Fibroblast Activation Protein Acts as a Biomarker for Monitoring ECM Remodeling During Aortic Aneurysm via Ga-FAPI-04 PET Imaging.

Traditional imaging modalities used to monitor the diameter of aortic aneurysms (AAs) often fail to follow pathological progression. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a key regulator of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, plays a pivotal role in aortic disease. However, its expression in the aortic wall during aneurysm progression and its potential correlation with disease severity remains unexplored.

Exploring Origin-Dependent Susceptibility of Smooth Muscle Cells to Aortic Diseases Through Intersectional Genetics.

Background: The developmental diversity among smooth muscle cells (SMCs) plays a crucial role in segment-specific aortic diseases. However, traditional genetic approaches are inadequate for enabling in vivo analysis of disease susceptibility associated with cellular origin. There is an urgent need to build genetic technologies that target different developmental origins to investigate the mechanisms of aortopathies, thereby facilitating the development of effective therapeutics.

Downregulation of RhoA/ROCK1/YAP/F-actin causing decreased aortic smooth muscle cell stiffness promotes aortic dissection formation.

Downregulated RhoA/ROCK1/YAP/F-actin axis leads to decreased AoSMC stiffness and promotes AD formation.

A Dual-Targeting, Multi-Faceted Biocompatible Nanodrug Optimizes the Microenvironment to Ameliorate Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a highly lethal cardiovascular disease that currently lacks effective pharmacological treatment given the complex pathophysiology of the disease. Here, single-cell RNA-sequencing data from patients with AAA and a mouse model are analyzed, which reveals pivotal pathological changes, including the M1-like polarization of macrophages and the loss of contractile function in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Both cell types express the integrin αvβ3, allowing for their dual targeting with a single rationally designed molecule.

Dual genetic tracing reveals a unique fibroblast subpopulation modulating cardiac fibrosis.

After severe heart injury, fibroblasts are activated and proliferate excessively to form scarring, leading to decreased cardiac function and eventually heart failure. It is unknown, however, whether cardiac fibroblasts are heterogeneous with respect to their degree of activation, proliferation and function during cardiac fibrosis. Here, using dual recombinase-mediated genetic lineage tracing, we find that endocardium-derived fibroblasts preferentially proliferate and expand in response to pressure overload.

A biomaterial-based therapy for lower limb ischemia using Sr/Si bioactive hydrogel that inhibits skeletal muscle necrosis and enhances angiogenesis.

Muscle necrosis and angiogenesis are two major challenges in the treatment of lower-limb ischemic diseases. In this study, a triple-functional Sr/Si-containing bioceramic/alginate composite hydrogel with simultaneous bioactivity in enhancing angiogenesis, regulating inflammation, and inhibiting muscle necrosis was designed to treat lower-limb ischemic diseases. In particular, sodium alginate, calcium silicate and strontium carbonate were used to prepare injectable hydrogels, which was gelled within 10 min.

Prognostic Value of the Systemic Immune Inflammation Index after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Patients with Type B Aortic Dissection.

The study aimed at investigating the association between postoperative inflammatory scores and aorta-related adverse events (AAEs) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD). This single-centre, retrospective cohort included all patients who underwent TEVAR for TBAD between November 2016 and November 2020 at a university hospital. The risk factors for AAEs were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model regression.

Comparison of techniques for left subclavian artery preservation during thoracic endovascular aortic repair: A systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis of both endovascular and surgical revascularization.

Background: Currently, the optimal technique to revascularize the left subclavian artery (LSA) during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains controversial. Our study seeks to characterize early and late clinical results and to assess the advantages and disadvantages of endovascular vs. surgical strategies for the preservation of LSA.

Influence of alternating electric field on deep dewatering of municipal sludge and changes of extracellular polymeric substance during dewatering.

A self-prepared experimental device made of plexiglass with alternating power supply system was used to study the deep dewatering of municipal dewatered sludge. Considering the reduction rate of sludge water content (W) as the index, factors affecting enhanced electric settlement of sludge such as exchange electrode method, voltage gradient, sludge thickness, and mechanical pressure were studied, and the dewatering mechanism was elucidated. The single-factor experiment combined with the surface response method based on the Box-Behnken central experimental design was performed.

