bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Butyrate as a bioactive human milk protective component against food allergy
Authors: Paparo Lorella , Nocerino Rita , Ciaglia Elena , Di Scala Carmen , De Caro Carmen , Russo Roberto , Trinchese Giovanna , Aitoro Rosita , Amoroso Antonio , Bruno Cristina , Di Costanzo Margherita , Passariello Annalisa , Messina Francesco , Agangi Annalisa , Napolitano Marcello , Voto Luana , Gatta Giusy Della , Pisapia Laura , Montella Francesco , Mollica Maria Pina , Calignano Antonio , Puca Annibale , Berni Canani Roberto
Published: October 2020

Background

Food allergy (FA) is a growing health problem worldwide. Effective strategies are advocated to limit the disease burden. Human milk (HM) could be considered as a protective factor against FA, but its mechanisms remain unclear. Butyrate is a gut microbiota‐derived metabolite able to exert several immunomodulatory functions. We aimed to define the butyrate concentration in HM, and to see whether the butyrate concentration detected in HM is able to modulate the mechanisms of immune tolerance.

Methods

HM butyrate concentration from 109 healthy women was assessed by GS‐MS. The effect of HM butyrate on tolerogenic mechanisms was assessed in in vivo and in vitro models.

Results

The median butyrate concentration in mature HM was 0.75 mM. This butyrate concentration was responsible for the maximum modulatory effects observed in all experimental models evaluated in this study. Data from mouse model show that in basal condition, butyrate up‐regulated the expression of several biomarkers of gut barrier integrity, and of tolerogenic cytokines. Pretreatment with butyrate significantly reduced allergic response in three animal models of FA, with a stimulation of tolerogenic cytokines, inhibition of Th2 cytokines production and a modulation of oxidative stress. Data from human cell models show that butyrate stimulated human beta defensin‐3, mucus components and tight junctions expression in human enterocytes, and IL‐10, IFN‐γ and FoxP3 expression through epigenetic mechanisms in PBMCs from FA children. Furthermore, it promoted the precursors of M2 macrophages, DCs and regulatory T cells.

Conclusion

The study's findings suggest the importance of butyrate as a pivotal HM compound able to protect against FA.
Can child drowning be eradicated? A compelling case for continued investment in prevention
Authors: Peden Amy E. , Franklin Richard C. , Clemens Tessa
Published: October 2020

Aim

To explore temporal trends in fatal child drowning and benchmark progress across three high‐income countries to provide prevention and future investment recommendations.

Methods

A total population analysis of unintentional fatal drownings among 0‐ to 19‐year‐olds in Australia, Canada and New Zealand from 2005 to 2014 was undertaken. Univariate and chi‐square analyses were conducted, age‐ and sex‐specific crude rates calculated and linear trends explored.

Results

A total of 1454 children drowned. Rates ranged from 0.92 (Canada) to 1.35 (New Zealand) per 100 000. Linear trends of crude drowning rates show both Australia (y = −0.041) and Canada (y = −0.048) reduced, with New Zealand (y = 0.005) reporting a slight rise, driven by increased drowning among females aged 15‐19 years (+200.4%). Reductions of 48.8% in Australia, 51.1% in Canada and 30.4% in New Zealand were seen in drowning rates of 0‐ to 4‐year‐olds. First Nations children drowned in significantly higher proportions in New Zealand (X2 = 31.7; P < .001).

Conclusion

Continual investment in drowning prevention, particularly among 0‐ to 4‐year‐olds, is contributing to a reduction in drowning deaths; however, greater attention is needed on adolescents (particularly females) and First Nation's children. Lessons can be learned from each country's approach; however, further investment and evolution of prevention strategies will be needed to fully eradicate child drowning deaths.
Social Media, Work and Nonwork Interface: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Beigi Mina , Otaye‐Ebede Lilian
Published: October 2020

