bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of 3D Seismic Attribute Analyses for Hydrocarbon Prospectivity in Uzot-Field, Onshore Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Omoja U. C. , Obiekezie T. N.
Published: January 2019

3D seismic interpretative study was carried out across the Uzot-field in the western Coastal Swamp Depobelt of the onshore Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria, with the aim to identify possible hydrocarbon leads and prospects away from the drilled zone, utilizing seismic amplitude attributes. The method employed in this study involved systematic picking of faults and mapping of horizons/reservoir tops across seismic volume and extraction of seismic attributes. Structural analysis indicates the presence of down-to-basin footwall and hanging wall faults associated with rollover anticlines and horst-block (back-to-back fault). Generated time and depth structural maps from three reservoir intervals (D3100, D5000, and D9000) revealed the presence of fault dependent closure across the field. Analyses of relevant seismic attributes such as root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude, maximum amplitude, average energy amplitude, average magnitude amplitude, maximum magnitude attribute, and standard deviation amplitude, which were applied on reservoir tops, revealed sections with bright spot anomalies. These amplitude anomalies served as direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs), unravelling the presence and possible hydrocarbon prospective zones. In addition, structural top maps show that booming amplitude is seen within the vicinity of fault closures, an indication that these hydrocarbon prospects are structurally controlled. Results from this study have shown that, away from currently producing zone at the central part of the field, additional leads and prospects exist, which could be further evaluated for hydrocarbon production.
Frost Heave of Irrigation Canals in Seasonal Frozen Regions
Authors: Xu Jian , Wang Qinze , Ding Jiulong , Li Yanfeng , Wang Songhe , Yang Yugui
Published: January 2019

Soil frost heave acts as a driver of the emerged fracture in the concrete lining of irrigation canals and subsequent water leakage in seasonal frozen ground. A model test was carried out on the frost heave of a U‐shaped canal with concrete lining. The heat and water migration during freezing, and frost heave‐induced deformation, and force in normal direction were live monitored by high‐precision transducers. The results prove that the freezing front descends downward over time at a specified thermal boundary, with considerable migration of water within the scope of 0–40 cm. The maximum deformation occurred at the bottom of the lining and decreased upward with the rate of frost heave lowering over time while the normal force showing little change in the monitoring points, implying that stress concentration does not show up during freezing. Besides, the layered settlement observation reveals that frost heave dominates the total deformation while creep, the universal source of deformation, accounts for a negligible proportion. A practical model was proposed based on a simple theoretical model for heat‐water coupled transfer in a partially saturated medium and was numerically implemented in COMSOL. The computed results were compared with the monitored data including frozen depth, water content, normal displacement, and frost heave force. Finally, the rational thickness of the insulation board was determined based on the partial insulation method.
The Effects of Korea Red Ginseng on Inflammatory Cytokines and Apoptosis in Rat Model with Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis
Authors: Kang Sang Wook , Park Je-Hoon , Seok Hosik , Park Hae Jeong , Chung Joo-Ho , Kim Chang-Ju , Kim Young Ock , Han Young Rok , Hong DongWhan , Kim Young Sik , Kim Su Kang
Published: January 2019

Chronic prostatitis typically occurs in aging men, and its symptoms include frequent and painful urination. In recent study, several studies have shown that Korean red ginseng (KRG) can be used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate whether KRG can play a role in repressing the development of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) in male Wistar rats. To induce CNP, rats were castrated and beta-estradiol (0.25 mg/kg) was subcutaneously (s.c.) injected daily. 7-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (the normal group, CNP group, positive group, and KRG group (0.25g/kg) and another KRG (0.50g/kg) group. After 4 weeks, all rats were sacrificed and their prostate and serum were analyzed. Compared to the positive group, the KRG groups (0.25g/kg and 0.50g/kg) showed similar protective properties on CNP based on the histopathologic morphology of the prostate and the inflammation cytokines in the prostate tissue. Also, results of the immunohistochemistry staining showed that expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COX2) were also decreased in KRG group (0.25g/kg) and KRG group (0.50g/kg). These results suggested that KRG inhibited the development of CNP and might a useful herbal treatment or functional food for CNP.
Efficient Content Delivery for Mobile Communications in Converged Networks
Authors: Bosunia Mahfuzur Rahman , Jeong Seong-Ho
Published: January 2019

The mobile Internet is already playing a key role in people’s daily lives worldwide, resulting in the dramatic growth in the number of mobile devices. The size of the Internet and the amount of the traffic are being expanded rapidly, which poses various challenges. In particular, the Internet and mobile communications are entering a new era that demands faster communication services and uninterrupted content delivery. A new paradigm called content-centric networking (CCN) is considered as an appropriate way for efficient content delivery. In this paper, we propose a CCN-based efficient content delivery mechanism in the 4G network and also in the upcoming 5G network where various heterogeneous networks are converged. We also propose a novel mobility management scheme to support the content diversity and network diversity by leveraging the abundant computational resources in the mobile network. In addition, we analyze the existing approaches with respect to mobility and evaluate the performance of our seamless content delivery mechanism in terms of content transfer time, throughput, and data transmission success ratio. Simulation results are also presented to show that the content-centric wireless network with our mobility management scheme can improve the data delivery services significantly compared to the existing schemes.
Safety Evaluation of a New Traditional Chinese Medical Formula, Ciji-Hua’ai-Baosheng II Formula, in Adult Rodent Models
Authors: Fu Biqian , Zhai Xiangyang , Xi Shengyan , Yue Lifeng , Wang Yanan , Qiu Yingkun , Gong Yuewen , Xu Yangxinzi , Qian Linchao , Huang Jingru , Lu Dawei , Huang Shuqiong , Wang Jing , Zhou Jing , Wu Di , Wang Yanhui
Published: January 2019

