ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the effect of proximal neck angulation on the biomechanical indices of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and to investigate its impact on the risk of AAA rupture. METHODS: CT angiography (CTA) data of patients with AAA from January 2015 to January 2022 were collected. Patients were divided into three groups based on the angle of the proximal neck: Group A (â ß ≤ 30°), Group B (30°<â ß ≤ 60°), and Group C (â ß > 60°). Biomechanical indices related to the rupture risk of AAA were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics modeling (CFD-Post) based on the collected data. RESULTS: Group A showed slight turbulence in the AAA lumen with a mixed laminar flow pattern. Group B had a regular low-speed eddy line characterized by cross-flow dominated by lumen blood flow and turbulence. In Group C, a few turbulent lines appeared at the proximal neck, accompanied by eddy currents in the lumen expansion area following the AAA shape. Significant differences were found in peak wall stress, shear stress, and the maximum blood flow velocity impact among the three groups. The maximum blood flow velocity at the angle of the proximal neck impact indicated the influence of the proximal neck angle on the blood flow state in the lumen. CONCLUSION: As the angle of the proximal neck increased, it caused stronger eddy currents and turbulent blood flow due to a high-speed area near the neck. The region with the largest diameter in the abdominal aortic aneurysm was prone to the highest stress, indicating a higher risk of rupture. The corner of the proximal neck experienced the greatest shear stress, potentially leading to endothelial injury and further enlargement of the aneurysm.
ABSTRACT
Duodenal duplication is a rare congenital anomaly and may manifest as pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, perforation, and obstruction. Here, we present a case of intraluminal diverticular duodenal duplication (IDDD) in a child with recurrent abdominal pain caused by a large hole-like structure in the duodenal bulb. This condition has rarely been reported. An 11-year-old boy presented with recurrent attacks of abdominal pain. Upper endoscopy examination and barium swallowing led to an initial diagnosis of IDDD; this diagnosis was confirmed by operative findings and histopathological signs. He underwent a subtotal excision and duodenal anastomosis. No serious complications occurred following treatment. The patient was followed up for 8 months, and his condition improved without symptoms.
ABSTRACT
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic dilated disease of the aorta that is characterized by chronic inflammation. Curcumin (Cur) is previously showed to attenuate AAA by inhibiting inflammatory response in ApoE -/- mice. Since Cur has the limitations of aqueous solubility and instability. Here, we focus on the role of curcumin nicotinate (CurTn), a Cur derivative is derived from Cur and nicotinate. An in vitro model of AAA was established by treating vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with II (Ang-II). Gene and protein expressions were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) or western blotting. Cell migration and pyroptosis were determined by transwell assay and flow cytometry. The interaction between plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), miR-26a and krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) was predicted by online prediction tool and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. CurTn reduced Ang-II-induced AAA-associated proteins, inflammatory cytokine expressions, and attenuated pyroptosis in VSMCs. PVT1 overexpression suppressed the inhibitory effect of CurTn on AngII-induced pyroptosis and inflammatory in VSMCs by sponging miR-26a. miR-26a directly targeted KLF4 and suppressed its expression, which eventually led to the deactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Besides, the regulatory effect of CurTn on pyroptosis of VSMCs induced by Ang-II was reversed through the PVT1/miR-26a/KLF4 pathway. In short, CurTn suppressed VSMCs pyroptosis and inflammation though mediation PVT1/miR-26a/KLF4 axis by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, CurTn might consider as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of AAA.