Flourishing social media, easy access to smartphones and tablets, and ready availability of the internet in the past decade have made it possible for people to be connected to social media almost anywhere at any time. In this qualitative study, we interviewed 41 individuals in multiple professions in the United Kingdom to examine the role of social media in how they navigate their personal and professional lives. We find social media to be a virtual domain that has boundaries with nonvirtual personal and professional domains. Focusing on spatial and temporal boundaries, our findings revealed four boundary transition modes employees used to switch between the social media domain and their work and nonwork domains: boundary switch avoidance; disciplined boundary switch; integrated boundary switch; and boundary switch addiction. We also describe 15 mechanisms through which engaging with social media platforms enriches or conflicts with individuals’ personal and professional lives. Our findings extend work‐nonwork scholarship and boundary theory to include virtual as well as nonvirtual domains.
Multi‐technical study of silver denars from medieval Poland for an improved understanding of their archaeological context and provenance
Authors: Hrnjic M. , Röhrs S. , Denker A. , Weisser B. , Stoess C. , Matosz M. , del Hoyo‐Meléndez J. M.
Published: October 2020

This paper discusses a methodology that involves the use of X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), high‐energy particle‐induced X‐ray emission (HE‐PIXE) and high‐energy particle‐induced γ‐ray emission (HE‐PIGE) spectroscopies for the study of historic denars with the aim of describing the advantages and limitations of each technique as well as arriving at an archaeometric interpretation of the compositions. A total of 39 medieval Polish denars minted by kings Bolesław the Brave and Mieszko II Lambert were analysed for their elemental composition. While XRF is limited to the analysis of the material close to the object's surface, high‐energy ion‐beam analysis (HE‐IBA) was used to obtain information from Cu at a relatively larger depth. The major elements detected were Ag and Cu, while the minor elements were Pb, Au, Bi and Zn. An evaluation of the results obtained with the different techniques shows that the content of Cu near the surface is different from the bulk composition of the coins. The obtained elemental composition was used to proliferate the understanding of chronological changes in the production of early medieval Polish denars.
Welfare and immigration regimes: A fuzzy set ideal type analysis of immigrants’ social rights and responsibilities in 27 OECD countries
Authors: Kim Kyunghwan
Published: October 2020

This article studies the social rights and responsibilities of immigrants in an international comparative perspective, focusing on two main institutions underpinning immigrants’ social rights and responsibilities (i.e., the welfare regime and immigration regime of the host state). Drawing on literature about both welfare and immigration regimes, its fussy set ideal type analysis highlights three fuzzy sets for welfare regimes (i.e., income protection, employment protection, and activation) and three for immigration regimes (individual equality, cultural difference, and citizenship conditionality) in order to explore and explain differences in immigrants’ social rights and responsibilities in different nations. Through a multidimensional investigation of these different dimensions of both welfare and immigration regimes, it presents new insights into the social rights and responsibilities of immigrants. Analysis provides some support for existing understandings of welfare and immigration regimes but simultaneously highlights, in some cases, shifts in regimes which challenge them, particularly existing nations’ classification.
A left shift in the oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Vogel Dominik J. , Formenti Federico , Retter Andrew J. , Vasques Francesco , Camporota Luigi
Published: October 2020

Critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) present with hypoxaemia and are mechanically ventilated to support gas exchange. We performed a retrospective, observational study of blood gas analyses (n = 3518) obtained from patients with COVID‐19 to investigate changes in haemoglobin oxygen (Hb–O2) affinity. Calculated oxygen tension at half‐saturation (p50) was on average (±SD) 3·3 (3·13) mmHg lower than the normal p50 value (23·4 vs. 26·7 mmHg; P < 0·0001). Compared to an unmatched historic control of patients with other causes of severe respiratory failure, patients with COVID‐19 had a significantly higher Hb–O2 affinity (mean [SD] p50 23·4 [3·13] vs. 24·6 [5.4] mmHg; P < 0·0001). We hypothesise that, due to the long disease process, acclimatisation to hypoxaemia could play a role.
Cerebellar developmental deficits underlie neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type 23
Authors: Smeets Cleo J.L.M. , Ma Kai Yu , Fisher Simon E. , Verbeek Dineke S.
Published: October 2020

