bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Effect of Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Trajectories of Ultrasound-Measured Fetal Growth: A Birth Cohort Study in Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Zheng , Liu Hui , Xu Xiangrong , Luo Shusheng , Liu Jue , Jin Chuyao , Han Na , Wang Hai-Jun
Published: March 2020

Objective. Few studies have examined whether maternal 25(OH)D deficiency and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) jointly affect fetal growth. We aimed to examine the separate and combined effects of maternal 25(OH)D deficiency and GDM on trajectories of fetal growth. Methods. We established a birth cohort (2016-2017) with 10,913 singleton pregnancies in Tongzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Beijing, China. Maternal 25(OH)D deficiency (serum 25OHD concentration<20.0 ng/mL) was detected, and GDM was diagnosed at 24~28 gestational weeks. Fetal growth was assessed by longitudinal ultrasound measurements of estimated fetal weight (EFW) and abdominal circumference (AC) from 28 gestational weeks to delivery, both of which were standardized as gestational-age-adjusted Z-score. A k-means algorithm was used to cluster the longitudinal measurements (trajectories) of fetal growth. Logistic regression models were used for estimating exposure-outcome associations and additive interactions. Results. We identified two distinct trajectories of fetal growth, and the faster one resembling the 90th centile curve in the reference population was classified as excessive fetal growth. Maternal 25(OH)D deficiency and GDM were independently associated with an increased risk of excessive fetal growth. The combination of maternal 25(OH)D deficiency and GDM was associated with an increased risk of excessive fetal growth assessed by EFW Z-score (odds ratio (OR): 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15~1.62) and AC Z-score (OR (95% CI): 1.32 (1.11~1.56)), but the relative excess risks attributable to interaction were nonsignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion. Maternal 25(OH)D deficiency and GDM may jointly increase the risk of excessive fetal growth. Interventions for pregnancies with GDM may be more beneficial for those with 25(OH)D deficiency than those without regarding risk of excessive fetal growth, if confirmed in a large sample.
Predictive Ability of Future Anxiety in Professional Decision-Making Skill among a Syrian Refugee Adolescent in Jordan
Authors: Al Hwayan Ola
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to examine how and to what extent future anxiety contributes to the level of professional decision-making skills among Syrian refugee students in the tenth grade in public schools in Jordan for the year 2018/2019. Using a quantitative approach, 227 tenth-grade Syrian refugee students in public schools in the University Brigade Institute of the Ministry of Education in Jordan were measured on scales of future anxiety and professional decision-making. The results showed that the level of future anxiety was high, while the level of professional decision-making was moderate. In addition, the results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the future anxiety depending on gender (i.e., male/female) and achievement level (i.e., high achievement/low achievement), whereas for professional decision-making, there were differences depending on gender but not achievement level. Finally, it showed that future anxiety is predictive of professional decision-making skills.
Experimental Study of High‐Strength Steel Fiber Lightweight Aggregate Concrete on Mechanical Properties and Toughness Index
Authors: Ye Yanxia , Liu Jilei , Zhang Zhiyin , Wang Zongbin , Peng Qiongwu
Published: March 2020

In this paper, three different kinds of steel fibers, being micro (M), end‐hooked (H), and corrugated (C), commonly used in engineering applications, are added to high‐strength lightweight aggregate concrete (HLAC) to study the effects of steel fiber and volume content ratio of fiber on the compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strength of HLAC. The range of steel fiber volume content fraction studied is 0.5% to 2.0%. The research shows that different types of steel fiber have different effects on the mechanical properties and toughness of HLAC. M steel fibers have the best reinforcing performance on the mechanical properties. The study also shows that the toughness of M steel fibers is the best with the same fiber content. The toughening effect of H and C steel fibers can only reach 2/3 and 1/2 of M steel fibers, respectively. At the end of this paper, the unified strength formula and toughness index of these three kinds of high‐strength steel fiber lightweight aggregate concrete (HSLAC) with different fiber contents are given to provide a reference for engineering practice and design.
Application of Multiple Criteria Decision-Making Methods in Assignment Place Selection
Authors: Soba Mustafa , Ersoy Yusuf , Tarakcioğlu Altınay Ayşenur , Erkan Birol , Şik Eser
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study is to ensure that the location selection of the officers of the personnel class in the Land Forces Command is effective and needs to be met to determine the criteria used in the selection of the place of appointment or which is the most important and to reveal the preference order to the officers making the choice. In this survey, a face-to-face interview technique and 10 subquestionnaires of captain majors were applied. In the questionnaire technique, the weights of the criteria were determined by using the Max100 method, then the values of the criteria were determined by the Max100 method, and the alternatives were graded and ranked by using grey relational analysis (GRA) method and PROMETHEE method which are multicriteria decision-making techniques. As a result of this analysis, the assignment locations are listed and the importance ratings of the criteria used in the selection of the assignment location are determined.
Annexin V+ Microvesicles in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bratseth Vibeke , Margeirsdottir Hanna D. , Chiva-Blanch Gemma , Heier Martin , Solheim Svein , Arnesen Harald , Dahl-Jørgensen Knut , Seljeflot Ingebjørg
Published: March 2020

