bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Three-Layer QR Code Based on Secret Sharing Scheme and Liner Code
Authors: Yu Bin , Fu Zhengxin , Liu Sijia
Published: November 2019

Quick Response (QR) code, a machine-readable symbol, is widely employed in all walks of life due to its large information capacity, strong error correction ability, and fast reading speed. However, anyone with a standard decoder could obtain stored information. In this paper, utilizing the characteristics of the Hamming code, wet paper code, and the recognition mechanism of the QR code, we introduce a high-capacity QR code with three-layer information to protect the sensitive information. In the proposed scheme, we utilize the XOR-based secret-sharing algorithm to embed the second-layer information on the column vector of the constructed random matrix block. Then, without affecting the embedding result of the second layer information, the matrix block elements are reused again, and the Hamming code is constructed with the column vector. Based on the error correction mechanism of the Hamming code, the third layer of information is embedded on the column vector and encoded by wet paper coding to realize the blind extraction. Finally, based on the recognition mechanism of the QR code, the random matrix block containing the secret information is fused with the carrier QR code, and the public information of the carrier QR code is used as the first-layer information. Compared with other schemes, the proposed scheme has the advantages of high information payload, low computational complexity, and strong robustness.
Numerical Model of Oil Film Diffusion in Water Based on SPH Method
Authors: Li Daming , Zhen Zhu , Zhang Hongqiang , Li Yanqing , Tang Xingchen
Published: November 2019

The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is applied to study the oil film diffusion in the water. By modifying the SPH equations of fluid dynamics, the multiphase flow SPH equations are obtained to establish the computational oil film diffusion model. By discussing three kinds of particle pairing schemes in the calculation of oil particle density, the redistribution mode of particle density is determined. The diffusion process of oil film is simulated, the effects of oil viscosity coefficient and particle density on oil film diffusion are analyzed, and the distribution of local pressure near oil particles in the process of oil film spreading is calculated. Finally, the calculated value of the oil film expansion diameter is compared with two other numerical models, and the calculated result shows a high coherence with the others.
Dynamic vs. Static Wholesale Pricing Strategies in a Dual‐Channel Green Supply Chain
Authors: Wang Yongzhao , Sun Xiaojie
Published: November 2019

With the improvement of social environmental awareness, the dual‐channel green product sales mode has been widely used by many manufacturing firms. In this paper, we consider a dual‐channel green supply chain where one manufacturer produces a green product and sells it through one retail channel and its own direct channel. Consumers in the two channels have different perceptions of the product energy efficiency level due to different purchasing experiences. The product energy efficiency level evolves over time and is characterized as a dynamic variable. By developing and solving the Stackelberg differential game problems under the dynamic and static wholesale pricing strategies, respectively, we obtain the main results in this paper. First, the manufacturer has more incentives to invest in green innovation when more consumers buy the green product through the direct channel. Second, the manufacturer prefers to adopt the dynamic wholesale pricing strategy in most cases and prefers the static one only when the consumers in both channels have relatively high energy efficiency perceptions. By introducing the transfer payment contract, we show that the static wholesale pricing strategy may be the better choice, which leads to a win‐win outcome for both members. Finally, sensitivity analysis further provides some managerial insights and verifies the robustness of the results.
Kinetic Analysis of Low-Rank Coal Pyrolysis by Model-Free and Model-Fitting Methods
Authors: Zhang Qiuli , Luo Min , Yan Long , Yang Aiwu , Hui Xiangrong
Published: November 2019

Coal SJC, coal WJG, coal ZJM, and coal HCG were selected to investigate the pyrolysis kinetics of northern Shaanxi coals. TG and DSC experiments of four coals were carried out with a synchronous thermal analyzer at heating rates 5, 10, 15, and 20 C/min, respectively. The pyrolysis characteristics were described by thermogravimetric data, and the kinetic parameters were calculated by Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger, general integration, and MacCallum–Tanner methods. The results show that coal SJC, coal ZJM, and coal HCG all conform to the reaction series equation, the thermal decomposition reaction rate is controlled by chemical reaction, and coal WJG conforms to Avrami–Erofeev equation. The activation energies of the four coals are 177.53 kJ/mol, 200.34 kJ/mol, 158.59 kJ/mol, and 240.47 kJ/mol, respectively.
Monitoring of Wheat Scab Using the Specific Spectral Index from ASD Hyperspectral Dataset
Authors: Huang Linsheng , Zhang Hansu , Ding Wenjuan , Huang Wenjiang , Hu Tingguang , Zhao Jinling
Published: November 2019

It is highly important to accurately monitor wheat scab and provide technical guidance for the crop pests and diseases. In this study, relevant analysis was performed among spectral reflectance, first-derivate data, and the disease severity data through ASD hyperspectral data. Two sensitive spectral wavelength ranges of 450–488 nm and 500–540 nm were selected. Then, a new wheat scab index (WSI) consisting of the two bands was proposed. The inversion models of the scab severities were comparatively built by unitary linear regression and multiple stepwise regression techniques. The results showed that the WSI had a significant linear relationship with severity of disease compared with other commonly used spectral indices. The fitting R2, testing R2, and RMSE were 0.73, 0.70, and 13.41, respectively. The multiple stepwise regression model established using the WSI, SDg/SDb, NBNDVI, and SDg as independent variables was better than the single-variable model. Our results suggest that WSI can be used to provide scientific guidance for monitoring and precise management of wheat scab disease.
Research on Shape Change of Multimaterial Electrode for EDM
Authors: Wang Wenjian , Liu Yu , Zhang Wenchao , Ma Fujian , Yang Dapeng , Zhang Shengfang
Published: November 2019

