Vein Angle Research Articles

Leaf morphological variation in Betula medwediewii Regel populations from Türkiye

Leaf variations of Betula medwediewii in Türkiye with respect to its distribution pattern were studied because this plant taxon is a Euxine element and a distinct relict species in Türkiye. In this context, the aim of this study is to investigate variations in leaf morphological characteristics within and among B. medwediewii populations in natural distribution areas in Türkiye. Thus, the morphological leaf characteristics of four populations of B. medwediewii growing at different elevations spanning from 1472 to 2065 m.a.s.l in two cities (Artvin and Rize) and four boroughs (Arhavi, Borçka, Murgul, and Çamlıhemşin) of Türkiye were analyzed. The four populations were selected based on their natural distribution and 1,200 leaf samples belonging to 40 individuals were measured with ImageJ. According to the results of correlation analysis, statistically significant relationships were determined among morphological leaf characteristics. Mean values for petiole length (1.16 cm), leaf width (5.11 cm), leaf length (7.96 cm), length of lamina (6.79 cm), leaf area (26.62 cm²), leaf vein angle (54.21°), and number of primary leaf veins (20.03) were determined in all populations. Because B. medwediewii contributes to biodiversity and can preserve the ecological stability of the Turkish forest area, its conservation is crucial.

Application of 4D flow MRI for exploring factors affecting haemodynamics of iliac veins in asymptomatic population.

Haemodynamics plays an important role in the development of vascular disease. There is currently a lack of studies evaluating the characteristics and affecting factors of the iliac vein haemodynamics in clinical practice. The goal of this study was to use 4D flow MRI to explore the haemodynamic characteristics of iliac veins and its affecting factors in an asymptomatic population. Thirty consecutive volunteers without venous-related symptoms or signs underwent four-dimensional postprocessing of their MRI images. Relevant parameters, the demographic data, common iliac vein-inferior vena cava angle, iliac vein area, tortuosity, iliac vein mean flow, mean velocity was computed and analysed. T tests and Spearman's tests were used for analysing. A P value of 0.05 or less was considered significant. Height and iliac vein area were positively correlated with flow, while degree of stenosis, and common iliac-inferior vena cava angle were negatively correlated with that. Degree of stenosis was positively correlated with velocity, but the common iliac-inferior vena cava angle and iliac vein tortuosity were negatively correlated with that. The mean flow and velocity of iliac veins in females were lower than males. The mean flow and velocity of the left iliac veins were lower than those of the right. The height, gender, tortuosity, degree of stenosis, common iliac vein-inferior vena cava angle of the iliac vein are important factors that affect flow and velocity of the iliac veins. There were differences in haemodynamic parameters of the bilateral iliac veins.

Direct tensile damage process of calcite vein shale based on 3D CT reconstruction

AbstractFrom core observations of shales of the Niutitang formation in the northern part of Guizhou Province, China, calcite was often found to act as a natural fracture filler and affect the extension of fractures in hydraulic fracturing. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the tensile mechanical behavior of shales by calcite veins. In this paper, by computed tomography scanning of shales containing calcite veins of different dip angles from the Niutitang formation, a three‐dimensional numerical model reflecting the internal fine structure of the shale was constructed. Direct tensile numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the effect of calcite veins at different angles on the fine‐scale damage process and mechanical properties of shale. The experimental results show that the tensile capacity of the shale increases with the increase in calcite veins. Depending on the dip angle of the calcite vein, the damage pattern of the shale is divided into three types of damage: pull‐off damage along the calcite vein, jagged damage, and horizontal damage perpendicular to the loading method. At high dip angles, the shale damage is more intense and the fracture network more complex. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the acoustic emissions provide a good indication of the microscopic behavior of the shale specimens during the damage process. The box dimension method was used to calculate the fractal dimension of the shale specimens at the final damage, and it was found that the damage was more intense and the fracture network was more complex at high dip angles, and there was an angular threshold.

