Comparison of 3D segmented gradient-echo and steady-state free precession coronary MRI sequences in patients with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to compare two state-of-the-art coronary MRI (CMRI) sequences with regard to image quality and diagnostic accuracy for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with known CAD were examined with a navigator-gated and corrected free-breathing 3D segmented gradient-echo (turbo field-echo) CMRI sequence and a steady-state free precession sequence (balanced turbo field-echo). CMRI was performed in a transverse plane for the left coronary artery and a double-oblique plane for the right coronary artery system. Subjective image quality (1- to 4-point scale, with 1 indicating excellent quality) and objective image quality parameters were independently determined for both sequences. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of significant (> or = 50% diameter) coronary artery stenoses were determined as defined in invasive catheter X-ray coronary angiography. RESULTS: Subjective image quality was superior for the balanced turbo field-echo approach (1.8 +/- 0.9 vs 2.3 +/- 1.0 for turbo field-echo; p < 0.001). Vessel sharpness, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were all superior for the balanced turbo field-echo approach (p < 0.01 for signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio). Of the 103 segments, 18% of turbo field-echo segments and 9% of balanced turbo field-echo segments had to be excluded from disease evaluation because of insufficient image quality. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of significant coronary artery stenoses in the evaluated segments were 92%, 67%, 85%, respectively, for turbo field-echo and 82%, 82%, 81%, respectively, for balanced turbo field-echo. CONCLUSION: Balanced turbo field-echo offers improved image quality with significantly fewer nondiagnostic segments when compared with turbo field-echo. For the detection of CAD, both sequences showed comparable accuracy for the visualized segments.

Thrombose veineuse superficielle: quelles nouveautés dans la prise en charge [Superficial vein thrombosis: what's new in the management?].

Lower limbs superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is a relatively frequent disease. Its prevalence among patients consulting their treating physician is estimated to be 10.8% among women and 4.9% among men. Up to 25% of at risk patients with isolated SVT present with a concomitant DVT. Ultrasound imaging may play a role in the management of these patients allowing precise diagnosis, determination of thrombus extension and presence of associated DVT. From data recently appeared in the literature treatment of SVT with prophylactic doses of fondaparinux may be proposed to at risk patients with isolated SVT.

Aplicação superficial de escória, lama cal, lodos de esgoto e calcário na cultura da soja

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação superficial de lodos de esgoto, lama cal, escória de aciaria e calcário sobre o estado nutricional e a produtividade da soja, em sistema plantio direto. O delineamento foi o de blocos ao acaso em arranjo fatorial 4x4+1, constituído por quatro tratamentos - resíduos de lodo de esgoto centrifugado (LC) e de biodigestor (LB), escória de aciaria (E) e lama cal (Lcal) - nas doses 0, 2, 4 e 8 Mg ha-1, mais o controle com 2 Mg ha-1 de calcário. As plantas de soja apresentaram maior concentração de nitrogênio, fósforo e cálcio, em 2003, 2004 e 2005, e de potássio, em 2003 e 2004, em razão dos tratamentos LC, LB, E, Lcal e calagem. A produtividade da soja foi favorecida pela aplicação dos tratamentos no sistema plantio direto, em 2003, 2004 e 2005. O fósforo, e o cálcio contribuíram para o aumento da produtividade da soja em 2003 e 2004.

Estudo da dinâmica espaço-temporal do bioma Pantanal por meio de imagens MODIS

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar dados multitemporais, obtidos pelo sensor "moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer" (MODIS), para o estudo da dinâmica espaço-temporal de duas sub-regiões do bioma Pantanal. Foram utilizadas 139 imagens "enhanced vegetation index" (EVI), do produto MOD13 "vegetation index", dados de altimetria oriundos do "shuttle radar topography mission" (SRTM) e dados de precipitação do "tropical rainfall measuring mission" (TRMM). Para a redução da dimensionalidade dos dados, as imagens MODIS-EVI foram amostradas com base nas curvas de nível espaçadas em 10 m. Foram aplicadas as técnicas de análise de autocorrelação e análise de agrupamentos aos dados das amostras, e a análise de componentes principais na área total da imagem. Houve dependência tanto temporal quanto espacial da resposta espectral com a precipitação. A análise de agrupamentos apontou a presença de dois grupos, o que indicou a necessidade da análise completa da área. A análise de componentes principais permitiu diferenciar quatro comportamentos distintos: as áreas permanentemente alagadas; as áreas não inundáveis, compostas por vegetação; as áreas inundáveis com maior resposta de vegetação; e áreas com vegetação ripária.

