bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of beta‐lactoglobulin/sodium alginate dry films
Authors: Báez Germán D. , Llopart Emilce E. , Berino Romina P. , Moro Andrea , Verdini Roxana A. , Busti Pablo A. , Delorenzi Néstor J. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryOptimum beta‐lactoglobulin/sodium alginate dry films (β‐LG/SA(S)) formed from casting solutions containing β‐LG 1.25% (w/v) and SA 1% (w/v) showed appropriate characteristics to be easily handled. SEM micrographs showed a less homogeneous microstructure of this films respect to sodium alginate dry films used as control (SA(F)). Tensile strength of 18 MPa and an elongation value of 5% were obtained for β‐LG/SA(S). DSC thermograms did not demonstrate changes in thermal properties of SA in presence of β‐LG. Studies based on fluorescence quenching by acrylamide did not show variations in the tertiary structure of β‐LG when β‐LG/SA(S) were dissolved in an aqueous environment. In addition, binding properties of the protein were similar to the native one when an alquilsulfonate compound was used as ligand. The maintenance of native binding properties of β‐LG after the films’ dissolution would allow the development of new carriers for food bioactive compounds based on β‐LG/SA(S) dry films.
A review on instant controlled pressure drop technology – a strategic tool for extraction of bioactive compounds
Authors: Chaudhary Nisha , Dangi Priya , Chaudhary Vandana , Dewan Aastha , Sharma Sujata Pandit , Poonia Amrita , Kumar Manoj 
Published: October 2021

SummaryBioactive compounds are the naturally derived extra‐nutritional components with diversified arrangement and functionality, which makes them a promising source for the fabrication of functional foods, nutraceuticals and food additives. Extraction of these compounds by traditional techniques is a cumbersome process, which yields product with compromised quality and poor efficiency besides huge investment in terms of energy and time. This urges an acute need to develop an improved method that ensures the nutritional and organoleptic quality of these bioactive components is better preserved. Instant controlled pressure drop is one such novel and sustainable technique that allows the raw materials to be treated at high pressure and temperature first and latterly followed by an abrupt pressure drop towards a vacuum. The induced thermo‐mechanical effects in the sample ensure boost in availability and extractability of high‐value bioactive compounds. This technique has found numerous applications in food industry such as a pre‐treatment in drying and freezing of food product, enhanced extraction of bioactive compounds and to improve the colour, odour and texture quality of a variety of food products. This review article will emphasise on all these aspects of instant controlled pressure drop technology.
The effect of auxins on amelioration of heat stress‐induced wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain loss
Authors: Abeysingha Dhanuja N. , Ozga Jocelyn A. , Strydhorst Sheri , Doyle Patrick , Iqbal Muhammad , Yang Rong‐Cai , Reinecke Dennis M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHigh temperature stress during the reproductive growth stage of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) can cause extensive yield losses. As the plant hormone auxin is a key regulator of reproductive development, we studied the effect of auxins on grain yield in five wheat lines exposed to moderate heat stress (34–35°C) for 6 h per day for 6 days during early flowering (booting stage to anthesis). ‘CDC Go’, a semi‐dwarf (Rht‐B1b) cultivar, responded to auxin application (1 µM) by producing higher grain number and yield under control and heat stress conditions. The effect of five different auxins on grain yield in ‘CDC Go’ was dependent on spike developmental stage at application and position within the spike, with 4‐Cl‐IAA at 1 µM being the most effective auxin treatment. The presence of Rht dwarfing mutant alleles of Rht‐B1 and Rht‐D1 alone did not increase auxin‐induced grain yield when tested in lines isogenic for these alleles. In the field, 4‐Cl‐IAA (1 µM) increased grain yield by 6%–8% only in ‘CDC Go’, one of six hard red spring wheat cultivars tested over two growing seasons in the western Canadian prairies. When 4‐Cl‐IAA application increased grain yield and number, the grain protein content was not affected; when it maintained grain yield in plants with lower biomass, grain protein content was reduced. Our field results suggested that both genotype and environment affect auxin‐induced enhancement of wheat grain yield. We recommend testing target environments with heat stress as a focus of a breeding programme along with further testing of auxin as a crop enhancement tool.
