Aims: One-third of DCM patients experience ventricular tachycardia (VT), but a clear biological basis for this has not been established. The purpose of this study was to identify transcriptome signatures and enriched pathways in the hearts of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with VT. Methods and Results:We used RNA-sequencing in explanted heart tissue from 49 samples: 19 DCM patients with VT, 16 DCM patients without VT, and 14 non-failing controls. We compared each DCM cohort to the controls and identified the genes that were differentially expressed in DCM patients with VT but not without VT. Differentially expressed genes were evaluated using pathway analysis, and pathways of interest were investigated by qRT-PCR validation, Western blot, and microscopy. There were 590 genes differentially expressed in DCM patients with VT that are not differentially expressed in patients without VT. These genes were enriched for genes in the TGFß1 and TP53 signaling pathways. Increased fibrosis and activated TP53 signaling was demonstrated in heart tissue of DCM patients with VT. Conclusions:Our study supports that distinct biological mechanisms distinguish ventricular arrhythmia in DCM patients.

As the demand in the United States for legume crops such as pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] increases, it becomes increasing important to improve yield and extend the area where pigeonpea may suitably be grown. To understand the effect of agricultural management on the leaf physiology, growth, and yield of pigeonpea, a 3-yr (2010-2012) field experiment was conducted in Nashville, TN. A split-split-plot experimental design with two planting dates in years 2010 and 2012, and one late planting in 2011 were used (main plot factor, early and late planting). Four pigeonpea varieties (subplot factor, GA1, GA2, W1, and W3) at three plant densities (sub-subplot factor, 295,500, 145,250, and 96,833 plants/ha) were planted. Maximum leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, plant height, plant stem diameter, leaf area index (LAI), and seed yield were measured. There were significant differences in leaf physiology, growth and yield among varieties, between planting dates, and between years. Leaf transpiration (5.4 mmol H 2 O/m 2 /s) and yield (1048 kg/ha) were higher at early planting than at late planting (4.8 mmol H 2 O/m 2 /s, 2.64, and 629 kg/ha), but height (138 cm) was lower at early planting than at late planting (150 cm). Among varieties, GA2 plants were shorter (131 cm) and had lower LAI (1.61), but produced higher seed yield (1263 kg/ha). Plant density did not show significant influence on leaf physiology, LAI, or yield. All variables measured showed remarkable variation between years. Our results indicated that variety selection and early planting may improve pigeonpea growth and yield in middle Tennessee.

Objectives This systematic review and meta‐analysis compares direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with atrial fibrillation and bioprosthetic valve replacement or repair (BVR). Background The optimal anticoagulation therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation and a history of bioprosthetic valve replacement or repair (BVR) is not well understood. Methods We performed a systematic literature review to identify clinical studies that compared anticoagulation therapies for patients with atrial fibrillation and BVR. The primary outcomes of stroke, major bleeding, and mortality were reported as random effects risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval. No prior ethical approval was required since all data is public. Results Our search yielded 101 potential studies. We included six studies reporting on 1911 patients. There was a lower risk of stroke and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation after BVR treated with DOACs when compared to VKAs with risk ratios of 0.44 (95% CI 0.24–0.82, p < 0.01) and 0.53 (95% CI 0.34–0.83, p < 0.01), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients with atrial fibrillation after BVR treated with DOACs compared to patients treated with VKAs with a risk ratio of 1.12 (95% CI 0.73–1.74, p = 0.60). Conclusion This systematic review and meta‐analysis suggests that DOACs are superior to VKAs with respect to stroke and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation and BVR.