bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and echocardiographic response of apical vs nonapical right ventricular lead position in CRT: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Sharma Sharan Prakash , Dahal Khagendra , Dominic Paari , Sangha Rajbir S. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundTraditionally the right ventricular (RV) pacing lead is placed in the RV apex in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). It is not clear whether nonapical placement of the RV lead is associated with a better response to CRT. We aimed to perform a meta‐analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared apical and nonapical RV lead placement in CRT.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Scopus, and relevant references for studies and performed meta‐analysis using random effects model. Our main outcome measures were all‐cause mortality, composite of death and heart failure hospitalization, improvement in ejection fraction (EF), left ventricle end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricle end‐systolic volume (LVESV), and adverse events.ResultsSeven RCTs with a total population of 1641 patients (1199 apical and 492 nonapical) were included in our meta‐analysis. There was no difference in all‐cause mortality (5% vs 4.3%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45‐1.64; P = .65; I2 = 11%) and a composite of death and heart failure hospitalization (14.2% vs 12.9%, OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.61‐1.38; P = .68; I2 = 0) between apical and nonapical groups. No difference in improvement in EF (Weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.37; 95% CI: −2.75‐3.48; P = .82; I2 = 68%), change in LVEDV (WMD = 3.67; 95% CI: −4.86‐12.20; P = .40; I2 = 89%) and LVESV (WMD = −1.20; 95% CI: −4.32‐1.91; P = .45; I2 = 0) were noted between apical and nonapical groups. Proportion of patients achieving >15% improvement in EF was similar in both groups (OR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.62‐1.16; P = .31; I2 = 0).ConclusionIn patients with CRT, nonapical RV pacing is not associated with improved clinical and echocardiographic outcomes compared with RV apical pacing.
Nutritional Risk in Emergency‐2017: A New Simplified Proposal for a Nutrition Screening Tool
Authors: Marcadenti Aline , Mendes Larissa Loures , Rabito Estela Iraci , Fink Jaqueline da Silva , Silva Flávia Moraes 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere are many nutrition screening tools currently being applied in hospitals to identify risk of malnutrition. However, multivariate statistical models are not usually employed to take into account the importance of each variable included in the instrument's development.ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate the concurrent and predictive validities of a new screening tool of nutrition risk.MethodsA prospective cohort study was developed, in which 4 nutrition screening tools were applied to all patients. Length of stay in hospital and mortality were considered to test the predictive validity, and the concurrent validity was tested by comparing the Nuritional Risk in Emergency (NRE)‐2017 to the other tools.ResultsA total of 748 patients were included. The final NRE‐2017 score was composed of 6 questions (advanced age, metabolic stress of the disease, decreased appetite, changing of food consistency, unintentional weight loss, and muscle mass loss) with answers yes or no. The prevalence of nutrition risk was 50.7% and 38.8% considering the cutoff points 1.0 and 1.5, respectively. The NRE‐2017 showed a satisfactory power to indentify risk of malnutrition (area under the curve >0.790 for all analyses). According to the NRE‐2017, patients at risk of malnutrition have twice as high relative risk of a very long hospital stay. The hazard ratio for mortality was 2.78 (1.03–7.49) when the cutoff adopted by the NRE‐2017 was 1.5 points.ConclusionNRE‐2017 is a new, easy‐to‐apply nutrition screening tool which uses 6 bi‐categoric features to detect the risk of malnutrition, and it presented a good concurrent and predictive validity.
Yield and nitrogen use efficiency of wheat increased with root length and biomass due to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium interactions
Authors: Duncan Elliott G. , O'Sullivan Cathryn A. , Roper Margaret M. , Palta Jairo , Whisson Kelley , Peoples Mark B. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBalanced applications of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are known to increase grain yield of wheat but the impact of the interactions among N, P, and K on root growth and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) have not been proven. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of balanced applications of N, P, and K on the rooting patterns and NUE of wheat. Two glasshouse experiments were conducted. A rhizobox study was used to assess the impact of interactions among N, P, and K fertilisers on total root length, biomass, specific root length, root length density, N use efficiency (NUE), and N uptake efficiency of the shoots (NUpEshoot) and N nutrition index. In a separate pot study, plants were grown to maturity to confirm the effect of the observed changes in root growth on NUE, NUpEgrain, and grain/biomass yield.In the rhizobox experiment when plants were supplied with N+P+K, total root biomass increased approximately six‐fold relative to plants grown with N alone or with no fertiliser. Plants exposed to N+P+K had NUpEshoot and NUE values that were five and ten times higher, respectively, than plants that received just fertiliser N. Plants supplied with N+P or N+P+K had N nutrition indices close to one (N‐adequate), while plants that only received N had an index of 0.62 (N‐deficient). The pot study confirmed that the changes in root length and biomass in plants exposed to N+P+K resulted in significant increases in NUE, NUpEgrain, shoot biomass, and grain yield at maturity. Interactions among fertiliser N, P, and K played a critical role in influencing root biomass and length, which was associated with increases in NUE, NUpEshoot and NUpEgrain.
