IVA Group Research Articles

Relationship between SIRT1-ERK1/2 pathway and chikusetsu saponin IVa-induced reduction of isoflurane-elicited neurotoxicity in fetal rats: an in vitro experiment

Objective To evaluate the relationship between silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)-extracellular-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway and chikusetsu saponin IVa-induced reduction of isoflurane-elicited neurotoxicity in fetal rats in an in vitro experiment. Methods The hippocampal neurons isolated from rats at 16-18 days of gestation were primarily cultured for 7 days and divided into 3 groups (n = 6 each) using a random number table method: control group (Con group), isoflurane group (Iso group) and chikusetsu saponin IVa plus isoflurane group (ChIV+ Iso group). Hippocampal neurons were cultured routinely for 6 h in Con group.Hippocampal neurons were exposed to 1.8% isoflurane for 6 h in an incubator in Iso group.Chikusetsu saponin IVa 25 μg/ml was added to the culture medium, and hippocampal neurons were incubated for 6 h and then exposed to 1.8% isoflurane for 6 h in an incubator in ChIV+ Iso group.The supernatant was collected for determination of the amount of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) released, neuronal viability (by CCK-8) and expression of SIRT1, ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) (by Western blot). Results Compared with Con group, the neuronal viability was significantly decreased, the amount of LDH released was increased, and the expression of SIRT1 and p-ERK1/2 was down-regulated in Iso group (P<0.05). Compared with Iso group, the neuronal viability was significantly increased, the amount of LDH released was decreased, and the expression of SIRT1 and p-ERK1/2 was up-regulated in ChIV+ Iso group (P<0.05). Conclusion The mechanism by which chikusetsu saponin IVa reduces isoflurane-elicited neurotoxicity is related to activating SIRT1-ERK1/2 pathway in fetal rats in an in vitro experiment. Key words: Isoflurane; Sirtuins; Extracellular signal-regulated MAP kinases; Drug toxicity; Neurons

A Randomized Comparative Study on Efficacy and Safety Profile of Ivabradine and Ranolazine, in Patients of Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris

Background: Ischemic heart disease is one of the leading causes of global disease burden. Despite treatment with standard therapy, many patients with chronic stable angina pectoris remain symptomatic making it an urgent necessity to introduce new strategies. Hence this study was planned to compare the efficacy and tolerability of Ivabradine and Ranolazine; the two novel antianginal drugs. Methods: This was a single blind, randomised, controlled trial. Thirty patients each taking IVA 5 mg twice daily or RAN 500 mg twice daily were randomised into two groups. Patients filled a pretested questionnaire on frequency of angina attacks and adverse reactions experienced at baseline and 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The haemodynamic parameters, routine laboratory investigations were evaluated at the baseline and after intervention. Results: There was no significant difference in the frequency of angina attacks per week between the IVA and RAN study groups. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) in the number of patients reporting ADR from the IVA group as compared to RAN group. In the IVA group, the most common ADR was dizziness (36.6%); whereas nausea (30%) and dizziness (23.3%) was most common in RAN group. The routine haematological and biochemical evaluations did not show any significant difference between the baseline and post intervention. However, IVA significantly decreased the resting heart rate after eight weeks of intervention.. Conclusion: Both IVA and RAN are comparable and efficacious antianginal agents. However, RAN had a better safety and tolerability profile than IVA.

Cation distribution in orthopyroxenes from São João Nepomuceno iron meteorite inferred from 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy: Implications for thermal history and origin of IVA parent body

AbstractSão João Nepomuceno (SJN) is an IVA iron meteorite, found in Minas Gerais state (Brazil) in 1960, that consists of Fe‐Ni metal matrix and coarse‐grained silicate inclusions. In spite of the extensive work performed on the IVA irons, there is still no consensus about their origin and thermal history. Their particular chemistry and range in metallographic cooling rates are difficult to explain using conventional models. Furthermore, metal–silicate mixing of the IVA group remains a complex issue. In this work, the 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy was applied for measuring the intracrystalline Fe‐Mg distribution in orthopyroxenes extracted from SJN. The Mössbauer data associated with Ganguly's cooling rate numerical model were used to investigate the thermal history of SJN meteorite. The results are the background for discussions about the IVA formation models, aiming to improve the understanding of the origin of IVA iron meteorite group.