Background. Ciji-Hua’ai-Baosheng II Formula (CHB-II-F) is a new traditional Chinese medical formula that has been shown to reduce toxicity and side effects of chemotherapy and increase the probability of cancer patient survival. Whether CHB-II-F is safe as an adjunctive therapy for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy has yet to be determined. Purpose. To evaluate the acute and subchronic toxic effects of CHB-II-F in rodent models. Methods. In acute toxicity test, 24 Kunming mice were divided into 2 groups: untreated control and CHB-II-F 1.05 g/mL (31.44 g/kg) treated group. Treatment was administered to the treated group 3 times a day for 14 days. The overall health, adverse reactions, and mortality rate were documented. In subchronic toxicity test, 96 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: untreated control, high dose CHB-II-F (H) (26.20 g/kg), medium dose CHB-II-F (M) (13. 10 g/kg), and low dose CHB-II-F (L) (6.55 g/kg) [equal to 24.375 g (dried medicinal herb)/kg] treated groups. Treated groups were given the treatments once a day for 4 weeks. The overall health and mortality rate were recorded every day. Body weight and food consumption were measured once a week. Hematologic and biochemical parameters, organ weights, and histopathologic markers were analyzed after 4 weeks. An additional 2 weeks were given as the treatment recovery period before end-point euthanization, and biochemical analyses were performed. Results. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of CHB-II-F on mice was found to be 94.31 g/kg [equal to 351 g (dried medicinal herb)/kg], which is 108 times the human adult dose. In the acute toxicity test, administration of CHB-II-F 31.44 g/kg showed no adverse effect and did not cause mortality. In the subchronic toxicity test, after 4 weeks of treatment, compared to the controls, total cholesterol (TCHO) level, cardiac and splenic indexes, body weights of female rats, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in the CHB-II-F (H) group were significantly increased; triglyceride (TG) in the CHB-II-F (M) group and liver and splenic indexes in the CHB-II-F (L) group were increased. After the two-week recovery period, biofluid analyses, food consumption, and histopathologic examinations showed no abnormalities. Conclusion. Administration of CHB-II-F had no obvious adverse effect on the overall health of rodent models. A daily maximum dose of less than 94.31 g/kg or 6.55 g/kg CHB-II-F for 4 continuous weeks was considered safe.
The Use of a Pendulum Dynamic Mass Absorber to Protect a Trilithic Symmetric System from the Overturning
Authors: Di Egidio Angelo , de Leo Andrea M. , Contento Alessandro
Published: January 2019

The trilith consists of two vertical elements (columns) supporting a horizontal element (lintel). The understanding of the dynamic behaviour of triliths is an important step towards their preservation and starts with the knowledge of the dynamics of rigid blocks. A passive method based on a dynamic mass absorber is used to protect a trilith from overturning. The protection system is modelled as a pendulum, hinged on the lintel, with the mass lumped at the end. The equations of rocking motion, uplift and the impact conditions are obtained for the coupled system trilith‐mass absorber. An extensive parametric analysis is performed with the aim to compare the behaviour of the system with and without the pendulum, under impulsive one‐sine (or one‐cosine) base excitations. In order to point out the effectiveness of the protection system, overturning spectra, providing the amplitude of the excitation versus its frequency, are obtained. The pendulum mass absorber results effective in avoiding overturning in specific ranges of the frequency of the excitation. However, outside these ranges the mass absorber never compromises the safety of the trilith.
Partial Least Squares (PLS) Integrated Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Approach for Prediction of Moisture in Transformer Oil and Lubricating Oil
Authors: Sim Siong Fong , Jeffrey Kimura Amelia Laccy
Published: January 2019

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been advocating a promising alternative for Karl Fischer titration method for quantification of moisture in oil. This study aims to integrate partial least squares regression (PLSR) approach on FTIR spectra for prediction of moisture in locally accessible transformer oil and lubricating oil. The oil samples spiked with known moisture concentrations were extracted with acetonitrile and subjected to analysis with an FTIR spectrophotometer. The PLSR model was built based on 100 training/test splits, and the prediction performance was measured with the percentage root mean squares error (% RMSE). The range of concentration studied was between 0 and 5000 ppm. The marker region of moisture was found at 3750–3400 and 1700–1600 cm−1 with the latter demonstrating a better predictive ability in both lubricating oil and transformer oil. The prediction of moisture in lubricating oil was characterized with lower % RMSE. At concentration less than 700 ppm, the prediction accuracy deteriorates suggesting poor sensitivity. The PLSR was implemented on IR spectra of a set of blind samples, verified with Karl Fischer (for transformer oil) method and Kittiwake (for lubricating oil) method. The prediction was encouraging at concentrations above 1000 ppm; at lower concentrations, the prediction was characterized with high percent error. The algorithm, validated with 100 training/test splits, was converted into an executable program for prediction of moisture based on FTIR spectra. This program can be used for prediction of other substances given that the marker region is identified. FTIR can be used for prediction of moisture in oil nevertheless the sensitivity and precision is low for samples with low moisture concentration.
Atypical Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Presenting as Stroke
Authors: Badugu Pradeepthi , Idowu Modupe
Published: January 2019