The shape change law of a multimaterial electrode in EDM was studied, and a cosimulation between ANSYS and MATLAB of electrode shape change of the multimaterial electrode and workpiece was established. Element birth and death in ANSYS was used to obtain the removal volume in a single-pulse discharge, and the electrode feed strategy, material removal, and renewal strategy are considered to establish the shape simulation strategy. Then, a program based on MATLAB software was compiled to simulate the machining process and predict the shape change of the multimaterial electrode of different combinations. The experiments of different multimaterial electrodes were carried out with the die steel as the workpiece. The simulation results were compared with the experimental results to verify the effectiveness of the simulation model.
Detection of Image Seam Carving Using a Novel Pattern
Authors: Lu Ming , Niu Shaozhang
Published: November 2019

Seam carving is an excellent content-aware image resizing technology widely used, and it is also a means of image tampering. Once an image is seam carved, the distribution of magnitude levels for the pixel intensity differences in the local neighborhood will be changed, which can be considered as a clue for detection of seam carving for forensic purposes. In order to accurately describe the distribution of magnitude levels for the pixel intensity differences in the local neighborhood, local neighborhood magnitude occurrence pattern (LNMOP) is proposed in this paper. The LNMOP pattern describes the distribution of intensity difference by counting up the number of magnitude level occurrences in the local neighborhood. Based on this, a forensic approach for image seam carving is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the histogram features of LNMOP and HOG (histogram of oriented gradient) are extracted from the images for seam carving forgery detection. Then, the final features for the classifier are selected from the extracted LNMOP features. The LNMOP feature selection method based on HOG feature hierarchical matching is proposed, which determines the LNMOP features to be selected by the HOG feature level. Finally, support vector machine (SVM) is utilized as a classifier to train and test by the above selected features to distinguish tampered images from normal images. In order to create training sets and test sets, images are extracted from the UCID image database. The experimental results of a large number of test images show that the proposed approach can achieve an overall better performance than the state-of-the-art approaches.
Valuable Serum Markers in Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
Authors: Shi Shenyun , Chen Lulu , Qiu Xiaohua , Zhao Qi , Xiao Yonglong , Yan Xin
Published: November 2019

Objective. Several serum markers were reported to reflect the severity of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). The aim of this study is to investigate a reliable and facile marker to access and monitor the clinical course of PAP in a large cohort.Methods. PAP patients from January 2010 to June 2018 were enrolled. Hospital records were used as data sources. The levels of various serum indicators were detected. We evaluated the correlation between pulmonary function test results and clinical variables.Results. Diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) level was positively correlated with the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P<0.05) in 122 patients of PAP at baseline. The levels of HDL-C and DLCO significantly increased while carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CYFRA21-1, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels decreased six months after granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) inhalation therapy between 14 patients with PAP. Nevertheless, the increased DLCO was significantly correlated with decreased CEA (r=‐0.579,P=0.031) and CYFRA 21-1 (r=‐0.632,P=0.015). In 10 PAP patients without GM-CSF inhalation therapy, HDL-C and DLCO significantly decreased while NSE and LDH levels increased after six months of follow-up. The decreased DLCO was significantly correlated with increased LDH (r=‐0.694,P=0.026).Conclusions. Serum CEA, CYFRA21-1, and LDH are valuable serum markers for the evaluation of disease activity of PAP and may predict the response to treatment of PAP.
Adaptive Immune Resistance to Intravesical BCG in Non–Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Implications for Prospective BCG-Unresponsive Trials
Authors: Kates Max , Matoso Andres , Choi Woonyoung , Baras Alexander S. , Daniels Marcus J. , Lombardo Kara , Brant Aaron , Mikkilineni Nina , McConkey David J. , Kamat Ashish M. , Svatek Robert S. , Porten Sima P. , Meeks Joshua J. , Lerner Seth P. , Dinney Colin P. , Black Peter C. , McKiernan James M. , Anderson Chris , Drake Charles G. , Bivalacqua Trinity J.
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To characterize immune cell expression among patients with non–muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treated with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG).

Experimental Design:

Patients with NMIBC treated with intravesical BCG (2008–2015) were identified, and a tissue microarray was constructed using paired pre- and post-BCG bladder samples. Among patients undergoing BCG, cystoscopic evaluation began 3 months after initiating BCG treatment to determine therapeutic response. IHC was performed for CD8, CD4, FoxP3, PD-L1 (SP-142 and 22C3), and PD-1. A full slide review of PD-L1+ staining tumors was performed to characterize PD-L1 and CD8 colocalization. RNA-seq was performed on cored tumors from available specimens. We compared immune cell populations between BCG responders and nonresponders, and between pretreatment and postreatment tumor samples. Baseline PD-L1 staining in the BCG naïve population was then validated in a separate cohort.

Results:

The final cohort contained 63 pretreatment NMIBC cases, including 31 BCG responders and 32 BCG nonresponders. No differences in CD4, CD8, or FoxP3 expression were identified between responders and nonresponders. Baseline PD-L1 expression (22C3 and SP-142) was observed in 25% to 28% of nonresponders and 0% to 4% of responders (P < 0.01). PD-L1+ cells in BCG nonresponders colocalized with CD8+ T cells. In addition, BCG therapy did not increase PD-L1 gene expression (RNA-seq) or protein levels (IHC). The number of pretreatment CD4+ T cells was very low among PD-L1+ nonresponders (12%) and high among PD-L1− nonresponders (50%, P < 0.01). In a separate cohort of 57 patients with NMIBC undergoing BCG, baseline PD-L1 (22C3) staining was similar (26%).