Background. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease including hyperglycemia and accelerated atherosclerosis, with high risk of micro- and macrovascular complications. Circulating microvesicles (cMVs) are procoagulant cell fragments shed during activation/apoptosis and discussed to be markers of vascular dysfunction and hypercoagulability. Limited knowledge exists on hypercoagulability in young diabetics. We aimed to investigate cMVs over a five-year period in children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared with controls and any associations with glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors. We hypothesized increased shedding of cMVs in type 1 diabetes in response to vascular activation. Methods. The cohort included type 1 diabetics (n=40) and healthy controls (n=40), mean age 14 years (range 11) at inclusion, randomly selected from the Norwegian Atherosclerosis and Childhood Diabetes (ACD) study. Citrated plasma was prepared and stored at -80°C until cMV analysis by flow cytometry. Results. Comparable levels of Annexin V (AV+) cMVs were observed at inclusion. At five-year follow-up, total AV+ cMVs were significantly lower in subjects with type 1 diabetes compared with controls; however, no significant differences were observed after adjusting for covariates. In the type 1 diabetes group, the total AV+, tissue factor-expressing AV+/CD142+, neutrophil-derived AV+/CD15+ and AV+/CD45+/CD15+, and endothelial-derived AV+/CD309+ and CD309+/CD34+ cMVs were inversely correlated with HbA1c (r=‐0.437, r=‐0.515, r=‐0.575, r=‐0.529, r=‐0.416, and r=‐0.445, respectively; all p≤0.01), however, only at inclusion. No significant correlations with cardiovascular risk factors were observed. Conclusions. Children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes show similar levels of AV+ cMVs as healthy controls and limited associations with glucose control. This indicates that our young diabetics on intensive insulin treatment have preserved vascular homeostasis and absence of procoagulant cMVs.
Adaptive Vector Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode Control for a Class of n-Order Nonlinear Dynamical Systems with Uncertainty
Authors: Shi Nannan , Kang Zhikuan , Zhao Zhuo , Meng Qiang
Published: March 2020

This paper proposed an adaptive vector nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (NTSMC) algorithm for the finite-time tracking control of a class of n-order nonlinear dynamical systems with uncertainty. The adaptive vector NTSMC incorporates a vector design idea and novel adaptive updating laws based on the commonly used NTSMC, which consider the common existence of the degree-of-freedom (DOF) directional differences and eliminate the chattering problem. The closed-loop stability of the n-order nonlinear dynamical systems under the adaptive vector NTSMC is demonstrated using Lyapunov direct method. Simulations performed on a two-degree-of-freedom (DOF) manipulator are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed adaptive vector NTSMC by comparing with the common NTSMC.
Chaos-Based Application of a Novel Multistable 5D Memristive Hyperchaotic System with Coexisting Multiple Attractors
Authors: Yu Fei , Liu Li , Qian Shuai , Li Lixiang , Huang Yuanyuan , Shi Changqiong , Cai Shuo , Wu Xianming , Du Sichun , Wan Qiuzhen
Published: March 2020

Novel memristive hyperchaotic system designs and their engineering applications have received considerable critical attention. In this paper, a novel multistable 5D memristive hyperchaotic system and its application are introduced. The interesting aspect of this chaotic system is that it has different types of coexisting attractors, chaos, hyperchaos, periods, and limit cycles. First, a novel 5D memristive hyperchaotic system is proposed by introducing a flux-controlled memristor with quadratic nonlinearity into an existing 4D four-wing chaotic system as a feedback term. Then, the phase portraits, Lyapunov exponential spectrum, bifurcation diagram, and spectral entropy are used to analyze the basic dynamics of the 5D memristive hyperchaotic system. For a specific set of parameters, we find an unusual metastability, which shows the transition from chaotic to periodic (period-2 and period-3) dynamics. Moreover, its circuit implementation is also proposed. By using the chaoticity of the novel hyperchaotic system, we have developed a random number generator (RNG) for practical image encryption applications. Furthermore, security analyses are carried out with the RNG and image encryption designs.
A Case of Exertional Heat Stroke Complicated by Hypoxic Hepatitis
Authors: Woitok Bertram K. , Bahmad Shawki , Lindner Gregor
Published: March 2020

Background.Exertional heat stroke is a life-threatening condition often complicated by multiorgan failure. We hereby present a case of a 25-year-old male presenting with syncope after a 10  km run in 28°C outside temperature who developed acute liver failure. Case Presentation. Initial temperature was found to be 41.1°C, and cooling measures were rapidly applied. He suffered from acute renal failure and rhabdomyolysis and proceeded to acute liver failure (ASAT 6100 U/l and ALAT 6561 U/l) due to hypoxic hepatitis on day 3. He did not meet criteria for emergency liver transplantation and recovered on supportive care. Conclusions. Acute liver failure due to heat stroke is a life-threatening condition with often delayed onset, which nevertheless resolves on supportive care in the majority of cases; thus, a delayed referral to transplant seems to be reasonable.
Improved Point Dipole Model for Subwavelength Resolution Scattering Near-Field Optical Microscopy (SNOM)
Authors: Lu Guizhen , Zhao Ruiqi , Yin Hongcheng , Xiao Zhihe , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2020