Here we report a case of atypical thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura that presented as an ischemic cerebrovascular accident. A 56-year-old man with multiple cardiovascular risk factors presented with sudden left-sided weakness, slurred speech, and left facial droop. He showed mild improvement when he was treated with thrombolytic therapy according to the hospital stroke protocol. Later in the course, he developed thrombocytopenia followed by schistocytes revealed by peripheral blood smear and other lab abnormalities. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) was suspected, and he was treated with total plasma exchange that improved his condition significantly. This case shows that TTP can have unusual and atypical presentations either with the first episode or upon relapse, making diagnosis extremely difficult. Because patients may not present the expected clinical findings, it is important to be aware of variant presentations. In the early stages of the disease, platelet aggregation and thrombus formation may not be widespread, and thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia may not be clinically evident. Patients can present soon after the onset of symptoms when the typical laboratory abnormalities may not have had ample time to manifest. Although most other similar cases in the literature had a previous typical presentation of the disease before an atypical presentation, our patient’s first presentation was atypical. An atypical presentation of disease in a patient with cardiovascular risk factors may therefore be extremely difficult to diagnose. We believe that TTP should be considered for any patient presenting with stroke and thrombocytopenia.
Cascaded H-Bridge MLI and Three-Phase Cascaded VSI Topologies for Grid-Connected PV Systems with Distributed MPPT
Authors: Noman Abdullah M. , Addoweesh Khaled E. , Alabduljabbar Ayman A. , Alolah Abdulrahman I.
Published: January 2019

Cascaded multilevel inverter topologies have received a great deal of attention for grid-connected PV systems. In this paper, three-cascaded multilevel inverter configurations are proposed for grid-connected PV applications. These are the three-phase cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter topology, three-phase cascaded voltage-source inverter topology using inductors, and three-phase cascaded voltage-source inverter topology using coupled transformers. Distributed maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of PV modules using perturbation and observation algorithm is used for all presented topologies. In all presented configurations, each PV module is connected to one DC-DC isolated Ćuk converter for best MPPT achievement. Simulation is achieved by using the SIMULINK environment. The simulation results show that the three proposed topologies function well in improving the grid’s power quality. The grid currents are kept in phase with the grid voltage to ensure unity power factor, and the THD of the grid currents are within the acceptable range. The proposed topologies are experimentally implemented in the lab, and the switching pulses are generated with the help of the MicroLabBox data acquisition system. Comparing the three topologies according to the number of switches, voltage, and current stresses on switches and THD of the generated voltages and grid currents and according to the efficiency has been achieved in this paper, both experimentally and by simulation. The simulation and experimental results and comparisons are presented to verify the proposed topologies’ effectiveness and reliability.
Degradation Characteristics of a Novel PAF Receptor Antagonist, SY0916, in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Jin Bo , Wang Yanan , Zhang Tingting , Yin Wanting , Zhang Dongfeng , Huang Haihong , Ma Chen
Published: January 2019

SY0916 has been proven to be a potent treatment agent against rheumatoid arthritis in preclinical studies and has been shown to be safe in phase I clinical trials. However, SY0916 is unstable in water, which is frequently used in pharmaceutical development processes. The degradation behaviour and stability of SY0916 in aqueous solutions were investigated at different pH levels, periods of time, and temperatures. Two degradation products (DPs) were successfully separated and characterized by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS), liquid chromatography coupled to nuclear magnetic resonance with solid phase extraction (LC-SPE-NMR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). SY0916 decomposed to its α,β-unsaturated ketone in protonic solvents, and the α,β-unsaturated ketone further transformed into its alcohol form through a conjugate addition reaction in aqueous media. The results of this study indicate that the pH of the buffer solutions should be maintained between 3.0 and 3.6 for maximum SY0916 stability. Factors that affect degradation should be carefully controlled to mitigate or avoid drug decay.
Modelling and Analysis of a Host‐Parasitoid Impulsive Ecosystem under Resource Limitation
Authors: Wang Peipei , Qin Wenjie , Tang Guangyao
Published: January 2019

With a long history of theoretical development, biological model has focused on the interaction of a parasitoid and its host. In this paper, two Nicholson‐Bailey models with a nonlinear pulse control strategy are proposed and analyzed to examine how limited resource affects the pest control. For a fixed‐time discrete impulsive model, the existence and stability of the host‐free periodic solution are derived. Threshold analysis suggests that it is critical to release parasitoid in an optimal number in case of the happening of the intra‐specific competition, which will seriously affect the pest control. Bifurcation analysis reveals that the model exists complex dynamics including period doubling, chaotic solutions, coexistence of multiple attractors, and so on. For a state‐dependent discrete impulsive model, the numerical simulations for bifurcation analysis are studied, the results show that how the key parameters and the initial densities of both populations affect the pest outbreaks, and consequently the relative biological implications with respect to pest control are discussed.
Experiment Study of Lateral Unloading Stress Path and Excess Pore Water Pressure on Creep Behavior of Soft Soil
Authors: Huang Wei , Wen Kejun , Li Dongsheng , Deng Xiaojia , Li Lin , Jiang Haifei , Amini Farshad
Published: January 2019