Conclusions:

One mechanism of BCG failure may be adaptive immune resistance. Baseline tumor PD-L1 expression predicts an unfavorable response to BCG and if validated, could be used to guide therapeutic decisions.
miR-34a Enhances the Susceptibility of Gastric Cancer to Platycodin D by Targeting Survivin
Authors: Peng Yao , Fan Jing-Ying , Xiong Jian , Lou Yu , Zhu Ying
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Platycodin D (PD), a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Platycodon grandiflorum, has a well-known anti-tumor effect in multiple human cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). miR-34a plays an important role in the progression of GC. However, the relationship between miR-34a and the susceptibility of GC cells to PD is still unclear. The aim of our research was to investigate the functions of miR-34a in mediating the susceptibility of GC to PD. Methods: qPCR was performed to detect the expression level of miR-34a and survivin in GC cells. The expression of survivin, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 was analyzed using Western blot. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay, and apoptosis was analyzed via Annexin V-FITC/PI staining followed by flow cy­tometry. The colony formation and scratch-wound assays were applied to assess cell proliferation and migration. Caspase-3/7 activity was detected by a Caspase-Glo®3/7 detection kit. The relationship between miR-34a and survivin was determined by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Finally, a GC xenograft mouse model was used to confirm our findings in vivo. Results: The expression of miR-34a decreased but survivin increased inversely in human GC cells. Survivin is a direct target of miR-34a and may be negatively regulated by miR-34a. PD could inhibit GC cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Importantly, overexpression miR-34a or suppressing survivin was shown to enhance the susceptibility of GC to PD both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: miR-34a could modulate the susceptibility of GC to PD via targeting survivin, suggesting miR-34a overexpression may serve as a novel strategy to sensitize GC to anti-cancer drugs.
Comparative Analysis of the Organization of the Catecholaminergic Systems in the Brain of Holostean Fishes (Actinopterygii/Neopterygii)
Authors: Lozano Daniel , Morona Ruth , González Agustín , López Jesús M.
Published: November 2019

Living holosteans, comprising 8 species of bowfins and gars, form a small monophyletic group of actinopterygian fishes, which are currently considered as the sister group to the enormously numerous teleosts and have largely been neglected in neuroanatomical studies. We have studied the catecholaminergic (CAergic) systems by means of antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine (DA) in the brain of representative species of the 3 genera included in the 2 orders of holostean fishes: Amia calva (Amiiformes) and Lepisosteus platyrhincus, Lepisosteus oculatus, and Atractosteus spatula (Lepisosteiformes). Different groups of TH/DA-immunoreactive (ir) cells were observed in the olfactory bulb, subpallium, and preoptic area of the telencephalon. Hypothalamic groups were labeled in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, tuberal (only in A. calva), retrotuberal, and retromamillary areas; specifically, the paraventricular organ showed only DA immunoreactivity. In the diencephalon, TH/DA-ir groups were detected in the prethalamus, posterior tubercle, and pretectum. In the caudal hindbrain, the solitary tract nucleus and area postrema presented TH/DA-ir cell groups, and also the spinal cord and the retina. Only in A. calva, particular CAergic cell groups were observed in the habenula, the mesencephalic tegmentum, and in the locus coeruleus. Following a neuromeric analysis, the comparison of these results with those obtained in other classes of fishes and tetrapods shows many common traits of CAergic systems shared by most vertebrates and in addition highlights unique features of actinopterygian fishes.
Papillenschwellung: Häufiges Symptom auch bei seltenen Erkrankungen
Authors: Göbel Katja
Published: November 2019

A 23-year-old male patient presented with very mild visual disturbances, but a distinct prominence of the optic discs, more pronounced in the right than in the left eye. The ophthalmic symptoms initially seemed trivial, but a large-scale interdisciplinary workup later identified them as the presenting symptoms of sarcoidosis affecting lung and eyes. A standard steroid monotherapy successfully caused regression of the ophthalmic findings.
СОЦІАЛЬНО-ДЕМОГРАФІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ХВОРИХ З ПЕРВИННИМ ЕПІЗОДОМ БІПОЛЯРНОГО АФЕКТИВНОГО РОЗЛАДУ З УРАХУВАННЯМ ГЕНДЕРНОГО ФАКТОРА
Authors: Mysula Y. I.
Published: November 2019

Проблема біполярного афективного розладу (БАР) є однією з найактуальніших проблем сучасної психіатрії.

Мета – вивчити соціально-демографічні особливості хворих на БАР на момент первинного епізоду і впродовж життя з урахуванням гендерного фактора.

Матеріал і методи. Проаналізовано особливості перебігу первинного епізоду БАР на підставі медичної документації 180 чоловіків і 222 жінок із встановленим діагнозом БАР.

Результати. Встановлено переважання осіб з неповною середньою (загалом 24,7 %, чоловіків 28,4 %, жінок 21,6 %, р>0,05), середньою (відповідно 21,6 %, 27,9 % і 13,9 %, р<0,01), та середньою спеціальною освітою (20,4 %, 22,2 % і 18,9 %, р>0,05), меншою є питома вага осіб з незакінченою вищою (20,4 %, 18,3 % і 22,1 %, р>0,05), професійно-технічною (7,2 %; 11,1 % і 4,1 %, р<0,01) і вищою освітою (5,7 %, 6,1 % і 5,4 %, р>0,05). Більшість хворих були безробітними (40,0 %, 37,8 %, 41,9 %, р>0,05), менше – школярів (24,7 %, 28,3 % та 21,6 %, р>0,05), студентів (11,7 %, 12,8 % і 10,8 %, р>0,05), робітників (8,7 %, 10,6 % і 7,2 %, р>0,05), службовців (8,2 %, 6,1 % і 9,9 %, р>0,05), підприємців (4,0 %, 3,3 % і 4,5 %, р>0,05) та пенсіонерів (2,7 %, 1,1 % і 4,1 %, р>0,05). Більшість хворих не були одруженими (60,7 %, 66,7 % і 55,9 %, р>0,05), менше було одружених (35,9 %, 28,3 % і 41,9 %, р>0,05), розлучених (2,7 %, 3,9 % і 1,8 %, р>0,05) та вдових (0,7 %, 1,1 % і 0,4 %, р>0,05); а також бездітних (78,9 %, 79,4 % і 78,4 %, р>0,05) і тих, що проживали з батьками (59,5 %, 65,6 % і 54,5 %, р<0,05). Чоловіки частіше були курцями (58,3 % проти 24,8 %, р<0,01, разом 39,7 %), з епізодичним та частим вживанням алкоголю (відповідно 53,3 % і 33,8 %, р<0,01, разом 42,5 %, та 21,1 % і 1,8 %, р<0,01, разом 10,5 %).

