Leaflet Area Research Articles

An ultrasound-exclusive non-invasive computational diagnostic framework for personalized cardiology of aortic valve stenosis.

Aortic stenosis (AS) is an acute and chronic cardiovascular disease and If left untreated, 50% of these patients will die within two years of developing symptoms. AS is characterized as the stiffening of the aortic valve leaflets which restricts their motion and prevents the proper opening under transvalvular pressure. Assessments of the valve dynamics, if available, would provide valuable information about the patient's state of cardiac deterioration as well as heart recovery and can have incredible impacts on patient care, planning interventions and making critical clinical decisions with life-threatening risks. Despite remarkable advancements in medical imaging, there are no clinical tools available to quantify valve dynamics invasively or noninvasively. In this study, we developed a highly innovative ultrasound-based non-invasive computational framework that can function as a diagnostic tool to assess valve dynamics (e.g. transient 3-D distribution of stress and displacement, 3-D deformed shape of leaflets, geometric orifice area and angular positions of leaflets) for patients with AS at no risk to the patients. Such a diagnostic tool considers the local valve dynamics and the global circulatory system to provide a platform for testing the intervention scenarios and evaluating their effects. We used clinical data of 12 patients with AS not only to validate the proposed framework but also to demonstrate its diagnostic abilities by providing novel analyses and interpretations of clinical data in both pre and post intervention states. We used transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) data for the developments and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) data for validation.

Coordinated responses of leaf and nodule traits contribute to the accumulation of N in relay intercropped soybean

Maize (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) relay intercropping provides a way to enhance land productivity. However, the late-planted soybean suffers from shading by the maize. After maize harvest, how the recovery growth influences the leaf and nodule traits remains unclear. A three-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of genotypes, i.e., supernodulating (nts1007), Nandou 12 (ND12), and Guixia 3 (GX3), and crop configurations, i.e., the interspecific row spacing of 45 (I45), 60 (I60), 75 cm (I75), and sole soybean (SS), on soybean recovery growth and N fixation. The results showed that intercropping reduced the soybean total leaf area (LA) by reducing both the leaf number (LN) and unit leaflet area (LUA), and it reduced the nodule dry weight (NW) by reducing both the nodule number (NN) and nodule diameter (ND) compared with the SS. The correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a co-variability of the leaf and nodule traits in response to the genotype and crop configuration interactions. During the recovery growth stages, the compensatory growth promoted soybean growth to reduce the gaps of leaf and nodule traits between intercropping and SS. The relative growth rates of ureide (RGR_U) and nitrogen (RGR_N) accumulation were higher in intercropping than in SS. Intercropping achieved more significant sucrose and starch contents compared with SS. ND12 and GX3 showed more robust compensatory growth than nts1007 in intercropping. Although the recovery growth of relay intercropping soybean improved biomass and nitrogen accumulation, ND12 gained a more significant partial land equivalent ratio (pLER) than GX3. The I60 treatment achieved more robust compensation effects on biomass and N accumulation than the other configurations. Meanwhile, I60 showed a higher nodule sucrose content and greater shoot ureide and N accumulation than SS. Finally, intercropping ND12 with maize using an interspecific row spacing of 60 cm was optimal for both yield advantage and N accumulation.

Morphological and Structural Responses of Albizia lebbeck to Different Lead and Nickel Stress Levels

Lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) are serious soil pollutants that adversely affect plant growth and development and need to be removed through phytoremediation. The present study aimed to assess the morphological indices of Albizia lebbeck (L.) (Benth.) in relation to anatomical modifications for survival under both Pb and Ni stress. The seedlings of A. lebbeck were established and then subjected to four different concentrations, viz. 0 mM, 25 mM, 50 mM and 75 mM, of Pb and Ni for 14 days in two phases. Morphological traits such as shoot length (70.93%), fresh weight (79.27%), dry weight (83.9%), number of root hairs (65.7%), number of leaves per plant (67.4%) and number of leaflets per plant greatly reduced under Pb or Ni stress. Surprisingly, root length increased rather than decreased with the increase in Pb or Ni concentrations, along with an increase in leaflet width, leaflet length and leaflet area. Moreover, root cortical cell area, metaxylem area and phloem area decreased at 75 mM of Pb and Ni while epidermal thickness and cell area increased. Stem epidermal thickness, cell area and phloem area significantly decreased with the consistent increase in metaxylem area and cortical region thickness under both Pb and Ni stress. Leaf anatomical traits such as midrib thickness, abaxial epidermal thickness and stomatal density and adaxial epidermal thickness and stomatal area significantly increased with increasing Pb or Ni stress. Correlation analysis revealed close relations among morphological and anatomical traits (such as root length with cortical region thickness) for better plant survival under Pb or Ni stress, and a PCA-biplot further verified these correlation analyses. Cluster analyses demonstrated the associations among the morphological and anatomical traits based on different stress levels. Furthermore, we found that the longer exposure (from phase 1 to phase 2) of heavy metals stress is more dangerous for plant survival and can ultimately lead to plant death. Moreover, our results also confirmed that Ni is more harmful or dangerous to plants than Pb at high and moderate concentrations. The anatomical modifications ensured the survival of A. lebbeck in extreme heavy metals stress and therefore unlocked its potential to be used as a natural source of phytoremediation. We also recommend that the genetic potential of A. lebbeck associated with its survival under heavy metal stress be investigated.

RUGOSE SPIRALING WHITEFLY INFESTATION ON COCONUT: THREATS AND REMEDY

Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) Aleurodicus rugioperculagus (Hemiptera: Aleurodidae) is an invasive pest causing severe damage to coconut plant, having higher percent of infestation (70.2% to 165.4%). The nymph and adults suck cell sap from the underside of the leaves and secret honeydew that develop sooty mold fungi and interfere the growth of the plants. It was first identified in Bangladesh in 2019 on coconut plants in Jashore.Then it has spread to almost all other districts in Bangladesh. Highest coconut tree infestation was observed in southwestern part (97.5%) and lowest (68.0%) was in central part of the country and there was no significant difference among locations. In the coastal regions, the highest percent (97.0%) of infested coconut tree, infested fronds (96.2%) and leaflet area (84.0%) was recorded in Bagerhat district while the lowest percent infested tree (68.0%), fronds per tree (67.2%) and leaflet area (48.0%) was in Cox’s Bazar. The abundance of RSW increases as the number of leaves increased. Higher percent tree infestation (85.7%) was noticed in native while it was lower(81.2%) in dwarf coconut plants although no significant difference was observed.Low abundances of adult RSW were also found in dwarf coconut plants than that of native ones. The highest incidence of whitefly of coconut was observed in summer months of April-May andthe lowest was in June-July. Biological control is an effective measure where Encarsia guadeloupae, lady bird beetleand lacewings are common predators and entomopathogenic fungi Isaria fumosorosea reduces the incidenceof RSW from 77.8 to 75.1%. Various cultural and mechanical practices also significantly reduce the pest incidence, infestation, abundance of egg, nymph and adult by 50.0%, 49.9%, 49.7%, 50.1% and 49.8% respectively. Different systemic neonicotinoid insecticides also showed successful result in controlling rugose spiraling whitefly

Image-based ring size prediction for mitral valve repair.

