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Background: The correlation between stable geomagnetic fields and unstable geomagnetic activities with mortality, incidence, and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remains ambiguous. Method: To investigate the correlations between geomagnetic field (GMF) intensity and geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) and CVDs events in global, long-period scale, global and 204 countries and territories were included on the base of 2019 Global Burden of Disease study (GBD 2019). Data of GMF intensity, GMD frequency, CVDs events, weather and health economic indicators from 1996 to 2019 of included locations were collected. Linear regression and panel data modelling were conducted to identify the correlations between GMF intensity and CVDs events, multi-factor panel data analysis was also generated to adjust the effect of confounding factors. Results: For the average data during 1996–2019, linear regression model revealed consistent positive correlations between total GMF (tGMF) intensity and mortality of total CVDs [coef = 0.009, (0.006,0.011 95%CI)], whereas negative correlations were found between horizonal GMF (hGMF) intensity and total CVD mortality [coef = -0.010 (-0.013, -0.007 95%CI)]. When considering the time trend, panel data analysis still demonstrated positive correlation between tGMF and total CVDs mortality [coef = 0.009, (0.008,0.009 95%CI)]. Concurrently, the hGMF negatively correlated with total CVDs mortality [coef = -0.008, (-0.009, -0.007 95%CI)]. When the panel models were adjusted for confounding factors, no reverse of correlation tendency was found between tGMF, hGMF and CVDs events. In high-income territories, positive correlation was found between geomagnetic storm (GMS) frequency and mortality of total CVDs [coef = 14.007,(2.785, 25.229 95%CI)], however, this positive trend faded away gradually with the latitude decreasing from polar to equator. Conclusions: Stable and long-term horizontal component of GMF may be beneficial to cardiac health. Unstable and short-term GMF called GMD could be a hazard to cardiac health. Our results suggest the importance of regular GMF in maintaining cardio-health state and the adverse impacts of GMD on cardiac health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The snare-assisted technique has been described to facilitate transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) delivery system advancement in complex aortic anatomies. However, the evidence is limited to case reports. To evaluate the safety profile of the snare-facilitated approach and its impact on self-expanding (SE) TAVR outcomes, we collected consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral SE-TAVR for aortic stenosis, using propensity score matching (PSM) separately in tricuspid and type-0 and type-1 bicuspid aortic valve morphology between the snare and non-snare groups. In 766 patients, despite the snare group having significantly larger annulus angulation and maximal ascending aortic diameter, both groups achieved comparable 30-day device success rates, regardless of first-generation or new-generation valve use. After PSM, the snare group had a significantly lower new permanent pacemaker implantation rate among 193 type-0 patients (3.3% vs. 18.3%, p = 0.01). The ipsilateral group used new-generation valves less frequently (23.0% vs. 75.4%, p < 0.001), but there were no significant inter-group differences in procedure-related events, except for a lower incidence of PVL ≥ mild in the ipsilateral group (14.9% vs. 32.3%, p = 0.01). In conclusion, the snare-assisted technique appears useful in SE-TAVR with angulated aortic root anatomy, and the benefits were comparable between ipsilateral and contralateral snare techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oil-immersed transformer is a crucial piece of equipment in the power system. Operating at the specified temperature is necessary to ensure the normal operation of the transformer. The insulation paper on the winding surface has a significant impact on the actual temperature of the transformers, which is often overlooked by researchers. The one-dimensional steady-state heat conduction model of the transformer is established by analyzing the heat diffusion process of winding to transformer oil. Atomic force microscope was used to observe the microsurface structure of insulation paper and copper. According to the experiment, the heat transfer resistance in the series process of heat transfer at 7 0 ∘ C is 0.0138 m2 K/W. Space thermal circuit model of transformer is established by thermoelectricity analogy method, and the simulation circuit is optimized according to the boundary conditions set up in the actual environment. The results show that the error of the hot spot temperature is closer to the measured temperature and decreases by 2.5% when considering the thermal resistance of insulation paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Herz is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on the Department of Cardiology in West China Hospital of Sichuan University in China. Topics discussed include the history and status of West China Hospital, its multidisciplinary heart valve team, and its clinical research on transcatheter aortic valve implantation in bicuspid anatomy and in calcific aortic stenosis.

