bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shear and extensional rheology of acid milk gel suspensions with varying ropiness
Authors: Surber Georg , Jaros Doris , Rohm Harald 
Published: June 2019

AbstractExopolysaccharides (EPS) synthesized by lactic acid bacteria during fermentation significantly affect the rheology of set‐style acid milk gels and that of acid gel suspensions, produced from the gels by stirring. In this study, shear and uniaxial extensional flow of acid gel suspensions made with seven single strains of Streptococcus thermophilus or Lactococcus lactis was investigated. Six strains produced ropy EPS, and maximum filament length determined by using a continuous stretching method was up to four times higher than filament length of an EPS‐negative control strain. The systems containing ropy EPS showed a different response to shear and extensional deformation. In shear rheology, higher apparent viscosities and an enhanced structural breakdown was observed for acid gel suspensions with more pronounced ropiness. Breakup time and extensional viscosity, determined by using a Capillary Breakup Extensional Rheometer (CaBER™), significantly increased with increasing ropiness. The increase of extensional viscosity with increasing ropiness was, however, much higher than the effects of ropiness on shear viscosity. As relaxation times also depended on ropiness, it is concluded that ropiness is caused by EPS‐EPS interactions that can be better discriminated in extensional rheology.Practical applicationsTo improve the texture of fermented milk, lactic acid bacteria that are able to produce ropy exopolysaccharides (EPS) are increasingly used in the dairy industry. The EPS exhibit a significant influence on processing properties and sensory characteristics of the resulting products, which can be estimated by means of shear and extensional rheology. The current work provides information on these respective properties of acid gel suspensions, which facilitate product design by supporting the selection of appropriate starter cultures.
Plasma and synovial fluid pharmacokinetics of a single intravenous dose of meropenem in adult horses
Authors: Langston Vernon C. , Fontenot Robin L. , Byers Julie A. , Andrews Caroline M. , Mochal‐King Cathleen A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of meropenem in horses after intravenous (IV) administration. A single IV dose of meropenem was administered to six adult horses at 10 mg/kg. Plasma and synovial fluid samples were collected for 6 hr following administration. Meropenem concentrations were determined by bioassay. Plasma and synovial fluid data were analyzed by compartmental and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic methods. Mean ± SD values for elimination half‐life, volume of distribution at steady‐state, and clearance after IV administration for plasma samples were 0.78 ± 0.176 hr, 136.1 ± 19.69 ml/kg, and 165.2 ± 29.72 ml hr‐1 kg−1, respectively. Meropenem in synovial fluid had a slower elimination than plasma with a terminal half‐life of 2.4 ± 1.16 hr. Plasma protein binding was estimated at 11%. Based on a 3‐compartment open pharmacokinetic model of simultaneously fit plasma and synovial fluid, dosage simulations were performed. An intermittent dosage of meropenem at 5 mg/kg IV every 8 hr or a constant rate IV infusion at 0.5 mg/kg per hour should maintain adequate time above the MIC target of 1 μg/ml. Carbapenems are antibiotics of last resort in humans and should only be used in horses when no other antimicrobial would likely be effective.
Snack food and beverage consumption and young child nutrition in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Pries Alissa M. , Filteau Suzanne , Ferguson Elaine L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAlthough snacks can provide important nutrients for young children during the complementary feeding period, the increasing availability of snack foods and sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB), often energy‐dense and nutrient‐poor, in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) is a concern. Such foods may displace consumption of nutritious foods in contexts where diets are often nutritionally inadequate and the burden of childhood malnutrition is high. This systematic review summarizes literature on the contribution of snack food/SSB consumption to total energy intakes (TEI) of children below 23 months of age in LMIC and associations between this consumption and nutritional outcomes. It also identifies areas where further research is needed. A systematic search of Embase, Global Health, and MEDLINE for literature published in January 1990–July 2018 was conducted. This search yielded 8,299 studies, 13 of which met inclusion criteria: Nine studies assessed % TEI from snack foods/SSB, and four studies assessed associations between snack food/SSB consumption and nutritional outcomes. Average % TEI from snack foods/SSB ranged from 13% to 38%. Findings regarding associations with growth were inconclusive, and no studies assessed associations with nutrient intakes. Variation in measurement of consumption and definitions of snack foods and SSB limited study comparisons. Further research is needed to understand how consumption of energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor snack foods and SSB influences undernutrition and overnutrition among young children during the complementary feeding period in settings that are experiencing dietary transitions and the double burden of malnutrition.
