Advanced Polymeric Scaffolds for Stem Cell Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

Polymeric scaffolds play a pivotal role in tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine strategies, as they offer the possibility to closely mimic the architectural features of the native tissues' extracellular matrix (ECM) and support cell performance both in vitro and in vivo, creating a favourable regenerative microenvironment [...].

Atrial Septal Defect Occlusion Device Closure of Ascending Aortic Pseudoaneurysm: Can Percutaneous Treatment Become the Solution?

This paper presents 2 cases of middle-aged men submitted to aortic valve replacement surgery that were complicated with ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms treated percutaneously with an atrial septal defect occlusion device (Amplatzer, Abbott Cardiovascular). Percutaneous closure may be an effective treatment in selected patients with high surgical risk.

Gastric Cancer Screening: Intention to Adhere and Patients' Perspective.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastric cancer (GC) is the third cause of cancer mortality worldwide. A screening strategy that combines an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) with a screening colonoscopy may be cost-effective in intermediate-risk regions. This study aimed to evaluate the intention to adhere to combined endoscopic screening and assess knowledge of GC symptoms, risk factors, and barriers to screening. METHODS: Cross-sectional study enrolling individuals eligible for CRC screening in northern Portugal, where a populational fecal occult blood test (FOBT) program is implemented. The validated PERCEPT-PREVENT tool was applied across three groups: (a) not yet invited to CRC screening, (b) FOBT-positive referred to colonoscopy, and (c) primary colonoscopy screening. RESULTS: A high acceptance rate was observed for combined endoscopic screening (94%; n = 264) [not yet invited to CRC screening 98% (n = 90) vs. FOBT-positive referred to colonoscopy 90% (n = 103) vs. primary colonoscopy 97% (n = 71); p = 0.017], with the vast majority reporting intention to adhere in the setting of full reimbursement (97%; n = 255). Most respondents were unaware of any possible GC symptom (76%; n = 213), risk factor (73%; n = 205), and UGIE-related complication (85%; n = 237). Regular follow-up with the primary care physician (Odds Ratio (OR) 27.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.99-254.57), lower perceived negative health consequences of UGIE (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.13-1.74), and lower perceived financial burden (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.04-5.85) were the only factors independently associated with a higher intention to undergo combined screening. CONCLUSIONS: Willingness to undergo combined endoscopic screening was notably high and positively impacted by lower perceived barriers. Additional efforts should be undertaken to improve levels of digestive health literacy.

Bidirectional relation between dipeptidyl peptidase 4 and angiotensin II type I receptor signaling.

Cardiometabolic diseases are often associated with heightened levels of angiotensin II (Ang II), which accounts for the observed oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Accumulating evidence indicates a parallel upregulation of dipeptidyl dipeptidase 4 (DPP4) activity in cardiometabolic diseases, with its inhibition shown to mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. These findings highlight an overlap between the pathophysiological mechanisms used by Ang II and DPP4. Recent evidence demonstrates that targeted inhibition of DPP4 prevents the rise in Ang II and its associated molecules in experimental models of cardiometabolic diseases. Similarly, inhibitors of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) or Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers downregulate DPP4 activity, establishing a bidirectional relationship between DPP4 and Ang II. Here, we discuss the current evidence supporting the cross talk between Ang II and DPP4, along with the potential mechanisms promoting this cross regulation. A comprehensive analysis of this bidirectional relationship across tissues will advance our understanding of how DPP4 and Ang II collectively promote the development and progression of cardiometabolic diseases.

Twelve-year trends in unprotected left main coronary artery occlusion: insights from a real-world multicentre study.

