Volume Reduction Research Articles

Effect of renal dialysis session on novel echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricle in patients with end-stage renal disease

Abstract Introduction Chronic heart disease is among the leading causes of end-stage renal disease (ESR). On the other hand, patients with ESR undergoing dialysis demonstrate often subclinically impaired left and/or right ventricular function according to small studies, and higher prevalence of chronic heart disease. However, data regarding the effect of renal dialysis on novel echocardiographic parameters among renal dialysis patients remain limited.The purpose of our study, was to study the effect of renal dialysis on novel echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricle. Methods All 50 patients (14 females) of mean age 62.9 years undergoing renal dialysis in our kidney unit regularly were included in our study. Blood pressure, heart rate and weight measurements and heart echocardiogram with measurement of LV GLS, RV GLS, RV FWS, LA ResS, E/e’ ratio, Right Ventricular Systolic pressure (PASP) and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, before and after renal dialysis session, were carried out. Results Mean values of body weight (79,9 vs 77,6 kg), heart rate (74,2 vs 73,5 bpm) and blood pressure (131,5/80,6 vs 123,5/76,9 mmHg) were as expected statistically significant reduced after renal dialysis (p<0,001). Values of PASP (36,1 vs 27,8 mmHg), E/e’ ratio (14 vs 12,5) and IVC diameter (1,6 vs 1,3 cm), were statistically significant reduced after renal dialysis (p<0,001). Furthermore, values of RV GLS (-19,3 vs -20,3 %), RV FWS (-21,2 vs -22,6 %) and LA ResS (29,6 vs 30,7%), were statistically significant improved after renal dialysis session (p <0,001), while LV GLS depicted a minor improvement (-17,9% vs 18,2%) not statistically significant. Conclusion In conclusion, renal dialysis session had a beneficial effect on novel echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricle (RV GLS, RV FWS, LA ResS) due to improvement of hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, PASP and IVC diameter) and intravascular volume reduction. Larger clinical studies should be organized to further investigate the effect of renal dialysis on those parameters and the underlying mechanisms in the chronic setting of hemodialysis.

Clinically Relevant and Precisely Printable Live Adipose Tissue-Based Bio-Ink for Volumetric Soft Tissue Reconstruction.

Autologous fat is widely used in soft tissue reconstruction; however, significant volume reduction owing to necrosis and degradation of the transplanted adipose tissue (AT) remains a major challenge. To address this issue, a novel live AT micro-fragment-based bio-ink (ATmf bio-ink) compatible with precision 3D printing, is developed. Live AT micro-fragments of ≈280µm in size are prepared using a custom tissue micronizer and they are incorporated into a fibrinogen/gelatin mixture to create the ATmf bio-ink. AT micro-fragments exhibit high viability and preserve the heterogeneous cell population and extracellular matrix of the native AT. The developed bio-ink enables precise micropatterning and provides an excellent adipo-inductive microenvironment. AT grafts produced by co-printing the bio-ink with polycaprolactone demonstrate a 500% improvement in volume retention and a 300% increase in blood vessel infiltration in vivo compared with conventional microfat grafts. In vivo engraftment of AT grafts is further enhanced by using a stem cell-laden ATmf bio-ink. Last, it is successfully demonstrated that the bio-ink is enabled for the creation of clinically relevant and patient-specific AT grafts for patients undergoing partial mastectomy. This novel ATmf bio-ink for volumetric soft tissue reconstruction offers a pioneering solution for addressing the limitations of existing clinical techniques.

