Dynamics of Endothelial Cell Diversity and Plasticity in Health and Disease.

Endothelial cells (ECs) are vital structural units of the cardiovascular system possessing two principal distinctive properties: heterogeneity and plasticity. Endothelial heterogeneity is defined by differences in tissue-specific endothelial phenotypes and their high predisposition to modification along the length of the vascular bed. This aspect of heterogeneity is closely associated with plasticity, the ability of ECs to adapt to environmental cues through the mobilization of genetic, molecular, and structural alterations.

Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathies.

The proximal hamstring complex is a highly vulnerable area that is especially prone to injury. Proximal hamstring tendinopathies (PHTs) remain challenging in diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention due to a large variety of different injuries, slow healing response, persistent symptoms, and functional impairments. PHTs are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and therapy failure.

Quantifiable Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Explores the Role of Protection, Rest, Ice (Cryotherapy), Compression and Elevation (PRICE) Therapy on Microvascular Blood Flow.

The aim of this randomized controlled laboratory study was to evaluate the role of standardized protection, rest, ice (cryotherapy), compression and elevation (PRICE) therapy on microvascular blood flow in human skeletal muscle. Quantifiable contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to analyze intramuscular tissue perfusion (ITP) of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus intermedius (VI) muscles in 20 healthy athletes who were randomly assigned to PRICE or control groups. Baseline perfusion measurements (resting conditions, T) were compared with cycling exercise (T), intervention (PRICE or control, T) and follow-up at 60 min post-intervention (T).

New insights into the lacrimal pump.

Purpose: To date, there are many theories about tear transport through the canaliculi of the draining lacrimal system into the lacrimal sac but only few with supportive data. It is certain that the function of the lacrimal part of orbicularis oculi muscle (Horner-Duverney's muscle) is indispensable for the transport of "used" tears. However, the muscle's exact structure and the mechanisms of its functions are as yet unclear.

Morphological changes of trabeculectomy specimens in different kinds of uveitic glaucoma.

Purpose: To analyze morphological changes in trabeculectomy specimens of patients suffering from uveitic secondary open angle glaucoma (UG).

Material And Methods: Trabeculectomy specimens of six patients suffering from uveitis for 2 to 19 years and having been treated with steroids for 5 to 86 months were obtained during antiglaucomatous surgery after failed antiglaucomatous drug treatment. Six specimens, four from patients with Fuchs' heterochromic cyclitis (FHC), one with Herpes simplex-associated uveitis (HS), and one with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis (JIA) were analyzed by light and electron microscopy.

Morphologic changes in the outflow pathways of bovine eyes treated with corticosteroids.

Purpose: To analyze morphologic changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM) of bovine eyes treated with topical prednisolone and exhibiting elevated intraocular pressure for 4 weeks.

Methods: The TM of four adult Braford cow eyes treated with 0.5% prednisolone eye drops three times daily for 7 weeks and their contralateral eyes treated with artificial tear preparation and that of two adult untreated Braford cows and untreated young calves eyes were analyzed with light and electron microscopy.