bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracardiac vs transesophageal echocardiography for percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Velagapudi Poonam , Turagam Mohit K. , Kolte Dhaval , Khera Sahil , Gupta Tanush , Garg Jalaj , Abbott J. Dawn , George Isaac , Khalique Omar , Vahl Torsten , Nazif Tamim , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Kodali Susheel , Sommer Robert 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionPercutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is typically performed utilizing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and fluoroscopy. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) can be a suitable alternative to guide implantation. Given the limited data, we performed a meta‐analysis of all studies that compared ICE vs TEE for percutaneous LAAC.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and major scientific conference sessions for published abstracts and manuscripts until 1 August 2018. Studies reporting clinical outcomes comparing TEE vs ICE for endocardial LAAC in human subjects aged greater than or equal to 18 years were included. Two investigators independently extracted the data and individual quality assessment was performed. The analysis was performed using Cochrane Collaboration software, RevMan 5.3.ResultsFive eligible studies consisting of 1157 patients (ICE‐391 patients and TEE‐766 patients) were included. Four studies were retrospective and one was prospective, nonrandomized. Two studies included Watchman, two included the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug/Amulet device, and one included both devices. There was no significant difference in CHA2DS2VASC or HAS‐BLED scores between both groups. There was no significant difference in acute procedural success between ICE vs TEE (risk ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.99‐1.04; P = 0.24). There was no significant difference in fluoroscopy time (mean difference [MD], 1.84 minutes; 95% CI, 0.59‐4.27; P = 0.14) and total procedure time (MD, −5.06 minutes; 95% CI, −24.6‐14.4; P = 0.61) between both groups. There was also no significant difference in complications including pericardial tamponade, device embolization, and stroke between both groups.ConclusionIn our meta‐analysis, ICE was as effective as TEE during percutaneous LAAC.
Predictive factors for residual hypertension following aortic coarctation stenting
Authors: Iriart Xavier , Laïk Jérémy , Cremer Antoine , Martin Claire , Pillois Xavier , Jalal Zakaria , Roubertie François , Thambo Jean‐Benoît 
Published: December 2018

Native coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and recoarctation (reCoA) after initial surgical repair are frequently associated with hypertension (HT). Most CoA cases are amenable to transcatheter balloon angioplasty with stent implantation; however, the impact of stenting on arterial blood pressure (BP) is variable. We carried out a retrospective study to identify the predictive factors for residual HT despite optimal endovascular treatment. Patients who had undergone stent implantation for native CoA or reCoA with a pressure gradient of >20 mm Hg between the upper and lower limbs, between 2007 and 2015, were included. The geometry and level of hypoplasia of the aortic arch were determined by non‐invasive imaging, and BP measurements were performed pre‐ and post‐procedure. Thirty consecutive patients (median age: 18.5 years; 76.7% male) were included. Twenty‐three patients had HT before the procedure and 14 (46.7%) had post‐procedural HT despite optimal endovascular treatment. Residual HT post‐stenting was associated with longer stent length and gothic arch geometry. Age and body mass index (BMI) were also associated with residual HT. The pathologic association of abnormal arch geometry and aortic stent placement may lead to a loss of aortic compliance that is further increased by high BMI and older age. Determination of a patient's aortic arch anatomy and clinical profile can assist in defining those at high risk of residual HT despite optimized isthmic stent implantation.