The unloading creep behavior of soft soil under lateral unloading stress path and excess pore water pressure is the core problem of time‐dependent analysis of surrounding rock deformation under excavation of soft soil. The soft soil in Shenzhen, China, was selected in this study. The triaxial unloading creep tests of soft soil under different initial excess pore water pressures (0, 20, 40, and 60 kPa) were conducted with the K0 consolidation and lateral unloading stress paths. The results show that the unloading creep of soft soil was divided into three stages: attenuation creep, constant velocity creep, and accelerated creep. The duration of creep failure is approximately 5 to 30 mins. The unloading creep behavior of soft soil is significantly affected by the deviatoric stress and time. The nonlinearity of unloading creep of soft soil is gradually enhanced with the increase of the deviatoric stress and time. The initial excess pore water pressure has an obvious weakening effect on the unloading creep of soft soil. Under the same deviatoric stress, the unloading creep of soft soil is more significant with the increase of initial excess pore water pressure. Under undrained conditions, the excess pore water pressure generally decreases during the lateral unloading process and drops sharply at the moment of unloading creep damage. The pore water pressure coefficients during the unloading process were 0.73–1.16, 0.26–1.08, and 0.35–0.96, respectively, corresponding to the initial excess pore water pressures of 20, 40, and 60 kPa.
Serum Metabolic Profiling Identified a Distinct Metabolic Signature in Bladder Cancer Smokers: A Key Metabolic Enzyme Associated with Patient Survival
Authors: Amara Chandra Sekhar , Ambati Chandrashekar R. , Vantaku Venkatrao , Badrajee Piyarathna Danthasinghe Waduge , Donepudi Sri Ramya , Ravi Shiva Shankar , Arnold James M. , Putluri Vasanta , Chatta Gurkamal , Guru Khurshid A. , Badr Hoda , Terris Martha K. , Bollag Roni J. , Sreekumar Arun , Apolo Andrea B. , Putluri Nagireddy
Published: January 2019

Background:

The current system to predict the outcome of smokers with bladder cancer is insufficient due to complex genomic and transcriptomic heterogeneities. This study aims to identify serum metabolite-associated genes related to survival in this population.

Methods:

We performed LC/MS-based targeted metabolomic analysis for >300 metabolites in serum obtained from two independent cohorts of bladder cancer never smokers, smokers, healthy smokers, and healthy never smokers. A subset of differential metabolites was validated using Biocrates absoluteIDQ p180 Kit. Genes associated with differential metabolites were integrated with a publicly available cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to obtain an intersecting signature specific for bladder cancer smokers.

Results:

Forty metabolites (FDR < 0.25) were identified to be differential between bladder cancer never smokers and smokers. Increased abundance of amino acids (tyrosine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, valine, isoleucine, glycine, and asparagine) and taurine were observed in bladder cancer smokers. Integration of differential metabolomic gene signature and transcriptomics data from TCGA cohort revealed an intersection of 17 genes that showed significant correlation with patient survival in bladder cancer smokers. Importantly, catechol-O-methyltransferase, iodotyrosine deiodinase, and tubulin tyrosine ligase showed a significant association with patient survival in publicly available bladder cancer smoker datasets and did not have any clinical association in never smokers.

Conclusions:

Serum metabolic profiling of bladder cancer smokers revealed dysregulated amino acid metabolism. It provides a distinct gene signature that shows a prognostic value in predicting bladder cancer smoker survival.

Impact:

Serum metabolic signature–derived genes act as a predictive tool for studying the bladder cancer progression in smokers.
Antimalarial Drug Pyrimethamine Plays a Dual Role in Antitumor Proliferation and Metastasis through Targeting DHFR and TP
Authors: Liu Huijuan , Qin Yuan , Zhai Denghui , Zhang Qiang , Gu Ju , Tang Yuanhao , Yang Jiahuan , Li Kun , Yang Lan , Chen Shuang , Zhong Weilong , Meng Jing , Liu Yanrong , Sun Tao , Yang Cheng
Published: January 2019

Pyrimethamine (Pyr), an antimalarial drug that targeting plasmodium dihydrofolate reductase (pDHFR), has been proved to have antitumor activity. However, its direct target on cancer cells remains unclear. Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used anticancer drug that blocks human dihydrofolate reductase (hDHFR). In this work, we examined the anticancer effects of Pyr in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that hDHFR and pDHFR have similar secondary and three-dimensional structures and that Pyr can inhibit the activity of hDHFR in lung cancer cells. Although Pyr and MTX can inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells by targeting DHFR, only Pyr can inhibit the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis and invasion of lung cancer cells. These results indicated that hDHFR is not the only target of Pyr. We further found that thymidine phosphorylase (TP), an enzyme that is closely associated with the EMT of cancer cells, is also a target protein of Pyr. The data retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed that TP overexpression is associated with poor prognosis of patients with lung cancer. In conclusion, Pyr plays a dual role in antitumor proliferation and metastasis by targeting DHFR and TP. Pyr may have potential clinical applications for the treatment of lung cancer.
Patrulheiros da moralidade: os censores diante de uma peça de Nelson Rodrigues
Authors: Rabelo Adriano De Paula
Published: January 2019