AIMS: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) resulting from unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion and subtotal occlusion is a life-threatening condition. Although AMI management has improved in the past two decades, there is limited information on recent trends in patient characteristics, management, and outcomes for acute unprotected LMCA-related AMI. This study aims to assess such trends over a 12 year period. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective multicentre study includes patients with unprotected LMCA occlusion/subtotal occlusion admitted to three tertiary hospitals between 2008 and 2020. The patients were divided into two groups based on the chronology of presentation: a 'past group' (January 2008 to December 2014) and a 'contemporary group' (January 2015 to December 2020). The study compares clinical characteristics, management approaches, and outcomes between the two groups. The study includes 128 patients, with 51 (40%) in the 'past group' and 77 (60%) in the 'contemporary group'. Baseline risk factors did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups, except for hypertension (49% vs. 74%; P = 0.005). Chest pain was more frequent in the 'past group' (98% vs. 89%; P = 0.014), and a trend towards more cardiac arrests was observed in the 'contemporary group' (18% vs. 31%; P = 0.087). Revascularization type did not differ significantly (P = 0.419), but manual thrombectomy was less frequently used (41% vs. 23%; P = 0.032) and stent implantation showed a trend towards higher rates (66% vs. 78%; P = 0.150) in the 'contemporary cohort'. There was a gradual shift from bare-metal to drug-eluting stents, with a significantly higher percentage of ticagrelor/prasugrel loading in the 'contemporary cohort' (5% vs. 79%; P < 0.001). The use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), although not statistically significant, was higher among patients in the 'past group' (67% vs. 51%; P = 0.073). The type of MCS differed significantly between groups, with a decrease in intra-aortic balloon pump use (67% vs. 42%; P = 0.005) and an increase in veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (4% vs. 22%; P = 0.005) and Impella system (0% vs. 3%) over time. Survival analysis showed no significant differences (P = 0.599; log-rank test) in all-cause mortality between the different time groups, with the long-term survival rate being approximately 30%. CONCLUSIONS: In our real-world population, despite the progressive use of newer drugs and more advanced devices over time, patients with unprotected LMCA occlusion/subtotal occlusion remain a subpopulation with poor prognosis.

20-year follow-up of rheumatic mitral stenosis patients after percutaneous mitral commissurotomy: invasive transmitral gradient differential as a predictor of events.

Percutaneous mitral valve commissurotomy (PMC) is a viable alternative to mitral valve (MV) surgery in the treatment of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS). In this single-center retrospective study of consecutive patients with RMS submitted to PMC from 1991 to 2008, we analyzed clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic data and events during follow-up (FUP) until December 2021. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were a combined endpoint of all-cause death, cardiovascular hospitalization, and MV re-intervention. A total of 124 patients were enrolled: 108 (87.1%) were female, with a mean age at PMC of 46 [standard deviation (SD) 11] years. PMC was successful in 91.1%, with a mean reduction in invasive transmitral pressure gradient (TMPG) of 8 (SD 7) mmHg at PMC time. During the mean FUP of 20 (SD 6) years, 51 (41.1%) patients had MV re-intervention (86.3% surgery and 13.7% redo-PMC), 37 (29.8%) were hospitalized, and 30 (24.2%) died. Approximately 75% of patients remained MACE-free after 10 years, and this percentage decreased to around 40% after 20 years; at this time mark, about 8 in 10 patients were alive. A reduction of <5 mmHg in TMPG at PMC time was associated with a 2.7-fold greater rate of MACE compared to a reduction of ≥5 mmHg, independent of MV regurgitation after PMC and moderate disease of other valves (adjusted hazard ratio 2,7; 95% confidence interval 1.395-5.298, p=0.003). In this cohort with favorable long-term results after PMC, a reduction of <5 mmHg in TMPG at PMC time was associated with MACE during FUP. More studies are needed to validate this independent predictor.

Same-day discharge after elective percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale.

Percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) is increasingly performed in specific patients with cryptogenic stroke or clinical evidence of a paradoxical embolism. This study was performed to determine the safety of same-day discharge (SDD) following such procedures. This is a prospective, observational study of patients undergoing elective percutaneous PFO closure in a single tertiary center in Portugal between January 2020 and July 2023. AmplatzerTM devices (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) and NobblestichTM EL (HeartStitch, Inc., Fountain Valley, CA, USA) were used. After 6 months, the following events were looked at: post-procedural paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, stroke, unplanned cardiac re-hospitalization, urgent cardiac surgery, major vascular complications, pericardial effusions, device embolization, and death. We studied 122 consecutive patients (52% female, 68; 48±12 years old) who had elective percutaneous closure with success and no complications. Forty-nine (40%) had SDD. AmplatzerTM devices were used more frequently in the SDD group, while NobblestichTM EL was more common in the overnight group. During the overnight group's follow-up period, there was one non-cardiovascular death; there were no further events. SDD after elective percutaneous closure of PFO was shown to be a safe and successful patient management method, including NobblestichTM, which we describe for the first time. Our results prove the safety of this same-day discharge strategy. We hypothesize that in the near future, in selected cases, PFO closure might become an ambulatory procedure.