Висновки. Хворим з первинним епізодом БАР притаманні невисокий освітній та професійний рівень, погана сімейна реалізація, поширеність куріння; для чоловіків характерні нижчий рівень освіти з більшою професійною спрямованістю, вищий рівень інвалідизації, гірша сімейна реалізація, а також більший рівень ураження аддикціями. Ці дані можуть бути використані для ранньої діагностики та профілактики БАР.
ТРОМБОФІЛІЯ, УСКЛАДНЕНА ГОСТРИМ ІНФАРКТОМ МІОКАРДА: КЛІНІЧНИЙ ВИПАДОК ІЗ АНАЛІЗОМ СУЧАСНИХ ДІАГНОСТИЧНО-ЛІКУВАЛЬНИХ АЛГОРИТМІВ ВЕДЕННЯ ХВОРИХ
Authors: Shved M. I. , Yastremska I. O. , Pizhytska K. B. , Kovbasa N. M. , Zubanyuk V. M. , Dobrianskyi T. O.
Published: November 2019

Діагностика тромбофілії та патогенетичне лікування її клінічних проявів супроводжується рядом труднощів, що зумовлено без- або малосимптомним перебігом хвороби та недостатньою обізнаністю лікарів щодо критеріїв діагностики цієї патології.

Мета – підвищення рівня діагностики і вибору адекватного лікування пацієнтів з тромбофілією, ускладненою гострим інфарктом міокарда, шляхом детального аналізу та клініко-лабораторного розбору власного клінічного випадку.

Матеріал і методи. Системний аналіз, бібліосемантика та аналіз випадку захворювання конкретного пацієнта з тромбофілією, дослідження генетичного поліморфізму, асоційованого з тромбофілією. Пошук джерел здійснювався за допомогою науково-статистичної бази даних медичної інформації PubMed-NCBI.

Результати. При відсутності чітких причинних факторів високого ризику розвитку гострого інфаркту міокарда (стенозуючого атеросклерозу) та при наявності рецидивних тромбозів різної локалізації пацієнтам показане обов’язкове обстеження з метою підтвердження (виключення) вродженої або набутої тромбофілії, що в подальшому визначає програму профілактики повторних епізодів спонтанного тромбозу. З цією метою було проведено дослідження генетичного поліморфізму, асоційованого з ризиком тромбофілії, у хворого з рецидивними венозними (ілеофеморальним) та артеріальними (коронарним) тромбозами. Прогностично найнесприятливішою була наявність у хворого поліморфізму алелів 4G/4G гена серпін-1 (РАІ-1), який є антагоністом тканинного активатора плазміногену і сприяє зниженню фібринолітичної активності крові, що підвищує ризик коронарних порушень в 1,3 раза. Одночасно у хворого діагностовано поліморфізм алелів С/Т гена ITGA2 (інтегрину альфа-2), який відповідає за функцію тромбоцитарного рецептора до колагену і сприяє збільшенню швидкості адгезії тромбоцитів, що підвищує ризик інфаркту міокарда в 2,8 раза. Також важливо вказати на таку особливість генетичних порушень у даного пацієнта, як поліморфізм алелів G/T гена F13, для якого характерне зниження фактора VIII згортання крові, що в кінцевому результаті призводить до зменшення ризику венозного тромбозу, але на фоні антикоагулянтної терапії цей ризик може суттєво зростати (12–20 %).

Отримані результати обґрунтували переведення хворого з прийому ксарелто на довготривале вживання прямих низькомолекулярних гепаринів (фондапаринукс).

Висновки. У хворих з діагностованою тромбофілією необхідно використовувати персоніфікований підхід до вибору антитромботичних засобів лікування та профілактики повторних тромбозів шляхом визначення у пацієнта певного поліморфізму генів та форми тромбофілії.
СТАН ПРООКСИДАНТНО-АНТИОКСИДАНТНОЇ СИСТЕМИ НИРОК ПРИ ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОМУ АНТИФОСФОЛІПІДНОМУ СИНДРОМІ ТА ДІЇ МОДУЛЯТОРІВ СИНТЕЗУ ОКСИДУ АЗОТУ
Authors: Yaremchuk O. Z.
Published: November 2019

