Treatment For Infected Frozen Elephant Trunk Prosthesis Caused by Propionibacterium acnes: A Surgical Challenge

ABSTRACT In this article, we present the case of a 47-year-old man who underwent Bentall-Bono procedure and frozen elephant trunk prosthesis implantation due to severe aortic regurgitation and aortic dilatation with a second-time endovascular stent-graft repair in descending aorta. Over eight years, a subacute graft infection by Propionibacterium acnes was developed, culminating in cardiogenic shock secondary to severe aortic regurgitation due to a complete aortic root dehiscence because of multiple aortic pseudoaneurysms. The patient underwent emergency surgery in which the replacement of the graft by a biological valve tube was performed accompanied by a complete debranching of the three supra-aortic vessels.

Antiangiogenic activity of photobiomodulation in experimental model using chorioallantoic embryonic membrane of chicken eggs / Atividade antiangiogênica da fotobiomodulação em modelo experimental usando membrana embrionária corioalantóide de ovos de galinhas

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the vascular effects of photobiomodulation using a light-emitting diode on the chorioallantoic embryonic membrane of chicken eggs grouped into different times of exposure and to detect the morphological changes induced by the light on the vascular network architecture using quantitative metrics. Methods: We used a phototherapy device with light-emitting diode (670 nm wavelength) as the source of photobiomodulation. We applied the red light at a distance of 2.5 cm to the surface of the chorioallantoic embryonic membrane of chicken eggs in 2, 4, or 8 sessions for 90 s and analyzed the vascular network architecture using AngioTool software (National Cancer Institute, USA). We treated the negative control group with 50 μl phosphate-buffered-saline (pH 7.4) and the positive control group (Beva) with 50 μl bevacizumab solution (Avastin, Produtos Roche Químicos e Farmacêuticos, S.A., Brazil). Results: We found a decrease in total vessel length in the Beva group (24.96% ± 12.85%) and in all the groups that received 670 nm red light therapy (2× group, 34.66% ± 8.66%; 4× group, 42.42% ± 5.26%; 8× group, 38.48% ± 6.96%), compared with the negative control group. The fluence of 5.4 J/cm2 in 4 sessions (4×) showed more regular vessels. The number of junctions in the groups that received a higher incidence of 670 nm red light (4× and 8×) significantly decreased (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Photo-biomodulation helps reduce vascularization in chorioallantoic embryonic membrane of chicken eggs and changes in the network architecture. Our results open the possibility of future clinical studies on using this therapy in patients with retinal diseases with neovascular components, especially age-related macular degeneration.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar os efeitos vasculares da foto-biomodulação com diodo emissor de luz utilizando membrana embrionária corioalantóide de ovos de galinhas em grupos com diferentes tempos de exposição e detectar as alterações morfológicas por meio de métricas quantitativas promovidas pela luz na arquitetura da rede vascular. Métodos: Um aparelho de fototerapia com diodo emissor de luz no comprimento de onda de 670 nm foi usado como fonte de fotobiomodulação. A luz vermelha foi aplicada a uma distância de 2,5 cm da superfície da membrana embrionária corioalantóide em 2, 4 ou 8 sessões de 90 s a arquitetura da rede vascular foi analisada por meio do software AngioTool (National Cancer Institute, USA). Usamos um grupo controle negativo tratado com 50 µL de solução salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) pH 7,4 e um grupo controle positivo (Beva) tratado com 50 µL de solução de bevacizumabe (Avastin, Produtos Roche Químicos e Farmacêuticos S.A., Brasil). Resultados: Uma diminuição no comprimento total do vaso foi detectada para o grupo Beva (24,96 ± 12,85%), e para todos os grupos que receberam terapia de luz vermelha de 670 nm, 34,66 ± 8,66% (2x), 42,42 ± 5,26% (4x) e 38,48 ± 6,96% (8x) em comparação ao grupo controle. A incidência de 5,4 J/cm2 em 4 sessões (4x) mostrou vasos mais regulares. A redução foi mais intensa nos grupos que receberam maior incidência de luz vermelha de 670 nm (4x e 8x). Conclusão: A fotobiomodulação contribui para a redução da vascularização nos vasos da membrana embrionária corioalantóide de ovos de galinhas e mudanças na arquitetura da rede. Os achados deste experimento abrem a possibilidade de considerar um estudo clínico usando esta terapia em pacientes com doenças retinais com componentes neovasculares, especialmente degeneração macular relacionada à idade.