Annuloplasty rings are routinely used in mitral valve repair (MVr). However, accurate annuloplasty ring size selection is essential to obtain a favourable outcome. Moreover, ring sizing can be challenging in some patients and is highly influenced by surgeons' experience. This study investigated the utility of three-dimensional mitral valve (3D-MV) reconstruction models to predict annuloplasty ring size for MVr. A total of 150 patients undergoing minimally invasive MVr with annuloplasty ring due to Carpentier type II pathology and who were discharged with none/trace residual mitral regurgitation were included. 3D-MV reconstruction models were created with a semi-automated software package (4D MV Analysis) to quantitate mitral valve geometry. To predict the ring size, univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. Between 3D-MV reconstruction values and implanted ring sizes, the highest correlation coefficients were provided by commissural width (CW) (0.839; P < 0.001), intertrigonal distance (ITD) (0.796; P < 0.001), annulus area (0.782; P < 0.001), anterior mitral leaflet area (0.767; P < 0.001), anterior-posterior diameter (0.679; P < 0.001) and anterior mitral leaflet length (0.515; P < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, only CW and ITD were found to be independent predictors of annuloplasty ring size (R2 = 0.743; P < 0.001). The highest level of agreement was achieved with CW and ITD, and 76.6% of patients received a ring with no >1 ring size difference from the predicted ring sizes. 3D-MV reconstruction models can support surgeons in the decision-making process for annuloplasty ring sizing. The present study may be a first step towards accurate annuloplasty ring size prediction using multimodal machine learning decision support.

FEEDING PREFERENCE OF BAGWORM, METISA PLANA WALKER (LEPIDOPTERA: PSYCHIDAE) ON FOUR DIFFERENT PALM SPECIES

A study was conducted to determine the feeding preference of the bagworm, Metisa plana on different palm species in no-choice and choice feeding tests. In the laboratory study, the larvae of bagworm, M. plana were fed with leaves of four palm species namely oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), coconut (Cocos nucifera), red sealing wax palm (Cyrtostachys renda) and salak (Salacca zalacca). In the no-choice feeding test, the bagworms were fed with leaves of each selected palm species and in the choice feeding test, the M. plana were fed in pairs with leaves of E. guineensis as a constant diet and each of C. nucifera, C. renda and S. zalacca respectively. Furthermore, the feeding preference of bagworms on E. guineensis and C. nucifera leaves was evaluated in a semi-field trial. The result of the laboratory study showed that C. nucifera was the most preferred host plant followed by E. guineensis, C. renda and S. zalacca. The M. plana fed with C. nucifera leaves recorded 28.83 cm2 and 22.01cm2 of total leaflet area consumed in the no-choice feeding test and choice feeding test respectively. The bagworms feeding on leaves of C. nucifera showed 33.33 per cent survival rate and were observed to have the fastest larval development and transformation to pupal stage. The leaves of C. nucifera were preferred over E. guineensis despite the latter being the observed host plant of this bagworm species. In no-choice assessments, the M. plana fed with E. guineensis leaves recorded a total leaf area consumption at 26.89 cm2 and showed only a 13.33 per cent survival rate. C. renda and S. zalacca leaves were recorded as the least preferred host plant and recorded a low leaf area consumption at 14.67cm2 and 11.40 cm2 in no-choice feeding and 1.29 cm2 and 5.05 cm2 in choice feeding respectively. The M. plana that were fed with the two respective palms did not survive to the pupal stage. In the semi-field study, similar results were obtained as C. nucifera was recorded as the more preferred host plant by the bagworm as compared to E. guineensis. The cumulative damage on the leaves of the palms was recorded at 29.37 per cent for C. nucifera and 13.13 per cent for E. guineensis. In the choice feeding test, the bagworms fed with leaves of C. nucifera recorded 12.71 per cent and that of E. guineensis at 8.19 per cent of cumulative damage. The percentage of survival rate of bagworms that were fed with C. nucifera leaves was recorded to be significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) at 18.75 ± 2.16 per cent as compared to E. guineensis that recorded only 9.50 ± 1.53 per cent. Keywords: Bagworm, Metisa plana, feeding preference, oil palm, coconut, red sealing wax palm, salak palm.

Effects of phyllotaxy on variation and inner relationships of leaflet traits in compound-leaved plants.

