Reduction In Diameter Research Articles

Polylactic Acid/Bamboo Leaf Extract Electrospun Mats with Antioxidant Activity for Food Packaging Applications

This study focuses on developing an active and biodegradable packaging using electrospinning, with polylactic acid (PLA) as the matrix and bamboo leaf extract (BLE) as the antioxidant compound. The research systematically evaluates the relationship among process parameters, material properties, and structure. The electrospun membranes were produced using different BLE contents (10 wt%, 20 wt%, 30 wt%, and 40 wt%) and characterized by their morphology, mechanical properties, wettability, and antioxidant activity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed BLE’s influence on fiber morphology, with a slight increase in diameter in PLA/BLE at 10% and 20%, attributed to higher viscosity. Conversely, PLA/BLE 30% and 40% showed a mild reduction in fiber diameter likely due to polyphenols’ capacity to enhance PLA chain mobility. Mechanical tests indicated proportional reductions in modulus, maximum stress, and strain at break, upon increasing the BLE concentration, although these parameters are still suitable for packaging applications. The decrease in modulus is attributed to polyphenol capacity to increase PLA chain mobility, while increased fragility results from embedded particles acting as local defects. Wettability tests demonstrated increased hydrophilicity with higher BLE content. Total polyphenol content, estimated through FOLIN assay, increased proportionally with incorporated BLE, impacting antioxidant properties assessed via FRAP assay.

The impact of sidewall copper grain condition on thermo-mechanical behaviors of TSVs during the annealing process

With the drastic reduction of the TSV diameter leading to a critical dimension comparable to the Cu-filled grain size, the grain condition strongly influences the thermo-mechanical behavior of the TSV. In this work, the TSV-Cu cross-section with different grain sizes is characterized by EBSD, confirming that the sidewall grain size (0.638–1.580 μm) is smaller compared to other regions (1.022–2.134 μm). A finite element model (FEM) considering copper grains is constructed by using Voronoi diagrams to investigate the effect of sidewall grain size as well as area on the thermo-mechanical behavior during annealing. The material parameters in the FEM are optimized through nanoindentation inversion and considering the mechanical property anisotropy of copper grains. The yield strength σy and hardening exponent n of TSV-Cu are 74.6 MPa and 0.514. The simulation results indicate that the protrusion of TSV-Cu after annealing tends to increase initially and then decrease with smaller sidewall grain size and area. The maximum increase in protrusion caused by the two variables can reach 6.74% and 14.6%, respectively, relative to the average grain condition. Additionally, the simulation results were validated by quantifying grain boundaries in TSV-Cu samples with varying grain sizes.

Unlocking the clinical potential of paired inspiratory and expiratory CT scans in the differential diagnosis of cystic lung diseases: A systematic review.

Currently, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the imaging of choice for the differential diagnosis of various cystic lung lesions, including true cystic lung diseases (CLD) and lesions that may mimic them. However, the traditionally used inspiratory scan still presents a significant spectrum of overlapping radiological features. Recent studies have demonstrated variation in lesion size between inspiratory and expiratory phases, probably due to cyst-airway communication. In this study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review of paired inspiratory and expiratory HRCT in the assessment of cystic lesions as an additional tool to narrow the differential diagnosis. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, BVS, and Cochrane through August 2023. Full-text articles that performed paired inspiratory and expiratory CT scans in adult patients with cystic lung lesions were included, with the outcome measured as the reduction in lesion size according to the respiratory phase. Diagnoses were confirmed through histopathological or radiological features. Out of the 96 records, three studies met the criteria for inclusion and were analyzed, comprising a total of 149 participants and 513 cystic lesions. Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH), Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) honeycombing and cystic bronchiectasis became considerably smaller during expiratory CT scans, while the size of emphysema tended to remain constant during respiratory cycles. This study has suggested that paired inspiratory and expiratory CT scans can be valuable for helping differentiate between emphysema and other diseases with a cystic pattern due to their ability to reveal dynamic properties of the lesions. However, the average reduction in cyst size as a single parameter is not sufficient for further refining diagnostics. Studies exploring advanced metrics to assess the reduction in lesion diameter emerge as potential opportunities to investigate the cyst-airway communication hypothesis and further enhance the diagnostic accuracy of paired methods.