High-resolution microscopy technique is of significant importance for studying nanomaterials. It is necessary to understand the near-field interaction between the probe and substrate materials in order to get the fine structure of the nanomaterial in the subwavelength scale. The numerical methods such as FDTD, FEM, and MoM are inefficient for the SNOM problems because of the illness of the impedance matrix. The analytic method can only be used for some simple objects such as sphere. Here, a quasianalytical method is developed, in which the analytic formula is refined to adapt to various shapes of the probe approaching the curve of SNOM. By this way, it is helpful in comparing the performance of different probes and giving us a direction to design a new type probe in SNOM. As an application, the developed method is used to study the contrast in the SNOM for the interface between the two different surfaces that have different materials and topography.
Evaluation of Treatment Patterns and Direct Costs Associated with the Management of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Machado-Duque Manuel E , Gaviria-Mendoza Andres , Machado-Alba Jorge E , Castaño Natalia
Published: March 2020

Background. Neuropathic pain has a prevalence of 2–17% in the general population. Diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain are not fully described in different populations. The aim was to determine the treatment patterns and direct costs of care associated with the management of neuropathic pain from the onset of the first symptom to up to two years after diagnosis. Methods. From a drug-claim database, a cohort of randomly selected outpatients diagnosed with neuropathic pain was obtained from an insurer in Colombia and followed up for two years after diagnosis. The clinical records were reviewed individually to identify the study variables, including the time needed to make the diagnosis, the medical and paraclinical resources used, the pharmacological therapy for pain management, and the direct costs associated with care. Results. We identified 624 patients in 49 cities, with a mean age of 50.3 ± 14.1 years, of which 324 were men (51.9%). An average of 90 days passed from the initial consultation until the diagnosis of neuropathic pain, the most frequent being lumbosacral radiculopathy (57.9%). 34.5% of the cohort had at least one diagnostic imaging procedure, and 16% had an electromyography. On average, they were treated by a general practitioner twice. 91.7% received initial treatment with tramadol, carbamazepine, amitriptyline, imipramine, or pregabalin, and 60.4% received combined therapy. The mean cost of care for two years for each patient was US$246.3. Conclusions. Patients with neuropathic pain in Colombia are being diagnosed late, are using therapeutic agents not recommended as first-line treatment by clinical practice guidelines, and are being treated for short periods of time.
Chemical Composition ofUrtica simensisGrown in Different Regions of Ethiopia
Authors: Bayba Koju Bedekach , Dubale Amare Aregahegn , Mehari Bewketu , Atlabachew Minaleshewa
Published: March 2020

Leaf samples ofUrtica simensiscollected from different locations of Ethiopia were analyzed for their proximate compositions, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities, and fatty acid profiles. The proximate analysis results revealed the presence of ash in the range 17.2–24.3%, crude fat 3.19–3.50%, crude protein 3.42–6.38%, crude fiber 9.37–14.0%, and carbohydrate 56.7–63.7%. The determined total polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities ranged 2.18–4.84 mg gallic acid, 1.35–4.46 mg catechin, and 1.58–3.36 mg ascorbic acid, respectively, equivalents per gram of dry sample. High variability was observed for polyphenol and flavonoid contents while only random variation was observed for crude fat and carbohydrate among samples from different locations. In addition, the fatty acid profiles of the leaves were analyzed by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. A total of 16 different fatty acids were detected in the samples. Linolenic, palmitic, and linoleic acids were the major fatty acids with average compositions of 36.6, 20.7, and 15.5%, respectively, of the total fatty acid. The result of this study revealed that the carbohydrate and ash contents of leaves ofUrtica simensisare exceptionally high to make the leaves a significant source of the dietary important chemicals. Additionally, the lipid fraction of the leaves was found to be rich in essential fatty acids (α-linolenic and linoleic acids) that are critically required in the human diet.
Clinical Outcomes of Osteoarticular Extracorporeal Irradiated Autograft for Malignant Bone Tumor
Authors: Takenaka Satoshi , Araki Nobuhito , Ueda Takafumi , Kakunaga Shigeki , Imura Yoshinori , Hamada Ken-Ichiro , Outani Hidetatsu , Naka Norifumi , Myoui Akira , Yoshikawa Hideki
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives. Osteoarticular extracorporeal irradiated autograft is an alternative operation technique to prosthetic devices or allografts for reconstruction after resection of bone malignancies. The aim of this study is to assess the complications, radiographic changes, and functional outcomes of osteoarticular ECIA. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 33 patients who underwent osteoarticular ECIA after bone tumor resection from 1988 to 2014. We investigated complications, radiographic changes by the International Society of Limb Salvage graft evaluation criteria, and functional outcomes according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system. Results. Fifteen patients were reoperated upon due to infection (n = 9), protruding fixation implant (n = 4), or fracture of the grafted bone (n = 2). The average radiographic evaluation score was 66.4%, and the median functional score was 23 (77%). The radiographic score for the proximal humerus or proximal tibia was lower than that for the other locations. The functional score was not different among the autograft sites but was related to the radiographic score. Conclusion. Although osteoarticular ECIA is one of the reasonable surgical options for patients with tumors for which reliable prostheses are not available, we do not recommend osteoarticular ECIA as a routine procedure because of high complication rate.
Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Coculture on Human Lung Small Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Schmelzer Eva , Miceli Vitale , Chinnici Cinzia Maria , Bertani Alessandro , Gerlach Jörg C.
Published: March 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secreted extracellular vesicles have been used effectively in different lung disease animal models and clinical trials. Their specific beneficial effects, the potential differences between MSCs derived from different organs, and interactions between MSC products and target cells still need to be studied further. Therefore, we investigated the effects of secreted products of human MSCs derived from the bone marrow and adipose tissue on human lung small airway epithelial (AE) cells in vitro. AE cells were cocultured with MSCs in inserts that allowed the free exchange of medium but did not allow direct cell‐to‐cell contact. We examined the effects on AE cell viability, proliferation, cell numbers, expression of AE cell‐specific genes, and CD54 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1)) surface positivity, as well as the secretion/uptake of growth factors relevant for AE cell. We found that coculture increased the viability of AE cells. The majority of AE cells expressed CD54 on their surface, but the percentage of cells being positive for CD54 did not increase in coculture. However, ICAM1 gene expression was increased in coculture. Also, we observed increased gene expression of mucin (MUC1), a lung‐enriched cell surface glycoprotein. These observed effects were the same between bone marrow and adipose tissue MSCs. However, MSCs derived from adipose tissue reduced angiopoietin concentrations in coculture, whereas those from the bone marrow did not. Conclusively, MSCs influenced AE cells positively by increasing their viability and affecting gene expression, with some effects being specific for the tissue origin of MSCs.
Anthraquinones Extract from Morinda angustifolia Roxb. Root Alleviates Hepatic Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride through Inhibition of Hepatic Oxidative Stress
Authors: Chen Rui-rong , Liu Juan , Chen Zhe , Cai Wen-jun , Li Xiu-fen , Lu Chuan-li
Published: March 2020

