Among all known repair enzymes, methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) plays a key role in protecting against oxidative stress and its damaging effects. The enzyme is ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotic cells and different splice variants of the MsrA gene have been shown to permit the specific prevalence of the protein in different cell organelles. Here, we present novel insights in the intracellular localization of MsrA in selected samples from mouse and human tissue. Using immunocytochemical techniques at both the light and electron microscopic levels, we show incidence of MsrA in human oral mucosa cells, predominantly in the cell nucleus. In addition, the enzyme has been localized in mitochondria of mouse liver and kidney cells, in the cytoplasm of retina cells, and in the endoplasmic reticulum of glandular cells. Overall, the results indicate a correlation between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression level of MsrA in subcellular compartments of the tissues examined.
Blood flow patterns and microvascular perfusion are the main determinants of vascular function. While Doppler ultrasound (DUS) remains the cornerstone of vascular imaging, its limitations in the visualization of complex flow patterns and microvasculature pose challenges. The US-based vector flow imaging (VFI) and microvascular imaging (MVI) techniques have recently been introduced to complement DUS and overcome these limitations. This narrative review presents the technical principles and applications of VFI and MVI in the field of vascular imaging, highlighting their complementarity and potential impact on future diagnostics and treatment assessment in vascular medicine. The use of VFI enables the accurate visualization of multidirectional blood flow in macrovessels, while MVI enables monitoring of slow microvascular flow in tissues. Together, they enable a unique multiscale assessment of the vascular system.
Abstract Purpose Perinatal complications can occur in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) despite adequate metabolic control and standard diagnostics. Metabolic alterations can cause structural and functional changes in the fetus, especially in the cardiovascular system, by affecting the autonomic nervous system and the cardiac conduction system. Advanced fetal cardiac monitoring may provide detailed insights into these processes and their impact on perinatal outcomes. Methods In this exploratory, prospective, single-center cohort study, 172 women with singleton pregnancies between 33 + 0 and 40 + 0 weeks were recruited (56 GDM, 116 controls). Non-invasive fetal ECG (fECG) and computerized cardiotocography (cCTG) assessed the fetal heart rate variability (HRV) and heart time intervals (HTI). Adverse perinatal outcomes (APO) were defined as a composite of the clinically relevant endpoints of operative delivery or emergency cesarean for fetal distress, NICU admission, umbilical cord pH < 7.1, and/or 5-min APGAR < 7. Predictive potential was evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression models. Results The median HbA1c in the GDM group was 5.32%, indicating overall good metabolic control. One hundred forty-five cCTGs and one hundred sixty-three fECGs provided data on HTI and fetal HRV parameters. HTI did not differ between GDM and controls. Although fetal HRV parameters differed, they did not add predictive value for APO. Only maternal metabolic status, as reflected by HbA1c, showed a measurable association with APO (OR 12.83, 95% CI 1.34–122.94). Conclusion In well-controlled GDM pregnancies, HRV and HTI derived from fECG and cCTG do not enhance risk prediction for APO. Maternal HbA1c remains predictive for the perinatal risk, underscoring the importance of strict metabolic control.
Abstract Background Sexual dysfunctions in individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) have been previously reported. However, most of these results refer to physical and behavioral measures. Psychological aspects have not been previously researched. Method In the present study, we utilized an online version of the “Multidimensional Sexuality Questionnaire” (MSQ) in a sample of individuals with SAD (n = 242, 40.70 ± 13.40 years, 58.7% female). We hypothesized greater difficulties for SAD individuals compared to controls without SAD through the influence of fear and avoidance symptoms. Results Based on multivariate analyses (MANCOVA), SAD individuals showcased significant deficiencies in almost all subscales of the MSQ compared to the control group (partial η2 = 0.016 − 0.217, all p < .001). Moreover, men with SAD were significantly more preoccupied and motivated for sexual behaviour and relationships than women with SAD (partial η2 = 0.104 − 0.159, all p < .001). Conclusion These results give first insights for psychological reasons possibly underlying sexual difficulties in SAD patients. SAD individuals spend less time thinking about and are less motivated for sexuality. Assertiveness and the belief of one’s control and autonomy of sexuality are less pronounced in SAD individuals. Those signs can be approached via different techniques and therapeutic interventions if difficulties with sexuality and sexual satisfaction are relevant for those affected by SAD. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
Angiographic signs of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension or disease (CTEPH/D) are frequently found during large-bore thrombectomy (LBT) in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Data on the incidence of CTEPH/D signs and outcome after LBT are lacking. These angiographic signs are not equivalent to a confirmed diagnosis of CTEPH/D. To investigate the efficacy and safety of LBT in patients with acute PE and angiographic signs of CTEPH/D compared to patients without (N-CTEPH/D). In total, 250 patients from five centers (CTEPH/D = 98, N-CTEPH/D = 152) were retrospectively analyzed. Efficacy of LBT was assessed by comparing clinical, echocardiographic, and invasive data between the groups. Safety endpoints included periprocedural death, procedural complications, or bleeding defined as the need for blood transfusion or hemoglobin drop of at least 5 g/dl. At baseline, the CTEPH/D group had higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) (CTEPH/D: 54 ± 14 mmHg, N-CTEPH/D: 49 ± 13 mmHg, p = 0.006). After LBT, right ventricular/left ventricular-ratio (CTEPH/D: − 0.30 ± 0.26, N-CTEPH/D: − 0.27 ± 0.32, p < 0.001 for both), sPAP (CTEPH/D: − 13 ± 8, N-CTEPH/D: − 11 ± 8 mmHg, p < 0.001 for both), heart rate (CTEPH/D: − 19 ± 20 beats/min, N-CTEPH/D: − 21 ± 15 beats/min, p < 0.001 for both) and respiratory rate (CTEPH/D: − 6 ± 6 respirations/min, N-CTEPH/D: by − 8 ± 7 respirations /min, p < 0.001 for both) were significantly reduced in both groups without significant differences. Peri-interventional safety was comparable between groups. LBT appears to be safe and effective in patients with acute PE and angiographic signs of CTEPH/D. Long-term effects should be further investigated.
