bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of laxatives after major abdominal surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dudi-Venkata N N , Seow W , Kroon H M , Bedrikovetski S , Moore J W , Thomas M L , Sammour T 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Recovery of gastrointestinal function is often delayed after major abdominal surgery, leading to postoperative ileus (POI). Enhanced recovery protocols recommend laxatives to reduce the duration of POI, but evidence is unclear. This systematic review aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of laxative use after major abdominal surgery.

Methods
Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and PubMed databases were searched from inception to May 2019 to identify eligible RCTs focused on elective open or minimally invasive major abdominal surgery. The primary outcome was time taken to passage of stool. Secondary outcomes were time taken to tolerance of diet, time taken to flatus, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and readmission to hospital.

Results
Five RCTs with a total of 416 patients were included. Laxatives reduced the time to passage of stool (mean difference (MD) −0·83 (95 per cent c.i. −1·39 to −0·26) days; P = 0·004), but there was significant heterogeneity between studies for this outcome measure. There was no difference in time to passage of flatus (MD −0·17 (−0·59 to 0·25) days; P = 0·432), time to tolerance of diet (MD −0·01 (−0·12 to 0·10) days; P = 0·865) or length of hospital stay (MD 0·01(−1·36 to 1·38) days; P = 0·992). There were insufficient data available on postoperative complications for meta-analysis.

Conclusion
Routine postoperative laxative use after major abdominal surgery may result in earlier passage of stool but does not influence other postoperative recovery parameters. Better data are required for postoperative complications and validated outcome measures.
Revascularization of coronary chronic total occlusions in an infarct‐related artery and recurrence of ventricular arrhythmias among patients with secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Di Marco Andrea , Anguera Ignasi , Nombela‐Franco Luis , Oloriz Teresa , Teruel Luis , Rodriguez Mañero Moisés , Toquero Jorge , León Valentina , Dallaglio Paolo , Perez Guerrero Ainhoa , Salazar Carlos Hernando , Escaned Javier , Asso Abadía Antonio , Gomez Hospital Joan Antoni , Cequier Angel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate whether the revascularization of a coronary chronic total occlusion in an infarct‐related artery (IRACTO) may be associated with lower recurrence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) among patients with a secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).BackgroundIRACTO is increasingly recognized as an independent predictor of VA. It is unknown whether IRACTO revascularization can reduce the burden of VA.MethodsMulticenter observational cohort study that included consecutive patients with prior myocardial infarction and secondary prevention ICD. The primary endpoint was any appropriate ICD therapy.ResultsAmong the 460 patients included, 269 (58%) had at least one IRACTO at the coronary angiogram performed before ICD implantation; of these, 20 (7%) had their IRACTO successfully revascularized (IRACTO‐R) afterwards. During a median follow‐up of 48 months, 229 patients (49%) had at least one appropriate ICD therapy. Patients with IRACTO not revascularized (IRACTO‐NR) had the highest incidence of ICD therapies (65%) while patients with IRACTO‐R had the lowest (10%, p < .001). In the entire cohort, IRACTO‐NR was an independent predictor of appropriate ICD therapies (HR 2.85, p < .001) and appropriate ICD shocks (HR 2.94, p < .001). Among patients with IRACTO at baseline, IRACTO‐R was independently associated with a marked reduction of appropriate ICD therapies (HR 0.12, p = .002) and appropriate ICD shocks (HR 0.21, p = .03).ConclusionsIn patients with prior myocardial infarction and secondary prevention ICD, IRACTO revascularization was independently associated with a markedly lower incidence of appropriate ICD therapies and shocks. These results should be corroborated by larger prospective studies.