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 23 (SCA23) is a late‐onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by slowly progressive gait and limb ataxia, for which there is no therapy available. It is caused by pathogenic variants in PDYN, which encodes prodynorphin (PDYN). PDYN is processed into the opioid peptides α‐neoendorphin and dynorphins (Dyn) A and B; inhibitory neurotransmitters that function in pain signaling, stress‐induced responses and addiction. Variants causing SCA23 mostly affect Dyn A, leading to loss of secondary structure and increased peptide stability. PDYNR212W mice express human PDYN containing the SCA23 variant p.R212W. These mice show progressive motor deficits from 3 months of age, climbing fiber (CF) deficits from 3 months of age, and Purkinje cell (PC) loss from 12 months of age. A mouse model for SCA1 showed similar CF deficits, and a recent study found additional developmental abnormalities, namely increased GABAergic interneuron connectivity and non‐cell autonomous disruption of PC function. As SCA23 mice show a similar pathology to SCA1 mice in adulthood, we hypothesized that SCA23 may also follow SCA1 pathology during development. Examining PDYNR212W cerebella during development, we uncovered developmental deficits from 2 weeks of age, namely a reduced number of GABAergic synapses on PC soma, possibly leading to the observed delay in early phase CF elimination between 2 and 3 weeks of age. Furthermore, CFs did not reach terminal height, leaving proximal PC dendrites open to be occupied by parallel fibers (PFs). The observed increase in vGlut1 protein—a marker for PF‐PC synapses—indicates that PFs indeed take over CF territory and have increased connectivity with PCs. Additionally, we detected altered expression of several critical Ca2+ channel subunits, potentially contributing to altered Ca2+ transients in PDYNR212W cerebella. These findings indicate that developmental abnormalities contribute to the SCA23 pathology and uncover a developmental role for PDYN in the cerebellum.
Effect of recombinant human growth hormone on liver fat content in young adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Pan Chelsea S. , Weiss Julian J. , Fourman Lindsay T. , Buckless Colleen , Branch Karen L. , Lee Hang , Torriani Martin , Misra Madhusmita , Stanley Takara L.
Published: October 2020

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in young adults with obesity. Obesity is associated with relative growth hormone (GH) deficiency, and data from animal studies and from humans with pituitary GH deficiency suggest a role for GH deficiency in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The effects of GH on NAFLD in those with obesity are unknown, however, prompting this pilot study to assess effects of GH administration on measures of NAFLD in young adults.

Methods

Twenty‐four men and women aged 18–29 years with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, hepatic fat fraction (HFF) ≥ 5% on proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) z‐score ≤ 0 were randomized to treatment with recombinant human GH (rhGH) versus no treatment for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in HFF.

Results

Compared to no treatment, the effect size of rhGH on absolute HFF over 24 weeks was −3.3% (95% confidence interval: −7.8%, 1.2%; p = .14). At 24 weeks, HFF < 5% was achieved in 5 of 9 individuals receiving rhGH versus 1 of 9 individuals receiving no treatment (p = .04). rhGH did not significantly reduce ALT, AST or GGT. Serum IGF‐1 increased as expected with rhGH treatment, and there were no changes in fasting lipids, C‐reactive protein, fasting glucose or 2‐h glucose following an oral glucose tolerance test.

Conclusion

Data from this pilot study suggest that rhGH treatment in young adults with obesity and NAFLD may have benefits to reduce liver fat content, although larger studies are needed to confirm this effect.
The nature and prevalence of kinship care: Focus on young kinship carers
Authors: Kiraly Meredith , Hoadley David , Humphreys Cathy
Published: October 2020

Young kinship carers tend to be overlooked in kinship care policy and practice. This Australian research project explored the prevalence of kinship care households in Australia, with a particular focus on households headed by young kinship carers. Census data were utilized to explore the number of kinship care households across the carer age spectrum and some of their characteristics, including households with Indigenous carers and carers with a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) identity. Characteristics of households headed by carers aged 16–30 years were explored in some detail, and comparisons made with young parents. The data pointed to particular challenges for young kinship carers in relation to post‐secondary education, employment and income security. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Missing heritability in Bloom syndrome: First report of a deep intronic variant leading to pseudo‐exon activation in the BLM gene
Authors: Backers Lynn , Parton Bram , De Bruyne Marieke , Tavernier Simon J. , Van Den Bogaert Kris , Lambrecht Bart N. , Haerynck Filomeen , Claes Kathleen B.M.
Published: October 2020

