Effects of interstitial cluster mobility on dislocation loops evolution under irradiation of austenitic steel

The evolution of dislocation loops in austenitic steels irradiated with Fe^(+)is investigated using cluster dynamics(CD)simulations by developing a CD model.The CD predictions are compared with experimental results in the literature.The number density and average diameter of the dislocation loops obtained from the CD simulations are in good agreement with the experimental data obtained from transmission electron microscopy(TEM)observations of Fe~+-irradiated Solution Annealed 304,Cold Worked 316,and HR3 austenitic steels in the literature.The CD simulation results demonstrate that the diffusion of in-cascade interstitial clusters plays a major role in the dislocation loop density and dislocation loop growth;in particular,for the HR3 austenitic steel,the CD model has verified the effect of temperature on the density and size of the dislocation loops.

Correlation analysis of interstitial maturity and prognosis of colorectal cancer:Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND To investigate the relationship between interstitial maturity and prognosis of colorectal cancer.AIM To examine the correlation between interstitial maturity and the prognosis of colorectal cancer.METHODS The paper database PubMed,EMBASE,Cochranelibrary,Springerlink,CNKI,and Wanfang database were searched until December 2023."tumor stroma maturity""desmoplastic stroma reaction""desmoplastic reaction""stroma reaction""degree of stroma reaction""stroma classification""stroma density""colorectal cancer""colon cancer""rectal cancer""prognosis"were searched for the search terms.Two system assessors independently screened the literature quality according to the inclusion exclusion criteria,Quality evaluation and data extraction were performed for the included literatures,and meta-analysis was performed for randomized control trials included at using Review Manager 5.2 software.RESULTS Finally,data of 9849 patients with colorectal cancer from 19 cosets in 15 literatures were included,including 4339 patients with mature type(control group),3048 patients with intermediate type(intermediate group)and 2456 patients with immature type(immature group).The results of meta-analysis showed:Relapse-free survival[hazard ratio(HR)=2.66,95%confidence interval(CI):2.30-3.08;P<0.00001],disease-free survival(HR=3.68,95%CI:2.33-5.81;P<0.00001)and overall survival(HR=1.70,95%CI:1.53-1.87;P<0.00001)were significantly lower than those in mature group(control group);relapse-free survival(HR=1.36,95%CI:1.17-1.59;P<0.0001)and disease-free survival rate(HR=1.85,95%CI:1.53-2.24;P<0.0001)was significantly lower than the mature group(control group).CONCLUSION There is the correlation between tumor interstitial maturity and survival prognosis of colorectal cancer,and different degrees of tumor interstitial maturity have a certain impact on the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients.

Microvascular alterations of the ocular surface and retina in connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease

AIM:To examine the disparities in macular retinal vascular density between individuals with connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease(CTD-ILD)and healthy controls(HCs)by optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)and to investigate the changes in microvascular density in abnormal eyes.METHODS:For a retrospective case-control study,a total of 16 patients(32 eyes)diagnosed with CTD-ILD were selected as the ILD group.The 16 healthy volunteers with 32 eyes,matched in terms of age and sex with the patients,were recruited as control group.The macular retina’s superficial retinal layer(SRL)and deep retinal layer(DRL)were examined and scanned using OCTA in each individual eye.The densities of retinal microvascular(MIR),macrovascular(MAR),and total microvascular(TMI)were calculated and compared.Changes in retinal vascular density in the macular region were analyzed using three different segmentation methods:central annuli segmentation method(C1-C6),hemispheric segmentation method[uperior right(SR),superior left(SL),inferior left(IL),and inferior right(IR)],and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study(ETDRS)methods[superior(S),inferior(I),left(L),and right(R)].The data were analyzed using Version 9.0 of GraphPad prism and Pearson analysis.RESULTS:The OCTA data demonstrated a statistically significant difference(P<0.05)in macular retinal microvessel density between the two groups.Specifically,in the SRL and DRL analyses,the ILD group exhibited significantly lower surface density of MIR and TMI compared to the HCs group(P<0.05).Furthermore,using the hemispheric segmentation method,the ILD group showed notable reductions in SL,SR,and IL in the superficial retina(P<0.05),as well as marked decreases in SL and IR in the deep retina(P<0.05).Similarly,when employing the ETDRS method,the ILD group displayed substantial drops in superficial retinal S and I(P<0.05),along with notable reductions in deep retinal L,I,and R(P<0.05).In the central annuli segmentation method,the ILD group exhibited a significant decrease in the superficial retinal C2-4 region(P<0.05),whereas the deep retina showed a notable reduction in the C3-5 region(P<0.05).Additionally,there was an observed higher positive likelihood ratio in the superficial SR region and deep MIR.Furthermore,there was a negative correlation between conjunctival vascular density and both deep and superficial retinal TMI(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Patients with CTD-ILD exhibits a significantly higher conjunctival vascular density compared to the HCs group.Conversely,their fundus retinal microvascular density is significantly lower.Furthermore,CTD-ILD patients display notably lower superficial and deep retinal vascular density in comparison to the HCs group.The inverse correlation between conjunctival vascular density and both superficial and deep retinal TMI suggests that detecting subtle changes in ocular microcirculation could potentially serve as an early diagnostic indicator for connective tissue diseases,thereby enhancing disease management.

