Narrowing Of Blood Vessels Research Articles

Magnetic soft microrobots for erectile dysfunction therapy

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major threat to male fertility and quality of life, and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a promising therapeutic option. However, therapeutic outcomes are compromised by low MSC retention and survival rates in corpus cavernosum tissue. Here, we developed an innovative magnetic soft microrobot comprising an ultrasoft hydrogel microsphere embedded with a magnetic nanoparticle chain for MSC delivery. This design also features phenylboronic acid groups for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). With a Young’s modulus of less than 1 kPa, the ultrasoft microrobot adapts its shape within narrow blood vessels, ensuring a uniform distribution of MSCs within the corpus cavernosum. Our findings showed that compared with traditional MSC injections, the MSC delivery microrobot (MSC-Rob) significantly enhanced MSC retention and survival. In both rat and beagle ED models, MSC-Rob treatment accelerated the repair of corpus cavernosum tissue and restored erectile function. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) revealed that MSC-Rob treatment facilitates nerve and blood vessel regeneration in the corpus cavernosum by increasing the presence of regenerative macrophages. Overall, our MSC-Rob not only advances the clinical application of MSCs for ED therapy but also broadens the scope of microrobots for other cell therapies.

Retinal artery/vein vessel segmentation and measurement for hypertension based on multi-level edge-guided network

AbstractHypertension is a primary risk factor for the onset of cardiocerebrovascular diseases, leading to increased mortality. In the early stages of hypertension, changes in the diameter of the retinal arteries and veins are closely observed. Therefore, the automatic segmentation of these arteries and veins in retinal fundus images is crucial for hypertension monitoring. However, current deep learning based methods still fail to generate semantically consistent segmentation result, especially for narrow blood vessel segments. Moreover, the pixels near the vessel edge are prone to be missclassified by current methods, struggling to obtain edge-preserving segmentation results. These critical issues severely hinder downstream applications, which require accurate measurement of artery/vein diameter. First, to alleviate the issue of lacking semantic consistency for vessel segments, we propose a long-range spatial dependency modeling module to learn to model the long-range spatial dependency. On this basis, a multi-level edge guided spatial aggregation module is further presented to enhance the ability to accurately classify the edge pixels, generating edge-preserving results. Extensive experimental results on the widely used DRIVE dataset and our constructed dataset (HFC-50) show the superiority of the proposed model over state-of-the-art methods. Our method achieves balanced accuracy of 95.7% on DRIVE dataset, outperforming all state-of-art methods. Finally, in order to directly demonstrate the benefit of more accurate retinal artery/vein vessel segmentation for the measurement of the ratio of artery and vein, we quantitatively evaluate the computed artery/vein ratio for hypertension patients, with the artery/vein segmentation results generated by our proposed method.

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells on morphological parameters in the hippocampus of rats with brain ischemia-reperfusion modeling