Pathogenic biallelic variants in the BLM/RECQL3 gene cause a rare autosomal recessive disorder called Bloom syndrome (BS). This syndrome is characterized by severe growth delay, immunodeficiency, dermatological manifestations and a predisposition to a wide variety of cancers, often multiple and very early in life. Literature shows that the main mode of BLM inactivation is protein translation termination. We expanded the molecular spectrum of BS by reporting the first deep intronic variant causing intron exonisation. We describe a patient with a clinical phenotype of BS and a strong increase in sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), who was found to be compound heterozygous for a novel nonsense variant c.3379C>T, p.(Gln1127Ter) in exon 18 and a deep intronic variant c.3020‐258A>G in intron 15 of the BLM gene. The deep intronic variant creates a high‐quality de novo donor splice site, which leads to retention of two intron segments. Both pseudo‐exons introduce a premature stop codon into the reading frame and abolish BLM protein expression, confirmed by Western Blot analysis. These findings illustrate the role of non‐coding variation in Mendelian disorders and herewith highlight an unmet need in routine testing of Mendelian disorders, being the added value of RNA‐based approaches to provide a complete molecular diagnosis.
Colour after colorimetry
Authors: Rizzi Alessandro
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a critical overview of some of the uses, misuses and open problems in colour measurement, characterisation and reproduction. A series of ground truths, pitfalls and open problems regarding colorimetry and its relationship with human colour vision is presented.
The effectiveness of forecast‐based humanitarian assistance in anticipation of extreme winters: a case study of vulnerable herders in Mongolia
Authors: Gros Clemens , Easton‐Calabria Evan , Bailey Meghan , Dagys Kadirbyek , de Perez Erin Coughlan , Sharavnyambuu Munguntuya , Kruczkiewicz Andrew
Published: October 2020

This paper presents evidence relating to a forecast‐based cash and non‐food item distribution among vulnerable herder households during the 2017–18 dzud (extreme winter) season in Mongolia, and analyses the results of a quasi‐experimental study evaluating its impacts. An innovative approach in disaster risk reduction, forecast‐based financing (FbF) can have short‐ and long‐term benefits to vulnerable households but remains understudied. The paper contributes information on a multimodal FbF programme offering one‐off cash grants and in‐kind veterinary kits. The data found significant effects of reduced mortality and increased offspring survival in some types of livestock, and that the timing of FbF assistance is crucial, as reported early assistance correlated to positive outcomes in terms of reduced animal mortality. These findings can be used to design more effective FbF interventions, to understand better the appropriateness of FbF designs, and to use early warnings and early actions to help people prepare and withstand disasters such as dzuds.
Let‐7 mediated airway remodelling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via the regulation of IL‐6
Authors: Di Tingting , Yang Yue , Fu Congli , Zhang Zixiao , Qin Chu , Sai Xiaoyan , Liu Jiaxin , Hu Caixia , Zheng Mingfeng , Wu Yan , Bian Tao
Published: October 2020

Background

Myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition are observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the mechanisms of regulation of myofibroblast differentiation remain unclear.

Materials and methods

We detected let‐7 levels in peripheral lung tissues, serum and primary bronchial epithelial cells of COPD patients and cigarette smoke (CS)‐exposed mice. IL‐6 mRNA was explored in lung tissues of COPD patients and CS‐exposed mice. IL‐6 protein was detected in cell supernatant from primary epithelial cells by ELISA. We confirmed the regulatory effect of let‐7 on IL‐6 by luciferase reporter assay. Western blotting assay was used to determine the expression of α‐SMA, E‐cadherin and collagen I. In vitro, cell study was performed to demonstrate the role of let‐7 in myofibroblast differentiation and ECM deposition.