Consequences of recombination for the evolution of the mating type locus in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Hasan Ahmed R. , Duggal Jaspreet K. , Ness Rob W. 
Published: June 2019

Summary

Recombination suppression in sex chromosomes and mating type loci can lead to degeneration as a result of reduced selection efficacy and Muller's ratchet effects. However, genetic exchange in the form of noncrossover gene conversions may still take place within crossover‐suppressed regions. Recent work has found evidence that gene conversion may explain the low degrees of allelic differentiation in the dimorphic mating‐type locus (MT) of the isogamous alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. However, no one has tested whether gene conversion is sufficient to avoid the degeneration of functional sequence within MT.

Here, we calculate degree of linkage disequilibrium (LD) across MT as a proxy for recombination rate and investigate its relationship to patterns of population genetic variation and the efficacy of selection in the region.

We find that degree of LD predicts selection efficacy across MT, and that purifying selection is stronger in shared genes than in MT‐limited genes to the point of being equivalent to that of autosomal genes.

We argue that while crossover suppression is needed in the mating‐type loci of many isogamous systems, these loci are less likely to experience selection to differentiate further. Thus, recombination can act in these regions and prevent degeneration caused by Hill–Robertson effects.
Late fractionated potentials in catheter ablation for right ventricular outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Lee Wei‐Chieh , Wu Po‐Jui , Fang Hsiu‐Yu , Chen Huang‐Chung , Chen Yung‐Lung , Tsai Tzu‐Hsien , Pan Kuo‐Li , Lin Yu‐Sheng , Chen Mien‐Cheng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundEndocardial late fractionated potentials during sinus rhythm mapping may reflect abnormal “subendocardial” substrates associated with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). The aim of this study was to explore the clinical outcomes of catheter ablation guided by these late fractionated potentials for RVOT VAs in patients without structural heart disease.MethodsFrom January 2016 to March 2018, 28 patients underwent catheter ablation for RVOT premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or ventricular tachycardia (VT), guided by the EnSite NavX or Velocity V5.0 three‐dimensional mapping system (Abbott, St. Paul, MN, USA). Among them, 10 patients (35.7%) were found to have endocardial late fractionated potentials during sinus rhythm mapping (Group 1). Group 2 was composed of 18 patients in whom no endocardial late fractionated potentials were seen. The burden of VAs, acute procedural success, and 3‐month clinical outcomes were analyzed.ResultsThe average duration of late fractionated potentials after the end of QRS during sinus rhythm mapping in group 1 was 45.00 ± 17.15 ms. Baseline demographics and morphology and burden of PVCs were similarly distributed between both groups. Group 1 had higher acute procedural success compared to group 2 (100% vs 66.7%; P = .039). Moreover, at 3‐month follow‐up, group 1 had lower total PVCs (49 (1‐5986) versus 4316 (1‐23231); P = .048), PVC burden (0% (0‐5.9) vs 4.3% (0‐18.9); P = .055), and higher clinical success (100% vs 55.6%; P = .025) compared to group 2.ConclusionThe identification and elimination of endocardial late fractionated potentials during sinus rhythm mapping could improve the acute success and short‐term outcomes of ablation for RVOT VAs.