Modeling and thermodynamic properties of soybean cultivar BRS257 hydration
Authors: Borges Cristiane Wing Chong , de Matos Jorge Luiz Mario , Jorge Regina Maria Matos 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe hydration kinetics were carried out at 30, 40, 50 and 60°C for 510 min. The maximum absorption (389%) was obtained at 50°C after 8 hr and the equilibrium moisture (62.26%) after only 3 hr. The diffusion model exhibited a good fit with to the experimental data R2 > 0.98, p < 4.94% and Def ranged from 0.71 to 2.75 × 10−9 m2/s, demonstrating the dependence of this parameter on temperature. The hydration experiments with colorants indicated a greater water absorption by diffusion at 100 min, the colorant solution reached the center of the grain at 290 min and the equilibrium moisture at 510 min. The SEM analysis showed changes in the conformation of the cells and protein networks. The thermodynamics properties demonstrated that the soybean hydration is associated with exothermic transformations, non spontaneous, temperature sensitive and does not result in a significant increase in the disorder of the system.Practical applicationsThe approach presented in this paper is useful for describing the kinetics and the regime of water absorption during hydration. The mathematical modeling and the study of the mechanism of the water absorption by diffusion, shows new approaches to the development of hydration models, contributing to the development and optimization of the industrial process.
Research on the high hydrostatic pressure and microwave combined inactivation process and the application to boiled bamboo shoots
Authors: Yuan Long , Lu Li‐Xin , Koutsimanis Georgios , Ge Changfeng , Johnson Daniel P. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA new inactivation process that combined a high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) with a microwave (MV) post‐process was studied. The microbial lethal amount of HHP was increased by 2 log after post‐processed by MV. Inactivation model was then established based on the application of the combined process to bamboo shoots and gained a high accuracy. Variance analysis found that pressure holding time was less significant than other parameters and could be reduced to improve the efficiency. Optimization results showed that HHP of 378 MPa for 3 min combined with MV of 20 W/g for 35 s yielded a 4.33 log microbial reduction in bamboo shoots. Furthermore, within equivalent inactivation strength, the deteriorations of the sensory, texture, and vitamin C of samples treated by the combined process were much fewer than those of samples only treated by MV and were close to those of samples only treated by HHP. Meanwhile, the combined process took less time and had higher efficiency.Practical applicationsHHP treatment alone has limited lethal effect on pressure resistant microorganisms. Furthermore, HHP combined with thermal or chemical agents may lead to nutrient loss and discomfort the customers. Therefore, the development of novel combined processes is important for the food industry. This study shows that HPP‐MV combined process has greater inactivation ability and much higher efficiency compared to HHP or MV processes. Meanwhile, this novel inactivation process is suitable for boiled bamboo shoots with few quality damage and is potential for industrial application.
Possible applications of metal nanoparticles in antimicrobial food packaging
Authors: Dobrucka Renata , Ankiel Magdalena 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAntimicrobial packaging is an important kind of active packaging that can release antimicrobial substances in order to enhance the quality and safety of food during extended storage. The development of nanotechnology opens the opportunity for innovation in many industrial sectors, including food packaging. Nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties can act as active components when added to a polymer, leading to a prolonged protective function of food packaging material. The main objective of this work was to present the possible applications of metal nanoparticles in antimicrobial food packaging. The subject matter of this work includes a very significant issue of safety of the packaging made with metal nanoparticles.Practical applicationsMetal nanoparticles have become an important part of our environment. They are applied in many areas of life, including packaging. This work presents some examples of using metal nanoparticles in antimicrobial packaging. This solution allows for preserving the quality and, consequently, safety of the packaged product. In addition, the presence of nanoparticles in polymer matrices improves the durability of packaging materials. Also, metal nanoparticles can improve properties of food packaging material.