Este artigo analisa as relações do dramaturgo Nelson Rodrigues com a Censura do estado de São Paulo no início dos anos 1960, através da peça Boca de Ouro, tal como essas relações estão documentadas no prontuário N°. 4906 do Arquivo Miroel Silveira, na Escola de Comunicações e Artes da Universidade de São Paulo. Interessa ao autor discutir como os parâmetros morais são inadequados para o julgamento de uma obra de arte, expondo os equívocos em que a atividade censória sempre recai em sua tentativa de conter a liberdade da criação artística em nome de concepções e comportamentos considerados “adequados” ou “normais”.
O lúdico e os (des)caminhos historiográficos da literatura infanto-juvenil no Brasil
Authors: Pereira Danglei De Castro
Published: January 2019

Este texto aborda aspectos da historiografia literária brasileira como ponto de partida para uma reflexão sobre o lugar da literatura infanto-juvenil no âmbito da historiográfica literária e, posteriormente, a relevância do lúdico, conforme Huizinga (2004), na construção estética destes textos. Nosso objetivo é abordar a relevância estética da literatura infanto-juvenil por meio da focalização de poemas de José Paulo Paes e Jorge de Lima, tomados como corpus deste estudo.
Morfologia urbana e sistema de espaços livres
Authors: Oliveira Lucimara Albieri de , Menezes Wanellyse Sousa
Published: January 2019

Este artigo visa discutir as implicações das relações morfológicas entre os sistemas de espaços livres e construídos para a apropriação pública em uma cidade planejada. Palmas foi fruto de um projeto urbanístico elaborado em 1989 para ser a capital do Tocantins. O projeto começou a ser implantado respeitando as diretrizes de seu macroparcelamento, porém a gestão pública desconsiderou o plano de ocupação por etapas, articulando-se ao mercado para fins de especulação imobiliária, acarretando forte segregação socioespacial. O projeto urbanístico de Palmas define contundentemente sua morfologia urbana, pautada na funcionalidade dos fluxos de veículos e na organização do zoneamento urbano combinados à definição de categorias de espaços livres. As diretrizes do projeto orientam a vida cotidiana e a apropriação desses espaços, assim como permitem reflexões e novas atuações em busca do aprimoramento de decisões projetuais visando à qualificação urbana.
Mitral Annulus Calcium Score
Authors: Brodov Yafim , Konen Eli , Di Segni Mattia , Samoocha David , Chernomordik Fernando , Barbash Israel , Regev Ehud , Raanani Ehud , Guetta Victor , Segev Amit , Fefer Paul , Glikson Michael , Goitein Orly
Published: January 2019

Background:

The risk of conduction system abnormalities (CSA) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation remains high. We aimed to evaluate the impact of mitral annular calcium (MAC) score on the development of CSA after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Methods:

Consecutive patients (n=168), with severe AoV stenosis, without prior CSA, underwent computed tomography transcatheter AoV implantation followed by device implantation; CoreValve (n=72) and SAPIEN (n=96). MAC, AoV, and left ventricular outflow tract calcium (Ca++) scores were quantitated from noncontrast ECG-gated computed tomography using Agatston method. The primary end point was a combination of complete left bundle branch block or high-degree atrioventricular block. Logistic regression was used to analyze the predictive value of Ca++ scores of different locations.

Results:

The primary end point was documented in 62% of the fourth quartile MAC score (>2700) patients as compared with 31% of the first quartile (<140);
P
=0.03. Logistic regression analysis documented MAC score as an independent predictor either of primary end point as a continuous variable (odds ratio: 1.02, 95% [CI]: 1.00 – 1.03,
p
= 0.021) or as quartile cutoffs, whereas Q4 was a strong and independent predictor (odds ratio: 3.69, 95% [CI]: 1.37 – 9.95,
p
= 0.010).

Conclusions:

MAC score was found to be an independent predictor of CSA in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation without preexisting CSA. Therefore, the current study suggests that patients with high MAC score category (fourth MAC score quartile) should be considered at high risk for CSA, warranting closer monitoring.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Unique identifier: NCT02023060.
Safety of Men With Small and Medium Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Under Surveillance in the NAAASP
Authors: Oliver-Williams Clare , Sweeting Michael J. , Jacomelli Jo , Summers Lisa , Stevenson Anne , Lees Tim , Earnshaw Jonothan J.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Population screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has commenced in several countries, and has been shown to reduce AAA-related mortality by up to 50%. Most men who screen positive have an AAA <5.5 cm in diameter, the referral threshold for treatment, and are entered into an ultrasound surveillance program. This study aimed to determine the risk of ruptured AAA (rAAA) in men under surveillance.

Methods:

Men in the National Health Service AAA Screening Programme who initially had a small (3–4.4 cm) or medium (4.5–5.4 cm) AAA were followed up. The screening program’s database collected data on ultrasound AAA diameter measurements, dates of referral, and loss to follow-up. Local screening programs recorded adverse outcomes, including rAAA and death. Rupture and mortality rates were calculated by initial and final known AAA diameter.