First‐in‐man fully leadless transvenous CRT‐P with a transseptal implant of WISE‐CRT® system and Micra® PM
Authors: Montemerlo Elisabetta , Pozzi Mattia , De Ceglia Sergio , Santini Francesca , Piazzi Elena , Rovaris Giovanni 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe describe the world's first fully leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy pacing implant with transseptal approach, in a patient with pacemaker dependency, atrial fibrillation, ischemic hypokinetic cardiomyopathy, and a history of pocket infections. After lead extraction, we implanted a MicraTranscathether Pacing System® (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) as the sole right ventricular pacemaker, and the WISECRT system (EBR Systems, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) to provide biventricular pacing. We performed the WISECRT implant procedure using the transseptal approach given the presence of a prosthetic aortic mechanical valve, achieving satisfactory periprocedural results.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated editing of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase1 enhances Petunia flower longevity
Authors: Xu Junping , Kang Beum‐Chang , Naing Aung Htay , Bae Su‐Ji , Kim Jin‐Soo , Kim Hyeran , Kim Chang Kil 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThe genes that encode the ethylene biosynthesis enzyme 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase (ACO) are thought to be involved in flower senescence. Hence, we investigated whether the transcript levels of PhACO genes (PhACO1, PhACO3 and PhACO4) in Petunia cv. Mirage Rose are associated with ethylene production at different flowering stages. High transcript levels were detected in the late flowering stage and linked to high ethylene levels. PhACO1 was subsequently edited using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and its role in ethylene production was investigated. PhACO1‐edited T0 mutant lines, regardless of mutant type (homozygous or monoallelic), exhibited significantly reduced ethylene production and enhanced flower longevity compared with wild‐type. Flower longevity and the reduction in ethylene production were observed to be stronger in homozygous plants than in their monoallelic counterparts. Additionally, the transmission of the edited gene to the T1 (lines 6 and 36) generation was also confirmed, with the results for flower longevity and ethylene production proving to be identical to those of the T0 mutant lines. Overall, this study increases the understanding of the role of PhACO1 in petunia flower longevity and also points to the CRISPR/Cas9 system being a powerful tool in the improvement of floricultural quality.
Trade balance dynamics and exchange rates: In search of the J‐curve using a structural gravity approach
Authors: Badinger Harald , Fichet de Clairfontaine Aurélien 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis paper uses a structural gravity approach, specifying currency movements as trade cost component to derive an empirical trade balance model, which incorporates multilateral resistance terms and accounts for the cross‐country variation in the exchange rate pass‐through into import and export prices. The model is estimated using quarterly bilateral trade flows between 47 countries over the period 2010Q1 to 2017Q2, disaggregated into 97 commodity groups. Our results support the existence of an “aggregate” J‐curve, pooled over commodity groups; at the same time they point to considerable heterogeneity in the trade balance dynamics across industries below the surface of aggregate data.
Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics associated with blood donation in the United States: a population‐based study
Authors: Patel Eshan U. , Bloch Evan M. , Grabowski Mary K. , Goel Ruchika , Lokhandwala Parvez M. , Brunker Patricia A.R. , White Jodie L. , Shaz Beth , Ness Paul M. , Tobian Aaron A.R. 
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUNDContemporary population‐based data on characteristics associated with blood donation in the United States (U.S.) are limited.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA cross‐sectional analysis was performed among 28,739 persons aged 18 years and older who participated in the 2016 National Health Interview Survey, a household survey of the noninstitutionalized U.S. civilian population. Analyses were weighted and accounted for the complex survey design. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were estimated by multivariable log‐binomial regression.RESULTSThe percentage of individuals reporting a past‐year history of blood donation was 5.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3%‐6.1%) and was highest in the youngest age group (18‐24 years, 8.4%). A past‐year history of blood donation was more common in males compared to females (6.3% vs. 5.1%; aPR, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.99‐1.27]) and those born in the U.S. compared to individuals born outside the U.S. (6.4% vs. 2.4%; aPR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.49‐2.47]). The percentage of individuals with a past‐year history of blood donation was significantly lower in blacks (3.9%; aPR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.47‐0.75]) and Hispanics (3.0%; aPR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.48‐0.83]) in comparison to whites (6.9%). Being a college graduate, being employed, being physically active, and never being a cigarette smoker were factors positively associated with blood donation. The percentage of individuals with a past‐year history of blood donation varied by geographic census region, with prevalence being higher in the Midwest (7.3%) and South (6.0%) compared to the Northeast (4.7%) and West (4.4%).CONCLUSIONContinued differences in the blood donor population with reference to the U.S. population underscore the need to understand barriers or deterrents to blood donation. Evidence‐based donor recruitment and related policies remain imperative to ensure that there is a sustainable blood supply.