To understand the distribution pattern of leaflet traits in compound-leaved along with phyllotaxy, we selected three compound-leaved trees with opposite phyllotaxy in Xiaoxing' an Mountains, Fraxinus mandshurica, Phellodendron amurense, Juglans mandshurica, as the research objects. We measured leaf thickness, leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, palisade tissue thickness, spongy tissue thickness, ratio of palisade tissue thickness to spongy tissue thickness, and carbon content, nitrogen content, phosphorus content of leaflets at different phyllotaxy positions. We analyzed the variation of leaflet traits with phyllotaxy and the influence of phyllotaxy on the inner relationships between leaflet traits. The results showed that the variation of leaflet area, leaflet dry matter content, spongy tissue thickness and ratio of palisade tissue thickness to spongy tissue thickness with the increase of phyllotaxy were mainly divided into three types: increase, decrease, first increase and then decrease. Leaflet thickness, specific leaflet area, palisade tissue thickness, as well as nutrient contents did not change with phyllotaxy. Within compound leaves of three species, the variation coefficients and plasticity index of leaflet thickness, leaflet area, specific leaflet area, leaflet dry matter content, palisade tissue thickness, spongy tissue thickness, ratio of palisade tissue thickness to spongy tissue thickness ranged from 6.1% to 28.6% and from 0.14 to 0.70, respectively. Phyllotaxy had a significant effect on the bivariate correlation between leaflet traits. Specific leaflet area and leaflet dry natter content were negatively correlated in different phyllotaxy positions of F. mandshurica and J. mandshurica. Leaflet nitrogen content and phosphorus content showed a positive correlation in different phyllotaxy positions of F. mandshurica and P. amurense. The first and secondary leaflets (the first leaflets farthest from the base of the petiole) of J. mandshurica showed a conservative strategy, while the seventh and eighth leaflets showed an acquisition strategy. Leaflets of F. mandshurica and P. amurense did not show different ecological strategies.

Dissecting the genetic architecture of leaf morphology traits in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wizcek) using genome‐wide association study

AbstractMungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wizcek) is an important pulse crop, increasingly used as a source of protein, fiber, low fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and bioactive compounds in human diets. Mungbean is a dicot plant with trifoliate leaves. The primary component of many plant functions, including photosynthesis, light interception, and canopy structure, are leaves. The objectives were to investigate leaf morphological attributes, use image analysis to extract leaf morphological traits from photos from the Iowa Mungbean Diversity (IMD) panel, create a regression model to predict leaflet area, and undertake association mapping. We collected over 5000 leaf images of the IMD panel consisting of 484 accessions over 2 years (2020 and 2021) with two replications per experiment. Leaf traits were extracted using image analysis, analyzed, and used for association mapping. Morphological diversity included leaflet type (oval or lobed), leaflet size (small, medium, large), lobed angle (shallow, deep), and vein coloration (green, purple). A regression model was developed to predict each ovate leaflet's area (adjusted R2 = 0.97; residual standard errors of &lt; = 1.10). The candidate genes Vradi01g07560, Vradi05g01240, Vradi02g05730, and Vradi03g00440 are associated with multiple traits (length, width, perimeter, and area) across the leaflets (left, terminal, and right). These are suitable candidate genes for further investigation in their role in leaf development, growth, and function. Future studies will be needed to correlate the observed traits discussed here with yield or important agronomic traits for use as phenotypic or genotypic markers in marker‐aided selection methods for mungbean crop improvement.

In silico analysis provides insights for patient-specific annuloplasty in Barlow's disease

ObjectiveTo predict the required mitral annular area reduction in patients with Barlow's disease to obtain a predefined leaflet area index by a novel in silico modeling method. MethodsThree-dimensional echocardiography was used to create patient-specific mitral valve models of 8 patients diagnosed with Barlow's disease and bileaflet prolapse preoperatively. Six patients were also studied postoperatively in a finite element framework, to quantify the optimal coaptation area index. For the patient-specific finite element analyses, realistic papillary muscle and annular motion are incorporated, also for the in silico annuloplasty analyses. The annuloplasty ring size is reduced moderately until the optimal coaptation area index is achieved for each patient. ResultsThe mean mitral annular area at end-diastole was reduced by 58 ± 7% postoperatively (P < .001), resulting in a postoperative coaptation area index of 20 ± 5%. To achieve the same coaptation area index with moderate annular reductions and no leaflet resection the annular reduction was 31 ± 6% (P < .001). ConclusionsIn silico analysis in selected patients diagnosed with Barlow's disease demonstrates that annuloplasty with only moderate annular reduction may be sufficient to achieve optimal coaptation as compared to conventional surgical procedures.