Вступ. Антифосфоліпідний синдром (АФС) належить до найактуальніших мультидисциплінарних проблем сучасної медицини. Частота ураження нирок при АФС становить 25–78 %. Мета дослідження – вивчити вплив комбінованої дії L-аргініну й аміногуанідину на стан показників вільнорадикального окиснення та тканинного дихання в нирках при експериментальному АФС і на тлі вагітності у тварин із цією патологією. Методи дослідження. Дослідження виконано на мишах-самках лінії BALB/с, в яких моделювали АФС. Для корекції використовували L-аргінін (25 мг/кг) та аміногуанідин (10 мг/кг). Досліджували в нирках тварин з АФС до вагітності й на 18-й день вагітності активність та вміст компонентів антиоксидантної системи (супероксиддисмутази, каталази, відновленого глутатіону), вміст гідропероксидів ліпідів і ТБК-активних продуктів, активність сукцинатдегідрогенази та цитохромоксидази. Результати й обговорення. У нирках мишей лінії BALB/с з АФС активувалися процеси пероксидного окиснення ліпідів, порушувалася рівновага в системі прооксиданти – антиоксиданти. При проведенні досліджень на 18-й день вагітності в нирках тварин з АФС спостерігали достовірне збільшення вільнорадикального окиснення, зменшення активності ензимів антиоксидантного захисту та дихального ланцюга мітохондрій порівняно з показниками контрольної групи вагітних мишей. При комбінованому введенні L-аргініну та аміногуанідину тваринам з АФС у нирках знижувалися вміст ТБК-активних продуктів (на 33 %) та активність супероксиддисмутази (на 15 %), зростали активність каталази (на 12 %), сукцинатдегідрогенази (на 16 %), цитохромоксидази (на 13 %) і вміст відновленого глутатіону (на 23 %) порівняно з показниками мишей з АФС. На фоні комбінованого застосування L-аргініну та аміногуанідину реєстрували послаблення активності процесів вільнорадикального окиснення та активацію системи антиоксидантного захисту в тканині нирок вагітних тварин з АФС. Встановлено достовірне підвищення активності сукцинатдегідрогенази на (18 %) та цитохромоксидази (на 75 %) порівняно з показниками вагітних самок з АФС. Висновки. При експериментальному АФС у тканині нирок невагітних та вагітних мишей лінії BALB/c відбуваються активація вільнорадикального окиснення, порушення рівноваги в системі прооксиданти – антиоксиданти. На фоні комбінованого введення L-аргініну та аміногуанідину в тканині нирок тварин з АФС (вагітних і невагітних) зменшуються прояви оксидативного стресу.
Novel Irrigated Temperature-Controlled Lattice Ablation Catheter for Ventricular Ablation
Authors: Shapira-Daniels Ayelet , Barkagan Michael , Yavin Hagai , Sroubek Jakub , Reddy Vivek Y. , Neuzil Petr , Anter Elad
Published: November 2019

Background:

Ventricular tachycardia ablation is often limited by insufficient lesion creation. A novel radiofrequency catheter with an expandable lattice electrode has a larger surface area capable of delivering higher currents at a lower density to potentially increase lesion dimensions without overheating.

Methods:

This 8F bidirectional irrigated catheter (Sphere-9, Affera Inc) has a 9 mm spherical lattice tip (“lattice”) with an effective surface area 10-fold larger than standard linear catheters. Nine surface thermocouples provide temperature feedback to a proprietary high-current generator operating in a temperature-controlled mode. Ex vivo phase: in 11 bovine hearts, unipolar ablation at 30, 60, and 120 seconds was compared between the lattice (Tmax60°C) and a standard linear irrigated-tip catheter (40 W) at contact force of 10 g. In 5 porcine hearts, bipolar ablation was compared between the catheters (Tmax60°C versus 40 W; 60 seconds). In vivo phase: in 9 swine, ventricular ablation at Tmax60°C versus 40 W was performed for 60 seconds. In addition, direct tissue temperature at 3- and 7-mm tissue depth was measured in a thigh muscle preparation.

Results:

Ex vivo: lattice produced deeper lesions at 30, 60, and 120 seconds application duration (6.7±1.3 versus 4.8±1.2 mm; 8.3±1.4 versus 5.4±0.8 mm; 10.0±1.6 versus 6.1±1.6 mm, respectively,
P
≤0.001 for all). Bipolar lesions were deeper (15.8±4.1 versus 10.5±1.4 mm,
P
<0.001) and more likely to be transmural (80% versus 0%,
P
=0.002). In vivo: lattice produced deeper lesions (10.5±1.4 versus 6.5±0.8 mm,
P
≤0.001). Tissue temperature at 7 mm was higher with the lattice (+15.1±2.4°C;
P
<0.001). The steam-pop occurrence was lower with the lattice (total: 4% versus 18%,
P
=0.02; in vivo 0% versus 14.2%,
P
=0.13).

Conclusions:

This novel radiofrequency system produces larger ventricular lesions compared with standard irrigated catheters and at a lower risk of tissue overheating. This may improve the efficacy of ventricular tachycardia ablation procedures while reducing the number of applications and procedural duration.
Novel Oral Anticoagulant Based Versus Vitamin K Antagonist Based Double Therapy Among Stented Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kerneis Mathieu , Yee Megan K. , Mehran Roxana , Nafee Tarek , Bode Christoph , Halperin Jonathan L. , Peterson Eric D. , Verheugt Freek W.A. , Wildgoose Peter , van Eickels Martin , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Cohen Marc , Fox Keith A.A. , Gibson C. Michael
Published: November 2019

Background:

Among stented patients with atrial fibrillation, double therapy with a novel oral anticoagulant plus single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) reduces bleeding or cardiovascular rehospitalizations compared with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) based triple therapy regimen. A recent study demonstrated that apixaban based double therapy reduced bleeding compared with VKA based double therapy. However, it remains unknown whether rivaroxaban based double therapy is superior to a VKA based double therapy.

Methods:

Patient with stented atrial fibrillation (n=2124) were randomized to 3 groups: rivaroxaban 15 mg od plus a P2Y
12
inhibitor (Group 1, n=709); rivaroxaban 2.5 mg bid plus dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT; Group 2, n=709); and warfarin plus DAPT (Group 3, n=706). Before randomization, subjects were stratified according to a prespecified duration of DAPT (1, 6, or 12 months). After the prespecified DAPT duration, subjects in Group 2 were switched to rivaroxaban 15 mg plus low dose aspirin, and those in Group 3 were switched to VKA plus low dose aspirin. The Wei, Lin, and Weissfeld time to multiple events method was used to compare the occurrence of all bleeding and cardiovascular rehospitalizations among subjects on a novel oral anticoagulant versus VKA based double therapy.