Desulfurization and Denitrogenation Processes to Treat Diesel Using Mo(VI)‐Bipyridine Catalysts
Authors: Julião Diana , Gomes Ana C. , Pillinger Martyn , Gonçalves Isabel S. , Balula Salete S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHigh efficiency was found for desulfurization and denitrogenation processes to treat diesel using either the hybrid material {[MoO3(2,2′‐bipy)][MoO3(H2O)]}n or the octanuclear complex [Mo8O22(OH)4(di‐tBu‐bipy)4] (2,2′‐bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, di‐tBu‐bipy = 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) as catalysts. These processes were employed in a single procedure to simultaneously remove sulfur (dibenzothiophene, 4‐methyldibenzothiophene, and 4,6‐dimethyldibenzothiophene) and nitrogen (indole and quinoline) compounds from diesel. A reaction time of two hours was sufficient to achieve at least 99.9 % S removal and 97 % N removal. Furthermore, the catalytic systems presented a high capacity to be reused/recycled for consecutive desulfurization/denitrogenation cycles.
Optimization of the Carbon Content in Copper Phosphide–Carbon Composites for High Performance Sodium Secondary Batteries Using Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kaushik Shubham , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Sato Yuta , Hagiwara Rika 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNegative electrode materials with a large capacity and long cycle life are required for practical large‐scale sodium secondary batteries. Copper phosphide‐carbon composites containing various carbon contents were investigated for this purpose using an ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte. The composites were prepared by a two‐step high energy ball‐milling process: preparation of copper phosphide (CuP2) and composite formation between CuP2 and acetylene black (AB) at different ratios. A CuP2 to Cu3P phase transition was observed at AB contents of 30 and 40 wt%. The sample containing 30 wt% AB gave an optimal electrochemical performance (98.9 % capacity retention, 350 cycles, reversible capacity=358 mAh g−1 at 8000 mA g−1 and 90 °C), and upon cycling at 25 °C, a high capacity retention of 111 % was achieved (350 cycles). Ex situ XRD revealed the reversible conversion of Cu3P and the formation of Na3P during charging. The high performance was attributed to the P−O−C bond and the robust interfacial layer formed in the IL.
Left atrial stiffness in women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease: Novel insight from left atrial feature tracking
Authors: Zamani Sauyeh K. , Samuel Thomas Jake , Wei Janet , Thomson Louise E. J. , Tamarappoo Balaji , Sharif Behzad , Bairey Merz C. Noel , Nelson Michael D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundWomen with signs and symptoms of ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) are at risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); however, the mechanism for HFpEF progression remains unclear. Studies in INOCA have largely focused on left ventricular function. The left atrium serves an important role in maintaining transmitral flow, and is impaired in HFpEF; however, it remains unclear if left atrial function is impaired in INOCA.HypothesisLeft atrial function is progressively worse in INOCA and HFpEF compared to controls.MethodsWe compared 39 reference control subjects to 64 women with INOCA and 22 subjects with HFpEF. Left atrial strain was assessed by feature tracking using magnetic resonance cine images.ResultsPeak left atrial strain was reduced in HFpEF compared to controls (22.9 ± 4.8% vs 25.9 ± 3.2%, P < .01), but similar in INOCA (24.8 ± 4.5%) compared to HFpEF and controls (P = .18). However, left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was elevated in 33% of INOCA participants, suggesting that left atrial stiffness (LVEDP/LA strain) is elevated in a large portion of women with INOCA.ConclusionsTaken together, we interpret these data to support our working hypothesis that INOCA is a pre‐HFpEF state, with left atrial stiffness preceding overt left atrial dysfunction; representing a putative therapeutic target to prevent HFpEF progression in this at‐risk population.