Effectiveness of Novel Adjuncts in Pain Management Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be associated with significant pain which can negatively impact outcomes. Multiple strategies have been employed to reduce pain. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of 3 different pain management modalities after TKA that included (1) our standardized knee injection cocktail and oral acetaminophen, (2) liposomal bupivacaine periarticular injection and oral acetaminophen, and (3) our standardized knee injection cocktail and intravenous (IV) acetaminophen. MethodsA prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted with 3 perioperative pain management regimes: oral acetaminophen and our standardized knee injection cocktail (standard group), oral acetaminophen and liposomal bupivacaine periarticular injection (LB group), and IV acetaminophen and our standardized knee injection cocktail (IVA group). Primary outcome measures included visual analog scale, total morphine equivalents, and the opioid-related symptoms distress scale at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. ResultsThere were no significant differences on visual analog scale/opioid-related symptoms distress scale scores 24 hours after surgery. The LB group required significantly more narcotics (total morphine equivalents) than the standard (P = .025) and IVA groups (P = .032). No significant differences were observed on any of the outcomes measured at 48 hours after surgery. ConclusionOur data suggest that there is no added benefit in the routine use of IV acetaminophen or liposomal bupivacaine after TKA.

Y5Si2B8: A theoretically predicted new damage‐tolerant MAB phase with layered crystal structure

AbstractLayer structured MAB phases (M=transition metal, A=IIIA or IVA group element, B is boron) are promising ternary borides for high and ultrahigh‐temperature applications. Herein, a new MAB phase Y5Si2B8 consisting of alternative stacking of YB4 and Y3Si2 slabs along the [001] direction is investigated. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the electronic structure and chemical bonding reveal that this new MAB phase has diverse chemical bonding and properties similar to MAX phases. The strong covalent bonds in the two‐dimensional B network on (001) plane in the YB4 slab and between Si atoms on (002) plane in the Y3Si2‐slab warrant the high stiffness (Ex=288 GPa) of Y5Si2B8 in the ab plane and the weak Y2‐Si and Y1‐B2 bonds that connecting the YB4 and Y3Si2 slabs underpin the low Young's modulus in [001] direction (Ez=200 GPa). The low shear deformation resistance is due to the presence of the metallic bond and the weak bond within the B6 octahedral. The possible slip systems are {001}&lt; 100&gt; and {110}&lt; 111&gt; . Based on the low shear modulus (G = 104 GPa) and Pugh's ratio G/B, Y5Si2B8 is predicted as a damage tolerant MAB phase. Y5Si2B8 is also predicted electrically conductive and the conductivity is higher in directions parallel to ab plane. In addition, temperature‐dependent phonon and electron heat capacity are predicted based on the electron and phonon density of states analysis.

Changes in systemic vascular endothelial growth factor levels after intravitreal injection of aflibercept in infants with retinopathy of prematurity.

To investigate the levels of VEGF in the systemic circulation of patients with type 1 ROP who received intravitreal injections of 1mg (0.025mL) aflibercept (IVA) or 0.625mg (0.025mL) bevacizumab (IVB). Patients who had type 1 ROP and received either IVA or IVB were enrolled in this prospective study. Serum and plasma samples were collected prior to and up to 12weeks after IVB or IVA treatment. The serum and plasma VEGF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and the platelet levels in the blood were also quantified. The serum and plasma levels of VEGF, as well as the ratio of VEGF to platelet count (VEGF/PLT) were measured prior to and up to 12weeks after anti-VEGF treatment. In total, 14 patients with type 1 ROP were enrolled in this study; five patients received IVA, and nine patients received IVB. Following either IVA or IVB treatment, all the eyes (100%) showed complete resolution of ROP-induced abnormal neovascularization and presented continued vascularization toward the peripheral retina. Compared to baseline, the serum VEGF levels were significantly reduced in the ROP patients up to 12weeks after either IVA or IVB treatments (all P <0.05). At 2, 4, and 8weeks after intravitreal injection, the serum VEGF levels were more suppressed in the IVB group than in the IVA group (P =0.039, P =0.004, and P =0.003, respectively). The serum VEGF/PLT ratio after IVA or IVB showed similar reductions and trends as the serum VEGF data. Changes in the plasma VEGF levels could not be properly assessed because some of the samples had VEGF levels below the detection limit of the ELISA. Serum VEGF levels and the VEGF/PLT ratio in patients with type 1 ROP were suppressed for 3months after treatment with either IVA or IVB, but the suppression of systemic VEGF was more pronounced in patients treated with IVB than those treated with IVA.

