Numerical modeling of the abdominal wall biomechanics and experimental analysis for model validation.

The evaluation of the biomechanics of the abdominal wall is particularly important to understand the onset of pathological conditions related to weakening and injury of the abdominal muscles. A better understanding of the biomechanics of the abdominal wall could be a breakthrough in the development of new therapeutic approaches. For this purpose, several studies in the literature propose finite element models of the human abdomen, based on the geometry of the abdominal wall from medical images and on constitutive formulations describing the mechanical behavior of fascial and muscular tissues. The biomechanics of the abdominal wall depends on the passive mechanical properties of fascial and muscle tissue, on the activation of abdominal muscles, and on the variable intra-abdominal pressure. To assess the quantitative contribution of these features to the development and validation of reliable numerical models, experimental data are fundamental. This work presents a review of the state of the art of numerical models developed to investigate abdominal wall biomechanics. Different experimental techniques, which can provide data for model validation, are also presented. These include electromyography, ultrasound imaging, intraabdominal pressure measurements, abdominal surface deformation, and stiffness/compliance measurements.

Imaging Diagnosis of a Lumbar Hernia: A Rare and Challenging Presentation.

Lumbar hernias, a rare form of abdominal wall hernia, typically present with subtle, gradually enlarging masses in the lumbar region, often overlooked due to their rarity. This case report details a 38-year-old male farmer who experienced a 10-month history of a slowly enlarging, non-tender swelling in the left loin area, which became more prominent during the Valsalva maneuver. Despite having no significant medical history or prior trauma, a CT scan revealed a 2 cm defect in the superior lumbar triangle, with herniation of perinephric fat, confirming the diagnosis of a superior lumbar hernia. Surgical intervention was undertaken, where a 3 × 3 cm defect was identified intraoperatively, matching the preoperative imaging findings. The hernia was repaired using a Prolene mesh, which was securely anchored to the surrounding posterior abdominal wall tissues to prevent recurrence. The patient's postoperative recovery was smooth and without complications. This case underscores the necessity of including lumbar hernias in the differential diagnosis of lumbar masses, particularly in patients lacking common risk factors, and highlights the critical role of CT imaging in accurate diagnosis and surgical planning. Given the risks of incarceration or strangulation, early surgical repair with mesh reinforcement is essential for ensuring a successful outcome.

The DYRKP1 kinase regulates cell wall degradation in Chlamydomonas by inducing matrix metalloproteinase expression.

The cell wall of plants and algae is an important cell structure that protects cells from changes in the external physical and chemical environment. This extracellular matrix, composed of polysaccharides and glycoproteins, must be constantly remodeled throughout the life cycle. However, compared to matrix polysaccharides, little is known about the mechanisms regulating the formation and degradation of matrix glycoproteins. We report here that a plant kinase belonging to the DUAL-SPECIFICITY TYROSINE PHOSPHORYLATION-REGULATED KINASE (DYRK) family present in all eukaryotes regulates cell wall degradation after mitosis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by inducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Without the plant DYRK kinase (DYRKP1), daughter cells cannot disassemble parental cell walls and remain trapped inside for more than 10 days. On the other hand, the DYRKP1 complementation line shows normal degradation of the parental cell wall. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicate a marked down-regulation of MMP gene expression and accumulation, respectively, in the dyrkp1 mutants. The mutants deficient in MMPs retain palmelloid structures for a longer time than the background strain, like dyrkp1 mutants. Our findings show that DYRKP1, by ensuring timely MMP expression, enables the successful execution of the cell cycle. Altogether, this study provides insight into the life cycle regulation in plants and algae.

Burden and mortality of congenital gastrointestinal anomalies: insights from a nationwide cohort study.