“The Itsy-Bitsy Water Bead Went Down the Baby's Mouth. Will Drinking Gastrografin Help to Flush It Out?”

IntroductionForeign body ingestion is a common occurrence in the pediatric population. Superabsorbent polymers (i.e., water beads [WB]), such as Orbeez, are brightly colored spheres, can expand up to 100x their original size and are marketed as toys for kids. Ingested WB may lead to a bowel obstruction and typically require surgical removal. MethodsFully expanded WBs (N = 15) were placed into 1 of the 3 solutions: water (N = 5), gastrografin (N = 5), or 1:1 mixture of gg and water (N = 5), with serial diameter measurements obtained at 1, 4, 8, and 24 h. Additionally, fully expanded WBs were placed into succus containing post mortem porcine small bowel and mixed with gastrografin (N = 10) or nothing (N = 10), with diameters measured prior to placement and at 4 h. ResultsAt all time points, the mean WB diameter of the gastrografin arm was significantly smaller than the other two arms (P < 0.01). WBs submerged in gastrografin saw a 58% reduction in diameter at 4 h compared to 45% reduction in the 1:1 mixture and a 2% growth in water (P < 0.01). When placed into small bowel containing gastrografin, the mean WB diameter decreased by 47% at 4 h versus 37% in the control arm (P < 0.01). ConclusionsGastrografin significantly reduced the size of WB in both the in-vitro and ex-vivo post mortem animal study; and it may offer a nonsurgical option for the management of water bead ingestion. Studies assessing the clinical efficacy of a gastrografin nonoperative management strategy are needed.

The pitfalls and challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with carotid near-occlusion: a narrative review.

Carotid near-occlusion (CNO) is defined as a severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) resulting in a reduction in the distal diameter. It is a specific type of carotid stenosis accounting for 34% of the patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis ≥50%. The current guidelines recommend the best medical treatment (BMT) as the treatment of choice. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to accurately diagnose CNO to avoid unnecessary surgical treatment. Although imaging can detect the majority of cases, there are still a few cases that remain unexplained. The purpose of this review is to discuss the mechanism of stroke, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic approaches in patients with CNO and to examine the importance of diagnostic imaging in determining the treatment and prognosis of patients with CNO. The PubMed database was searched for clinical studies on CNO published in English from 1950 to 2024. The selected literature was screened for articles related to the formation mechanism of CNO, clinical diagnosis, and the latest developments in treatment methods. The primary mechanisms of stroke in CNO include embolism and hypoperfusion. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) can identify most instances of CNO; however, anatomical variations may pose challenges in accurately diagnosing this condition. Currently, revascularization offers limited benefits for patients with CNO. According to the 2023 European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) guideline update, BMT is the preferred treatment for CNO, and patients with CNO and distal vessel collapse with recurrent carotid territory symptoms may be considered for revascularization after multidisciplinary team discussion. The diagnosis of CNO based on feature interpretation necessitates a cautious approach. It is imperative to conduct large prospective clinical trials to identify the optimal treatment for patients with various types of CNO.

Application of biogenic silver nanoparticle incorporated nanofibers in biomedical science

The applications of nanotechnology are expanding into medical science for designing new medical devices related products. These products can deliver targeted therapies to diseases such as cancer and peripheral artery treatment. Therefore, with the goal to treat peripheral artery disease, we integrated biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (PEG-PCL) nanofibrous (NFs). The AgNPs-NFs mats were successfully fabricated using a blended electrospinning process. AgNPs with average sizes of 35–55 nm were produced and characterized using multiple techniques such as UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM, SEM and FTIR. Nanofibrous membranes containing 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % AgNPs by weight were developed, showing a reduction in fiber diameter from 473 nm to 179 nm due to the introduction of charged particles. The scaffold’s suitability and drug release profile were critically analyzed, revealing results consistent with optimal biomedical applications. Preliminary studies indicated that AgNPs dose-dependent inhibition of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) may potentially help prevent atherosclerosis. These findings underscore the potential of AgNPs integrated PEG-PCL NFs mats for advanced biomedical applications.