Effect of N-Acetylcysteine Combined with Lung Rehabilitation Therapy on Exercise Endurance and Quality of Life of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the effect of N-acetylcysteine combined with lung rehabilitation therapy on exercise endurance and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease(RA-ILD).Methods:Fifty-six patients with RA-ILD admitted to Xijing Hospital from May 2022 to January 2024 were randomly divided into two groups:a non-rehabilitation group and a pulmonary rehabilitation group,with 28 patients in each group.Both groups received routine treatment.Additionally,the non-rehabilitation group received N-acetylcysteine treatment,while the lung rehabilitation group received lung rehabilitation treatment in addition to N-acetylcysteine.The improvement in exercise endurance and dyspnea between the two groups after treatment was compared and the quality of life of the patients was observed.Results:After treatment,the exercise endurance score in the lung rehabilitation group(335.67±45.29)was higher than that in the non-rehabilitation group(P<0.05).The dyspnea score in the lung rehabilitation group(0.72±0.16)was lower than that in the non-rehabilitation group(P<0.05).Additionally,FVC(3.18±0.58 L),FEV1(2.28±0.56 L),FEV1/FVC(69.69±5.56),and DLCO(60.53±5.92 mL/mmHg/min)were higher in the lung rehabilitation group compared to the non-rehabilitation group after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:Lung rehabilitation therapy combined with N-acetylcysteine treatment can effectively improve dyspnea symptoms,lung function,and exercise endurance in patients with RA-ILD.This approach helps to improve patient’s quality of life and is beneficial for their prognosis.

Correlation Analysis Between Changes of D-Dimer Level and Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the correlation between the change of D-dimer level and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease.Methods:From January 2022 to February 2024,20 rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with interstitial lung disease(interstitial lung disease group),20 rheumatoid arthritis patients without interstitial lung disease(without interstitial lung disease group),and 20 healthy people(control group)in Xijing Hospital were selected for this study.The fasting venous blood of the three groups of subjects was collected and their D-dimer,C-reactive protein(CRP),rheumatoid factor(RF),and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)were detected.Subsequently,the correlation between each index and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease was analyzed.Results:The D-dimer level of the interstitial lung disease group was significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The D-dimer level of the group without interstitial lung disease was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).CRP levels in the interstitial lung disease group and the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The ESR and RF levels of the interstitial lung disease group were significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The levels of ESR and RF levels of the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:D-dimer levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients are higher than those of healthy individuals,and those complicated with interstitial lung disease present even higher levels.This finding shows that there is a correlation between D-dimer levels and rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease,which may facilitate the evaluation and diagnosis of this disease.

Clinical evolution of antisynthetase syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease after COVID-19 in a man with Klinefelter syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND This study presents a case of rapidly developing respiratory failure due to antisynthetase syndrome(AS)following coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in a 33-year-old man diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome(KS).CASE SUMMARY A 33-year-old man with a diagnosis of KS was admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of a tertiary hospital in China for fever and shortness of breath 2 wk after the onset of COVID-19.Computed tomography of both lungs revealed diffuse multiple patchy heightened shadows in both lungs,accompanied by signs of partial bronchial inflation.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid suggested absence of pathogen.A biopsy specimen revealed organizing pneumonia with alveolar septal thickening.Additionally,extensive auto-antibody tests showed strong positivity for anti-SSA,anti-SSB,anti-Jo-1,and anti-Ro-52.Following multidisciplinary discussions,the patient received a final diagnosis of AS,leading to rapidly progressing respiratory failure.CONCLUSION This study underscores the clinical progression of AS-associated interstitial lung disease subsequent to viral infections such as COVID-19 in patients diagnosed with KS.