Zinc‐biofortified seeds improved seedling growth under zinc deficiency and drought stress in durum wheat
Authors: Candan Nilgun , Cakmak Ismail , Ozturk Levent 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHigh zinc (Zn) concentration of seeds has beneficial effects both on seed vigor and human nutrition. This study investigated the effect of Zn biofortification on growth of young durum wheat (Triticum durum cv. Yelken) seedlings under varied Zn and water supply. The seeds differing in Zn concentrations were obtained by spraying ZnSO4 to durum wheat plants at different rates under field conditions. Three groups of seeds were obtained with the following Zn concentrations: 9, 20, and 50 mg Zn kg−1. The seeds differing in Zn were tested for germination rate, seedling height, shoot dry matter production, and shoot Zn concentration under limited and well irrigated conditions in a Zn‐deficient soil with and without Zn application. In an additional experiment carried out in solution culture, root and shoot growth and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) of seedlings were studied under low and adequate Zn supply. Low seed Zn concentration resulted in significant decreases in seedling height both in Zn‐deficient and sufficient soil, but more clearly under water‐limited soil condition. Decrease in seed germination due to low seed Zn was also more evident under limited water supply. Increasing seed Zn concentration significantly restored impairments in seedling development. Drought‐induced decrease in seedling growth at a given seed Zn concentration was much higher when soil was Zn‐deficient. Increasing seed Zn concentration also significantly improved SOD activity in seedlings grown under low Zn supply, but not under adequate Zn supply. The results suggest that using Zn‐biofortified seeds assures better seed vigor and seedling growth, particularly when Zn and water are limited in the growth medium. The role of a higher antioxidative potential (i.e., higher SOD activity) is discussed as a possible major factor in better germination and development of seedlings resulting from Zn‐biofortified seeds.
Nutrient content in wheat grain and straw using sludge and compost from a wastewater treatment plant as a fertiliser
Authors: Mañas Pilar , De Las Heras Jorge 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe present study aimed: (i) to evaluate the response of nutrient uptake after applying 15 ha−1 of sewage sludge, compost and a commercial fertiliser to soil in the grain and straw of winter wheat (Triticum turgidum L. cv. Vitron) and (ii) to investigate the composition of the same parameters in the original soil and compare them with soil after applying fertiliser treatments. A field‐scale experiment established the agronomic performance of air‐dried sewage sludge and composted sludge for winter wheat.RESULTSSewage sludge promoted a higher grain Zn content and yield than compost or the commercial fertiliser. N, P and Zn were higher after harvests in soils where sludge or compost was applied, showing significant differences compared to those with a commercial fertiliser. When sludge or compost was used as an organic amendment, no significant differences were observed in pH or electrical conductivity in soils, as well as nutrient absorption for crop.CONCLUSIONBecause no nutritional imbalances were observed in either grain or straw of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. cv. Vitron), sewage sludge from the Alcázar de San Juan wastewater treatment plant has an aptitude for agricultural use and could be recommended as an alternative to the standard commercial fertilisation used in the study area. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Hyperspectral imaging for predicting the allicin and soluble solid content of garlic with variable selection algorithms and chemometric models
Authors: Rahman Anisur , Faqeerzada Mohammad A , Cho Byoung‐Kwan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAllicin and soluble solid content (SSC) in garlic is the responsible for its pungent flavor and odor. However, current conventional methods such as the use of high‐pressure liquid chromatography and a refractometer have critical drawbacks in that they are time‐consuming, labor‐intensive and destructive procedures. The present study aimed to predict allicin and SSC in garlic using hyperspectral imaging in combination with variable selection algorithms and calibration models.RESULTSHyperspectral images of 100 garlic cloves were acquired that covered two spectral ranges, from which the mean spectra of each clove were extracted. The calibration models included partial least squares (PLS) and least squares‐support vector machine (LS‐SVM) regression, as well as different spectral pre‐processing techniques, from which the highest performing spectral preprocessing technique and spectral range were selected. Then, variable selection methods, such as regression coefficients, variable importance in projection (VIP) and the successive projections algorithm (SPA), were evaluated for the selection of effective wavelengths (EWs). Furthermore, PLS and LS‐SVM regression methods were applied to quantitatively predict the quality attributes of garlic using the selected EWs. Of the established models, the SPA‐LS‐SVM model obtained an of 0.90 and standard error of prediction (SEP) of 1.01% for SSC prediction, whereas the VIP‐LS‐SVM model produced the best result with an of 0.83 and SEP of 0.19 mg g−1 for allicin prediction in the range 1000–1700 nm. Furthermore, chemical images of garlic were developed using the best predictive model to facilitate visualization of the spatial distributions of allicin and SSC.CONCLUSIONThe present study clearly demonstrates that hyperspectral imaging combined with an appropriate chemometrics method can potentially be employed as a fast, non‐invasive method to predict the allicin and SSC in garlic. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Visual evaluation of 3D image quality by viewer unexperienced in viewing autostereoscopic 3D
Authors: Lee Jaehyung , Yeo Wonjae , Hong Hyungki 
Published: March 2018

AbstractViewing positions of autostereoscopic 3D affect the observed 3D image quality. The response of the people who had little experience in viewing autostereoscopic 3D was investigated. Thirty participants with the normal stereoscopic vision were selected and took the visual evaluation of autostereoscopic 3D at the various viewing positions. Photograph was also taken for the quantitative analysis of the viewing zone characteristics and the uniformity of 3D screen of autostereoscopic 3D. In visual evaluation, the larger difference of good and bad 3D image quality was observed at the viewing distance of 300 cm than at other viewing distance. This result and the periodic trends accorded with the analysis of photos at various camera positions. From these, we found that even the unexperienced viewer can correctly evaluate whether 3D image quality is good or bad.