On the Numerical Investigation of Two-Phase Evaporative Spray Cooling Technology for Data Centre Applications

Two-phase evaporative spray cooling technology can significantly reduce power consumption in data centre cooling applications. However, the literature lacks an established methodology for assessing the overall performance of such evaporation systems in terms of the water-energy nexus. The current study develops a Lagrangian–Eulerian computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling approach to examine the functionality of these two-phase evaporative spray cooling systems. To replicate a modular system, a hollow spray cone nozzle with Rosin–Rammler droplet size distribution is simulated in a turbulent convective natural-air environment. The model was validated against the available experimental data from the literature. Parametric studies on geometric, flow, and climatic conditions, namely, domain length, droplet size, water mass flow rate, temperature, and humidity, were performed. The findings indicate that at elevated temperatures and low humidity, evaporation results in a bulk temperature reduction of up to 12 °C. A specific focus on the climatic conditions of Dublin, Ireland, was used as an example to optimize the evaporative system. A new formulation for the coefficient of performance (COP) is established to assess the performance of the system. Results showed that doubling the injector water mass flow rate improved the evaporated mass flow rate by 188% but reduced the evaporation percentage by 28%, thus reducing the COP. Doubling the domain length improved the temperature drop by 175% and increased the relative humidity by 160%, thus improving the COP. The COP of the evaporation system showed a systematic improvement with a reduction in the droplet size and the mass flow rate for a fixed domain length. The evaporated system COP improves by two orders of magnitude (~90 to 9500) with the reduction in spray Sauter mean diameter (SMD) from 292 μm to 8–15 μm. Under this reduction, close to 100% evaporation rate was achieved in comparison to only a 1% evaporation rate for the largest SMD. It was concluded that the utilization of a fine droplet spray nozzle provides an effective solution for the reduction in water consumption (97% in our case) for data centres, whilst concomitantly augmenting the proportion of evaporation.

Vanillic acid attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating PINK1/Parkin/Mfn2 signaling pathway

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the potential protective effects of vanillic acid (VA) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. MethodsThe DOX -induced myocardial toxicity model was established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin. Simultaneously, different concentrations of VA were administered for intervention. After modeling, rat cardiac function was evaluated using an ultrasound machine. The detection of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) levels in rat serum using a biochemical analyzer. HE staining method was used to observe myocardial pathological changes, Masson's trichrome staining was performed to assess the degree of myocardial fibrosis. The observation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) levels in myocardial tissue using assay kits. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, P62, LC3I/II, Mfn2, Drp1, OPA, and Fis1. ResultsCompared to the DOX group, intervention with VA demonstrates ameliorative effects on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, as evidenced by improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), and a reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) in rats. Additionally, the application of VA reduced the levels of CK-MB in rat serum. However, there were no statistically significant differences observed in heart rate. Histological examination reveals that VA administration positively impacts the arrangement of myocardial fibers and mitigates myocardial fibrosis in the rat hearts subjected to doxorubicin-induced injury. Moreover, relative to the DOX group, the use of VA alleviates DOX-induced myocardial cell apoptosis. VA treatment also upregulates the expression levels of PINK1 and Parkin, leading to the activation of mitochondrial autophagy. Furthermore, VA enhances the expression levels of mitochondrial dynamics proteins Mfn2, Drp1, and Fis1 while downregulating the expression of OPA. Among them, the high-dose group of VA (60 mg/kg·d) showed the most pronounced improvement in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. ConclusionVA attenuated DOX-induced myocardial injury by up regulating the PINK1/Parkin/Mfn2 signaling pathway.

A Modified Periareolar Auto-augmentation Mastopexy: Using an Inferolaterally Pedicled Tongue-Shaped Parenchymal Flap.