Small‐Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Sterol 14α‐Demethylase (CYP51): Synthesis, Molecular Modelling and Evaluation Against Candida albicans
Authors: Binjubair Faizah A. , Parker Josie E. , Warrilow Andrew G. , Puri Kalika , Braidley Peter J. , Tatar Esra , Kelly Steven L. , Kelly Diane E. , Simons Claire 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFungal infections are a global issue affecting over 150 million people worldwide annually, with 750 000 of these caused by invasive Candida infections. Azole drugs are the frontline treatment against fungal infections; however, resistance to current azole antifungals in C. albicans poses a threat to public health. Two series of novel azole derivatives, short and extended derivatives, have been designed, synthesised and investigated for CYP51 inhibitory activity, binding affinity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against C. albicans strains. The short derivatives were more potent against the C. albicans strains (e. g., MIC 2‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐N‐(2,4‐dichlorobenzyl)‐3‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)propanamide (5 f) <0.03 μg/mL, N‐(4‐((4‐chlorophenyl)sulfonamido)benzyl)‐2‐phenyl‐3‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)propanamide (12 c), 1 μg/mL, fluconazole 0.125 μg/mL) but both displayed comparable enzyme binding and inhibition (5 f Kd 62±17 nM, IC50 0.46 μM; 12 c Kd 43±18 nM, IC50 0.33 μM, fluconazole Kd 41±13 nM, IC50 0.31 μM, posaconazole Kd 43±11 nM, IC50 0.2 μM). The short series had poor selectivity for CaCYP51 over the human homologue, whereas the selectivity of the extended series, for example, compound 12 c, was higher (21.5‐fold) than posaconazole (4.7‐fold) based on Kd values, although posaconazole was more selective (615‐fold) than 12 c (461‐fold) based on IC50 values. Based on inhibitory activity and selectivity profile, the extended series are the better of the two series for further development.
Preparation and Properties of ZnS‐Reinforced ZnS/ZnSe Composites
Authors: Yang Hai , Li Dongxu , Jiang Lipeng , Wei Naiguang , Qian Xun , Liu Xiaohua , Guo Li , Song Zilin , Tian Zhirui , Lu Shujuan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractZnS‐reinforced ZnS/ZnSe composites are prepared by chemical vapor deposition. Scanning electron microscope, transmittance, and bending strength are used to characterize the samples. The schematic diagram of the transmittance model of the double‐layer composite window is used to calculate the theoretical transmittance, and the measured value of the transmittance of ZnS/ZnSe composite material is in good agreement with the calculated value. The effects of interface layer on the optical and mechanical properties of materials are studied in detail. It is found that the interface can affect the transmittance of the composites, but it still maintains a high transmittance, and the influence of interface layer on the transmittance of visible band is more serious than that of infrared band. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the new composite material are significantly improved (35%).
Crop wild relatives in durum wheat breeding: Drift or thrift?
Authors: El Haddad Noureddine , Kabbaj Hafssa , Zaïm Meryem , El Hassouni Khaoula , Tidiane Sall Amadou , Azouz Mounira , Ortiz Rodomiro , Baum Michael , Amri Ahmed , Gamba Fernanda , Bassi Filippo Maria 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCrop wild relatives (CWRs) are an important source of genetic diversity for crop improvement. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of deploying CWRs in durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) van Slageren] breeding. A set of 60 accessions was selected to include cultivars from nine countries, top lines obtained via elite‐by‐elite crossing, and CWR‐derived lines. These accessions were screened for resistance against four major fungal diseases to reveal that CWR‐derived lines are a good source of resistance against Septoria leaf blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici), while they were highly susceptible to tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis). Drought tolerance was assessed at eight environments with contrasting nitrogen levels and tillage practices to reveal a clear superiority of CWR‐derived lines for grain size as well as higher grain yield (GY) under low nitrogen and normal tillage (NT). Temperature‐stress tolerance was assessed at four heat‐stressed environments along the Senegal River to confirm CWR‐derived had up to 42% yield advantage and a higher grain number per spike (GNspk). Combined testing under plastic heat tunnels imposed at the time of flowering also revealed good performance of CWR‐derived lines. However, the CWR‐derived lines had low gluten sedimentation index and poor yellow color compared with cultivars and elite germplasm. High genetic diversity was found in CWR‐derived lines with 75% of individuals having minor allele frequency (MAF) of 40–44% for frequent alleles but low genetic diversity for alleles with low frequency. In addition, 8–13% of the CWR parent genome was retained in the derived progenies, which contributed to improve several phenotypic traits.