Synergistic Anti-Tumor Effects of Newcastle Disease Virus and Doxorubicin: Evidence from A Murine Breast Cancer Model

BackgroundDespite the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional therapies. Virotherapy has emerged as a promising cancer treatment strategy, leveraging the ability of viruses to specifically target and replicate in cancerous cells. This study evaluated the oncolytic potential of a combined therapeutic strategy, utilizing Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and Doxorubicin hydrochloride (Dox) both in vitro and in vivo. MethodsThe in vitro experiments involved exposing human and mouse TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and 4T1, respectively) to NDV and Dox, individually or in combination. Cell viability assays and flow cytometry analyses were conducted to assess the synergistic effects of NDV and Dox on regulating breast cancer cell behavior in vitro. Furthermore, the immune-stimulating potential of NDV was investigated by examining its effects on dendritic cell (DC) maturation using flow cytometry and T cell proliferation. The in vitro anti-tumor effects of NDV were examined in both parental and tamoxifen-resistant cancer cells to assess its efficacy against chemoresistance. Animal models of breast cancer were treated with NDV in combination with Dox. The body weight changes, tumor volume, and survival rates of the mice were monitored throughout the study. Histopathological analyses were conducted to evaluate the potential toxic effects of the treatments. ResultsBased on the MTT results, NDV at optimal concentrations synergized the effect of Dox to reduce the viability of both MDA-MB231 and 4T1 cell lines (Isobologram combination index of less than 1). Additionally, individual treatment with NDV was able to significantly reduce the viability of patient-derived breast cancer cells, compared to the untreated control (P < 0.05) without affecting the cells of normal adjacent tissue. Furthermore, a combination of NDV and Dox significantly enhanced the percentage of early and late apoptotic cells in MDA-MB-231 (P < 0.0001) and late apoptotic cells in 4T1 (P < 0.0001), in comparison with individual treatment with these agents. Flow cytometry results showed that, compared to wild type MDA-MB-231 cells, NDV-infected MDA-MB-231 cells were better inducers of T cell proliferation and DC maturation as evidenced by increased proliferation index (P < 0.05) and elevated expression of CD1a, CD83, and CD86 (P < 0.0001), respectively. Moreover, co-treatment of both wild-type and (tamoxifen) TAM-resistant MCF-7/TAMR-1 cells with TAM and NDV significantly reduce the viability of the cancer cells (P < 0.0001). In tumor-bearing mice locally engrafted with 4T1 cells, combined treatment of NDV and Dox exhibited a marked reduction in median tumor volume compared to the control group, validating our in vitro findings on their synergistic anti-tumor effects. These findings suggest that combining NDV with Dox can effectively inhibit tumor progression and has the potential to reduce the dose, and consequently the toxic side-effects, of Dox in breast cancer therapy.

Practical implications of adding powdered activated carbon in advanced wastewater treatment for process and plant design

ABSTRACT The addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) in advanced wastewater treatment is increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in removing micropollutants from secondary effluents. This study investigates the implications of PAC dosing on treatment performance, particularly in terms of natural and effluent organic matter (OM) removal, turbidity reduction, and sludge characteristics. Results indicate that while PAC incorporation significantly enhances the adsorption of OM, it necessitates higher coagulant dosages to achieve comparable or improved turbidity levels. The study also reveals that lower pH levels facilitate the removal of OM, thereby increasing the availability of adsorption sites on PAC for micropollutants. Moreover, PAC addition results in the formation of larger, denser flocs that settle faster, leading to a reduction in sludge volume by approximately 20%. However, the increased coagulant demand and the subsequent rise in sludge volume highlight the need for the optimized process design to balance treatment efficiency with operational costs. This research provides valuable insights for the design and operation of wastewater treatment plants, emphasizing the importance of tailored coagulant dosing and process adjustments when integrating PAC into existing treatment frameworks.

Delineating three distinct spatiotemporal patterns of brain atrophy in Parkinson's disease.