Heparinized Acellular Hydrogels for Magnetically Induced Wound Healing Applications.

The control of angiogenesis has the potential to be used for regulation of several pathological and physiological processes, which can be instrumental on the development of anticancer and wound healing therapeutical approaches. In this study, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) were seeded on magnetic-responsive gelatin, with or without heparin functionalization, and exposed to a static 0.08 T magnetic field (MF), for controlling their anti-inflammatory and angiogenic activity, with the aim of accelerating tissue healing. For the first time, it was examined how the amount of heparin and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) distributed on gelatin scaffolds affected the mechanical properties of the hydrogels and the morphology, proliferation, and secretome profiling of MSCs. The findings demonstrated that the addition of MNPs and heparin affects the hydrogel swelling capacity and renders distinct MSC proliferation rates. Additionally, MF acts as a topographical cue to guide MSCs alignment and increases the level of expression of specific genes and proteins that promote angiogenesis. The results also suggested that the presence of higher amounts of heparin (10 µg/cm3) interferes with the secretion and limits the capacity of angiogenic factors to diffuse through the hydrogel and into the culture medium. Ultimately, this study shows that acellular heparinized hydrogels efficiently retain the angiogenic growth factors released by magnetically stimulated MSCs thus rendering superior wound contraction (55.8% ± 0.4%) and cell migration rate (49.4% ± 0.4%), in comparison to nonheparinized hydrogels (35.2% ± 0.7% and 37.8% ± 0.7%, respectively). Therefore, these heparinized magnetic hydrogels can be used to facilitate angiogenesis in various forms of tissue damage including bone defects, skin wounds, and cardiovascular diseases, leading to enhanced tissue regeneration.

Development and validation of the PERCEPT-PREVENT tool to determine risk perception and attitudes towards digestive cancer screening.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is recommended worldwide, while gastric cancer (GC) screening may also be defendable in some settings. However, adherence rates and factors influencing participation are not well characterized. This study aimed to validate a tool to determine risk perception of CRC and GC and also of endoscopy-related complications. METHODS: A questionnaire in CRC risk perception based on the Health Belief Model was used. Forward/backward translation (English-Portuguese) and cultural adaptation were performed. After revision by a panel of experts, the questionnaire was adapted to target GC risk perception and perceptions towards endoscopy-related complications. The final version of the questionnaire (PERCEPT-PREVENT tool) was applied to 44 individuals, through telephonic interview, at enrolment and at intervals ≤3 weeks. Test-retest reliability and agreement were assessed. RESULTS: Almost perfect reliability between test and retest was obtained for CRC symptom knowledge score (ICC = 0.88), risk factor knowledge score (ICC = 0.89), and perceived severity (ICC = 0.84). At least moderate agreement between test and retest was obtained for GC symptom knowledge score (ICC = 0.94), risk factor knowledge score (ICC = 0.92), and perceived severity (ICC = 0.58). Test-retest reliability was assessed for barrier domains [faecal occult blood test ICC = 0.63; colonoscopy ICC = 0.79; upper GI endoscopy (UGIE) ICC = 0.83]. A total of 91% and 98% of participants gave the same answer in the test and retest for preferred method of CRC screening and intention to undergo UGIE for GC screening combined with a screening colonoscopy, respectively. DISCUSSION: PERCEPT-PREVENT is a valid and reliable tool for CRC and GC risk perception evaluation.

Transmission-Blocking Vaccines for Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis: New Progress and Yet New Challenges.

