Reduction In Blood Flow Research Articles

Soft‐Actuated Cuff Electrodes with Minimal Contact for Bidirectional Peripheral Interfaces

AbstractNeural interfaces with embedded electrical functions, such as cuff electrodes, are essential for monitoring and stimulating peripheral nerves. Still, several challenges remain with cuff electrodes because sutured devices can damage the nerve by high pressure and the secured contact of electrodes with the nerve is hard to accomplish, which however is essential in maintaining electrical performance. Here, a sutureless soft‐actuated cuff electrodes (SACE) that can envelop the nerve conveniently by creating a bent shape controlled upon fluid injection, is introduced. Moreover, fluid injection protrudes part of the device where electrodes are formed, thereby achieving minimized, soft but secure contact between the electrodes and the nerve. In vivo results demonstrate the successful recording and stimulation of peripheral nerves over time up to 6 weeks. While securing contact with the nerve, the implanted electrodes can preserve the nerve intact with no reduction in blood flow, thereby indicating only minimal compressive force applied to the nerve. The SACE is expected to be a promising tool for recording and stimulation of peripheral nerves toward bidirectional neuroprostheses.

Precision medicine in intestinal ischemia: the emerging role of biomarkers.

Intestinal ischemia (IIs) is a significant gastrointestinal condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the bowel, leading to inflammation and injury. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing severe complications. Under this point of view, circulating biomarkers can enhance patient stratification and guide therapeutic decisions. Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), specifically I-FABP and L-FABP, are small cytosolic proteins released upon enterocyte membrane integrity loss, with elevated plasma levels indicating early intestinal ischemia. Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1) regulates stem cell function and shows significantly higher levels in patients with IIs and cardiovascular disease compared to controls. D-Lactate, a bacterial fermentation byproduct, is another significant marker, with higher serum levels observed in intestinal ischemia cases. Alpha-glutathione S-transferase combats intracellular oxidative stress, with significantly elevated levels in acute mesenteric ischemia patients. Additionally, SM22, a small smooth muscle protein, shows higher plasma levels in patients with transmural ischemia compared to those with mucosal ischemic lesions and healthy controls. These biomarkers are promising for their roles in early detection and differentiation of IIs from other gastrointestinal conditions. Therapeutic strategies, including anti-inflammatory therapies, have shown efficacy in managing IIs symptoms and preventing recurrence. This review aims to inform clinicians and researchers about the current advancements in biomarker research and therapeutic approaches for IIs, emphasizing the importance of integrating these biomarkers and treatments into clinical practice to improve the management and prognosis of the disease.

Cerebral blood flow and arterial transit time responses to exercise training in older adults

Brain vascular health worsens with age, as is made evident by resting grey matter cerebral blood flow (CBFGM) reductions and lengthening arterial transit time (ATTGM). Exercise training can improve aspects of brain health in older adults, yet its effects on CBFGM and ATTGM remain unclear. This randomised controlled trial assessed responses of CBFGM and ATTGM to a 26 week exercise intervention in 65 healthy older adults (control: n = 33, exercise: n = 32, aged 60–81 years), including whether changes in CBFGM or ATTGM were associated with cognitive function changes. Multiple-delay pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling data were used to estimate resting global and regional CBFGM and ATTGM. Results showed no between-group differences in CBFGM or ATTGM following the intervention. However, exercise participants with the greatest cardiorespiratory gains (n = 17; ∆V̇O2peak >2 mL/kg/min) experienced global CBFGM reductions (-4.0 [-7.3, -0.8] mL/100 g/min). Cognitive functions did not change in either group and changes were not associated with changes in CBFGM or ATTGM. Our findings indicate that exercise training in older adults may induce global CBFGM reductions when high cardiorespiratory fitness gains are induced, but this does not appear to affect cognitive functions.