The clinical manifestation of Parkinson's disease exhibits significant heterogeneity in the prevalence of non-motor symptoms and the rate of progression of motor symptoms, suggesting that Parkinson's disease can be classified into distinct subtypes. In this study, we aimed to explore this heterogeneity by identifying a set of subtypes with distinct patterns of spatiotemporal trajectories of neurodegeneration. We applied Subtype and Stage Inference (SuStaIn), an unsupervised machine learning algorithm that combined disease progression modelling with clustering methods, to cortical and subcortical neurodegeneration visible on 3 T structural MRI of a large cross-sectional sample of 504 patients and 279 healthy controls. Serial longitudinal data were available for a subset of 178 patients at the 2-year follow-up and for 140 patients at the 4-year follow-up. In a subset of 210 patients, concomitant Alzheimer's disease pathology was assessed by evaluating amyloid-β concentrations in the CSF or via the amyloid-specific radiotracer 18F-flutemetamol with PET. The SuStaIn analysis revealed three distinct subtypes, each characterized by unique patterns of spatiotemporal evolution of brain atrophy: neocortical, limbic and brainstem. In the neocortical subtype, a reduction in brain volume occurred in the frontal and parietal cortices in the earliest disease stage and progressed across the entire neocortex during the early stage, although with relative sparing of the striatum, pallidum, accumbens area and brainstem. The limbic subtype represented comparative regional vulnerability, which was characterized by early volume loss in the amygdala, accumbens area, striatum and temporal cortex, subsequently spreading to the parietal and frontal cortices across disease stage. The brainstem subtype showed gradual rostral progression from the brainstem extending to the amygdala and hippocampus, followed by the temporal and other cortices. Longitudinal MRI data confirmed that 77.8% of participants at the 2-year follow-up and 84.0% at the 4-year follow-up were assigned to subtypes consistent with estimates from the cross-sectional data. This three-subtype model aligned with empirically proposed subtypes based on age at onset, because the neocortical subtype demonstrated characteristics similar to those found in the old-onset phenotype, including older onset and cognitive decline symptoms (P < 0.05). Moreover, the subtypes correspond to the three categories of the neuropathological consensus criteria for symptomatic patients with Lewy pathology, proposing neocortex-, limbic- and brainstem-predominant patterns as different subgroups of α-synuclein distributions. Among the subtypes, the prevalence of biomarker evidence of amyloid-β pathology was comparable. Upon validation, the subtype model might be applied to individual cases, potentially serving as a biomarker to track disease progression and predict temporal evolution.

Resistance Training Prescription During Planned Deloading Periods: A Survey of Strength and Conditioning Coaches Across Varying Sporting Codes.

De Marco, K, Goods, PSR, Baldwin, KM, Hiscock, DJ, and Scott, BR. Resistance training prescription during planned deloading periods: A survey of strength and conditioning coaches across varying sporting codes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The aim of this study was to investigate the resistance training (RT) prescription practices of strength and conditioning coaches throughout 4 common planned deloading periods (taper, competitive season, tournament, and travel). An anonymous online survey was shared globally to coaches, with data from 204 subjects included in analysis (current level of athlete coached: world class n = 68, elite/international n = 62, highly trained n = 64, trained n = 10). Coaches only provided answers about prescription for deloading periods, which they reported encountering. Where a coach indicated not prescribing RT for specific deloading periods, they detailed any barriers preventing RT prescription. Weekly deload RT prescription was typically reported as follows: 1-2 sessions, 30-60 minutes, 1-3 sets, 1-6 repetitions, and between 60 and 84% 1 repetition maximum. Most coaches reported decreasing volume during all deloading periods (taper: 89.1% [163/183 respondents], competitive season: 70.4% [133/189], tournament: 84.1% [74/88], travel: 74.6% [88/118]), with the most common reduction in RT volume reported as 0-25%. Most coaches also decreased intensity during a taper (52.9% [82/155]), tournament (54.8% [40/73]), and travel (53.6% [52/97]), with a 0-25% reduction the most common. Travel had the highest incidence of coaches not prescribing RT (38.5% [75/195]). The most cited barriers by these subjects were "scheduling/time" (60.0% [45/75]) and "lack of equipment and facilities" (57.3% [43/75]), which were also common in other periods. To address common barriers experienced by coaches, researchers should investigate time-efficient RT strategies requiring minimal equipment for periods of planned deloading to maintain training stimulus.

