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The aim of this study was to compare 2 imaging tracers, 18 F-DOPA and 18 F-DTBZ, for PET/CT imaging in idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD).We recruited 32 PD patients and 12 healthy controls in this study. All subjects underwent both 18 F-DOPA and 18 F-DTBZ PET/CT, and the results were interpreted by visual analysis and semiquantitative analysis (specific uptake ratios [SURs]). A 1-way analysis of variance was used to compare the clinical data and the SURs among the patients at different stages. Regression analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the SURs and the clinical data.Among the PD patients, there were 7 patients in Hoehn and Yahr stage I, 14 patients in stage II, and 11 patients in stage III. Linear correlation was found in striatal SURs between the 2 tracers ( P0.05). In patients of early stages, the striatal SUR decrease percent of 2 tracers had no statistical difference (paired t test, P0.05). By initial visual analysis, all the patients were interpreted as positive with 18 F-DBTZ (6 unilaterally, 26 bilaterally), and 31 cases were regarded as positive with 18 F-DOPA (8 unilaterally, 23 bilaterally). After setting the upper limit of SUR images with the putamen SURs of healthy controls (SUR T ), all patients were interpreted as positive with both tracers ( 18 F-DTBZ: 5 unilaterally, 27 bilaterally; 18 F-DOPA: 4 unilaterally, 28 bilaterally).18 F-DTBZ and 18 F-DOPA could reflect the same level of dopaminergic neuron degeneration for PD in early stages, and they have the consistent visual analysis results.

Dunes along seashores are vulnerable ecosystems that contain special resources and provide important services. Most of them today suffer from trampling due to human recreational use, and rehabilitating them is urgent for the sake of coast safety and human welfare. We examine whether sowing an inland legume species is a feasible, effective method for fast rehabilitating degraded backshore dunes. The rehabilitation experiment was conducted from 2012 in the Shandong Peninsula, China, where Astragalus adsurgens, an inland legume species, was intensively sown within degraded dune systems. We surveyed the recovering plant communities in 2016 by 100 quadrats of 1 m². We measured coverage‐weighted height of each species in these quadrats, and evaluated potential role of A. adsurgens in restoring such backshore dune systems. We found that A. adsurgens established and grew successfully, thus contributing much to dune rehabilitation, and that it exerted no significant negative effects on native plants. This species did not overgrow to achieve a too large niche width, presumably limited by its innate intolerance to seawater inundation. Sowing this inland legume species is believed to be feasible and effective for backshore dune rehabilitation, and the sowing in the long run cannot overturn distinctiveness of the original backshore vegetation.

BackgroundCatheter ablation (CA) effectively restores sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation (AF) but causes a short-term fluctuation in the coagulation state. Potential risk factors and better management during this perioperative period remain understudied.MethodsWe consecutively included 940 patients with nonvalvular AF who received CA at Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China. Patients were divided into two groups according to their bleeding status during 3 months' anticoagulation. Any adverse events related to bleeding in the 3 months were evaluated. The HAS-BLED score and ABC-bleeding score, as well as other potential factors, were explored to predict bleeding risk.ResultsIn this observational study, 8.0% and 0.9% of the whole population suffered from bleeding and thromboembolic events, respectively. After adjusting for known factors related to bleeding, mitral regurgitation (MR, p for trend p = 0.033) were the most significant ones. C-indexes of the HAS-BLED score and ABC-bleeding score for bleeding were 0.558 (0.492–0.624) and 0.585 (0.515–0.655), respectively. The incorporation of MR and BMI significantly improved the predictive value based on HAS-BLED score (C-index = 0.650, 95% CI 0.585–0.715, p = 0.004) and ABC-bleeding score (C-index = 0.671, 95% CI 0.611–0.731, p < 0.001). The relative risk of mild-moderate MR was 4.500 (95% CI 1.625–12.460) in patients with AF having HAS-BLED = 1 and 4.654 (95% CI 1.496–14.475) in HAS-BLED ≥ 2, while it was not observed in patients with HAS-BLED = 0 (p = 0.722).ConclusionMore severe MR and lower BMI are associated with a higher incidence of perioperative bleeding, which helps improve the predictability of increased individual bleeding risk of a patient with nonvalvular AF who has received CA therapy and oral anticoagulants.