Applications of leaf architecture characters in delineating selected species and infraspecific taxa of Genus Cucumis L. (Cucurbitaceae)

Leaf venation characters of twelve (12) Cucumis taxa, comprised of eight species, three subspecies, and three varieties were examined to determine patterns of leaf architectural characters and delineate these accessions at the species, subspecies, and variety level. The leaf architecture of twenty-seven accessions representing six taxa were examined and described in this study. Additionally, data on the leaf architecture of another six taxa (represented by 57 accessions) published by Masungsong et al. (2022) were incorporated in the analysis. Results revealed that the twelve (12) taxa of Cucumis primarily varied in blade class, apex angle, primary vein size, secondary vein spacing, tertiary vein angle to primary vein, and areole development. These variations were found consistent with Cucumis species examined in previous studies. A dichotomous key was constructed for the twelve Cucumis taxa using leaf characters derived. Cluster analysis (based on UPGMA) formed two major clusters at 0.130 Gower distance. Cluster I includes Cucumis melo subsp. melo, C. pustulatus, C. melo var. flexuosus, C. melo subsp. agrestis, and C, melo var. texanus which exhibited secondary vein spacing that increases towards the base. while Cluster II is composed of the remaining Cucumis taxa, all displaying irregular secondary vein spacing. Furthermore, sub-clusters were formed based on tertiary vein angle in relation to primary vein, blade class, apex angle, and primary vein size. Results showed that utilizing leaf architecture is an effective technique to describe, characterize and delineate closely related taxa with many similar characters.

Mixed-Mode Crack Propagation in Presence of Vein Fracture in Shale Sample in SCB Test

Mixed-mode fracture toughness refers to the ability of a material to withstand loads and expand under multiple modes of loading. It is usually tested by a semi-circular bend (SCB) to investigate the shale fracture toughness under combined modes of loading, such as tension and shear. When shale samples contain vein fractures, the dimensionless parameters Y1 and Y2 used in the SCB test method can be affected. The finite element method (FEM) was used to conduct a study investigating the impact of the natural fracture angle on the dimensionless parameters Y1 and Y2. The research findings indicate that as the vein fracture angle increases, Y1 and Y2 gradually increase. A construction was made to simulate the propagation path of a mixed-mode crack and compare it under various experimental conditions, utilizing the cohesive zone method (CZM). The results indicate that as the thickness of the vein fracture increases, the propagation path of the fracture becomes more tortuous. When the fracture encounters a vein with lower fracture strength, it will extend the vein fracture propagation. On the other hand, when the fracture encounters a vein with higher fracture strength, it will cross the vein fracture. This research considers the magnitude of the dimensionless stress intensity factor under different vein angles, simulating the crack propagation for varying vein widths and strengths.

CFD Study of the Effect of the Angle Pattern on Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome.

Iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS, or May-Thurner syndrome) occurs due to the compression of the left common iliac vein between the lumbar spine and right common iliac artery. Because most patients with compression are asymptomatic, the syndrome is difficult to diagnose based on the degree of anatomical compression. In this study, we investigated how the tilt angle of the left common iliac vein affects the flow patterns in the compressed blood vessel using three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations to determine the flow fields generated after compression sites. A patient-specific iliac venous CFD model was created to verify the boundary conditions and hemodynamic parameter set in this study. Thirty-one patient-specific CFD models with various iliac venous angles were developed using computed tomography (CT) angiograms. The angles between the right or left common iliac vein and inferior vena cava at the confluence level of the common iliac vein were defined as α1 and α2. Flow fields and vortex locations after compression were calculated and compared according to the tilt angle of the veins. Our results showed that α2 affected the incidence of flow field disturbance. At α2 angles greater than 60 degrees, the incidence rate of blood flow disturbance was 90%. In addition, when α2 and α1 + α2 angles were used as indicators, significant differences in tilt angle were found between veins with laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow (p < 0.05). Using this mathematical simulation, we concluded that the tilt angle of the left common iliac vein can be used as an auxiliary indicator to determine IVCS and its severity, and as a reference for clinical decision making.

Catheter interventional closure of veno-venous collaterals in cyanotic patients after partial cavopulmonary shunts in pediatric patients: clinical practice review.