PURPOSE: Improved perioperative care has enhanced survival in children with congenital gastrointestinal conditions and abdominal wall defects (AWD). However, epidemiological and surgical outcomes in developing nations are still scarce. Our aim was to assess the burden and mortality of common congenital gastrointestinal anomalies and AWD in Malaysia, and their influencing factors. METHODS: Using the Global PaedSurg study protocol with permission, we performed a prospective cohort study on children presenting for the first time between October 2021 and April 2022 with these conditions: Esophageal atresia (EA), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation (ARM) and Hirschsprung's disease. We compared mortality and 30-day outcome data across different geographical regions in Malaysia. RESULTS: There were 228 patients with 242 study conditions (EA n = 28, CDH n = 36, intestinal atresia n = 49, gastroschisis n = 12, exomphalos n = 8, ARM n = 77, Hirschsprung's disease n = 32). Our mortality rate was 8.8%; 60% of these were CDH patients. Factors significantly associated with mortality were CDH diagnosis, central venous access requirement, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, blood transfusion and ventilation requirement. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of CDH is the most important predictor for sepsis on arrival and mortality, therefore measures should be taken for early recognition and aggressive management.

Extended Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery with Total Cyst Wall Decollement for Suprasellar Cystic Craniopharyngioma: Case Report and Literature Review.

For most cystic craniopharyngiomas, intracapsular debulking is a good strategy to get a large operation space and protect vital structures. However, this surgical strategy may lead to the residual and recurrence of the tumor capsule wall. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new surgical strategy without residual capsule walls for the removal of cystic craniopharyngiomas. We reviewed a 45-year-old male with vision loss and visual field defects, whose head MRI revealed a suprasellar cystic lesion. The patient underwent extended endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. The surgical strategy of total cystic wall decollement was adopted, which was that the lesion surrounded by the capsule was completely separated from the surrounding tissue without destroying the capsule and maintaining the tension of the capsule. The lesion was totally resected and pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of craniopharyngioma. After the operation, both the visual acuity and pituitary function were significantly improved. In addition, he suffered from transient diabetes insipidus, which was subsequently relieved. During the 33-month follow-up, there was no tumor recurrence. Compared with the traditional surgical strategy of intracapsular debulking, the surgical strategy of total cystic wall decollement has the advantages of less residual tumor capsules, low tumor recurrence rates, etc. Therefore, for specific cystic craniopharyngiomas, the surgical strategy of total cystic wall decollement may be an effective surgical strategy to reduce tumor recurrence.

Engineered reduction of S-adenosylmethionine alters lignin in sorghum.

BACKGROUND: Lignin is an aromatic polymer deposited in secondary cell walls of higher plants to provide strength, rigidity, and hydrophobicity to vascular tissues. Due to its interconnections with cell wall polysaccharides, lignin plays important roles during plant growth and defense, but also has a negative impact on industrial processes aimed at obtaining monosaccharides from plant biomass. Engineering lignin offers a solution to this issue. For example, previous work showed that heterologous expression of a coliphage S-adenosylmethionine hydrolase (AdoMetase) was an effective approach to reduce lignin in the model plant Arabidopsis. The efficacy of this engineering strategy remains to be evaluated in bioenergy crops. RESULTS: We studied the impact of expressing AdoMetase on lignin synthesis in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Lignin content, monomer composition, and size, as well as biomass saccharification efficiency were determined in transgenic sorghum lines. The transcriptome and metabolome were analyzed in stems at three developmental stages. Plant growth and biomass composition was further evaluated under field conditions. Results evidenced that lignin was reduced by 18% in the best transgenic line, presumably due to reduced activity of the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent O-methyltransferases involved in lignin synthesis. The modified sorghum features altered lignin monomer composition and increased lignin molecular weights. The degree of methylation of glucuronic acid on xylan was reduced. These changes enabled a ~20% increase in glucose yield after biomass pretreatment and saccharification compared to wild type. RNA-seq and untargeted metabolomic analyses evidenced some pleiotropic effects associated with AdoMetase expression. The transgenic sorghum showed developmental delay and reduced biomass yields at harvest, especially under field growing conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of AdoMetase represents an effective lignin engineering approach in sorghum. However, considering that this strategy potentially impacts multiple S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases, adequate promoters for fine-tuning AdoMetase expression will be needed to mitigate yield penalty.

Obstructed Defecation Syndrome: Analysis of the Efficacy and Mid-Term Quality of Life of an Innovative Robotic Approach.

