Collagen and Microvascularization in Placentas From Young and Older Mares

In older mares, increasing collagen fibers (fibrosis) in the endometrium and oviduct predisposes to sub-fertility and infertility. In this study, (i) gene transcription of collagen (qPCR: COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1); (ii) total collagen protein (hydroxyproline); (iii) collagen distribution (Picrosirius red staining; polarized light microscopy); and (iv) microvascular density (Periodic acid-Schiff staining), were evaluated in mares' placenta, and related to mares age, and placenta and neonate weights. Samples were collected from the gravid horn, non-gravid horn, and body of the placenta from younger (n = 7), and older mares (n = 9) of different breeds. Transcripts of COL1A1, COL3A1 and COL5A1, total collagen protein, chorionic plate connective tissue thickness, and microvascularization increased in the gravid horn of older mares' placentas, compared to the youngest (P < 0.05). Although in other species placenta fibrosis may indicate placental insufficiency and reduced neonate weight, this was not observed here. It appears that older fertile mares, with more parities, may develop a heavier, more vascularized functional placenta with more collagen, throughout a longer gestation, which enables the delivery of heavier foals. Thus, these features might represent morphological and physiological adaptations of older fertile mares' placentas to provide the appropriate nutrition to the equine fetus.

In vivo soft tissue compressive properties of the human hand

Background/Purpose Falls onto outstretched hands are the second most common sports injury and one of the leading causes of upper extremity injury. Injury risk and severity depends on forces being transmitted through the palmar surface to the upper extremity. Although the magnitude and distribution of forces depend on the soft tissue response of the palm, the in vivo properties of palmar tissue have not been characterized. The purpose of this study was to characterize the large deformation palmar soft tissue properties. Methods In vivo dynamic indentations were conducted on 15 young adults (21–29 years) to quantify the soft tissue characteristics of over the trapezium. The effects of loading rate, joint position, tissue thickness and sex on soft tissue responses were assessed. Results Energy absorbed by the soft tissue and peak force were affected by loading rate and joint angle. Energy absorbed was 1.7–2.8 times higher and the peak force was 2–2.75 times higher at high rate loading than quasistatic rates. Males had greater energy absorbed than females but not at all wrist positions. Damping characteristics were the highest in the group with the thickest soft tissue while damping characteristics were the lowest in group with the thinnest soft tissues. Conclusion Palmar tissue response changes with joint position, loading rate, sex, and tissue thickness. Accurately capturing these tissue responses is important for developing effective simulations of fall and injury biomechanics and assessing the effectiveness of injury prevention strategies.

Association of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness with Left Atrial Size and Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with detrimental consequences. Epicardial fat is consistently associated with the presence, severity, and recurrence of AF. Aim: The aim of the work was to investigate the association of epicardial adipose tissue thickness with left atrial size in patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 25 atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and 25 subjects with normal sinus rhythm as a control group matched in body weight. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiogram. EAT (epicardial adipose tissue) thickness was measured on the right ventricular free wall of the two- dimensional parasternal long-axis view at end systole. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups in waist circumference, EAT (epicardial adipose tissue) thickness, left atrium diameter, LA volume. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis showed that an EAT thickness of > 0.30 cm maximizes the sensitivity and specificity to predict the development of AF. Conclusion: Increases epicardial adipose tissue is associated with the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Ultra-sound Shear Wave Elastography Tissue Stiffness and Thickness Assessment After Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment; An Exploratory Study.

Purpose: This research investigated the feasibility of using B-mode ultrasound with shear-wave elastography (SWE) to evaluate the structural and mechanical properties of multiple tissue layers in the pectoral region of women with chronic radiation fibrosis following breast cancer treatment. Method: Nine women between one and five years post unilateral conventional fractionated radiotherapy were evaluated. Both ultrasound and SWE were used to examine the thickness and stiffness of skin, subcutaneous adipose tissue, fascia and muscle in both their irradiated and non-irradiated sides. Linear mixed models were conducted to examine statistical differences in tissue thickness and stiffness between irradiated and non-irradiated sides with the arm resting by the side and also in abduction. Results: Significant differences were found between irradiated and non-irradiated tissues. Irradiated skin was significantly thicker (p=0.020) and stiffer (p<0.001) with the arm by the side. Irradiated subcutaneous adipose tissue was significantly thinner (p<0.001). Irradiated fascia and muscles thinned significantly with the arm moved out to abduction position. Irradiated pectoral muscle was significantly stiffer (p=0.004), this stiffness amplified with arm abduction (p<0.001) where the muscle thinned significantly (P<0.001).Conclusion: Ultrasound with SWE shows potential to provide novel objective evaluation of radiation induced soft tissue fibrosis at multiple tissue layers in the pectoral region. Tissue thickness changes in irradiated tissue were evident in ultrasound images. Quantifying these tissue changes supports research development and introduction of clinical interventions to ameliorate the symptoms of morbidity that is currently considered irreversible.

Experimental determination of the wave height of the base and yarns in the tissue and a new method for measuring the tissue thickness without contact

In many spinning and weaving processes, fibers and threads are bent. To be more precise: in the textile industry there is no technological process in which fibers, threads or textiles do not pass through a curved surface. Therefore, this article highlights the research work on a new method of contactless determination of the wave height and thickness of the warp and weft threads in the fabric using the capabilities of information and communication technologies. Experiments of research work are considered on the example of crêpe de Chine fabric.