Dogs with visceral leishmaniasis play a key role in the transmission cycle of Leishmania infantum to humans in the urban environment. There is a consensus regarding the importance of developing a vaccine to control this disease. Despite many efforts to develop a protective vaccine against CVL, the ones currently available, Leish-tec® and LetiFend®, have limited effectiveness. This is due, in part, to the complexity of the immune response of the naturally infected dogs against the parasite and the complexity of the parasite transmission cycle. Thus, strategies, such as the development of a transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) already being applied to other vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, would be an attractive alternative to control leishmaniasis. TBVs induce the production of antibodies in the vertebrate host, which can inhibit parasite development in the vector and/or interfere with aspects of vector biology, leading to an interruption of parasite transmission. To date, there are few TBV studies for CVL and other leishmaniasis forms. However, the few studies that exist show promising results, thus justifying the further development of this approach.

Concordance of Dye-Spraying Chromoendoscopy and Virtual Chromoendoscopy for Colonic Dysplasia Detection in Longstanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: In the past, dye-spraying chromoendoscopy was the technique of choice for colonic surveillance in patients with long-standing extensive inflammatory bowel disease. Recent evidence suggests that virtual chromoendoscopy is an equally acceptable technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven gastroenterologists were given a survey with 20 pairs of pictures from inflammatory bowel disease surveillance colonoscopies (10 with nondysplastic lesions, 5 with dysplastic lesions, and 5 with no lesions). Each pair contained the same image captured during colonoscopy using indigo carmine and narrow-band imaging. For each picture, the gastroenterologist assessed the presence/absence of lesion and, when a lesion was identified, assessed the presence/absence of dysplasia and delineated its margins. To compare lesion and dysplasia detection between techniques, sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver agreement were calculated. The chi-square test was used to assess the accuracy of margins delineation. RESULTS: When assessing lesion and dysplasia detection, similar sensitivity and specificity values were obtained for both techniques. Interobserver agreement analysis revealed that dye-spraying chromoendoscopy and virtual chromoendoscopy had a moderate agreement in lesion detection but, for dysplasia detection, dye-spraying chromoendoscopy had a slight agreement [K = 0.11 (0.03-0.18), P < .01] and virtual chromoendoscopy a fair agreement [K = 0.30 (0.22-0.37), P < .01]. Margin delineation was similar between techniques. CONCLUSION: Sensitivity and specificity for lesion and dysplasia detection, as well as the accuracy of margins delineation, were similar between dye-spraying chromoendoscopy and virtual chromoendoscopy. Interobserver agreement for dysplasia detection was suboptimal in both techniques; however, it was superior when using virtual chromoendoscopy. These findings suggest that virtual chromoendoscopy constitutes a valid alternative for dysplasia screening in inflammatory bowel disease.

Effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibition on the endothelial control of the vascular tone.

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is a serine protease known to cleave incretin hormones, which stimulate insulin secretion after food intake, a fact that supported the development of its inhibitors (DPP4i or gliptins) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to their glucose-lowering effects, DPP4i show benefits for the cardiovascular system that could be related, at least in part, to their protective action on vascular endothelium. DPP4i have been associated with the reversal of endothelial dysfunction, an important predictor of cardiovascular events and a hallmark of diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart failure. In animal models of these diseases, DPP4i increase nitric oxide bioavailability and limits oxidative stress, thereby improving the endothelium-dependent relaxation. Similar effects on flow-mediated dilation and attenuation of endothelial dysfunction have also been noted in human studies, suggesting a value for gliptins in the clinical scenario, despite the variability of the results regarding the DPP4i used, treatment duration, and presence of comorbidities. In this mini-review, we discuss the advances in our comprehension of the DPP4i effects on endothelial regulation of vascular tone. Understanding the role of DPP4 and its involvement in the signaling mechanisms leading to endothelial dysfunction will pave the way for a broader use of DPP4i in conditions that endothelial dysfunction is a pivotal pathophysiological player.

