Machine learning and statistical shape modelling for real-time prediction of stent deployment in realistic anatomies.

The rise in minimally invasive procedures has created a demand for efficient and reliable planning software to predict intra- and post-operative outcomes. Surrogate modelling has shown promise, but challenges remain, particularly in cardiovascular applications, due to the complexity of parametrising anatomical structures and the need for large training datasets. This study aims to apply statistical shape modelling and machine learning for predicting stent deployment in real time using patient-specific models.

Gene expression modulation in human aortic smooth muscle cells under induced physiological mechanical stretch.

In this study, we investigated gene expression in vitro of human primary Aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs) in response to 9% physiological dynamic stretch over a 4 to 72-h timeframe using RT-qPCR. AoSMC were derived from primary culture and were exposed to continuous cycles of stretch and relaxation at 1 Hz by a computer-controlled Flex Jr.™ Tension System.

Biofeedback rehabilitation in children with encopresis due to retentive constipation using simple tools: a real-world study in a French paediatric centre.

This study aimed to describe the effectiveness of biofeedback (BFB) rehabilitation in children with retentive encopresis (RE). A retrospective, single-institution study was conducted in children with BFB sessions for RE between 2017 and 2020. Manometry data and associated envy scores were analysed.

Comparative analysis of Zero Pressure Geometry and prestress methods in cardiovascular Fluid-Structure Interaction.

Background And Objective: Modelling patient-specific aortic biomechanics with advanced computational techniques, such as Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI), can be crucial to provide effective decision-making indices to enhance current clinical practices. To effectively simulate Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (ATAA), the stress-free configuration must be defined. The Zero Pressure Geometry (ZPG) and the Prestress Tensor (PT) are two of the main approaches to tackle this issue.

A hybrid mock circulatory loop integrated with a LED-PIV system for the investigation of AAA compliant phantoms.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and require extensive investigation through studies. Mock Circulatory Loops (MCLs) are advanced platforms that accurately replicate physiological and pathological hemodynamic conditions, while also allowing for precise and patient-specific data collection. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is the standard flow visualization technique for studies, but it is costly and requires strict safety measures.

Three-dimensional anisotropic unified continuum model for simulating the healing of damaged soft biological tissues.

The soft biological tissues have the ability to heal and self-repair after damage or injury. During the healing process, damaged tissues are replaced by newly produced undamaged tissue to restore homeostasis. Computational modeling serves as an effective tool for simulating the healing process and understanding the underlying mechanisms.

Physics-Informed Graph Neural Networks to solve 1-D equations of blood flow.

Background And Objective: Computational models of hemodynamics can contribute to optimizing surgical plans, and improve our understanding of cardiovascular diseases. Recently, machine learning methods have become essential to reduce the computational cost of these models. In this study, we propose a method that integrates 1-D blood flow equations with Physics-Informed Graph Neural Networks (PIGNNs) to estimate the propagation of blood flow velocity and lumen area pulse waves along arteries.

3D growth and remodeling theory supports the hypothesis of staphyloma formation from local scleral weakening under normal intraocular pressure.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether growth and remodeling (G&R) theory could explain staphyloma formation from a local scleral weakening-as could occur from age-related elastin degradation, myopia progression, or other factors. A finite element model of a healthy eye was reconstructed, including the lamina cribrosa, the peripapillary sclera, and the peripheral sclera. The homogenized constrained mixture model was employed to simulate the adaptation of the sclera to alterations in its biomechanical environment over a duration of 13.

Integration of cross-links, discrete fiber distributions and of a non-local theory in the Homogenized Constrained Mixture Model to Simulate Patient-Specific Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Progression.

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) represent a critical health issue for which computational models can significantly contribute to better understand the physiopathology. Among different computational frameworks, the Homogenized Constrained Mixture Theory has shown to be a computationally efficient option, allowing the inclusion of several mechanically significant constituents into a layer-specific mixture. Different patient-specific Growth and Remodeling (G&R) models correctly predicted TAA progression, although simplifications such as the inclusion of a limited number of collagen fibers and imposed boundary conditions might limit extensive analyses.

Ultrasound Probe Pressure Affects Aortic Wall Stiffness: A Patient-Specific Computational Study in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Purpose: Ultrasound imaging is key in the management of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). It was recently shown that the cyclic diameter variations between diastole and systole, which can be quantified with US imaging, increase significantly with the strength of the applied probe pressure on the patient's abdomen. The goal of this study is to investigate this effect more thoroughly.

Experimental Protocols to Test Aortic Soft Tissues: A Systematic Review.

Experimental protocols are fundamental for quantifying the mechanical behaviour of soft tissue. These data are crucial for advancing the understanding of soft tissue mechanics, developing and calibrating constitutive models, and informing the development of more accurate and predictive computational simulations and artificial intelligence tools. This paper offers a comprehensive review of experimental tests conducted on soft aortic tissues, employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, based on the Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE, Google Scholar and PubMed databases.

