cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295666.v1
title: Portable model for vasectomy reversal training

description: ABSTRACT Objectives To validate an experimental non-animal model for training of vasectomy reversal. Materials and Methods The model consisted of two artificial vas deferens, made with silicon tubes, covered by a white resin, measuring 10 cm (length) and internal and external diameters of 0.5 and 1.5 mm, respectively. The holder of the ducts is made by a small box developed with polylactic acid, using a 3D print. The objective of the invention is to simulate the surgical field of vasovasostomy, when the vas deferens are isolated from other cord structures. For validation, it was verified the acquisition of microsurgical skills during its use, in a capacitation course with 5 urology residents from a Hospital of the region. Along the training sessions, it was analyzed the time (speed) of microsurgical sutures, and quantification of the performance using a checklist. Collected data were analyzed using de BioEstat®5.4 software. Results Medium time for the completion of microsurgical sutures improved considerably during the course, and reached a plateau after the third day of training (p=0.0365). In relation to the checklist, it was verified that during capacitation, there was significant improvement of the scores of each participant, that reached a plateau after the fourth day of training with the model (p=0.0035). Conclusion The developed model was able to allow the students that attended the course to gain skills in microsurgery, being considered appropriate for training vasectomy reversal.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295651
title: Different effects of heating and freezing treatments on the antioxidant properties of broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and onion. An experimental in vitro study

description: ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Vegetables have some beneficial effects on human health due to their antioxidant compounds, like polyphenols. Cooking leads to many physical and chemical changes to plant structure that can alter the phytochemical compounds of vegetables. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of heat treatment and freezing on the antioxidant properties of garlic, onion, broccoli and cauliflower. DESIGN AND SETTING: Experimental in vitro study in a university laboratory. METHODS: Fresh broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) were obtained from a local store. These vegetables were divided into three treatment groups: raw, heated and frozen. The heat treatment consisted of heating them in a drying oven at 150 °C for 20 minutes. The freezing treatment consisted of keeping them frozen at -20 °C until analysis. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and malondialdehyde levels of the vegetables were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu phenol reagent, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, respectively. RESULTS: Heat treatment had deleterious effects on the antioxidant properties of onion and garlic; and it decreased the antioxidant activity of broccoli. Freezing improved the antioxidant activity of broccoli and garlic, but had detrimental effects for cauliflower and onion. CONCLUSIONS: Heat treatment and freezing exhibit different effects on the antioxidant properties of broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and onion. Convenient cooking and storage patterns should be identified for each vegetable, to obtain the best nutritional benefit from the antioxidant compounds of vegetables.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295639
title: COMPARISON BETWEEN DIFFERENT METHODS FOR MEASURING BODY FAT AFTER A WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

description: ABSTRACT Introduction Accurate and sensitive measurement of body composition is an important tool in the diagnosis and control of obesity. Objective To compare body fat changes measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and skinfolds (SK) in healthy overweight adults in order to evaluate whether all three methods can be used during a weight loss program (WLP). Methods Eighty-four men (n=36) and women (n=48), body mass index 25–29.9 kg/m2, aged between 18-50 years, non-smokers and sedentary, were randomly assigned to strength, endurance, combined strength plus endurance, or physical activity recommendations groups. All subjects followed a hypocaloric diet (25-30% decrease in energy intake in terms of the total daily energy expenditure). The intervention lasted 22 weeks. Results The highest correlation was obtained between DXA and SK when men and women were studied together (r=0.864, p&lt;0.01). In women, significant differences were found between DXA and BIA in fat percentage (underestimation of BIA 2.4%, p&lt;0.05). The underestimation was more determinant for both fat percentage and fat mass in men, 13.2% versus 10.2%, and 6.8 kg versus 4.2 kg between BIA and SK respectively (p&lt;0.05). All the procedures obtained similar results (p&gt;0.05) when changes in body fat caused by intervention were analyzed. However, considering results of the minimal difference compared to DXA, BIA showed the greatest sensitivity to detect changes in fat percentage and fat mass, while SK underestimated the changes, with a significantly lower percentage considered real (p=0.01). Conclusion The SK method seems to underestimate real changes, therefore DXA and BIA can serve as more effective tools to measure the change in fat percentage and fat mass during WLP. Level of evidence II, Diagnosis.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295645
title: Production and quality of Sweet Grape tomato in response to foliar fertilization with boron