Germanium Isotope Geochemistry

Germanium (Ge) is a trace element in the Earth’s crust and natural waters, averaging about 1.6 ppm in rocks and minerals (El Wardani 1957; Bernstein 1985) and 75 picomol/L in seawater (Froelich and Andreae 1981). The naturally occurring oxidation states of Ge are +2 and +4, with the +4 state forming the principal common and stable compounds. Germanium has outer electronic structure 3 d 10 4 s 2 4 p 2 and mainly occurs in the quadrivalent state, although in some minerals it is octahedrally coordinated. Germanium is chemically similar to silicon (Si), both belonging to the IVA group in the periodic table, with Ge immediately above Si. Germanium is classified as a semimetal, whereas Si is a nonmetal element. Because of nearly identical ionic radii and electron configurations for Ge and Si, the crustal geochemistry of Ge is dominated by a tendency to replace Si in the lattice sites of minerals (Goldschmidt 1958; De Argollo and Schilling 1978b). These two elements exist in seawater as similar hydroxyacids, i.e., Ge(OH)4 and Si(OH)4 (Pokrovski and Schott 1998a) and the concentration profile of Ge is similar to that of Si (Froelich and Andreae 1981), thus making Ge/Si ratio an interesting tracer for biogenic silica cycling in the ocean. Although Ge and Si are geochemically similar, their behavior is different enough so that decoupling of Ge and Si can occur. Germanium commonly occurs in 4-fold (tetrahedral) coordination but in contrast to Si, Ge has a stronger tendency for the 6-fold coordination. Unlike Si, Ge also forms methylated compounds, and high concentrations of monomethyl- and dimethyl-germanium have been detected in ocean waters, accounting for > 70% of the total Ge (Lewis et al. 1985). Germanium is a particularly interesting element for geochemists since it exhibits siderophile, lithophile, chalcophile and …

Lower Limbs Alignment in Patients with a Unilateral Completely Dislocated Hip.

Background:Severe hip osteoarthritis is known to lead to secondary osteoarthritis of the knee joint. It is not clear whether contracture or a leg length discrepancy is more important in determining the knee alignment.Methods:In this study, 48 hips in 48 patients with a unilateral completely dislocated hip (Crowe IV) were recruited. The patients were divided into two groups (Crowe IVa and IVb). The Crowe IVa group had completely dislocation with psudo-articulation, and the Crowe IVb group had completely dislocation without psudo-articulation. The lower limb alignment was divided into three patterns according to the femorotibial angle; varus (≥176 degrees), neutral(170 to 175 degrees) and valgus(≤169 degrees).Results:The combination of valgus alignment on the affected side and varus alignment on the unaffected side, so-called “windswept deformity” was observed in 12.5% of the patients; this included 18.2% and 7.7%, in the Crowe IVa and Crowe IVb groups, respectively. The valgus alignment on the unaffected side, namely “long leg arthropathy,” was found to have occurred in 6.3% of the patients, including 13.6% of the patients in the Crowe IVa group; there were no cases of long “leg arthropathy” in the Crowe IVb group.Conclusion:The lower limb alignment on the unaffected side had a tendency to be varus in the Crowe IV patients. The “windswept deformity” was observed in each of the groups; however, “long leg arthropathy” was only found in the Crowe IVa group.

Liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in AJCC‑stage Ⅳ: Anevaluation of the survival benefit and prognostic accuracy of current AJCC staging system on N and M classification.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC) is usually confirmed in advanced stage at the time of diagnosis or after surgical exploration, however, indication of surgical treatment is usually controversial for ICC in advanced stages. This retrospective study aims to evaluate clinical value of surgery for such tumors, in order to identify the appropriate patients who will benefit from surgery, and to evaluate the prognostic accuracy of the current staging system for advanced ICC. From January 2007 to December 2011, 387 consecutive surgically treated patients with ICC in AJCC‑stageⅣ were evaluated. Survival was compared among different patients grouped by different elements of AJCC staging system. The prognostic importance of extent of lymph node(LN) metastasis relative to the AJCC N and M classification system was assessed. Our data showed that survival was much better for patients in AJCC‑stageⅣA group (median survival time, MST, 9.0months) than in AJCC‑stageⅣB group (MST, 5.0months) (P<0.001). While in AJCC‑stageⅣB group, survival for patients in AnyTN2‑3M0 subgroup (MST, 9.0months) was much better than in AnyTN0M1 subgroup (MST, 3.0months); and better than in AnyTN2‑3M1 subgroup (MST, 4.0months) (P<0.001). Overall, R0 and R1 liver resection should be indicated for patients in AJCC‑stageⅣA group and AnyTN2‑3M0 subgroup in AJCC‑stageⅣB group, as patients in these groups will benefit from surgery with relatively better survival. Staging of advanced ICC by N2‑3 instead of M1 for extended LN metastasis classification is superior in comparison with the AJCC staging system.

Development of Potent and Selective Inhibitors for Group VIA Calcium-Independent Phospholipase A2 Guided by Molecular Dynamics and Structure-Activity Relationships.

The development of inhibitors for phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is important in elucidating the enzymes implication in various biological pathways. PLA2 enzymes are an important pharmacological target implicated in various inflammatory diseases. Computational chemistry, organic synthesis, and in vitro assays were employed to develop potent and selective inhibitors for group VIA calcium-independent PLA2. A set of fluoroketone inhibitors was studied for their binding mode with two human cytosolic PLA2 enzymes: group IVA cPLA2 and group VIA iPLA2. New compounds were synthesized and assayed toward three major PLA2s. This study led to the development of four potent and selective thioether fluoroketone inhibitors as well as a thioether keto-1,2,4-oxadiazole inhibitor for GVIA iPLA2, which will serve as lead compounds for future development and studies. The keto-1,2,4-oxadiazole functionality with a thioether is a novel structure, and it will be used as a lead to develop inhibitors with higher potency and selectivity toward GVIA iPLA2.

Expression of HCN4 protein in ventricular outflow tract of rabbit with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia

To confirm the existence of purkinje fibers in rabbit outflow tract tissue and explore the role of Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel 4 (HCN4) protein in idiopathic ventricular tachycardia. A total of ten New Zealand white rabbits were randomly selected to observe whether there were pukinje fibers in outflow tract by the methods of HE staining and immunohistochemical detection of midsize neurofilament (NF-M). Forty rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (SO), ventricular tachycardia group (VT), ventricular tachycardia+ esmolol intervention group (VT+ ESM) and ventricular tachycardia+ ivabradine intervention group (VT+ IVA). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of HCN4 protein in ventricular outflow tract; the required output voltage amplitude was recorded when ventricular tachycardia was induced; the times and duration of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia when stimulation stopped were also recorded for each group. (1)Purkinje fibers existed in the myocardial tissue of rabbit outflow tract. (2)HCN4 protein expression significantly increased in VT group compared with SO group (left ventricular: 97.6 ± 16.7 vs 29.0 ± 8.0, P<0.01; right ventricular: 92.7 ± 12.3 vs 26.0 ± 10.8, P<0.01), the expression of HCN4 protein obviously reduced in VT+ IVA group compared with VT group (left ventricular: 32.0 ± 9.4 vs 97.6 ± 16.7, P<0.01; right ventricular: 30.8 ± 12.4 vs 92.7 ± 12.3, P<0.01). (3)The output voltage amplitude required to induce the desired ventricular tachycardia in VT+ ESM group and VT+ IVA group were higher than the VT group, under the same high frequency stimulation (P<0.01); the times and duration of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia in VT+ ESM group and VT+ IVA group significantly reduced when the stimulation stopped, compared with the VT group (both P<0.01). (1)Purkinje fibers exist in ventricular outflow tract, which may be the histological origin of the ventricular tachycardia. (2)HCN4 protein is up-regulated in ventricular outflow tract when ventricular tachycardia occurs. (3)Esmolol and ivabradine can prevent and reduce the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia, and as the specific inhibitor of the HCN channel, the effect of ivabradine is more obvious.