Results:

A total of 906 subjects were prespecified to a 1 or 6 months DAPT duration and received at least one dose of study drug. Twenty subjects (3.3%) assigned to novel oral anticoagulant+SAPT, and 15 (5.1%) subjects assigned to VKA+SAPT experienced multiple rehospitalizations. In total, 124 (20.3%) events occurred among subjects on novel oral anticoagulant+SAPT compared with 87 (29.6%) among subjects on VKA+SAPT (hazard ratio=0.65 [95% CI, 0.45–0.93],
P
=0.008).

Conclusions:

Among stented patients with atrial fibrillation, rivaroxaban plus SAPT was superior to warfarin plus SAPT in lowering total bleeding and cardiovascular rehospitalization.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01830543.
Application of the Academic Research Consortium High Bleeding Risk Criteria in an All-Comers Registry of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Natsuaki Masahiro , Morimoto Takeshi , Shiomi Hiroki , Yamaji Kyohei , Watanabe Hirotoshi , Shizuta Satoshi , Kato Takao , Ando Kenji , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Furukawa Yutaka , Tada Tomohisa , Nagao Kazuya , Kadota Kazushige , Toyofuku Mamoru , Kimura Takeshi ,   on behalf of the CREDO-Kyoto PCI/CABG Registry Cohort-2 Investigators
Published: November 2019

Background:

Recently, the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) has been proposed to standardize the definition of HBR, which was arbitrarily defined as a Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or 5 bleeding ≥4% at 1-year. However, the prevalence and the expected bleeding event rate of HBR patients defined by ARC-HBR criteria are currently unknown in the real-world percutaneous coronary intervention practice.

Methods:

We applied the ARC-HBR criteria in the CREDO-Kyoto (Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto) registry cohort-2, a multicenter registry that enrolled 13 058 consecutive patients who underwent their first percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary bleeding end point was defined as the Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue plasminogen activator for Occluded coronary arteries moderate/severe bleeding. There were 5570 patients (43%) in the HBR group and 7488 patients in the no-HBR group.

Results:

Cumulative incidence of the primary bleeding end point was much higher in the HBR group than in the no-HBR group (10.4% versus 3.4% at 1-year, and 18.9% versus 6.6% at 5-year,
P
<0.0001). Presence of each ARC-HBR major or even minor criterion, in isolation, with the exception of liver cirrhosis and prior ischemic stroke, was also associated with major bleeding risk higher than 4% at 1-year. Cumulative 5-year incidence of the primary bleeding end point got incrementally higher as the number of the ARC-HBR major criteria increased (≥3 majors: 49.9%, 2 majors: 30.6%, 1 major: 18.5%, ≥2 minors: 14.7%, and no-HBR: 6.6%,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions:

ARC-HBR criteria successfully identified those patients with very HBR after percutaneous coronary intervention, who represented 43% of patients in this all-comers registry.
Net Clinical Benefit of Oral Anticoagulation Among Older Adults With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Shah Sachin J. , Singer Daniel E. , Fang Margaret C. , Reynolds Kristi , Go Alan S. , Eckman Mark H.
Published: November 2019

Background:

While guidelines recommend anticoagulation for all atrial fibrillation (AF) patients ≥75 years, evidence for the net clinical benefit (NCB) of anticoagulant in older adults is sparse. We sought to determine the association between age and NCB of anticoagulation in older adults with AF.

Methods and Results:

We examined adults ≥75 years with incident AF in the Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation—Cardiovascular Research Network cohort. Using a Markov state transition model, we estimated the lifetime NCB of warfarin and apixaban relative to no treatment in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). In the decision model, each month patients face a chance of stroke, hemorrhage, or death from a competing cause; the likelihood of each is a function of individual patients’ stroke risk, hemorrhage risk, and life expectancy. We defined minimal clinically relevant lifetime benefit as 0.10 QALYs. In a sensitivity analysis, we examined the effect of competing risks of death on NCB using 2 models, one including competing risks and the second without competing risks. We included 14 946 patients, with a median age of 81 years and median CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score of 4. In the main analysis, after age 87, NCB associated with warfarin decreased below 0.10 lifetime QALYs while NCB associated with apixaban did not decrease below 0.10 lifetime QALYs until after age 92. In sensitivity analyses, over a 3-year horizon, removing competing risks of death resulted in higher NCB (at 90 years, median difference using warfarin 0.010 QALYs [95% CI, 0.009–0.013], median difference using apixaban 0.025 QALYs [95% CI, 0.024–0.026]).

Conclusions:

The NCB of anticoagulation decreases with advancing age. The competing risk of death diminishes the NCB of anticoagulation for older patients with AF. Physicians should consider competing mortality risks when recommending anticoagulants to older adults with AF.
Metabolic Remodeling Promotes Cardiac Hypertrophy by Directing Glucose to Aspartate Biosynthesis
Authors: Ritterhoff Julia , Young Sara , Villet Outi , Shao Dan , Neto F. Carnevale , Bettcher Lisa F. , Hsu Yun-Wei A. , Kolwicz Stephen C. , Raftery Daniel , Tian Rong
Published: November 2019

Rationale:

Hypertrophied hearts switch from mainly using fatty acids (FAs) to an increased reliance on glucose for energy production. It has been shown that preserving FA oxidation (FAO) prevents the pathological shift of substrate preference, preserves cardiac function and energetics, and reduces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy during cardiac stresses. However, it remains elusive whether substrate metabolism regulates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy directly or via a secondary effect of improving cardiac energetics.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to determine the mechanisms of how preservation of FAO prevents the hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes.