Most alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau are at different stages of community succession induced by grazing practices. Quantifying the succession sequence and assessing the dynamics of plant composition, ecosystem coupling, and multifunctionality across successional stages are essential for reasonable restoration of degraded alpine meadow. Here, we selected areas with different grazing disturbance histories and used them as a space series (i.e., space-for-time substitution) to study the community succession. Our work quantified the plant succession sequence of alpine meadow induced by grazing with plant functional group approach. The plant succession sequence is from the tall sedge community with erect growth to the short undesirable toxic forbs community with prostrate growth. Ecosystem coupling, ecosystem multifunctionality and their relationships were all the lowest in Stage 4. Compared to Stage 4, the ecosystem multifunctionality index increased in Stages 1, 2, and 3 by 102.6, 89.8, and 207.6%, respectively; the extent of ecosystem coupling increased by 20.0, 16.8, and 21.2%, respectively. Our results indicated that the driving factors of ecosystem coupling and ecosystem multifunctionality were soil factor individual in early successional stage to plant-soil simultaneously in late successional stage. Our results also highlighted the importance of toxic weeds during the late stage of degraded succession and suggest that the expansion of toxic plants is a consequence of their greater suitability from a successional perspective. The findings of this study would provide valuable guidance for optimizing the management and restoration practice of alpine meadow.

Objective: To compare the two imaging tracers 18F-DOPA and 18F-DTBZ for PET/CT imaging in idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Methods: 32 patients with final diagnosis of idiopathic PD and 12 healthy controls were recruited in our study. The clinical symptoms of PD patients were evaluated by using the UPDRS-III and modified H-Y stage. All subjects underwent both 18F-DOPA and 18F-DTBZ PET/CT, and the results were interpreted by visual analysis and semi-quantitative analysis. Semi-quantitative analysis was performed to calculate the specific uptake ratios (SURs) in the subregions of striatum with the occipital cortex as reference area. A one-way ANOVA test was used to compare the clinical data and the SURs among the patients at different stages. Regression analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the SURs and the clinical data. A kappa test was used to evaluate the consistency of the visual inspection results. Results: Among the PD patients, there were 7 patients in H-Y stage I, 14 patients in stage II, and 11 patients in stage III. No statistical difference in age or gender was found among the three groups (p >0.05). The semi-quantitative analysis of 18F-DOPA and 18F-DTBZ PET images showed that PD patients in different stages had significantly lower SURs in the striatum than the healthy controls (p Conclusion: Both 18F-DTBZ and 18F-DOPA are reliable imaging tracers for PET/CT imaging in PD patients with good consistency, and they have the same level of striatal SURs decline percent for PD patients in early stages.

Toxic plants are a natural component of alpine meadow which co-evolved with Tibetan sheep for thousands of years. One challenge for indigenous herders is to know the ecological thresholds of toxic plants and maintain their vital functions in ways that are compatible with economic income and ecological conservation. To achieve this, field trials with Tibetan sheep grazing in alpine meadow were conducted to examine the ecological thresholds of toxic plants for sheep production and ecosystem functions and their trade-offs. Our results demonstrated that the changing point values of biomass proportion of toxic plants for dry matter intake and liveweight gain of sheep were 17% and 22%, respectively. The changing point value of biomass (richness) proportion of toxic plants for soil carbon accumulation index was 31% (59%), for soil nutrient cycling index was 38% (42%), and for ecosystem multifunctionality index was 28% (50%). The trade-off between liveweight gain of sheep and ecosystem multifunctionality first decreased and then increased along the gradient of biomass proportion of toxic plants (the value of changing point was 37%), and had a significant negative correlation with richness of toxic plants. In addition, structural equation modeling indicated that toxic plants can affect the trade-off between liveweight gain of sheep and ecosystem multifunctionality though increasing acid detergent fiber of plant and decreasing plant species richness, belowground biomass and soil total phosphorus. Consequently, opinions towards toxic plants should shift from the conventional view that they are serious threat to grassland ecosystem health to an inclusive understanding that they are beneficial to livestock and ecosystem functions under certain ecological thresholds.

