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Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and... Jun 2024To evaluate the structural and microvascular changes in the retina and choroid after strabismus surgery.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the structural and microvascular changes in the retina and choroid after strabismus surgery.
METHODS
The study included 44 eyes from 44 patients who underwent strabismus surgery between August 2020 and December 2021. Among these patients, 9 (20%) underwent horizontal one-muscle surgery, 27 (61%) underwent horizontal two-muscle surgery, and 8 (18%) underwent inferior oblique muscle anteriorization surgery. Optical coherence tomography angiography scans were conducted preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.
RESULTS
The outer retinal blood flow showed a significant increase at 1 day postoperatively in horizontal two-muscle and inferior oblique muscle anteriorization surgery, whereas no significant difference was observed between periods in horizontal one-muscle surgery ( = .007). Choriocapillaris blood flow exhibited a significant increase at 1 day and 1 month postoperatively compared to the preoperative period ( < .001). Whole image superficial capillary plexus vascular density was significantly lower at 1 day postoperatively than preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively ( < .001). Whole image deep capillary plexus vascular density was significantly lower at 1 day than at 1 month postoperatively ( = .002).
CONCLUSIONS
Following strabismus surgery, temporary changes in the hemodynamic microcirculation in the retina and choroid are observed. A transient decrease in retinal artery blood supply may be noticed, possibly attributed to the reduced anterior segment blood supply. .
PubMed: 38940311
DOI: 10.3928/01913913-20240508-04 -
Minerva Obstetrics and Gynecology Jun 2024Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is associated with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). The efficacy of flavonoids for treating PCS symptoms is still a matter of debate, and...
The effect of a flavonoid mixture containing diosmin, hesperidin and troxerutin in women with congestion syndrome associated to pelvic pain: a color Doppler ultrasonography study.
BACKGROUND
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is associated with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). The efficacy of flavonoids for treating PCS symptoms is still a matter of debate, and little has been published. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a mixture of diosmin, troxerutin, and hesperidin in improving symptoms of patients with PCS, observing a direct effect on circulation by specific color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) evaluations.
METHODS
This was a pilot, prospective, independent, cross-over, daily-diary-based trial. Women were evaluated with CDU for 3 times (baseline, 60 days, 120 days). Data about N.=13 women who completed the study were analyzed.
RESULTS
During the treatment, we recorded a significant reduction of intermenstrual and menstrual pain intensity (total points) (P<0.05). The satisfaction after treatment was significantly higher than after placebo (P<0.0001). A significant reduction in the diameter of the major ovarian vein (P=0.004 compared to placebo), associated with an increase in peak systolic velocity (P=0.01) and a corresponding significant increase in the Resistivity Index (P<0.0001) were recorded during treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of a mixture of diosmin, troxerutin and hesperidin in women with PCS can significantly help to manage typical symptoms of pelvic pain and it is associated with an evident Doppler effect on pelvic microcirculation.
Topics: Humans; Female; Hydroxyethylrutoside; Diosmin; Hesperidin; Pelvic Pain; Adult; Prospective Studies; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; Cross-Over Studies; Pilot Projects; Syndrome; Young Adult; Treatment Outcome; Ovary; Drug Combinations
PubMed: 38939979
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-606X.24.05432-0 -
Journal of Extracellular Biology Jun 2023Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by stem and progenitor cells have significant potential as cell-free 'cellular' therapeutics. Yet, small EVs (<200 nm) are rapidly...
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by stem and progenitor cells have significant potential as cell-free 'cellular' therapeutics. Yet, small EVs (<200 nm) are rapidly cleared after systemic administration, mainly by the liver, presenting challenges targeting EVs to a specific organ or tissue. Microencapsulation using natural nano-porous hydrogels (microgels) has been shown to enhance engraftment and increase the survival of transplanted cells. We sought to encapsulate EVs within microgels to target their delivery to the lung by virtue of their size-based retention within the pulmonary microcirculation. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) derived EVs were labelled with the lipophilic dye (DiR) and encapsulated within agarose-gelatin microgels. Endothelial cells and bone marrow derived macrophages were able to take up EVs encapsulated in microgels in vitro, but less efficiently than the uptake of free EVs. Following intrajugular administration, microgel encapsulated EVs were selectively retained within the lungs for 72h, while free EVs were rapidly cleared by the liver. Furthermore, microgel-loaded EVs demonstrated greater uptake by lung cells, in particular CD45 immune cells, as assessed by flow cytometry compared to free EVs. Microencapsulation of EVs may be a novel tool for enhancing the targeted delivery of EVs for future therapeutic applications.