Positive Impact of Epidural Analgesia on Oncologic Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

Previous studies have suggested that the use of regional anesthesia can reduce recurrence risk after oncologic surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of epidural anesthesia on recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) after hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM). After approval of the institutional review board, the records of all adult patients who underwent elective hepatic resection between January 2006 and October 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized according to use of perioperative epidural analgesia versus intravenous analgesia. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors influencing RFS and OS. Of 510 total patients, 390 received epidural analgesia (EA group) and 120 patients received intravenous analgesia (IVA group). Compared with the IVA group, more patients in the EA group underwent associated surgical procedures with consequently longer operative times (p < 0.001). In addition, the EA group received more intraoperative fluids and had higher urine output volumes (p ≤ 0.001). Five-year RFS was longer in the EA group (34.7%) compared with the IVA group (21.1%). On multivariate analysis, the receipt of epidural analgesia was an independent predictor of improved RFS (p = 0.036, hazard ratio [HR] 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.95), but not OS (p = 0.102, HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.49-1.07). This study suggests an association between epidural analgesia and improved RFS, but not OS, after CLM resection. These results warrant further prospective, randomized studies on the benefits of regional anesthesia on oncologic outcomes after hepatic resection for CLM.

Shock-thermal history of Kavarpura IVA iron: Evidences from microtextures and nickel profiling

We classify Kavarpura iron (fell in August, 2006, in Rajasthan, India), an inclusion-free member of high-Ni IVA group. Widmanstätten pattern and finger–cellular plessites textures characteristic of IVA group are present in Kavarpura. Symmetric and asymmetric textural zoning within the cloudy taenite and plessite refer to long term martensitisation process with mean metallographic cooling rate of 200°C/Ma. Imprints of variable shock pressure domains (Neumann bands and shock hatched ε kamacite) suggest alteration by up to 600kb shock pressure. Degeneration of cellular plessites, bending of finger plessites and plastic flowage of taenites bear textural evidences corresponding to post-shock annealing which is further confirmed by Ni profiles across the cloudy taenites and plessites under high shock pressure domains. Based on microtextural evidences and Ni profiling, we suggest Kavarpura had cooled at steady state and subsequently suffered multiple impacts.

Theoretical calculations of stability, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of IVA group Willemite-II nitrides

The structural stability and mechanical and thermodynamic properties of WII- A 3 N 4 ( A=C , Si , Ge and Sn ) are calculated by first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. The calculated lattice parameters and elastic constants of WII- A 3 N 4 ( A=C , Si , Ge and Sn ) are in good agreement with the experimental data and previously calculated values. WII- A 3 N 4 ( A=C , Si , Ge and Sn ) compounds are also found to be thermodynamically and mechanically stable. The results suggest that hardness of WII- C 3 N 4 is the hardest of these C 3 N 4 polymorphs. The hardness of WII- Sn 3 N 4 is the smallest among WII- A 3 N 4 ( A=C , Si , Ge and Sn ). Furthermore, the mechanical anisotropy, Debye temperature, the minimum thermal conductivity and thermodynamic properties of WII- A 3 N 4 ( A=C , Si , Ge and Sn ) compounds can be investigated.

Nitriding VI-group metals (Cr, Mo and W) in stream of NH3 gas under concentrated solar irradiation in a solar furnace at PSA (Plataforma Solar de Almería)