The development of veno-venous collaterals is an important and treatable cause of cyanosis in patients who had undergone partial cavo-pulmonary connection (PCPC) operations. Nevertheless, the literature on this complicated therapeutic option is sparse. Patients can present cyanosis either immediately after the operation (<30 days), which delays or hinders discharge from the intensive care unit or cyanosis may occur late: (>30 days and/or in another hospital admission), after the operation. Hence, transcatheter closure of veno-venous collaterals is the treatment of choice. Four patients were selected who showed cyanosis at variable durations after PCPC; the morphology of the collaterals and their hemodynamic effect was described and the strategy for closure of such abnormal vessels is suggested. Veno-venous collaterals described in our series were seen originating mainly or mostly from innominate vein angles. The drainage sites were either above the diaphragm into a cardiac structure: the coronary sinus (CS) and/or atria; or below the diaphragm into the inferior vena cava (IVC) or hepatic veins through the paravertebral venous system and/or the azygous system. It is stated in the literature that several types of devices and coils can be used to close the collaterals such as the Amplatzer vascular plugs (AVPs), Amplatzer duct occluder II (ADOII), non-detachable and detachable coils. In this clinical review, the technical details that determine device type and size are explained. The recent generations of hydrogel-coated coils were also used in this series of patients to close the difficult types of collaterals with better results. All described vessels were closed successfully, without any complications. The patients had a significant rise in their transcutaneous oxygen saturations and hence, a clear clinical benefit.

Morphometric and Hemodynamic Analysis of the Compressed Iliac Vein

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the morphological structure and hemodynamic properties of the compressed iliac vein and explore the reason for the formation of thrombosis in the compressed iliac vein. Materials and Methods: A total of 11 patients with iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) were included in this study, and their iliac veins were reconstructed in 3 dimensions (3D). The morphological structures of the iliac veins (confluence angle, degree of stenosis) were analyzed based on the 3D model. Variations in the hemodynamic properties of the iliac vein were investigated at 4 typical moments in one cardiac cycle, and the relationship between the different morphological configurations and the pressure difference was investigated. Results: In the region of the compressed iliac vein, the blood flow velocity is accelerated and the pressure changes abruptly accompanied by the increase in pressure difference. Higher time averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and lower relative residence time (RRT) appeared in stenosis regions of compressed iliac vein, while TAWSS was low and RRT was large near the stenosis position. There was a strong positive correlation between the degree of stenosis and the pressure difference (r=0.894), and a positive correlation between the confluence angle of the iliac vein and the pressure difference (r=0.638). Conclusion: The morphological structure of the compressed iliac vein has an obvious influence on the hemodynamic surroundings; the pressure difference becomes larger when the degree of stenosis and the confluence angle increase. The iliac vein luminal areas with low TAWSS and high RRT near the compressed location can impede blood flow and lead to accumulation of blood components, which may increase the risk of thrombosis formation and should be fully considered in the treatment of IVCS.

Leaf Characterizations of IRR 400 Series, BPM 24, and RRIC 100 Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) Clone Using Leafgram Method

Leaf characterization of rubber clones needs to be done from the start, especially for plants in the budwood garden. This function is to produce genetically pure and original plants. The purpose of this study was to characterize the IRR series 400, RRIC 100, and BPM 24 clones based on leaf character using the leafgram method. The types of clones that were characterized were IRR 425, IRR 428, IRR 429, IRR 434, IRR 440, RRIC 100, and BPM 24. The leaves characterized were the middle leaves of each clone as many as 50 leaves per clone, divided into three replications. The leaf characters observed were length, width, top fold point, center point, left strand, large, apex angle, vein angle, basal angle, apex kite angle, basal kite angle, ratio length/width, ratio length/top fold point, ratio left strand/large/ ratio left strand top fold point, ratio left strand/center point, ratio top fold point/large, ratio top fold point/center point, ratio apex/basal angle, ratio vein/apex angle, ratio vein/basal angle and ratio apex kite/basal kite angle. Data were analyzed using MINITAB 16 software and Microsoft Office 2010. The characterization results showed that the distinguishing characters that can be used as characteristic of characters are width, left strand, apex angle, basal angle, ratio length /width, ratio left strand/top fold point, ratio left strand ratio/center point, ratio top fold point/large, ratio apex/basal angle, ratio vein/apex angle, and ratio vein/ basal angle.

