarcted myocardium.

Revascularization of Non-Vital, Immature, Permanent Teeth with Two Bioceramic Cements: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to clinically and radiographically assess the effects of two bioceramic cements as coronal plug materials for the revascularization of non-vital, immature, permanent teeth with apical periodontitis. Twenty non-vital, immature, permanent, anterior teeth with apical periodontitis were included in this study. Samples were randomly divided into two groups based on the coronal plug materials used; group I (GI): Well Root PT (Vericom, Gangwon-do, Korea) and group II (GII): MTA Biorep (Itena Clinical, Paris, France) (n = 10). Follow-up was conducted clinically and radiographically for up to 12 months to evaluate the changes in root dimensions and resolution of the periapical disease and investigate the degree of success. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA tests and Mann–Whitney U tests at a 0.05 significance level. At 12 months, none of the patients in either test group had clinical signs/symptoms. There was a slight increase in root length (4.4% in GI and 3.4% in GII) and a slight increase in dentin wall thickness (10.2% in GI and 9.9% in GII) with no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences. Whilst there was a significant decrease in lesion dimension in all patients after 12 moths of treatment (93% in GI and 91% in GII), there were no statistically significant differences between the two study groups (p > 0.05). Regarding the degree of success, all cases (100%) achieved the primary goal (the elimination of symptoms and the evidence of bony healing), while 60% in GI and 40% in GII achieved the secondary goal (increased root wall thickness and/or increased root length). No statistically significant difference was found between groups (p > 0.05). Both bioceramic cements showed satisfactory clinical and radiographic findings. Premixed calcium aluminosilicate and tricalcium silicate cements could be used as coronal plug materials in revascularization procedures. Bioceramic cements can be considered promising coronal plug materials for the revascularization of immature, permanent teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis due to their physicochemical and biological properties.

P310 Intestinal ultrasound as a tool to assess treatment response in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Abstract Background The assessment of treatment response in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is often based on clinical indices [Harvey Bradshaw index (HBI), Partial Mayo score (PMS)] and biomarkers [C - reactive protein (CRP)]. Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) has been proposed as a modality capable of objectively evaluating therapeutic response. We investigated the utility of the IUS as a tool to assess treatment response, as well as its association with HBI, PMS and CRP. Methods We included patients with an established diagnosis of IBD who initiated biologic agent (infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, vedolizumab) or tofacitinib. Active disease on IUS was defined as an increase in bowel wall thickness (BWT) >3 mm in the most affected bowel segment, while the presence of a Doppler signal (CDS) in the bowel wall was also assessed. Treatment response on IUS was defined according to the International Bowel Ultrasound Group (IBUS) criteria: reduction in bowel wall thickness (in continuous measurements) >25% or >2.0 mm or >1.0 mm with concomitant reduction in CDS by 1 unit at week 14 ± 2 from the initiation of treatment. Results A total of 19 patients (11 men, 11 with Crohn's disease) underwent IUS at week 0 and week 14 ± 2, while CRP, HBI and PMS were calculated at the same time points. We included bio-naïve as well bio experienced patients (table 1). At week 0, 84.2% of patients exhibited clinical activity (HBI ≥5, PMS ≥2), median CRP was 24.7 mg /L (IQR 18.6-42.8) and median BWT was 7.1mm (IQR 6.5-7.6). At week 14 ± 2, 42.1% of patients remained clinically active, median CRP was 6.8 mg/L (IQR 4.6-20.7) and median BWT was 5.2 mm (IQR 4.6- 6.4). Overall 10/19 patients fulfilled the criteria of treatment response on IUS at week 14 ± 2. Clinical remission was observed in 8/10 patients who demonstrated therapeutic response on IUS and 3/9 patients who did not (p=0.07). Normalization of CRP value (<6mg/L) was observed in 8/10 patients who exhibited treatment response on IUS and in none of the patients who did not (p<0.001). Among the IUS parameters at baseline, a statistically significant difference was found only in the presence of fat wrapping between treatment responders and treatment non-responders (table 2). Finally, median CRP was 4.9 mg/L (IQR 2.6-6.2) in IUS treatment responders and 20.7 mg/L (IQR 10.5-28.5) in IUS treatment non-responders. (p<0.001), with median BWT being 4.7mm (IQR 3.3-5.1) and 6.4mm (IQR 6.1-6.9) respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion IUS represents an objective tool for evaluating treatment response in patients with IBD, which demonstrates a significant correlation with CRP but not with clinical indices of activity.