Background: The goal of our research is to demonstrate how the combination of Rectal wall Plication (RP) and robotic Ventral Mesh Rectopexy (VMR) results in a safe and effective operation that provides superior outcomes for patients with Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS). Methods: In a total of 78 women with ODS with posterior compartment prolapse, 30 had VMR whereas 33 received VMR plus RP. We assessed VMR and VMR + RP's efficacy and safety, as well as their influence on quality of life and sexual function. Results: At the median follow-up, both groups' POP-Q categorization scores for the posterior compartment decreased (p < 0.001). In terms of quality of life, the PISQ-12 showed an increase in sexual quality (30.12 ± 7.12 vs. 35.98 ± 5.98 in the VMR group and 29.65 ± 6.45 vs. 29.65 ± 6.45 in the VMR + RP group, p = 0.041). In the VMR + RP group, the number of sexually active patients with at least two sexual interactions per month rose (p = 0.033). At the median follow-up, the ODS score values differed significantly (7.11 ± 1.65 vs. 1.88 ± 1.89, p = 0.013). Conclusions: The combination of rectal wall plication and ventral mesh rectopexy may result in improved bowel function and quality of life.

Successful surgical management of polyostotic costal fibrous dysplasia-a case report.

Polyostotic costal fibrous dysplasia is a rare cause of chest pain. This report describes a young male with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia with partial vertebral involvement, who presented to us with disabling pain refractory to medical therapy. He was managed successfully with resection of dysplastic ribs, while conserving the asymptomatic vertebral lesion.

Intracranial vasculopathy with MR vessel wall imaging: a case series.

Conventional luminal imaging, often the first line investigation, has helped physicians in diagnosing countless patients with cerebrovascular disease but regrettably, it offers little diagnostic clues in patients with challenging vasculopathy, which the latter often requires invasive histopathological diagnosis. In past decade, MR vessel wall imaging has quickly emerged as a non-invasive modality that greatly enhances radiologists' capability of differentiating underlying aetiology. Not only it minimizes surgical trauma to patients, but also provide timely and accurate diagnosis for physicians to offer prompt appropriate treatment and avoid devastating outcomes. Tuen Mun Hospital, the neuroscience centre serving more than 1.3 million population in New Territories, Hong Kong, has been the pioneer in optimizing this novel modality within the district. In this article, we hope to share few interesting cases in our centre on how we utilize its advantage in solving some challenging cases. We would also discuss some common imaging pitfalls and tips on interpretation.

Acceleration is the key to drag reduction in turbulent flow.

A turbulent pipe flow experiment was conducted where the surface of the pipe was oscillated azimuthally over a wide range of frequencies, amplitudes, and Reynolds numbers. The drag was reduced by as much as 35%. Past work has suggested that the drag reduction scales with the velocity amplitude of the motion, its period, and/or the Reynolds number. Here, we find that the key parameter is the acceleration, which greatly simplifies the complexity of the phenomenon. This result is shown to apply to channel flows with spanwise surface oscillation as well. This insight opens potential avenues for reducing fuel consumption by large vehicles and for reducing energy costs in large piping systems.

Enhancement of Livestock Wastewater Treatment by a Novel Wooden-modified Biocarrier.

Intensive livestock wastewater poses threat to ecosystem. A novel wooden-modified biocarrier was applied in this study to enhance the livestock wastewater treatment in anoxic-aerobic systems. Compared to the ordinary polyethylene (PE) biocarrier, the novel wooden-modified biocarrier improved the biomass owing to its rough surface and porous side wall, and had better nitrogen removal ability. The biomass of wooden-modified biocarrier was 6.3 ± 1.1 and 36.4 ± 17.0 times that of PE biocarrier in anoxic and aerobic condition, respectively. The removal rates of ammonia nitrogen and total nitrogen of this novel biocarrier on specific biofilm's aera eventually stabilized at 0.64 ± 0.10 and 0.94 ± 0.21 g N/m2/d, respectively. Notably, this wooden-modified biocarrier was conducive to increase nitrogen removal by simultaneous nitrification and denitrification to some extent. The biofilm on novel modified biocarrier had higher extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) contents than activated sludge (AS), and the proportions of polysaccharides (PS) in EPS from biocarrier were more than those from AS. Compared to PE biocarrier and AS, the wooden-modified biocarriers enhanced the enrichment of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, and promoted the membrane transport and aerobic nitrogen metabolism. This study confirmed the superiority of wooden-modified biocarrier and provided reference for the treatment of high concentration sewage in full-scale project.