The increasing demand for correcting ptosis has made mastopexy one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery. While various techniques have been developed, clinical outcomes often require refinement. In this study, we employed an inferolaterally pedicled, tongue-shaped parenchymal flap to perform auto-augmentation mastopexy via periareolar approach. Periareolar double-ring incisions were designed, de-epithelialization was performed between the inner and outer circles. Following subcutaneous separation of the breast parenchyma, an inferolaterally based, tongue-shaped parenchymal flap was elevated and rotated to fill posterior space of the breast, raising the nipple-areola complex (NAC). The parenchyma on both sides of the incision was sutured together to reduce the breast base and enhance central breast projection. The breast measurements and BREAST-Q scores were used to assess clinical outcomes and patients' satisfaction. Patients were also asked to rate their nipple sensation. A total of 34 female patients were retrospectively analyzed after being treated with our modified auto-augmentation mastopexy technique from January 2016 to June 2023. All patients healed without postoperative complications such as poor wound healing, hematoma, infection, or nipple necrosis. Four patients reported decreased nipple sensation postoperatively. Breast measurements revealed improved projection, nipple elevation, and significant reductions in both mammary base width and areola diameter. BREAST-Q scores indicated significant improvements in postoperative breast satisfaction and quality of life. Our modified periareolar auto-augmentation mastopexy provides a viable solution for patients with mild to severe breast ptosis, excluding cases with insufficient breast volume, seeking breast ptosis correction without synthetic materials or implants. This technique delivers natural, aesthetically pleasing results, significantly enhancing both patient appearance and quality of life. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Ultrasound-mediated catheter delivery of tissue plasminogen activator promotes thrombolysis by altering fibrin fibre thickness and clot permeability.

It has been proposed that low power, high frequency ultrasound can augment the ability of thrombolytic agents to dissolve clot in patients with venous thromboembolism. We created a bench model to examine what role and mechanism ultrasound may have in this process. Fibrin polymerisation was analysed through modified light-scattering experiments with the inclusion of catheter-mediated ultrasound application. We studied fibrin fibre diameters through scanning electron microscopy of ultrasound treated fibrin clots. Clot porosity was investigated using permeation tests, while fibrinolysis was analysed through lightscattering experiments, and by changes in porosity of lysing clots under flow. Application of ultrasound did not change initial fibrin polymerisation but did induce a reversible change in maximal turbidity of already formed fibrin clots. This change in turbidity was caused by a reduction in fibrin fibre diameter and was associated with an increase in clot porosity. These reversible structural changes were associated with a linear increase in fibrinolysis rates under static conditions, while an exponential increase in rates was observed under flow. The use of ultrasound augmentation of thrombolysis enhances clot dissolution through greater and more rapid fibrin degradation. This is due to conformational change created by the ultrasound in clot structure, a reversible phenomenon that may increase binding sites for lytic agent and could potentially allow the use of lower doses and shorter infusion times of ultrasound-assisted thrombolytic to treat venous thromboembolism in-vivo.

Experimental investigation on the influence of lubricant oil on CO2 nucleate pool boiling heat transfer characteristics

As a natural working fluid, CO2 is considered the most promising alternative refrigerant to hydrofluorocarbons. In the fields of automotive air conditioning and commercial heat pumps, transcritical CO2 cycles show significant potential for performance enhancement. Although there are many studies on CO2 flow boiling in the open literature, few studies involve CO2 nucleate boiling heat transfer, which is the dominant mechanism of CO2 flow boiling heat transfer process. This study is proposed to conduct experimental investigations of CO2 nucleate boiling heat transfer. The influences of evaporation temperature, heat flux and lubricant oil addition on boiling heat transfer performance and bubble dynamic characteristics are discussed. The results show that in pure CO2 nucleate boiling, heat flux increase leads to higher bubble density and bubble diameter in bulk liquid, which in turn enhances boiling heat transfer. The effect of evaporation temperature increases on bubble diameter is significant. The reduction in bubble diameter weakens the convective heat transfer caused by bubble motion, which leads to less variation in the CO2 nucleate boiling heat transfer coefficient with evaporation temperature. Lubricant oil addition significantly changes the bubble dynamics of CO2 nucleate boiling process, leading to larger bubble density and smaller bubble diameter. Moreover, the oil diffusion at the phase interface notably affects the heat transfer performance, resulting in greater differences in the boiling heat transfer characteristics of the mixtures compared to that of pure CO2. The mixture boiling heat transfer coefficient is collectively influenced by evaporation temperature, heat flux and oil concentration. The experimental results suggest that the heat transfer coefficient of the mixture with an oil concentration of 0.5 % increases by an average of 25 % compared to pure CO2 at an evaporation temperature of 0 °C. At higher evaporation temperatures and high oil concentrations (>1%), oil addition leads to heat transfer deterioration. Findings from this work can provide a better understanding of oil effect on refrigerant boiling heat transfer and a fundamental basis for heat exchanger design of CO2 systems.