Surface structure and quenching effects in BiFeO3‐BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Wang Bing , Li Yizhe , Hall David A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe structure and properties of Mn‐doped 0.67BiFeO3‐0.33BaTiO3 ceramics are systematically investigated with respect to the effects of annealing prior to rapid cooling by quenching in air. Air‐quenching induces a change in crystal structure from pseudo‐cubic to rhombohedral, with higher quenching temperatures leading to an increased rhombohedral distortion. These structural changes are correlated with the appearance of more well‐defined ferroelectric domain configurations. It is shown that the surface preparation procedures for XRD measurements can induce significant changes in the peak profiles, indicating differences in crystal structure between the surface and bulk regions. Frequency dispersion in the temperature‐dependent relative permittivity for the as‐sintered sample is significantly reduced after quenching, accompanied by enhancement of the Curie point and improved temperature‐stability of piezoelectric properties. It is proposed that the formation of defect clusters by A‐site cation diffusion during cooling is circumvented by quenching, leading to the observed modification of structural distortion and ferroelectric properties.
Novel approach to intracardiac defibrillator placement in patients with atriopulmonary Fontan: Ventricular defibrillation with an atrial positioned ICD lead
Authors: Padanilam Mathew S. , Ahmed Asim S. , Clark Brad A. , Mozes Joshua I. , Steinberg Leonard A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe Fontan procedure, used to palliate univentricular physiology, eliminates direct venous access to the ventricle and complicates implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) placement.Methods and ResultsWe describe two patients with Fontan palliation who underwent a novel transvenous approach to ICD placement. The approach uses a transvenous bipolar lead placed in a coronary sinus branch for ventricular sensing, and a defibrillation lead placed in the right atrium for atrial sensing and ventricular defibrillation.ConclusionTransvenous ICD implantation is possible in some patients with an atriopulmonary Fontan. This approach avoids a redo sternotomy for epicardial leads and excludes the need for lead placement in the systemic circulation.
His‐Purkinje conduction system pacing: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis in bradycardia and conduction disorders
Authors: Qu Qiang , Sun Jin‐Yu , Zhang Zhen‐Ye , Kan Jun‐Yan , Wu Li‐Da , Li Feng , Wang Ru‐Xing 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundHis‐Purkinje conduction system pacing (HPCSP) has emerged as an effective alternative to overcome the limitations of right ventricular pacing (RVP) via physiological left ventricular activation, but there remains a paucity of comparative information for His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP).MethodsA Bayesian random‐effects network analysis was conducted to compare the relative effects of HBP, LBBP, and RVP in patients with bradycardia and conduction disorders. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched from database inception until September 21, 2021.ResultsTwenty‐eight studies involving 4160 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. LBBP significantly improved success rate, pacing threshold, pacing impedance, and R‐wave amplitude compared with HBP. LBBP also demonstrated a nonsignificant trend towards superior outcomes of lead complications, heart failure hospitalization, atrial fibrillation, and all‐cause death. However, HBP was associated with significantly shorter paced QRS duration relative to LBBP. Despite higher success rates, shorter procedure/fluoroscopy duration, and fewer lead complications, patients receiving RVP were more likely to experience reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, longer paced QRS duration, and higher rates of heart failure hospitalization than those receiving HPCSP. No statistical differences were observed in the remaining outcome measures.ConclusionsThis network meta‐analysis demonstrates the efficacy and safety of HPCSP for the treatment of bradycardia and conduction disorders, with differences in pacing parameters, electrophysiology characteristics, and clinical outcomes between HBP and LBBP. Larger‐scale, long‐term comparative studies are warranted for further verification.