Long-Term Efficacy of Posterior Neurectomy in Anterior Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment Syndrome.

Objective: To analyze long-term treatment outcomes of a posterior neurectomy in a large cohort of patients with anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES). Summary Background Data: The current step-up treatment approach for ACNES involves abdominal wall tender point injections, pulsed radiofrequency, and neurectomy. If an anterior neurectomy fails or pain reoccurs, a posterior neurectomy is considered as a final surgical option. Data on posterior neurectomy treatment outcomes are scarce. Methods: ACNES patients who underwent a unilateral posterior neurectomy between 2012 and 2022 in a single institution completed a questionnaire regarding their current pain status. Primary outcomes were short- and long-term treatment success, defined as ≥50% pain relief. Patients were stratified whether the operative indication was recurrent pain (>3 months) after an initially successful anterior neurectomy or ongoing pain after an anterior neurectomy. Results: Data from 260 of 379 patients (77% female, mean age 42 years) were analyzed (68.6% response rate). Sensitivity analysis found that short-term outcomes were similar between responders and non-responders. The recurrent pain group demonstrated significantly better treatment outcomes compared to the ongoing pain group, both in the short-term (7 weeks; treatment success 79.2% vs. 53.2%, p < 0.001) and long-term (58 months; treatment success 61.1% vs. 42.0%, p = 0.001). Sixteen (minor) complications (6.2%) were reported, resulting in three surgical re-interventions (1.2%). Conclusion: A posterior neurectomy is long-term beneficial in approximately half of patients although treatment success is better for recurrent pain than ongoing pain. These findings aid in optimizing preoperative patient counseling.

Analysis of the fermentation kinetics and gut microbiota modulatory effect of dried chicory root reveals the impact of the plant-cell matrix rationalizing its conversion in the distal colon.

Aim: The cell matrix of plant foods has received little attention in prebiotic fiber research. We aimed to understand the impact of the plant cell matrix in dried chicory root on its breakdown in the human gut to explain its reported beneficial effects on gut and metabolic health. Methods: We applied in vitro digestion and fermentation models together with an ex vivo gut barrier integrity model. Plant cell matrix intactness in the upper gastrointestinal tract was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Colonic breakdown of inulin, and chicory root cubes and powder was assessed by gut microbiota analysis using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and determining the kinetics of changes in pH, gas, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Finally, effects on gut barrier integrity were explored by exposing colonic biopsies to fermentation supernatants in an Ussing chamber model. Results: The plant cell matrix of dried chicory root cubes remained intact throughout upper gastrointestinal transit. Dried chicory root fermentation resulted in higher final relative abundances of pectin-degrading Monoglobus and butyrate-producing Roseburia spp. compared to inulin and a seven-fold increase in Bifidobacterium spp. in donors where these species were present. Dried chicory root cubes yielded similar total SCFAs but higher final butyrate levels than chicory root powder or isolated inulin with less gas produced. No uniform but donor-specific effects of fermentation supernatants on the maintenance of gut barrier integrity were detected. Conclusion: The intact plant cell matrix of dried chicory root affected its colonic breakdown kinetics and microbiota, underpinning its beneficial effect in vivo.

Thoracic hernias: What the radiologist should know.

Thoracic hernias encompass the protrusion of thoracic contents through the thorax or intra-abdominal tissue into the thorax. They can be classified as diaphragmatic hernias - either congenital or acquired; pulmonary hernias - involving tissue protrusion through cervical fascia or intercostal spaces; and mediastinal hernias - including cardiac, intrapericardial and hiatal hernias. Prompt identification and classification of thoracic hernias rely on diagnostic imaging, primarily through computed tomography and magnetic resonance, to identify associated complications. This article comprehensively reviews thoracic hernias and their key imaging features.