Preclinical Experimental Study on New Cervical Implant Design to Improve Peri-Implant Tissue Healing.

Objectives: In this preclinical study, we used an experimental rabbit model to investigate the effects of a new implant design that involves specific changes to the cervical portion, using a conventional implant design in the control group. Materials and Methods: We used 10 rabbits and 40 dental implants with two different macrogeometries. Two groups were formed (n = 20 per group): the Collo group, wherein implants with the new cervical design were used, which present a concavity (reduction in diameter) in the first 3.5 mm, the portion without surface treatment; the Control group, wherein conical implants with the conventional design were used, with surface treatment throughout the body. All implants were 4 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length. The initial implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured immediately after the implant insertion (T1) and sample removal (T2 and T3). The animals (n = five animals/time) were euthanized at 3 weeks (T1) and 4 weeks (T2). Histological sections were prepared and the bone-implant contact (BIC%) and tissue area fraction occupancy (TAFO%) percentages were analyzed in the predetermined cervical area; namely, the first 4 mm from the implant platform. Results: The ISQ values showed no statistical differences at T1 and T2 (p = 0.9458 and p = 0.1103, respectively) between the groups. However, at T3, higher values were found for the Collo group (p = 0.0475) than those found for the Control group. The Collo samples presented higher BIC% values than those of the Control group, with statistical differences of p = 0.0009 at 3 weeks and p = 0.0007 at 4 weeks. There were statistical differences in the TAFO% (new bone, medullary spaces, and the collagen matrix) between the groups at each evaluation time (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Considering the limitations of the present preclinical study, the results demonstrate that the new implant design (the Collo group) had higher implant stability (ISQ) values in the samples after 4 weeks of implantation. Furthermore, the histomorphometric BIC% and TAFO% analyses showed that the Collo group had higher values at both measurement times than the Control group did. These findings indicate that changes made to the cervical design of the Collo group implants may benefit the maintenance of peri-implant tissue health.

Avaliação radiográfica dos efeitos da dieta hiperlipídica no osso mandibular em animais

Introduction: Considering the pathophysiology of apical periodontitis (AP), an inflammatory disease characterized by bone resorption, it is likely that bone changes promoted by high-fat- diet (HFD) are also able to influence the mechanism of AP lesions development. Objective: To evaluate by periapical radiography the main effects of a high-fat- diet on mandibular bone in animal models. Methods: Isogenic Wistar rats (n=16), 8 weeks old, were used. Half of the animals were submitted to HFD and the other half to control diet (CD). AP lesions were induced 8 weeks later by creating pulp exposure of the mandibular left first molars. After 40 days, the animals were euthanized. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis (total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL and serum triglycerides) and mandible for radiographic analysis (periodontal ligament space, condyle diameter and mandibular thickness). Results: The HFD promoted significant increase in serum triglyceride (p&lt;0.05) and VLDL (p&lt;0.05) concentrations in the HFD group. The HFD group animals showed a reduction in both condyle diameter (p&lt;0.05) and mandibular thickness (p&lt;0.05), and increased periodontal ligament space (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the CD group. Conclusion: The HFD produced significant changes in the mandibular bone, modifying the periradicular response to endodontic infection. Keywords: Bone; Diet high-fat; Mandible.