Assessing the impact of a large multi-purpose reservoir on flood control under moderate and extreme flood conditions

ABSTRACT This study offers a detailed examination of the Eupen dam’s role in flood mitigation in Belgium’s Vesdre valley, analysing 18 moderate and extreme flood events from 1995-2022. Notable aspects of the methodology include adjustments for an ungauged sub-basin and a mass-balance approach to compute the unknown outflow data from the inflow time-series and reservoir level data. These 18 events evidence the dam’s performance hitherto, with respect to peak discharge attenuation (9-91%), peak delay (0-68 hours), outflow volume reduction (2-94%), as well as discharge reductions associated with various return periods (38-51%), given its multipurpose objectives. The research details how the dam’s effectiveness varies with operational decisions and antecedent reservoir conditions, marking a departure from conventional studies that tend to generalise data across multiple dams and events. By focusing on individual events, the study provides insights into the nuanced interplay between dam operations and flood management, demonstrating the benefits and limitations of multi-purpose reservoirs in flood control.

Borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in adolescents: protocol for a comparative study of borderline personality disorder with and without comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (BORDERSTRESS-ADO)

BackgroundBorderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a prevalent and debilitating psychiatric condition often accompanied by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with a substantial prevalence of trauma history among affected individuals. The clinical, cognitive, and cerebral parallels shared with PTSD suggest a trauma-related etiology for BPD. Studies consistently demonstrate a reduction in hippocampal volume in individuals with BPD, echoing findings in PTSD. However, the interpretation of this shared neurobiological profile remains contentious, with ongoing debates regarding the independence of these pathologies or the potential exacerbation of diminished hippocampal volume in BPD due to concurrent PTSD. Differential impacts on hippocampal subfields across both disorders may further complicate interpretation, suggesting the volume of hippocampal subfields as a potential discriminant biomarker. This study aims to characterize the multidimensional specific and shared profiles of BPD and PTSD-related alterations, with a particular emphasis on hippocampal subfields during adolescence, a crucial period in BPD development.MethodsThis study focuses on female adolescents, who are more prevalent in the BPD population. Participants are categorized into three groups: BPD, BPD with comorbid PTSD, and a control group of matched healthy individuals. Data collection encompasses clinical, cognitive, and neuroimaging domains commonly affected in both disorders, utilizing various imaging markers (including gray matter macrostructure, white matter microstructural integrity, and regional functional connectivity).DiscussionThis study examines adolescent BPD with and without comorbid PTSD on clinical, neuroimaging, and cognitive levels. It is the first to use a comprehensive multi-modal approach within the same sample. Additionally, it uniquely explores hippocampal subfield volume differences in adolescents. Analysis of the relationship between the investigated domains and the effects of PTSD comorbidity will elucidate specific and shared alteration profiles in both disorders.Trial registrationIDRCB number 2019-A00366-51 / clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT0485274. Registered on 21/04/2021.

Salvianolic acid B improves the microcirculation in a mouse model of sepsis through a mechanism involving the platelet receptor CD226.

Salvianolic acid B (SalB) demonstrates diverse clinical applications, particularly in cardiovascular and cerebral protection. This study primarily investigated the effects of SalB on sepsis. The model of sepsis via caecal ligation puncture (CLP) was established in male C57BL/6 mice. Therapeutic effects of SalB on hepatic and pulmonary injury, inflammatory responses and microcirculatory disturbances in sepsis were evaluated. Platelet aggregation and adhesion were measured via flow cytometry and an adhesion test. After overexpression of platelet-related activating molecules by 293T cells, the efficient binding of SalB and platelet CD226 molecules was further evaluated. Finally, neutralizing antibody experiments were used to assess the mechanism of SalB in alleviating the progression of sepsis. SalB mitigated hepatic and pulmonary impairments, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels and enhanced mesenteric microvascular blood flow in septic mice. SalB enhanced CLP-induced reduction of platelet count and platelet pressure cumulative volume. SalB reduced platelet adhesion to endothelial cells and platelet aggregation to leukocytes. A high binding efficiency was observed between SalB and the platelet adhesion molecule CD226. Ex vivo, interactions between SalB and platelets from CD226-knockout mice were markedly decreased. In vivo administration of CD226 neutralizing antibodies significantly delayed disease progression and enhanced mesenteric microcirculation in septic mice. In our murine model of sepsis, treatment with SalB improved the microcirculatory disturbance and hindered the progression of sepsis by inhibiting platelet CD226 function. Our results suggest SalB is a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of sepsis.