Surgical resection of a rare scalp arteriovenous malformation: a case report

Introduction and importance: Scalp arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are intricate vascular anomalies with abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the scalp, leading to serious complications and cosmetic concerns. Managing scalp AVMs is particularly complex in young female patients, where both functional and aesthetic outcomes are crucial. This case report highlights the successful treatment of a young woman with a scalp AVM, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach. Case presentation: A 30-year-old female presented with a pulsatile scalp mass and significant cosmetic concerns. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasonography, brain CT scan, MRI, and carotid CT angiogram, confirmed a scalp AVM. The patient underwent a comprehensive treatment plan beginning with endovascular embolization to reduce blood flow to the AVM, followed by surgical resection to remove the lesion. Postoperative follow-up showed a marked reduction in symptoms and lesion volume, with no complications observed. Clinical discussion: Scalp AVMs, though rare, require prompt diagnosis due to the risk of severe complications such as hemorrhage and cosmetic impact. In this case, a combination of ultrasonography, CT, and MRI provided a detailed assessment of the AVM. A multidisciplinary approach, involving interventional radiology and surgical expertise, was crucial for success. Endovascular embolization minimized intraoperative bleeding and simplified surgical resection, leading to significant symptom and cosmetic improvements. Continuous monitoring is essential for long-term success and early detection of recurrences. Conclusion: This case underscores the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach in managing scalp AVMs in young female patients. Early diagnosis through advanced imaging techniques enables timely and targeted intervention. The combined use of endovascular embolization and surgical resection led to significant symptom resolution and aesthetic enhancement. Collaboration among specialists is vital for optimizing outcomes, and ongoing research will further refine treatment strategies, improving the quality of life for patients with scalp AVMs.

035. Short-Term Outcomes for Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Non-Threatening Acute Limb Ischaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a rapid reduction in arterial blood flow to a limb, which may jeopardize its viability, particularly in sensory loss or motor impairment. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is the preferred treatment in numerous centers for patients with marginally threatening acute limb ischemia (ALI). This meta-analysis examined the short-term effects of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for patients with non-imminent limb ischemia. Methods: We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library to locate observational papers and trials published from 2014 up to early 2024 that report on the outcomes of CDT in patients with ALI. The outcome of this study was mortality rate, amputation rate, and major bleeding. We utilized R Studio to perform the meta-analysis. Results: Nine trials were included, involving 1,067 patients receiving CDT for non-imminent acute limb ischemia. Our results indicate that the pooled mean short-term amputation rate was 10% (95% CI [0.06; 0.15], p < 0.01), the major bleeding rate was 5% (95% CI [0.00; 0.09], p = 0.03), and the short-term death rate was 4% (95% CI [0.03; 0.06], p = 0.08). Our findings indicate a low incidence of short-term death, amputation, and major bleeding in patients undergoing CDT. Conclusion: This meta-analysis reveals a low incidence of short-term mortality, amputation, and major bleeding in patients undergoing Catheter-directed thrombolysis. Further investigations are necessary to determine if CDT should be utilized for the revascularization of limbs with non-urgent ischemia.

Skeletal muscle metabolic characteristics and fresh meat quality defects associated with wooden breast

Wooden breast (WB) is a myopathy that occurs in pectoralis major (PM) muscles, predominately affecting large, fast-growing broilers. Severe myodegeneration, increased hypoxia, reduced blood flow, and increased collagen deposition are hallmark characteristics of WB that culminate in unsatisfactory fresh meat quality attributes, such as poor water-holding capacity, tenderness, and processing characteristics. Therefore, WB meat is often downgraded resulting in economic losses for the United States poultry industry. Although WB has been well characterized, its etiology remains undefined. As the scientific community continues to resolve mechanisms responsible for WB onset, understanding biochemical changes associated with WB may facilitate solutions to negate its poor meat quality attributes. Given changes in metabolism of living muscle can alter biochemical processes during the conversion of muscle to meat, this review aims to summarize and discuss the current knowledge of WB muscle and meat biochemistry. For example, it appears metabolic pathways that support combating stress are upregulated in WB muscle at the expense of glycolytic flux, which presumably contributes to the high ultimate pH of WB meat. Further, perturbed function of WB mitochondria, such as altered calcium handling, impacts aspects of postmortem metabolism and proteolysis. Collectively, metabolic dysfunction of WB muscle alters the biochemical processes that occur during the conversion of muscle to meat, and thus contributes to the poor WB meat quality.

Ischemic Heart Disease; An Overview of Atypical Presentation & Misdiagnosis

Cardiovascular disease is considered to be one of the main causes of death worldwide. The most common cardiovascular disease is ischemic heart disease (IHD). The cause of IHD is coronary blood flow reduction therefore also known as “coronary heart disease”. Incidence of IHD has been increase worldwide. IHD symptoms and sign range from typical classic chest pain to atypical e.g., epigastric discomfort and seizure. Patients present with atypical picture been misdiagnosed, this lead in delay of providing the appropriate care and treatment which will lead to worse outcomes and even death. In this review we are aiming to study the different clinical pictures of IHD mainly atypical presentation so patient can be treated earlier. Also, we are studying risk factors associated with IHD so can be managed as long as possible.