Ischemic stroke is an extremely important pathology with high mortality, in which more than 50 % of patients with occlusion of the main vessels remain disabled, despite early reperfusion therapy by thrombolysis or thrombectomy. As part of the regenerative strategy, stem cell transplantation in ischemic stroke became a new impetus. Cell therapy with the use of mesenchymal stromal cells demonstrated encouraging results regarding endogenous mechanisms of neuroregeneration in response to ischemic damage to brain structures. The aim of the research is to study the influence of mesenchymal stromal cells of various genesis, lysate of mesenchymal stromal cells obtained from Wharton’s jelly umbilical cord and citicoline on the dynamics of morphological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats with acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion according to light microscopy and micromorphometry data. The experiment was carried out using 200 male Wistar rats, which were subjected to ischemia-reperfusion by reversible 20-minute bilateral occlusion of the internal carotid arteries. Animals with modeled pathology were intravenously transplanted with mesenchymal stromal cells of various genesis (from Wharton’s jelly of the human umbilical cord, human and rat adipose tissue), and rat embryonic fibroblasts, lysate of mesenchymal stromal cells and citicoline were injected. Histological analysis of rat brain sections was performed on the 7th and 14th day of the experiment. Statistical analysis was performed using “Statistica 6.0” (StatSoft® Snc, USA). The significance of differences was assessed using the Student’s t-test and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. During the study, it was found that modeled ischemia-reperfusion in rats caused almost complete degeneration of the structure of the pyramidal layer of hippocampal CA1 region, gave uniformity to the structure of the radiant layer, infiltration of microglia, contributed to the disruption of the arrangement of apical dendrite bundles and narrowing of blood vessels as a result of perivascular edema. Also, the modeled pathology reduced the total number of neuronal nuclei in the hippocampal CA1 area, the overwhelming majority of which had signs of pathological changes. Transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells of various origins, lysate of mesenchymal stromal cells and citicoline contributed to a significant increase in the number of neuronal nuclei in the hippocampal CA1 zone and nuclei that did not undergo pathological changes. The most positive effect was found in the transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells from human Wharton’s jelly-derived cells. Thus, both in the subacute and recovery periods of ischemic stroke in rats, the transplantation of human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells was significantly surpassed the reference drug citicoline in its ability to reduce the number of pathologically changed nuclei by 1.5 times (p<0.05). At the same time, the number of pathologically unchanged nuclei significantly exceeded the number of nuclei with signs of karyorrhexis and karyopyknosis, so it would be advisable to use mesenchymal stromal cells of various genesis, lysate or citicoline in conditions of acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, taking into account their ability to reduce the volume of the infarct. In the future, an injectable drug will be created from the most effective culture of mesenchymal stromal cells in terms of cerebroprotective properties for cell therapy of patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Foam Cells: The Origin of Formation and Target for Plant-derived Bioactive Compounds.

Foam cells play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, a condition marked by the development and growth of plaques that narrow blood vessel lumens. This narrowing can prevent normal blood flow and, in severe cases, lead to plaque rupture and blood clot formation, which can cause stroke or myocardial infarction. The origin of foam cells is diverse, arising from monocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells, stem/progenitor cells, and dendritic and endothelial cells. In their attempt to eliminate excess lipoproteins and cholesterol, foam cells inadvertently contribute to plaque development and rupture. Cholesterol uptake, efflux, and esterification are the major processes regulating foam cell formation. Advances in technology, such as the identification of cell-surface markers for lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing, have unveiled diverse molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of foam cells from different origins, offering new insights into plaque formation and potential targets for anti-foam cell therapies. In this review, we focus on recent studies exploringthe inhibitory effects of medicinal plants and their bioactive components on foam cell formation. Various mechanisms are explored, including the inhibition of cholesterol uptake and the up-regulation of cholesterol efflux, as well as the suppression of inflammatory and adhesion activities. Emphasizing a cellular target-based therapeutic approach, this review envisions the development of innovative plant-based medications for atherosclerosis treatment.

Feature Selection Information Gain pada Klasifikasi Pasien Penyakit Jantung (Heart Disease)

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is a condition where there is a blockage or narrowing of blood vessels that can lead to heart attack, chest pain, or stroke. It needs appropriate medical treatment because this disease can be the cause of death. Data mining methods are helpful in diagnosing and treating heart disease. Data mining methods can play a major role in the process of improving the quality of care for heart disease patients, providing valuable information for informed decision-making regarding prevention and treatment. The data analysis process uses classification algorithms, namely Decision Tree (C4.5), Naive Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF) combined with feature selection information gain method. The results show that data mining methods are very useful in diagnosing and treating heart disease. The highest percentage of correct classifications for both models before and after the implementation of feature selection information gain was obtained by the RF algorithm, which amounted to 95.71%. However, the implementation of the feature selection information gain method in this study did not contribute significantly to improving the classification quality of each algorithm used.

Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Tacrolimus-Eluting Stent in a Porcine Coronary Artery Model.