Post-operative care for patients following surgical treatment of lymphedema.

Surgical treatments are promising for the treatment of lymphedema. It is important for patients, healthcare providers, and lymphedema community to understand that surgical treatments currently are not a cure for lymphedema but have provided promising options for patients. Post-operative care for patients following surgical treatment of lymphedema is vital to optimize and sustain patient outcomes. This expert-consensus statement addresses current practice and research needs for standardized post-operative care, a core set of outcome measures, quality of care, and training of healthcare providers. Current research and clinical practice support non-surgical lymphedema therapy, also known as conservative therapy of lymphedema (e.g., compression therapy, or manual lymph drainage, or Complete Decongestive Therapy) as an essential part of post-operative care. Importantly, patient education should focus on patients' understanding that surgery is not a cure and the importance to adhere to post-operative care and life-long self-monitoring to sustain surgical results of limb volume reduction, relief of symptoms, and mitigate known or ongoing risk factors for recurrence of lymphedema. To optimize patient outcomes, it is crucial to have a multidisciplinary professional team consisting of well-qualified and credentialed healthcare providers participating in ongoing training and education. The essentials recommended by this expert-consensus are an initial and foundational step to build clinical standards for best practice and provide directions for future research.

Integrin alpha1 beta1 promotes interstitial fibrosis in a mouse model of polycystic kidney disease.

Fibrosis is the cause of end-stage kidney failure in patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). The molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in fibrosis are complex and anti-fibrotic therapies have so far failed to make an impact on patient welfare. Using unbiased proteomics analysis on the Pkd1 nl/nl mouse, we found that expression of the integrin α1 subunit is increased in this model of ADPKD. In human ADPKD tissue and two single cell RNA kidney disease datasets, ITGA1 was also upregulated. To investigate the functional role of this integrin subunit in ADPKD, we generated a Pkd1 nl/nl Itga1 -/- mouse. We observed a significant reduction in kidney volume and kidney dysfunction in mice lacking the integrin α1 subunit. Kidneys from Pkd1 nl/nl Itga1 -/- mice had smaller cysts and reduced interstitial expansion and tubular atrophy. Picrosirius red staining identified a restriction in collagen staining in the interstitium and the myofibroblast marker α smooth muscle actin was also downregulated. Myofibroblast cell proliferation was reduced in Pkd1 nl/nl Itga1 -/- mice and primary fibroblast cultures demonstrated an abrogated fibrogenic phenotype in integrin α1-depleted fibroblasts. These results highlight a previously unrecognised role for the integrin α1 subunit in kidney fibrosis.

Potential Application of Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) on Bandung City Roads

This research investigates the potential implementation of Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) in Bandung City, Indonesia, focusing on its effectiveness in reducing traffic congestion. The study employs a quantitative approach using a survey method, experiments, and statistical analyses to evaluate ERP's impact on road traffic performance and cost efficiency. The research design includes traffic volume analysis, vehicle operating costs, and data collection through questionnaires from Bandung residents selected randomly. The research subjects include frequent road users in congested areas, and the study was conducted in 2023. Using binary logistic regression, the results show significant shifts in road user behavior, with reductions in traffic volumes of 33% on Jalan Sukajadi, 38% on Jalan Dr. Djunjunan, and 23% on Jalan Terusan Jakarta. Additionally, ERP was found to improve cost efficiency in traffic management. The study concludes that ERP is a promising solution for managing congestion in Bandung, with broader implications for other congested cities in Indonesia.