Carbides and nitrides of d-group transition metals are classified as refractory hard material and their industrial importance has been recognized for long. In recent years, unique functionalities including catalytic function and superconductivity are discovered for this group of materials to raise serious attention of materials researchers and engineers to refractory carbides and nitrides as novel functional materials.Synthesis of refractory carbides and nitrides demands high temperature reaction route to consume considerable amount of electricity or gas in conventional industrial process. In view of saving cost of such conventional energy, feasibility of using concentrated solar beam as heat source for synthesizing carbide and nitride has been investigated by the authors since 1997. After verifying usefulness of concentrated solar beam as heat source for carbide forming reactions, similar attempts of employing concentrated solar beam as heat source for nitride synthesis were initiated recently. After brief experimental verification of nitride synthesis for IVa group metal, Ti, and Vg group metals, V, Nb and Ta, in N2 gas environment under irradiation with concentrated solar beam to 2000°C, the authors decided to undertake nitride synthesis of VIa group metals, Cr, Mo and W, as well as of Fe in stream of ammonia (NH3) gas as a nitriding medium under irradiation of concentrated solar beam at temperatures not exceeding 1000°C.NH3 gas with suppressed extent of dissociation by flowing is defined empirically as uncracked NH3 and it is proved to possess very high nitriding power to make synthesis of mono-nitride MoN of Mo coexisting with sub-nitride Mo and higher nitride Fe2N of Fe possible under normal pressure condition that are not possible when chemically stable N2 gas is used as a nitriding agent.VIa-group metals including Cr, Mo and W are known to be highly resistant against nitriding. In the present report, results of nitriding in flowing NH3 gas at a fixed flow rate 10l/h (≈167ml/min) under heating with concentrated solar beam for VIa-group metals, Cr, Mo and W, are summarized to demonstrate favorable effect of solar beam heating towards further enhancement of nitriding power of flowing NH3 gas compared with the situation in conventional electric furnace in which visible light components except infra-red (IR) heat wave component are absent in the reaction system.

The contact length between the tumor contour and the lung on computed tomography is a risk factor for pleural recurrence after complete resection of thymoma.

Among the perioperative findings which included patient characteristics and imaging, surgical, and pathological findings of the tumor, the risk factors for pleural recurrence (PR) after complete resection of thymoma were explored. Fifty-three patients with Masaoka stage I to III thymoma who underwent complete resection, and five patients with stage IVa disease accompanied with pleural dissemination were analyzed. In these cohorts, the patients were divided into a non-recurrence (NR) group, PR group and stage IVa group. The maximum tumor diameter (TD) and the contact length between the tumor contour and the lung (CLTL) were measured at the maximum section of the tumor on axial computed tomography. A multivariate analysis including gender, age, TD, CLTL, tumor adhesion to the lung, Masaoka stage, and WHO histological type was performed to estimate risk factors for PR. The median follow-up period was 76.9 months. PR developed in six patients. The mean TDs were 44 mm in the NR group, 62 mm in the PR group and 73 mm in the stage IVa group, respectively. The mean CLTLs were 47, 90 and 96 mm, respectively. The CLTLs of the PR group were significantly longer than those of the NR group (p < 0.001), although the TDs were not significantly different between the two groups. The multivariate analysis indicated that CLTL was only a risk factor for PR (p = 0.046). The CLTL was significantly associated with the PR after complete resection of thymoma.

The efficacy and safety of ivabradine hydrochloride versus atenolol in Chinese patients with chronic stable angina pectoris.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ivabradine (Iva) noninferiority to atenolol (Aten) in Chinese patients with chronic stable angina pectoris. In this double-blind, double-dummy trial, patients with symptomatic angina pectoris and positive exercise tolerance test were randomized into the Iva [5 or 7.5 mg bis in die (BID)] or Aten group (12.5 or 25 mg BID) according to computer-generated random numbers for 12 weeks. One hundred and sixty-eight patients were randomized to the Iva group and 166 to the Aten group. In a full analysis set, increases in the total exercise duration (TED) were 54.3 ± 120.1 seconds with Iva 5 mg and 58.8 ± 114.7 seconds with Aten 12.5 mg at the fourth week, and at the 12th week, TED improved by 84.1 ± 130.5 seconds with Iva and 77.8 ± 126.6 seconds with Aten (95%CI: -21.4-34.1 seconds, p = 0.0011 for noninferiority). The analysis of per protocol set yielded similar results (95%CI: -31.4-33.0 seconds, p = 0.0131 for noninferiority). Heart rate was reduced in both groups at rest and during peak exercise. There were small, nonsignificant differences in the number of adverse events between the two groups (66 in Iva and 73 in Aten, p > 0.05). Nine patients (5.42%) were reported to develop phosphenes/luminous phenomena and blurred vision in the Iva group (p = 0.0035). Iva is effective in reducing heart rates and improving exercise capacity and noninferior to Aten in Chinese patients with chronic stable angina pectoris. Iva is well tolerated and safe.