Electrochemiluminescence aptasensor for vascular endothelial growth factor 165 detection based on Ru(bpy)/Au nanoparticles film modified electrode and double signal amplification.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signal protein that plays a central role in the regulation of angiogenesis and can stimulate angiogenesis. The development of highly sensitive and selective detection method for VEGF is very important for disease diagnosis and follow-up treatment monitoring. In this study, an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor for VEGF has been developed based on quench of HO toward Ru(bpy)/TPrA ECL system and RecJ exonuclease induced target recovery and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) as amplification strategy.

Patients With Symptomatic AAAs Are More Likely to Develop Lumen Partial-Thrombus After Endovascular Aortic Repair Than Asymptomatic Patients.

Background: According to their symptoms, abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) can be divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic types. This study aimed to explore the differences and correlations between postoperative lumen thrombosis in these two groups after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR).

Methods: A retrospective study using clinical data of 169 patients with AAA treated with EVAR collected in our hospital between January 2018 and January 2021 was conducted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria for patient selection.

A Multicenter Assessment of Anatomic Suitability for Iliac Branched Devices in Eastern Asian Patients With Unilateral and Bilateral Aortoiliac Aneurysms.

This study aims to assess the suitability of four types of commercial iliac branch device systems to treat Eastern Asian abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients with bilateral or unilateral common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAAs). Patients with a coexisting AAA and a unilateral or bilateral CIAAs who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) at two tertiary centers in China from 2015 to 2017 were reviewed. Morphology of lesions was measured and the anatomic suitability for Cook iliac branch device (IBD), Gore iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE), Lifetech iliac branch stent graft (IBSG), and Jotec IBD was evaluated according to the latest instructions for use.

Midterm Outcomes of an Adjustable Puncture Device for In Situ Fenestration During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair.

Objective: To evaluate the midterm outcomes of in situ fenestration (ISF) with an adjustable puncture device for aortic arch branch preservation during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

Methods: From October 2016 to April 2019, patients with complicated type B aortic dissection, thoracic aortic aneurysm > 5.5 cm in diameter, or aortic penetrating ulcer with a base > 20 mm or depth > 15 mm, who received TEVAR requiring a proximal sealing beyond zone 3 and underwent ISF using an adjustable puncture device, were included.

Preoperative high lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio is associated with intraoperative type I endoleak in patients with TAA with TEVAR.

Objectives: Various inflammatory factors are closely associated with the incidence of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). Furthermore, the severity of inflammation is closely related to the absolute value and proportion of each leukocyte subgroup. Only few reports have analyzed the importance of lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) as a potential inflammatory marker in vascular diseases.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on endovascular treatment as an attractive alternative for acute superior mesenteric venous thrombosis.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the published data on the efficacy and safety of therapies for superior mesenteric venous thrombosis (SMVT), aiming to provide a reference and set of recommendations for clinical treatment.

Methods: Relevant databases were searched for studies published from 2000 to June 2020 on SMVT treated with conservative treatment, surgical treatment, or endovascular approach. Different treatment types were grouped for analysis and comparison, and odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Transcollateral Recanalization of an Occluded Superior Mesenteric Artery.

Objective: To report the technique of transcollateral retrograde recanalization of a superior mesenteric artery flush occlusion.

Methods: The technique of a patient undergoing transcollateral retrograde recanalization for acute symptomatic superior mesenteric artery flush occlusion was reviewed and presented. Other adjunctive methods to facilitate the endovascular treatment of the superior mesenteric artery total occlusion lesion were also compared and discussed.

Retrograde Type A Aortic Dissection after Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: Incidence, Time Trends and Risk Factors.

To review the incidence of retrograde type A aortic dissection (RTAD) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of patients with type B aortic dissection, and to investigate its time trends and underlying risk factors. The incidence rate of RTAD after TEVAR for type B aortic dissection was gathered as a cumulative pool for each year in meta-analysis. Linear regression was used to establish the temporal trend of RTAD incidence.