In Southwestern China, the root of Morinda angustifolia Roxb. has been employed as a folk medicine for treating various types of hepatitis and jaundice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of anthraquinones extract from M. angustifolia root (AEMA) in carbon tetrachloride‐ (CCl4‐) induced liver injury in mice and identify the main bioactive components. Results indicated that AEMA pretreatment could significantly, in a dose‐dependent manner, attenuate the increased levels of ALT and AST in mice serum induced by CCl4. At doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, AEMA exhibited significant suppression of the elevated hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as marked upregulatory effects on the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in mice exposed to CCl4. However, AEMA treatment had no effect on the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) or the nonenzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, two anthraquinone constituents were isolated from AEMA and identified as soranjidiol and rubiadin‐3‐methyl ether. Soranjidiol exhibited similar protective effects to those of AEMA on liver damage induced by CCl4. Overall, our research clearly demonstrated the hepatoprotective effects of the AEMA, and anthraquinones, particularly soranjidiol, should be considered as the main hepatoprotective principles of M. angustifolia. In addition, the underlying mechanism may be, at least in part, related to its antioxidant properties.
Plasma Acylation-Stimulating Protein in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Cianflone Katherine , Zhang Xiao-Jing , Genest Jacques , Sniderman Allan
Published: March 2020

To date, plasma levels of acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) have been determined only in normal and obese individuals. Accordingly, ASP was measured in fasting samples obtained from 59 age-matched controls and 208 patients with documented coronary artery disease (CAD). Overall, plasma ASP was significantly higher in the CAD subjects compared to the control subjects (55.3±1.8 nmol/L CAD versus 32.0±2.6 nmol/L control,
P
<.QQQ5). In the control group, the distribution of plasma ASP values was unimodal whereas in the coronary group it was significantly skewed to the right. The coronary group was subdivided into those with pronounced elevation of apoB (a marked type II phenotype, n=13), those with hypertriglyceridemia with a normal apoB (n=17), and the remaining CAD subjects (n=178). In the first two groups, ASP did not differ significantly from control subjects (43±2.8 nmol/L and 49±4.4 nmol/L respectively). By contrast, in the remaining CAD subjects, both the mean ASP level (56.8±2.0 nmol/L,
P
<.001 by ANOVA) and the proportion of patients with a markedly elevated ASP (25.3% were >95th percentile,
P
<.005 versus control by χ
2
) w e r e significantly increased. When this third group was divided into tertiles by plasma apoB and triglyceride, there was a direct relationship between plasma ASP and these two parameters. Linear regression analysis demonstrated an association between plasma ASP and plasma triglyceride (
P
<.05), VLDL cholesterol (
P
<.025), and VLDL apoB (
P
<.05). Finally, when all of the CAD subjects were divided by apoE phenotype, there appeared to be a relationship between plasma ASP and apoE phenotype such that ASP was higher in E2 subjects, intermediate in E3 subjects, and lower in E4 subjects. The present data document plasma ASP levels in a number of dyslipoproteinemic states and suggest a relation between the adipsin-ASP pathway and other metabolic determinants of lipoprotein metabolism.

(
Arterioscler Thromb Vase Biol.
1997;17:1239-1244.)
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Krege John H. , Moyer Jeffrey S. , Langenbach Laura L. , Peng Li , Zhang Sunny H. , Maeda Nobuyo , Reddick Robert L. , Smithies Oliver
Published: March 2020

Common variants of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene (
ACE
in humans, Ace in mice) associated with changes in circulating ACE activities have been suggested to confer differential risks for atherosclerosis. Using a mouse model of atherosclerosis induced by heterozygosity for apolipoprotein E gene disruption and an atherogenic diet, we have studied the impact on atherogenesis of a mutation that changes the level of function of
Ace
. We find that this genetically determined change does not influence the size or complexity of atherosclerotic lesions.
Ace
genotype was not a significant determinant of lesion size in female (+/+=12.9±1.5 and +/-=1 1.7±1.6 μm
2
×l0
4
) or male (+/+=0.95±0.25 and +/-=1.83±0.59 μm
2
×l0
4
) mice; however, lesions were significantly larger (
P
<.001) in female than male mice.
Ace
genotype also did not affect lesion complexity; however, lesions in females showed significantly increased frequency of cholesterol clefts, acellular cores, fibrous caps, and calcifications compared with those in males. The hypothesis that genetic variation in the level of ACE gene expression affects the development of atherosclerosis is not supported by these findings.