A drug-eluting stent (DES) is a highly beneficial medical device used to widen or unblock narrowed blood vessels. However, the drugs released by the implantation of DES may hinder the re-endothelialization process, increasing the risk of late thrombosis. We have developed a tacrolimus-eluting stent (TES) that as acts as a potent antiproliferative and immunosuppressive agent, enhancing endothelial regeneration. In addition, we assessed the safety and efficacy of TES through both in vitro and in vivo tests. Tacrolimus and Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were applied to the metal stent using electrospinning equipment. The surface morphology of the stent was examined before and after coating using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-rays (EDX). The drug release test was conducted through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cell proliferation and migration assays were performed using smooth muscle cells (SMC). The stent was then inserted into the porcine coronary artery and monitored for a duration of 4weeks. SEM analysis confirmed that the coating surface was uniform. Furthermore, EDX analysis showed that the surface was coated with both polymer and drug components. The HPCL analysis of TCL at a wavelength of 215nm revealed that the drug was continuously released over a period of 4weeks. Smooth muscle cell migration was significantly decreased in the tacrolimus group (54.1% ± 11.90%) compared to the non-treated group (90.1% ± 4.86%). In animal experiments, the stenosis rate was significantly reduced in the TES group (29.6% ± 7.93%) compared to the bare metal stent group (41.3% ± 10.18%). Additionally, the fibrin score was found to be lower in the TES group compared to the group treated with a sirolimus-eluting stent (SES). Similar to SES, TES reduces neointimal proliferation in a porcine coronary artery model, specifically decreasing the fibrins score. Therefore, tacrolimus could be considered a promising drug for reducing restenosis and thrombosis.

A review of ultrasound contrast media

Efforts have been made over the last five decades to create effective ultrasonic contrast media (UCM) for cardiac and noncardiac applications. The initial UCM was established in the 1980s, following publications from the 1960s that detailed the discovery of ultrasonic contrast enhancement using small gaseous bubbles in echocardiographic examinations. An optimal contrast agent for echography should possess the following characteristics: non-toxicity, suitability for intravenous injection, ability to traverse pulmonary, cardiac, and capillary circulations, and stability for recirculation. Definity, Optison, Sonazoid, and SonoVue are examples of current commercial contrast media. These contrast media have shown potential for various clinical reasons, both on-label and off-label. Several possible UCMs have been developed or are in progress. Advancements in comprehending the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of microbubbles have significantly improved the visualization of tumor blood vessels, the identification of areas with reduced blood supply, and the enhanced detection of narrowed blood vessels. Innovative advances are expected to enhance future applications such as ultrasonic molecular imaging and therapeutic utilization of microbubbles.

NUMERICAL ANALYSIS IN ARTERIAL STENOSIS AFFECTED BY ISCHEMIC HEART DISEASE USING FINITE VOLUME METHOD

Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of blood vessels caused by the buildup of cholesterol plaque on the walls of the arteries. Excessive buildup of cholesterol plaque disrupts the circulatory system, thereby affecting the speed and pressure of blood flow. In the long term, atherosclerosis can cause ischemic heart disease. This study aims to analyze the influence of stenosis, initial velocity, and diameter on the velocity and pressure of blood flow in narrowed arteries that cause ischemic heart disease. In this research, a Navier Stoke mathematical equation model was built which was solved using the finite volume method with SIMPLE discretization (Semi Implicit Method for Pressure Linked Equations). Finite volume methods are used to analyze unstructured objects such as blood flow. SIMPLE discretization is implemented simply in two and three dimensions with a system of equations containing fluid motion. Matlab and Fluent are software used for process simulations, Matlab for visualizing graphs of numerical calculation results, and Fluent for visualizing blood flow. Based on the simulation results, it can be concluded that the smaller the diameter, the greater the stenosis, and the greater the initial velocity, the greater the blood flow velocity. On the contrary, the diameter gets smaller, the stenosis gets bigger, and the initial velocity gets bigger so that the pressure on the blood flow gets smaller. Blood flow simulation has the potential to contain ischemic heart disease if the maximum speed produced is greater than the maximum normal blood speed, namely 0.45 m/s.