Orofacial features and dental management of a pediatric patient with moyamoya disease-A one year follow up.

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic cerebrovascular disorder increasing stroke risk. This study presents a four-year-old MMD patient, discussing her multidisciplinary care plan including dental, behavioral, and medical management. It emphasizes the need for awareness among oral physicians and suggests further research due to the rising prevalence of MMD. Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic cerebrovascular disorder that narrows major blood vessels in the brain, reduces blood flow, and increases the risk of stroke. The purposes of this study were to: (1) present the case of a four-year-old patient diagnosed with MMD; (2) discuss important aspects of her multidisciplinary care plan involving dental, behavioral, and medical management; and (3) suggest approaches and recommendations for health care providers. A four-year-old Middle Eastern female diagnosed with MMD, neurogenic bladder, chronic constipation, hyperactivity, and delayed milestones presented to the dental clinic with her parents seeking dental care. The child was referred by a pediatric neurologist for dental care. In the present case, there were no specific oral manifestations. However, oral physicians should be aware of possible behavioral management modalities when providing dental care to pediatric patients, including those diagnosed with MMD.

Surgical management and outcomes of chronic mesenteric ischemia

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is a vascular condition resulting from atherosclerotic blockage of the mesenteric arteries, which reduces blood flow to the intestines. Though rare, CMI is critical to diagnose due to the risk of progression to acute mesenteric ischemia, which can be life-threatening. This review discusses the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic challenges of CMI, emphasizing the need for timely revascularization to improve patient outcomes. Both endovascular and open-surgical techniques are examined, with a focus on patient selection and procedural outcomes. Endovascular interventions, preferred for their lower morbidity, have shown promising results despite a higher risk of restenosis. Comprehensive management, including aggressive medical therapy and lifestyle modifications, remains essential to address the underlying atherosclerosis. Given the complexity of CMI, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment. This review emphasizes the significance of early diagnosis and customized treatments to improve the quality of life and survival rates in patients with CMI.

Surgical reduction of a high-flow dialysis fistula has long-term positive effects of the heart

Abstract Introduction Part of chronic haemodialysis patients develop a high-flow arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The volume overload caused by the presence of a high-flow AVF leads to increased cardiac output, dilation of cardiac chambers, increased pulmonary artery pressure or even to the development of high-output heart failure. Our previous data showed a positive effect of AVF flow-reducing surgery in 6 weeks follow-up. Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyse the long-term effect of AVF blood flow (Qa) reduction on cardiac structure and function. Methods We included patients with high-flow AVFs (defined as Qa over 1500 mL/min) indicated for blood flow reduction surgery for heart failure symptoms or pre-defined echocardiographic changes (left ventricular hypertrophy, severe secondary valvular regurgitations, or pulmonary hypertension). Echocardiography was performed one day before the surgery, the 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months thereafter. Qa was measured by ultrasound during the same visits. Results 27 patients were included, 20 men and 7 women, aged 57 ± 13 years. The procedure led to an immediate decrease in Qa. However, we observed failure of the procedure within 1 year in 8 (= 30%) patients defined by increased Qa back to pre-surgery values. Detailed results are displayed in Table 1. Estimated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure and left atrial volume remained significantly lower after 1 year despite the Qa rise. Effective cardiac output (= difference of cardiac output and Qa) rose immediately and remained increased during the follow-up period despite the increase in AVF blood flow. Conclusions We observed a long-time positive effect of AVF blood flow reduction surgery on the heart despite a significant Qa rise. The effective cardiac output remained increased despite the gradual increase of Qa, probably due to the adaptation of systemic arterioles.

Apolipoprotein C3-rich low-density lipoprotein (AC3RL) exacerbates cerebral ischaemic stroke injury by increasing BBB leakage via LOX-1