Application of Insect Medicines in Treatment of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Based on Comorbidity Theory of "Blood-Vessel-Cardiac Collaterals" / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Coronary microvascular dysfunction （CMD） is one of the important causes of myocardial ischemia and non-obstructive coronary artery ischemic symptoms. However， effective diagnostic methods and targeted treatment strategies for CMD are currently lacking. According to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， the comorbidity theory of "blood-vessel-cardiac collaterals" plays a central role throughout the entire development process of CMD. It suggests that in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CMD， the treatment of blood， vessels， and cardiac collaterals should not be neglected. In light of this， insect medicines， known for their efficacy in promoting blood circulation， resolving stasis， and alleviating spasms， hold promise as a potential treatment for CMD. However， there is currently no research or summary on the use of insect medicines for the treatment of CMD. Therefore， this article took the comorbidity theory of "blood-vessel-cardiac collaterals" as the starting point and divided the pathogenesis of CMD into five evolution stages： Beginning in the blood （changes in blood components and hemorheology）， progressing in the vessels （atheromatous plaque formation and unstable plaques）， occurring in the cardiac collaterals （microvascular endothelial damage and microvascular constriction and spasms）， ending in the cardiac collaterals （microvascular remodeling）， and resulting in energy metabolism disorders throughout the process， so as to explore the pathogenesis and evolution of CMD. In addition， based on the modern pharmacological research on insect medicines， this article discussed the clinical application of insect medicines in the treatment of CMD from four aspects： Promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis to relieve vessels' obstruction， relieving spasms to alleviate pain， combating poison with poison to disperse stagnation， and tonifying cardiac collaterals to nourish the heart， which aims to provide a theoretical basis for the use of TCM in treating CMD， broaden the scope of medication， and improve clinical efficacy.

Herramientas para la toma de decisiones en pacientes con enfermedad de múltiples vasos / Tools for Decision Making in Patients with Multivessel Disease

RESUMEN La decisión sobre la mejor estrategia de revascularización para los pacientes con enfermedad de múltiples vasos se ha tornado una tarea compleja a medida que la angioplastia coronaria ha mejorado sus resultados. En la siguiente revisión nos propusimos evaluar las variables que en nuestra experiencia definen el beneficio de una técnica sobre la otra, entendiendo que de esta manera la decisión del médico tratante se hace más sencilla y objetiva. Por otro lado, y festejando el saludable protagonismo que se le da al paciente, creemos que esta evaluación permite ofrecer argumentos sólidos para ayudarlo en la toma de la decisión.

ABSTRACT The decision on the best revascularization strategy for patients with multivessel disease has become a complex task as coronary angioplasty has improved its results. In the following review, we set out to evaluate the variables that, in our experience, define the benefit of one technique over the other, understanding that in this way the treating physician's decision will become simpler and more objective. On the other hand, and celebrating the healthy prominence given to patients, we believe that this evaluation allows solid arguments to help them in decision making.

Prevalencia de la arteria umbilical única en gestantes: su relación con otras malformaciones y el bajo peso al nacer

Introducción: La arteria umbilical única tiene una incidencia del 1 % en los recién nacidos. Se le asocia frecuentemente con gemelaridad, malformaciones y crecimiento intrauterino retardado, y constituye un factor de riesgo de prematuridad, muerte fetal y neonatal. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de la arteria umbilical única en gestantes, y la asociación de esta entidad con otras malformaciones y el bajo peso al nacer. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, con datos obtenidos de las historias clínicas y del modelo de seguimiento lineal existente en las consultas de genética comunitaria del municipio Matanzas, de enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2019. Resultados: La prevalencia de la arteria umbilical única fue del 0,3 %. Las malformaciones más frecuentes fueron las renales; el 27,7 % de los nacimientos fueron pretérmino y el 33,3 % de los nacidos fue con un peso inferior a 2500 g. Conclusiones: La arteria umbilical única constituye un marcador para otras malformaciones. Cuando coexisten ambas existe riesgo de prematuridad y bajo peso al nacer. Se recomienda realizar examen clínico posnatal a todo recién nacido con arteria umbilical única, pesquisando defectos renales y cardíacos.

Introduction: The single umbilical artery has an incidence of 1% in newborns. It is frequently associated with twinning, malformations and delayed intrauterine growth, and is a risk factor of prematurity, fetal and neonatal death. Objective: To determine the prevalence of single umbilical artery in pregnant women and the association of this entity with other malformations and low birth weight. Materials and methods: Retrospective descriptive study, with data obtained from medical records and the linear follow-up model existing in the community genetic clinics of the municipality of Matanzas, from January 2015 to December 2019. Results: The prevalence of the single umbilical artery was 0.3%. The most frequent malformations were renal ones; 27.7% of births were pre-term and 33.3% of those born weighed less than 2500g. Conclusions: The single umbilical artery is a marker for other malformations. When both coexist there is a risk of prematurity and low birth weight. Postnatal clinical examination is recommended for all newborns with single umbilical artery, checking for renal and heart defects.