A review of ultrasound contrast media.

Efforts have been made over the last five decades to create effective ultrasonic contrast media (UCM) for cardiac and noncardiac applications. The initial UCM was established in the 1980s, following publications from the 1960s that detailed the discovery of ultrasonic contrast enhancement using small gaseous bubbles in echocardiographic examinations. An optimal contrast agent for echography should possess the following characteristics: non-toxicity, suitability for intravenous injection, ability to traverse pulmonary, cardiac, and capillary circulations, and stability for recirculation. Definity, Optison, Sonazoid, and SonoVue are examples of current commercial contrast media. These contrast media have shown potential for various clinical reasons, both on-label and off-label. Several possible UCMs have been developed or are in progress. Advancements in comprehending the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of microbubbles have significantly improved the visualization of tumor blood vessels, the identification of areas with reduced blood supply, and the enhanced detection of narrowed blood vessels. Innovative advances are expected to enhance future applications such as ultrasonic molecular imaging and therapeutic utilization of microbubbles.

CxsAssociation study between single nucleotide polymorphism in thrombospondins THBS1 gene and THBS2 gene and coronary artery disease in Indian population

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex medical condition characterized by atherosclerotic plaque accumulation in coronary arteries, leading to narrowed blood vessels and impaired blood flow. Endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and various risk factors contribute to CAD development. Matricellular proteins, including thrombospondins (THBS), play crucial roles in vascular processes and cardiac function.MethodsA case–control study was conducted among 296 participants from Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, India, to investigate genetic variations in THBS1 (N700S) and THBS2 (3′ UTR T → G) in relation to CAD. Genomic DNA was isolated, and PCR–RFLP was employed for genotyping. Clinical and biochemical parameters were assessed, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.ResultsThe study revealed that age, serum cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, and LDL were significantly associated with CAD in the Indian population. However, no statistically significant associations were found between triglyceride and serum creatinine levels, as well as the studied THBS1 and THBS2 genetic polymorphisms, and CAD. The analysis of genotypic and allelic frequencies did not indicate significant associations with CAD risk.ConclusionsThis study suggests that specific genetic variations in THBS1 and THBS2 may not be strongly linked to the development or risk of CAD in the studied Indian population. The associations observed between age, lipid profiles, and CAD highlight the multifactorial nature of CAD susceptibility. Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings and explore additional genetic factors contributing to CAD in specific populations.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis with Fusion of Deep Learning and Telangiectasia Features.

In recent years, deep learning (DL) has been used extensively and successfully to diagnose different cancers in dermoscopic images. However, most approaches lack clinical inputs supported by dermatologists that could aid in higher accuracy and explainability. To dermatologists, the presence of telangiectasia, or narrow blood vessels that typically appear serpiginous or arborizing, is a critical indicator of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Exploiting the feature information present in telangiectasia through a combination of DL-based techniques could create a pathway for both, improving DL results as well as aiding dermatologists in BCC diagnosis. This study demonstrates a novel "fusion" technique for BCC vs non-BCC classification using ensemble learning on a combination of (a) handcrafted features from semantically segmented telangiectasia (U-Net-based) and (b) deep learning features generated from whole lesion images (EfficientNet-B5-based). This fusion method achieves a binary classification accuracy of 97.2%, with a 1.3% improvement over the corresponding DL-only model, on a holdout test set of 395 images. An increase of 3.7% in sensitivity, 1.5% in specificity, and 1.5% in precision along with an AUC of 0.99 was also achieved. Metric improvements were demonstrated in three stages: (1) the addition of handcrafted telangiectasia features to deep learning features, (2) including areas near telangiectasia (surround areas), (3) discarding the noisy lower-importance features through feature importance. Another novel approach to feature finding with weak annotations through the examination of the surrounding areas of telangiectasia is offered in this study. The experimental results show state-of-the-art accuracy and precision in the diagnosis of BCC, compared to three benchmark techniques. Further exploration of deep learning techniques for individual dermoscopy feature detection is warranted.