Abstract Background Ischaemic stroke causes the abrupt reduction or cessation of blood flow to the brain results in a cascade of events that can compromise blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. We revealed that an increase in apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3)-rich low-density lipoprotein (AC3RL) is associated with endothelial cell apoptosis and inflammatory responses, indicating that AC3RL is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular events. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) triggers a cascade of events within endothelial cells that leads to endothelial dysfunction. Purpose We aimed to investigate whether AC3RL affects BBB permeability via the LOX-1, and thus increases brain damage. Methods We collected the whole blood from normal and patients with ischaemic events and separated them by centrifugation. AC3RL were collected using FPLC. We performed middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery to induce ischaemic stroke using B6 (C57BL/6) and LOX-1-/- mice injected with AC3RL. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) and Evans blue stains were accessed to confirm brain injury and BBB permeability. Results FPLC results showed that patients with ischaemic events presented higher levels of AC3RL compared to normal people. TTC stain showed the increased area of ischaemic penumbra damage in B6 mice with AC3RL injection, and LOX-1-/- mice with AC3RL injection were significantly protected. Evans blue dye leakage was observed in the brain tissues of B6 mice with AC3RL injection. LOX-1-/- mice with AC3RL injection revealed a decrease in BBB permeability. The modified neurological severity score (mNSS) method revealed a significant rise in B6 mice with AC3RL injection, which suggested a decline in motor and nervous function. LOX-1-/- mice with AC3RL injection significantly improved in motor and neurological functioning. Conclusions We demonstrate that AC3RL, through its effects on LOX-1, is associated with an increased risk of BBB damage after stroke. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of AC3RL-LOX-1 interaction will be the main strategy to reduce severe brain damage. Figure 1: (A) AC3RL percentage (%) in individuals. Normal: healthy people, Ischemic event: patients who have experienced an ischemic event. **p < 0.001 vs. Normal group. (B, C) TTC stain of brain tissue after euthanasia to pinpoint the site of brain damage. The white portion of the mice brains indicated the site of the injury. (D, E) Evans blue dye leakage study in mice brains exhibited BBB permeability changes. (F) Assessment of mice's motor and neurological performance using the mNSS. Data are expressed as the mean ± SEM. **p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001 vs. sham group, ##p < 0.001 vs. B6 I.V. AC3RL group.Graphical abstractFigure 1.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

Keeping your brain sharp as you age has a lot to do with your heart — and the younger you start taking better care of it, the better — according to a new scientific statement published by the American Heart Association (AHA), CNN Health reported Oct. 10. “Dementia is commonly seen as an incurable and relentless disease that cannot be prevented,” said Fernando Testai, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of neurology and rehabilitation at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, in a statement. “Evidence shows, however, that adopting a healthy lifestyle and identifying and treating vascular risk factors early may help preserve normal brain function and reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias,” said Testai, who chaired the statement writing group. Nearly 130 million adults in the United States have some form of heart disease, according to the AHA. The disease also takes a toll on the brain. The narrowing of arteries that occurs with coronary heart disease and high blood pressure can reduce blood flow and cause damage to the small blood vessels in the brain, resulting in cognitive impairment, the AHA said. High blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes can also reduce blood flow to the brain and increase inflammation, leading to cognitive decline and dementia. Having coronary heart disease raises the risk of future dementia by 27% compared with people without heart disease, the AHA statement said.

Type 2 diabetes remodels collateral circulation and promotes leukocyte adhesion following ischemic stroke.

Blood flow and leukocyte imaging in awake mice by two-photon microscopy before and after stroke under physiological conditionsT2DM induces collateral remodeling prior to strokeT2DM reduces blood flow and impedes recovery in pial arteries and veins after ischemic strokePoor recovery of penetrating arterial flow and sustained deficit in microvascular flow after ischemic stroke in T2DM miceT2DM increases persistent leukocyte adhesion to endothelium of veins and elevates neutrophils infiltration into the brain parenchyma after ischemic stroke.

Intraoperative Hypotension Prediction: Current Methods, Controversies, and Research Outlook.

Intraoperative hypotension prediction has been increasingly emphasized due to its potential clinical value in reducing organ injury and the broad availability of large-scale patient datasets and powerful machine learning tools. Hypotension prediction methods can mitigate low blood pressure exposure time. However, they have yet to be convincingly demonstrated to improve objective outcomes; furthermore, they have recently become controversial. This review presents the current state of intraoperative hypotension prediction and makes recommendations on future research. We begin by overviewing the current hypotension prediction methods, which generally rely on the prevailing mean arterial pressure as one of the important input variables and typically show good sensitivity and specificity but low positive predictive value in forecasting near-term acute hypotensive events. We make specific suggestions on improving the definition of acute hypotensive events and evaluating hypotension prediction methods, along with general proposals on extending the methods to predict reduced blood flow and treatment effects. We present a start of a risk-benefit analysis of hypotension prediction methods in clinical practice. We conclude by coalescing this analysis with the current evidence to offer an outlook on prediction methods for intraoperative hypotension. A shift in research toward tailoring hypotension prediction methods to individual patients and pursuing methods to predict appropriate treatment in response to hypotension appear most promising to improve outcomes.