Classifying fifty-seven Cucumis (Cucurbitaceae) accessions into six species using leaf architectural traits

Abstract. Masungsong LA, Alcala AA, Buot IE Jr., Belarmino MM. 2022. Classifying fifty-seven Cucumis (Cucurbitaceae) accessions into six species using leaf architectural traits. Biodiversitas 23: 4006-4017. In gene banks, there are myriads of accessions that need to be studied, grouped, classified and organized to the proper taxon and hence, be able to manage the accessions efficiently. Using leaf architecture traits, it is the objective of this study to determine the identity and classify the 57 Cucumis accessions in the genebank of Hortanova Farm and Research Center, East-West Seed Company, Inc., Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines. Five hundred thirteen Cucumis leaf samples across the 57 accessions were collected, measured, thoroughly investigated, and described using leaf architectural characters. Results of leaf architectural analyses focusing on the blade class, apex angle, secondary vein spacing, tertiary vein angle in relation to primary vein, and areole development, revealed that the 57 accessions can be grouped into six (6) species of Cucumis, namely, C. melo subsp. agrestis (Naudin) Pangalo, C. melo var. texanus Naudin, C. melo var. flexuosus (L.) Naudin, C. zambianus Widrl, J.H.Kirkbr., Ghebret. &amp; K.R.Reitsma, C. sativus L., and C. sativus var. hardwickii (Royle) Gabaev. Cucumis sativus and C. sativus var hardwickii were delineated from the rest of the species for having a macrophyll blade class, an odd lobed acute apex angle and an obtuse tertiary vein angle in relation to the primary vein. This delineation is illustrated in the constructed dichotomous botanical key. Utilizing leaf architecture characters is an effective technique to characterize, identify and classify closely related taxa possessing confusing characters.

Comparative analysis of the leaf architectural characters of Saurauia bontocensis Merr. and Saurauia polysperma (Blanco) Merr. with the application of Digital Image Analysis Software

Abstract. Daipan BPO, Buot IE Jr., Daipan HMO. 2022. Comparative analysis of the leaf architectural characters of Saurauia bontocensis Merr. and Saurauia polysperma (Blanco) Merr. with the application of Digital Image Analysis Software. Biodiversitas 23: 3869-3875. Major confusion still exists among several authors concerning the taxonomy of the dagwey plant. This species is economically significant to the Ikalahan tribe of Luzon, Philippines. Several papers claimed that the plant is Saurauia bontocensis, while others stated that it is Saurauia subglabra. Many botanical websites claimed that S. subglabra is synonymous with S. polysperma, while another article distinguished S. subglabra from S. polysperma. Thus, to help resolve the taxonomic ambiguities, this paper performed a comparative analysis of the leaf architectural characters of S. bontocensis and S. polysperma with the aid of digital image analysis software and cluster analysis. Results revealed that the blade characters alone, delineate the two species, particularly, in terms of the laminar size, shape, symmetry, leaf L:W ratio, base and apex angle, and base shape. Additionally, the leaf venation characters delineate the two species, specifically, on the 2º to 5º vein categories, 2º vein angle, 3º vein course, 3º vein angle to 1º, areolation, freely ending ultimate veins, marginal ultimate venation, and leaf rank. Generally, S. bontocensis have larger, longer, and wider leaves compared with the S. polysperma. The leaf architecture analysis performed in this paper produced a very promising result in differentiating the two Saurauia species and could be used to address some of the taxonomic confusion of these species. The study indicated that S. bontocensis and S. polysperma are two distinct species. Moreover, the use of digital image analysis software was very helpful in the computations of the various blade characters, particularly the digital herbarium exsiccate in the absence of actual leaf samples.

Study of coronary sinus anatomy during levophase of coronary angiography.