Dissecting spacer induced membrane deformation and fluid hydraulic behavior in reverse osmosis

Feed spacer is a key component of the spiral wound membrane module. However, the membrane deformation induced by the feed spacer under high pressure presents a significant challenge to long-term operation of reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. This deformation alters the fluid hydraulic behavior within the feed channel and its underlying mechanism remains elusive. In this study, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was conducted to illustrate the impact of the feed spacer geometry on membrane deformation under high pressure and the resultant changes in hydraulic performances. The simulated results revealed that an increase in the mesh angle and a reduction in the filament diameter and length, led to a higher degree of membrane deformation. In addition, larger mesh angles and filament diameters, and shorter the filament lengths could significantly enhance the performance of the spiral wound membrane (SWM) module. This study provides an insight for the design of feed spacer to optimize the performance of reverse osmosis membrane module.

The alarmin, interleukin-33, increases vascular tone via extracellular signal regulated kinase-mediated Ca2+ sensitization and endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibition.

Alarmins are classified by their release from damaged or ruptured cells. Many alarmins have been found to increase vascular tone and oppose endothelium-dependent dilatation (EDD). Interleukin (IL)-33 plays a prominent role in lung injury and can be released during vascular injury and in chronic studies found to be cardioprotective. Our recent work has implicated IL-33 in acute vascular dysfunction following inhalation of engineered nanomaterials (ENM). However, the mechanisms linking IL-33 to vascular tone have not been interrogated. We therefore aimed to determine whether IL-33 directly influenced microvascular tone and endothelial function. Isolated feed arteries and in vivo arterioles from male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were used to determine direct vascular actions of IL-33. Mesenteric feed arteries and arterioles demonstrated reduced intraluminal diameters when treated with increasing concentrations of recombinant IL-33. IL-33 activated extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 of rat aortic smooth muscle cells but not phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase. This suggested IL-33may sensitize arterioles to Ca2+-mediated responses. Indeed, IL-33 augmented the myogenic- and phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction. Additionally, incubation of arterioles with 1ng IL-33 attenuated ACh-mediated EDD. Mechanistically, in human aortic endothelial cells, we demonstrate that IL-33-mediated ERK1/2 activation leads to inhibitory phosphorylation of serine 602 on endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Finally, we demonstrate that IL-33-ERK1/2 contributes to vascular tone following two known inducers of IL-33; ENM inhalation and the rupture endothelial cells. The present study provides novel evidence that IL-33 increases vascular tone via canonical ERK1/2 activation in microvascular smooth muscle and endothelium. Altogether, it is suggested IL-33 plays a critical role in microvascular homeostasis following barrier cell injury. KEY POINTS: Interleukin (IL)-33 causes a concentration-dependent reduction in feed artery diameter. IL-33 acts on vascular smooth muscle cells to augment Ca2+-mediated processes. IL-33 causes inhibitory phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and opposes endothelium-dependent dilatation. Engineered nanomaterial-induced lung injury and endothelial cell rupture in part act through IL-33 to mediate increased vascular tone.

Abstract 4136604: Efficacy of angiotensin receptor blockers in thoracic aortic aneurysm: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) poses a significant risk of aortic dissection and mortality. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been proposed as a potential therapeutic intervention to mitigate these risks but their effects are uncertain. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of ARBs in patients with TAA. Methods: A comprehensive search of Cochrane CENTRAL, Ovid Medline R, Pubmed, and Web of Science yielded 2563 records, from which 8 unique randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (including 7 Marfan and 1 bicuspid aortic valve+TAA populations) comprising 1575 patients were included in the analysis. The primary outcome measures were aortic dissection and all-cause mortality. Pooled risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD) in an inverse variance random-effects model were generated and analyses were performed with “meta” package in R (version 4.3.2). Results: Our analysis reveals no significant beneficial effect of ARBs on aortic dissection (RR 0,62 [95%CI, 0,20; 1,92], I 2 :0%) and all-cause mortality (RR 0,61 [95%CI, 0,18; 2,05], I 2 :0%), irrespective of specific ARB agents (including losartan, irbesartan, and telmisartan), comparators (beta blocker, placebo, or no treatment), disease condition (Marfan syndrome or bicuspid aortic valve), and patient demographics (children or adults). Additionally, there were no significant differences observed between ARB and control groups in changes in ascending aorta and aortic annulus diameter, as well as aortic Z-score at the 3-year mark, including the annual change in ascending aorta (MD 0.04 mm/year [95% CI, -0.07 to 0.15], I 2 :0%) and aortic root diameter (MD -0.06 mm/year [95% CI, -0.22 to 0.10], I 2 :81%) by echocardiography. However, there was a significant reduction in aortic root diameter as assessed by MRI (MD -0.48 mm/year [95%CI, -0.89 to -0.08]) and echocardiography (MD -0.51 mm/3year [95%CI, -0.85 to -0.17]), with low heterogeneity when compared with control. Risk of aortic surgery and severe adverse events were also comparable. Conclusion: We found no significant beneficial effect of ARBs in reducing the risk of aortic dissection or all-cause mortality in patients with TAA. Despite observing a significant reduction in the aortic root diameter by MRI and echocardiography with ARB therapy, other imaging outcomes were comparable between ARB and control groups.