Background: Studies of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) specifically for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients are lacking. We aim to delineate possible aspects that might affect the incidence of PPI in a retrospective cohort of BAV patients treated with early-generation self-expanding devices.Methods: A total of 80 patients with bicuspid morphology who successfully underwent TAVR by self-expanding devices without prior PPI were included. Baseline clinical, echocardiographic, and angiographic characteristics, procedural and post-procedural details were collected.Results: The incidence of PPI after early-generation self-expanding valves in this BAV cohort was 26.3%. Baseline characteristics were comparable between patients requiring PPI post-TAVR or not. Perimeter oversizing greater than 20% significantly increased the risk of PPI compared with an oversizing of 10-20% (OR 5.08 [1.22, 21.07], P = 0.03). The proportion of patients with a depth of implantation greater than 6 mm was significantly higher in those who required PPI (82.4% vs 54.3%, P = 0.04). When testing the impact of depth of implantation >6 mm and oversizing in different morphologies, only in type 1 bicuspid patients and by oversizing>20% increased the risk of PPI (OR 12.00 [1.25, 115.36], P = 0.03) compared with an oversizing of 10-20%.Conclusions: Excessive perimeter oversizing in relation to aortic annulus and depth of implantation greater than 6 mm should be avoided to improve PPI post-TAVR for BAV patients receiving self-expanding devices, especially for type 1 BAV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To explore why bicuspid aortic stenosis has certain clinical differences from the tricuspid morphology, we evaluated the metabolomics profile involved in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) aortic stenosis prior to and after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in comparison with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).Methods: In this TAVR cohort with prospectively collected data, blood samples were obtained before TAVR valve deployment and at the 7th day after TAVR, which were then sent for liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detection. Besides comparisons between BAV and TAV, BAV patients were also divided in subgroups according to baseline hemodynamics (i.e. maximal transaortic velocity, Vmax) and post-procedural reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling (i.e. the change in LV mass index from baseline, ∆LVMI) for further analysis. Metabolic differences between groups were identified by integrating univariate test, multivariate analysis and weighted correlation network analysis algorithm.Results: A total of 57 patients were enrolled including 33 BAV patients. The BAV group showed lower arginine and proline metabolism both before and post TAVR than TAV represented by decreased expression of L-Glutamine. In BAV subgroup analysis, patients with baseline Vmax > 5 m/s (n = 11) or the 4th quartile of change in ∆LVMI at one-year follow-up (i.e. poorly-recovered LV, n = 8) showed elevated arachidonic acid metabolism compared with Vmax < 4.5 m/s (n = 12) or the 1st quartile of ∆LVMI (i.e. well-recovered LV, n = 8) respectively.Conclusions: Difference in arginine and proline metabolism was identified between BAV and TAV in TAVR recipients. Elevated arachidonic acid metabolism may reflect more severe baseline hemodynamics and worse LV reserve remodeling after TAVR in BAV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Studies on genetic alterations of the heterogenous small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are rare. We carried out the present study to clarify the genomic alterations and TMB levels of Chinese SCLC patients by whole-exome sequencing. Materials and Methods. Whole-exome sequencing by next-generation sequencing technique was implemented on twenty SCLC samples. Significant somatic mutations and copy number variations were screened, followed by comparison with the data extracted from COSMIC. Besides, altered signaling pathways were examined in order to figure out actionable targets. Results. A total of 8,062 nonsynonymous mutations were defined. The number of mutations for each case ranged from 98 to 864. As for base substitutions, a total of 15,817 substitutions were detected with C > A conversion which was correlated to smoking occupying 25.57%. The TMB values ranged from 2.51/Mb to 22.1/Mb with a median value of 9.95/Mb. RB1 was the most frequently mutated gene altered in 18 (90%) cases, followed by TP53 altered in 17 (85%) cases. Other commonly changed genes were PTEN, and RBL1, with frequencies of 55% and 50%, respectively. SOX2 significantly amplified in 6 (30%) cases and MYCN amplified in 1 (5%) patient. Notch signaling pathway and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were universally and significantly changed. Major genomic alterations were in consistency with data from COSMIC, but frequencies of less common mutations were different. Conclusion. TP53 and RB1 inactivations were universally detected in SCLC. The Notch and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways were both significantly altered, implying potential actionable targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to assess the procedural and clinical results of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for nonraphe bicuspid aortic stenosis (AS) with coronary vs mixed cusp fusion.Background: It remains unclear whether cusp fusion morphology affects TAVR outcomes in patients with nonraphe bicuspid AS.