Болезнь Барлоу на примере клинического наблюдения

Barlow's disease (BD) is one of the dominant forms of degenerative mitral valve (MV) disease characterized by morphological changes of the connective tissue triggering the mechanism of mitral valve leaflet coaptation failure. The disease is characterized by MV prolapse driven by chordal rupture or elongation, leaflet area enlargement and annular ectasia. Typical BD symptoms are found in 24% of patients with mitral valve prolapse (MPV). It should be noted that BD is a heritable disorder. Patients with BD are typically young women (less than 40-year-old), who remain asymptomatic for a long time. BD is often diagnosed incidentally, during the screening examination. Radical correction of such MV dysfunction can be achieved only by using surgical techniques. Based on echocardiography findings, two types of Barlow's disease are distinguished: a classical one with MV leaflet thickening and a non-classical — without its thickening (presumably associated with dysplasia of the connective tissue). This article is focused on the foundations of semiotics and the main principles of BD patient management. It provides a review of MVP and mitral incompetence causes and describes a clinical case of surgical BD treatment. KEYWORDS: mitral regurgitation, plastic surgery of the mitral valve, Barlow's disease, mitral valve prolapse, heritable disorders of connective tissue, dysplasia. FOR CITATION: Reznik E.V., Golubev Yu.Yu., Yurtaeva N.V. et al. Barlow's disease illustrated by a clinical case. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2023;7(1):41–48 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2023-7-1-41-48.

Host range of rugose spiraling whitefly, (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus) martin and its incidence and damage on coconut plant in coastal region of Bangladesh

Rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an invasive pest causing severe damage to several plant species. Surveys were conducted in the farmers’ orchards of 11 coastal districts of Bangladesh namely Patuakhali, Barguna, Barishal, Khulna, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokathi, Bhola, Laxmipur, Noakhali and Cox’s Bazar to know the host range of rugose spiraling whitefly and its incidence and damage in coconut during July 2021 to June 2022. Results revealed that a total of 22 plant species from 16 families were recorded as hosts of A. rugioperculatus. Among the host plants 4 hosts were infested by A. rugioperculatus in which all the life stages such as egg spirals, nymphs and adults of whitefly were noticed whereas in other 18 host plants only the egg stages were observed. The highest incidence of whitefly egg spirals, nymphs and adults per leaflet of coconut was observed in September 2021 at Bagherhat followed by October, November and May 2022 while the lowest was in July 2021 at Cox’s Bazar followed by June, January, February 2022 and December 2021. The highest percent (97%) infested tree was recorded in Bagherhat district while the lowest percent infested tree (68%) was in Cox’s Bazar. The highest percent (96.23%) of infested fronds per tree were recorded in Bagherhat district and the lowest percent infested fronds per tree (67.23%) was in Cox’s Bazar. The highest percent (84%) of leaflet area occupied by this insect was recorded in Bagherhat and the lowest percent was in Cox’s Bazar (48%). SAARC J. Agric., 20(2): 183-197 (2022)

Biomass and nitrogen content of petiole and rachis predict leaflet trait variation in compound pinnate leaves of plants