Woody plantations play a curtail role in ecological security along coastal zones. Understanding of energy partitioning and evapotranspiration (ET) over black locust plantations can reveal land-atmosphere interaction process and help us to optimize this plantation for land management in the Yellow River Delta. In this study, we investigated energy fluxes, ET in particular, and their related biophysical factors using eddy covariance techniques over a black locust plantation in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Downward longwave radiation offsets 84%–85% of upward longwave radiation, upward shortwave radiation accounted for 12%–13% of downward shortwave radiation, and the ratio of net radiation (Rn) to downward radiation was 18%–19%in the three years. During growing seasons, latent heat flux was the largest components among radiation balance terms; during non-growing seasons, sensible heat flux was a dominant component. ET was mainly controlled by Rn, air temperature, vapor pressure deficit and leaf area index (LAI). Annual ET was smaller than the sum of precipitation and irrigation, and cumulative ET was larger than cumulative precipitation during non-growing seasons. The phenology of black locust influenced the seasonal variation in daily ET, mainly via LAI. ET was larger under sea wind than under land wind, mainly because soil water content at 10-cm depth was greater under sea wind in daytime. Seasonal patterns of daily evaporative fraction, Bowen ratio, crop coefficient, Priestley–Taylor coefficient, surface conductance (gs), and decoupling coefficient were mainly controlled by LAI, and the threshold value of daily gs was approximately 8 mm s−1 over the studied plantation.

Background Previous studies on radiofrequency catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) arising from the left ventricle (LV) papillary muscles (PM) show a modest procedural success rate with higher recurrence rate. Our study sought to explore the utility of using a multipolar mapping with a steerable linear duodecapolar catheter for ablating the PM PVCs. Methods Detailed endocardial multipolar mapping was performed using a steerable linear duodecapolar catheter in 6 consecutive PM PVCs patients with structurally normal heart. The clinical features and procedural data as well as success rate were analysed. Results LV endocardial electroanatomic mapping was performed in all patients via a retrograde aortic approach using a duodecapolar mapping catheter. All patients displayed a PVC burden with 16.2 ± 5.4%. Duodecapolar catheter mapping demonstrated highly efficiency with an average procedure time (95.8 ± 7.4 min) and fluoroscopy time (14.2 ± 1.5 min). The mean number of ablation applications points was 6.8 ± 1.9 with an average overall ablation duration of 6.1 ± 3.0 min. The values of earliest activation time during mapping using duodecapolar catheter were 37.8 ± 7.2 ms. All patients demonstrated acute successful ablation, and the PVC burden in all patients after an average follow-up of 8.5 ± 2.0 months was only 0.7%. There were no complications during the procedures and after follow-up. Conclusions Mapping and ablation of PM PVCs using a duodecapolar catheter facilitated the identification of earliest activation potentials and pace mapping, and demonstrated a high success rate during follow-up.

Uncertainties remain as to the potential for tree plantations to affect soil microbial biomass. Our aim was to determine the factors accountable for the maintenance and the increase of soil microbial biomass following tree plantation. Based on mixed effect models, we conducted a meta-analysis with three fixed and two random factors to test the impact of tree plantation on soil microbial biomass. Previous land use was more important than climate or plant species in its effect on soil microbial biomass after tree plantation. There was a positive impact on soil microbial biomass for tree plantations on bare land but a negative impact for which on previously forested land. Climate and plant species were found to be not as important in their effects on soil microbial biomass. Our meta-analysis gives a general pattern that previous land use type is the major controlling factor of soil microbial biomass following tree plantations and promotes our understanding of the effects of rehabilitation of degraded sites on vegetation recruitment.