Results

Low expression of let‐7 was observed in COPD patients, CS‐exposed mice and CS extract (CSE)‐treated human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. Increased IL‐6 was found in COPD patients, CS‐exposed mice and CSE‐treated HBE cells. Let‐7 targets and silences IL‐6 protein coding genes through binding to 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of IL‐6. Normal or CSE‐treated HBE cells were co‐cultured with human embryonic lung fibroblasts (MRC‐5 cells). Reduction of let‐7 in HBE cells caused myofibroblast differentiation and ECM deposition, while increase of let‐7 mimics decreased myofibroblast differentiation phenotype and ECM deposition.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that CS reduced let‐7 expression in COPD and, further, identify let‐7 as a regulator of myofibroblast differentiation through the regulation of IL‐6, which has potential value for diagnosis and treatment of COPD.
Positive and meaningful lives: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of eudaimonic well‐being in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Gleeson John F. M. , Eleftheriadis Dina , Santesteban‐Echarri Olga , Koval Peter , Bastian Brock , Penn David L. , Lim Michelle H. , Ryan Richard M. , Alvarez‐Jimenez Mario
Published: October 2020

Background

First‐episode psychosis typically has its onset during adolescence. Prolonged deficits in social functioning are common in FEP and yet often variance in functioning remains unexplained. Developmental psychology frameworks may be useful for understanding these deficits. Eudaimonic well‐being (EWB), or positive self‐development, is a developmental psychology construct that has been shown to predict mental health outcomes across multiple populations but has not been systematically reviewed in FEP.

Aim

Our aim was to systematically review the evidence for: the predictors of EWB, the effectiveness of EWB interventions and to examine the quality of this research in FEP.

Methods

Selected studies measured either composite or components of EWB. A systematic search produced 2876 abstracts and 122 articles were identified for full screening which produced 17 final papers with 2459 participants.

Results

Studies comprised six RCTs, eight prospective follow‐up studies and three case‐controlled studies. Self‐esteem and self‐efficacy were the most commonly measured components. A meta‐analysis of RCTs revealed no statistically significant effect of interventions on self‐esteem. The extant research indicates that character strengths may be associated with higher EWB. Self‐esteem may be lower in FEP compared with age matched controls but not different from ultra‐high risk patients. Self‐esteem appears to be associated with poorer insight and improved therapeutic alliance. Significant problems with both external and internal validity of reviewed studies were apparent.

Conclusions

The hypotheses that lowered EWB is a risk factor for both onset of FEP and for poorer functional outcomes warrant further investigation. There is currently no evidence for effective interventions for EWB in FEP.
Socioeconomic impact of restless legs syndrome and inadequate restless legs syndrome management across European settings
Authors: Trenkwalder C. , Tinelli M. , Sakkas G. K. , Dauvilliers Y. , Ferri R. , Rijsman R. , Oertel W. , Jaarsma J.
Published: October 2020

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is one of the most common neurological disorders. It describes an irresistible urge to move the legs, mostly manifested in the evening and at night, which can lead to severe sleep disturbance. As part of the European Brain Council (EBC)‐led Value‐of‐Treatment project, this study aimed at capturing the socioeconomic impact of RLS related to the inadequate diagnosis and treatment across different European healthcare settings. The economic burden of RLS was estimated using the published EBC framework of analysis in three separate European Union healthcare systems (France, Germany, and Italy). The RLS care pathway was mapped to identify the unmet needs of patients. Based on specific patient stories, the economic impact of correctly diagnosing RLS and changing between inadequate and target treatment was calculated using appropriate scenario analysis. RLS proved to be a significant personal and social burden, when epidemiological data, high prevalence of RLS, and its need for treatment are combined. By looking at the savings emerging from the provision of optimal care management (timely and correct diagnosis, evidence‐based therapy, avoidance of therapy‐related complications such as augmentation), the authors foresee substantial economic savings with the achievement of adequate diagnosis and treatment of RLS. Education about RLS is urgently needed for all subspecialties involved in RLS patient care as well as the general public. Equally important, the search for new causal treatment strategies should be intensified to reduce suffering and substantial societal cost.
Life cycle of an endangered riffle beetle, Leptelmis gracilis Sharp (Coleoptera: Elmidae), in the Hiikawa River system, Shimane prefecture, Japan
Authors: Morimoto Ryosuke , Hayashi Masakazu
Published: October 2020