Exploring the effects of moxibustion on cognitive function in rats with multiple cerebral infarctions from the perspective of glial vascular unit repairing.

This study aimed to explore the effect of moxibustion at Governor Vessel (GV) acupoints, including Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24) and Dazhui (GV 14) for 14days on glial vascular unit (GVU) in rats with multiple microinfarctions (MMI), and to explore its action mechanism. The effect and mechanism of moxibustion on vascular dementia (VD) were studied in MMI rats by means of behavioral and molecular biology experiments. Rats receiving MMI showed impairment of memory function, reduction of cerebral blood flow, damage of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and increased brain mass. MMI also increased neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus. Notably, levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and complement component 3 significantly increased, but those of Connexin43 (CX43) and platelet derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) significantly decreased in the hippocampus of the rats receiving MMI. Moxibustion, as well as oxiracetam (ORC) treatment improved memory function and neuronal degeneration, ameliorated BBB integrity, increased cerebral blood flow and decreased brain mass. In addition, moxibustion as well as oxiracetam (ORC) treatment reduced the decrease of CX43 protein and increased PDGFRβ protein level in the hippocampus of MMI rats. Moreover, moxibustion treatment reversed MMI-induced increase of the GFAP/CX43 ratio in vascular structural units. Importantly, after PDGFRβ inhibition, VD rats treated with moxibustion had impaired learning and memory, decreased cerebral blood flow, and BBB disruption. Moxibustion treatment at various GV acupoints improved cerebral blood flow and repaired BBB function in rats with MMI, likely through protecting GVU.

How Much We Know about Dolicoarteriopathies

Vertebral and carotid artery dolicoarteriopathies, including elongation, kinking, and coiling, are linked to various cerebrovascular dysfunctions. Kinking, categorized by Metz, et al. is graded by angle severity: Grade 1 (90° - 60°), Grade 2 (60° - 30°), and Grade 3 (< 30°). In Grades 2 and 3, reduced blood flow heightens ischemic risk, contributing to hemodynamic instability and cerebrovascular insufficiency. While most symptomatic cases undergo endovascular or surgical correction, some patients with severe kinking remain asymptomatic, questioning current understanding. In 150 cases of carotid or vertebral artery kinking, we observed stenosis in symptomatic patients, differing from the expected arterial enlargement seen in dolicoarteriopathies. This suggests two potential kinking types: stenotic and enlarged. A notable case presented bilateral Grade 3 internal carotid artery kinking, with right-sided stenosis and cerebral hypoperfusion, yet left-sided transient ischemic attacks occurred. This finding challenges existing classifications and suggests further investigation is warranted.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement and the value of increasing treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis: a plain language summary

Plain Language Summary What is this summary about? This article summarizes an economic evaluation of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a treatment for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (SSAS). SSAS occurs when the aortic valve, which allows blood to leave the heart, becomes very narrow. This reduces blood flow to the body, causing symptoms like tiredness, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting. Treating SSAS requires replacing the valve. Untreated SSAS results in heart failure and death. Before TAVR, SSAS patients had two options, medical management and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Medical management helps with symptoms but does not replace the valve, leading patients to eventually die from SSAS. SAVR replaces the valve through open-heart surgery, which is invasive, involving making a large cut through the chest bone. Concerns about this invasiveness led many patients to avoid SAVR, leaving their SSAS untreated. TAVR was introduced in 2010. It is less invasive than SAVR, involving inserting a new valve through a small cut in the leg. TAVR has become popular and twice as many patients now undergo TAVR compared to SAVR. We measure TAVR’s net benefits as the value of its health benefits minus its healthcare costs. We measure these net benefits in three patient groups aged 65 and above in the United States. Group 1 patients are ineligible for SAVR, so TAVR is their only treatment option. Group 2 patients would have received SAVR if TAVR were not available. Group 3 patients are eligible for SAVR but concerned about its invasiveness, and so would have stayed untreated without TAVR. Economic evaluation: A type of study that measures the benefits and costs of a treatment like TAVR and judges whether the benefits are sufficiently large to justify the costs (or put another way, whether the technology represents good value-for-money). Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): Replacement of the aortic valve in SSAS patients using a thin tube called a catheter that enters the body through a small cut near the leg and delivers and installs a valve replacement. New treatment option for SSAS from 2010 onwards. A minimally invasive treatment. Aortic stenosis (AS): A heart condition where a heart valve called the aortic valve becomes very narrow, forcing the heart to work harder and limiting blood flow to the rest of the body. Severe Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis (SSAS): Severe form of AS when the narrowing of the aortic valve is significant and accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. What were the key takeaways? Net benefits per patient are significant in all groups, roughly equal in groups 1 and 2, and over six times larger in group 3. When net benefits are added up across patients, group 3’s total net benefit is 30 times larger than that of groups 1 and 2 combined. What are the main conclusions? Past studies ignored TAVR’s value in helping treat patients who might go untreated because of concerns over SAVR’s invasiveness. But this is TAVR’s largest value to SSAS patients. Our findings support continuing and increasing access to TAVR among SSAS patients, especially those who may go untreated because of concerns about invasive treatment. Aortic valve: One of the four heart valves. It connects the left side of the heart with the aorta, which is the large artery carrying oxygen-rich blood to the body. The aortic valve controls blood flow into the aorta, ensuring it moves in one direction. Medical management (MM): Involves medication and monitoring of SSAS patients but no treatment in the form of valve replacement. Associated with high risk of death. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR): Replacement of the aortic valve in SSAS patients through open heart surgery. The sole treatment option for SSAS before 2010. A highly invasive treatment given its use of open-heart surgery. This is an abstract of the Plain Language Summary of Publication article. View the full Plain Language Summary PDF of this article to read the full-text Link to original article here