Anatomical Study of Abdominal Wall Muscle Innervation to Optimize Retroperitoneal Vascular Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Different surgical approaches are used in aortic surgery. Retroperitoneal approaches can result in abdominal wall weakness and flank bulging. These approaches often require dissection of the anterolateral or anteromedial muscles of the abdominal wall. During dissection, the underlying nerves are at great risk of injury, which induces significant complications in abdominal wall muscles. Few studies have been conducted to minimize the risk of injury to these nerves. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe the trajectory of abdominal muscle motor nerves and their relationship to ribs and other anatomical landmarks. The secondary objective is to optimize surgical approaches by preserving the nerves. METHOD: We conducted 12 dissections on fresh cadavers. Nerve trajectories, communication between the intercostal nerves (9th-10th-11th) and the subcostal nerve (12th), and the distance from the nerve to the estimated projection point of intersection with the abdominal midline, umbilicus, and iliac crest was recorded. RESULTS: Our dissections identified the 12th subcostal nerve as the largest nerve. The 11th intercostal nerve exhibits more accessory branches than other nerves. Multiple communications and branches were observed between the 10th and 11th intercostal nerves and between the 11th and 12th nerves in the region from the anterior axillary line to the mid-clavicular line. The estimated projection point of intersection with the midline was 7.92 ± 1.24 cm supraumbilical for the 9th intercostal nerve, 3.92 ± 1.18 cm supraumbilical for the 10th, 1.08 ± 1.52 cm at the umbilical level for the 11th, and -3.33 ± 0.83 cm infraumbilical for the subcostal nerve. The distance between the iliac crest and the iliohypogastric nerve in the lateral jackknife position was 2.54 ± 0.65 cm. The 11th nerve had an angle in relation to the rib of between -45° and -10° (average: -24.6°), and the 12th nerve had a similar angle of between -30° and 0° (average: -18.3°). For the 11th nerve, the distance was between 0 and 5.5 cm (average: 2.92 cm); for the 12th nerve, it was between 0 and 3.0 cm (average: 1.71 cm). CONCLUSION: To preserve the 11th nerve, the optimal approach is a straight incision starting from the upper edge of the 11th rib towards the midline, 4 cm above the umbilicus; for the 12th nerve, the optimal approach is a straight incision starting from the upper edge of the 12th rib towards the midline, 1 cm below the umbilicus; for the iliohypogastric nerve, the optimal approach is an incision close to the iliac crest at a distance <1.5 cm. The estimated projection point of intersection between the nerve directions towards the midline can indicate the anatomical trajectory of nerves. A nerve projection towards the midline can provide valuable information about the anatomical location of a nerve. This study has utility in optimizing surgical approaches. A clinical study can confirm these anatomical results.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Nasal Valves.

The nasal valves are not simple, 2-dimensional cross-sections but rather a complex, 3-dimensional, collapsible, and heterogeneous structure. Historically, the internal nasal valve (INV) is defined by the septum medially, the caudal margin of the upper lateral cartilage laterally, and the inferior turbinate inferiorly. Typically located 1.3 cm deep into the nasal cavity, the INV angle delineated by the upper lateral cartilage and septum typically measures 10° to 15° in the Caucasian population. As computational methods reveal new insights into nasal valve function, a new conceptual framework is needed to guide rhinoplasty surgical decision-making.

Cardiovascular Disease May Be Triggered by Gut Microbiota, Microbial Metabolites, Gut Wall Reactions, and Inflammation.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) may be inherited, as recently shown with the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs or "snips") on a 250 kb DNA fragment that encodes 92 proteins associated with CVD. CVD is also triggered by microbial dysbiosis, microbial metabolites, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). The epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM) and trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) peptide keeps the gut wall intact and healthy. Variations in Ep-CAM levels are directly linked to changes in the gut microbiome. Leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI1), and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein 1 (AGP1) are associated with obesity and may be used as biomarkers. Although contactin 1 (CNTN1) is also associated with obesity and adiposity, it regulates the bacterial metabolism of tryptophan (Trp) and thus appetite. A decrease in CNTN1 may serve as an early warning of CVD. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by gut microbiota inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and damage vascular integrity. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), produced by gut microbiota, activates inflammatory Nod-like receptors (NLRs) such as Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), which increase platelet formation. Mutations in the elastin gene (ELN) cause supra valvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), defined as the thickening of the arterial wall. Many of the genes expressed by human cells are regulated by gut microbiota. The identification of new molecular markers is crucial for the prevention of CVD and the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the causes of CVD and identifies possible CVD markers.