Quantitative Measurements of Macular and Optic Nerve Head Blood Flow Parameters Following Cataract Surgery in Eye Department, Red Cross Tertiary General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Objective: To evaluate the effect of uncomplicated cataract surgery on macular and optic nerve head blood flow with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A). Retinal vascular changes and macular vessel remodeling following cataract surgery is an area of interest, as the effect, cause and duration of such changes remain debatable.Setting: Eye Department, Red Cross Tertiary General Hospital, Athens, Greece.Methods: In this study, we recruited cataract surgery candidates who had regular post operative visits and underwent longitudinal OCT-A examinations before and after surgery.Results: Macular vessel density increased in the post operative visits both in the superficial (SCP) and deep capillary network (DCP) (P<0.001) and showed a persistent effect over 3 months follow-up. Macular thickness increased over the first postoperative month, but returned to preoperative values at 3 months. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) measurements and vessel density at radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) were unaffected.Conclusions: OCT-A enables a quantitative analysis of blood flow by regular patient monitoring. In this study, we found that after cataract surgery, macular blood flow increased significantly. The reason for this could be attributed to post operative inflammatory process or vascular remodeling due to change in retinal metabolic demands.

Achados tomográficos incidentais de calcificações coronarianas: um estudo de prevalência na região sul do Brasil / Incidental tomographic findings of coronary artery calcifications: a prevalence study in southern Brazil

Fundamento: As calcificações de artérias coronárias (CAC) mostram-se como fator preditivo de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV). A tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax com protocolo de aquisição de baixa dose apresenta acurácia na identificação de CAC e propicia achados incidentais dessas calcificações, que são comumente negligenciados. Este estudo analisará a prevalência de achados incidentais de calcificação em artérias coronárias em indivíduos não cardiopatas submetidos à TC de tórax. Métodos: Estudo transversal consecutivo de caráter analítico e descritivo. Foram incluídos indivíduos de ambos os sexos que realizaram TC de tórax por encaminhamento, acima de 18 anos e não cardiopatas. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de prontuários e ficha de anamnese auto aplicada. As variáveis referentes às CAC e à extensão do comprometimento foram obtidas a partir da reavaliação das imagens de TC de tórax disponíveis no sistema da instituição. Os exames foram anonimizados e avaliados por dois médicos radiologistas experientes. Considerou-se como estatisticamente significativo p≤0,05. Resultados: Foram analisados 397 exames. Encontrou-se prevalência de calcificações em 176 (44%) dos casos. A existência dessas calcificações coronárias está relacionada à idade (p<0,001). As calcificações possuem relação com o sexo (p = 0,03) com maior razão de chance de desenvolvimento em homens (odds ratio [OR] = 1,55). O tabagismo (p<0,001), o sedentarismo (p<0,001), a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (p<0,001), o diabetes mellitus (p = 0,04) e as dislipidemias (p<0,001) mostraram associação positiva. Conclusão: A prevalência de achados incidentais de CAC foi de 44%; variam em maior número entre leve e grave; maior razão de chance no sexo masculino e aumento da prevalência com a idade. Portanto, a TC de tórax mostra-se um efetivo método para avaliar as CAC, e juntamente com a história clínica do paciente pode ser utilizada para medir os fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares e intervir no desfecho do quadro.(AU)

Introduction: Coronary artery calcifications (CAC) are shown to be a predictive factor of cardiovascular diseases. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest with a low-dose acquisition protocol is accurate in identifying CAC and provides incidental findings of these calcifications, which are commonly overlooked. This study will analyze the prevalence of incidental findings of calcification in coronary arteries in non-cardiac individuals undergoing chest CT. Methods: Consecutive cross-sectional study of an analytical and descriptive nature. Individuals of both genders who underwent chest CT by referral, over 18 years of age and without heart disease were included. Data collection was carried out using medical records and a self-applied anamnesis form. The variables referring to the CAC and the extension of the impairment were obtained from the reassessment of the chest CT images available in the institution's system. The exams were anonymized and evaluated by two experienced radiologists. P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 397 exams were analyzed. A prevalence of calcifications was found in 176 (44%) of the cases. The existence of these coronary calcifications is related to age (p<0.001). Calcifications are related to gender (p = 0.03) with a higher odds ratio of development in men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55). Smoking (p<0.001), sedentary lifestyle (p<0.001), systemic arterial hypertension (p<0.001), Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0.04), and dyslipidemia (p<0.001) showed a positive association. Conclusion: The prevalence of incidental CAC findings was 44%; vary in greater numbers between mild and severe; higher odds ratio in males and increased prevalence with age. Therefore, chest CT proves to be an effective method to assess CAC, and together with the patient's clinical history, it can be used to measure risk factors for CVD and intervene in the outcome of the condition.(AU)