Modelo autologístico espaço-temporal com aplicação à análise de padrões espaciais da leprose-dos-citros

O objetivo deste trabalho foi propor estratégias de modelagem aplicadas aos dados de incidência de leprose-dos-citros, por meio do uso de um modelo autologístico espaço-temporal. A adequação do modelo autologístico foi avaliada quanto à: análise de dados provenientes de avaliações feitas em diferentes momentos; detecção de padrões espaciais da doença, pela avaliação de diferentes estruturas de vizinhança; consideração do efeito defasado no tempo de covariáveis de vizinhança; e ao efeito do ácaro transmissor na probabilidade de nova infecção. O modelo autologístico espaço-temporal adotado estendeu o modelo logístico usual, em que a estrutura de vizinhança é descrita por meio da construção de covariáveis, a partir da resposta observada em plantas vizinhas à planta avaliada, na mesma avaliação, ou em avaliações anteriores. Os dados de incidência de leprose nas plantas de citros foram coletados em pontos referenciados no espaço, durante aproximadamente dois anos. Os modelos detectam o efeito da presença do vetor e os padrões espaciais na ocorrência de novas infecções, tanto para covariáveis de vizinhança da mesma avaliação, quanto para covariáveis de vizinhança da avaliação anterior. Além disso, os modelos considerados permitem quantificar as variações na probabilidade de ocorrência da doença de acordo com o estado da doença e com a incidência do ácaro transmissor.

Association of biomarkers of lipid modification with functional and morphological indices of coronary stenosis severity in stable coronary artery disease.

Biomarkers of blood lipid modification and oxidative stress have been associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity. We sought to determine whether these biomarkers were related to functional indices of stenosis severity among patients with stable coronary artery disease. We studied 197 consecutive patients with stable coronary artery disease due to single vessel disease. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) ≤ 0.80 was assessed as index of a functionally significant lesion. Serum levels of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity, secretory phospholipase A2 type IIA (sPLA2-IIA), myeloperoxydase (MPO), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) were assessed using commercially available assays. Patients with FFR > 0.8 had higher sPLA2 activity, sPLA2 IIA, and OxLDL levels than patients with FFR ≤ 0.8 (21.25 [16.03-27.28] vs 25.85 [20.58-34.63] U/mL, p < 0.001, 2.0 [1.5-3.4] vs 2.6 [2.0-3.4] ng/mL, p < 0.01; and 53.0 [36.0-71.0] vs 64.5 [50-89.25], p < 0.001 respectively). Patients with FFR > 0.80 had similar Lp-PLA2 and MPO levels versus those with FFR ≤ 0.8. sPLA2 activity, sPLA2 IIA significantly increased area under the curve over baseline characteristics to predict FFR ≤ 0.8 (0.67 to 0.77 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.69-0.85) p < 0.01 and 0.67 to 0.77 (95 % CI: 0.69-0.84) p < 0.01, respectively). Serum sPLA2 activity as well as sPLA2-IIA level is related to functional characteristics of coronary stenoses in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Geoport Estadistic: aplicación web para el desarrollo de herramientas de análisis y consulta de la información estadística del Port de Barcelona, incluyendo la componente temporal

El següent projecte mostra la creació d’una aplicació web-map per a la realització de consultes sobre l’informació estadística relacionada amb el port de Barcelona. Aquesta aplicació integra les eines d'anàlisi estadística de Google Fusion Tables, i les llibreries per realitzar un visor geogràfic-temporal que són Timemap i Google Earth

Temporal changes of an alfalfa succession and related soil physical properties on the Loess Plateau, China

The objective of this work was to investigate the relationship between changes in the plant community and changes in soil physical properties and water availability, during a succession from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to natural vegetation on the Loess Plateau, China. Data from a succession sere spanning 32 years were collated, and vegetative indexes were compared to changes related to soil bulk density and soil water storage. The alfalfa yield increased for approximately 7 years, then it declined and the alfalfa was replaced by a natural community dominated by Stipa bungeana that began to thrive about 10 years after alfalfa seeding. Soil bulk density increased over time, but the deterioration of the alfalfa was mainly ascribed to a severe reduction in soil water storage, which was lowest around the time when degradation commenced. The results indicated that water consumption by alfalfa could be reduced by reducing plant density. The analysis of the data also suggested that soil water recharge could be facilitated by rotating the alfalfa with other crops, natural vegetation, or bare soil.