Investigation of percentage changes in pulse wave transit time induced by mini‐fluid challenges to predict fluid responsiveness in ventilated dogs
Authors: Sano Hiroki , Fujiyama Masako , Wightman Paul , Cave Nick J. , Gieseg Mike A. , Johnson Craig B. , Chambers Paul 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether percentage changes in pulse wave transit time (PWTT%Δ) induced by mini‐fluid challenges predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated anesthetized dogs.DesignProspective experimental trial.SettingUniversity teaching hospital.AnimalsTwelve Harrier hounds.InterventionEach dog was anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane after premedication with acepromazine, mechanically ventilated, and had a fluid challenge. This was repeated 4 weeks later. The fluid challenge, 10 mL/kg of colloid administration over 13 minutes, consisted of 3 intermittent mini‐fluid challenges (1 mL/kg of each over a minute) with a minute interval, and the remaining colloid administration (7 mL/kg) over 7 minutes.Measurements and Main ResultsPercentage change in velocity time integral of pulmonary arterial flow by echocardiography was calculated as an indication of change in stroke volume. Fluid responsiveness was defined as percentage change in velocity time integral ≥ 15% after 10 mL/kg colloid. Dogs responded on 14 fluid challenges and did not on 10. After 1, 2, 3, and 10 mL/kg of fluid challenge, PWTT%Δ1, 2, 3, 10 were measured. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and areas under ROC curve were calculated for PWTT%Δ1, 2, 3. A gray zone approach was used to identify the clinically inconclusive range. The area under the ROC curve for PWTT%Δ3 was 0.91 (P = 0.001). Cutoff value for PWTT%Δ3 was −2.5% (sensitivity: 86%, specificity: 90%). The gray zone for PWTT%Δ3 was identified as between −2.9% to −1.9% for which fluid responsiveness could not be predicted reliably in 6 out of 24 fluid challenges.ConclusionsIn mechanically ventilated anesthetized dogs given a mini‐fluid challenge of 3 mL/kg of colloid, PWTT%Δ could predict fluid responsiveness although the gray zone should be considered.
Biomechanical comparison of three epitendinous suture patterns as adjuncts to a core locking loop suture for repair of canine flexor tendon injuries
Authors: Cocca Christina J. , Duffy Daniel J. , Kersh Mariana E. , Kim Woojae , Groenewold Andrew , Moore George E. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effects of different epitendinous sutures (ES) in addition to core locking‐loop (LL) sutures on the mechanical properties and gap formation in a canine cadaveric tendon model.Study designExperimental, ex vivo, biomechanical study.Sample populationSeventy‐two cadaveric superficial digital flexor tendon specimens.MethodsSuperficial digital flexor tendon specimens were divided into four groups (n = 18): sharply transected and repaired with LL, LL + simple continuous ES, LL + Silfverskiöld cross‐stitch ES, and LL + interlocking horizontal mattress ES. Constructs were loaded to monotonic failure. Failure modes, gapping, yield, peak, and failure forces were analyzed. Significance was set at P < .05.ResultsYield, peak, and failure forces increased by 2.5‐fold, two‐fold, and twofold, respectively when ES groups were compared with core LL suture patterns alone (P < .0001). Resistance to 1‐ and 3‐mm gap formation was greater in ES groups compared with core LL constructs alone (P < .0001). No differences in yield, peak, failure force, or gapping were observed among ES patterns (P > .827).ConclusionAdding an ES reduced gap formation and increased yield, peak, and failure forces of tenorrhaphies. No difference was detected between the epitendinous patterns tested in this study.Clinical significanceThe addition of an ES seems more relevant than the specific type of pattern to improve the biomechanical properties of flexor tendon repairs. In vivo studies are warranted to determine the biological implications of the patterns tested here.