This pain drives me crazy:Psychiatric symptoms in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

BACKGROUND Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS)is an at least 6-mo noninfectious bladder inflammation of unknown origin characterized by chronic suprapubic,abdominal,and/or pelvic pain.Although the term cystitis suggests an inflammatory or infectious origin,no definite cause has been identified.It occurs in both sexes,but women are twice as much affected.AIM To systematically review evidence of psychiatric/psychological changes in persons with IC/BPS.METHODS Hypothesizing that particular psychological characteristics could underpin IC/BPS,we investigated in three databases the presence of psychiatric symptoms and/or disorders and/or psychological characteristics in patients with IC/BPS using the following strategy:("interstitial cystitis"OR"bladder pain syndrome")AND("mood disorder"OR depressive OR antidepressant OR depression OR depressed OR hyperthymic OR mania OR manic OR rapid cyclasterisk OR dysthymiasterisk OR dysphoriasterisk).RESULTS On September 27,2023,the PubMed search produced 223 articles,CINAHL 62,and the combined PsycLIT/PsycARTICLES/PsycINFO/Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection search 36.Search on ClinicalTrials.gov produced 14 studies,of which none had available data.Eligible were peer-reviewed articles reporting psychiatric/psychological symptoms in patients with IC/BPS,i.e.63 articles spanning from 2000 to October 2023.These studies identified depression and anxiety problems in the IC/BPS population,along with sleep problems and the tendency to catastrophizing.CONCLUSION Psychotherapies targeting catastrophizing and life stress emotional awareness and expression reduced perceived pain in women with IC/BPS.Such concepts should be considered when implementing treatments aimed at reducing IC/BPS-related pain.

Severe acute kidney injury due to oxalate crystal induced severe interstitial nephritis:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury(AKI)due to interstitial nephritis is a known condition primarily attributed to various medications.While medication-induced interstitial nephritis is common,occurrences due to non-pharmacological factors are rare.This report presents a case of severe AKI triggered by intratubular oxalate crystal deposition,leading to interstitial nephritis.The aim is to outline the case and its management,emphasizing the significance of recognizing uncommon causes of interstitial nephritis.CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old female presented with stroke-like symptoms,including weakness,speech difficulties,and cognitive impairment.Chronic hypertension had been managed with hydrochlorothiazide(HCTZ)for over two decades.Upon admis-sion,severe hypokalemia and AKI were noted,prompting discontinuation of HCTZ and initiation of prednisolone for acute interstitial nephritis.Further investigations,including kidney biopsy,confirmed severe acute interstitial nephritis with oxalate crystal deposits as the underlying cause.Despite treatment,initial renal function showed minimal improvement.However,with prednisolone therapy and supportive measures,her condition gradually improved,high-lighting the importance of comprehensive management.CONCLUSION This case underscores the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach in identifying and addressing uncommon causes of interstitial nephritis.The occurrence of interstitial nephritis due to oxalate crystal deposition,especially without typical risk factors,emphasizes the need for vigilance in clinical practice.

Nodular Pulmonary Amyloidosis with Interstitial Lung Disease—Case Report and Literature Review

Amyloidosis is a rare spectrum of disease which involves deposition of misfolded extracellular proteins (amyloids) in various body organs leading to progressive organ dysfunction. Clinical presentation can be variable depending on the organ involved and type of protein. Amyloidosis can be classified based on quantity, type, and location of these proteins. Amyloid light-chain amyloidosis develops in the bone marrow, producing abnormal forms of light-chain proteins, which cannot be broken down. These proteins transform into amyloid fibrils and form amyloid deposits in different organs. Pulmonary amyloidosis is uncommonly diagnosed since it is rarely symptomatic. Diagnosis of pulmonary amyloidosis is usually made in the setting of systemic amyloidosis;however, it may present as localised pulmonary disease. Localized pulmonary Amyloidosis can present as nodular, cystic, or tracheobronchial amyloidosis. Depending on the degree of the interstitial involvement, it may affect alveolar gas exchange and cause respiratory symptoms. This is a case of a 47-year-old female with background history of interstitial lung disease presenting with progressive shortness of breath. Computed tomography scan revealed bilateral pulmonary nodules. The patient was referred to our thoracic surgery team with the suspicion of bronchogenic malignancy with metastasis. Diagnostic video assisted wedge resection was performed for this patient, and histology confirmed pulmonary amyloidosis of nodular type. Amyloid deposition simulates both inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Definitive diagnosis requires biopsy confirmation therefore early detection and commencing the patient on appropriate treatment pathway may help in symptomatic relief and better outcome.

Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Anticancer Drug-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease

Drug-induced interstitial lung disease(DILD)is the most common pulmonary adverse event of anticancer drugs.In recent years,the incidence of anticancer DILD has gradually increased with the rapid development of novel anticancer agents.Due to the diverse clinical manifestations and the lack of specific diagnostic criteria,DILD is difficult to diagnose and may even become fatal if not treated properly.Herein,a multidisciplinary group of experts from oncology,respiratory,imaging,pharmacology,pathology,and radiology departments in China has reached the“expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of anticancer DILD”after several rounds of a comprehensive investigation.This consensus aims to improve the awareness of clinicians and provide recommendations for the early screening,diagnosis,and treatment of anticancer DILD.This consensus also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration while managing DILD.

Treatment of refractory anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 anbibody-positive dermatomyositis complicated by rapidly progressing interstitial pulmonary disease:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive(anti-MDA5 Ab+)dermatomyositis complicated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease(anti-MDA5 Ab+DM-RP-ILD)has an unclear underlying mechanism with no recommended unified treatment plan.Herein,one of the cases that we report(Case 2)was successfully treated with tocilizumab despite having lung infection.CASE SUMMARY Case 1 was a 30-year-old woman who was admitted due to recurrent rash for 5 mo,fever and cough for 1 mo,and chest tightness for 3 d.She was diagnosed with non-myopathic dermatomyositis(anti-MDA5 Ab+)and interstitial pneumonia,and was treated with the combination of hormone therapy and cyclophosphamide followed by oral tacrolimus.Case 2 was a 31-year-old man admitted due to systemic rash accompanied by muscle weakness of limbs for more than 1 mo,and chest tightness and dry cough for 4 d.He was diagnosed with dermatomyositis(anti-MDA5 Ab+)and acute interstitial pneumonia with Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus infections and was treated with hormone therapy(without cyclophosphamide)and the combination of tocilizumab and tacrolimus.The condition of both patients eventually improved and they were discharged and showed clinically stable condition at the latest follow-up.CONCLUSION Tocilizumab could be a salvage treatment for patients with anti-MDA5 Ab+DMRP-ILD who are refractory to intensive immunosuppression.

Effect of Third Interstitial Fluid on Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Severe Pre-eclampsia and Twin Pregnancy:A 5-year Single-center Retrospective Study

Objective This study aims to identify the effect of third interstitial fluid on adverse outcomes in twin pregnancies with severe pre-eclampsia,and explore the differences in bad ending between twins and singletons.Methods The present retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with severe pre-eclampsia,who delivered in Tongji Hospital,Wuhan,China,between 2017 and 2022.The adverse outcomes in singleton and twin pregnancies with severe pre-eclampsia were initially investigated.Then,the diverse maternal and fetal consequences between singleton and twin pregnancies in patients with severe pre-eclampsia were compared after merging with the third interstitial fluid.Results A total of 709 patients were included for the present study.Among these patients,68 patients had twin pregnancies,and 641 patients had singleton pregnancies.The rate of postpartum hemorrhage(2.81%vs.13.24%,P<0.001),and admission rate to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU)after birth(30.73%vs.63.24%,P=0.011)were significantly higher in twin pregnancies.The neonatal weight of twins was statistically lower than singletons(1964.73±510.61 g vs.2142.92±731.25 g,P=0.008).For the groups with the third interstitial fluid,the delivery week(P=0.001)and rate of admission to the NICU after birth were significantly advanced in twin pregnancy group,when compared to singleton pregnancy group(P=0.032),and the length of hospital stay was shorter(P=0.044).Furthermore,there was no statistically significant difference between the twin pregnancy group and the singletony pregnancy group without the third interstitial fluid.Conclusion The maternal and fetal adverse outcomes of patients with severe pre-eclampsia increased in twin pregnancies,when compared to singleton pregnancies.Thus,when patients develop the third interstitial fluid,twin pregnancies would more likely lead to adverse fetal outcomes,when compared to singleton pregnancies,and there would be no significant difference in maternal adverse outcomes.More attention should be given to patients who merge with the third interstitial fluid.

Acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease in the intensive care unit:Principles of diagnostic evaluation and management

Interstitial lung disease(ILD)is typically managed on an outpatient basis.Critical care physicians manage patients with ILD in the setting of an acute exacerbation(ILD flare)causing severe hypoxia.The principles of management of acute exacerbation of ILD are different from those used to manage patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome from sepsis,etc.Selected patients may be candidates for aggressive measures like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and lung transplantation,while almost all patients will benefit from early palliative care.This review focused on the types of ILD,diagnosis,and management pathways for this challenging condition.