Abstract 4119517: Association of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome with Cardiovascular Events after Mitral Transcatheter Edge-to-edge Repair

Background: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) following cardiovascular interventions is associated with adverse events during hospitalization and follow-up. Mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) is increasingly utilized for treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR). Hypothesis: It is unknown whether SIRS following M-TEER may occur and be associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Goals: to investigate the frequency and impact of SIRS following M-TEER on major cardiovascular events (MACE) and MR recurrence. Methods: A total of 158 consecutive patients with severe MR undergoing M-TEER were studied. SIRS was defined by leukocytosis (≥12×10 9 /L) and fever (T≥38 °C) within 48 hours after intervention. Baseline inflammation was measured by absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The primary endpoint of MACE was the composite of non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, and all-cause death. Recurrent MR at follow-up was also recorded. Results: The mean patient age was 80.8±8.8 years. 44 (27.9%) developed SIRS. NLR correlated with onset of leukocytosis and fever (p=0.04). During a median follow-up of 12.5±8.2 months, the primary endpoint occurred in 27 (17.1%) patients (6 MI, 5 strokes and 16 deaths). Patients with SIRS more often had severe MR (79.5% vs. 62.7%, p=0.02) and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling indicated by lack of reduction in end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) at follow-up (p=0.12 for SIRS-patients vs. p=0.0012 for non-SIRS patients). After adjustment for pertinent variables, SIRS (HR 3.24, CI 1.13-9.31, p=0.03) was independently associated with MACE. Conclusion: SIRS after M-TEER is a strong independent predictor of MACE. Closer follow-up is warranted as patients with SIRS have more severe MR and unfavorable LV remodeling at follow-up.

Abstract 4137693: CC-Chemokine Receptor 2 Inhibition Prevents Monocyte/Macrophages Recruitment in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Intro: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a prevalent condition in the elderly, with a significant risk of mortality if it ruptures. Despite this, there is currently no effective medical therapy to prevent AAA growth and rupture. The monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) / C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) axis appears to play a role in AAA development. We demonstrated the potential of CCR2 as a theranostic marker for predicting AAA rupture, along with the effectiveness of a CCR2 inhibitor (RS-504393) in mitigating rupture. We further hypothesized that CCR2 inhibition can impact monocytes/macrophages trafficking in aortic tissue. Mehtods: Sprague-Dawley rats (N=54) underwent intraluminal aortic exposure to porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) to induce aneurysmal degeneration. To stimulate AAA rupture, rats also recieved β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN). After 3 days of PPE exposure, a group of rats with AAA were administered a CCR2 inhibitor (CCR2i) either daily until the end of the study (CCR2i Full), or discontinued at day 5 (CCR2i Short), while the remaining rats proceeded without intervention (Fig1A). Ultrasound (12MHz) was performed at 7&amp;14 days to assess diameter, while another cohort of animals were euthanized at 6 days, prior to rupture, for single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. The relative content of inflammatory cells within the aortic tissue was analyzed. Results: Both CCR2i Short and CCR2i Full treated, exhibited a significant reduction in AAA diameter at day 7 and 14 compared to controls (p&lt;0.05; Fig1B&amp;C). Notably, rats treated with CCR2i Full did not experience any AAA ruptures, while controls had a 56% risk of rupture. In contrast, CCR2i Short delayed the occurrence of ruptures without reducing the rupture rate (p&lt;0.01; Fig1D). Single-cell RNA seq analysis of aortic tissue revealed that CCR2 inhibition led to a decrease in the number of recruited monocytes/macrophages. Cell recruitment was also relative to the duration of CCR2i treatment (Fig1E-G). Conclusions: Our study findings highlight the impact of CCR2-targeting in reducing AAA growth and the risk of rupture. Interestingly, length of CCR2i was a crucial variable for AAA rupture prevention. Furthermore, treatment length impacted the relative recruitment of monocytes/macrophages to AAA tissue, highlighting the role these cells in AAA disease pathology. Future analysis of CCR2+ inflammatory cell subgroups may help elucidate how CCR2 mechanistically modulates AAA progression and rupture risk.