BACKGROUNDCoronary sinus (CS) imaging has recently gained importance due to increasing need for mapping and ablation of electrophysiological arrhythmias and left ventricular (LV) pacing during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Retrograde venogram is the current standard for imaging CS and its tributaries. AIMTo evaluate CS anatomy during levophase of routine coronary angiography to aid LV lead implantation during CRT.METHODSIn this prospective observational study, 164 patients undergoing routine coronary angiography for various indications (Chronic stable angina-44.5%, acute coronary syndrome- 39.5%, Dilated cardiomyopathy-11%, atypical chest pain-5%) were included. Venous phase (levophase) of left coronary injection was recorded in left anterior oblique - cranial and right anterior oblique -cranial views. Visibility of coronary veins, width and shape of CS ostium, angulations of proximal CS with body of CS were noted. Presence, size, take-off angle and tortuosity of posterolateral vein (PLV), anterior interventricular veins (AIV) and middle cardiac vein (MCV) were also noted.RESULTSDuring levophase, visibility grade (Muhlenbruch grade) for coronary veins was 3 in 74% and 2 in 26% of cases. Visibility of CS did not correlate with body mass index. The diameter of CS ostium was < 10 mm, 10-15 mm and > 15 mm in 48%, 42% and 10% of patients respectively. Proximal CS was tubular in 136 (83%) patients and funnel-shaped in 28 (17%) patients. Sharp take-off angulation between ostium and body of CS was seen in 16 (10%) patients. Two or more PLV were present in 8 patients while PLV was absent in 52 (32%) patients. Angle of take-off of PLV with body of CS was favourable (0°-45°) in 65 (40%) patients. The angle was 45°-90° in 36 patients and difficult take-off angle (> 90°) was seen in 8 patients. Length of PLV reached distal third of myocardium in 84 cases and middle third in 11 cases. There was no tortuosity in 79 cases, a single bend in 29 cases and more than 2 bends in 4 cases. Thirty nine (24%) patients had other veins supplying posterior/Lateral wall of LV. There was a single vein supplying lateral/posterior wall in 31 (19%) patients. Diameter of MCV and AIV was significantly larger in patients with absent PLV as compared to patients with a PLV. CONCLUSIONLevophase study of left coronary injection is effective in visualization of the CS in almost all patients undergoing coronary angiography and may be an effective alternative to retrograde venogram in patients with LV dysfunction or LBBB.

Fracture behavior of shale containing two parallel veins under semi-circular bend test using a phase‐field method

The parallel veins that often exist in shale remarkably impact its fracture process and patterns, causing the uncontrollability of fracture networks in the extraction of shale gas. The phase-field method (PFM) was validated to be feasible for modelling the complicated fracture propagation in the shale samples with a single vein under semi-circular bend (SCB) test based on the experiment of Lee et al. (2015) [1]. The serial extended SCB tests were numerically carried out using PFM to understand the impacts of two parallel veins on fracture behavior of shale. The analyzed sensitivity factors include the geometrical and distributional parameters concerning the vein approach angle, the vein spacing and sample size, as well as the deformation and strength properties concerning Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and fracture toughness. The approach angle and spacing of parallel veins significantly affect the fracture behavior and the distribution of damage zone. Three patterns of the SCB sample with two parallel veins are observed and mainly controlled by the approach angle of vein. The spacing between two parallel veins has an important effect only on the fracture propagation. The damage in veins appears in before the crack propagating into them, indicating that the defective veins play a “guide” role to the fracture propagation.

Population Analysis of Diospyros lotus in the Northwestern Caucasus Based on Leaf Morphology and Multilocus DNA Markers.

Diospyros lotus is the one of the most frost-tolerant species in the Diospyros genera, used as a rootstock for colder regions. Natural populations of D. lotus have a fragmented character of distribution in the Northwestern Caucasus, one of the coldest regions of Diospyros cultivation. To predict the behavior of D. lotus populations in an extreme environment, it is necessary to investigate the intraspecific genetic diversity and phenotypic variability of populations in the colder regions. In this study, we analyzed five geographically distant populations of D. lotus according to 33 morphological leaf traits, and the most informative traits were established, namely, leaf length, leaf width, leaf index (leaf to length ratio) and the length of the fourth veins. Additionally, we evaluated the intraspecific genetic diversity of D. lotus using ISSR and SCoT markers and proposed a new parameter for the evaluation of genetic polymorphism among populations, in order to eliminate the effect of sample number. This new parameter is the relative genetic polymorphism, which is the ratio of polymorphism to the number of samples. Based on morphological and genetic data, the northernmost population from Shkhafit was phenotypically and genetically distant from the other populations. The correspondence between several morphological traits (leaf width, leaf length and first to fifth right vein angles) and several marker bands (SCoT5, SCoT7, SCoT30: 800–1500 bp; ISSR13, ISSR14, ISSR880: 500–1000 bp) were observed for the Shkhafit population. Unique SCoT and ISSR fragments can be used as markers for breeding purposes. The results provide a better understanding of adaptive mechanisms in D. lotus in extreme environments and will be important for the further expansion of the cultivation area for persimmon in colder regions.