Methods and Results:

We cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes in a medium containing glucose and mixed-chain FAs and induced pathological hypertrophy by phenylephrine. Phenylephrine-induced hypertrophy was associated with increased glucose consumption and higher intracellular aspartate levels, resulting in increased synthesis of nucleotides, RNA, and proteins. These changes could be prevented by increasing FAO via deletion of ACC2 (acetyl-CoA-carboxylase 2) in phenylephrine-stimulated cardiomyocytes and in pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. Furthermore, aspartate supplementation was sufficient to reverse the antihypertrophic effect of ACC2 deletion demonstrating a causal role of elevated aspartate level in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. 15N and 13C stable isotope tracing revealed that glucose but not glutamine contributed to increased biosynthesis of aspartate, which supplied nitrogen for nucleotide synthesis during cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

Conclusions:

Our data show that increased glucose consumption is required to support aspartate synthesis that drives the increase of biomass during cardiac hypertrophy. Preservation of FAO prevents the shift of metabolic flux into the anabolic pathway and maintains catabolic metabolism for energy production, thus preventing cardiac hypertrophy and improving myocardial energetics.
Importance of Early Diagnosis in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lewey Jennifer , Levine Lisa D. , Elovitz Michal A. , Irizarry Olga C. , Arany Zoltan
Published: November 2019

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) can lead to long-term systolic dysfunction, especially among black women. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the strongest risk factor for PPCM, but controversy remains on whether HDP predict a favorable outcome. Women with HDP are also often diagnosed with PPCM earlier than those without HDP. Our objective is to determine recovery of systolic function in patients with PPCM stratified by HDP, timing of diagnosis, and race. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 220 patients (55% black) diagnosed with PPCM. Patients with PPCM and HDP were diagnosed earlier postpartum than patients without HDP (
P
=0.013), an effect that was most pronounced in nonblack patients. Rates of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery were similar among PPCM patients with and without HDP (68.4% versus 62.6%,
P
=0.425). In contrast, patients with PPCM diagnosed after 1-month postpartum had lower rates of LVEF recovery than patients diagnosed <1-month postpartum (53.7% versus 69.9%,
P
=0.035). LVEF at time of diagnosis is a strong predictor of LVEF recovery, and patients with PPCM diagnosed after 1-month postpartum had lower baseline LVEF compared to patients presenting earlier (
P
=0.041). The presence of HDP does not correlate with LVEF recovery in our racially diverse PPCM cohort. In contrast, early diagnosis portends a favorable outcome. Early diagnosis is associated with higher LVEF at presentation, likely explaining the improved outcomes in these women. These findings underscore the need for early monitoring and diagnosis, especially in at-risk and underserved populations.
Effects of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists on Atrial Fibrillation Occurrence: A Systematic Review, Meta‐Analysis, and Meta‐Regression to Identify Modifying Factors
Authors: Alexandre Joachim , Dolladille Charles , Douesnel Laurent , Font Jonaz , Dabrowski Rafal , Shavit Linda , Legallois Damien , Funck‐Brentano Christian , Champ‐Rigot Laure , Ollitrault Pierre , Beygui Farzin , Bejan‐Angoulvant Theodora , Parienti Jean‐Jacques , Milliez Paul
Published: November 2019

Background

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (
MRA
s) have emerged as potential atrial fibrillation (
AF
) preventive therapy, but inconsistent results have been reported. We aimed to examine the effects of
MRA
s on
AF
occurrence and explore factors that could influence the magnitude of the effect size.

Methods and Results

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were used to search for randomized clinical trials and observational studies addressing the effect of
MRA
s on
AF
occurrence from database inception through April 03, 2018. We performed a systematic review and random effects meta‐analyses to compute odds ratios with 95%
CI
s. Meta‐regression was then applied to explore the sources of between‐study heterogeneity. We included 24 studies, 11 randomized clinical trials and 13 observational cohorts, representing a total number of 7914 patients (median age: 64.2 years; median left ventricular ejection fraction: 49.7%; median follow‐up: 12.0 months), 2843 (35.9%) of whom received
MRA
therapy. Meta‐analyses showed a significant overall reduction in
AF
occurrence in the
MRA
‐treated patients versus the control groups (15.0% versus 32.2%; odds ratio, 0.55; 95%
CI
, 0.44–0.70 [
P
<0.00001]), with the greatest benefit regarding recurrent
AF
episodes (
odds ratio
, 0.42; 95%
CI
, 0.31–0.59 [
P
<0.00001]) and with significant heterogeneity among the included studies (
I
2
=54%;
P
=0.0008). Meta‐regression analyses showed that effect size was significantly associated with older studies and higher
AF
occurrence rate in the control groups.