Differences in dietary composition between infants introduced to complementary foods using Baby‐led weaning and traditional spoon feeding
Authors: Rowan H. , Lee M. , Brown A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundBaby‐led weaning (BLW) is a method of introducing solid foods to infants, which centres around the infant self‐feeding family foods. BLW has grown in popularity over the last 10 years; however, although research is starting to build around the safety and impact of the method, research examining intake is sparse. This is important because concerns have been raised by healthcare providers regarding the nutrient and energy sufficiency of BLW. The present study aimed to invstigate exposure to different food types based on different weaning approaches.MethodsOne hundred and eighty parents completed a 24‐h recall of the foods given to their babies aged 6–12 months. Respondents were split into those following strict BLW, loose BLW and traditional spoon‐feeding. Recalls were examined to ascertain the number of times in 24 h infants were given different types of foods, including iron‐containing foods. The results were then compared between different weaning groups and age groups.ResultsSeveral significant differences were found between the frequency of foods eaten by different weaning and age groups: in the youngest age group, strict BLW infants were more likely to be exposed to vegetables (P = 0.000) and protein (P = 0.002) than traditionally weaned babies, whereas, at all age groups, the traditionally weaned group had the highest exposure to composite meals. However, no significant differences were found in reported exposure to iron‐containing foods between weaning groups at any age. Maternal age, education and milk feeding method were controlled for throughout the analyses.ConclusionsThe findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggest a BLW approach may be safe and sufficient.
Myeloid cells in cardiovascular organs
Authors: Nahrendorf M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMyeloid cells assume a wide range of phenotypes, some of which are protective against injury and infection whilst others promote cardiovascular disease. This heterogeneity is partially caused by switching of cell sources from local tissue‐resident macrophage proliferation to recruitment of circulating cells, and partially due to macrophages’ phenotypic plasticity. While long‐lived tissue‐resident macrophages support development, tissue homoeostasis and cardiac conduction, monocyte‐derived cells may promote destruction of the arterial wall and the myocardium, leading to organ ischaemia and heart failure. Influencing myeloid cell flux and phenotype shifts emerges as a therapeutic opportunity in many disease areas, including atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke. However, it is currently unclear which cell subsets and drug targets are the most efficient and safest options. Here I review the neutrophil and macrophage supply chain and the cells’ emerging heterogeneity in the setting of atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease.
Melatonin prevents early pituitary dysfunction induced by sucrose‐rich diets
Authors: Mercau María Elisa , Calanni Juan Salvador , Aranda Marcos Luis , Caldareri Lilian Julia , Rosenstein Ruth Estela , Repetto Esteban Martin , Cymeryng Cora Beatriz 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWhile physiological levels of glucocorticoids are required to ensure proper functions of the body, consistently high levels may engender several deleterious consequences. We have previously shown an increase in the activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis in rats fed sucrose‐rich diets (SRD). The main goal of this study was to analyze the processes involved in the modulation of the pituitary production of ACTH by SRD, and to test melatonin as a possible therapeutic agent for the prevention of the HPA axis dysfunction. Male Wistar rats were fed standard chow and either SRD (30% sucrose in the drinking water) or plain water for three weeks. Melatonin was administered as subcutaneous pellets. Results showed that SRD treatment induced an increase in systemic ACTH and corticosterone levels and a decrease in melatonin levels. In the pituitary gland, we also detected an increase in the expression levels of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) that was accompanied by increased levels of: lipoperoxides, nitro‐tyrosine modified proteins, catalase, heme oxygenase‐1, interleukin‐1β mRNA, and by an increase in the tissue number of inflammatory cells (F4/80 and Iba‐1 positive cells). Melatonin treatment prevented all these systemic and pituitary changes as well as the increase in POMC expression induced by incubation of AtT‐20 corticotrophs with conditioned media obtained from stimulated macrophages. In conclusion, stimulation of POMC/ACTH production in rats fed a SRD could involve the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pituitary gland. Melatonin treatment prevented these effects and normalized the activity of the HPA axis.