Variação temporal de propriedades físicas do solo e crescimento radicular de feijoeiro em quatro sistemas de manejo

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar a variação temporal da porosidade, da densidade e da resistência à penetração do solo, em quatro sistemas de manejo, e estudar seus efeitos sobre o crescimento radicular do feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris). O experimento foi conduzido em Argissolo, em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram: plantio direto há 10 anos, preparo convencional, plantio em solo escarificado recentemente (Esc. recente) e plantio direto sobre área escarificada há 1 ano (Esc. 1 ano). A escarificação reduziu a densidade média do solo e aumentou a porosidade total durante o ciclo do feijoeiro. A maior densidade ocorreu na camada de 0,10-0,15 m dos sistemas plantio direto e Esc. 1 ano. A resistência à penetração foi a propriedade que melhor caracterizou e diferenciou os sistemas de manejo, as camadas com impedimento e o efeito do tempo de amostragem, porém não afetou o crescimento radicular do feijoeiro. Os efeitos da escarificação sobre a densidade e a resistência à penetração desapareceram um ano após a escarificação, o que indica a reconsolidação do solo.

Computer Aided Detection and measurement of peripheral artery disease.

Computer-Aided Tomography Angiography (CTA) images are the standard for assessing Peripheral artery disease (PAD). This paper presents a Computer Aided Detection (CAD) and Computer Aided Measurement (CAM) system for PAD. The CAD stage detects the arterial network using a 3D region growing method and a fast 3D morphology operation. The CAM stage aims to accurately measure the artery diameters from the detected vessel centerline, compensating for the partial volume effect using Expectation Maximization (EM) and a Markov Random field (MRF). The system has been evaluated on phantom data and also applied to fifteen (15) CTA datasets, where the detection accuracy of stenosis was 88% and the measurement accuracy was with an 8% error.

14.1T magnetic resonance spectroscopic evaluation of metabolic changes in the mouse striatum following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) allow establishing theanatomical evolution and neurochemical profiles of ischemic lesions. However onlylimited MRS studies have been reported to-date in mice due to the challenges ofMRS in small organs. The aim of the current work was to study the neurochemicaland imaging sequelae of ischemic stroke in a mouse model in a horizontal bore14.1 Tesla system.ICR-CD1 mice were subjected to 30 minute transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.The extent of the lesion was determined by MRI. The neurochemical profileconsisting of the concentrations of 22 metabolites was measured longitudinallyfollowing the recovery from ischemia at 3, 8 and 24h in the striatum.Our model produced very reproducible striatal lesions which began to appear onT2-weighted images 8h after ischemia. At 24h, they were well established andtheir size correlated with lesions measured by histology. Profound changes couldbe observed in the neurochemical profiles of the core of the striatal lesions as earlyas 3h post-ischemia, in particular, we observed elevated lactate levels, decreases inthe putative neuronal marker N-acetyl-aspartate and in glutamate, and a transienttwo-fold glutamine increase, likely linked to excitotoxic release of glutamate andconversion to glutamine. With further ischemia evolution, other changes appearedat later time-points, mainly decreases of metabolites, consistent with disruption ofcellular function. It is interesting to note that glutamine tended to return to basallevels at 24h.We conclude that early changes in markers of energy metabolism, glutamate excitotoxicityand neuronal viability can be detected with high precision non-invasively inmice following stroke. Such investigations should lead to a better understanding andinsight into the sequential early changes in the brain parenchyma after ischemia,which could be used e.g. for identifying new targets for neuroprotection.

Hypertoniebehandlung bei Nierenarterienstenose [Hypertension therapy in patients with renal artery stenosis].

Renovascular hypertension is due to reduced renal parenchymal perfusion. The correct diagnosis can be difficult. It is important to note that the demonstration of renal artery stenosis in a patient with hypertension does not necessarily constitute renovascular hypertension. Often, clinically nonsignificant and asymptomatic renal artery stenosis are found in patients with essential hypertension, or renal failure of other origin. Renovascular disease is a complex disorder with various clinical presentations. In patients with significant renovascular hypertension plasma renin is increased. For this reason the therapy aims to block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Bilateral renal artery stenosis causes renal sodium retention. In this situation a diuretic drug has to be added to the therapy. Endovascular or surgical therapy has to be considered in patients with flash pulmonary edema or fibromuscular dysplasia. The control of cardiovascular risk factors is important.