Abstract 4121530: Comparison of Drug-Coated Balloon Versus Drug-Eluting Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred revascularization strategy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Drug-eluting stents (DES) are linked to higher risks of stent restenosis and stent thrombosis when implanted for AMI. Drug-coated balloons (DCB) provide a high concentration of anti-proliferative drugs over the target lesion without using the polymeric stent structures. The current literature comparing DCB to DES for AMI PCI is limited. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on the major electronic databases for studies comparing DCB to DES for AMI PCI. Mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were pooled using a random-effects model, and a p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 8 studies with 1401 AMI patients were included (545: DCB and 856: DES). The pooled analysis demonstrated that DCB was associated with significantly lower mean lumen diameter on follow-up [MD: -0.26; 95% CI: -0.47, -0.05; p=0.02] compared to DES. However, there was no statistically significant difference in mean in-stent late lumen loss [MD: 0.07; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.18], cardiovascular mortality [OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.35, 2.34], all-cause mortality [OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.25, 2.63], myocardial infarction [OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.36, 2.45], major adverse cardiovascular events [OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.47, 2.00], target lesion revascularization [OR: 1.59; 95% CI: 0.52, 4.87], and stent thrombosis [OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.05, 4.94]. Conclusion: In patients with AMI, PCI using DCB leads to a significant reduction in the minimum lumen diameter on follow-up compared to DES. No statistically significant difference was noted in mean in-stent late lumen loss, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, major adverse cardiovascular events, target vessel revascularization, and stent thrombosis. Further trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

Early evaluation of salt-stress tolerance of new released olive cultivars based on physiological and biomass allocation indicators

The evaluation of salt-tolerant olive tree genotypes released from breeding program has become intrinsic in order to develop sustainable agriculture in these regions. The current study aims to i) evaluate the tolerance of two new released olive cultivars (Zeitoun Ennour and Zeitoun Ennwader), issued from a Tunisian breeding program in comparison with the main olive cultivar ‘Chemlali Sfax’, and ii) identify suitable salt-tolerance indicators for this evaluation. The trial was conducted under controlled conditions in a greenhouse, for six months, and plants were irrigated with half-strength Hoagland nutrient solution containing NaCl at various levels (0, 75, 150 and 225 mM). Vegetative growth, biomass allocation and biochemical parameters were considered for the assessment of salt-tolerant capacity. Results revealed that growth and biomass should be considered as useful indicators for early evaluation method of salt-stress tolerance. ‘Chemlali Sfax’ displayed a gradual significant decrease of vegetative growth with increasing salinity. The reduction of shoot elongation and trunk diameter was most evidently at 150 mM with 43.2 % and 80.8 %, respectively. However, the new released cultivars showed unaffected vegetative growth, despite a slight decrease at the salt level of 225 mM. Moreover, results demonstrated the importance of certain physiological and biochemical indicators such as ions contents. The new released cultivars maintained a high K+/Na+ ratio at moderate salinity then a significant decrease occurred at 150 mM. In conclusion, vegetative growth, biomass allocation and K+/Na+ ratio seemed to be the suitable salt-tolerance indicators for early evaluation. Based on these indicators, ‘Zeitoun Ennour’ seems to be the most salt tolerant genotype and ‘Zeitoun Ennwader’ proves to have a similar salt tolerant capacity as ‘Chemlali Sfax’, which is a valuable information for olive growers in arid region.