Characterization of the electrophysiological substrate in patients with Barlow's disease
Authors: Vergara Pasquale , Scarfò Iside , Esposito Antonio , Colantoni Caterina , Palmisano Anna , Altizio Savino , Falasconi Giulio , Pannone Luigi , Lapenna Elisabetta , Gulletta Simone , Alfieri Ottavio , Castiglioni Alessandro , Maisano Francesco , De Bonis Michele , Della Bella Paolo , La Canna Giovanni 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundMyxomatous mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and mitral‐annular disjunction (Barlow disease) are at‐risk for ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Fibrosis involving the papillary muscles and/or the infero‐basal left ventricular (LV) wall was reported at autopsy in sudden cardiac death (SCD) patients with MVP.ObjectivesWe investigated the electrophysiological substrate subtending VA in MVP patients with Barlow disease phenotype.MethodsTwenty‐three patients with VA were enrolled, including five with syncope and four with a history of SCD. Unipolar (Uni < 8.3 mV) and bipolar (Bi < 1.5 mV) low‐voltage areas were analyzed with electro‐anatomical mapping (EAM), and VA inducibility was evaluated with programmed ventricular stimulation (PES). Electrophysiological parameters were correlated with VA patterns, electrocardiogram (ECG) inferior negative T wave (nTW), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance.ResultsPremature ventricular complex (PVC) burden was 12 061.9 ± 12 994.6/24 h with a papillary‐muscle type (PM‐PVC) in 18 patients (68%). Twelve‐lead ECG showed nTW in 12 patients (43.5%). A large Uni less than 8.3 mV area (62.4 ± 45.5 cm2) was detected in the basal infero‐lateral LV region in 12 (73%) patients, and in the papillary muscles (2.2 ± 2.9 cm2) in 5 (30%) of 15 patients undergoing EAM. A concomitant Bi less than 1.5 mV area (5.0 ± 1.0 cm2) was identified in two patients. A history of SCD, and the presence of nTW, and LGE were associated with a greater Uni less than 8.3 mV extension: (32.8 ± 3.1 cm2 vs. 9.2 ± 8.7 cm2), nTW (20.1 ± 11.0 vs. 4.1 ± 3.8 cm2), and LGE (19.2 ± 11.7 cm2 vs. 1.0 ± 2.0 cm2, p = .013), respectively. All patients with PM‐PVC had a Uni less than 8.3 mV area. Sustained VA (ventricular tachycardia 2 and VF 2) were induced by PES only in four patients (one with resuscitated SCD).ConclusionsLow unipolar low voltage areas can be identified with EAM in the basal inferolateral LV region and in the papillary muscles as a potential electrophysiological substrate for VA and SCD in patients with MVP and Barlow disease phenotype.
Ventricular arrhythmia ablation in the presence of mechanical valve utilization and complications of catheter ablation for ventricular arrhythmia in patients with mechanical prosthetic valves
Authors: Rozen Guy , Elbaz‐Greener Gabby , Andria Nizar , Heist E. Kevin , Ruskin Jeremy N. , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Carasso Shemy , Birati Edo , Amir Offer , Marai Ibrahim 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation (CA) for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) is increasingly utilized in recent years. We aimed to investigate the nationwide trends in utilization and procedural complications of CA for VAs in patients with mechanical valve (MV) prosthesis.MethodsWe drew data from the US National Inpatient Sample database to identify cases of VA ablations, including premature ventricular contraction and ventricular tachycardia, in patients with MVs, between 2003 and 2015. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and the incidence of catheter ablation complications, mortality, and length of stay were analyzed. We compared the outcomes to a propensity‐matched cohort of patients without prior valve surgery.ResultsThe study population included a weighted total of 647 CA cases in patients with prior MVs. The annual number of ablations almost doubled, from 34 ablations on average during the “early years” (2003–2008) to 64 on average during the “late years” (2009–2015) of the study (p = .001). Length of stay at the hospital did not differ significantly between patients with MVs and 649 matched patients without prior MVs (5.4 ± 0.4, 4.7 ± 0.3 days, respectively, p = .12). The data revealed a trend toward a higher incidence of complications (12.6% vs. 7.5% respectively, p = .14) and mortality (3.7% vs. 0.7%, respectively, p = .087) among patients with MVs compared to the matched control group, not reaching statistical significance.ConclusionThe data show increased utilization of VA ablations in patients with MVs and a trend toward a higher incidence of in‐hospital mortality and complications compared to the propensity‐matched control group without MVs.