Anomalous aortic origin of the left coronary artery / Origen aórtico anómalo de la arteria coronaria izquierda

Abstract We present an unusual case of an anomalous left coronary artery arising from the contralateral sinus of Valsalva: a 63-year-old male patient who consulted to our emergency department with 1-week history of progressive dyspnea on exertion with clinical signs of heart failure, associated with lung congestion on the chest X ray and elevated NT-proBNP levels (2000 pg/ml; normal value <150). Doppler echocardiography showed severe dilation of both left atrium and left ventricle, with severe deterioration of LV systolic function (Ejection fraction of 26%), global hypokinesia and a moderate mitral regurgitation with central jet. A cardiac cath eterization was performed, which evidenced an anomalous origin of the left main coronary artery from the right coronary sinus with a proximal lesion of nearly 50%. A coronary computed tomographic angiography confirmed the diagnosis of an anomalous origin with an intramyocardial path at the level of the interventricular septum, as sociated with moderate extrinsic compression. To determine the degree of functional ischemia presented by the left main coronary artery lesion we performed a fractional flow reserve evaluation, resulting in 0.75, which was ranked as significant. An angioplasty with implantation of a drug-eluting stent (with Everolimus) was performed successfully to the target lesion. The patient evolved favorably during hospitalization and was discharged from the medical center to continue outpatient follow-up. Patient remained asymptomatic at 1-month and 6 months, during clinical evaluation, without evidence of ischemia on noninvasive functional assessment.

Resumen Presentamos un raro caso de nacimiento anómalo de arteria coronaria izquierda en el seno de Valsalva contralateral. Se trata de un hombre de 63 años que consultó al servicio de emergencias de nuestro centro por disnea progresiva de una semana de evolución, con signos clínicos de insuficiencia cardíaca, aso ciado a signos de congestión en la radiografía de tórax, y valores de NT-proBNP elevados (2000 pg/ml; valor normal <150). El ecocardiograma Doppler evidenció dilatación grave de la aurícula y del ventrículo izquierdo, con deterioro grave de la función sistólica (fracción de eyección de 26%), hipoquinesia global e insuficiencia mitral moderada con jet central. Se realizó una cinecoronariografía que evidenció el nacimiento anómalo del tronco de arteria coronaria izquierda desde el seno coronario derecho, con una lesión cercana al 50%. Una angiotomografía coronaria confirmó el origen anómalo del vaso coronario, con trayecto intramiocárdico a nivel del septum interventricular asociado a compresión extrínseca moderada. Para determinar el grado de isquemia funcional que presentaba la lesión del tronco coronario izquierdo se evaluó la reserva de flujo fraccional, que arrojó un resultado de 0.75 el cual se consideró significativo, prosiguiendo a angioplastia con implante de stent liberador de droga (con Everolimus) a dicha lesión. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente durante la internación en el hospital, egresando de la institución para continuar seguimiento ambulatorio. Persistió asintomático en los controles realizados al mes y a los 6 meses, sin evidencia de isquemia en la evaluación funcional no invasiva.

Variaciones morfológicas de la glándula submandibular en ratas obesas por acción de glutamato monosódico / Morphological variations of the submandibular gland in obese rats by the action of monosodium glutamate

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo demostrar la existencia de variaciones morfológicas en el tejido conectivo de la glándula submandibular de ratas obesas expuestas a glutamato monosódico (GMS). Se utilizaron 12 ratas Sprague Dawley machos recién nacidas (6 ratas para el grupo 1, control; 6 ratas para el grupo 2 (GMS), 4 mg/g de glutamato monosódico de peso (5 dosis) mantenidas por 16 semanas respectivamente con una dieta y agua ad libitum. En el estudio se realizó un análisis estereológico e histológico, demostrándose una variación en el tejido conectivo presentando una disminución del volúmen glandular, mayor fibrosis, y disminución de adipocitos a nivel periférico siendo reemplazado por tejido rico en colágeno. Los vasos sanguíneos observados a nivel estereológico no presentan mayores cambios en cuanto a volumen, superficie y área.