Results:

A total of 18 652 men were included (50 103 person-years of surveillance). Thirty-one men had rAAA during surveillance, of whom 29 died. Some 952 men died of other causes during surveillance, mainly cardiovascular complications (26.3%) and cancer (31.2%). The overall mortality rate was 1.96% per annum, similar for men with small and medium AAAs. The rAAA risk was 0.03% per annum (95% CI, 0.02%–0.05%) for men with small AAAs and 0.28% (0.17%–0.44%) for medium AAAs. The rAAA risk for men with AAAs just below the referral threshold (5.0–5.4 cm) was 0.40% (0.22%–0.73%).

Conclusions:

The risk of rAAA under surveillance is <0.5% per annum, even just below the present referral threshold of 5.5 cm, and only 0.4% of men under surveillance are estimated to rupture before referral. It can be concluded that men with small and medium screen-detected AAAs are safe provided they are enrolled in an intensive surveillance program, and that there is no evidence that the current referral threshold of 5.5 cm should be changed.
Ten-Year Clinical Outcomes From a Trial of Three Limus-Eluting Stents With Different Polymer Coatings in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kufner Sebastian , Joner Michael , Thannheimer Anna , Hoppmann Petra , Ibrahim Tareq , Mayer Katharina , Cassese Salvatore , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Schunkert Heribert , Kastrati Adnan , Byrne Robert A. ,   On behalf of the ISAR-TEST 4 (Intracoronary Stenting and Angiographic Results: Test Efficacy of 3 Limus-Eluting Stents) Investigators
Published: January 2019

Background:

New-generation drug-eluting stents offer the potential for enhanced late outcomes in comparison with early generation drug-eluting stents. However, assessment of extended long-term outcomes for these devices is lacking, especially regarding the comparison between new-generation drug-eluting stents with biodegradable or permanent polymers. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of biodegradable polymer-based sirolimus-eluting stents (BP-SES; Yukon Choice PC) versus permanent polymer-based everolimus-eluting stents (PP-EES; Xience) versus early generation permanent polymer-based sirolimus-eluting stents (PP-SES; Cypher) at 10-year follow-up.

Methods:

Overall, 2603 patients were randomized to treatment with BP-SES (n=1299), PP-EES (n=652), or PP-SES (n=652). The primary end point of this analysis was major adverse cardiac event, the composite of death, myocardial infarction, or target lesion revascularization. The main secondary end point of interest was definite/probable stent thrombosis. Follow-up at 10 years was available in 83% of the study patients.

Results:

The 10-year incidence of major adverse cardiac event (BP-SES 47.7% versus PP-EES 46.0% versus PP-SES 54.9%,
P
=0.003) and mortality (BP-SES 31.8% versus PP-EES 30.3% versus PP-SES 37.2%,
P
=0.02) was different among the groups. Definite/probable stent thrombosis was not significantly different among the groups (BP-SES 1.8% versus PP-EES 2.5% versus PP-SES 3.7%,
P
=0.09). Definite stent thrombosis was significantly different among the groups (BP-SES 1.1% versus PP-EES 0.8% versus PP-SES 2.4%,
P
=0.03). There were no significant differences between BP-SES and PP-EES.

Conclusions:

In this unique long-term outcome analysis, BP-SES and PP-EES showed comparable clinical outcomes out to 10 years. PP-SES had higher rates of major adverse cardiac events and definite stent thrombosis.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00598676.
Effectiveness of an mHealth-Based Electronic Decision Support System for Integrated Management of Chronic Conditions in Primary Care
Authors: Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Jha Dilip , Prieto-Merino David , Roy Ambuj , Singh Kavita , Ajay Vamadevan S. , Jindal Devraj , Gupta Priti , Kondal Dimple , Goenka Shifalika , Jacob Pramod , Singh Rekha , Kumar B. G. Prakash , Perel Pablo , Tandon Nikhil , Patel Vikram , Venkat C. , Ram S. , Saxena Sudhir , Venugopal K. , Gredsted Lars , Kumar Vikram Sheel , Mukherjee Shirshendu , Reddy K. Srinath , Naik Nitish , Dwivedi S.N. , Unnikrishnan A.G. , Sharma Meenakshi
Published: January 2019

Background:

The burden of noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors has rapidly increased worldwide, including in India. Innovative management strategies with electronic decision support and task sharing have been assessed for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and depression individually, but an integrated package for multiple chronic condition management in primary care has not been evaluated.

Methods:

In a prospective, multicenter, open-label, cluster-randomized controlled trial involving 40 community health centers, using hypertension and diabetes mellitus as entry points, we evaluated the effectiveness of mWellcare, an mHealth system consisting of electronic health record storage and an electronic decision support for the integrated management of 5 chronic conditions (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, current tobacco and alcohol use, and depression) versus enhanced usual care among patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus in India. At trial end (12-month follow-up), using intention-to-treat analysis, we examined the mean difference between arms in change in systolic blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin as primary outcomes and fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, predicted 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease, depression score, and proportions reporting tobacco and alcohol use as secondary outcomes. Mixed-effects regression models were used to account for clustering and other confounding variables.