Redefining the nasal septal L‐strut: A quantitative analysis of septal arcs and angles
Authors: Han Peter S. , Liu Yuan F. , Messinger Kelton , Ardeshirpour Farhad , Inman Jared C. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo define and quantify common points and relationships within the anterior nasal septum and recognize the anatomic curvature of the dorsal and caudal septum as arcs with certain rises.Study DesignCase series study.MethodsForty cadaveric quadrangular cartilages were dissected. Points along the septum were defined and relationships measured. Angles that composed the anterior septum using values that did account for the curvature of the anterior nasal septum, or classical L‐strut values, were compared to C‐strut values, which included rises away from the L‐strut.ResultsThe mean arc of the nasal septum dorsum was significantly longer than the caudal arc (25.9 ± 5.14 mm vs. 23.96 ± 4.07 mm, P = 0.048); the mean rise of the dorsal arc was significantly shorter than the rise of the caudal arc (3.04 ± 1.25 mm vs. 3.88 ± 1.42 mm, P = 0.006). The mean point of furthest rise of the dorsal arc was slightly anterior to the midpoint of the dorsal strut (13.43 ± 5.07 mm); the mean caudal equivalent was slightly posterior to the midpoint of the caudal strut (8.55 ± 4.33 mm). Septal angles measured using L‐strut versus C‐strut values were significantly different.ConclusionThe L‐strut leading edge is not congruent with the anatomic septum and can be better described as a C‐strut with arcs and rises away from classically interpreted straight L‐strut lines, all of which may guide surgeons in the creation of a more natural, supportive cartilage framework while encouraging quantifiable septorhinoplasty teaching.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 1806–1810, 2018
Effect of the Sulfated Zirconia Nanostructure Characteristics on Physicochemical and Electrochemical Properties of SPEEK Nanocomposite Membranes for PEM Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Mossayebi Zahra , Parnian Mohammad Javad , Rowshanzamir Soosan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study expresses that the characteristics of sulfated zirconia (SZ) nanostructure in sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)‐based membranes is the key to optimize their properties for fuel cell applications. Two types of SZ treating in different thermal conditions are produced by precipitation and analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Sulfate concentration on both types of SZ is changing from 0.54 to 1.45 wt% and thus the SZ samples differ in particle size and sulfate content. The nanocomposite membranes are prepared by incorporating 6 wt% of SZ samples into SPEEK matrix in casting procedure followed by performing electrochemical characterizations and impedance spectroscopy. Moreover, morphology, mechanical, and chemical stability of the membranes are investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, stress–strain, and ex situ Fenton's tests. The incorporation of SZ sample having more surface sulfate groups in the SPEEK matrix results in not only excessive oxidative stability and tensile strength but also more acidic sites for ion transport, promoting conductivity. Furthermore, both types of nanocomposite membranes show improved ionic conductivity and water affinity with a lower tendency to swell rather than the plain SPEEK membrane. It is proved that desired consequences of doping SZ into SPEEK matrix can be intensified by changing the physicochemical properties of sulfated zirconia nanoparticles.
Chamber/Capsule‐Integrated Self‐Healing Coating on Glass for Preventing Crack Propagation
Authors: Choung Taedoo , Lim Jongkyeong , Won Dong‐Joon , Kim Joonwon 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA transparent self‐healing coating incorporating chambers and capsules capable of preventing the propagation of cracks in glass is presented. The main features simultaneously satisfy the requirements of high transmittance (≈90% in the visible region) and the ability to heal random and large‐area cracks in coated‐glass materials (up to 6 cm long, 20 µm wide, and 1 mm deep per chamber). Additionally, the polymerized hydrogel used as the healing agent can stop crack propagation because of its high mechanical strength and good adhesion to glass. Remarkably, the healed glass can withstand a force approximately four times greater than what can be withstood by the unhealed glass after cracking.