The Program for the Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil: The Effect of the Systematic Euthanasia of Seropositive Dogs as a Single Control Action in Porteirinha, a Brazilian City with an Intense Transmission of Visceral Leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: Porteirinha is endemic for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), with intense disease transmission of the disease. We evaluated the impact of canine euthanasia as a single control measure on the incidence of VL in humans and canines. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was carried out over four years (1998-2002) in 8 of the 12 neighborhoods of the city. The dynamics of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) transmission were evaluated for 2 years, before beginning the screening-culling intervention. The comparative morbidity index (CMI) was used to stratify areas with the greatest risk of CVL, and the spatial distribution of human and canine VL cases was compared using univariate and bivariate K-functions. RESULTS: Human cases conglomerated in three neighborhoods. Spatial clusters were detected for CVL in 1998, 2000, and 2001, but not in 1999, when greater spatial dispersion occurred. The screening and culling intervention reduced the number of human VL cases and decreased the incidence of CVL, mainly in neighborhoods with a high CMI. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic euthanasia of seropositive dogs was shown to be an effective control action of the Program for Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis (PCLV) in Brazil. The fundamental role of domestic dogs in the epidemiological chain of VL was reaffirmed.

A Novel Approach for Design and Manufacturing of Curvature-Featuring Scaffolds for Osteochondral Repair.

Osteochondral (OC) defects affect both articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone. Due to limitations in the cartilage tissue's self-healing capabilities, OC defects exhibit a degenerative progression to which current therapies have not yet found a suitable long-term solution. Tissue engineering (TE) strategies aim to fabricate tissue substitutes that recreate natural tissue features to offer better alternatives to the existing inefficient treatments. Scaffold design is a key element in providing appropriate structures for tissue growth and maturation. This study presents a novel method for designing scaffolds with a mathematically defined curvature, based on the geometry of a sphere, to obtain TE constructs mimicking native OC tissue shape. The lower the designed radius, the more curved the scaffold obtained. The printability of the scaffolds using fused filament fabrication (FFF) was evaluated. For the case-study scaffold size (20.1 mm × 20.1 mm projected dimensions), a limit sphere radius of 17.064 mm was determined to ensure printability feasibility, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) analysis. The FFF method proved suitable to reproduce the curved designs, showing good shape fidelity and replicating the expected variation in porosity. Additionally, the mechanical behavior was evaluated experimentally and by numerical modelling. Experimentally, curved scaffolds showed strength comparable to conventional orthogonal scaffolds, and finite element analysis was used to identify the scaffold regions more susceptible to higher loads.

Hybrid Argon Plasma Coagulation for Barrett's Esophagus and for Colonic Mucosal Resection-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hybrid argon plasma coagulation (hAPC) is a novel technique that combines conventional argon plasma coagulation and waterjet submucosal expansion. The aims of this metanalysis were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hAPC in the setting of Barret's esophagus (BE) ablation and as an adjunct to colonic endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Four electronic databases were searched, and the results were analyzed by two independent authors. Random-effects meta-analyses of the proportions of endoscopic and histologic remission (for BE), recurrence, and post-procedure adverse events were performed using R. Studies' reporting quality was also assessed. From the 979 identified records, 13 studies were included (10 regarding BE and three colonic EMR). The pooled percentages of endoscopic and histologic remission after hAPC for BE were 95% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91-99, I2 = 34) and 90% (95%CI 84-95, I2 = 46), respectively, while major adverse events and recurrence were registered in 2% (95%CI 0-5, I2 = 41) and 11% (95%CI 2-27, I2 = 11), respectively. Concerning hAPC-assisted EMR, the pooled percentages of major adverse events and recurrence were 5% (95%CI 2-10, I2 = 0) and 1% (95%CI 0-3, I2 = 40). Evidence suggests that the main advantages of hAPC are the increase in safety in the setting of BE ablation and the reduction of local recurrence after colonic EMR. Trials comparing hAPC with standard strategies are required to support its use for these indications.

Transcatheter systemic atrioventricular valve-in-valve implantation in a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries patient.

We present an asymptomatic pregnant patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and severe atrioventricular bioprosthesis regurgitation - with increased maternal and fetal risk due to volume overload. She was considered high risk for reintervention and was submitted to an off-label post-partum transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation with a Sapiens 3 valve. The procedure was successful, and she remains asymptomatic 30 months after - and even went through another successful pregnancy.