Forecasting the legacy of offshore oil and gas platforms on fish community structure and productivity
Authors: Meyer‐Gutbrod Erin L. , Love Milton S. , Schroeder Donna M. , Claisse Jeremy T. , Kui Li , Miller Robert J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThere are currently thousands of offshore platforms in place for oil and gas extraction worldwide, and decommissioning efforts over the next three decades are estimated to cost more than US$200 billion. As platforms reach the end of their useful lifetime, operators and regulatory agencies will assess the environmental impact of potential decommissioning strategies. Among the many factors that will be weighed in preparation for these major economic and engineering challenges is the fate of the fish and invertebrate communities that inhabit the structures underwater. Offshore platforms act as inadvertent artificial reefs, and some are recognized among the most productive fish habitats in the global oceans. We present a model for forecasting changes to fish communities surrounding offshore installations following a series of decommissioning alternatives. Using 24 platforms off southern California, we estimate fish biomass and somatic production under three possible decommissioning scenarios: leave in place, partial removal at 26‐m depth, and complete removal of the platform and underlying shell mound. We used fish density and size data from scuba and submersible surveys of the platforms from 1995–2013 to estimate biomass and annual somatic production. Bottom trawl surveys were used to characterize future fish assemblages at platform sites under the complete‐removal decommissioning scenario. Based on a conservatively modeled extrapolation of the survey data, we found that complete removal of a platform resulted in 95% or more reduction in the average fish biomass and annual somatic production at the site, while partial removal resulted in far smaller losses, averaging 10% or less. In the event that all surveyed platforms are completely removed, we estimated a total loss of more than 28,000 kg of fish biomass in the Southern California Bight. Platform habitats, which attract reef‐dwelling fish species, had minimal overlap in community composition with the surrounding soft‐bottom habitat. To best serve the wide range of stakeholder interests, the site‐specific biomass, productivity and species composition information provided in this study should be incorporated into strategic decommissioning planning. This approach could be used as a model for informing “rigs to reefs” discussions occurring worldwide.
Can polyploidy confer invasive plants with a wider climatic tolerance? A test using Solidago canadensis
Authors: Wan Jizhong , Oduor Ayub M. O. , Pouteau Robin , Wang Beilei , Chen Luxi , Yang Beifen , Yu Feihai , Li Junmin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPolyploidy can cause variation in plant functional traits and thereby generate individuals that can adapt to fluctuating environments and exploit new environments. However, few empirical studies have tested for an association between ploidy level and climatic tolerance of invasive cytotypes relative to conspecific native‐range cytotypes. Here, we used an invasive plant Solidago canadensis to test whether invasive populations had a higher proportion of polyploids, greater height and stem‐base diameter, and occupied a wider range of climatic conditions than conspecific native‐range populations. We also tested whether the invasive populations had overcome genetic founder effects. We sampled a total of 80 populations in parts of the invaded range in China and native range in North America for in situ measurements of plant height and stem‐base diameter in the field and for population genetic and cytotype analyses. To examine climatic correlates, we augmented our field‐sampled data with occurrence records obtained from Global Biodiversity Information Facility. All, except one, of the populations that we sampled in China occurred in a humid subtropical climate. In contrast, the North American populations occurred in humid continental, humid subtropical, and semi‐arid climatic zones. All populations of S. canadensis in China were purely hexaploid, while the North American populations were diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid. The invasive hexaploids were significantly taller and had a larger stem‐base diameter than native hexaploids. Native hexaploids were significantly taller and had larger stem‐base diameter than native diploids. Climatic correlate assessment found that invasive and native populations occupied different climatic envelopes, with invasive populations occurring in warmer and less seasonal climates than native populations. However, there was no significant correlation between ploidy level and climatic envelope of S. canadensis. Molecular phylogeography data suggest reduced genetic founder effects in the invaded range. Overall, these results suggest that polyploidy does not influence S. canadensis climatic tolerance.