SUMMARY: This study aims to demonstrate the existence of morphological variations in the connective tissue of the submandibular gland of obese rats exposed to MSG. Twelve male newborn Sprague Dawley rats were used (6 rats for group 1, control; 6 rats for group 2 (MSG), 4 mg/g of monosodium glutamate of weight (5 doses) maintained for 16 weeks respectively with a diet and water ad libitum. In the study, a stereological and histological analysis was carried out, demonstrating a variation in the connective tissue, presenting a decrease in the glandular volume, greater fibrosis, and a decrease in adipocytes at the peripheral level, being replaced by tissue rich in collagen. Blood cells observed at the stereological level do not present major changes in terms of volume, surface and area, but in the histological study greater vascularization is observed.

Ischemic Postconditioning Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the effect of ischemic postconditioning on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: Forty adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group (SO group), myocardial ischemia-reperfusion group (IR group), ischemic preconditioning group (IPRE group) and ischemic postconditioning group (IPOST group) (10 mice in each group). Anterior descending coronary artery was blocked for 60 min and then reperfused for 15 min to induce myocardial IR. For the IPRE group, 3 consecutive cycles of 5 min of occlusion and 5 minutes of reperfusion of the coronary arteries were performed before ischemia. For the IPOST group, 3 consecutive cycles of 5 min reperfusion and 5 minutes of occlusion of the coronary arteries were performed before reperfusion. Pathological changes of lung tissue, lung wet-to-dry (W/D) weight ratio, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress indicators, apoptosis of lung cells and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) protein were used to evaluate lung injury. Results: After myocardial IR, lung injury worsened significantly, manifested by alveolar congestion, hemorrhage, structural destruction of alveolar septal thickening, and interstitial neutrophil infiltration. In addition, lung W/D ratio was increased, plasma inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-17A, were increased, malondialdehyde (MDA) activity of lung tissue was increased, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was decreased after myocardial IR. It was accompanied by the increased protein expression levels of ERS-related protein glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP), and caspase-12, and the increased apoptotic indices of lung tissues. Conclusion: IPOST can effectively improve myocardial IR-induced ALI by inhibiting ERS-induced apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells.

Enfermedad relacionada con IgG4, enfermedad de Erdheim Chester y compromiso aórtico y/o sus ramas. Diagnóstico diferencial con otras vasculitis de grandes vasos / IgG4 related disease, Erdheim Chester disease and aortic involvement and/or its branches. Differential diagnosis with other large vessel vasculitis

La afección cardiovascular en entidades como Erdheim-Chester (EEC), una rara histiocitosis de células no Langerhans, y la enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 (ER-IgG4), una afección fibrinoinflamatoria inmunomediada, es muy variada y habitualmente asintomática hasta su progresión a daños irreversibles cuando no es sospechada. Ante la dificultad de realizar biopsias por el sitio anatómico, es fundamental valerse de características clínicas, demográficas o imagenológicas que puedan diferenciarlas de otras entidades, como las arteritis de grandes vasos. La población masculina, los mayores de 60 años con compromiso a nivel de la aorta abdominal infrarrenal o aneurismas a nivel de la aorta ascendente con o sin compromiso de otros órganos, son orientativos de ER-IgG4. En la EEC es característico el tejido blando concéntrico que recubre la aorta (aorta recubierta) y sobre todo ante la presencia de fibrosis retroperitoneal, compromiso de huesos largos, hidronefrosis, lesión renal aguda posrrenal e hipertensión arterial, existencia de tejido fibrótico perirrenal, engrosamiento de la fascia renal y tejido adiposo perirrenal (signo del riñón peludo).

Cardiovascular disease in entities such as Erdheim-Chester (ECD), a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and IgG4-related disease (ER-IgG4), an immunemediated fibrinoinflammatory disease, is highly varied and usually asymptomatic until it progresses to irreversible damage if they are not taken into account. Given the difficulty of performing biopsies by the anatomical site, it is essential to use clinical, demographic or imaging characteristics that can differentiate them from other entities such as large vessel arteritis. Male population, over 60 years of age with involvement of the infrarenal abdominal aorta or aneurysms at the level of the ascending aorta with or without involvement of other organs, are indicative of ER-IgG4. In ECD, the concentric soft tissue covering the aorta (covered aorta) is characteristic, and especially in the presence of retroperitoneal fibrosis, involvement of long bones, hydronephrosis, post-renal acute kidney injury and arterial hypertension, the presence of perirenal fibrotic tissue, thickening of the renal fascia, perirenal adipose tissue (hairy kidney sign).