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled consecutive patients with severe symptomatic AS and type-0 bicuspid aortic valve, who underwent TAVR at our institution between 2012 and 2017. TAVR outcomes were defined based on the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 recommendations.Results: Compared to patients with mixed cusp fusion (44/71), those with coronary cusp fusion (27/71) had a larger ellipticity index for the aortic annulus (21.9% ± 9.0% vs 15.6% ± 9.3%, p=0.007) and increased left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (31.1% ± 9.4% vs 26.9% ± 7.5%, p=0.04) but comparable rates of second valve implantation (15.9% vs 14.8%), mild paravalvular leakage (PVL, 38.5% vs 30.2%), permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM, 25.9% vs 15.9%), and 30-day mortality (7.4% vs 6.8%). Use of a first-generation transcatheter heart valve was associated with higher risk for mild PVL (odds ratio (OR) = 4.37; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.14-16.75; p=0.03) but not PPM (OR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.22-2.62; p=0.67), whereas a larger oversizing ratio tended to be associated with a higher PPM rate (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 0.46-4.86; p=0.51) but lower incidence of mild PVL (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.19-1.35; p=0.17).Conclusions: In AS patients with type-0 bicuspid valves, cusp fusion morphology does not affect the procedural or clinical results of TAVR. Use of second-generation transcatheter heart valves may provide more favorable results in such patients. This trial is registered with NCT01683474. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) is a well‐characterized cytokine that protects heart from ischaemic injury. However, the beneficial effects of native SDF‐1, in terms of promoting myocardial repair, are limited by its low concentration in the ischaemic myocardium. Annexin V (AnxA5) can precisely detect dead cells in vivo. As massive cardiomyocytes die after MI, we hypothesize that AnxA5 can be used as an anchor to carry SDF‐1 to the ischaemic myocardium. In this study, we constructed a fusion protein consisting of SDF‐1 and AnxA5 domains. The receptor competition assay revealed that SDF‐1‐AnxA5 had high binding affinity to SDF‐1 receptor CXCR4. The treatment of SDF‐1‐AnxA5 could significantly promote phosphorylation of AKT and ERK and induce chemotactic response, angiogenesis and cell survival in vitro. The binding membrane assay and immunofluorescence revealed that AnxA5 domain had the ability to specifically recognize and bind to cells injured by hypoxia. Furthermore, SDF‐1‐AnxA5 administered via peripheral vein could accumulate at the infarcted myocardium in vivo. The treatment with SDF‐1‐AnxA5 attenuated cell apoptosis, enhanced angiogenesis, reduced infarcted size and improved cardiac function after mouse myocardial infarction. Our results suggest that the bifunctional SDF‐1‐AnxA5 can specifically bind to dead cells. The systemic administration of bifunctional SDF‐1‐AnxA5 effectively provides cardioprotection after myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the European Heart Journal, discusses a case study of a 62-year-old woman with autoimmune hepatitis who presented with progressive dyspnea and edema. The patient was found to have severe tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension (PH), with evidence of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. The article highlights the rarity of dynamic LVOT obstruction related to PH and emphasizes the importance of aggressive management of PH in such cases. The patient was treated with various medications but unfortunately died of sudden death two weeks later. [Extracted from the article]

To compare reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) between patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). We retrospectively reviewed data of patients with at least two serial echocardiographic follow-ups (1, 3, 6 months and 1 year) post-TAVR. A total of 116 patients were identified. BAV morphology was documented in 67 patients. LV mass index (LVMi) at baseline was not significantly different between the TAV and BAV group (178.0 ± 6.9 vs. 166.3 ± 6.4 g/m2, P = 0.14). Reverse LV remodeling was observed in both BAV and TAV patients, but the reduction of LVMi from baseline was significantly more pronounced in TAV patients compared with BAV patients from 6 months post-TAVR (- 56.3 ± 8.1 vs. - 30.0 ± 4.7 g/m2, P < 0.01 at 6-month follow-up; - 60.6 ± 7.6 vs. - 37.9 ± 6.2 g/m2, P = 0.02 at 1-year follow-up). EDV value changes during follow-up were similar between patient with TAV and BAV. There were no significant differences in the proportions of patients with more than mild PVL or new permanent pacemaker between TAV and BAV morphology throughout the follow-up. Patients with bicuspid morphology might experience less pronounced reverse LV remodeling post-TAVR than patients with tricuspid morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrated that TMVI is possible in rheumatic MS without MAC, given that mitral leaflets are rigid and have sufficient calcification for prosthesis anchoring. The possibility of transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) was evaluated with CTA, which showed no mitral annular calcification (MAC) but extensively thickened mitral leaflets with severe bicommissural calcification extending to A1-P1 and A3-P3 segments (see Supplementary material online, I Video S2 i ). [Extracted from the article]

