Alternatives to DPA and ethoxyquin for preventing the development of superficial scald in apples: A review.

Apples are one of most economically important crops worldwide with a production of approximately 96 million tons in 2022. During postharvest storage, apple quality can decline due to the development of physiological disorders. Superficial scald is one of the main physiological disorders that develops in apples during cold storage and results in quality deterioration.

The Artery of Adamkiewicz: Anatomy and Considerations in Spine Surgery - A Review of the Literature.

The artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA) provides blood supply to the thoracolumbar spinal cord. Any disruption of the AKA can lead to the anterior spinal artery (ASA) syndrome, with devastating systematic and neurologic complications for the patient. This is a narrative review of the anatomy of AKA, the characteristics of ASA syndrome and the role of radiologic techniques in diagnosis and treatment.

Factors affecting the incidence of postoperative periprosthetic fractures following primary and revision hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The increasing number of hip arthroplasties (HA), due to the growing elderly population, is associated with the risk of femoral periprosthetic fractures (FPFs). The purpose of this study was to identify potential risk factors for the development of FPFs after HA.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in five data bases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Cinahl, ICTRP) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines up to May 2019, using the key words "risk factor," "periprosthetic fracture," and "hip replacement or arthroplasty.

Fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms for the preparation of extracts with α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition properties: A review.

The inhibition of the α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity facilitates the maintenance of circulating glucose levels by decreasing the rate of blood sugar absorption. Existing enzyme inhibitors such as acarbose, miglitol, and voglibose are used for inhibiting the activity of these enzymes, however, alternative solutions are required to avoid the side-effects of using these drugs. The current study aims to review recent evidence regarding the in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of extracts derived from selected fruit, vegetables, and mushrooms.

Monitoring the effect of different microwave extraction parameters on the recovery of polyphenols from shiitake mushrooms: Comparison with hot-water and organic-solvent extractions.

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of different microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) parameters (i.e., particle size of the sample, solid-to-liquid ratio, microwave power, and extraction time) on the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (DPPH and CUPRAC), chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid contents of shiitake mushrooms.

Novel Technologies for Preserving Ricotta Cheese: Effects of Ultraviolet and Near-Ultraviolet-Visible Light.

Ricotta cheese is a potential growth medium for a wide range of microorganisms. The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of ultraviolet (UV-C) and near-ultraviolet-visible light (NUV-vis) in microbial decontamination of ricotta artificially inoculated with . Cheese samples were stored at 4 °C, and microbiological and sensory analyses were performed for 9 days.

Increased Serum KLF4 in Severe Atheromatosis and Extensive Aneurysmal Disease.

Background: Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is known to preserve vascular homeostasis. In the present study, we sought to correlate serum KLF4 levels with arterial aneurysm size and their clinical presentation. We also explored the association between serum KLF4 levels and the severity of extracranial carotid and peripheral arterial disease.

Tissue-specific relaxin-2 is differentially associated with the presence/size of an arterial aneurysm and the severity of atherosclerotic disease in humans.

Circulating or tissue-related biomarkers are of clinical value for risk stratification in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Relaxin-2 (RL2) has been linked to the presence and size of arterial aneurysms, and to the extent of atherosclerosis in human subjects. Here, we assessed the expression levels of RL2 in aneurysmal (AA, n = 16) and atherosclerotic (ATH, n = 22) arteries, and established the correlation between RL2 levels and the presence/size of AA and the clinical severity of atherosclerosis.

The Odyssey of Bioactive Compounds in Avocado () and Their Health Benefits.

, commonly known as avocado, has recently gained substantial popularity and is often marketed as a "superfood" because of its unique nutritional composition, antioxidant content, and biochemical profile. However, the term "superfood" can be vague and misleading, as it is often associated with unrealistic health claims. This review draws a comprehensive summary and assessment of research performed in the last few decades to understand the nutritional and therapeutic properties of avocado and its bioactive compounds.

The Use of Upcycled Defatted Sunflower Seed Flour as a Functional Ingredient in Biscuits.

Defatted sunflower seed flour (DSSF) is an upcycled by-product of sunflower oil extraction, rich in protein, fibre and antioxidants. This study assessed the instrumental and sensory quality of biscuits enriched with DSSF at 18% and 36% / as a replacement for wheat flour. Measurements included colour, texture, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity.

Improving the storage quality of Tahitian limes () by pre-storage UV-C irradiation.

UV-C (180-280 nm) has been shown to extend the postharvest shelf-life of many horticulture crops. In this study, Tahitian limes () were exposed to 0, 3.4, 7.

Encapsulation of Citrus By-Product Extracts by Spray-Drying and Freeze-Drying Using Combinations of Maltodextrin with Soybean Protein and ι-Carrageenan.

The effect of different combinations of maltodextrin (MD) coating agents (MD, MD + soybean protein, and MD + ι-carrageenan) on the encapsulation of lemon by-product aqueous extracts using freeze-drying and spray-drying were investigated. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the microparticles were evaluated. Freeze-drying with the mixture of MD + soybean protein resulted in the highest retention of TPC, TFC, and FRAP (1.

Associations between serum relaxin 2, aneurysm formation/size and severity of atherosclerosis: a preliminary prospective analysis.