Conclusions

MRA
s seem to be effective in
AF
prevention, especially regarding recurrent
AF
episodes.
Between the Global Commodity Boom and Subnational State Capacities: Payment for Environmental Services to Fight Deforestation in Argentina
Authors: Alcañiz Isabella , Gutierrez Ricardo A.
Published: November 2019

Does subnational state capacity stop deforestation? The commodity boom of the 2000s significantly expanded the agriculture frontier in most provinces of Argentina, with devastating effects on native forests. Interestingly, some of the subnational governments that presided over the commodities supercycle also sought to reform the forestry sector to reduce rampant deforestation, despite promoting and benefiting from agricultural expansion. A national program to protect native forests through payment for environmental services (PES) was created to be implemented in local districts. We argue that the success of new forest protections is contingent on the capacity of subnational governments to implement the law. In our study, we find that changes in provincial deforestation rates are explained by the interaction of state capacity, on one hand, and high land prices driven by commodity pressures, on the other. Our research carries implications for students and practitioners of forest PES. Our findings underscore the fundamental role subnational state governments play in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The Countryside in Indonesian Contemporary Art and Media
Authors: Jurriëns Edwin
Published: November 2019

This article analyses explorations of social and environmental problems and solutions in artistic representations of the Indonesian countryside and rural society, culture, and wisdom. It focuses on urban–rural creative collaborations that combine traditional culture and knowledge with modern technology and media, such as drones and the Internet, to empower local communities, promote artistic innovation, and enhance environmental sustainability. It seeks to demonstrate that contemporary art and media strengthen the urban–rural network and the accessibility and exchange of creative ideas and information. At the same time, the author argues that some of the causes of cultural conflict and anthropogenic disaster are embedded in forms of audio-visual representation itself. The display of urban–rural encounters in art festivals and social media can even instigate new forms of surveillance, and power and knowledge hierarchies, or reinforce regimes of consumer culture, partially responsible for the very problems the audio-visual representations and collaborations seek to address.
Muscis Hawaiiensis Mantissae I: Two weedy species of Bryum new to the archipelago

Authors: Olson Storrs L.
Published: November 2019

Bryum lisae var. cuspidatum and B. radiculosum were collected in xeric, lowland habitats on the islands of Oahu and Kauai, respectively, and constitute the first records for either species for the Hawaiian archipelago.
Some interesting Orthotrichum records from Venezuela

Authors: Lara Francisco , Mazimpaka Vicente , Garilleti Ricardo
Published: November 2019

Orthotrichum subulatum Mitt. and Orthotrichum diaphanum Brid. var. diaphanum are reported from the Mérida Páramo, representing the first records of these two species in Venezuela. Additionally, new records of the recently described O. tenuicaule Lewinsky and O. spanotrichum Lewinsky are reported.
Bryophytes from the Republic of Equatorial Guinea (West Central Africa).VI. Cololejeunea iradieri sp. nov., Cololejeunea magna stat. nov. and their relations to similar species

Authors: Infante Marta , Heras Patxi
Published: November 2019

The group of African Cololejeunea species with a heart-shaped perianth and elongate marginal leaf cells has been studied. Cololejeunea iradieri is described as new from Equatorial Guinea (West Central Africa), while Cololejeunea harrisii Pócs var. magna Tix. is raised to species level. Their relations to similar species, C. amaniensis Pócs, C. harrisii Pócs and C. tenuiparietata Tix., are discussed.
Catalogo anotado de las especies venezolanas de musgos (Bryophyta) pertenecientes al Herbario Nacional de Venezuela (VEN)
Authors: Morales Thalia , García Mayra
Published: November 2019

El presente trabajo agrupa la información de las colecciones venezolanas de musgos (Bryophyta) presentes en el Herbario Nacional de Venezuela (VEN). Esta se encuentra constituida por 5282 especímenes de musgos en base de datos, de los cuales 4099 especímenes son venezolanos. La colección cuenta con 54 familias, 174 géneros y 546 especies identificadas. Como resultado se obtuvo un listado el cual ubica alfabéticamente las especies por familia, género y especie según la clasificación de Buck & Goffinett (2000), esta información se complementa además con datos de localidad, colector con número colecta, fecha de colección y datos de la determinación.
Studies on some Pottiaceous mosses from Africa 2
Authors: Sollman Philip
Published: November 2019

Tortula toutonii Bizot is Pseudocrossidium replicatum (Taylor) R.H.Zander; Didymodon guineensis Broth. & Paris and Didymodon eckendorffii P.de la Varde are Bellibarbula recurva (Griff.) R.H.Zander; Didymodon rigidulus Hedw. var. acutus Bizot is Didymodon tectorum (Müll.Hal.) K.Saito; Tortula alpestris Dixon in Herzog and Tortula cochlearifolia P.de la Varde are Syntrichia cavallii (G.Negri) Ochyra. Several taxa are newly reported for various African countries.
Emended description and new localities of Oxygyne shinzatoi (Burmanniaceae/Thismiaceae), with discussion of phylogenetic relationships of Oxygyne from Japan and Africa

Authors: SUETSUGU KENJI , SUGIMOTO TAKAOMI , TSUKAYA HIROKAZU
Published: November 2019

During a recent survey, Oxygyne specimens were discovered in three lowland evergreen forests on Okinawa Island, Japan. After morphological investigation, we identified the specimens as O. shinzatoi. Intriguingly, the colour of the specimens from one of the localities was significantly different from that of specimens collected from both the type and two of the new localities. Furthermore, morphological analysis also revealed clear differences between specimens collected from the type locality, including the type specimen, and previous descriptions of O. shinzatoi. Therefore, an amended description of O. shinzatoi is provided, based on the type and newly collected specimens. Phylogenetic relationships of Oxygyne from Japan and western Central Africa are also discussed, with consideration of the characteristics of newly discovered colour variation.
Two new species of Cirratulidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from Mar del Plata, Argentina (SW Atlantic)

Authors: Elías RODOLFO , RIVERO MARÍA SILVIA
Published: November 2019

Cirratulidae from Mar del Plata (38ºS, 57ºW) are under revision. The city has an intertidal outfall, and several polychaetes are associated with both intertidal and subtidal communities in organically enriched areas. The present paper provides the first records of the cirratulid genera Protocirrineris and Aphelochaeta from Argentine waters: P. angelicollatio sp. nov. from intertidal areas and A. malefica sp. nov. from shallow subtidal areas. Living specimens of P. angelicollatio sp. nov. were observed and asexual reproduction and high regeneration rates have been observed.