Results:

Among 3698 enrolled participants across 40 clusters (mean age, 55.1 years; SD, 11 years; 55.2% men), 3324 completed the trial. There was no evidence of difference between the 2 arms for systolic blood pressure (Δ=−0.98; 95% CI, −4.64 to 2.67) and glycated hemoglobin (Δ=0.11; 95% CI, −0.24 to 0.45) even after adjustment of several key variables (adjusted differences for systolic blood pressure: – 0.31 [95% CI, −3.91 to 3.29]; for glycated hemoglobin: 0.08 [95% CI, −0.27 to 0.44]). The mean within-group changes in systolic blood pressure in mWellcare and enhanced usual care were −13.65 mm Hg versus −12.66 mm Hg, respectively, and for glycated hemoglobin were −0.48% and −0.58%, respectively. Similarly, there were no differences in the changes between the 2 groups for tobacco and alcohol use or other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions:

We did not find an incremental benefit of mWellcare over enhanced usual care in the management of the chronic conditions studied.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02480062.
Phase I/II Trial of Electrophysiology-Guided Noninvasive Cardiac Radioablation for Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Robinson Clifford G. , Samson Pamela P. , Moore Kaitlin M.S. , Hugo Geoffrey D. , Knutson Nels , Mutic Sasa , Goddu S. Murty , Lang Adam , Cooper Daniel H. , Faddis Mitchell , Noheria Amit , Smith Timothy W. , Woodard Pamela K. , Gropler Robert J. , Hallahan Dennis E. , Rudy Yoram , Cuculich Phillip S.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Case studies have suggested the efficacy of catheter-free, electrophysiology-guided noninvasive cardiac radioablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) using stereotactic body radiation therapy, although prospective data are lacking.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective phase I/II trial of noninvasive cardiac radioablation in adults with treatment-refractory episodes of VT or cardiomyopathy related to premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Arrhythmogenic scar regions were targeted by combining noninvasive anatomic and electric cardiac imaging with a standard stereotactic body radiation therapy workflow followed by delivery of a single fraction of 25 Gy to the target. The primary safety end point was treatment-related serious adverse events in the first 90 days. The primary efficacy end point was any reduction in VT episodes (tracked by indwelling implantable cardioverter defibrillators) or any reduction in PVC burden (as measured by a 24-hour Holter monitor) comparing the 6 months before and after treatment (with a 6-week blanking window after treatment). Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 questionnaire.

Results:

Nineteen patients were enrolled (17 for VT, 2 for PVC cardiomyopathy). Median noninvasive ablation time was 15.3 minutes (range, 5.4–32.3). In the first 90 days, 2/19 patients (10.5%) developed a treatment-related serious adverse event. The median number of VT episodes was reduced from 119 (range, 4–292) to 3 (range, 0–31;
P
<0.001). Reduction was observed for both implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks and antitachycardia pacing. VT episodes or PVC burden were reduced in 17/18 evaluable patients (94%). The frequency of VT episodes or PVC burden was reduced by 75% in 89% of patients. Overall survival was 89% at 6 months and 72% at 12 months. Use of dual antiarrhythmic medications decreased from 59% to 12% (
P
=0.008). Quality of life improved in 5 of 9 Short Form-36 domains at 6 months.

Conclusions:

Noninvasive electrophysiology-guided cardiac radioablation is associated with markedly reduced ventricular arrhythmia burden with modest short-term risks, reduction in antiarrhythmic drug use, and improvement in quality of life.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT02919618.
Mediterranean-Style Diet Improves Systolic Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults
Authors: Jennings Amy , Berendsen Agnes M. , de Groot Lisette C.P.G.M. , Feskens Edith J.M. , Brzozowska Anna , Sicinska Ewa , Pietruszka Barbara , Meunier Nathalie , Caumon Elodie , Malpuech-Brugère Corinne , Santoro Aurelia , Ostan Rita , Franceschi Claudio , Gillings Rachel , O’ Neill Colette M. , Fairweather-Tait Sue J. , Minihane Anne-Marie , Cassidy Aedín
Published: January 2019

We aimed to determine the effect of a Mediterranean-style diet, tailored to meet dietary recommendations for older adults, on blood pressure and arterial stiffness. In 12 months, randomized controlled trial (NU-AGE [New Dietary Strategies Addressing the Specific Needs of Elderly Population for Healthy Aging in Europe]), blood pressure was measured in 1294 healthy participants, aged 65 to 79 years, recruited from 5 European centers, and arterial stiffness in a subset of 225 participants. The intervention group received individually tailored standardized dietary advice and commercially available foods to increase adherence to a Mediterranean diet. The control group continued on their habitual diet and was provided with current national dietary guidance. In the 1142 participants who completed the trial (88.2%), after 1 year the intervention resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (−5.5 mm Hg; 95% CI, −10.7 to −0.4;
P
=0.03), which was evident in males (−9.2 mm Hg,
P
=0.02) but not females (−3.1 mm Hg,
P
=0.37). The −1.7 mm Hg (95% CI, −4.3 to 0.9) decrease in diastolic pressure after intervention did not reach statistical significance. In a subset (n=225), augmentation index, a measure of arterial stiffness, was improved following intervention (−12.4; 95% CI, −24.4 to −0.5;
P
=0.04) with no change in pulse wave velocity. The intervention also resulted in an increase in 24-hour urinary potassium (8.8 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.7–16.9;
P
=0.03) and in male participants (52%) a reduction in pulse pressure (−6.1 mm Hg; 95% CI, −12.0 to −0.2;
P
=0.04) and 24-hour urinary sodium (−27.1 mmol/L; 95% CI, −53.3 to −1.0;
P
=0.04). In conclusion, a Mediterranean-style diet is effective in improving cardiovascular health with clinically relevant reductions in blood pressure and arterial stiffness.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicialtrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01754012.
Identifying Hypoperfusion in Moyamoya Disease With Arterial Spin Labeling and an [
15
O]-Water Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Normative Database
Authors: Fan Audrey P. , Khalighi Mohammad M. , Guo Jia , Ishii Yosuke , Rosenberg Jarrett , Wardak Mirwais , Park Jun Hyung , Shen Bin , Holley Dawn , Gandhi Harsh , Haywood Tom , Singh Prachi , Steinberg Gary K. , Chin Frederick T. , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: January 2019