We studied the life cycle of the riffle beetle Leptelmis gracilis Sharp, 1888 from a population located in a river stream with lotic environments. Samples were collected monthly, between September 2018 and August 2019, from a tributary of the Hiikawa River in Izumo city, Shimane Prefecture, Honshu, Japan. Larvae were separated into five distinct groups based on size. The first and last instar larval sizes were identified through rearing methods. From these results, we determined that the larval stage of this species consists of five instars. From the monthly evaluations, the number of individuals corresponding to each instar period suggested that last‐instar larvae were dominant in May and that new adults emerged from July to August. Landing and pupation were estimated to occur from May to June. Monthly observations revealed that mature eggs were present in the female abdomen from April to June, as well as from August to September. It is, therefore, predicted that overwintering adults mainly oviposit from spring to early summer, while new adults oviposit from late summer to early autumn.
Estimation of glass eel (Anguilla anguilla) exploitation in the Severn Estuary, England
Authors: Aprahamian Miran , Wood Peter
Published: October 2020

Mark‐release‐recapture trials were conducted to determine the exploitation rate of glass eel Anguilla anguilla (L.) by handheld dip nets in the Severn Estuary in the spring of 2020. The glass eel were marked with Rhodamine B at a concentration of 0.1 g/L, 200 glass eel/L for 4.5 hr and then placed in fresh water for 36–48 hr to monitor mortality. In trial 1, 891 ± 100 of the 20,455 glass eel were recaptured while in trial 2,373 ± 172 of the 27,923 glass eel released were recaptured. The exploitation rate was estimated to be 4.36% (±0.49) in trial 1 and 1.33% (±0.62) in trial 2. The size of the glass eel population from trial 1 was estimated to be 24.69 t (22.46 – 28.81), and the overall exploitation rate of the fishery for the season was 7.8% (6.7% – 8.6%). Comparisons are made with studies in other estuaries and with conservation targets set by the EU Eel Regulation and the Eel Management Plan for the River Severn. The study suggests the fishery is not the main cause of the Severn RBD failing to meet escapement targets.
The geography of the US’s mishandling of COVID‐19: A commentary on the politics of science in democracies
Authors: Schrager Benjamin
Published: October 2020

During the pandemic, many prominent global leaders and scholars have called for placing science above politics. This commentary argues that such rhetoric dangerously oversimplifies science and politics as insular from democracy and geographical context. The theory of co‐construction from science and technology studies reveals the pandemic’s geographic intersection with other threats to democracy, such as rising inequality and authoritarianism. Since COVID‐19 figures to be central to the politics of the future, the field of geography helps to contextualise the importance of problematic trends that hinder the capacity for democracies to respond to present and future crises.
Primary Empty Sella
Authors: Mehla Sandhya , Chua Abigail L. , Grosberg Brian , Evans Randolph W.
Published: October 2020

Primary empty sella (PES) syndrome is a misnomer as it is not a syndrome but a radiological finding with possible endocrine abnormalities. No specific headache type has been shown to be caused by PES. Endocrine screening may be considered for asymptomatic persons with PES.
Prevalence of anti‐Hepatitis E antibodies and impact on disease severity in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Paternostro Rafael , Traussnigg Stefan , Staufer Katharina , Mandorfer Mattias , Halilbasic Emina , Lagler Heimo , Stift Judith , Wrba Fritz , Munda Petra , Trauner Michael
Published: October 2020

Aim

In most immune‐competent individuals, hepatitis E (HEV) infections appear silent. It is unclear whether past HEV infections deteriorate disease severity in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD and data on anti‐HEV immunoglobulin M (HEV‐IgM) and anti‐HEV IgG antibodies (HEV‐IgG) were included. The NAFLD activity score (NAS) was used to grade and stage all liver biopsy samples. The HEV‐IgG prevalence was compared to a healthy cohort of 997 subjects.

Results

One hundred sixty‐seven patients with NAFLD were included with the following characteristics: age, 50 ± 13 years; NAS ≤4, 89 (53.3%); NAS 5–8, 78 (46.7%); cirrhosis, 16 (9.6%). Two patients (1.2%) were HEV‐IgM‐positive, however HEV polymerase chain reaction remained negative and no signs of acute hepatitis were seen. Forty‐four patients (26.3%) were HEV‐IgG‐positive and they were significantly older (55 ± 10 years vs. 48 ± 13 years, P < 0.001) and predominantly men (31 [70.5%] vs.13 [29.5%], P = 0.022). Distribution across NAS (P = 0.610) was not different. However, HEV‐IgG‐positive patients were significantly more often found with cirrhosis (8 [18.2%] vs. 8 [6.5%], P = 0.024) and liver stiffness values >10 kPa (14 [58.2%] vs. 29 [43.3%], P = 0.026). Multivariable analyses revealed age (odds ratio [OR], 1.054 [1.022–1.086]) and male sex (OR 2.77 [1.27–6.04]) associated with HEV‐IgG positivity. Presence of diabetes (OR 3.86 [1.18–12.59]), higher aspartate aminotransferase levels (OR, 1.02 [1.006–1.033]), and HEV‐IgG seropositivity (OR 3.52 [1.11–11.13]) were independently linked to cirrhosis. Finally, HEV‐IgG positivity was not independently associated with NAFLD patients in a case–control study including healthy subjects.