(
Arterioscler Thromb Vase Biol.
1997;17:1245-1250.)
Nonobese Patients With Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia Are Insulin Resistant Compared With Their Nonaffected Relatives
Authors: Bredie Sebastian J.H. , Tack Cees J.J. , Smits Paul , Stalenhoef Anton F.H.
Published: March 2020

Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH) is a heterogeneous lipid disorder, caused by overproduction of VLDL and characterized by the occurrence of small, dense LDL particles, all features that are also associated with insulin resistance. Therefore, insulin sensitivity was examined directly by means of the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique in male nonobese, normotensive FCH patients and compared with that of their nonaffected relatives, matched for age and body mass index (BMI). In addition, an oral 75-g glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed and lipid values, including the LDL subfraction profile, were determined. During the clamp, forearm blood flow (FBF) was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. All participants had a normal glucose response after the glucose load, whereas FCH patients showed hyperinsulinemia after OGTT and higher fasting C-peptide levels. During the clamp, insulin concentrations increased equally in both groups. Mean whole-body glucose uptake (M) (120 to 180 minutes) was lower in FCH patients than in nonaffected relatives (6.89±0.31 versus 8.94±0.76 mg • kg
-1
• min
-1
;
P
=.01). In addition, the glucose uptake per unit insulin (I) was lower in FCH patients (insulin sensitivity index [M/I], 7.46±0.50 versus 9.51±0.53;
P
=.009). M significantly correlated with BMI, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, and the individual LDL density. The FBF correlated with insulin sensitivity and increased significantly in nonaffected relatives (1.9±0.12 to 2.5±0.4 mL • min
-1
• dL
-1
;
P
=.025) but not in patients. Thus, FCH patients characterized by a predominance of small, dense LDL are insulin resistant compared with their nonaffected relatives. This insulin resistance may partly be explained by a decreased insulin-induced vasodilation in skeletal muscle.

(
Arterioscler Thromb Vase Biol.
1997;17:1465-1471.)
Ten-Year Outcomes After Drug-Eluting Stents Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Left Main Coronary Disease
Authors: Park Duk-Woo , Ahn Jung-Min , Park Hanbit , Yun Sung-Cheol , Kang Do-Yoon , Lee Pil Hyung , Kim Young-Hak , Lim Do-Sun , Rha Seung-Woon , Park Gyung-Min , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Kim Hyo-Soo , Chae In-Ho , Jang Yangsoo , Jeong Myung-Ho , Tahk Seung-Jea , Seung Ki Bae , Park Seung-Jung ,   On behalf of the PRECOMBAT Investigators
Published: March 2020

Background:

Long-term comparative outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents and coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) for left main coronary artery disease are highly debated.

Methods:

In the PRECOMBAT trial (Premier of Randomized Comparison of Bypass Surgery versus Angioplasty Using Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients with Left Main Coronary Artery Disease), patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease were randomly assigned to undergo PCI with sirolimus-eluting stents (n=300) or CABG (n=300) in 13 hospitals in Korea from April 2004 to August 2009. The follow-up was extended to at least 10 years for all patients (median, 11.3 years). The primary outcome was the incidence of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (composite of death from any cause, myocardial infarction, stroke, or ischemia-driven target-vessel revascularization).

Results:

At 10 years, a primary outcome event occurred in 29.8% of the PCI group and in 24.7% of the CABG group (hazard ratio [HR] with PCI vs CABG, 1.25 [95% CI, 0.93–1.69]). The 10-year incidence of the composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (18.2% vs 17.5%; HR 1.00 [95% CI, 0.70–1.44]) and all-cause mortality (14.5% vs 13.8%; HR 1.13 [95% CI, 0.75–1.70]) were not significantly different between the PCI and CABG groups. Ischemia-driven target-vessel revascularization was more frequent after PCI than after CABG (16.1% vs 8.0%; HR 1.98 [95% CI, 1.21–3.21).

Conclusions:

Ten-year follow-up of the PRECOMBAT trial of patients with left main coronary artery disease randomized to PCI or CABG did not demonstrate significant difference in the incidence of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events. Because the study was underpowered, the results should be considered hypothesis-generating, highlighting the need for further research.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT03871127 and NCT00422968.
Symptom Recognition Is Impaired in Patients With Orthostatic Hypotension
Authors: Freeman Roy , Illigens Ben M.W. , Lapusca Razvan , Campagnolo Marta , Abuzinadah Ahmad R. , Bonyhay Istvan , Sinn Dong-In , Miglis Mitchell , White Jeffrey , Gibbons Christopher H.
Published: March 2020