A Novel Anisotropic Hydrogel with Integrated Self‐Deformation and Controllable Shape Memory Effect
Authors: Le Xiao‐xia , Zhang Yu‐chong , Lu Wei , Wang Li , Zheng Jing , Ali Israt , Zhang Jia‐wei , Huang You‐ju , Serpe Michael J. , Yang Xi‐tao , Fan Xin‐dong , Chen Tao 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlthough shape memory polymers have been highlighted widely and developed rapidly, it is still a challenging task to realize complex temporary shapes automatically in practical applications. Herein, a novel shape memory hydrogel with the ability of self‐deformation is presented. Through constructing an anisotropic poly(acrylic acid)–polyacrylamide (PAAc–PAAm) structure, the obtained hydrogel exhibits stable self‐deformation behavior in response to pH stimulus, and the shapes that formed automatically can be fixed by the coordination between carboxylic groups and Fe3+; therefore, self‐deformation and shape memory behaviors are integrated in one system. Moreover, the magnitude of auto‐deformation and shape memory could be adjusted with the concentration of corresponding ions, leading to programmable shape memory and shape recovery processes.
The lantibiotic gallidermin acts bactericidal against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus and antagonizes the bacteria‐induced proinflammatory responses in dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Bengtsson Torbjörn , Lönn Johanna , Khalaf Hazem , Palm Eleonor 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance needs to be tackled from new angles, and antimicrobial peptides could be future candidates for combating bacterial infections. This study aims to investigate in vitro the bactericidal effects of the lantibiotic gallidermin on Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, possible cytotoxic effects and its impact on host‐microbe interactions. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of gallidermin were determined, and cytotoxicity and proinflammatory effects of gallidermin on fibroblasts, red blood cells (RBCs) and in whole blood were investigated. Both MIC and MBC for all four tested strains of S. epidermidis was 6.25 μg/ml. Both MIC and MBC for methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus was 12.5 μg/ml and for methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) 1.56 μg/ml. Gallidermin displayed no cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts, only a high dose of gallidermin induced low levels of CXCL8 and interleukin‐6. Gallidermin hemolyzed less than 1% of human RBCs, and did not induce reactive oxygen species production or cell aggregation in whole blood. In cell culture, gallidermin inhibited the cytotoxic effects of the bacteria and totally suppressed the bacteria‐induced release of CXCL8 and interleukin‐6 from fibroblasts. We demonstrate that gallidermin, expressing low cell cytotoxicity, is a promising candidate for treating bacterial infections caused by S. epidermidis and S. aureus, especially MRSA.
Laser doppler imaging as additional monitoring after digital replanting: A prospective study
Authors: Schmid Marc , Seyed Jafari S. Morteza , Haug Luzian , Surke Carsten , Hunger Robert E. , Van De Ville Dimitri , Juon Personeni Bettina , Shafighi Maziar , Voegelin Esther 
Published: March 2018

BackgroundDespite various exisiting monitoring methods, there is still a need for new technologies to improve the quality of post‐operative evaluation of digital replantation. The purpose of the study is using a laser Doppler imaging device (Easy‐LDI) as an additional tool to assess perfusion. In this method, the changes in the frequency of the laser ligth provide information regarding perfusion of the monitored tissue.Patients and MethodsThis study included seven patients (10 fingers; age of patients: 21–57 years) who suffered from a total (n = 6) or subtotal amputation (n = 4) due to accidents. In addition to hourly standard monitoring with clinical evaluation and skin thermometry, revascularized fingers were hourly monitored with Easy LDI for 48 h.ResultsLDI measurement values ranged between 0.8 and 223 (mean 90.62 ± 21.42) arbitrary perfusion units (APU). The mean LDI values before and after revascularization were 7.1 ± 2.85 and 65.30 ± 30.83 APU, respectively. For the successful revascularized fingers (8 of 10 fingers) values from 19 to 223 APU (mean 98.52 ± 15.48) were demonstrated. All of the replants survived, but due to venous occlusion two digits required revision 12 and 35 h after revascularization, respectively. In the two cases, Easy‐LDI also showed a constant and slow decline of the perfusion values. Furthermore, Pearson normalized correlation coefficient showed a positive significant correlation between temperatures of the replants and LDI‐values (P < .001, r = +0.392) and a negative significant correlation between Δtemperature and LDI‐values (P < .001, r = –0.474).ConclusionThe LDI‐device might be a promising additional monitoring technique in detection of perfusion disturbance in monitoring digital replantations.