Computer-Aided Detection of Retinopathy of Prematurity Severity in Preterm Infants via Measurement of Temporal Vessel Width and Angle.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal disorder that occurs in preterm infants with low birth weight and is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children. Early identification of high-risk patients and early diagnosis and timely treatment of ROP can substantially improve patients' visual outcomes. However, manual screening consumes both time and resources. Telescreening using retinal fundus images has the potential to reduce the burden engendered by the necessity of on-site screening. Recently, substantial progress has been made in using computer-aided diagnosis with retinal fundus images, and this approach has attracted considerable attention for the diagnosis of eye diseases. Abnormalities of and alterations in retinal blood vessels may relate to the occurrence and progression of ROP. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that ROP severity may be associated with the angle and width of arteries and veins. We computationally determined the artery–artery and vein–vein angles in the temporal quadrants—the temporal artery angle (TAA) and temporal vein angle (TVA)—under normal conditions and in different ROP stages. We also estimated retinal vessel width—temporal artery width (TAW) and temporal vein width (TVW)—by applying the Radon transform method to fundus images. Our results revealed significant decreases in TAA and TVA and increases in TAW and TVW with increasing ROP severity (all P < 0.0001).In addition, we observed positive TAA–TVA and TAW–TVW correlations (both P < 0.0001). The TAA was negatively correlated with the TAW (r = −0.162, P = 0.0314). These retinal vessel features may be useful in assisting ophthalmologists in the early detection of ROP and its progression.

Anatomic Variation of Type III Right Testicular Venous Drainage: A Case Report

The testicular vein exhibits variations in number, course, and insertion. Such differences may enhance the risk of varicocele and complication in patients by impairing testicular drainage. The following is a case report of the abnormal drainage of the right testicular vein (RTV) draining into the right renal vein (RRV). The incidence, course, insertion, and termination angle of the testicular veins were measured with a 150 mm digital Vernier dial microcaliper, and photographs were taken by Canon EOS 70D using a 100mm macro lens. In one out of seven cadavers (14.28%), the right testicular vein (RTV) drained into the right renal vein (RRV) (Type III) rather than into the inferior vena cava (IVC) at a 90° angle 0.4 cm from the IVC. The double (medial and lateral) left testicular veins (LTV) drained into the left renal vein (LRV) at a 62° angle 5 cm from the IVC. The understanding of type III RTV drainage or course can provide crucial data for surgeons in order to prevent complications during right-sided varicocele surgery.

Morphological and biochemical responses of tropical seagrasses (Family: Hydrocharitaceae) under colonization of the macroalgae Ulva reticulata Forsskål.

BackgroundCoastal land development has deteriorated the habitat and water quality for seagrass growth and causes the proliferation of opportunist macroalgae that can potentially affect them physically and biochemically. The present study investigates the morphological and biochemical responses of seagrass from the Hydrocharitaceae family under the macroalgal bloom of Ulva reticulata, induced by land reclamation activities for constructing artificial islands.MethodsFive seagrass species, Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila ovalis, Halophila major, and Halophila spinulosa were collected at an Ulva reticulata-colonized site (MA) shoal and a non-Ulva reticulata-colonized site (MC) shoal at Sungai Pulai estuary, Johor, Malaysia. Morphometry of shoots comprising leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW), leaf sheath length (LSL), leaflet length (LTL), leaflet width (LTW), petiole length (PL), space between intra-marginal veins (IV) of leaf, cross vein angle (CVA) of leaf, number of the cross vein (NOC), number of the leaf (NOL) and number of the leaflet (NOLT) were measured on fresh seagrass specimens. Moreover, in-situ water quality and water nutrient content were also recorded. Seagrass extracts in methanol were assessed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical cation scavenging activity (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP).ResultsSeagrasses in the U. reticulata-colonized site (MA) had significantly higher (t-test, p < 0.05) leaf dimensions compared to those at the non-U. reticulata colonized site (MC). Simple broad-leaved seagrass of H. major and H. ovalis were highly sensitive to the colonization of U. reticulata, which resulted in higher morphometric variation (t-test, p < 0.05) including LL, PL, LW, and IV. Concerning the biochemical properties, all the seagrasses at MA recorded significantly higher (t-test, p < 0.05) TPC, TFC, and ABTS and lower DPPH and FRAP activities compared to those at MC. Hydrocharitaceae seagrass experience positive changes in leaf morphology features and metabolite contents when shaded by U. reticulata. Researching the synergistic effect of anthropogenic nutrient loads on the interaction between seagrasses and macroalgae can provide valuable information to decrease the negative effect of macroalgae blooms on seagrasses in the tropical meadow.

New Radiomic Markers of Pulmonary Vein Morphology Associated With Post-Ablation Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation.