Inland cultivation caused declines of buoyancy and germination ability of Glehnia littoralis fruits, because of long-term dispersal failure. Inland transplanting is, therefore, insufficient for conserving this species. As a coastal specialist, G. littoralis can only persist for long along sand coasts, where storm surge is a natural vector for dispersal., The coastal herbs Glehnia littoralis have been domesticated as traditional medicines for many centuries. The domestication may have caused changes or declines of cultivated G. littoralis (CGL) relative to wild G. littoralis (WGL). By comparing fruit properties of CGL and WGL, we tested the hypothesis that domesticated G. littoralis have suffered major declines, and human cultivation cannot be sufficient to conserve this species. We collected fruits of CGL and WGL in the Shandong peninsula, China, and compared their buoyancy in seawater, germination potential after seawater immersion, and thousand-grain weights. Float rates of the WGL and CGL fruits were 95.6 (mean) ± 2.6% (standard deviation) and 30.0 ± 7.1%, respectively. The germination potential of CGL was significantly reduced, although the thousand-grain weights of CGL (21.85 ± 0.17 g) were higher than those of the WGL fruits (14.73 ± 0.21 g). These results suggest that the CGL have experienced significant declines relative to the WGL, presumably due to the loss of seawater inundation, selection and dispersal. These declines disfavour the persistence of CGL, and human domestication and cultivation are believed to be insufficient for conserving G. littoralis. Sand coasts where WGL still persists should be designated timely as nature reserves to conserve this species.

Quantifying carbon in agroforestry trees requires biomass equations that capture the growth differences (e.g., tree specific gravity and architecture) created in the more open canopies of agroforestry plantings compared with those generally encountered in forests. Whereas forest-derived equations are available, equations for open-grown trees are not. Data from destructively sampled open-grown trees in the Northern Great Plains were used to examine the uncertainties in the use of forest-derived equations for open-grown trees. Three species, representative of major morphological types of agroforestry trees, were studied: green ash, Austrian pine, and eastern redcedar. Forest-derived equations provided good estimates of trunk biomass at lower diameter ranges but, as diameter increased, resulted in overestimation up to 40% for individual trees. Across the full diameter ranges, individual tree branch biomass was underestimated by 29 – 82%, depending on species and equation source (regional or nonregional). Although open-grown trunk and branch biomass curves diverged down and up, respectively, from their forest-derived counterparts, those for the whole tree tended to converge, albeit significantly above the forest-derived curves. Whole-tree biomass for individual trees was underestimated by at least 18%. To correct the biases, we studied the adjustment factor of forestto open-grown tree biomass. It shows a power function with diameter. On a whole-tree basis, it was evaluated as a constant (1.2) independent of species and diameters. Application of this constant factor adjusted the biomass underestimation of three-species-mixed plantation by forest-derived equations from 21 to 4.6%, providing a cost-efficient approach to use forest-derived equations for open-grown trees in agriculture land.

Although N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a useful screening test of impaired right ventricular (RV) function in conditions affecting the right-sided cardiac muscle, the role of NT-proBNP remains unclear in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This study was designed to clarify the relation between the plasma NT-proBNP level and the RV function evaluated by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. We selected 56 patients with confirmed ARVC only when their blood specimens for NT-proBNP measurements were collected within 48 hours of a CMR scan. The NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in patients with RV dysfunction than in patients without RV dysfunction (median of 655.3 [interquartile range 556.4 to 870.0] vs 347.0 [interquartile range 308.0 to 456.2] pmol/L, p0.001). The NT-proBNP levels were positively correlated with RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indices (r = 0.49 and 0.70, respectively) and negatively correlated with RV ejection fraction (r = -0.76, all p0.001), which remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, and body mass index. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for NT-proBNP was 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.80 to 0.97, p0.001). The cut-off value of NT-proBNP (458 pmol/L) was associated with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 91%, 89%, 67%, and 98%, respectively. In conclusion, NT-proBNP is a useful marker for the detection of RV dysfunction and associated with extent of RV dilatation and dysfunction determined by CMR in patients with ARVC.