The adsorption performance of color compounds in sugar juice was investigated using modified sugarcane bagasse as an adsorbent. The adsorption of color compounds was investigated at different operating conditions including adsorbent dosage, pH, and contact duration. Three kinetic models and two isotherms were applied to describe the adsorption process and evaluate the adsorption equilibrium, respectively. Results showed that the adsorption was optimum at an adsorbent dosage of 0.05 g/mL and at pH 5 for 30 min, which yielded 59.18 % of decolorization rate. Adsorption kinetics indicated that the process followed the pseudo-second-order chemisorption model. The adsorption behavior was well described by the Freundlich isotherm model, showing a multilayer capacity for color compounds. Moreover, the regeneration studies showed the adsorbent had a good reuse performance over several regeneration cycles. These results suggest that the modified sugarcane bagasse is an inexpensive and efficient adsorbent, which has potential application for removing color compounds from sugar juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Herz is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Serum potassium homeostasis play an important role in myocardial function, but the impact of serum potassium levels on long-term mortality has not been well evaluated. In the current study, we investigated patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and analyzed the relationship between admission serum potassium levels and long-term mortality. Between July 2008 and September 2012, 2369 patients with ACS that was confirmed by coronary angiography were enrolled in this study and completed the follow-up. The serum potassium level was evaluated within first 24 h after admission. The primary outcome in this study was all-cause mortality. Patients were categorized into five groups to determine the relation between admission serum potassium levels and long-term mortality: < 3.5, 3.5 to < 4.0, 4.0 to < 4.5, 4.5 to < 5.0, and > 5 mEq/L. There was a U-shaped relationship between admission serum potassium levels and long-term mortality that persisted after multivariable adjustment. The mortality risk was lowest in the group of patients with potassium levels of 3.5 to < 4.0 mEq/L, whereas mortality was higher in patients with potassium levels > 4.5 [hazard ratio (HR) 1.62, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.90 to 2.93 and HR 1.55, 95 % CI 0.54 to 4.49, for patients with potassium levels of 4.5 to < 5.0 mEq/L and ≥ 5.0 mEq/L, respectively] or < 3.5 mEq/L (HR 2.14, 95 % CI 1.28 to 3.59). There was a U-shaped relationship between admission serum potassium levels and long-term mortality for ACS patients; in particular, among the examined patients, the lowest mortality was observed in those with admission serum potassium levels of between 3.5 and < 4.5 mEq/L compared with those who had higher or lower potassium levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin (Biv) versus heparin (Hep) with or without similar usage rate of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPIs) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The PubMed and EMbase were searched. Randomized trials comparing Biv versus Hep were eligible for inclusion. With imbalanced GPI use, Biv had significantly lower major bleeding (pooled risk ratio [RR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.83) without difference in mortality (pooled RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.80-1.14). With comparable GPI use, no significant difference was observed in major bleeding (pooled RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.82-1.10) and mortality (pooled RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.85-1.50). With no GPI use, Biv was associated with numerically higher mortality (pooled RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.83-1.65) without significant difference in major bleeding (pooled RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.64-1.02). In conclusion, when comparing different anticoagulants during PCI, the effect of GPIs should not be underestimated. Heparin as such was found noninferior to Biv. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imaging finding of hypo-attenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) on bioprosthesis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been reported. The underlying mechanism is not clear, but leaflet thrombosis is speculated to be the cause. Heterogeneous antiplatelet responses may play a role in the process. This is a prospective, single-center pilot study in patients who received successful TAVR from June 2012 to November 2016. HALT on post-procedural multi-detector computed tomography. We thoroughly genotyped 34 SNPs and 8 SNPs that have been reported for clopidogrel and aspirin resistance. A total of 148 patients were enrolled. There were 15 patients demonstrating signs of HALT. Patients with HALT had a higher rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) pre-TAVR (33.3 vs. 7.5%, P = 0.01). We found that rs4244285 G>A polymorphism of the CYP2C19 gene was associated with the risk of HALT in the overdominant model (OR 4.00 [1.15-13.97], P = 0.02 for GA vs. GG+AA) adjusted by sex and the presence of pre-TAVR AF. Antiplatelet drug resistance is a reasonable possibility involved in HALT. Potential directions were suggested in polymorphisms of the CYP2C19 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of preexisting renal dysfunction (RD) on mid-term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Methods and results: Forty-seven articles representing 32,131 patients with AS undergoing a TAVI procedure were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Pooled analyses were performed with both univariate and multivariate models, using a fixed or random effects method when appropriate. Compared with patients with normal renal function, mid-term mortality was significantly higher in patients with preexisting RD, as defined by the author (univariate hazard ratio [HR]: 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50–1.90; multivariate HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.17–1.84), baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (univariate HR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.47–1.86; multivariate HR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.24–1.71), and serum creatinine (univariate HR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.48–1.92; multivariate HR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.36–1.99). Advanced stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD stage 3–5) was strongly related to bleeding (univariate HR in CKD stage 3: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13–1.49; in CKD stage 4: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04–1.62), acute kidney injure (AKI) (univariate HR in CKD stage 3: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.03–1.59; in CKD stage 4: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.74–2.96), stroke (univariate HR in CKD stage 4: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.52–7.46), and mid-term mortality (univariate HR in CKD stage 3: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.26–1.95; in CKD stage 4: 2.77, 95% CI: 2.06–3.72; in CKD stage 5: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.91–3.65) compared with CKD stage 1+2. Patients with CKD stage 4 had a higher incidence of AKI (univariate HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.34–2.16) and all-cause death (univariate HR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.28–1.99) compared with those with CKD stage 3. A per unit decrease in serum creatinine was also associated with a higher mortality at mid-term follow-up (univariate HR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.18–1.30; multivariate HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08–1.30). Conclusions: Preexisting RD was associated with increased mid-term mortality after TAVI. Patients with CKD stage 4 had significantly higher incidences of peri-procedural complications and a poorer prognosis, a finding that should be factored into the clinical decision-making process regarding these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance cation exchange chromatography with pulsed integrated amperometric electrochemical detector (HPCEC-PAD) with post-column addition of hydroxide was first developed for simultaneous analysis of 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI) and 2-methylimidazole (2-MeI) in caramel color and soft drinks after solid-phase extraction (SPE). A CS12A cation exchange column was used to separate the targeted analytes with a perfect resolution (2.70). This method demonstrated low limit of quantification (0.05-10 mg/L) and excellent linearity with correlation of determination ( R > 0.999 for 2-MeI and 0.997 for 4-MeI). Low concentrations of 4-MeI were found in five soft drinks, whereas those in caramel color were generally high. Additionally, the suggested method showed higher resolution and sensitivity comparing with previous reported methods for 4-MeI and 2-MeI analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A new 4-tired classification of left ventricular hypertrophy ( LVH) based on LV concentricity and dilation has been proposed; however, the association between the new categorization of LV geometry and outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease ( CAD) is still unknown. Methods All the 2297 patients with CAD included underwent echocardiographic examination prior to discharge. Left ventricular mass ( LVM) was calculated, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume ( EDV) was indexed by body surface area ( BSA). Study cohort was divided into five groups according to LV geometry: (i) eccentric nondilated LVH (normal LVM/ EDV(2/3) and EDV/ BSA) ( n = 129); (ii) eccentric dilated LVH (normal LVM/ EDV(2/3) with increased EDV/ BSA) ( n = 222); (iii) concentric