A Case Report of Concurrent Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis, Renal Cell Carcinoma, and Papillary Thyroid Cancer After Renal Transplantation: A Literature Review

BackgroundKidney transplantation is the preferred treatment option for eligible patients with end-stage renal disease. With the advanced transplantation technology and the novel immunosuppressive agents, kidney transplant recipients survive significantly longer. But the chance of developing malignant tumors has increased, posing a serious challenge to the survival of transplanted kidneys and patients. Case presentationWe report a male patient (the patient's informed consent has been obtained) who underwent kidney transplantation 23 years ago. Subsequently appeared transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) , primary renal clear cell carcinoma(RCCC), and papillary thyroid cancer(TC). The narrowed blood vessels were dilated through percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), and the malignant tumor was removed surgically. Currently, anti-rejection drugs are regularly taken, and the transplanted kidney function is good. Satisfied with living conditions. ConclusionHypertension that is difficult to control after kidney transplantation should be suspected as a possibility of graft vascular stenosis. When B-ultrasound cannot accurately diagnose it, magnetic resonance angiography should be used as early as possible to clarify the diagnosis and relieve the stenosis before graft dysfunction. Transplantation patients have a high incidence of malignant tumors after surgery, and the risk increases with the prolongation of the disease course. Focus on symptomatic treatment of related diseases, and anti-rejection drugs can be reduced or not reduced as appropriate.

Takayasu arteritis presenting as a stroke in young: a case report

Introduction: Takayasu arteritis is a large-vessel vasculitis predominantly seen in young women. Lack of signs and symptoms in the early stage of the disease often delays the diagnosis and thus leads to significant morbidity and mortality. One severe complication that may arise is a significant narrowing of blood vessels, potentially leading to life-threatening ischemic repercussions. Case presentation: The authors present a case of a 29-year-old female who presented to our ER with features of left-sided hemiparesis and right-sided facial deviation. Computed tomography angiography and Carotid Doppler helped in making the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis. She was managed with prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil. She has been on a regular follow-up for the last year and is currently stable. Conclusion: Even being a rare scenario, stroke can be the initial presentation of Takayasu arteritis. Early diagnosis and management in young patients are vital in keeping the disease at bay and preventing physical, mental, and socio-economic adversities.

A comprehensive approach to prediction of fractional flow reserve from deep-learning-augmented model

The underuse of invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) in clinical practice has motivated research towards non-invasive prediction of FFR. Although the non-invasive derivation of FFR (FFRCT) using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) principles has become a common practice, its clinical application has been limited due to the considerable time required for computation of resulting changes in haemodynamic conditions. An alternative to CFD technology is incorporating a neural network into the computational process to reduce the time necessary for running an effective model.In this study we propose a cascade of data-driven and physic-based neural networks (DP-NN) for predicting FFR (DL-FFRCT). The first network of cascade network DP-NN includes geometric features, and the second network includes physical features. We compare the differences between data-driven neural network (D-NN) and DP-NN for predicting FFR. The training and testing datasets were obtained by solving the three-dimensional incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Coronary flow and geometric features were used as inputs to train D-NN. In DP-NN the training process involves first training a D-NN to output resting ΔP as one input feature to the DP-NN. Secondly, the physics-based microcirculatory resistance as another input feature to the DP-NN.Using clinically measured FFR as the “gold standard", we validated the computational accuracy of DL-FFRCT in 77 patients. Compared to D-NN, DP-NN improved the prediction of ΔP (R2 = 0.87 vs. R2 = 0.92). Statistical analysis demonstrated that the diagnostic accuracy of DL-FFRCT was not inferior to FFRCT (85.71 % vs. 88.3 %) and the computational time was reduced by a factor of approximately 3000 (4.26 s vs. 3.5 h).DP-NN represents a near real-time, interpretable, and highly accurate deep-learning network, which contributes to the development of high-performance computational methods for haemodynamics. We anticipate that DP-NN will enable near real-time prediction of DL-FFRCT in personalized narrow blood vessels and provide guidance for cardiovascular disease treatments.