Objective: To identify radiomic and clinical features associated with post-ablation recurrence of AF, given that cardiac morphologic changes are associated with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), and initiating triggers of AF often arise from the pulmonary veins which are targeted in ablation. Methods: Subjects with pre-ablation contrast CT scans prior to first-time catheter ablation for AF between 2014–2016 were retrospectively identified. A training dataset (D1) was constructed from left atrial and pulmonary vein morphometric features extracted from equal numbers of consecutively included subjects with and without AF recurrence determined at 1 year. The top-performing combination of feature selection and classifier methods based on C-statistic was evaluated on a validation dataset (D2), composed of subjects retrospectively identified between 2005–2010. Clinical models (n}{}text{M}_{mathrm {C}}n) were similarly evaluated and compared to radiomic (n}{}text{M}_{mathrm {R}}n) and radiomic-clinical models (n}{}text{M}_{mathrm {RC}}n), each independently validated on D2. Results: Of 150 subjects in D1, 108 received radiofrequency ablation and 42 received cryoballoon. Radiomic features of recurrence included greater right carina angle, reduced anterior-posterior atrial diameter, greater atrial volume normalized to height, and steeper right inferior pulmonary vein angle. Clinical features predicting recurrence included older age, greater BMI, hypertension, and warfarin use; apixaban use was associated with reduced recurrence. AF recurrence was predicted with radio-frequency ablation models on D2 subjects with C-statistics of 0.68, 0.63, and 0.70 for radiomic, clinical, and combined feature models, though these were not prognostic in patients treated with cryoballoon. Conclusions: Pulmonary vein morphology associated with increased likelihood of AF recurrence within 1 year of catheter ablation was identified on cardiac CT. Significance: Radiomic and clinical features-based predictive models may assist in identifying atrial fibrillation ablation candidates with greatest likelihood of successful outcome.

Variation in leaf morphology of Quercus pontica natural populations in Turkey

Quercus pontica K.Koch is a relict plant species which is classified as vulnerable (VU) in Turkey. Within the scope of this study it needed to be investigated are there variations in leaf morphological characteristics within and among Q. pontica populations. Variation in leaf traits in relation to seven different natural provinces was identified. In total, 99 individuals were selected, and 30 leaves were collected from each shrub to determine leaf variations in Q. pontica populations. Mean values for petiole length (1.07 cm), leaf length (17.13 cm), lamina length (16.13 cm), leaf width (8.10 cm), leaf area (93.76 cm2), leaf vein angle (54.22 degree), total number of primary veins (38.72), total number of teeth (40.73), petiole ratio (6.34%), relative length of lamina at largest width (50.50%), and percentage of venation (98.65%) were determined in all populations. The results of the analysis of variance showed significant differences (p&lt; 0.01) among individuals within populations for all leaf characteristics. Variations among populations were detected by cluster analysis and principal components analysis. According to the analysis results, the 11 populations were grouped in three categories. Using correlation analysis, statistically significant relationships between leaf traits were determined. In this study, we detected no significant relationship between environmental factors (altitude, aspect, annual temperature and annual precipitation) and leaf traits. Key words: leaf morphology, Quercus pontica, relict, variation

Quantitative and qualitative frond analysis of the fern Cladophlebis: Distinguishing morphotypes from the Barremian locality of Las Hoyas (southwestern Iberia Basin, Cuenca, Spain)

Cladophlebis is a very variable form genus of Mesozoic fern foliage. At the Spanish Konservat Lagerstätte of Las Hoyas (upper Barremian), several pinnae that could be assigned to this genus have been unearthed. The identification of different species is complicated due to the high morphological disparity of the sample. Therefore, a quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed using 16 different characters that were explored by means of a Principal Component Analysis, resulting in the identification of three different morphotypes that closely agree with the descriptions of three previously proposed Cladophlebis species: Cladophlebis albertsii, Cladophlebis browniana, and Cladophlebis dunkeri. Characters related to vein angles and their combination are shown to be important in the differentiation of Cladophlebis species and add to the previous diagnosis of Cladophlebis albertsii. The preservation and distribution of the morphotypes in the locality were also studied, and are coherent with variations in humidity, reflected by the water column level. This suggests that ecological differences as a cause for the disparity observed in Cladophlebis from Las Hoyas cannot be ruled out.