Background and Purpose—

Noninvasive imaging of brain perfusion has the potential to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Moyamoya disease and enable clinical imaging of cerebral blood flow (CBF) to select revascularization therapies for patients. We used hybrid positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to characterize the distribution of hypoperfusion in Moyamoya disease and its relationship to vessel stenosis severity, through comparisons with a normative perfusion database of healthy controls.

Methods—

To image CBF, we acquired [
15
O]-water PET as a reference and simultaneously acquired arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI scans in 20 Moyamoya patients and 15 age-matched, healthy controls on a PET/MRI scanner. The ASL MRI scans included a standard single-delay ASL scan with postlabel delay of 2.0 s and a multidelay scan with 5 postlabel delays (0.7–3.0s) to estimate and account for arterial transit time in CBF quantification. The percent volume of hypoperfusion in patients (determined as the fifth percentile of CBF values in the healthy control database) was the outcome measure in a logistic regression model that included stenosis grade and location.

Results—

Logistic regression showed that anterior (
P
<0.0001) and middle cerebral artery territory regions (
P
=0.003) in Moyamoya patients were susceptible to hypoperfusion, whereas posterior regions were not. Cortical regions supplied by arteries with stenosis on MR angiography showed more hypoperfusion than normal arteries (
P
=0.001), but the extent of hypoperfusion was not different between mild-moderate versus severe stenosis. Multidelay ASL did not perform differently from [
15
O]-water PET in detecting perfusion abnormalities, but standard ASL overestimated the extent of hypoperfusion in patients (
P
=0.003).

Conclusions—

This simultaneous PET/MRI study supports the use of multidelay ASL MRI in clinical evaluation of Moyamoya disease in settings where nuclear medicine imaging is not available and application of a normative perfusion database to automatically identify abnormal CBF in patients.
The genus Jaagichlorella Reisigl (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) and its close relatives: an evolutionary puzzle
Authors: DARIENKO TATYANA , PRÖSCHOLD THOMAS
Published: January 2019

The genus Chlorella (in its traditional sense) is polyphyletic and belongs to at least twelve independent lineages of the Trebouxiophyceae and Chlorophyceae. Most of the aquatic species belong to the Chlorella and Parachlorella clades (within the so-called Chlorella-lineage of the Trebouxiophyceae), or to the genera Scenedesmus and Mychonastes (within the DO-group of the Chlorophyceae) according to phylogenetic analyses of the SSU and ITS rDNA sequences. In contrast to the aquatic species, the terrestrial strains investigated so far form a monophyletic lineage (Watanabea-clade) within the Trebouxia-lineage of the Trebouxiophyceae. Several genera with Chlorella-like morphology (Chloroidium, Heterochlorella, Watanabea, Kalinella, Viridiella and others) belong to the Watanabea clade. We studied 22 strains isolated from soil, bark, and artificial hard substrates, which have been traditionally identified as Chlorella luteoviridis or as unidentified Chlorella. To clarify the taxonomical status and intrageneric diversity of this group, we used an integrated approach (molecular phylogeny of SSU and ITS rDNA sequences, secondary structures, DNA barcoding, and morphology) including the ecological distribution. All investigated strains showed a low phenotypic plasticity, but a high genetic diversity, which could be only resolved in complex phylogenetic analyses based on the secondary structures of the investigated genes. Considering these results, we reestablished the genus Jaagichlorella for Heterochlorella and Heveochlorella, and proposed new combinations (J. luteoviridis, J. hainangensis, J. roystonensis, and J. sphaerica) as well as the new species, J. africana.
Notes on Gunnera (Gunneraceae) in Brazil and Uruguay
Authors: HASSEMER GUSTAVO
Published: January 2019

Nomenclatural notes on the species of Gunnera that occur in Brazil and Uruguay are presented. More specifically, I designate a lectotype for the name G. herteri, the only species in Gunnera subg. Ostenigunnera, selected from among the collections of MVM, where Cornelius Osten’s personal herbarium is conserved. I also designate a lectotype for the name G. brasiliensis, a legitimate heterotypic synonym of G. manicata, which has been considered by some authors as an illegitimate, superfluous name. Furthermore, I provide an identification key to Gunnera in Brazil and Uruguay.