Nanoparticle-based approaches for treating restenosis after vascular injury.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is currently the main method for treating coronary artery stenosis, but the incidence of restenosis after PCI is relatively high. Restenosis, the narrowing of blood vessels by more than 50% of the normal diameter after PCI, severely compromises the therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, preventing postinterventional restenosis is important. Vascular restenosis is mainly associated with endothelial injury, the inflammatory response, the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and intimal hyperplasia (IH) and is usually prevented by administering antiproliferative or anti-inflammatory drugs through drug-eluting stents (DESs); however, DESs can lead to uncontrolled drug release. In addition, as extracorporeal implants, they can cause inflammation and thrombosis, resulting in suboptimal treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a drug carrier with controlled drug release and high biocompatibility for in vivo drug delivery to prevent restenosis. The development of nanotechnology has enabled the preparation of nanoparticle drug carriers with low toxicity, high drug loading, high biocompatibility, precise targeting, controlled drug release and excellent intracellular delivery ability. This review summarizes the advantages of nanoparticle drug carriers for treating vascular restenosis, as well as how nanoparticles have improved targeting, slowed the release of therapeutic agents, and prolonged circulation in vivo to prevent vascular restenosis more effectively. The overall purpose of this review is to present an overview of nanoparticle therapy for vascular restenosis. We expect these findings to provide insight into nanoparticle-based therapeutic approaches for vascular restenosis.

Endovascular treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome of the lower extremities caused by combat trauma. Clinical case

In the course of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, gunshot shrapnel wounds of the lower extremities that result in damage to major blood vessels have become a common phenomenon. Their incidence is consistent with the general data on combat‑related vascular injuries. Vascular gunshot injuries can cause significant changes to the normal anatomy and hemodynamics of the extremity as a result of the bullet or shrapnel travelling through the wound channel. Combat trauma of the vascular bundle, either as a primary factor or in combination with other lesions, often causes a serious condition in the wounded that requires urgent surgical intervention]. Injury to the major blood vessels of the lower limbs carries the risk of critical ischemia, which can lead to higher mortality rates, poor limb recovery, and disability. This clinical case demonstrates the endovascular management of a disabling combat‑related vascular injury. The treatment involves the use of modern imaging techniques and minimally invasive surgical procedures. This case highlights the progression of the pathological process after a gunshot shrapnel wound to the soft tissues and major blood vessels. It also shows a change in the normal anatomy of the major blood vessels and the subsequent development of regional hemodynamic disorders of the lower limb after injury. In January 2023, a 51‑year‑old male received a gunshot wound to the soft tissues of the pelvis and right lower limb, as well as a gunshot fracture of the right femur. Immediate post‑evacuation therapy included the management of life‑threatening bleeding by ligating the deep femoral artery and providing external fixation of the gunshot femur fracture. Following the healing of the wounds and the removal of the external fixation device, the injured individual experienced a progressive and notable swelling of the lower limb over a period of 3 months. Subsequently, trophic ulcers appeared on the lower leg. In September 2023, the patient was admitted to the National Military Medical Clinical Centre in Kyiv after developing clinical signs of the post‑thrombotic syndrome. However, further examination revealed the presence of an AV fistula. Consequently, a simultaneous endovascular reconstructive intervention was performed on the arteries and veins of the patient’s lower extremity. Conclusions. A gunshot wound to the major blood vessels can contribute to pathological changes in the normal anatomical structure, resulting in arterial collateral blood circulation or narrowing of blood vessels that can lead to regional hemodynamic disorders. The clinical case exemplifies the importance of using modern imaging techniques for a comprehensive examination of the vascular system and the possibility of minimally invasive treatment for patients with gunshot injuries to the major blood vessels.