Conclusions

Prevalence of anti‐HEV‐IgG antibodies in patients with NAFLD is linked to age and male sex. Furthermore, previous HEV infection was an independent risk factor for cirrhosis. Whether this finding is causal or solely associative is unclear and should be elucidated in future studies.
Nanoemulsions containing plant oils: How do they influence hair treatment?
Authors: Tamashiro F.L. , Yukuyama M.N. , Velasco M.V.R. , De Araújo G.L.B. , Bou‐Chacra N.A.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Cosmetic and dermatological products, mainly the hair treatments, are projected to have remarkable growing in coming years. Nanotechnology, specifically nanoemulsions, has potential to be used in several hair products, owing to their beneficial properties. Concurrently, plant‐derived cosmetics have become more popular over the years to consumers who prefer a safer, natural and sustainable approach. There is a lack of studies combining plant oils and nanotechnology for haircare formulations. In this work, different plant oil‐loaded nanoemulsions were prepared to investigate the influence of their particle size, zeta potential and composition on hair treatment efficacy.

Methods

Coconut, olive and Abyssinian oils, alone or in combination, were loaded into nanoemulsions by high‐pressure homogenization method (HPH). The mean particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential were measured by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method, and a stability test was performed for five months. A sensorial screening evaluation performed by the analyst and the combing test using Dia‐Stron® instrumentation were applied on hair tresses treated by these nanoemulsions.

Results

The use of different plant oils for nanoemulsion resulted in distinct final particle sizes and zeta potential. However, results suggested no significant difference between them in hair tresses combing efficacy compared by Dia‐Stron® instrument testing. Moreover, the plant‐loaded nanoemulsions with increased concentration of cationic surfactant indicated a 50% reduction in combing force using this device when compared to control, in addition to better sensory results by screening test compared to other nanoemulsions and control.

Conclusion

The composition of plant oils, particle size or zeta potential of the prepared nanoemulsions does not seem to significantly influence hair performance. Thus, we suggest that finding the right balance between cationic surfactant and plant oils may be the most appropriate path to develop effective nanoemulsions in hair treatment.
A validated photonumeric scale for infraorbital dark circles and its application in evaluating the efficacy of a cosmetic treatment product in a split‐face randomized clinical trial
Authors: O’Mahony M.M. , Sladen C. , Crone M. , Banner E. , Newton V.L. , Allen A. , Bell M. , Marlow I. , Acevedo S.F. , Jiang L.I.
Published: October 2020

Objective

As a result of their complex aetiology and periodicity, dark circles are difficult to characterize and measure, with current assessment techniques relying on specialist equipment, image analysis or proprietary grading scales. There is therefore a need to develop and validate a photonumeric scale for assessing infraorbital dark circles, which can provide an objective and consumer relevant tool for evaluating this condition and the efficacy of treatment products and procedures.

Methods

A panel of expert clinical evaluators reviewed approximately three thousand facial photographs collected over a 5‐year period and selected images representing a dynamic range of dark circles. A 10‐point photonumeric scale was created, with corresponding descriptors and images for each grade of the scale. To rigorously validate the scale, linearity, sensitivity and precision were assessed by colorimetry and in‐clinic evaluation. Reproducibility was assessed photographically with both experienced and inexperienced clinical evaluators, whereas intragrader repeatability was assessed live in‐clinic. The scale was then employed in a split‐face randomized clinical trial on 58 subjects to evaluate the efficacy of a cosmetic treatment product over 8 weeks.