Rare cerebral small vessel disease and retinal vascular abnormalities / 中国医师杂志

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a series of clinical, imaging, and pathological syndromes resulting from various etiologies affecting small arteries (microarteries, capillaries, microvenules, and small veins in the brain). The diagnosis of CSVD is based on imaging presentations, but the high cost and bleeding risk of cranial imaging methods make the diagnosis of rare CSVD more difficult. Retinal vessels are the only vasculature visible in vivo and share anatomical and embryological features with small brain vessels. Retinal vascular abnormalities have been shown to exist in rare CSVD such as cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and moyamoya disease (MMD). Retinal vascular examination may provide new ideas for the study of rare CSVD.

Relationship between regression of the hyaloid vessels and development of retinal vessels in mice / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To explore the process of regression of the hyaloid vessels and development of retinal vessels in C57BL/6J mice and the relationship between them.Methods:Seventy-five healthy SPF C57BL/6J mice on postnatal day 1 (P1) were selected and divided into control group (65 mice) and oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model group (10 mice) by the random number table method.No treatment was given to control group.Mice in OIR model group were continuously fed in (75±3)% oxygen for 5 days from P7 and in normoxic condition for 5 days from P12.In control group, 5 mice were randomly selected and killed from P1 to P12 and P17, and the eyeballs were collected.In OIR model group, 5 mice were randomly selected and killed on P12 and P17, and the eyeballs were collected.The number of hyaloid arteries (HA), vasa hyaloidea propria (VHP), and tunica vasculosa lentis (TVL) of mice at different time was observed with a microscope.Another 5 adult mice aged 15 months old were selected to detect the vitreous vasculature using optical coherence tomography.The relationship between retinal astrocytes and retinal vascular development, VHP was observed by immunofluorescence staining.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Nankai Hospital (No.NKYY-DWLL-2021-070). The use and care of experimental animals followed the Regulations for the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals and the ARVO statement.Results:In control group, HA did not degenerate rapidly during eyeball development, which still presented even 15 months after birth.The number of VHP reduced rapidly from P4 to P8, and tended to be stable at 2.33±1.32 on P10 and 1.80±0.92 on P17.The number of TVL reduced rapidly from P5 to P9, reduced to 2.30±1.42 on P10, with most of the TVL blood vessels being transparent without blood supply, and decreased to 0.30±0.48 on P17.Under the guidance of astrocytes, the retinal vessels of mice grew from the optic disc to the peripheral retina from P1 to P8, forming the primary retinal vascular layer.During the development of retinal superficial vessels, VHP showed synchronous regression and the decreased density and thinner diameter in the area covered by retinal vessels.VHP detached from the retina when retinal vessels developed to the peripheral retina, and there was no structural overlap between astrocytes and VHP.In OIR model group, the number of VHP increased from 2.14±0.90 on P12 to 4.60±1.35 on P17 and the number of TVL increased from 2.90±1.55 on P12 to 5.80±1.75 on P17, showing statistically significant differences ( t=4.188, P<0.001; t=4.668, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of VHP and TVL between the two groups on P12 ( t=0.429, P=0.232; t=1.116, P=0.134). The number of VHP and TVL were significantly larger in OIR model group than in control group on P17 ( t=5.422, 9.574; both at P<0.001). Conclusions:In the vitreous vascular system of mice, the regression of VHP and TVL tends to be stable 10 days after birth, and the regression of HA was not obvious.The normal regression of vitreous vessels in mice depends on the normal development of retinal vessels and astrocytes.Retinal hypoxia delays vitreous vascular regression.