Teverelix is a potential treatment option for the prevention of acute urinary retention recurrence in men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of teverelix in treatment naïve patients aged over 50years with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and to explore teverelix' potential in preventing AUR secondary to BPH with the aim to inform a planned Phase 2 trial. This Phase 2, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved BPH patients with an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥ 13 and uroflow < 13mL/sec. After a 4-week single-blind placebo run-in, patients were randomized to receive teverelix 60mg (n = 41) or placebo (n = 40) subcutaneously on day 1 and day 3. The primary endpoint was IPSS reduction at end of treatment period (Week 16); secondary endpoints included uroflow, prostate volume (PV), pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, quality of life (QoL), and safety. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance with α set at 0.05. At Week 16, teverelix significantly reduced IPSS by a mean of 6.3 (SD: ± 3.9) versus 1.1 (SD: ± 2.9) for placebo. By Week 2, teverelix showed a mean IPSS reduction of 13.0% compared to 3.8% for placebo, reaching 34.5% by Week 16 versus 5.2% for placebo. Clinically relevant IPSS reductions were observed in 44% of teverelix patients by Week 2, increasing to 83% by Week 12. Teverelix also achieved a significant 11% reduction in PV within 4weeks, improved maximum urinary flow rate, and enhanced QoL scores. Teverelix shows potential as an effective, well-tolerated treatment for LUTS secondary to BPH, with rapid and sustained benefits. The significant prostate volume reduction suggests that teverelix may help prevent recurrent AUR, warranting further dedicated studies.

Safety and efficacy of transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate versus bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transurethral holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) compared to bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (bTUR-P) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A total of 220 BPH patients hospitalized from January 2022 to September 2023 were included in this study. These patients were randomly assigned to HoLEP and bTUR-P groups, with 110 participants in each group. We collected preoperative general information, perioperative data, complications, and postoperative follow-up indicators from both groups of patients. The baseline characteristics of patients in both groups were similar, with no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Compared to the bTUR-P group, the HoLEP group exhibited significantly less intraoperative bleeding (P < 0.001), shorter bladder irrigation time (P = 0.002), shorter catheter retention time (P < 0.001), and reduced postoperative hospitalization (P = 0.002). Additionally, the pain score during urination after catheter removal was significantly lower in the HoLEP group (P < 0.001). Postoperative complications occurred in both groups; however, they were less frequent in the HoLEP group (4 cases), primarily consisting of urinary retention and postoperative bleeding. The bTUR-P group experienced more complications (9 cases). Significant reductions in postoperative residual urine volume (RUV) were observed in both groups (P < 0.001). Both groups also showed significant improvements in Quality of Life (QoL) scores and International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), with the HoLEP group demonstrating a more significant decrease in IPSS (P < 0.001). After comprehensive evaluation, HoLEP was superior to bTUR-P in terms of safety and efficacy. Therefore, HoLEP may be a preferable choice for the treatment of BPH.

Effect of Electrode Positioning on Electrokinetic Remediation of Contaminated Soft Clay with Surface Electrolyte.

Soft clay contamination is an increasingly global issue with significant implications for land development and human health. Electrokinetic remediation (EKR) has demonstrated significant potential for cleaning contaminated soils. It is crucial to develop efficient processes that minimize environmental impact and reduce costs. A series of citric acid (CA)-enhanced EKR tests were conducted using a novel experimental setup, with the electrolyte positioned above the soil surface, to examine the impact of four different electrode arrangements on the effectiveness of EKR. The position of the electrode end had a significant impact on the migration of ions in the anolyte and catholyte, which in turn affected the volume reduction in the anolyte, the magnitude of the current, and the migration of heavy metals. The electrode arrangement mode c (electrodes suspended in the electrolytes) can enhance the migration of the anolyte and reduce the drainage of the soil, making it an effective measure for improving the removal rate of heavy metals. After the heavy metal remediation is complete, the bearing capacity of the soil should be increased. Changing the electrode arrangement to mode d (anode suspended in the anolyte, a very small part of the cathode inserted into the soil) is an effective measure for reducing the soil water content and improving soil strength.