Effect of DrOnedarone on atrial fibrosis progression and atrial fibrillation recurrence postablation: Design of the EDORA randomized clinical trial
Authors: Marrouche Nassir F. , Dagher Lilas , Wazni Oussama , Akoum Nazem , Mansour Moussa , El Hajjar Abdel Hadi , Bhatnagar Arezu , Hua He ,   the EDORA Investigators
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation is associated with worse outcomes and quality of life. Left atrial (LA) structural remodeling provides the essential substrate for AF perpetuation. Baseline extent and the progression of LA fibrosis after ablation are strong predictors of postprocedural AF recurrence. Dronedarone is an antiarrhythmic drug proven to efficiently maintain sinus rhythm.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate the effect of the antiarrhythmic drug Dronedarone in decreasing LA fibrosis progression and AF recurrence after ablation of AF patients.MethodsEDORA (NCT04704050) is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients with persistent or paroxysmal AF undergoing AF ablation will be randomized into Dronedarone versus placebo/standard of care. The co‐primary outcomes are the recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (AA) within 13 months of follow‐up after ablation and the progression of left atrial fibrosis postablation. All patients will receive a late‐gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging at baseline, 3‐ and 12‐month follow‐up for the quantification of LA fibrosis and ablation‐related scarring. AA recurrence and burden will be assessed using a 30‐day ECG patch every 3 months with daily ECG recordings in between. Quality of life improvement is assessed using the AFEQT and AFSS questionnaires.ConclusionEDORA will be the first trial to assess the progression of LA structural remodeling after ablation and its association with Dronedarone treatment and ablation success in a randomized controlled fashion. The trial will provide insight into the pathophysiology of AF recurrence after ablation and may provide potential therapeutic targets to optimize procedural outcomes.
Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on serum levels of selenoprotein P and organ‐specific insulin sensitivity in humans with dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Takeshita Yumie , Teramura Chisato , Kamoshita Kyoko , Takayama Hiroaki , Nakagawa Hiromi , Enyama Yasufumi , Ishii Kiyo‐Aki , Tanaka Takeo , Goto Hisanori , Nakano Yujiro , Osada Sachie , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Tokuyama Kumpei , Takamura Toshinari 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTAimSelenoprotein P (SeP, encoded by SELENOP in humans) is a hepatokine that causes insulin resistance in the liver and skeletal muscle. It was found that polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) downregulates Selenop expression by inactivating SREBP‐1c. The present study aimed to examine the effect of EPA for 12 weeks on circulating SeP levels and insulin sensitivity in humans with type 2 diabetes.MethodsA total of 20 participants with dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to an EPA (900 mg, twice daily) group and a control group. The primary endpoint was a change in serum SeP levels. Organ‐specific insulin sensitivity in the liver (HGP and %HGP), skeletal muscle (Rd), and adipose tissue (FFA and %FFA) were assessed using a hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp study with stable isotope‐labeled glucose infusion.ResultsSerum SeP levels were not changed in either group at the end of the study. In the EPA group, the changes in SeP levels were positively correlated with the change in serum EPA levels (r = 0.709, P = 0.022). Treatment with EPA significantly enhanced %FFA but not %HGP and Rd. The change in serum EPA levels was significantly positively correlated with the change in %HGP, and negatively correlated with changes in Rd.ConclusionsThe change in serum EPA levels was positively correlated with serum SeP levels, hepatic insulin sensitivity, and negatively with skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in humans with type 2 diabetes. The EPA‐induced enhancement of hepatic insulin sensitivity might be associated with a mechanism independent of serum SeP levels.