A lumped parameter modelling study of cerebral autoregulation in normal pressure hydrocephalus suggests the brain chooses to be ischemic

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is associated with a reduction in cerebral blood flow and an ischemic metabolic state. Ischemia should exhaust the available autoregulation in an attempt to correct the metabolic imbalance. There is evidence of some retained autoregulation reserve in NPH. The aim of this study is to model the cerebral autoregulation in NPH to discover a solution to this apparent paradox. A lumped parameter model was developed utilizing the known limits of autoregulation in man. The model was tested by predicting the cerebral blood volume changes which would be brought about by changes in resistance. NPH and the post shunt state were then modeled using the known constraints provided from the literature. The model successfully predicted the cerebral blood volume changes brought about by altering the cerebral perfusion pressure to the limit of autoregulation. The model suggests that NPH is associated with a balanced increase in resistance within the arterial and venous outflow segments. The arterial resistance decreased after modelling shunt insertion. The model suggests that the cerebral blood flow is actively limited in NPH by arteriolar constriction. This may occur to minimize the rise in ICP by reducing the apparent CSF formation rate.

Treatment of Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Ischemic Heart Diseases: Hypoxia

When traditional methods fall short in treating ischemic heart diseases caused by reduced blood flow to the heart due to narrowed coronary arteries, alternative solutions such as cellular therapies are thought. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are advantageous due to their ease of isolation, migration, and immunomodulatory properties. Preconditioning, which involves regulating cell functions through external stimuli, enhances the effectiveness of cellular therapy. Hypoxia, known as oxygen deprivation, is known to regulate cell survival, migration, and differentiation capabilities. This review explores the current state and future of hypoxia preconditioning in enhancing the therapeutic effects of stem cells.

Exploring the effects of yoga on dysmenorrhea: A narrative review

ABSTRACT Dysmenorrhea, commonly known as menstrual pain, is characterized by painful uterine cramps during menstruation and significantly impacts a woman’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Elevated prostaglandin levels cause dysrhythmic uterine contractions, reducing blood flow, leading to uterine hypoxia, and producing anaerobic metabolites that activate pain receptors. This study aims to review the effectiveness of yoga as an alternative treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. A search of English-language literature published from 2010 to 2023 was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords “Yoga” AND “Menstrual Pain” OR “Dysmenorrhea.” The inclusion criteria were limited to randomized controlled trials examining the impact of yoga on dysmenorrhea symptoms. From 111 identified studies, 6 met the selection criteria and were included in the review. The review investigates yoga’s potential to alleviate primary dysmenorrhea’s physical and mental health effects. The literature indicates that yoga, including asanas, pranayama, and Yoga Nidra, is effective in reducing dysmenorrhea symptoms. Findings suggest that various yoga practices can significantly reduce menstrual pain and discomfort, improving overall health outcomes. However, the reviewed studies have limitations, such as small sample sizes and variations in study design. To establish yoga as an evidence-based solution for menstrual health issues, further research with rigorous scientific methods and larger sample sizes is needed. More high-quality trials focusing on a yogic approach are necessary to confirm yoga’s effectiveness as a primary management option for women with primary dysmenorrhea.