Contribution of major cardiovascular risk factors to familial premature coronary artery disease : the GENECARD project

Résumé: Objectifs: Cette étude relève la prévalence des principaux facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire dans les coronaropathies précoces (P-CAD) familiales, survenant chez au moins deux frères et/ou soeurs d'une même fratrie. Méthodes: Nous avons recruté 213 survivants atteints de P-CAD, issus de 103 fratries, diagnostiqués avant l'âge de 50 ans chez les hommes et 55 ans chez les femmes. La présence ou non d'hypertension, d'hypercholestérolémie, d'obésité et de tabagisme a été documentée au moment de l'événement chez 163 de ces patients (145 hommes et 18 femmes). Chaque patient a été comparé à deux individus de même âge et sexe, chez qui un diagnostic de P-CAD «sporadique» (non familiale) était posé, et à trois individus choisis au hasard parmi la population générale. Résultats: En comparaison de la population générale, les patients atteints de P-CAD sporadique avaient une prévalence supérieure pour 1 'hypertension (29% vs. 14%, p<0.001), le cholestérol (54% vs. 33%, p<0.001), l'obésité (20% vs. 13%, p<0.001) et le tabagisme (76% vs. 39%, p<0.001). Ces facteurs de risque étaient de prévalences similaires, voire supérieures chez les patients atteints de P-CAD familiale (43% [p<0.05 vs. P-CAD sporadiques], 58% [p=0.07], 21% et 72%) respectivement). Seulement 7 (4%) des 163 patients atteints de P-CAD familiale et 22 (7%) des 326 patients atteints de P-CAD sporadique, ne présentaient aucun facteur de risque cardiovasculaire, comparés à 167 (34%) des 489 patients issus de la population générale. Conclusions: Les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire classiques et réversibles ont une haute prévalence chez les patients atteints de P-CAD familiale. Ce fait rend improbable une contribution génétique prédominante, agissant en l'absence de facteurs de risque. Abstract: Objectives: This study was designed to assess the prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors in familial premature coronary artery disease (P-CAD), affecting two or more siblings within one sibship. Background: Premature CAD has a genetic component. It remains to be established whether familial P-CAD is due to genes acting independently from major cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: We recruited 213 P-CAD survivors from 103 sibships diagnosed before age ?50 (men) or ?55 (women) years old. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and smoking were documented at the time of the event in 163 patients (145 men and 18 women). Each patient was compared with two individuals of the same age and gender, diagnosed with sporadic (nonfamilial) P-CAD, and three individuals randomly sampled from the general population. Results: Compared with the general population, patients with sporadic P-CAD had a higher prevalence of hypertension (29% vs. 14%, p < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (54% vs. 33%, p < 0.001), obesity (20% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), and smoking (76% vs. 39%, p < 0.001). These risk factors were equally or even more prevalent in patients with familial P-CAD (43% [p < 0.05 vs. sporadic P-CAD], 58% [p = 0.07], 21% and 72%, respectively). Overall, only 7 (4%) of 163 of patients with familial P-CAD and 22 (7%) of 326 of patients with sporadic P-CAD had none of these conditions, as compared with 167 (34%) of 489 patients in the general population. Conclusions: Classic, remediable risk factors are highly prevalent in patients with familial P-CAD. Accordingly, a major contribution of genes acting in the absence of these risk factors is unlikely

Genetic variants influencing circulating lipid levels and risk of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Genetic studies might provide new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism and risk of CAD. We therefore conducted a genome-wide association study to identify novel genetic determinants of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides. METHODS AND RESULTS: We combined genome-wide association data from 8 studies, comprising up to 17 723 participants with information on circulating lipid concentrations. We did independent replication studies in up to 37 774 participants from 8 populations and also in a population of Indian Asian descent. We also assessed the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at lipid loci and risk of CAD in up to 9 633 cases and 38 684 controls. We identified 4 novel genetic loci that showed reproducible associations with lipids (probability values, 1.6×10(-8) to 3.1×10(-10)). These include a potentially functional SNP in the SLC39A8 gene for HDL-C, an SNP near the MYLIP/GMPR and PPP1R3B genes for LDL-C, and at the AFF1 gene for triglycerides. SNPs showing strong statistical association with 1 or more lipid traits at the CELSR2, APOB, APOE-C1-C4-C2 cluster, LPL, ZNF259-APOA5-A4-C3-A1 cluster and TRIB1 loci were also associated with CAD risk (probability values, 1.1×10(-3) to 1.2×10(-9)). CONCLUSIONS: We have identified 4 novel loci associated with circulating lipids. We also show that in addition to those that are largely associated with LDL-C, genetic loci mainly associated with circulating triglycerides and HDL-C are also associated with risk of CAD. These findings potentially provide new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying lipid metabolism and CAD risk.