Serum relaxin 2 (RL2) is a pleiotropic hormone that acts on various organs and systems, particularly the cardiovascular system. Although RL2 seems to upregulate the synthesis of nitric monoxide (NO) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, current literature on its role in atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of serum RL2 in patients with an arterial aneurysm as well as in atherosclerotic patients, and correlate them with the severity of their related vascular disease.

Design and construction of an optimized transmit/receive hybrid birdcage resonator to improve full body images of medium-sized animals in 7T scanner.

The purpose of this work was to develop an optimized transmit/receive birdcage coil to extend the possibilities of a 7T preclinical MRI system to conduct improved full body imaging in medium-sized animals, such as large New Zealand rabbits. The coil was designed by combining calculation and electromagnetic simulation tools. The construction was based on precise mechanical design and careful building practice.

A purpose-built neck coil for black-blood DANTE-prepared carotid artery imaging at 7T.

Atherosclerotic plaques in the bifurcation of the carotid arteries can pose a significant health risk due to possible plaque rupture and subsequent stroke. The assessment of plaques, and evaluation of the risk they pose, can be performed with Black-Blood (BB) vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. However, resolution at standard clinical field strengths (up to 3T) is limited, hampering reliable assessment and diagnosis.

Enhancing the Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidants of Lemon Pomace Aqueous Extracts by Applying UV-C Irradiation to the Dried Powder.

Several studies have shown that UV-C (ultraviolet C) irradiation promotes the bioactive compounds and antioxidants of fresh fruits and vegetables. The aim of this study was to apply UV irradiation in dried lemon pomace powder for enhancing its phenolic content and antioxidant properties, thus more bioactive compounds should be available for extraction and utilization. Lemon pomace dried powder was placed under a UV lamp and treated with dosages of 4, 19, 80 and 185 kJ·m, while untreated powder was used as a control.

Impact of different solvents on the recovery of bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties from lemon ( L.) pomace waste.

The effects of different solvents on the recovery of (i) extractable solids (ES), (ii) total phenolic compounds (TPC), (iii) total flavonoid content (TFC), (iv) vitamin C, and (v) antioxidant activity from lemon pomace waste were investigated. The results revealed that solvents significantly affected the recovery of ES, TPC, TFC, and antioxidant properties. Absolute methanol and 50% acetone resulted in the highest extraction yields of TPC, whereas absolute methanol resulted in the highest extraction of TFC, and water had the highest recovery of vitamin C.

In-hospital outcome of transcatheter vs. surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with aortic valve stenosis: complete dataset of patients treated in 2013 in Germany.

Background: Transvascular (TV-AVI) or transapical (TA-AVI) aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a treatment option for patients with aortic stenosis being at high or prohibitive risk for surgical aortic valve implantation (SAVR). Randomized data demonstrated that these subgroups can safely been treated with TAVI. However, a comparison of SAVR and TAVI in intermediate and low-risk patients is missing.

Current Results of Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights From the German Aortic Valve Registry.

Background: Conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR) remains the therapy of choice for many patients with severe aortic valve disease. The unique German Aortic Valve Registry (GARY) allows the comparison of contemporary outcomes of AVR with those of transcatheter AVRs. We report here real-world, all-comers outcomes of AVR, including combined AVR and coronary bypass grafting (AVR+CABG).

[Predictive value of congress abstracts for later publication: Analysis of the the congresses 2006-2010 of the German Cardiac Society].

Aims: The present study investigates whether scientific abstracts, which were accepted for presentation at the annual meeting of the German Cardiac Society (DGK) will be published more frequently and with higher ranking than rejected abstracts. Additionally, we analyzed whether the current peer review process of the congress abstracts is able to identify research of high quality.

Methods: All abstracts submitted for the DGK meetings between 2006 and 2010 were anonymized and graded by 5-9 reviewers.

Publication performance of women compared to men in German cardiology.

Background: Abstract presentations at scientific congresses are a preparation for publication in peer reviewed journals. The present study aimed to investigate the prediction of abstract acceptance of peer reviewed publications focusing on the difference between male and female first authors.

Methods: We evaluated 8411 abstracts submitted to the German Cardiac Society by 2090 females and 6321 male scientists.

Postprandial lower limb pain: An unusual presentation of visceral arteries occlusion.

This case report describes an atypical and unique presentation of mesenteric arteries occlusive disease. The patient presented with typical symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia, as well as with an atypical new symptom; postprandial buttock and lower limbs pain. Pain followed the time curve of the postprandial abdominal discomfort, starting 30 min after meals and gradually resolving within 2 h.

Iatrogenic injury of profunda femoris artery branches after intertrochanteric hip screw fixation for intertrochanteric femoral fracture: a case report and literature review.

A case of arterial rupture of the profunda femoris arterial branches, following dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation for an intertrochanteric femoral fracture, is presented. Bleeding is controlled by coil embolization, but, later on, the patient underwent orthopedic material removal due to an infection of a large femoral hematoma.

The German Aortic Valve Registry (GARY): in-hospital outcome.

Background: Aortic stenosis is a frequent valvular disease especially in elderly patients. Catheter-based valve implantation has emerged as a valuable treatment approach for these patients being either at very high risk for conventional surgery or even deemed inoperable. The German Aortic Valve Registry (GARY) provides data on conventional and catheter-based aortic procedures on an all-comers basis.