Failure to recognize symptoms of orthostatic hypotension (OH) may result in falls, syncope, and injuries. The relationship between orthostatic changes in blood pressure and symptom occurrence and severity is not known. The goal of the present study was to define the relationship between the occurrence and severity of the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension (OH) and (1) the upright systolic blood pressure (SBP) and (2) the fall in SBP after tilting in patients with OH. We prospectively studied 89 patients with OH. Reported BP values include the lowest BP in the first 3 minutes of tilt and the change in blood pressure during tilt. Subjects were queried about symptoms of orthostatic intolerance while supine and during the first 3 minutes of tilt testing using Question 1 of the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire. Mean tilted SBP was 101.6±26.1 mm Hg and mean SBP fall 47.9±18.1 mm Hg. Mean symptom scores when upright were: light-headedness (2.3/10±2.7), dizziness (1.6/10±2.5), and impending blackout (0.8/10±1.9). The majority of patients were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and no discrete cutoff for symptoms was observed. The magnitude of the SBP fall (
r
=−0.07,
P
=NS) and the lowest upright SBP (
r
=0.08,
P
=NS) did not correlate with any reported symptom. These results suggest a poor relationship between the magnitude of the orthostatic BP fall, the upright orthostatic BP, and symptoms. Many patients are asymptomatic despite substantial SBP falls and low orthostatic blood pressures. These findings have implications for clinical care of patients with OH and clinical trials to treat patients with OH.
Initial Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Decline and Long-Term Renal Function During Intensive Antihypertensive Therapy
Authors: Collard Didier , Brouwer Tom F. , Olde Engberink Rik H.G. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Vogt Liffert , van den Born Bert-Jan H.
Published: March 2020

Lowering blood pressure (BP) can lead to an initial decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). However, there is debate how much eGFR decline is acceptable. We performed a post hoc analysis of ACCORD-BP (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes-Blood Pressure) and SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), which randomized patients to intensive or standard systolic BP-targets. We determined the relation between initial decline in mean arterial pressure and eGFR. Subsequently, we stratified patients to BP-target and initial eGFR decrease and assessed the relation with annual eGFR decline after 1 year. A total of 13 266 patients with 41 126 eGFR measurements were analyzed. Up to 10 mm Hg of BP-lowering, eGFR did not change. Hereafter, there was a linear decrease of 3.4% eGFR (95% CI, 2.9%–3.9%) per 10 mm Hg mean arterial pressure decrease. The observed eGFR decline based on 95% of the subjects varied from 26% after 0 mm Hg to 46% with a 40 mm Hg mean arterial pressure decrease. There was no difference in eGFR slope (
P
=0.37) according to initial eGFR decline and BP-target, with a decrease of 1.24 (95% CI, 1.09–1.39), 1.20 (95% CI, 0.97–1.43), and 1.14 (95% CI, 0.77–1.50) in the 5%, 5% to 20%, and >20% stratum during intensive and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.81–1.09), 1.23 (95% CI, 0.97–1.49), and 1.17 (95% CI, 0.65–1.69) mL/minute per 1.73 m
2
per year during standard treatment. In patients at high cardiovascular risk with and without diabetes mellitus, we found no association between initial eGFR and annual eGFR decline during BP-lowering treatment. Our results support that an eGFR decrease up to 20% after BP lowering can be accepted and suggest that the limit can be extended up to 46% depending on the achieved BP reduction.

Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00000620, NCT01206062.
Orthostatic Hypertension
Authors: Jordan Jens , Ricci Fabrizio , Hoffmann Fabian , Hamrefors Viktor , Fedorowski Artur
Published: March 2020

Orthostatic hypertension, which appears to be mediated through excess neurohumoral activation while standing, is a common blood pressure trait among patients with and without arterial hypertension. However, lack of consensus regarding the definition of orthostatic hypertension makes it difficult to assess the true prevalence of this condition. Orthostatic hypertension appears to predict the risk for progression to arterial hypertension in younger and risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in older persons. Yet, the risk may differ between populations. Whether orthostatic hypertension indicates a generally increased risk of death, constitutes an intermediate variable in the causal pathway of cardiovascular risk factors, a simple measure of disease severity, or an independently acting mechanism is not known. Since both orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension herald increased risk of cardiovascular disease, it appears reasonable to screen the patients for abnormal orthostatic blood pressure responses using simple orthostatic testing. However, how presence of orthostatic hypertension may affect clinical management decisions such as the choice of antihypertensive drugs is currently difficult to ascertain. Clearly, this issue deserves more attention.
Role of Vascular Adaptation in Determining Systolic Blood Pressure in Young Adults
Authors: Yu Shikai , Middlemiss Jessica E. , Nardin Chiara , Hickson Stacey S. , Miles Karen L. , Yasmin  , Maki‐Petaja Kaisa M. , McDonnell Barry J. , Cockcroft John R. , Wilkinson Ian B. , McEniery Carmel M. , Benedict Samantha , Dhakam Zahid , Day Lisa , Munnery Maggie , Pusalkar Pawan , Retallick Christopher , Sabit Ramsey , Sharman James , Smith Jane , Woodcock‐Smith Jean , Thomas Edna , Wallace Sharon
Published: March 2020

Background

Two individuals can have a similar pulse pressure (
PP
) but different levels of systolic blood pressure (
SBP
), although the underlying mechanisms have not been described. We hypothesized that, for a given level of
PP
, differences in
SBP
relate to peripheral vascular resistance (
PVR
); and we tested this hypothesis in a large cohort of healthy young adults.

Methods and Results

Demographic, biochemical, and hemodynamic data from 3103 subjects were available for the current analyses. In both men and women, for a given level of
PP
, higher
SBP
was associated with significantly higher body weight, body mass index, heart rate, and
PVR
(
P
<0.05 versus those with lower
BP
for all comparisons). Moreover, stratifying individuals by quartiles of
PP
and
PVR
revealed a stepwise increase in
SBP
from the lowest to highest quartile for each variable, with the highest
SBP
occurring in those in the highest quartile of both
PP
and
PVR
(
P
<0.001 for overall trend for both sexes).
PVR
was also increased with increasing tertile of minimum forearm vascular resistance, in both men (
P
=0.002) and women (
P
=0.03).