Monitoring mouse papillomavirus-associated cancer development using longitudinal Pap smear screening.

Unlabelled: A substantial percentage of the population remains at risk for cervical cancer due to pre-existing human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, despite prophylactic vaccines. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better disease outcomes. The development of new treatments heavily relies on suitable preclinical model systems.

Brain intratumoural astatine-211 radiotherapy targeting syndecan-1 leads to durable glioblastoma remission and immune memory in female mice.

Background: Glioblastoma (GB), the most aggressive brain cancer, remains a critical clinical challenge due to its resistance to conventional treatments. Here, we introduce a locoregional targeted-α-therapy (TAT) with the rat monoclonal antibody 9E7.4 targeting murine syndecan-1 (SDC1) coupled to the α-emitter radionuclide astatine-211 (At-9E7.

Experimental validation of auxetic stent designs: three-point bending of 3D printed Titanium prototypes.

Introduction: Numerical simulations have demonstrated the superior bending flexibility of auxetic stents compared to conventional stent designs for endovascular procedures. However, conventional stent manufacturing techniques struggle to produce complex auxetic stent designs, fueling the adoption of additive manufacturing techniques.

Methods: In this study, we employed DMLS additive manufacturing to create Titanium Ti64 alloy stent prototypes based on auxetic stent designs investigated in a previous study.

LRIG1 engages ligand VISTA and impairs tumor-specific CD8 T cell responses.

Immune checkpoint blockade is a promising approach to activate antitumor immunity and improve the survival of patients with cancer. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is an immune checkpoint target; however, the downstream signaling mechanisms are elusive. Here, we identify leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) as a VISTA binding partner, which acts as an inhibitory receptor by engaging VISTA and suppressing T cell receptor signaling pathways.

Surface temperatures are influenced by handling stress independently of corticosterone levels in wild king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus).

Assessing the physiological stress responses of wild animals opens a window for understanding how organisms cope with environmental challenges. Since stress response is associated with changes in body temperature, the use of body surface temperature through thermal imaging could help to measure acute and chronic stress responses non-invasively. We used thermal imaging, acute handling-stress protocol and an experimental manipulation of corticosterone (the main glucocorticoid hormone in birds) levels in breeding king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus), to assess: 1.

Computational Image and Molecular Analysis Reveal Unique Prognostic Features of Immune Architecture in African Versus European American Women with Endometrial Cancer.

Endometrial cancer (EC) disproportionately affects African American (AA) women in terms of progression and death. In our study, we sought to employ computerized image and bioinformatic analysis to tease out morphologic and molecular differences in EC between AA and European-American (EA) populations. We identified the differences in immune cell spatial patterns between AA and EA populations with markers of tumor biology, including histologic and molecular subtypes.

VISTA promotes the metabolism and differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells by STAT3 and polyamine-dependent mechanisms.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) impair antitumor immune responses. Identifying regulatory circuits during MDSC development may bring new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. We report that the V-domain suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) functions as a key enabler of MDSC differentiation.

Computational pathology identifies immune-mediated collagen disruption to predict clinical outcomes in gynecologic malignancies.

Background: The role of immune cells in collagen degradation within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is unclear. Immune cells, particularly tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), are known to alter the extracellular matrix, affecting cancer progression and patient survival. However, the quantitative evaluation of the immune modulatory impact on collagen architecture within the TME remains limited.

Computational prediction of proximal sealing in endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with unfavorable necks.

Background And Objective: Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the standard treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms in most centers. However, proximal sealing complications leading to endoleaks and migrations sometimes occur, particularly in unfavorable aortic anatomies and are strongly dependent on biomechanical interactions between the aortic wall and the endograft. The objective of the present work is to develop and validate a computational patient-specific model that can accurately predict these complications.

A data-driven computational methodology towards a pre-hospital Acute Ischaemic Stroke screening tool using haemodynamics waveforms.

Background And Objective: Acute Ischaemic Stroke (AIS), a significant global health concern, results from occlusions in cerebral arteries, causing irreversible brain damage. Different type of treatments exist depending on the size and location of the occlusion. Challenges persist in achieving faster diagnosis and treatment, which needs to happen in the first hours after the onset of symptoms to maximize the chances of patient recovery.

Computational Comparison of the Mechanical Behavior of Aortic Stent-Grafts Derived from Auxetic Unit Cells.

Purpose: Inappropriate stent-graft (SG) flexibility has been frequently associated with endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) complications such as endoleaks, kinks, and SG migration, especially in tortuous arteries. Stents derived from auxetic unit cells have shown some potential to address these issues as they offer an optimum trade-off between radial stiffness and bending flexibility.

Methods: In this study, we utilized an established finite element (FE)-based approach to replicate the mechanical response of a SG iliac limb derived from auxetic unit cells in a virtual tortuous iliac aneurysm using a combination of a 180° U-bend and intraluminal pressurization.