OBJECTIVES The variation of the substrates of verapamil-sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) was not understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the variation of electroanatomic substrate [slow conduction zone (SCZ) and left ventricular conduction system (LVCS)] in ILVT and control individuals and markers of successful ablation. METHODS Electroanatomical mapping was performed during sinus rhythm in 20 ILVT patients and 26 control individuals with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. LVCS and SCZ were tagged in geometry and the anatomic aspects were investigated. RESULTS According to the distribution of Purkinje potential, LVCS was distinguished into three types: left bundle branch (LBB) was divided into two discrete fascicles without interconnections; divided into three separate fascicles; and fanlike structure distribution over septum broadly. The length of LBB and its fascicles in patients with ILVT were slightly longer than those of controls (P > 0.05). In the ILVT group, the SCZ was located at the inferoposterior septum in 17, inferior apical septum in one and two SCZs were located at the posterior and mid-septal in the other two patients, which were greater in size and longer in length than those of six controls (P < 0.05). At the crossover junction area with diastolic potential and Purkinje potential, with the size of 1.5 ± 0.4 cm(2), concealed entertainment and ablation were obtained successfully in all patients with ILVT. CONCLUSION The anatomy of the LVCS and SCZ is highly variable in patients with ILVT, and the crossover junction area with diastolic potential and Purkinje potential might be a marker of ablation.

To compare cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) characteristics between arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) patients with syncope and without syncope and explore CMR parameters related with syncope. A consecutive series of 80 patients with ARVC were divided in two groups according to history of syncope prior to CMR examinations. The biventricular function and volumes were calculated and indexed by body surface area. Fatty infiltration and late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were self-quantitatively analyzed according to segmental model. Patients with syncope had statistically significant greater left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) (79.6 ± 23.0 vs. 69.0 ± 17.9 mL/m(2), P = 0.030), right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) (122.0 ± 30.0 vs. 107.4 ± 21.8 mL/m(2), P = 0.017), and LGE incidence (52.2 vs. 21.1 %, P = 0.006) than that of patients without syncope. Patients with syncope had a trend towards greater number of segments with LGE (8.6 ± 4.2 vs. 6.6 ± 3.1, P = 0.199) than that of patients without syncope in subgroup analyses of patients with LGE, but no statistical significance was reached. Multivariate regression analysis showed the presence of LGE was independently associated with syncope in patients with ARVC (odds ratios 8.827, 95 % confidence interval 1.945-40.068, P = 0.005). CMR is helpful in detection and management of the patients with ARVC. Patients with syncope had significantly higher LVEDVI, RVEDVI and LGE incidence, and larger studies with follow-up data are needed to elucidate the relationship between LGE and syncope in patients with ARVC.

Horqin Sandy Land is located in the semiarid farming-pastoral ecotone of China, with a long-term history of uncontrolled livestock grazing. However, the relative effects of grazing, environmental and spatial factors on taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity has not been explored simultaneously. To test the relative importance of grazing, environmental and spatial factors in shaping alpha and beta components of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity in semiarid sandy land, a large-scale field survey was carried out from 141 plots at 41 sites across Horqin Sandy Land. Results showed that grazing, environmental and spatial factors affected three facets of diversity in different ways at both alpha and beta scales. Taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity was shaped by environmental factors at the alpha scale, whereas phylogenetic diversity was correlated with spatial factors at the beta scale. Interestingly, beta taxonomic diversity was determined by spatially structured environmental factors and beta functional diversity was determined by environmental factors. Results showed that the ecological drivers of biodiversity may vary according to different facets and scales. Meanwhile, we also found that grazing plays an important role in structuring biodiversity in semiarid sandy land. Grazing disturbance explained more variation at the alpha scale than at the beta scale. Furthermore, the joint effect of grazing disturbance and soil fertility played an important role in shaping alpha diversity. It is worth noting that all three facets of diversity were reduced by increasing grazing intensity or decreasing soil fertility. Our results highlight that correctly managing grazing locally and unfertile site can decrease the effects of disturbance on biodiversity patterns in semiarid ecosystems. Future research should focus on taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity at various scales to determine biodiversity conservation strategies. Keywords: Alpha diversity, Beta diversity, Grazing disturbance, Horqin sandy land