Exploring the hemodynamic behavior of residual aneurysms after coiling and clipping: A computational flow dynamic analysis

Background: Residual intracranial aneurysms post-clipping or coiling pose a poorly established risk of rupture. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) offers insights into hemodynamic changes following such interventions. This study aims to assess hemodynamic parameters in residual aneurysms pre- and post-treatment with surgical clips or coils using CFD. Methods: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients between January 2015 and January 2024 was conducted. Digital subtraction angiography images were reconstructed using 3D modeling techniques, and hemodynamic parameters were analyzed with ANSYS® software. Results: Six aneurysms were analyzed: Five unruptured and one ruptured. The aneurysms were located at the basilar apex (2), middle cerebral artery bifurcation (2), and origin of the posterior communicating artery (2). Post-treatment, there was a significant reduction in both aneurysm area (median reduction of 33.73%) and volume (median reduction of 25.3%). Five of the six cases demonstrated fewer low wall shear stress (WSS) areas, which could indicate a reduction in regions prone to thrombus formation and diminished risk of rupture. In the unruptured aneurysms, there was a median increase of 137.6% in average WSS. Notably, the only case with increased low WSS area also had the highest increase in average WSS. One basilar artery aneurysm showed increased WSS across all parameters, suggesting a higher rupture risk. Conclusion: The increase in average and high WSS area, along with a decrease in low WSS area, reflects a complex balance between factors of stability and rupture risk. However, a simultaneous increase in all WSS parameters may represent the highest rupture risk due to increased mechanical stress on the aneurysm wall, necessitating closer monitoring.

Voluntary Exercise Attenuates Tumor Growth in a Preclinical Model of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

To examine the effects of voluntary exercise training on tumor growth and explore the underlying intratumoral molecular pathways and processes responsible for the beneficial effects of VWR on tumor initiation and progression in a mouse model of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC). Male immunodeficient mice (SCID) were castrated and subcutaneously inoculated with human CWR-22RV1 cancer cells to construct CRPC xenograft model before randomly assigned to either voluntary wheel running (VWR) or sedentary (SED) group (n=6/group). After three weeks, tumor tissues were collected. Tumor size was measured and calculated. mRNA expression of markers of DNA replication, Androgen Receptor (AR) signaling, and mitochondrial dynamics was determined by RT-PCR. Protein expression of mitochondrial content and dynamics was determined by western blotting. Finally, RNA-sequencing analysis was performed in the tumor tissues. Voluntary wheel running resulted in smaller tumor volume at the initial stage and attenuated tumor progression throughout the time course (P < 0.05). The reduction of tumor volume in VWR group was coincided with lower mRNA expression of DNA replication markers ( MCM2 , MCM6 , and MCM7 ), AR signaling ( ELOVL5 and FKBP5 ) and regulatory proteins of mitochondrial fission (Drp1 and Fis1) and fusion (MFN1 and OPA1) when compared to the SED group (P<0.05). More importantly, RNA sequencing data further revealed that pathways related to pathways related to angiogenesis, extracellular matrix formation and endothelial cell proliferation were downregulated. Three weeks of VWR was effective in delaying tumor initiation and progression, which coincided with reduced transcription of DNA replication, AR signaling targets and mitochondrial dynamics. We further identified reduced molecular pathways/processes related to angiogenesis that may be responsible for the delayed tumor initiation and progression by VWR.

Cryodehydration applied to bovine fetal hearts: A model for studying cardiac organogenesis.