Conclusions

Increased
PVR
, mediated in part through altered resistance vessel structure, strongly associates with the elevation of
SBP
for a given level of
PP
in young adults. An impaired ability to adapt
PVR
appropriately to a given level of
PP
may be an important mechanism underlying elevated
SBP
in young adults.
Sex‐Related Differences in Patients at High Bleeding Risk Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Patient‐Level Pooled Analysis From 4 Postapproval Studies
Authors: Chandiramani Rishi , Cao Davide , Claessen Bimmer E. , Sorrentino Sabato , Guedeney Paul , Blum Moritz , Goel Ridhima , Roumeliotis Anastasios , Krucoff Mitchell , Kozuma Ken , Ge Junbo , Seth Ashok , Makkar Raj , Bangalore Sripal , Bhatt Deepak L. , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Ruster Karine , Wang Jin , Saito Shigeru , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Hermiller James , Valgimigli Marco , Mehran Roxana
Published: March 2020

Background

Women have been associated with higher rates of recurrent events after percutaneous coronary intervention than men, possibly attributable to advanced age at presentation and greater comorbidities. These factors also put women at higher risk of bleeding, which may influence therapeutic strategies and clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results

We performed a patient‐level pooled analysis of 4 postapproval registries to evaluate sex‐related differences in patients at high bleeding risk (HBR) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. HBR required fulfillment of at least 1 major or 2 minor criteria of the Academic Research Consortium definition. Outcomes of interest were major bleeding and major adverse cardiac events (composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or definite/probable stent thrombosis). Of the total 10 502 patients, 2832 (27.0%) were women. The prevalence of HBR was higher in women compared with men (29.0% versus 20.5%,
P
<0.0001). Women at HBR were older and had more comorbidities, while men at HBR were more often smokers, with prior myocardial infarction and more complex coronary lesions. At 4 years, women at HBR had significantly higher major bleeding compared with men at HBR (10.8% versus 6.2%,
P
<0.0001); however, this difference was attenuated after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.41–2.08). Major adverse cardiac event rates between groups were similar (12.2% versus 12.6%,
P
=0.82) and remained consistent after adjustment (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.32–1.28).

Conclusions

The prevalence of HBR was higher in women compared with men, with considerable differences in the distribution of criteria. Women at HBR experienced higher rates of major bleeding but similar major adverse cardiac event rates compared with men at HBR at 4 years.
Prevalence and Cause of Early Fontan Complications: Does the Lymphatic Circulation Play a Role?
Authors: Ghosh Reena M. , Griffis Heather M. , Glatz Andrew C. , Rome Jonathan J. , Smith Christopher L. , Gillespie Matthew J. , Whitehead Kevin K. , O'Byrne Michael L. , Biko David M. , Ravishankar Chitra , Dewitt Aaron G. , Dori Yoav
Published: March 2020

Background

Recent studies suggest that lymphatic congestion plays a role in development of late Fontan complications, such as protein‐losing enteropathy. However, the role of the lymphatic circulation in early post‐Fontan outcomes is not well defined.

Methods and Results

This was a retrospective, single‐center study of patients undergoing first‐time Fontan completion from 2012 to 2017. The primary outcome was
early Fontan complication
≤6 months after surgery, a composite of death, Fontan takedown, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, chest tube drainage >14 days, cardiac catheterization, readmission, or transplant. Complication causes were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: (1) Fontan circuit obstruction, (2) ventricular dysfunction or atrioventricular valve regurgitation, (3) persistent pleural effusions
in the absence of
Fontan obstruction or ventricular dysfunction, and (4) chylothorax or plastic bronchitis. T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences were used to assess for lymphatic perfusion abnormality. The cohort consisted of 238 patients. Fifty‐eight (24%) developed early complications: 20 of 58 (34.5%) in group 1, 8 of 58 (14%) in group 2, 18 of 58 (31%) in group 3, and 12 of 58 (20%) in group 4. Preoperative T2 imaging was available for 126 (53%) patients. Patients with high‐grade lymphatic abnormalities had 6 times greater odds of developing early complications (
P
=0.001).

Conclusions

There is substantial morbidity in the early post‐Fontan period. Half of those who developed early complications had lymphatic failure or persistent effusions unrelated to structural or functional abnormalities. Preoperative T2 imaging demonstrated that patients with higher‐grade lymphatic perfusion abnormalities were significantly more likely to develop early complications. This has implications for risk stratification and optimization of patients before Fontan palliation.
Checklist of marine benthic algae from the Russian continental coast of the Sea of Japan