eDNA‐based monitoring: Advancement in management and conservation of critically endangered killifish species
Authors: Mauvisseau Quentin , Kalogianni Eleni , Zimmerman Brian , Bulling Mark , Brys Rein , Sweet Michael 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEcosystems are currently changing at unprecedented rates due to anthropogenic influences. Application of appropriate management regimes and mitigation measures requires knowledge of ecological community composition and monitoring of any changes that occur. Environmental DNA‐based monitoring is becoming increasingly common and offers substantial potential as a noninvasive method associated with highly repeatable and reliable results. In this study, we monitored river systems in Western Greece that have been strongly impacted by anthropogenic activities and the spread of an alien invasive fish species, the Eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). This invasive species has been credited as the major cause for the drastic decline of two endemic killifish species (Valencia letourneuxi and Valencia robertae). Here, we investigated the efficacy of an environmental DNA (eDNA‐based) method of detection for all three species, as an alternative to conventional monitoring methods. Initially, a mesocosm experiment provided material for the design and validation of the sampling protocol. This was followed by two sampling periods in the field conducted in autumn 2017 and 2018, comparing the novel eDNA assays with the conventional surveying methods in six and 20 systems, respectively. eDNA detection consistently outperformed the traditional monitoring methods for both V. letourneuxi and V. robertae and was comparable for the invasive G. holbrooki. This supports the now increasing body of literature, highlighting the benefits of species‐specific, targeted eDNA assays for the assessment of threatened and/or invasive species, one which can be utilized by conservation organizations and government bodies alike. However, we note that care should always be taken when designing such tools and strict validation steps should be adhered to, particularly with respect to minimizing the probability of false positives and negatives.
Low‐Temperature Processed Carbon Electrode‐Based Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance and Stability
Authors: Wu Xin , Qi Feng , Li Fengzhu , Deng Xiang , Li Zhen , Wu Shengfan , Liu Tiantian , Liu Yizhe , Zhang Jie , Zhu Zonglong 
Published: May 2020

All‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) have drawn widespread attention for its superior thermal stability. Carbon‐based devices are promising to demonstrate excellent long‐term operational stability due to the hydrophobicity of carbon materials and the abandon of organic hole‐transporting materials (HTMs). However, the difficulty to control the crystallinity process and the poor morphology leads to serious non‐radiative recombination, resulting in low VOC and power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this article, the crystal formation process of all‐inorganic perovskites is controlled with a facile composition engineering strategy. By bromide incorporation, high‐quality perovskite films with large grain and fewer grain boundaries are achieved. As‐prepared perovskite films demonstrate longer carrier lifetime, contributing to lower energy loss and better device performance. Fabricated carbon‐based HTM‐free PVSCs with CsPbI2.33Br0.67 perovskite realized champion PCE of 12.40%, superior to 8.80% of CsPbI3‐based devices, which is one of the highest efficiencies reported for the carbon‐based all‐inorganic PVSCs to date. The high VOC of 1.01 V and FF of 70.98% indicate the significance of this composition engineering method. Moreover, fabricated carbon‐based devices exhibit excellent stability, and unencapsulated device retains over 90% of its initial efficiency under continuous one sun illumination for 250 h in N2 atmosphere and keeps ~84% of its original value after stored in ambient environment with RH 15–20% for 200 h. This work provides a facile way to fabricate high‐performance and stable carbon‐based all‐inorganic PVSCs.
Addition of buttermilk powder improved the rheological and storage properties of low‐fat yogurt
Authors: Zhao Lili , Feng Ran , Mao Xueying 
Published: May 2020

AbstractButtermilk is used widely in dairy products due to its good emulsifying and nutritional properties. In the present study, 0%–4.0% (w/w) buttermilk powder was added to low‐fat yogurt with a constant protein content to investigate its efficacy on the rheological and storage properties of low‐fat yogurt. Buttermilk increased the final titration acidity. Addition of buttermilk decreased the pH at the gelation point, shortened the gelation time, and thus shortened the fermentation period. Storage modulus G', yield stress, yield strain, and compact cross‐links of the microstructure were enhanced greatly with addition of 1.0%‐2.0% (w/w) buttermilk powder. In addition, addition of buttermilk decreased whey separation and increased the viscosity and firmness of low‐fat yogurt during storage. Our findings suggest that the addition of an appropriate amount of buttermilk altered the rheological characteristics and improved the textural and storage properties of low‐fat yogurt.