description: ABSTRACT Boron (B) fertilizer application for tomato crop can be carried out by applying the nutrient to the soil or by spraying liquid solutions on leaves. The use of different fertilizers containing B can interfere in fertilization efficiency, since the performance of each product can be determined by its physicochemical properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application efficiency of two boron-based commercial foliar fertilizers applied at two time intervals and their possible effects on production components of Sweet Grape tomato. An experiment was conducted under commercial hydroponic system in split-split plot scheme that combined two doses of boron in the nutrient solution [sufficient (25 µmol L-1) or insufficient (6.25 µmol L-1)], two intervals between foliar sprays of B (seven or 14-day intervals) and two commercial foliar fertilizers [boric acid (0.34 g L-1) and sodium octaborate (0.36 g L-1)]. A positive effect of boron foliar fertilization was observed on the productivity or on fruit quality when a condition of B deficiency was noticed in plants, without significant difference in effects concerning the two B-source and the frequency of these applications.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295645.v1
title: Production and quality of Sweet Grape tomato in response to foliar fertilization with boron

description: ABSTRACT Boron (B) fertilizer application for tomato crop can be carried out by applying the nutrient to the soil or by spraying liquid solutions on leaves. The use of different fertilizers containing B can interfere in fertilization efficiency, since the performance of each product can be determined by its physicochemical properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application efficiency of two boron-based commercial foliar fertilizers applied at two time intervals and their possible effects on production components of Sweet Grape tomato. An experiment was conducted under commercial hydroponic system in split-split plot scheme that combined two doses of boron in the nutrient solution [sufficient (25 µmol L-1) or insufficient (6.25 µmol L-1)], two intervals between foliar sprays of B (seven or 14-day intervals) and two commercial foliar fertilizers [boric acid (0.34 g L-1) and sodium octaborate (0.36 g L-1)]. A positive effect of boron foliar fertilization was observed on the productivity or on fruit quality when a condition of B deficiency was noticed in plants, without significant difference in effects concerning the two B-source and the frequency of these applications.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295651.v1
title: Different effects of heating and freezing treatments on the antioxidant properties of broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and onion. An experimental in vitro study

description: ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Vegetables have some beneficial effects on human health due to their antioxidant compounds, like polyphenols. Cooking leads to many physical and chemical changes to plant structure that can alter the phytochemical compounds of vegetables. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of heat treatment and freezing on the antioxidant properties of garlic, onion, broccoli and cauliflower. DESIGN AND SETTING: Experimental in vitro study in a university laboratory. METHODS: Fresh broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) were obtained from a local store. These vegetables were divided into three treatment groups: raw, heated and frozen. The heat treatment consisted of heating them in a drying oven at 150 °C for 20 minutes. The freezing treatment consisted of keeping them frozen at -20 °C until analysis. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and malondialdehyde levels of the vegetables were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu phenol reagent, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, respectively. RESULTS: Heat treatment had deleterious effects on the antioxidant properties of onion and garlic; and it decreased the antioxidant activity of broccoli. Freezing improved the antioxidant activity of broccoli and garlic, but had detrimental effects for cauliflower and onion. CONCLUSIONS: Heat treatment and freezing exhibit different effects on the antioxidant properties of broccoli, cauliflower, garlic and onion. Convenient cooking and storage patterns should be identified for each vegetable, to obtain the best nutritional benefit from the antioxidant compounds of vegetables.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295636
title: Proteomic analysis of the inhibitory effect of chitosan on Penicillium expansum

description: Abstract The antimicrobial effect of chitosan on Penicillium expansum, a major postharvest pathogen of pome fruit, and the possible mechanisms involved in its effect were examined in this study. Chitosan strongly inhibited spore germination and hyphal growth of P. expansum. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations revealed that chitosan also caused morphological changes in hyphae and conidia, such as abnormal branching and vacuolation. Proteomic changes in P. expansum after chitosan treatment were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, and 26 proteins were ambiguously identified and categorized based on their putative biological function. Proteins related to DNA or protein biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and energy production were decreased in relative protein abundance, while proteins involved in antibiotics resistance and defense response increased in relative protein abundance. Changes in abundance of these identified proteins were in accordance to the observed physiological and morphological changes of the fungi cells. Altogether, these experimental results provide a detailed illustration of the responses to chitosan in P. expansum, and widen our knowledge on the potential antifungal mechanisms of chitosan.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295636.v1
title: Proteomic analysis of the inhibitory effect of chitosan on Penicillium expansum