Authors: KOZHENKOVA SVETLANA I.
Published: March 2020

Summary list of algae of the Russian part of continental shelf of the Sea of Japan, compiled with data from the author and other researchers, includes 321 species. Among them, there are 62 Chlorophyta species, 86 Ochrophyta and 173 Rhodophyta. In the northern part of study area, 264 species were registered while in the southern area, including the Peter the Great Bay, 273 species were found. The species shared between both areas include 67 % of the checklist (216 species). Red algae Ahnfeltia fastigiata (Endlicher) Makienko and green algae Ulvella geniculata (N.L.Gardner) Nielsen, O’Kelly et Wysor are new records to the Russian mainland coast of the Sea of Japan. The checklist will be valuable for future studies on macroalgal biogeography and evaluation the influence of different natural and anthropogenic factors on biodiversity.
Study of the genus Bracon Fabricius, 1804 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from Iran: new subspecies, new records and an updated checklist
Authors: ZARGAR MOHAMMAD , SAMARTSEV KONSTANTIN , TALEBI ALI ASGHAR , FARAHANI SAMIRA
Published: March 2020

The present study is based on the genus Bracon Fabricius collected from the Khuzestan province in the southwestern part of Iran during 2016–2017. In total, 35 species including one subspecies were collected and identified, of which 10 species are recorded for the first time from Iran and Bracon (Osculobracon) pelliger rumezensis Samartsev & Zargar ssp. n. is described. In addition, 24 species are recorded for the first time from Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran. Brief diagnoses with illustrations for new records from Iran and a faunistic list with distribution data are provided.
The millipede family Striariidae Bollman, 1893: I. Introduction to the family, synonymy of Vaferaria Causey with Amplaria Chamberlin, the new subfamily Trisariinae, the new genus Trisaria, and three new species
(Diplopoda, Chordeumatida, Striarioidea)
Authors: SHEAR WILLIAM A.
Published: March 2020

The significant taxonomic characters of the millipede family Striariidae Bollman, 1888 are discussed. The monotypic genus Vaferaria Causey, 1958 is synonymized under Amplaria Chamberlin, 1941, giving the new combination Amplaria imberbis (Loomis, 1936). The genera Striaria Bollman, 1888 and Amplaria are assigned to the subfamily Striariinae. A new subfamily, Trisariinae, is established that presently includes only Trisaria new genus, with three new species: Trisaria rex, T. olympia and T. washingtonensis. The new subfamily, genus, and species are endemic to western Washington state, USA.
A survey of Phrurolithidae (Arachnida: Araneae) in southern Caucasus, Iran and Central Asia
Authors: ZAMANI ALIREZA , MARUSIK YURI M.
Published: March 2020

The spider family Phrurolithidae is revised in Azerbaijan, Iran and Tajikistan. The new genus Bosselaerius gen. n. is described to encompass three species: B. hyrcanicus sp. n. (type species, ♂ ♀, Azerbaijan, Iran), B. tajikistanicus sp. n. (♀, Tajikistan) and B. daoxianensis (Yin, Peng, Gong & Kim, 1997) comb. n. (♂, China). Furthermore, a new species of Phrurolithus C.L. Koch, 1839, namely P. azarkinae sp. n. (♂ ♀, Azerbaijan, Iran) is described, a redescription is provided for the poorly-known P. luppovae Spassky, 1941 (♂, Tajikistan), with its female being described for the first time, and P. pullatus Kulczyński, 1897 is recorded in Iran for the first time, representing the easternmost recorded locality for this species. Finally, 27 species of Chinese Phrurolithidae currently classified in Phrurolithus are transferred to Otacilia Thorell, 1897 on the basis of somatic characters and the morphology of the copulatory organs. Distributions of all treated species are mapped.
Two new species of the spider genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805 (Araneae: Pholcidae) from Guizhou and Guangxi, China
Authors: LAN TIANQI , YAO ZHIYUAN , ZHENG GUO , LI SHUQIANG
Published: March 2020

The genus Pholcus Walckenaer, 1805 is composed of 21 species-groups and the P. yichengicus species-group contains 35 species from central and southern China, and Thailand. In this study, two new species of the P. yichengicus species-group are described from southern China: Pholcus jingnan Yao & Li sp. nov. (Guizhou, male and female) and Pholcus longlin Yao & Li sp. nov. (Guangxi, male and female).
Interactions of Glycerol, Diglycerol, and Water Studied Using Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Habuka Akari , Yamada Takeshi , Nakashima Satoru
Published: March 2020

In order to examine the mixing properties of glycerol–water and diglycerol–water solutions, these solutions were measured using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. The absorbance spectra corrected for 1 µm thickness were subtracted by pure polyols for obtaining water spectra, and by pure water for polyol spectra. Both asymmetric and symmetric CH2 stretching vibration bands (around 2940, 2885 cm−1) shifted about 10 cm−1 to lower wavenumber side (redshifts) with increasing polyol concentrations, especially at higher concentrations. Redshifts of C–O–H rocking bands (around 1335 cm−1) with increasing polyol concentrations are slightly larger for diglycerol–water (10 > 6 cm−1) than glycerol–water solutions. C–O stretching bands of CHOH groups (1125 and 1112 cm−1) shift slightly but in opposite sides for glycerol and diglycerol at highest polyol concentrations (90–100 wt%). These shifts of CH2 stretching, COH rocking, and CO stretching of CHOH at higher polyol concentrations suggest interactions of outer CH2 with inner CHOH groups of surrounding polyols. The normalized band area changes with polyol concentrations could be fitted by quadratic polynomials possibly due to mixtures of different interactions between water–water, polyol–water, and polyol–polyol molecules. The OH stretching band for diglycerol 90 wt% shows three humps indicating at least three OH components: long, medium, and short H bond water molecules. Short H bond water molecules are the major component possibly between inner CHOH and outer side CH2OH groups, while the long H component might loosely bind to outer CH2OH groups.