Risk factor analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma with vessels encapsulating tumor clusters and the application value of its risk scoring model / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) and the application value of its risk scoring model.Methods:The retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 149 patients with HCC who were admitted to two medical centers, including 97 cases in the Jiangnan University Medical Center and 52 cases in the Affiliated Xingtai People′s Hospital of Hebei Medical University, from January 2017 to April 2020 were collected. There were 116 males and 33 females, aged (58±12)years. There were 74 cases with VETC and 75 cases without VETC. Observation indica-tors: (1) clinical characteristics of patients with and without VETC; (2) imaging features of patients with and without VETC; (3) multivariable analysis of HCC patients with VETC; (4) construction of VETC related risk scoring model and its performance evaluation; (5) postoperative early tumor recurrence of patients with and without VETC who were confirmed by risk scoring model and histopathological examination. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the t test. Count data were described as absolutes, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test and continuous correction chi-square test. Variables of clinical and imaging characteristics with statistically signifi-cant were included in the multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was conducted using the Logistic regression model of backward stepwise selection. VETC related risk scoring model was constructed based on the results of Logistic regression model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the area under curve (AUC), the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and their 95% confidence interval ( CI) were calculated. The maximizing Youden index was the optimal cutoff value for VETC prediction. The Hosmer Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to assess the consistency between VETC risk scoring model predicted VTEC status and the true VETC status. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and draw survival curves. The Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Results:(1) Clinical characteristics of patients with and without VETC. Cases with postoperative albumin <36 g/L were 57 in patients with VETC, versus 68 in patients without VETC, respectively, showing a significant difference between them ( χ2=5.13, P<0.05). (2) Imaging features of patients with and without VETC. Cases with lesion imaging presence as nonperipheral washout, cases with lesion imaging presence as mosaic architecture, cases with lesion imaging presence as intratumoral hemorrhage, cases with lesion imaging presence as corona enhancement, cases with lesion imaging presence as non-smooth tumor margin, cases with lesion imaging presence as peritumoral enhancement in arterial phase, cases with lesion imaging presence as intratumoral arteries, cases with lesion imaging presence as peritumoral hypointensity in hepatobiliary phase, cases with lesion imaging enhancement type as uniform low enhancement, uniform high enhance-ment, heterogeneous enhancement with septations and heterogeneous enhancement with irregular ring-like structures, cases with intratumoral necrosis or ischemic, cases with tumor diameter >5 cm were 73, 35, 33, 15, 39, 28, 42, 27, 4, 5, 27, 38, 45, 46 in patients with VETC, versus 64, 16, 13, 3, 19, 15, 9, 13, 9, 35, 5, 26, 10, 10 in patients without VETC, respectively, showing significant differences in the above indicators between them ( χ2=8.92, 11.15, 12.97, 9.28, 11.74, 5.77, 33.14, 6.96, 41.79, 36.05, 37.86, P<0.05). (3) Multivariable analysis of patients with VETC. Results of multivariable analysis showed that lesion imaging enhancement as heterogeneous enhancement with septations, lesion imaging enhancement as heterogeneous enhancement with irregular ring-like structures, intratumoral necrosis or ischemia and tumor diameter >5 cm were independent risk factors influen-cing patients with VETC ( odds ratio=4.18, 7.62, 4.23, 4.08, 95% CI as 1.60?11.60, 2.00?31.70, 1.71?10.90, 1.60?10.80), P<0.05). (4) Construction of VETC related risk scoring model and its performance evaluation. The VETC related risk scoring model was constructed as (heterogeneous enhancement with septations, presence: 1.0, absence: 0)+(heterogeneous enhancement with irregular ring-like structures, presence: 1.5, absence: 0)+(intratumoral necrosis or ischemia, presence: 1.0, absence: 0)+(main tumor diameter >5 cm, presence: 1.0, absence: 0). The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of VETC related risk scoring model were 0.86 (95% CI as 0.80?0.92), 79.7% (95% CI as 69.2%?87.3%), 80.0% (95% CI as 69.6%?87.5%) and 79.9% (95% CI as 72.7%?85.5%), respectively. Results of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test showed a good consistency between VETC risk scoring model predicted VETC status and true VETC status ( P>0.05). (5) Postoperative early tumor recurrence of patients with and without VETC who were confirmed by risk scoring model and histopathological examination. All 149 patients were followed up for 29(range, 26?35)months. The time to tumor recurrence and 2-year cumulative tumor recurrence rate of 149 patients were 29(range, 24?33)months and 43.0%, respectively. The 2-year tumor cumulative recurrence rate of patients with and without VETC predicted by risk scoring model was 47.8% and 37.9%, respectively, showing a significant difference between ( χ2=3.90, P<0.05). The 2-year cumulative tumor recurrence rate of patients with and without VETC confirmed by postoperative histopathological examination was 47.4% and 38.1%, respectively, showing a significant difference between ( χ2=4.20, P<0.05). Conclusions:Lesion imaging enhancement as heterogeneous enhancement with septations or irregular ring-like structures, intratumoral necrosis or ischemia and tumor diameter >5 cm are independent risk factors influen-cing HCC patients with VETC. The proposed risk scoring model based on those three risk factors achieves an optimal preoperative diagnostic performance.