description: Abstract The antimicrobial effect of chitosan on Penicillium expansum, a major postharvest pathogen of pome fruit, and the possible mechanisms involved in its effect were examined in this study. Chitosan strongly inhibited spore germination and hyphal growth of P. expansum. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations revealed that chitosan also caused morphological changes in hyphae and conidia, such as abnormal branching and vacuolation. Proteomic changes in P. expansum after chitosan treatment were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, and 26 proteins were ambiguously identified and categorized based on their putative biological function. Proteins related to DNA or protein biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism and energy production were decreased in relative protein abundance, while proteins involved in antibiotics resistance and defense response increased in relative protein abundance. Changes in abundance of these identified proteins were in accordance to the observed physiological and morphological changes of the fungi cells. Altogether, these experimental results provide a detailed illustration of the responses to chitosan in P. expansum, and widen our knowledge on the potential antifungal mechanisms of chitosan.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295639.v1
title: COMPARISON BETWEEN DIFFERENT METHODS FOR MEASURING BODY FAT AFTER A WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

description: ABSTRACT Introduction Accurate and sensitive measurement of body composition is an important tool in the diagnosis and control of obesity. Objective To compare body fat changes measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and skinfolds (SK) in healthy overweight adults in order to evaluate whether all three methods can be used during a weight loss program (WLP). Methods Eighty-four men (n=36) and women (n=48), body mass index 25–29.9 kg/m2, aged between 18-50 years, non-smokers and sedentary, were randomly assigned to strength, endurance, combined strength plus endurance, or physical activity recommendations groups. All subjects followed a hypocaloric diet (25-30% decrease in energy intake in terms of the total daily energy expenditure). The intervention lasted 22 weeks. Results The highest correlation was obtained between DXA and SK when men and women were studied together (r=0.864, p&lt;0.01). In women, significant differences were found between DXA and BIA in fat percentage (underestimation of BIA 2.4%, p&lt;0.05). The underestimation was more determinant for both fat percentage and fat mass in men, 13.2% versus 10.2%, and 6.8 kg versus 4.2 kg between BIA and SK respectively (p&lt;0.05). All the procedures obtained similar results (p&gt;0.05) when changes in body fat caused by intervention were analyzed. However, considering results of the minimal difference compared to DXA, BIA showed the greatest sensitivity to detect changes in fat percentage and fat mass, while SK underestimated the changes, with a significantly lower percentage considered real (p=0.01). Conclusion The SK method seems to underestimate real changes, therefore DXA and BIA can serve as more effective tools to measure the change in fat percentage and fat mass during WLP. Level of evidence II, Diagnosis.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295630
title: Computed tomography window affects kidney stones measurements

description: ABSTRACT Objectives Measurements of stone features may vary according to the non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) technique. Using magnified bone window is the most accurate method to measure urinary stones. Possible differences between stone measurements in different NCCT windows have not been evaluated in stones located in the kidney. The aim of this study is to compare measurements of kidney stone features between NCCT bone and soft tissue windows in patients submitted to retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Materials and Methods Preoperative and 90th postoperative day NCCT were performed in 92 consecutive symptomatic adult patients (115 renal units) with kidney stones between 5 mm to 20 mm (&lt; 15 mm in the lower calyx) treated by RIRS. NCCT were evaluated in the magnified bone window and soft tissue window in three axes in a different time by a single radiologist blinded for the measurements of the NCCT other method. Results Stone largest size (7.92±3.81 vs. 9.13±4.08; mm), volume (435.5±472.7 vs. 683.1±665.0; mm3) and density (989.4±330.2 vs. 893.0±324.6; HU) differed between bone and soft-tissue windows, respectively (p&lt;0.0001) 5.2% of the renal units (6/115) were reclassified from residual fragments &gt; 2 mm on soft tissue window to 0-2 mm on bone window. Conclusion Kidney stone measurements vary according to NCCT window. Measurements in soft tissue window NCCT of stone diameter and volume are larger and stone density is lesser than in bone window. These differences may have impact on clinical decisions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295618
title: Quality evaluation of kashar cheese: influence of palm oil and ripening period

description: Abstract Vegetable oils are used as milk fat replacers in cheese production to alter sensory, nutritional profile, and to produce cholesterol free or low-cost cheeses. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of palm oil usage on kashar cheese’s physicochemical, textural and sensorial quality characteristics during ripening. The results showed that replacement of milk fat with palm oil was not statistically significant in terms of moisture, salt, fat content, and titratable acidity. β-sitosterol content, which is a marker of vegetable oil addition in cheese, was found in the detectable range by chromatographic analysis for the palm oil added samples (PO). Hardness, chewiness, and gumminess values were significantly affected by the palm oil replacement and also during the ripening period of 90 days. Changes in L* values were apparent during ripening and the brightness of the PO groups was lower than that of the control group. Higher sensorial scores for PO indicated that palm oil usage may not be noticeable by the consumers. The overall results provide essential information, demonstrating that cost-saving palm oil can be successfully used in kashar cheese production where the milk fat replacement did not alter the physicochemical, textural and sensorial quality characteristics.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295624
title: The role of a novel decision aid to support informed decision making process in patients with a symptomatic non - lower pole renal stone &lt; 20 mm in diameter: a prospective randomized study

