The evaluation of the quality of beta-carotene derived from Azolla filiculoides in the Anzali Wetland using the alkaline hydrolysis method in summer

The present project was aimed at determining the content, quality, and purity of β-carotene extracted from Azolla filiculoides in the Anzali Wetland, comparing it with synthetic β- carotene, and measuring its economic value. One treatment had β-carotene derived from Azolla filiculoides in the Anzali Wetland through the alkaline hydrolysis method in the summer of 2014. Treatments were kept at 4 °C for one year. Synthetic β-carotene was used as the control. The quality of the treatments was assessed by applying some chemical tests, including the measurement of the content and quality of β-carotene, colorimetry using the Hunter-LAB method, determination of the purity and vitamin A employing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), estimation of the dwell-time duration at 5 °C, and measurement of the solubility of β-carotene in water. The results of the tests regarding the purity, concentration, colorimetry, vitamin compounds, dwell time, and solubility in the experimental β-carotene, compared with those in the control, revealed no significant difference (p>0.05). Moreover, the factors showed no significant difference between the control and experimental treatments during the dwell time (p>0.05). The natural β-carotene had a good quality during the storage period at 5 °C for one year. Since there was no significant difference between the β-carotene derived from Azolla filiculoides and the synthetic one in terms of the chemical tests, purity, and dwell time, and since the natural β- carotene derived from Azolla filiculoides takes precedence over the synthetic one in terms of the economic value, it is recommended that natural β-carotene extracted from Azolla filiculoides be substituted for synthetic β-carotene in the food industry

Elimination Of Right Superior Pulmonary Vein Firing During Radiofrequency Ablation Around the Left Pulmonary Veins: What is the Mechanism?

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/91124/1/j.1540-8167.2011.02113.x.pd

Effect of Epicardial Fat on Electroanatomical Mapping and Epicardial Catheter Ablation

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to correlate 3-dimensional distribution of epicardial fat on computed tomography (CT) with electroanatomical (EA) voltage maps obtained during percutaneous epicardial mapping in order to determine the fat thickness cut-off that results in voltage attenuation and to establish normal ventricular epicardial voltage criteria in the absence of fat.BackgroundEpicardial fat can mimic scar tissue when epicardial voltage mapping is performed, as both result in low epicardial voltage. Cardiac CT can differentiate epicardial fat from scar or muscle on the basis of their distinct attenuations.MethodsTranscutaneous epicardial mapping was performed in a consecutive series of 14 patients. A cardiac CT was performed before the procedure and a 3-dimensional image of the epicardial fat was generated and registered with the epicardial EA voltage map.ResultsIn patients without cardiomyopathy (n = 8), a voltage ≥1.5 mV best correlated with the absence of epicardial fat. A fat thickness ≥2.8 mm resulted in voltage attenuation and best separated low voltage (<1.5 mV) from normal voltage (≥1.5 mV; sensitivity 81%, specificity 81%, area under the curve 0.85). In patients without cardiomyopathy, the low-voltage area matched well with the area of epicardial fat. In the 6 patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, the low-voltage area by far exceeded the area accounted for by epicardial fat; this corresponded with the presence of scar tissue. Epicardial ablations at sites with >10 mm of fat were ineffective.ConclusionsCardiac CT identifies epicardial fat that can mimic scar tissue during epicardial EA voltage mapping, which is important during epicardial mapping and ablation

Investigation on proximate composition, fatty acid profile and sensory evaluation of Nile (Oreochromis niloticus) and Hybrid Red Tilapia fillet farmed in brackish ground water of Bafgh, Yzad

The aim of this study was to determine proximate compositions and sensory evaluation of tilapia meat. For this purpose, farmed Nile tilapia and Red tilapia were collected from the Inland Saline Waters Aquaculture Research Center located in Bafgh, Yazd. Fish were transported to Aquatic Fish Processing Research Center. Fatty acid composition, protein, fat, moisture, ash and sensory evaluation in fish meat were analyzed. Results showed that the tilapia meat had 1.30–1.68% fat, 18.70-19.26 protein, 78-79% moisture and 1.34-1.8% ash. Twenty seven fatty acids were identified in the tilapia meat. Saturated fatty acids were found between 24.84–27.12%, mono-unsaturated fatty acids 36.14-39% and poly unsaturated fatty acids 32.38-38.12%. Amount of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was calculated between 0.50-0.63% and between 6.12-6.19%, respectively. Results of sensory evaluation showed highest score for sensory evaluation parameters (color, odor, texture, test and flavors)

Cost-Effectiveness of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

ObjectivesWe sought to compare the cost-effectiveness of left atrial catheter ablation (LACA), amiodarone, and rate control therapy in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF).BackgroundLeft atrial catheter ablation has been performed to eliminate AF, but its cost-effectiveness is unknown.MethodsWe developed a decision-analytic model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LACA in 55- and 65-year-old cohorts with AF at moderate and low stroke risk. Costs, health utilities, and transition probabilities were derived from published literature and Medicare data. We performed primary threshold analyses to determine the minimum level of LACA efficacy and stroke risk reduction needed to make LACA cost-effective at $50,000 and$100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) thresholds.ResultsIn 65-year-old subjects with AF at moderate stroke risk, relative reduction in stroke risk with an 80% LACA efficacy rate for sinus rhythm restoration would need to be ≥42% and ≥11% to yield incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) <$50,000 and$100,000 per QALY, respectively. Higher and lower LACA efficacy rates would require correspondingly lower and higher stroke risk reduction for equivalent ICER thresholds. In the 55-year-old moderate stroke risk cohort, lower LACA efficacy rates or stroke risk reduction would be needed for the same ICER thresholds. In patients at low stroke risk, LACA was unlikely to be cost-effective.ConclusionsThe use of LACA may be cost-effective in patients with AF at moderate risk for stroke, but it is not cost-effective in low-risk patients. Our threshold analyses may provide a framework for the design of future clinical trials by providing effect size estimates for LACA efficacy needed

Effects of different packaging methods on microbial, [chemical] and sensory properties of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) fillets during refrigerator storage

The effect of three different packaging methods including Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), Vacuum Packaging and normal Packaging was investigated on the quality of Nile tilapia fresh fillets stored in the refrigerator's temperature. The packaged samples were examined for 10 days with regard to the changes in chemical (TVN, PV, pH), microbial (total viable count) and sensory evaluations. The results indicated that the samples packed in MAP condition had higher quality than that of other methods at the end of the storage period. In addition, the slower destructive impacts and microbial growth was observed in MAP. The results of present study suggest that packaging tilapia under MAP conditions results in the increase in the durability, storing, and distribution period for fillets

Predictors of Outcome After Catheter Ablation of Premature Ventricular Complexes

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/107382/1/jce12400.pd

Infrequent Intraprocedural Premature Ventricular Complexes: Implications for Ablation Outcome

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/109287/1/jce12454.pd

An Unusual Induction of Tachycardia:

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/75030/1/j.1540-8167.1996.tb00538.x.pd

A Wide QRS Complex, Long RP Tachycardia:

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/72622/1/j.1540-8167.1997.tb01007.x.pd