Leaf functional traits play a significant role in the functioning and services of all terrestrial ecosystems. Compound pinnate leaves are divided into smaller leaflets in plants. A better prediction of leaflet trait variation in compound pinnate leaves can help to understand fundamental functional mechanisms for plant leaf evolution and ecosystem from the perspective of compound pinnate leaves. Here, we explored leaflet trait variation in compound pinnate leaves of plants based on biomass and nitrogen content of both petiole and rachis. A detailed field evaluation of leaflet, petiole and rachis from 63 plant species in 364 study plots was conducted across 92 sites along an altitudinal gradient of 1700 m to 4000 m. A generalized hierarchical and variation partitioning in linear mixed modelling was utilized to explore the relationships between leaflet trait variation (i.e., leaflet area, leaflet dry mass, specific leaflet area, and leaflet nitrogen content per unit dry mass) and biomass or nitrogen content of linear elements (i.e., both petiole and rachis). The results showed that the biomass and nitrogen content of linear elements can predict leaflet trait variation in compound pinnate leaves depending on climate and phylogeny. Biomass and nitrogen content of linear elements had the strongest prediction performance on leaflet area and mass in regions with low temperature and high precipitation. Our results showed weak phylogenetic conservatism for the prediction performance of leaf trait variation based on biomass and nitrogen content of linear elements. A potential model was developed to assess leaflet trait variation in compound pinnate leaves based on biomass and nitrogen content of linear elements. These findings will improve our understanding of functional trait variation, climate change impacts on biogeochemical cycles, and plant leaf evolution.

Breaking Seed Dormancy of Prosopis africana Seeds and its Effects on Seedlings Growth under Two Different Savanna Soils Conditions

Forest trees across the tropics can be effectively domesticated and conserved for afforestation programmes after successful overcoming by breaking the dormancy of their seed coats. The study was conducted at Forest Nursery Unit of Federal University Dutsin-Ma to assess the breaking dormancy of Prosopis africana seeds and its effects on seedlings growth under two different savanna soils conditions. A 2x5 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design was used for this experiment in four replicates. The factors were savannah soils locations; (ZA: Zaria soil and DS: Dutsin-ma soil) and pre-sowing treatments; Seeds soaked in 60% diluted Tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid (H2SO4) (A); seeds soaked in hot water at 1000C (HW); seeds soaked in water for 24 hours (W); mechanical scarification (MS); control (C). The data were analyzed using analysis of variance at (P=.05). Zaria soil had significantly higher values (8.55cm, 12.65cm and 17.65cm, 0.15cm and 0.17cm, and 262.05, and 0.12) on seedling heights (SH) at 4-8 weeks after sowing (WAS), collar diameters (CD) at 4-6 WAS, and leaflet areas (LA) at 4 WAS respectively. Mechanically scarified seeds (MS) had consistent significantly higher values (6.54cm, 13.79cm, 19.90cm, 25.13cm and 29.15cm, 0.15cm, 0.19cm, 0.21cm, 0.25cm and 0.29cm, and 0.14, 0.16, 0.19, 0.20 and 0.23) on SH, CD, and LA at 2-10 WAS respectively. It is concluded that seeds sowed in Zaria soil performed better than Dutsin-ma soil, while, mechanical scarification was the best pre-sowing treatment for improved seedlings growth of P. africana seeds.

Population origin determines the adaptive potential for the advancement of flowering onset in Lupinus angustifolius L.(Fabaceae).

In the present framework of global warming, it is unclear whether evolutionary adaptation can happen quick enough to preserve the persistence of many species. Specifically, we lack knowledge about the adaptive potential of the different populations in relation to the various constraints that may hamper particular adaptations. There is evidence indicating that early flowering often provides an adaptive advantage to plants in temperate zones in response to global warming. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the adaptive potential for advancing flowering onset in Lupinus angustifolius L. (Fabaceae). Seeds from four populations from two contrasting latitudes in Spain were collected and sown in a common garden environment. Selecting the 25% of the individuals that flowered earlier in the first generation, over three generations, three different early flowering selection lines were established, involving both self-crosses and outcrosses. All artificial selection lines advanced their flowering significantly with respect to the control line in the northernmost populations, but not in the southern ones. Selection lines obtained from outcrossing had a greater advancement in flowering than those from self-crossing. No differences were found in the number or weight of the seeds produced between control and artificial selection lines, probably because plants in the common garden were drip irrigated. These results suggest that northern populations may have a greater adaptive potential and that southern populations may be more vulnerable in the context of climate warming. However, earlier flowering was also associated with changes in other traits (height, biomass, shoot growth, specific leaflet area, and leaflet dry matter content), and the effects of these changes varied greatly depending on the latitude of the population and selection line. Assessments of the ability of populations to cope with climate change through this and other approaches are essential to manage species and populations in a more efficient way.