Preparation of vascular endothelial cell hypoxia/reoxygenation model / 国际外科学杂志

The vascular endothelial cells (VECs) hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) model is a classic cell model that simulates vascular endothelial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and related diseases. It has the advantages of convenient operation, intuitive image, and good stability, and can accurately reflect pathological changes at the cellular level of diseases. It is widely used in the study of molecular mechanisms of drugs and diseases.There are many similarities in the mechanism and formation between the H/R model and the I/R injury model, but the I/R model is more complex. Therefore, in recent years, many scholars have used the H/R model to simulate the I/R model for experimental research, and believe that the H/R model is also an ideal model for studying I/R. By implementing intervention measures on the established H/R model of VECs, the potential effects of the intervention measures in clinical practice can be verified, which has guiding significance for how to prevent, treat, and how to exacerbate I/R injury in clinical practice. This article introduces the different methods used by scholars in recent years, such as medium deoxygenation and mixed gas culture method, to construct H/R models using VECs cultured in vitro to simulate I/R models. The differences in methods used and the subtle differences between the same methods are also discussed. At the same time, due to the relatively single method of constructing H/R models at present, how to find new, more efficient and affordable methods based on scientific and reasonable experiments has also become a focus of attention.

Application of optical coherence tomography-based angiography in cerebrovascular diseases / 国际脑血管病杂志

Optical coherence tomography-based angiography (OCTA) is a novel non-invasive technique for quantitatively evaluating retinal microvascular perfusion. Due to the similar embryonic origin, anatomical characteristics, and physiological characteristics of the retina and cerebral small vessels, changes in retinal microvasculature may provide a new perspective for studying the mechanisms of cerebral small vessel diseases. This article summarizes the application of OCTA in cerebrovascular diseases, aiming to evaluate whether OCTA can become an effective tool for early prediction of the occurrence of cerebrovascular disease and monitoring disease changes.

Effects of Coating Method on Fabrication Quality of Flexible Silicone Blood Vessels / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the effect of different coating methods on production quality of complex and flexible silicone vascular replicas. Methods Based on models of anterior communicating artery aneurysms, several patient-specific models were made by using spray-coating method and brush-spin-coating method respectively, and two methods for making the same vascular structure were quantitatively compared in terms of thickness growth, circumferential uniformity and light transmittance. Results Brush-spin-coating method was better than spray-coating method in the thickness control and coating uniformity for fabrication of vessels with large curvature, variable diameter and straight tube, and the model had preferably light transmittance and surface smoothness. The relative deviation of thickness by brush-spin-coating method was decreased by 8. 9% , 10. 8% and 16. 9% respectively compared with spray-coating method. Conclusions At present stage, the brush-spin coating method has the advantage of thickness uniformity and light transmittance over the spray-coating method in making silicone phantoms, and it has promising application prospects in fluid mechanics field of in vitro experiment on large vessels.

Research advances in role of angiogenesis in diabetic ulcer and traditional Chinese medicine intervention / 中国中药杂志

Diabetic ulcer(DU) is one of the common complications of diabetes often occurring in the peripheral blood vessels of lower limbs or feet with a certain degree of damage. It has high morbidity and mortality, a long treatment cycle, and high cost. DU is often clinically manifested as skin ulcers or infections in the lower limbs or feet. In severe cases, it can ulcerate to the surface of tendons, bones or joint capsules, and even bone marrow. Without timely and correct treatment, most of the patients will have ulceration and blackening of the extremities. These patients will not be able to preserve the affected limbs through conservative treatment, and amputation must be performed. The etiology and pathogenesis of DU patients with the above condition are complex, which involves blood circulation interruption of DU wound, poor nutrition supply, and failure in discharge of metabolic waste. Relevant studies have also confirmed that promoting DU wound angiogenesis and restoring blood supply can effectively delay the occurrence and development of wound ulcers and provide nutritional support for wound healing, which is of great significance in the treatment of DU. There are many factors related to angiogenesis, including pro-angiogenic factors and anti-angiogenic factors. The dynamic balance between them plays a key role in angiogenesis. Meanwhile, previous studies have also confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine can enhance pro-angiogenic factors and down-regulate anti-angiogenic factors to promote angiogenesis. In addition, many experts and scholars have proposed that traditional Chinese medicine regulation of DU wound angiogenesis in the treatment of DU has broad prospects. Therefore, by consulting a large number of studies available, this paper expounded on the role of angiogenesis in DU wound and summarized the research advance in traditional Chinese medicine intervention in promoting the expression of angiogenic factors [vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), fibroblast growth factor(FGF), and angiopoietin(Ang)] which played a major role in promoting wound angiogenesis in the treatment of DU to provide ideas for further research and new methods for clinical treatment of DU.