description: ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of a novel decision aid (DA) in improving the patients’ level of knowledge and decreasing decisional conflicts while deciding for SWL vs. RIRS in case of a symptomatic renal stone &lt;2 cm. Materials and Methods In this prospective randomized study patients were randomized to receive either standard informing process (group 1, n=57) or DA (group 2, n=58). Level of knowledge was assessed with a questionnaire of 10 questions before and after patient informing process. Level of decisional conflict was assessed with a previously validated scoring system. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with adequate level of knowledge. Results Level of knowledge increased significantly in both groups after patient informing process. The increase was significantly more prominent in group 2 (p=0.045). Percentage of patients with adequate knowledge was also higher in group 2 (56.1%vs.74.1%, p=0.04). Mean decisional conflict scale score (higher score indicates higher decisional conflict level) was also significantly higher in group1 (14.7±14.5 vs. 10.1±13.7, p=0.045). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed higher education level (college degree) and use of DA as factors associated with adequate level of knowledge. Conclusions In the current study, The DA was shown to have a positive impact on level of knowledge and diminish the level of decisional conflict for patients with a symptomatic non-lower pole renal stone &lt;20 mm. We recommend development and use of DAs for particular clinic scenarios to aid in education of patients and shared decision making process in stone disease clinics.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295627
title: Preoperative proteinuria is associated with increased rates of acute kidney injury after partial nephrectomy

description: ABSTRACT Purpose We investigated the association between preoperative proteinuria and early postoperative renal function after robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 1121 consecutive RPN cases at a single academic center from 2006 to 2016. Patients without pre-existing CKD (eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73m2) who had a urinalysis within 1-month prior to RPN were included. The cohort was categorized by the presence or absence of preoperative proteinuria (trace or greater (≥1+) urine dipstick), and groups were compared in terms of clinical and functional outcomes. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was assessed using RIFLE criteria. Univariate and multivariable models were used to identify factors associated with postoperative AKI. Results Of 947 patients, 97 (10.5%) had preoperative proteinuria. Characteristics associated with preoperative proteinuria included non-white race (p&lt;0.01), preoperative diabetes (p&lt;0.01) and hypertension (HTN) (p&lt;0.01), higher ASA (p&lt;0.01), higher BMI (p&lt;0.01), and higher Charlson score (p&lt;0.01). The incidence of AKI was higher in patients with preoperative proteinuria (10.3% vs. 4.6%, p=0.01). The median eGFR preservation measured within one month after surgery was lower (83.6% vs. 91%, p=0.04) in those with proteinuria; however, there were no significant differences by 3 months after surgery or last follow-up visit. Independent predictors of AKI were high BMI (p&lt;0.01), longer ischemia time (p&lt;0.01), and preoperative proteinuria (p=0.04). Conclusion Preoperative proteinuria by urine dipstick is an independent predictor of postoperative AKI after RPN. This test may be used to identify patients, especially those without overt CKD, who are at increased risk for developing AKI after RPN.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.10295624.v1
title: The role of a novel decision aid to support informed decision making process in patients with a symptomatic non - lower pole renal stone &lt; 20 mm in diameter: a prospective randomized study

description: ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of a novel decision aid (DA) in improving the patients’ level of knowledge and decreasing decisional conflicts while deciding for SWL vs. RIRS in case of a symptomatic renal stone &lt;2 cm. Materials and Methods In this prospective randomized study patients were randomized to receive either standard informing process (group 1, n=57) or DA (group 2, n=58). Level of knowledge was assessed with a questionnaire of 10 questions before and after patient informing process. Level of decisional conflict was assessed with a previously validated scoring system. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with adequate level of knowledge. Results Level of knowledge increased significantly in both groups after patient informing process. The increase was significantly more prominent in group 2 (p=0.045). Percentage of patients with adequate knowledge was also higher in group 2 (56.1%vs.74.1%, p=0.04). Mean decisional conflict scale score (higher score indicates higher decisional conflict level) was also significantly higher in group1 (14.7±14.5 vs. 10.1±13.7, p=0.045). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed higher education level (college degree) and use of DA as factors associated with adequate level of knowledge. Conclusions In the current study, The DA was shown to have a positive impact on level of knowledge and diminish the level of decisional conflict for patients with a symptomatic non-lower pole renal stone &lt;20 mm. We recommend development and use of DAs for particular clinic scenarios to aid in education of patients and shared decision making process in stone disease clinics.