Induction of labour in case of premature rupture of membranes at term with an unfavourable cervix: protocol for a randomised controlled trial comparing double balloon catheter (+oxytocin) and vaginal prostaglandin (RUBAPRO) treatments
Authors: Devillard Eric , Delabaere Amélie , Rouzaire Marion , Pereira Bruno , Accoceberry Marie , Houlle Céline , Dejou-Bouillet Lydie , Bouchet Pamela , Gallot Denis 
Published: June 2019

IntroductionPremature rupture of membranes (PROM) occurs at term in 8% of pregnancies. Several studies have demonstrated that the risk of chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis increases with duration of PROM. Decreasing the time interval between PROM and delivery is associated with lower rates of maternal infections. In case of an unfavourable cervix, the use of prostaglandin for cervical maturation demonstrates some advantages over oxytocin. The use of double balloon catheter in reduction of PROM duration has not been evaluated in the literature.Methods and analysisWe are conducting a prospective, monocentric, randomised clinical trial on pregnant women with an unfavourable cervix showing PROM at term (RUBAPRO).After 12–24 hours of PROM, women are randomly assigned to one group treated with a double balloon catheter for 12 hours, with oxytocin administered after 6 hours or to the control group treated with 24 hours of vaginal prostaglandin followed by oxytocin infusion alone. Patients (n=80) are randomised at a 1:1 ratio with stratification on parity.The inclusion criteria are a Bishop score of <6, cephalic presentation at term and confirmed PROM. Women with suspected chorioamnionitis; group B streptococcus (GBS) carrier; a history of caesarean delivery or any contraindication for vaginal delivery are excluded.The time from induction to delivery is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were mode of delivery, maternofetal morbidity and the effect of parity on strategies for reduction of PROM duration.To sufficiently demonstrate a difference (10 hours) between groups—with a statistical power of 90% and a two-tailed α of 5%—40 patients per group will be required.Ethics and disseminationWritten informed consent is required from participants.National Ethics Committee approval was obtained in August 2017. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences. Access to raw data will be available only to members of the research team.Trial registration numberNCT03310333.
Comparing the effects of two spasticity management strategies on the long-term outcomes of individuals with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy: a multicentre cohort study protocol
Authors: Munger Meghan E , Chen Brian Po-Jung , MacWilliams Bruce A , McMulkin Mark L , Schwartz Michael H 
Published: June 2019

IntroductionSpasticity is one of the primary pathologies associated with cerebral palsy (CP), yet no definitive evidence exists to guide the appropriate level of spasticity management for an individual. Spasticity management strategies often differ by center. On one end of this strategy spectrum is a highly-interventional approach, characterized by treatments such as a selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), intrathecal baclofen pump (ITB), and anti-spasticity injections and medications. On the other end of the spectrum is a less interventional approach, involving minimal use of these treatments, and no SDR.Methods and analysisA retrospectively-matched, multi-center study protocol is described that comprehensively compares the long-term outcomes of a highly-interventional versus a minimally-interventional spasticity management strategy. We will analyze two groups of adults with spastic bilateral CP (≥21 years). In one group are individuals who underwent an SDR between the ages of 4 and 10 years, along with ongoing spasticity management during childhood and adolescence. In the other group are individuals who received minimal spasticity management and did not undergo an SDR. Individuals with prolonged use of an intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump will be excluded. The two groups will be matched for spasticity and other important clinical characteristics at baseline. This study design improves on many of the limitations found in the existing outcome literature.Ethics and disseminationThis study received necessary approval from the University of Minnesota and Western Institutional Review Boards. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberNCT03789786.