Abstract 12425: The Interplay Between Left Atrial and Mitral Valvular Remodeling in Subtypes of Mitral Regurgitation

Background: The interaction between left atrial (LA) mechanics and mitral valve remodeling patterns in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) is poorly described. Objectives: To assess three-dimensional (3D) LA volumes and strain in relation to 3D mitral valve morphology in patients with degenerative vs. functional MR. Methods: Patients included in the 3D-PRIME (3D Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Prognosis in Mitral Regurgitation) study at our heart valve clinic between 2020-2022 and with moderate or severe MR by combined transthoracic/transesophageal assessment were examined. LA remodeling was assessed by 3D maximum and minimum LA volume, reservoir strain (LASr) and contraction strain (LASct). Mitral valve annulus area, anterior and posterior leaflet length and area, tenting volumes and non-planar angle were measured using dedicated 3D mitral valve software. Results: 100 patients with moderate or severe MR were included. Patients with atrial functional MR (n=26) were older, more often women and had higher heart rate compared to degenerative MR (n=54) and ventricular functional MR (n=20) (p &lt;0.05). They also had larger LA volumes and severely impaired LASr and LASct despite smaller MR regurgitation volumes compared to MR by other mechanisms (Figure). Mitral annulus area was comparable between groups, but anterior mitral leaflet was higher, with larger area and the non-planar angle wider in functional MRs (p &lt;0.05). In multivariable analysis, low LASr (below median) was associated with larger LA volume, and higher anterior mitral leaflet height independent of age, sex, heart rate, left ventricular global longitudinal strain, and right ventricular stroke volume (Nagelkerke R 2 0.67, p &lt;0.01). In a similar model, low LASct was only associated with larger LA volumes. Conclusions: Patients with atrial functional MR have large LAs with severely impaired LA function and a specific mitral valve remodeling pattern at lower MR regurgitation volumes.

Morphological and physiological variation of soybean seedlings in response to shade.

Soybean (Glycine max) is a legume species that is widely used in intercropping. Quantitative analyses of plasticity and genetic differences in soybean would improve the selection and breeding of soybean in intercropping. Here, we used data of 20 varieties from one year artificial shading experiment and one year intercropping experiment to characterize the morphological and physiological traits of soybean seedlings grown under shade and full sun light conditions. Our results showed that shade significantly decreased biomass, leaf area, stem diameter, fraction of dry mass in petiole, leaf mass per unit area, chlorophyll a/b ratio, net photosynthetic rate per unit area at PAR of 500 μmol m–2 s–1 and 1,200 μmol m–2 s–1 of soybean seedling, but significantly increased plant height, fraction of dry mass in stem and chlorophyll content. Light × variety interaction was significant for all measured traits, light effect contributed more than variety effect. The biomass of soybean seedlings was positively correlated with leaf area and stem diameter under both shade and full sunlight conditions, but not correlated with plant height and net photosynthetic rate. The top five (62.75% variation explained) most important explanatory variables of plasticity of biomass were that the plasticity of leaf area, leaf area ratio, leaflet area, plant height and chlorophyll content, whose total weight were 1, 0.9, 0.3, 0.2, 0.19, respectively. The plasticity of biomass was positively correlated with plasticity of leaf area and leaflet area but significant negative correlated with plasticity of plant height. The principal component one account for 42.45% variation explain. A cluster analysis further indicated that soybean cultivars were classified into three groups and cultivars; Jiandebaimaodou, Gongdou 2, and Guixia 3 with the maximum plasticity of biomass. These results suggest that for soybean seedlings grown under shade increasing the capacity for light interception by larger leaf area is more vital than light searching (plant height) and light conversion (photosynthetic rate).