PubMed: 38938918
DOI: 10.1002/jex2.94 -
Journal of Periodontology Jun 2024This randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms and a 1:1 allocation ratio aimed to compare early microvascular healing (primary outcome), surgical times, and...
BACKGROUND
This randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms and a 1:1 allocation ratio aimed to compare early microvascular healing (primary outcome), surgical times, and patient-reported outcomes (PROM) after harvesting palatal epithelialized gingival grafts (EGG), where hemostasis was achieved with sutures and hemostatic sponges (control) or with a sutureless approach (test).
METHODS
From a total of 33 patients, 34 EGG were harvested. Thirty-two were randomized to the test/control group (n = 16) and two were excluded. Early palatal microvascular healing was assessed at 7, 14, and 30 days with laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). Postoperative bleeding, pain, discomfort, and analgesic consumption were assessed over 2 weeks with a dedicated questionnaire.
RESULTS
A faster onset and resolution of postharvest hyperemia was observed in the test group where peak blood flow was reached at 7 days. No significant blood flow differences were observed between the groups at any of the evaluated timepoints. The mean surgical time was 13 min shorter in the test (p = 0.00). No significant differences were observed for postoperative bleeding and analgesic consumption at any timepoint.
CONCLUSIONS
The tested approach represents a viable alternative to the standard one, providing no relevant differences in microvascular, clinical, and patient-related results, but with significantly shorter surgical times.
PubMed: 38937873
DOI: 10.1002/JPER.23-0620 -
Microvascular Research Jun 2024
PubMed: 38936768
DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2024.104709 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38936493
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.06.027 -
Minerva Cardiology and Angiology Aug 2024Coronary artery disease represents a global health challenge. Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of hemodynamic parameters are crucial for optimizing patient management... (Review)
Review
Coronary artery disease represents a global health challenge. Accurate diagnosis and evaluation of hemodynamic parameters are crucial for optimizing patient management and outcomes. Nowadays a wide range of both non-invasive and invasive methods are available to assess the hemodynamic impact of both epicardial coronary stenosis and vasomotor disorders. In fact, over the years, important developments have reshaped the nature of both invasive and non-invasive diagnostic techniques, and the future holds promises for further innovation and integration. Non-invasive techniques have progressively evolved and currently a broad spectrum of methods are available, from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with pharmacological stress and coronary computed tomography (CT) to the newer application of FFR-CT and perfusion CT. Invasive methods, on the contrary, have developed to a full-physiology approach, able not only to identify functionally significant lesions but also to evaluate microcirculation and vasospastic disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the current state-of-the-art of invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic assessment for CAD management.
Topics: Humans; Hemodynamics; Coronary Artery Disease; Fractional Flow Reserve, Myocardial; Coronary Angiography
PubMed: 38934267
DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5683.23.06461-X -
Nutrients Jun 2024Since the 1970s, the utility of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) in diagnosing rheumatological disorders such as systemic sclerosis has been well established. Further... (Review)
Review
Since the 1970s, the utility of nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) in diagnosing rheumatological disorders such as systemic sclerosis has been well established. Further studies have also shown that NFC can detect non-rheumatic diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, dermatitis, and Alzheimer disease. In the past decade, nailfold capillary morphological changes have also been reported as symptoms of unhealthy lifestyle habits such as poor diet, smoking, sleep deprivation, and even psychological stress, all of which contribute to slow blood flow. Therefore, studying the relationships between the morphology of nailfold capillaries and lifestyle habits has a high potential to indicate unhealthy states or even pre-disease conditions. Simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive methods such as NFC are important and useful for routine medical examinations. The present study began with a systematic literature search of the PubMed database followed by a summary of studies reporting the assessment of morphological changes detected by NFC, and a comprehensive review of NFC's utility in clinical diagnosis and improving unhealthy dietary lifestyles. It culminates in a summary of dietary and lifestyle health promotion strategy, assessed based on NFC and other related measurements that indicate healthy microvascular blood flow and endothelial function.
