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To examine the influence of mesh density on the blast loads of anti-landmines (ALMs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) under an armored vehicle, models with different FE mesh densities were numerically analysed. The multi-material arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (MM-ALE) algorithm was used to simulate under armored vehicle explosions. Explicit dynamic analysis was performed in LS-DYNA. Blast loading simulation was performed using the ConWep (conventional weapon) loading model, which is implemented in LS-DYNA. The material characteristics of high-strength steel were used to model the protective plates on the armored vehicle. Protective plates were modeled in a V-shape and as a deformable solid with the Johnson-Cook plasticity model. In this paper, the FE model with different mesh densities was numerically tested to analyse the influence of mesh density on the obtained results. For the purposes of the modeling, different types of finite elements were used for the FE models. The floor of the vehicle was modeled with 3D hexahedral eight-noded finite elements, and the protective plates were modeled with four-noded plate finite elements. The maximal value of plastic strain and the maximal value of the displacement of the central node on the protective plate was chosen as the parameters to compare the obtained results.

Suppurative portal vein thrombosis (pylephlebitis) is an uncommon condition usually associated with an intra-abdominal infection or inflammatory process. In this study, we aimed to synthesize data on previously published cases according to the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 103 patients were included. Patients were more commonly male (71.8%) and had a mean age of 49 years. The most common infection associated with pylephlebitis was diverticulitis (n = 29, 28.2%), and Escherichia coli was the most isolated pathogen (n = 21, 20.4%). Blood cultures were positive in 64 cases (62.1%). The most common site of thrombosis was the main portal vein (PV) in 59 patients (57.3%), followed by the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) in 40 patients (38.8%) and the right branch of the PV in 30 patients (29.1%). Sepsis developed in 60 patients (58.3%). The mortality rate in our review was 8.7%, and independent risk factors for mortality were the presence of pertinent comorbidities (OR 5.5, p = 0.02), positive blood cultures (OR 2.2, p = 0.02), and sepsis (OR 17.2, p = 0.049).

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, represents a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and impaired epithelial barrier function. Among the complex molecular networks involved, the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) has emerged as a central regulator of redox balance, anti-inflammatory signaling, and mucosal homeostasis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenic role of oxidative stress in IBD, detailing the sources and consequences of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and the mechanisms by which Nrf2 activation counters these effects. We discuss the dual regulation of Nrf2 through Keap1-dependent and Keap1-independent pathways, its influence on epithelial integrity, immune cell polarization, microbiota composition, and its paradoxical role in IBD-associated tumorigenesis and fibrosis. Furthermore, we highlight emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating Nrf2 activity via pharmacologic agents, dietary phytochemicals, and probiotics. Taken together, these insights position Nrf2 as a pivotal therapeutic target in IBD, offering new avenues for restoring epithelial resilience, mitigating chronic inflammation, and improving clinical outcomes.

Extraintestinal manifestations of celiac disease (CD) should be considered, even in patients without typical intestinal symptoms. The aim of our study is to examine the literature regarding the occurrence of thrombotic events in CD, and to synthesize the data from case reports and case series. A systematic review of the literature was conducted by searching the Pub-Med/MEDLINE database, from the date of database inception to January 2022, to identify published cases and case series on this topic, in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 55 cases were included in the study. The majority of patients were previously healthy individuals, with no comorbidities. In less than one-third of the cases (30.91%), the diagnosis of CD was established before the onset of thrombosis, while in the remaining cases (34.54%), thrombosis preceded the diagnosis or was diagnosed concomitantly with CD. The most common sites for thrombosis occurrence were hepatic veins (30.91%), while thrombosis of cerebral blood vessels, deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities, and pulmonary thromboembolism were less frequent. Thrombosis was most commonly isolated to one site only (78.18%). In 69.09% of cases (n = 38), some form of anticoagulation, along with a gluten-free diet, was initiated.

Introduction. Gastric cancer (GC) represents one of the most common cancers worldwide, frequently diagnosed at advanced stages with poor prognosis, indicating on need for new diagnostic and prognostic markers. The aim of the study was to determine the expression of IL-32, proinflammatory and angiogenic mediators, in patients with diffuse and intestinal gastric cancer and the relationship with clinicopathological aspects. Material and Methods. The tissue samples of diffuse and intestinal types of tumor of 70 patients with gastric cancer were analyzed. Expression of IL-32, VEGF, IL-17, and CD31 was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results. IL-32 expression was significantly lower in tissue samples from patients with diffuse type of gastric cancer that is also a severe and more progressive form (TNM stages III and IV, poor histological differentiation, and higher nuclear grade III). Expression of IL-17 was also decreased in patients with diffuse type of gastric cancer. Microvascular density was diminished in diffuse type of gastric cancer. Conclusions. Downregulated expression of IL-32 in tumor tissue of patients with diffuse type of gastric cancer may implicate on its role in limiting ongoing proinflammatory and proangiogenic processes. This emphasizes on unrecognized role of IL-32 in biology of diffuse type of gastric cancer.