Mechanisms of renal interstitial fibrosis: cross-talk between mitophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome

Renal interstitial fibrosis(RIF)is the main pathological basis leading to end-stage renal disease,and is closely related to the prognosis of patients with kidney disease.Increasing evidence as shown that mitophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome play important roles in the pathogenesis of RIF.Studies suggest that inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome by activating mitophagy can prevent and alleviate RIF.This review summarizes role played by cross-talk between mitophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome in promoting RIF,so as to offer new perspectives on more effective slow the progression of renal diseases and fibrosis prevention.

Visual Analysis of Knowledge Map of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Pulmonary Interstitial Fibrosis Based on CiteSpace

Objective: To analyze the relevant research literature on the prevention and treatment of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), understand the current research status, hot spots and future development trend in this field, and provide basis and feasible suggestions for further research in this field. Methods: The journal literatures related to the prevention and treatment of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis with TCM in recent 20 years in CNKI database were searched and passed through CiteSpace 5.8.R3 generates the knowledge map of relevant literature authors, document issuing institutions and keywords, and makes visual analysis. Results: A total of 1,576 documents were included, and the annual number of documents showed a fluctuating upward trend, forming a relatively stable research team represented by authors such as LYU Xiaodong, PANG Lijian and LIU Chuang;According to the atlas of document issuing institutions, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its affiliated hospitals ranked first in the number of documents issued, and the cooperation between institutions is dominated by the University of traditional Chinese medicine and its affiliated hospitals;Keyword cluster analysis shows that a large number of studies have been carried out in the field of etiology and pathogenesis, TCM compound, clinic and experiment. Conclusion: The research on the prevention and treatment of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis with TCM has a high degree of attention, but the cooperation network between the research authors and institutions needs to be strengthened. The research on the pathogenesis and improving the quality of life of patients is the trend of development in the future.

Microneedle-based interstitial fluid extraction for drug analysis:Advances,challenges,and prospects

Similar to blood,interstitial fluid(ISF)contains exogenous drugs and biomarkers and may therefore substitute blood in drug analysis.However,current ISF extraction techniques require bulky instruments and are both time-consuming and complicated,which has inspired the development of viable alternatives such as those relying on skin or tissue puncturing with microneedles.Currently,microneedles are widely employed for transdermal drug delivery and have been successfully used for ISF extraction by different mechanisms to facilitate subsequent analysis.The integration of microneedles with sensors enables in situ ISF analysis and specific compound monitoring,while the integration of monitoring and delivery functions in wearable devices allows real-time dose modification.Herein,we review the progress in drug analysis based on microneedle-assisted ISF extraction and discuss the related future opportunities and challenges.

Reversible Chronic Interstitial Nephritis Induced by Tacrolimus —Tacrolimus Chronic Interstitial Nephritis

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are potent immunosuppressive agents in prophylaxis against graft rejection and autoimmune diseases including primary glomerulopathies. Previous research showed reversible;acute afferent arteriolar vasculopathy and irreversible chronic interstitial fibrosis associated with CNI nephrotoxicity. In this case report we describe a patient, with minimal change disease, that had developed chronic and progressive renal disease while receiving therapeutic dose of Tacrolimus. His serum creatinine had reached 537 umol/L and his nephrotic state worsened. Kidney biopsy showed chronic interstitial nephritis. Tacrolimus was discontinued and he was treated with 1 mg/kg prednisone in addition to Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 1 g twice daily. By the 2nd month;serum creatinine returned to normal and by the 3rd month serum albumin too. After 1 month of therapy;the dose of Prednisone was tapered down gradually till 5 mg daily by the end of 3rd month. Moreover, the dose of MMF was reduced to 500 mg X2 by the end of 3rd month. After 2 years of follow up;he remained stable and without relapse of NS or renal failure. In conclusion, reversible renal disease, due to chronic interstitial nephritis can be induced by CNI which is amenable to treatment with Prednisone and MMF.