Multiple micronutrient supplements in pregnancy: Implementation considerations for integration as part of quality services in routine antenatal care. Objectives, results, and conclusions of the meeting
Authors: Garcia‐Casal Maria Nieves , Estevez Diana , De‐Regil Luz Maria 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHealth promotion, screening, diagnosis, and disease prevention are essential services of quality routine antenatal care for pregnant adult and adolescent women. Supplementation programmes in pregnancy, generally implemented in the context of antenatal care services, have had less than optimal results in many countries, generally attributed to limited access, low coverage, and reduced adherence to the recommended regimens and counselling. The World Health Organization Department of Nutrition for Health and Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund and Nutrition International, convened the technical consultation “Multiple micronutrient supplements in pregnancy: Implementation considerations for successful incorporation into existing programmes.” The objectives of the technical consultation were to (a) examine implementation experiences of micronutrient supplementation interventions in pregnant women, lessons learnt, and best practices; (b) discuss programmatic and technical considerations of interventions on multiple micronutrient supplementation in pregnant women in low‐, middle‐, and high‐income countries; and (c) identify implementation considerations that can be useful to scaling up efforts by national policymaker and their advisors considering multiple micronutrient supplementation in pregnant women as part of existing antenatal care programmes as well as other delivery platforms. The consultation was based on presentations of background papers, case studies, and plenary discussions. Country representatives were asked to discuss the context of micronutrient supplementation for their countries and share implementation challenges they faced. This paper provides the background and rationale of the technical consultation, synopsises the presentations, and provides a summary of the main considerations and conclusions reached during plenary discussions.
Experimentally induced variation in neuroendocrine processes affects male reproductive behaviour, sperm characteristics and social interactions
Authors: Nugent Bridget M. , Stiver Kelly A. , Hofmann Hans A. , Alonzo Suzanne H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWhile extensive research has focused on how social interactions evolve, the fitness consequences of the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying these interactions have rarely been documented, especially in the wild. Here, we measure how the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying male behaviour affect mating success and sperm competition in the ocellated wrasse (Symphodus ocellatus). In this species, males exhibit three alternative reproductive types. “Nesting males” provide parental care, defend territories and form cooperative associations with unrelated “satellites,” who cheat by sneaking fertilizations but help by reducing sperm competition from “sneakers” who do not cooperate or provide care. To measure the fitness consequences of the mechanisms underlying these social interactions, we used “phenotypic engineering” that involved administering an androgen receptor antagonist (flutamide) to wild, free‐living fish. Nesting males treated with flutamide shifted their aggression from sneakers to satellite males and experienced decreased submissiveness by sneaker males (which correlated with decreased nesting male mating success). The preoptic area (POA), a region controlling male reproductive behaviours, exhibited dramatic down‐regulation of androgen receptor (AR) and vasotocin 1a receptor (V1aR) mRNA following experimental manipulation of androgen signalling. We did not find a direct effect of the manipulation on male mating success, paternity or larval production. However, variation in neuroendocrine mechanisms generated by the experimental manipulation was significantly correlated with changes in behaviour and mating success: V1aR expression was negatively correlated with satellite‐directed aggression, and expression of its ligand arginine vasotocin (AVT) was positively correlated with courtship and mating success, thus revealing the potential for sexual selection on these mechanisms.
Dietary nitrate improves muscle microvascular reactivity and lowers blood pressure at rest and during isometric exercise in untreated hypertensives
Authors: Zafeiridis Andreas , Triantafyllou Areti , Papadopoulos Stavros , Koletsos Nikolaos , Touplikioti Panagiota , Zafeiridis Alexandros S. , Gkaliagkousi Eugenia , Dipla Konstantina , Douma Stella 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis double‐blind, cross‐over study examined in drug‐naïve hypertensives the effects of a single dose of dietary nitrate (beetroot juice, BRJ) on (a) office/ambulatory BP and arterial stiffness, (b) muscle microvascular function, and (c) hemodynamic responses and cardiovagal baroreceptor sensitivity (cBRS) at rest and during isometric exercise.MethodsEighteen untreated hypertensives (44.0 ± 2.6 years) consumed randomly, a nitrate‐rich (8.1 mmol‐BRJnitrate) and a nitrate‐depleted (BRJplacebo) BRJ. Office BP and pulse wave velocity were assessed before/after BRJ. An occlusion‐reperfusion maneuver with continuous monitoring of muscle oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb) and total hemoglobin (tHb), via NIRS, followed. Participants performed submaximal isometric handgrip with beat‐by‐beat monitoring of hemodynamics and cBRS. Ambulatory BP assessment followed.ResultsDuring reperfusion, following arterial occlusion, the magnitude and rate of muscle microvascular reoxygenation (O2Hb) and red blood cell content (tHb) were higher in BRJnitrate vs BRJplacebo (P < 0.05), suggesting improved microvascular reactivity. Office/ambulatory BP were lower following BRJnitrate vs BRJplacebo (P < 0.05); pulse‐wave‐velocity was not altered. During isometric handgrip, BP and peripheral resistance rise were smaller in BRJnitrate vs BRJplacebo (P < 0.01‐0.05), with no differences in cBRS.ConclusionsIn drug‐naïve hypertensives, a single dose of BRJ induces (a) short‐term reductions in resting/ambulatory BP, (b) acute improvements in muscle microvascular function, and (c) attenuation in BP and peripheral resistance responses during isometric exercise.