Fast-growing metal-accumulating woody plants are considered potential candidates for phytoextraction of metals. Shuikoushan mining, one of the biggest Pb and Zn production bases in China, presents an important source of the pollution of environment during the last 100 years. Over 150 km(2) of fertile soil have been contaminated by the dust, slag, and tailings from this mining. The goal of the present work has been to determine the content of Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cu in wild woody plants (18 species) naturally growing in this area. Two hundred five plant and soil samples from 11 contaminated sites were collected and analyzed. In addition, to assess the ability of multi-metal accumulation of these trees, we proposed a predictive comprehensive bio-concentration index (CBCI) based on fuzzy synthetic assessment. Our data suggest some adult trees could also accumulate a large amount of metals. Pb concentrations in leaves of Paulownia fortunei (Seem.) Hemsl. (1,179 mg/kg) exceeded the hyperaccumulation threshold (1,000 mg/kg). Elevated Pb concentrations (973.38 mg/kg) were also found in the leaves of Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent., with a Pb bio-concentration factor of up to 0.701. Endemic species, Zenia insignis Chun exhibited huge potential for Zn and Cd phytoextraction, with the highest concentrations of Zn (1,968 mg/kg) and Cd (44.40 mg/kg), characteristic root nodules, and fast growth rates in poor soils. As for multi-metal accumulation ability, native species B. papyrifera was calculated to have the most exceptional ability to accumulate various metals simultaneously (CBCI 2.93), followed by Amorpha fruticosa L. (CBCI 2.72) and Lagerstroemia indica L. (CBCI 2.53). A trend of increasing metal from trunks to leaves (trunks branches leaves) and towards fine roots has been shown by metal partitioning between tissues. The proposed CBCI would allow for the selection of suitable trees for phytoremediation in the future.

Question Afforestation is a controversial method for restoring semi-arid sandy ecosystems to control desertification. We studied how native elm trees (Ulmus pumila L.) interact with grasses in the semi-arid sandy ecosystem of the Otindag, and how the trees should be arranged to promote ecological restoration. Location Otindag Sandy Land, Inner Mongolia, northern China. Methods Using 40 adult elms, we investigated and compared root depths of the native trees with those of neighbouring grasses. The shallowest elm roots and the deepest grass roots were analysed. Using four singleton elms, we also examined how soil moisture in the different soil layers (0–10, 10–20, 20–30 and 30–40 cm) and grass biomass density changed with distance from the corresponding tree trunks in four directions within 19 m. Results On average, the shallowest elm roots were 17.6 cm deep at 1 m from the elm trunks, and 24.5 cm at 3 m from the elm trunks, whereas the deepest grass roots were 14 cm deep at 1 m from the trunks, and 16.3 cm deep at 3 m from the trunks. The moisture content in the 0–20 cm layers decreased with distance from 1 to 19 m from the singleton elms, but increased along the same distance gradient in the 20–40 cm layers. Grass biomass density decreased along the distance gradient, and a logistic model fits this tendency well, which indicates that the grass biomass density levels off at distances of >ca. 9 m. Conclusions Given the vertical divergence of roots and the horizontal pattern of soil moisture, the adult native trees do not compete for much moisture with grasses. The adult native trees have the potential to facilitate the growth and biomass accumulation of nearby grasses. In the semi-arid sandy ecosystem of the Otindag, native elms can be planted for ecological restoration at intervals of up to 18 m.

Identification of the Slow Conduction Zone in a Macroreentry. Background: Although idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) has been shown to possess a slow conduction zone (SCZ), the details of the electrophysiological and anatomic aspects are still not well understood. Objective: We hypothesized that the SCZ can be identified using a 3-dimensional electroanatomic (EA) mapping system. Methods : Ten patients with ILVT were mapped using a 3-dimensional electroanatomic (EA) mapping system. After a 3-dimensional endocardial geometry of the left ventricular was created, the conduction system with left Purkinje potential (PP) and the SCZ with diastolic potential (DP) in LV were mapped during sinus rhythm (SR) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) and were tagged as special landmarks in the geometry. The electrophysiological and anatomic aspects of it were investigated. Results: EA mapping during SR and VT was successfully performed in 7 patients, during VT in 3 patients. The SCZ with DPs located at the inferoposterior septum was found in 7 patients during SR and all patients during VT. The length of the SCZ was 25.2 ± 2.3 mm with conduction velocity 0.08 ± 0.01 m/s. No differences in these parameters were found between patients during SR and VT (P > 0.05). An area with PP was found within the posterior septum. A crossover junction area with DP and PP was found in 7 patients during SR and VT. This area with DP and PP during SR coincided or were in proximity to such area during VT and radiofrequency ablation targeting the site within the area abolished VT in all patients. Conclusion: The ILVT substrate within the junction area of the SCZ and the posterior fascicular can be identified and can be used to guide the ablation of ILVT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 840-845, August 2012)