Expression and functional study of cholecystokinin-A receptors on the interstitial Cajal-like cells of the guinea pig common bile duct

BACKGROUND Many studies have shown that interstitial Cajal-like cell(ICLC)abnormalities are closely related to a variety of dynamic gastrointestinal disorders.ICLCs are pacemaker cells for gastrointestinal movement and are involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.AIM To elucidate the expression profile and significance of cholecystokinin-A(CCK-A)receptors in ICLCs in the common bile duct(CBD),as well as the role of CCK in regulating CBD motility through CCK-A receptors on CBD ICLCs.METHODS The levels of tyrosine kinase receptor(c-kit)and CCK-A receptors in CBD tissues and isolated CBD cells were quantified using the double immunofluorescence labeling technique.The CCK-mediated enhancement of the movement of CBD muscle strips through CBD ICLCs was observed by a muscle strip contraction test.RESULTS Immunofluorescence showed co-expression of c-kit and CCK-A receptors in the CBD muscularis layer.Observations of isolated CBD cells showed that c-kit was expressed on the surface of ICLCs,the cell body and synapse were colored and polygonal,and some cells presented protrusions and formed networks adjacent to the CBD while others formed filaments at the synaptic terminals of local cells.CCK-A receptors were also expressed on CBD ICLCs.At concentrations ranging from 10^(-6) mol/L to 10^(-10) mol/L,CCK promoted CBD smooth muscle contractility in a dose-dependent manner.In contrast,after ICLC removal,the contractility mediated by CCK in CBD smooth muscle decreased.CONCLUSION CCK-A receptors are highly expressed on CBD ICLCs,and CCK may regulate CBD motility through the CCK-A receptors on ICLCs.

Impact of interstitial cells of Cajal on slow wave and gallbladder contractility in a guinea pig model of acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND Impaired interstitial cells of Cajal(ICCs)are central to the pathophysiology of acute cholecystitis(AC).Common bile duct ligation is a common model of AC,producing acute inflammatory changes and decrease in gallbladder contractility.AIM To investigate the origin of slow wave(SW)in the gallbladder and the effect of ICCs on gallbladder contractions during the process of AC.METHODS Methylene blue(MB)with light was used to establish selective impaired ICCs gallbladder tissue.Gallbladder motility was assessed using the frequency of SW and gallbladder muscle contractility in vitro in normal control(NC),AC12h,AC24h,and AC48h groups of guinea pigs.Hematoxylin and eosin and Massonstained gallbladder tissues were scored for inflammatory changes.ICCs pathological changes alterations were estimated using immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy.The alterations of c-Kit,α-SMA,cholecystokinin A receptor(CCKAR),and connexin 43(CX43)were assessed using Western blot.RESULTS Impaired ICCs muscle strips resulted in the decrease in gallbladder SW frequency and contractility.The frequency of SW and gallbladder contractility were significantly lower in the AC12h group.Compared with the NC group,the density and ultrastructure of ICCs were remarkably impaired in the AC groups,especially in the AC12h group.The protein expression levels of c-Kit were significantly decreased in the AC12h group,while CCKAR and CX43 protein expression levels were significantly decreased in the AC48h group.CONCLUSION Loss ICCs could lead to a decrease in gallbladder SW frequency and contractility.The density and ultrastructure of ICCs were clearly impaired in the early stage of AC,while CCKAR and CX43 were significantly reduced at end stage.

Non-invasive assessment for intratumoural distribution of interstitial fluid flow

Interstitial fluid plays a vital role in drug delivery and tumour treatment.However,few non-invasive measurement methods are available for measuring low-velocity biological fluid flow.Therefore,this study aimed to develop a novel technology called interstitial flow velocity-MRI.The interstitial flow velocity-MRI sequence consists of a dual inversion recovery preparation and an improved stimulated echo sequence(ISTE)combined with phase-contrast MRI.A homemade flow phantom was used to assess the feasibility and sensitivity of interstitial flow velocity-MRI.In addition,xenografts of female BALB/c mouse models of 4T1 breast cancer administered losartan(40 mg/kg)or saline(n?6)were subjected to imaging on a 7.0 T scanner to assess the in vivo interstitial fluid flow velocity.The results showed a significant correlation(P<0.001)between the theoretical velocities and velocities measured using the flow phantom.Interstitial flow velocity-MRI could detect a velocity as low as 10.21±2.65 mm/s with a spatial resolution of 0.313 mm.The losartan group had a lower mean interstitial fluid velocity than the control group(85±16 vs 113±24 mm/s).In addition,compared to the saline treatment,losartan treatment reduced the proportion of collagen fibres by 10%and 12%in the Masson and Sirius red staining groups,respectively.Interstitial flow velocity-MRI has the potential to determine interstitial fluid flow velocity non-invasively and exhibits an intuitive velocity map.