Topics: Humans; Microscopic Angioscopy; Nails; Life Style; Diet; Capillaries
PubMed: 38931269
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121914 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Graphene, when electrified, generates far-infrared radiation within the wavelength range of 4 μm to 14 μm. This range closely aligns with the far-infrared band (3 μm...
Graphene, when electrified, generates far-infrared radiation within the wavelength range of 4 μm to 14 μm. This range closely aligns with the far-infrared band (3 μm to 15 μm), which produces unique physiological effects. Contraction and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle play a significant role in primary hypertension, involving the nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This study utilized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) as an untr-HT to investigate the impact of far-infrared radiation at specific wavelengths generated by electrified graphene on vascular smooth muscle and blood pressure. After 7 weeks, the blood pressure of the untr-HT group rats decreased significantly with a notable reduction in the number of vascular wall cells and the thickness of the vascular wall, as well as a decreased ratio of vessel wall thickness to lumen diameter. Additionally, blood flow perfusion significantly increased, and the expression of F-actin in vascular smooth muscle myosin decreased significantly. Serum levels of angiotensin II (Ang-II) and endothelin 1 (ET-1) were significantly reduced, while nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression increased significantly. At the protein level, eNOS expression decreased significantly, while α-SMA expression increased significantly in aortic tissue. At the gene level, expressions of and in aortic tissue significantly increased. Furthermore, the content of nitric oxide (NO) in the SHR's aortic tissue increased significantly. These findings confirm that graphene far-infrared radiation enhances microcirculation, regulates cytokines affecting vascular smooth muscle contraction, and modifies vascular morphology and smooth muscle phenotype, offering relief for primary hypertension.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Blood Pressure; Rats, Inbred SHR; Male; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Graphite; Infrared Rays; Hypertension; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; Angiotensin II; Endothelin-1; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 38928382
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126675 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Treatment of critically ill patients with venovenous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has gained wide acceptance in the last few decades. However, the...
New Insights into Hepatic and Intestinal Microcirculation and Pulmonary Inflammation in a Model of Septic Shock and Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Rat.
Treatment of critically ill patients with venovenous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has gained wide acceptance in the last few decades. However, the use of V-V ECMO in septic shock remains controversial. The effect of ECMO-induced inflammation on the microcirculation of the intestine, liver, and critically damaged lungs is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure the hepatic and intestinal microcirculation and pulmonary inflammatory response in a model of V-V ECMO and septic shock in the rat. Twenty male Lewis rats were randomly assigned to receive V-V ECMO therapy or a sham procedure. Hemodynamic data were measured by a pressure-volume catheter in the left ventricle and a catheter in the lateral tail artery. Septic shock was induced by the intravenous infusion of lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/kg). During V-V ECMO therapy, rats received lung-protective ventilation. The hepatic and intestinal microcirculation was assessed by micro-lightguide spectrophotometry after median laparotomy for 2 h. Systemic and pulmonary inflammation was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), respectively, which included tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, C-X-C motif ligand 2 (CXCL2), and CXCL5. Reduced oxygen saturation and relative hemoglobin concentration were measured in the hepatic and intestinal microcirculation during treatment with V-V ECMO. These animals also showed increased systolic, mean, and diastolic blood pressures. While no differences in left ventricular ejection fraction were observed, animals in the V-V ECMO group presented an increased heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output. Blood gas analysis showed dilutional anemia during V-V ECMO, whereas plasma analysis revealed a decreased concentration of IL-10 during V-V ECMO therapy, and BAL measurements showed increased concentrations of TNF-α, CXCL2, and CXCL5. Rats treated with V-V ECMO showed impaired microcirculation of the intestine and liver during septic shock despite increased blood pressure and cardiac output. Despite lung-protective ventilation, increased pulmonary inflammation was recognized during V-V ECMO therapy in septic shock.
Topics: Animals; Microcirculation; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Male; Rats; Shock, Septic; Rats, Inbred Lew; Intestines; Liver; Disease Models, Animal; Pneumonia; Hemodynamics; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 38928327
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126621