The study aimed to standardize the cryodehydration technique for bovine fetal hearts, focusing on optimizing protocols for each developmental stage to preserve morphological characteristics. We analyzed 29 bovine fetal hearts categorized into early, middle, and late developmental stages. These hearts underwent cryodehydration until a 60%-70% reduction in original fluid volume was achieved. Biometric data were recorded and statistically analyzed using Pearson correlation tests for age versus weight and age versus number of cryodehydration sessions. Morphometric comparisons before and after cryodehydration were performed using paired t-tests. In Group I, hearts exhibited well-defined structures, including the atrium cordis, ventriculus cordis, auricula atrii, aorta, truncus pulmonalis, and ramus coronaries arteria, which were preserved in Groups II and III. Additionally, in Group I the heart had a conical or flat apex cordis, whereas those in Groups II and III had a more pronounced apex. The average number of cryodehydration sessions required was 9.38 (±1.2) days for Group I, 12.37 (±1.4) days for Group II, and 15 days for Group III. A positive correlation was found between age and sample weight, indicating that more developed hearts were heavier. Similarly, there was a positive correlation between gestational age and the number of cryodehydration sessions, suggesting that more advanced stages required more cryodehydration sessions. Paired t-tests demonstrated high statistical significance in the morphometric parameters before and after cryodehydration, indicating a loss of mass during dehydration. However, there was no alteration in the macroscopic structure of the hearts, which remained morphologically preserved. In conclusion, cryodehydration shows promise for preserving and analyzing the external morphological characteristics of bovine fetal cardiac development. It also provides lightweight, odorless, and easy-to-handle specimens ideal for detailed morphological studies and offers a unique perspective for investigating cardiac morphology in biological research contexts.

Are white matter hyperintensities associated with neuroborreliosis? The answer is twofold.

Many consider white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) to be important imaging findings in neuroborreliosis. However, evidence regarding association with WMHs is of low quality. The objective was to investigate WMHs in neuroborreliosis visually and quantitatively. Patients underwent brain MRI within one month of diagnosis and six months after treatment. Healthy controls were recruited. WMHs were counted by visual rating and the volume was calculated from automatic segmentation. Biochemical markers and scores for clinical symptoms and findings were used to explore association with longitudinal volume change of WMHs. The study included 74 patients (37 males) with early neuroborreliosis and 65 controls (30 males). Mean age (standard deviation) was 57.4 (13.5) and 57.7 (12.9) years, respectively. Baseline WMH lesion count was zero in 14 patients/16 controls, < 10 in 36/31, 10-20 in 9/7 and > 20 in 13/11, with no difference between groups (p = 0.90). However, from baseline to follow-up the patients had a small reduction in WMH volume and the controls a small increase, median difference 0.136 (95% confidence interval 0.051-0.251) ml. In patients, volume change was not associated with biochemical or clinical markers, but with degree of WMHs (p values 0.002-0.01). WMH lesions were not more numerous in patients with neuroborreliosis compared to healthy controls. However, there was a small reduction of WMH volume from baseline to follow-up among patients, which was associated with higher baseline WMH severity, but not with disease burden or outcome. Overall, non-specific WMHs should not be considered suggestive of neuroborreliosis.

Post-Uterine Artery Embolization: 3-Day MRI Changes and Their Predictive Value for Therapeutic Efficacy in Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids.

To summarize and discuss3-days MRI changes after uterine artery embolization (UAE) and their predictive value for efficacy. From August 2016 to April 2023, 52 patients underwent enhanced MRI within 3 days post-embolization. We retrospectively analyzed clinical and imaging data, focusing on MR characteristics at the 3-day mark, comparing pre- and post-embolization images. Patients were categorized based on 3-day MR findings into complete and incomplete necrosis groups, with clinical efficacy compared over 6 months. Our study included 30 cases of multiple leiomyomas and 22 of single leiomyomas. Postoperative MRI revealed complete necrosis in 31 tumors and incomplete necrosis in 21 tumors. At 3 days, MR ADC imaging showed increased signals in necrotic areas, mildly increased signals on T2-weighted images, and minimal changes on T1-weighted images. Six-month follow-up showed no significant difference in symptom improvement between groups (p = 0.524, p = 0.587, p = 0.615). However, a significant difference was found in leiomyoma volume reduction, with 70.63 ± 15.53% in the complete necrosis group and 51.36 ± 25.20% in the incomplete necrosis group (p＜0.001), highlighting the impact of necrosis extent on volumetric reduction. Short-term MRI changes after UAE can reflect changes in blood supply to fibroids and normal uterine tissue, and have good predictive value for medium-term embolization efficacy. This study describes short-term MR manifestations of complete and incomplete embolism, aiding in predicting long-term outcome.