Phenotypic plasticity drives phenological changes in a Mediterranean blue tit population
Authors: Biquet Juliette , Bonamour Suzanne , de Villemereuil Pierre , de Franceschi Christophe , Teplitsky Céline 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEarlier phenology induced by climate change, such as the passerines' breeding time, is observed in many natural populations. Understanding the nature of such changes is key to predict the responses of wild populations to climate change. Genetic changes have been rarely investigated for laying date, though it has been shown to be heritable and under directional selection, suggesting that the trait could evolve. In a Corsican blue tit population, the birds' laying date has significantly advanced over 40 years, and we here determine whether this response is of plastic or evolutionary origin, by comparing the predictions of the breeder's and the Robertson‐Price (STS) equations, to the observed genetic changes. We compare the results obtained for two fitness proxies (fledgling and recruitment success), using models accounting for their zero inflation. Because the trait appears heritable and under directional selection, the breeder's equation predicts that genetic changes could drive a significant part of the phenological change observed. We, however, found that fitness proxies and laying date are not genetically correlated. The STS, therefore, predicts no evolution of the breeding time, predicting correctly the absence of trend in breeding values. Our results also emphasize that when investigating selection on a plastic trait under fluctuating selection, part of the fitness‐trait phenotypic covariance can be due to within individual covariance. In the case of repeated measurements, splitting within and between individual covariance can shift our perspective on the actual intensity of selection over multiple selection episodes, shedding light on the potential for the trait to evolve.
Genomically correlated trait combinations and antagonistic selection contributing to counterintuitive genetic patterns of adaptive diapause divergence in Rhagoletis flies
Authors: Calvert McCall B. , Doellman Meredith M. , Feder Jeffrey L. , Hood Glen R. , Meyers Peter , Egan Scott P. , Powell Thomas H. Q. , Glover Mary M. , Tait Cheyenne , Schuler Hannes , Berlocher Stewart H. , Smith James J. , Nosil Patrik , Hahn Daniel A. , Ragland Gregory J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAdaptation to novel environments can result in unanticipated genomic responses to selection. Here, we illustrate how multifarious, correlational selection helps explain a counterintuitive pattern of genetic divergence between the recently derived apple‐ and ancestral hawthorn‐infesting host races of Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae). The apple host race terminates diapause and emerges as adults earlier in the season than the hawthorn host race, to coincide with the earlier fruiting phenology of their apple hosts. However, alleles at many loci associated with later emergence paradoxically occur at higher frequencies in sympatric populations of the apple compared to the hawthorn race. We present genomic evidence that historical selection over geographically varying environmental gradients across North America generated genetic correlations between two life history traits, diapause intensity and diapause termination, in the hawthorn host race. Moreover, the loci associated with these life history traits are concentrated in genomic regions in high linkage disequilibrium (LD). These genetic correlations are antagonistic to contemporary selection on local apple host race populations that favours increased initial diapause depth and earlier, not later, diapause termination. Thus, the paradox of apple flies appears due, in part, to pleiotropy or linkage of alleles associated with later adult emergence and increased initial diapause intensity, the latter trait strongly selected for by the earlier phenology of apples. Our results demonstrate how understanding of multivariate trait combinations and the correlative nature of selective forces acting on them can improve predictions concerning adaptive evolution and help explain seemingly counterintuitive patterns of genetic diversity in nature.
Wear behavior of current computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing composites and reinforced high performance polymers: An in vitro study
Authors: Diken Turksayar Almira Ada , Hisarbeyli Duygu , Seçkin Kelten Özlem , Bulucu Naime Bilinç 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the wear rate of computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) composites, polyetheretherketones and glass ceramics.Material and MethodsOur study groups were prepared from two different resin‐based composites (Brillant Crios, Cerasmart), a glass ceramic (IPS Emax CAD) and reinforced polyetheretherketone (BioHPP) material (n = 10). Premolar teeth were used as antagonists. The specimens, which were subjected to two body wear tests (240,000 cycles, 1.2 Hz, 50N) in the chewing simulator, were scanned with a 3D laser scanner both before and after the wear test. Volume loss and wear depth were determined by means of the obtained images software program. The wear pattern was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Kruskal Wallis test served for analyzing.ResultsThe least volume loss and wear depth were seen in the polyetheretherketone material (0.06 ± 0.04 mm3, 0.02 ± 0.01 mm), while the maximum volume loss was seen in the groups containing resin‐based composite. (p = 0.05). The volume loss value in glass ceramics is between CAD/CAM composites and polyetheretherketone.ConclusionThe behavior of polyetheretherketone against enamel was different from glass ceramics and composite materials in terms of the amount of wear.Clinical SignificancePolyetheretheketone can be considered as an alternative to other chairside materials in terms of wear resistance.