nondilated LVH (increased LVM/ EDV(2/3) with normal EDV/ BSA) ( n = 441); (iv) concentric dilated LVH (increased LVM/ EDV(2/3) and EDV/ BSA) ( n = 118); and (v) normal LV mass ( n = 1387). Results Dilated LVH was associated with a higher event rates of all-cause death (eccentric 13·1% vs. 3·1%; concentric 13·6% vs. 8·4%) and composite events (eccentric: 17·6% vs. 5·4%; concentric: 18·6% vs. 12·7%) compared with nondilated LVH. While eccentric nondilated LVH had comparable risk for adverse outcomes compared with normal LV mass (all-cause death: relative risk ( RR) 0·68, 95% confidential interval ( CI) 0·25-1·85; composite events: RR 0·75, 95% CI 0·36-1·58). Cox regression analyses showed that eccentric dilated LVH had the highest propensity to all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [ aHR] 2·752 [95% CI 1·749-4·328], P < 0·001) and composite events ( aHR 2·462 [95% CI 1·688-3·592], P < 0·001). Conclusion In patients with CAD, dilated LVH and nondilated LVH provide distinct prognostic information. Eccentric nondilated LVH does not predict adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous reports of percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass graft outcomes in coronary artery disease patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were inconsistent. We evaluated the optimal revascularization strategy for CKD patients. We searched Pub Med, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and scanned the references of relevant articles and reviews. All studies that compared relevant clinical outcomes between percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft in CKD patients were selected. We defined short-term and long-term all-cause mortality as primary outcome, and long-term incidences of myocardial infarction and revascularization as secondary outcomes. A total of 2235 citations were retrieved, and 31 studies involving 99,054 patients, with 55,383 receiving percutaneous coronary intervention and 43,671 receiving coronary artery bypass graft, were included. In subgroup analyses of dialysis patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention with stents versus coronary artery bypass graft, CKD patients with multivessel coronary disease, and CKD patients receiving drug-eluting stent versus coronary artery bypass graft, the pooled outcomes revealed that percutaneous coronary intervention possessed lower short-term mortality, but higher late revascularization risk. No significant differences in long-term mortality were observed between the two strategies in these subgroup analyses. In conclusion, in some specific clinical circumstances, CKD patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention possessed lower short-term all-cause mortality, but higher long-term revascularization risk, than coronary artery bypass graft; long-term all-cause mortality was not different between the two strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beizhan iron deposit in Xinjiang is one of the important deposits of Awulale iron-copper-gold metallogenic belt in the western Tianshan. K-feldspar granite and K-feldspar granite porphyry, which have pulsating intrusive contact relationship, are exposed in the southern of iron district. Geochemical characteristics show that the rocks are high potassium calc-alkaline, enriched in large iron lithophile element (Rb and K), and relatively depleted in high field strength elements, and Ba, Sr, P and Ti are significantly negative anomaly; fractionation of light and heavy rare earth elements is obvious. Ages of K-feldspar granite and K-feldspar granite porphyry from Beizhan iron deposit are respectively (320.5±1.9) Ma and (306.8±1.6) Ma by the method of LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating. Combined with regional geological data, the geochemical and geochronological results show that K-feldpar granite and K-feldspar granite porphyry exposed have the same magma source, and probably form in the tectonic setting transformed from the subduction of southern Tianshan oceans to the continental collision orogeny from Early Carboniferous to Late Carboniferous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The formation and degradation of N-(1-Deoxy- d-xylulos-1-yl)glycine and N-(1-Deoxy- d-xylulos-1-yl)proline, derived from the secondary amine Maillard reaction in xylose-amino acid model solutions, were detailed in this study. The identification and quantitative analysis of N-(1-Deoxy- d-xylulos-1-yl)glycine and N-(1-Deoxy- d-xylulos-1-yl)proline were carried out using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The formation of intermediate and advanced products derived from N-(1-Deoxy- d-xylulos-1-yl)glycine and N-(1-Deoxy- d-xylulos-1-yl)proline was also tested using an UV-Vis spectrophotometer to gain a better comparing of the degradation process of the two important Maillard reaction products using thermal treatment. Results showed that the degradation of N-(1-Deoxy- d-xylulos-1-yl)glycine was more significant than N-(1-Deoxy- d-xylulos-1-yl)proline. Moreover, xylose was tested in the degradation products of both N-(1-Deoxy- d-xylulos-1-yl)glycine and N-(1-Deoxy- d-xylulos-1-yl)proline, which indicated that the degradation of N-substituted 1-amino-1-deoxyketoses was a reversible reaction to form reducing