The Possibility of Using Proteins as a Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a type of heart disease in which most patients either have coronary disease or carotid disease. Patients with atherosclerosis have narrowed blood vessels due to the formation of plaque or the condensation of fat molecules in the blood. The death rate from atherosclerosis is not extremely high, but atherosclerosis can easily lead to fatal diseases like heart attack and stroke. Atherosclerosis can be prevented by keeping a healthy lifestyle and taking medicines, and severe cases can be treated with surgeries. Protein treatment is not widely used for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but some proteins like prosaposin and HMG-CoA display their essential role in the synthesis of plaque. Prosaposin affects the inflammation of macrophages in the cell by affecting mTOR and S6K1 signaling passageways. Inflammation is the root cause of atherosclerosis, and decreasing inflammation can lead to a decrease in plaque. HMG-CoA is another protein that can affect cholesterol synthesis, which is crucial in plaque formation. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, which can be called statin, blocks the HMG-CoA from functioning and decreases the rate of cholesterol formation. The possibility of using prosaposin and HMG-CoA as a protein treatment is proven, and future experiments could determine the method to apply the treatment in clinical trials.

Numerical Computational of Blood Flow and Mass Transport in Stenosed Bifurcated Artery

Stenosis refers to the narrowing of blood vessels caused by atherosclerosis, which can lead to serious circulatory problems by obstructing blood flow and mass transfer to other organs and tissues in the body. The objective of this investigation is to numerically examine the mass transfer of blood flow in a stenosed bifurcated artery using COMSOL Multiphysics, based on the finite element method. The study takes into account the geometry of a bifurcated artery with stenosis present at the mother and daughter arteries. The blood vessel is modeled as a two-dimensional (2D) rigid wall, and the blood flow is assumed to follow a non-Newtonian Carreau fluid model, being incompressible, laminar, and steady. The continuity equation, momentum equation, and mass transfer equation, along with boundary conditions, will be solved using COMSOL Multiphysics based on the finite element method. The simulation results show that the formation of recirculation zones, as indicated by streamline patterns and mass concentration, can significantly impact the severity of stenosis and Reynolds numbers. Thus, individuals exposed to such recirculation zones may be at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Concise review on anti-diabetic agents: Traditional to modern

Diabetes is one of the major challenging diseases as it is associated with other health complications including Atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels), Heart diseases, Neuropathy (nerve damage in limbs), and Hypertension (high blood pressure). Its prevalence has been precarious since the last decade. Researchers have been trying hard to find the best remedy for diabetes since the last century and have developed a whole range of drugs of various chemical classes to control the mortality rate. Antidiabetic drugs synthesized during the last century are classified into three stages in the present review article and certain examples with their structure, mode of action, and applications are briefly discussed in the article. The future aspect, drug of choice, and success rate have been discussed as well.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Topical Decongestants Xylometazoline and Oxymetazoline: A Literature Review

Introduction: This article provides a review and detailed analysis of scientific publications on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of xylometazoline and oxymetazoline. Xylometazoline and oxymetazoline are two commonly used nasal decongestants used to temporarily relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and sinusitis. Both drugs narrow blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing edema and rhinorrhea.
 Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of xylometazoline and oxymetazoline based on a literature review.
 Material and Methods: A retrospective review of literature data was performed using Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases. Different keyword combinations, such as "topical decongestants", "xylometazoline", "oxymetazoline", "pharmacokinetics" and "pharmacodynamics", were used to search for information on the problem addressed. When processing search results, either the most recent publications (over the last 10 years) or the latest publications for this topic (regardless of their release) were chosen.
 Results: After reviewing abstracts and getting acquainted with their full-text articles, 47 scientific sources that met the eligibility criteria were selected. Although there are minor differences between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of xylometazoline and oxymetazoline according to available literature sources, both drugs exhibit very low systemic exposure, thus reducing the number of side effects due to the lack of systemic action and producing a high local concentration of the drugs in areas of inflammation. Besides, because of its pharmacokinetic properties, xylometazoline has a faster onset of action and a shorter duration of therapeutic effect compared to oxymetazoline.