Ab Initio Research on a New Type of Half-Metallic Double Perovskites, A2CrMO6 (A = IVA Group Elements; M = Mo, Re and W)

The research based on density functional theory was carried out using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for full-structural optimization and the addition of the correlation effect (GGA + U (Coulomb parameter)) in a double perovskite structure, A2BB’O6. According to the similar valance electrons between IIA(s2) and IVA(p2), IVA group elements instead of alkaline-earth elements settled on the A-site ion position with fixed BB' combinations as CrM (M = Mo, Re and W). The ferrimagnetic half-metallic (HM-FiM) properties can be attributed to the p-d hybridization between the Crd-Mp and the double exchange. All the compounds can be half-metallic (HM) materials, except Si2CrMoO6, Ge2CrMo and Ge2CrReO6, because the strong-correlation correction should be considered. For M = W, only A = Sn and Pb are possible candidates as HM materials. Nevertheless, an examination of the structural stability is needed, because Si, Ge, Sn and Pb are quite different from Sr. All compounds are stable, except for the Si-based double perovskite structure.

아시아에서 분리된 viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) isolates의 계통분석학적 비교

바이러스성 출혈성 패혈증을 일으키는 VHSV는 국내의 넙치양식에 심각한 피해를 주고 있다. 본 연구에서는 우리나라에서 분리한 8종의 VHSV 분리주들의 glycoprotein (G)의 염기서열을 분석하여 Korean VHSV 분리주들과 기보고된 일본 및 중국의 분리주들을 계통발생학적으로 비교하여 G-protein의 8 부위(G34, C528, A755, T834, T951, T1147, T1221, T1336)에서 국내 VHSV 분리주들의 특이적인 서열을 확인하였고, 전 세계적으로 분리된 VHSV의 분리주들과의 비교결과 8 부위 중 3 부위 (A755, T834, T1221)의 국내VHSV 분리주 특이적 염기서열들을 확인하였다. 또한 중국 유래 VHSV 분리주의 특이적 염기서열 11 부위 (C498, C545, C548, C642, G648, T678, A738, C804, C834, G851, C1139)와 일본 유래 VHSV 분리주의 특이적 염기서열 1부위 (C179)를 확인하였다. 이상의 연구결과는 국내 특이적인 염기서열을 확보하여, 구역화된 수산생물 질병의 예찰, 모니터링 및 질병 관리에 유용하게 사용될 것으로 사료된다. Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV), the causative agent of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS), is an epidemic virus of cultured olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in Korea. In the present study, the entire glycoprotein (G) gene including several hypervariable regions from 36 isolates of diverse geographic and host origin and 8 Korean VHSV isolates from cultured olive flounder were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that most of Asian VHSV belong to the genotype IVa group, suggesting that they originated from a common ancestral virus. Comparative sequence analysis of the complete G protein from Korean VHSV isolates revealed 3 Korean strain-specific nucleotide residues (nucleotide number of G-region: A755, T834 and T1221). These results suggest that Korean VHSV originated from a common ancestor, but these regional specific nucleotide sequences suggest that genetic differences of VHSV are more related to geographic areas than to host fish species.

Fe2+-Mg order–disorder study in orthopyroxenes from São João Nepomuceno (IVA) iron meteorite

Sao Joao Nepomuceno (SJN) is an iron meteorite belonging to IVA chemical group. It consists of Fe-Ni metal matrix and silicate inclusions made of a coarse-grained mixture of tridymite, orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene. In spite of the extensive work performed on the IVA group there is still no consensus about their origin and its thermal history is subject of ongoing debates. In this work, we report preliminary results on Fe2+ distribution in the non-equivalent octahedral sites in orthopyroxene crystals extracted from Sao Joao Nepomuceno in order to infer on the thermal history of this meteorite and therefore acquire more information related to the origin of the IVA iron meteorite group.