Persistent CD‐19 depletion by rituximab is cost‐effective in maintaining remission in calcineurin‐inhibitor dependent podocytopathy
Authors: Ramachandran Raja , Bharati Joyita , Rao Indu , Kashif Ahmed W , Nada Ritambhra , Minz Ranjana , Gupta Krishan L , Kohli Harbir S 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTAimA significant proportion of patients with minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are either steroid dependent or steroid resistant, requiring long‐term calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) use. Rituximab has more favourable safety profile. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in CNI‐dependent patients.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study conducted from July 2014 to February 2018. Steroid‐dependent nephrotic syndrome or steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (biopsy proven MCD/FSGS), who were CNI dependent were enrolled. Mean age at enrolment was 22.77 ± 7.45 years. All patients received rituximab at a dose of 375 mg/m2 at entry in the study. CD‐19 levels were monitored monthly and patients having CD‐19 levels >5/μL and/or > 1% received additional low‐dose (100 mg) of rituximab.ResultsA total of 24 patients were followed up for 12 months. At the end of 6 and 12 months, 87.5% and 79.16% of the patients achieved remission, respectively. Eight (33.33%) patients developed relapse. The mean dose of rituximab in the first year was 791 mg. The average cost of rituximab in the first year was 487.17$. Rituximab was well‐tolerated, with mild infusion reactions, respiratory tract infection and oral candidiasis in 5 (20.83%), 5 (20.83%) and 1 (4.17%) patient, respectively.ConclusionsCD‐19 targeted rituximab is a safe and cost‐effective agent in remission maintenance in adults with CNI dependent. Over three‐fourths of the patients with CNI‐dependent podocytopathy maintain clinical remission with CD‐19 targeted rituximab therapy.
Changes in grain protein and amino acids composition of wheat and rice under short‐term increased [CO2] and temperature of canopy air in a paddy from East China
Authors: Wang Jianqing , Hasegawa Toshihiro , Li Lianqing , Lam Shu Kee , Zhang Xuhui , Liu Xiaoyu , Pan Genxing 
Published: December 2018

Summary

Projected global climate change is a potential threat for food security. Both rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) and temperatures have significant impacts on crop productivity, but the combined effects on grain quality are not well understood.

We conducted an open‐air field experiment to determine the impacts of elevated [CO2] (E‐[CO2], up to 500 μmol mol−1) and warming (+2°C) on grain yield, protein and amino acid (AAs, acid digests) in a rice–winter wheat rotation system for 2 yr.

E‐[CO2] increased grain yield by 11.3% for wheat and 5.9% for rice, but decreased grain protein concentration by 14.9% for wheat and by 7.0% for rice, although E‐[CO2] slightly increased the ratio of essential to nonessential AAs. With a consistent decline in grain yield, warming decreased protein yield, notably in wheat, despite a smaller increase in protein concentration.

These results indicate that warming could partially negate the negative impact by E‐[CO2] on grain protein concentration at the expense of grain yield; this tradeoff could not fully offset the negative effects of climate change on crop production.