sugar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been recently found that many models were established with the aid of fractional derivatives, such as viscoelastic systems, colored noise, electrode-electrolyte polarization, dielectric polarization, boundary layer effects in ducts, electromagnetic waves, quantitative finance, quantum evolution of complex systems, and fractional kinetics. In this paper, the asymptotical stability of higher-dimensional linear fractional differential systems with the Riemann-Liouville fractional order and Caputo fractional order were studied. The asymptotical stability theorems were also derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to analyze and compare phytochemical activities of four different cultivars of kiwifruit. Among all investigated varieties, Hua You (HY) and Cui Xiang (CUX) displayed the maximum concentration of phytochemical content, and the highest total phenolic results were observed in HY and CUX cultivars with 220.20 ± 1.12 mg GAE/100 g and 218.04 ± 1.11 mg GAE/100 g FW, respectively. Likewise, the richest total flavonoids results were estimated in red kiwifruit (RKF) and CUX varieties with 49.082 ± 0.14 mg CE/100 g FW and 48.327 ± 0.14 mg CE/100 g FW, respectively. Moreover, tests for oxygen radical scavenging capacity (ORAC) and peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) were observed maximum in RKF cultivar showing 131.229 ± 5.91 μM Trolox equivalent/g FW and 85.957 ± 11.75 μM vitamin C equivalent/g FW, respectively. Furthermore, the highest cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) with No PBS wash protocol was depicted in RKF 237.544 ± 4.12 μM QE equivalent/g FW with the lowest EC50 0.0128 mg/ml. In addition, high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis confirmed the presence of ferulic acid, naringin, gallic acid, syringic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, and catechin in kiwifruit. Catechin as one main content in our study is consistent with the recent reports. The result suggested that the phytochemical profile and bioactivities were significantly affected by the type of cultivars. Practical applications: Kiwifruit is widely consumed over the world for its rich nutritious and medicinal values. Currently, phytochemicals are considered as one of the main bioactive components of kiwifruits, which are responsible for lots of bioactivities, such as antitumor, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities. There are varieties of kiwifruits, and the bioactive components and bioactivities are greatly affected by the cultivars. But there have been no comparative studies on the phytochemicals from different varieties. This study aimed to make a comprehensive assessments of the free, bound, and total phenolics and flavonoids, as well as the chemical‐based and cell‐based antioxidant activities of four different subspecies of kiwifruit. This work would be beneficial to elucidate the function differences of different kiwifruit phytochemicals, promote its further research, as well as provide a basis for selecting cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of triglyceride (TG) in secondary prevention of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) was debated. In the present study, we assessed the association between admission TG levels and long-term mortality risk in CAD patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted from a single registered database. 3061 consecutive patients with CAD confirmed by coronary angiography were enrolled and were grouped into 3 categories by the tertiles of admission serum TG levels. The primary end point in this study was all-cause mortality and the secondary end point was cardiovascular mortality. Results: The mean follow-up time was 26.9 ± 13.6 months and death events occurred in 258 cases and cardiovascular death events occurred in 146 cases. Cumulative survival curves indicated that the risk of all-cause death decreased with increasing TG level (Tertile 1 vs. Tertile 2 vs. Tertile 3 = 10.3% vs. 8.6% vs. 6.3%, log rank test for overall p = 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed an independent correlation between TG level and risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–0.86] and cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51–0.89) in total patients with CAD. Subgroup analysis found the similar results in patients with acute coronary syndrome and acute myocardial infarction. Conclusions: This study found an inverse association between TG levels and mortality risk in CAD patients, which suggests that the "TG paradox" may exist in CAD patients. Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR-OOC-17010433. Registered 17 February 2017 - Retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method to analyse the contact resistance of a carbon nanotubes (CNTs) humidity sensor is proposed. By analysing the Cole‐Cole plots of the sensor impedance, which was tested by an electrochemical workstation in different RH environments, the contact resistance could be achieved. According to this novel analytical method and the experimental data, the contact resistance of the sensor was about 5 Ω, which was much smaller than the resistance of the sensing film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]