P601 Intestinal ultrasound correlates with clinical, biochemical, endoscopic and histologic biomarkers in patients with Ulcerative Colitis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Intestinal ultrasound (IUS) is emerging as a non-invasive monitoring tool in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Our goal was to correlate IUS with clinical, biochemical, endoscopic and histological activity. Methods Cross-sectional multicentric study of patients with left (E2) or extensive (E3) UC. Consecutive patients were included and clinical (Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO2) and Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI)), biochemical (fecal calprotectin (FCal) and C-reactive protein (CRP)), endoscopic (Mayo endoscopic sub-score (sMayo)) and histological (Nancy score) activity were evaluated. IUS activity was characterized by Milan Ultrasound Criteria (MUC). Clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic, endoscopic and histologic remission were defined as SCCAI≤2, FCal<250 ug/g, MUC<6.2, sMayo=0 and Nancy=0, respectively. All evaluations were performed within 1 month. Pathologist was blinded to endoscopic and IUS results. In patients in IUS remission, the sigmoid colon was considered for analysis. Results 58 patients with UC were included (55% men, with a mean-age of 38 (+/-17) years, 65% with E2 UC). Clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic, endoscopic and histologic remission occurred in 53%, 53%, 53%, 31% and 12% of the patients, respectively. The most affected segment by both IUS and endoscopy was the sigmoid colon (34.5% and 41.4%, respectively). In our cohort, IUS activity had a strong correlation with PRO2 (r=0.778, p<0.001), SCCAI (r=0.810, p<0.001) and endoscopic activity (r=0.758, p<0.001), and a moderate correlation with FCal (r=0.517, p<0.001), CRP (r=0.402, p<0.001) and histological activity (r=0.475, p<0.001). We observed a consistent increase in the bowel wall thickness (BWT) and MUC score as the sMayo raised. Accordingly, patients with endoscopic activity presented higher BWT and MUC score, when compared to patients in endoscopic remission (Table 1). On the other hand, patients in IUS remission showed higher rates of clinical (90% vs 10%, p<0.001) biochemical (74% vs 26%, p<0.001) and endoscopic remission (94% vs 6%, p<0.001), with a trend towards higher rates of histologic remission (86% vs 14%, p=0.054). Conclusion In our cohort, IUS activity had a moderate to strong correlation with clinical, biochemical, endoscopic and even histologic activity. Additionally, patients with endoscopic activity presented worse IUS activity, suggesting this method as a reliable non-invasive monitoring tool in UC patients.

Numerical Study of Thermal Efficiency in Light-Gauge Steel Panels Designed with Varying Insulation Ratios

In the construction domain, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, resource efficiency, and energy optimisation. Light-gauge steel panels (LGSPs) stand out for their inherent advantages including lightweight construction and energy efficiency. However, the effective management of thermal efficiency, particularly addressing thermal bridges, is crucial. This paper conducts a detailed numerical investigation into the thermal performance of LGSPs, examining varied insulation ratios. Thermal finite element (FE) models were initially developed using the THERM software and validated against code predictions and results available in the literature. A comprehensive parametric study explored different insulation ratios, insulation materials, and wall thicknesses, discovering their impact on thermal transmittance (U-value). Key findings revealed that U-value correlated with insulation material conductivity, with E-PLA insulation exhibiting the lowest values, and increasing wall thickness resulted in decreased U-values. It was found that a strategic use of insulation yielded a U-value reduction of over 65%. New simplified design approaches were developed, featuring insulation ratios linked to accurate U-value predictions for LGSP configurations. The new design approaches were found to provide more accurate and consistent U-value predictions. Moreover, optimum insulation ratios for new builds and existing building extensions were found to be around 0.9 and 0.7 for 275 mm and 325 mm thick walls, respectively. These proposed energy-efficient solutions, facilitated through advanced design, are well-aligned with net-zero construction objectives.

Carotid atherosclerotic plaque predicts progression of intracranial artery atherosclerosis: A MR imaging-based community cohort study

PurposeIntracranial artery atherosclerosis (ICAS) progression is associated with stroke. However, the association of carotid plaque with ICAS progression among stroke-free participants is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between carotid plaque and ICAS progression in stroke-free participants. MethodStroke-free participants were recruited from a community-based cohort study. All participants underwent questionnaire interviews, blood tests, and high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at baseline and follow-up for around three years. The atherosclerotic plaque was defined as eccentric wall thickening on MR imaging. The presence, location, total number, and burden (maximum wall thickness, length, and stenosis) of carotid and intracranial plaque were evaluated. ICAS progression was defined as the number increased or plaque burden (maximum wall thickness, length, or stenosis increase) increased by ≥ 20 %. The association between carotid plaque and ICAS progression was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. ResultsOf the 312 participants (mean age at baseline: 59.85 ± 13.04 years; 136 males) who completed baseline and follow-up studies with a mean time interval of 3.15 ± 0.59 years, 85 (27.24 %) had progression of ICAS during follow-up. At least one carotid plaque was detected at baseline in 167 (53.53 %) participants. In the multivariable logistic analysis, carotid plaque was a significant predictor for the progression of ICAS (odds ratio, 2.04; 95 % confidence interval, 1.06–3.92; P = 0.032). ConclusionsCarotid plaque is associated with intracranial artery atherosclerosis progression in stroke-free population. Our findings suggest that carotid plaque may be an effective predictor for intracranial artery atherosclerosis progression.

Effect of Anagliptin on Vascular Injury in the Femoral Artery of Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) often experience complications such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is thought to be caused by vascular damage resulting from increased oxidative stress. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors have been reported to reduce oxidative stress, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of long-term (6 weeks) anagliptin treatment at a dose of 200 mg/kg/d against oxidative stress in the femoral artery of Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats using a well-established animal model for type 2 DM. Serum toxic advanced glycation end-products concentrations and blood glucose levels after glucose loading were significantly elevated in OLETF rats compared to Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats but were significantly suppressed by anagliptin administration. Plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 concentrations after glucose loading were significantly increased in anagliptin-treated rats. Superoxide production and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity in femoral arteries were significantly increased in OLETF rats compared to LETO rats but were significantly decreased by anagliptin administration. The expressions of NADPH oxidase components (p22phox in the intima region and p22phox and gp91phox in the media region) in the femoral artery were significantly increased in OLETF rats compared to LETO rats but were significantly suppressed by anagliptin administration. Furthermore, the femoral artery showed increased wall thickness in OLETF rats compared to LETO rats, but anagliptin administration reduced the thickening. This study suggests that long-term anagliptin administration can reduce oxidative stress in femoral arteries and improve vascular injury.