Objectives: This study was designed to explore the morphology changes in limb leads of ECGs after successful ablation of verapamil sensitive idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) and their correlation with tachycardia recurrence. Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2006, 116 patients who underwent successful ablation of ILVT were included in the study. Twelve-lead surface ECG recordings during sinus rhythm were obtained in all patients before and after ablation to compare morphology changes in limb leads. Results: The ECG morphology changes after ablation were divided into two categories: one with new or deepening Q wave in inferior leads and/or disappearance of Q wave in leads I and aVL, and the other without change. The changes in any Lead II, III, or aVF after ablation occurred significantly more in patients without recurrence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) (P < 0.0001, 0.002, and 0.0001, respectively). The patients with recurrence of VT tended to have no ECG changes, compared with those without recurrence of VT (P = 0.009). The sensitivity of leads II, III, and aVF changes in predicting nonrecurrence VT were 66.7%, 78.7%, and 79.6%, specificity were 100%, 75%, and 87.5%, and nonrecurrence predictive value of 100%, 97.7%, and 98.9%, respectively. When inferior leads changes were combined, they could predict all nonrecurrence patients with 100% specificity. Conclusions: Successful radiofrequency ablation of ILVT could result in morphology changes in limb leads of ECG, especially in inferior leads. The combined changes in inferior leads can be used as an effective endpoint in ablation of this ILVT.

Several genetic variants have been associated with early repolarization syndrome (ERS). However, the lack of functional validations of the mutant effects has limited the interpretation of genetic tests. In the present study, we identified and characterized a novel sodium channel, voltage gated, type V alpha subunit (SCN5A) mutation that was associated with ERS. A 67-year-old male proband suffering from recurrent syncope underwent a documented electrocardiogram (ECG) for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT). It was noted that baseline 12-lead ECG exhibited a predominantly elevated ST-segment which mimicked acute myocardial ischemia in lead V2–V6, and the ECG also demonstrated J waves in lead II, III, aVF and V2–V6. Using genetic analysis, we noted that the proband carried a novel heterozygous missense mutation of A1055G in the SCN5A gene. Whole-cell configuration of patch-clamp analysis revealed that the mutation significantly decreased peak sodium current (INa) density and shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of INa to a more negative potential. Confocal imaging suggested that in the mutant channel a defect of protein expression both on the cell membrane and in cytoplasm was present. The present study demonstrated that a novel heterozygous missense mutation of A1055G in SCN5A led to 'loss-of function' of the sodium channels, and we suggest that it accounts for the arrhythmogenic characteristics of ERS.

Background Although cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is showing increasingly diagnostic potential in left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC), relatively little research relevant to CMR is conducted in children with LVNC. This study was performed to characterize and compare CMR features and clinical outcomes in children with LVNC with and without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Methods A cohort of 40 consecutive children (age, 13.7 ± 3.3 years; 29 boys and 11 girls) with isolated LVNC underwent a baseline CMR scan with subsequent clinical follow-up. Short-axis cine images were used to calculate left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), myocardial mass, ratio of non-compacted-to-compacted myocardial thickness (NC/C ratio), and number of non-compacted segments. The LGE images were analyzed to assess visually presence and patterns of LGE. The primary end point was a composite of cardiac death and heart transplantation. Results The LGE was present in 10 (25 %) children, and 46 (27 %) segments were involved, including 23 non-compacted segments and 23 normal segments. Compared with LGE- cohort, LGE+ cohort had significantly lower LVEF (23.8 ± 10.7 % vs. 42.9 ± 16.7 %, p

The use of inexpensive vegetable oils as feedstock for biodiesel production is an effective way to reduce biodiesel costs. Here we report production and properties of biodiesel produced from Amygdalus pedunculata which is widespread in arid area in China. Biodiesel produced from A. pedunculata conformed EN 14214, ASTM D6751, and GB/T20828 standards, except for those cetane number and oxidative stability. Cold flow and transportation safety properties were excellent (cold filter plugging point −11 °C, flash point 169 °C). Additives and antioxidants would be required to meet cetane number and oxidative stability specifications. The addition of 500 ppm tert -butylhydroquinone resulted in a higher induction period (6.7 h), bringing oxidative stability into compliance with all three biodiesel standards.

Chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (CHF-REF) remains a major public health problem with high morbidity and mortality, but the data on current treatment status and long-term prognosis in China were still missing.Among prospectively recruited 2368 patients with CHF-REF in 10 hospitals, 2154 patients provided complete followed data. Two aetiology subgroups (dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM and ischaemic cardiomyopathy, ICM) were classified. Clinical data and long-term prognosis were analysed.After a median follow-up of 52 months, 850 (39.46%) patients died, of whom 302 (35.53%) were sudden cardiac death (SCD). Unadjusted rates of all-cause mortality and SCD were higher in DCM than those in ICM (p0.001 for both modes of death), but mortalities were comparable after adjustment for co-variables (p=0.387 and p=0.483 respectively). ACEIs/ARBs, aldosterone receptor antagonists, β-blockers and diuretics were dominant prescribed drugs with the prescription rates of 65.97%, 74.61%, 68.29% and 74.37% respectively. Multivariable analysis identified co-morbidities (eg, hypertension), NHYA class, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF), QRS duration, left ventricular EF and creatinine as independent predictors of mortalities, whereas ACEIs/ARB, β-blockers and statins were associated with better prognosis. Survived from sustained VT/VF episodes had the highest predictive value for SCD (HR, 4.230; 95% CI, 2.500-7.157; p0.001). The predictors for mortalities in DCM and ICM were different.Patients with CHF-REF had a poor prognosis in China despite being under current standard therapies, especially patients with DCM. Predictors for all-cause mortality and SCD might be identified for evaluating the prognosis of these patients.

Background Variants in NOS1AP associated with cardiac repolarization and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in coronary artery disease have been reported. Whether they are related to mortality and QTc interval in chronic heart failure (CHF) has not been investigated. Methods and Results A total of 1,428 patients with CHF and 480 control subjects were genotyped for 6 SNPs of NOS1AP, and the genetic associations with mortality as well as QTc interval were analyzed. During a median follow-up period of 52 months, 467 patients (32.70%) died, of which deaths 169 (36.19%) were SCD. The A allele of rs12567209 was associated with greater risk of all-cause death and SCD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.381, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.124–1.698 [ P = .002], and HR 1.645, 95% CI 1.184–2.287 [ P = .003], respectively). After adjusting for other risk factors, significant differences remained (HR 1.309, 95% CI 1.054–1.624 [ P = .015], and HR 1.601, 95% CI 1.129–2.271 [ P = .008]). The A allele was also associated with prolongation of QTc interval by 4.04 ms in the entire population ( P = .026). Conclusions The A allele of rs12567209 in NOS1AP may serve as an independent predictor of all-cause death and SCD in patients with CHF, it is also associated with prolonged QTc interval in the Chinese Han population.

Aims A retrospective, case–control study to investigate the J wave, a J-point elevation on resting 12-lead electrocardiograms, as a risk factor for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in patients diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Methods Patients with HCM and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were recruited, and 12-lead electrocardiograms were performed. The prevalence and related characteristics of J waves were assessed. Patients were followed-up for a mean of 47.9 months. Results Patients with HCM ( n = 345) had significantly higher prevalence of J waves than healthy controls ( n = 690; 11.6% and 7.1%, respectively). During follow-up, 14 patients with HCM experienced SCA (SCA subgroup). The prevalence of J waves was significantly higher in the SCA subgroup than in the non-SCA subgroup (42.9% and 10.3%, respectively). There were no significant differences between the SCA and non-SCA subgroups in J wave morphology. Conclusion The J wave may be a risk factor for SCA in patients with HCM.