SYMMETRIC LEAFLET EXPANSION WITH MILD PROGRESSIVE LEAFLET TETHERING IS A NORMAL DEVELOPMENTAL FEATURE OF TRICUSPID VALVE MATURATION DURING YOUTH: A QUANTITATIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY (3DE) STUDY

SYMMETRIC LEAFLET EXPANSION WITH MILD PROGRESSIVE LEAFLET TETHERING IS A NORMAL DEVELOPMENTAL FEATURE OF TRICUSPID VALVE MATURATION DURING YOUTH: A QUANTITATIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY (3DE) STUDY

Melatonin receptor agonist ramelteon alleviates experimental acute ocular inflammation via HIF-1Α/VEGF/E-NOS signaling.

Ramelteon (RML) is a potent, selective agonist of the high-affinity melatonin receptor 1 and 2 receptors. In addition, RML is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of RML on HIF-1α, VEGF and e-NOS signaling pathway in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU). Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups as controls, lypopolysaccharide (LPS) group (5 mg/kg i.p.), LPS + RML group (5 mg/kg i.p and 8 mg/kg orally, respectively) and RML group (8 mg/kg orally). EIU was induced by a single intraperitoneal LPS injection. Histopathological and genetical analyses were performed. In histopathological analysis, LPS caused mild anterior uveitis characterized by increased surface area of iris leaflets and ciliary body due to edema, mild to moderate congestion, and inflammatory infiltrate 6 h following the injection. The pathological findings were reduced by RML. Higher inflammation levels seen in LPS group were significantly reduced in LPS + RML group. Also, HIF-1 α, eNOS and VEGF expressions increased in LPS and decreased in LPS + RML group. RML treatment reversed the changes in the HIF-1α /eNOS/ VEGF signaling pathway in LPS-induced uveitis in rats, preventing the progression of the damage and showed positive effects.

"Collar-like" neocommissure in mitral valve repair for extensive commissural prolapse.

ObjectivesMitral valve repair for extensive commissural prolapse is complex; several methods have been reported with variable results. To restore the leaflet area, we introduced an innovative and effective method rather than a simple folding technique through reconstructing a neocommissure with a “collar-like” plasty technique.MethodsFrom 2016 to 2021, 62 patients with mitral valve extensive commissural prolapse that received the “collar-like” plasty technique were included.ResultsThe mean age was 51.7 ± 13.8 years, and 38 (61%) were female. Postplasty transesophageal echocardiography showed the mean transvalvular pressure gradients were 3.8 ± 1.2 mm Hg, end diastolic peak flow velocity was 1.1 ± 0.3 m/s, and coaptation height was 7.9 ± 1.1 mm. During the follow-up period of 3 to 6 months, no deaths or cardiovascular-/valvular plasty-related adverse events occurred. All patients regained their heart function and returned to normal physical activities.ConclusionsThe “collar-like” plasty technique can be safely performed for patients with extensive commissural prolapse. Echocardiography revealed that the technique can restore the leaflet area of low transvalvular pressure and flow velocity.

Leaf water potential-dependent leaflet closure contributes to legume leaves cool down and drought avoidance under diurnal drought stress.

Efficient thermoregulation under diurnal drought stress protects leaves from photosystem damage and water supply-demand imbalance, yet the cool effect and drought avoidance by leaflet closure have not been well understood. We investigated the cool effect and the drought avoidance of leaflet closure in legume species that survived in the semi-arid region facing seasonal and diurnal drought stress. The results showed that leaflet closure effectively cooled down legume leaves through a reduction of projected leaflet area and the cosine of the angle of incidence (cos i). The leaflet closure was strongly dependent on leaf water potential (Ψleaf). In addition, by characterizing the sequence of key leaf drought response traits, we found leaflet closure occurred after stomatal closure and reduced transpiration rate but before hydraulic failure and turgor loss point (Ψtlp). The meta-analysis also showed that the leaflet closure and cos i decreased after the stomatal conductance declined but before midday. These results imply that Ψleaf-dependent leaflet closure as an alternative to transpiration for leaflet cooling down and as a protective drought avoidance strategy assisting sessile legume plants survival under drought stress.