Biochemical Defence of Plants against Parasitic Nematodes.

Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs), such as Meloidogyne spp., Heterodera spp. and Pratylenchus spp., are obligate parasites on a wide range of crops, causing significant agricultural production losses worldwide. These PPNs mainly feed on and within roots, impairing both the below-ground and the above-ground parts, resulting in reduced plant performance. Plants have developed a multi-component defence mechanism against diverse pathogens, including PPNs. Several natural molecules, ranging from cell wall components to secondary metabolites, have been found to protect plants from PPN attack by conferring nematode-specific resistance. Recent advances in omics analytical tools have encouraged researchers to shed light on nematode detection and the biochemical defence mechanisms of plants during nematode infection. Here, we discuss the recent progress on revealing the nematode-associated molecular patterns (NAMPs) and their receptors in plants. The biochemical defence responses of plants, comprising cell wall reinforcement; reactive oxygen species burst; receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases; mitogen-activated protein kinases; antioxidant activities; phytohormone biosynthesis and signalling; transcription factor activation; and the production of anti-PPN phytochemicals are also described. Finally, we also examine the role of epigenetics in regulating the transcriptional response to nematode attack. Understanding the plant defence mechanism against PPN attack is of paramount importance in developing new, effective and sustainable control strategies.

Impacts of Fruit Frosting Coverage on Postharvest Softening of Prunes under Vibration Stress.

The surface of prune fruit has a thick layer of frosting, which is easily damaged and lost during prunes harvest or postharvest handling, and there is no clear information on the effect of prune surface frost on postharvest storage quality. To investigate the effect of fruit frosting on the softening of prune fruits during storage under vibration stress, prunes were divided into three grades according to fruit frosting in this study and were vibrated for 8 h at a frequency of 5 Hz at 4 °C; then, samples were selected once every 8 d. The results showed that the heavy fruit frosting (HFF) group maintained higher hardness (21.47%), L* (20.85%), and total soluble solids (12.79%) levels at the end of storage and inhibited cell wall-modifying enzyme activities (polygalacturonase, pectin methylesterase, glycosidase, ß-glucosidase, and cellulase) compared to frosting-less fruit (FF) group. This group also showed improved expression of key cell wall-modification genes (ADPG2, PME31, CESA1, BGAL3, XTH33, BGLU41) as well as chelate-soluble pectin (72.11%), Na2CO3-soluble pectin (42.83%), and cellulose (36.89%) solubilization and maintained lower water-soluble pectin (34.23%). Microscopic observations showed that the fruit frosting could delay the dissolution of pectin components and protect the cell wall structure. In summary, fruit frosting can effectively inhibit fruit softening and maintain fruit quality.

Experimental Study of Used Wind Turbine Blades for Their Reuse in Slope and Trench Protection.

This article presents the results of an experimental study carried out to assess the possibility of using waste wind turbine blades as retaining wall structures for slopes and trenches. The use of Vestas and LM-type blades as retaining wall components was assumed, based on 'columns' made of Vestas-type closed profiles filled with concrete and 'slabs' of fragments extracted from LM-type blades. The results of the tests and comparisons of the displacement and strain values of the components obtained using different measurement methods are presented in this paper. The force-strain and force-displacement relationships obtained from the tests were used to validate numerical models of slope protection walls and excavations designed from used wind turbine blades. According to our research, there is a high degree of variability in the strength parameters and deformation of the composite elements made from the wind turbine blades. Therefore, in the case of this type of material, characterized by a significant variation in carrying capacity, deformability, and the nature of the failures, the use of different measurement methods makes it possible to obtain much of the data necessary for assessing the reusability of wind turbine blades in building.