Results

Colour analysis of the images showed the scale was linear, with statistically significant correlations observed when colour data (CIElab; Individual Typology Angle) were plotted against the corresponding grades (r > 0.9, P < 0.001). Colour difference (Delta E) was calculated between the infraorbital zone and the surrounding skin, and when data were plotted against the grades, a statistically significant correlation was observed (r = 0.99, P < 0.01). The magnitude of the Delta E suggested that changes in grade are visibly perceptible to the human eye, and therefore, the scale is sensitive and clinically relevant. Intergrader reproducibility showed strong correlation (0.96) and >90% agreement between experienced evaluators, whereas intragrader repeatability assessment showed >90% perfect agreement between grades. Use of this scale in a clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of a cosmetic product, with a mean statistically significant (P < 0.001) decrease in grade of 0.74 compared to baseline, and 0.59 versus the untreated control, after 8 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

Our photonumeric scale for infraorbital dark circles is sensitive and robust and provides an objective and easy‐to‐use tool to evaluate dark circles and their treatment.
Evaluation of process conditions on osmotic dehydration and quality indexes of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and further polymeric film selection for packaging and refrigerated storage
Authors: Kvapil María Florencia , Rodríguez Silvia del Carmen , Qüesta Ana Gabriela , Mascheroni Rodolfo Horacio
Published: October 2020

We studied the influence of composition and concentration of solutions and product size on mass transfer kinetics during Anco pumpkin osmotic dehydration (OD). Once optimal conditions were determined, samples packed in commercial polymeric films were microbiologically analysed during refrigerated storage. The optimal OD time was 3 h, when the efficiency index WL/SG (water loss/solid gain) was stabilised. At this time, 1.0 and 1.5 cm cubes presented the highest index value (about 11) in binary solution (sucrose 55°Bx). WL was higher in 1.0 cm cubes for each dehydrating ternary salt solution tested, and no significant differences in firmness were observed with Calcium Lactate addition. Thus, optimal condition for OD in ternary solutions was 180 min and 55°Bx – 2% NaCl. Microbiological determinations were done for dehydrated (55°Bx without/with 2% NaCl) and untreated samples, packaged in different polymeric films. The combination with lowest mesophilic and psychrophilic counts at day 10 was: samples dehydrated with ternary solution of sucrose‐salt packed in Polypropylene film.
Prioritising quality traits for gender‐responsive breeding for boiled potato in Uganda
Authors: Mudege Netsayi Noris , Mayanja Sarah , Nyaga John , Nakitto Mariam , Tinyiro Samuel Edgar , Magala Damali Babirye , Achora Janet Cox , Kisakye Sarah , Bamwirire David , Mendes Thiago , Muzhingi Tawanda
Published: October 2020

Using quantitative, qualitative and sensorial data collected from western (Kabale) and central (Rakai) Uganda, this paper identifies and describes gender‐responsive traits preferred in varieties for the boiled potato market. These traits are aggregated into a product profile to support breeding programme design and decision‐making that will increase probability of variety acceptance. An interdisciplinary and participatory methodology was used to collect data on socio‐economic on trait preferences, processing and organoleptics and finally, to develop a lexicon through a sensorial panel. Characteristics that were important to both men and women, such as red skin and yellow flesh, are linked to market preferences. Women‐only preferred characteristics such as big size and mealiness are linked to processing efficiency and eating quality. Besides agronomic traits, breeders must consider factors such as gender roles, social norms, and market preferences traits that guide farmers and other food chain actors in their selection of new varieties.
Development of healthy extruded maize snacks; Effects of soybean flour and feed moisture content
Authors: Sharifi Sohrab , Majzoobi Mahsa , Farahnaky Asgar
Published: October 2020

The main aim of this research was to introduce a green and clean method of increasing the nutritional quality while preserving the quality of extruded maize snacks. This was achieved by addition of soybean flour (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, w/w) as a source of plant protein, fibre and bioactive compounds and changing the feed moisture content. Extruded samples were produced using a single‐screw extruder. Increasing the soybean flour and feed moisture content resulted in reduced specific mechanical energy of the extruder and consequently several changes in physicochemical properties of the snacks including higher moisture content, lower expansion and volume, reduced crispiness, reduction in L‐and a‐values but an increase in b‐value and formation of more wrinkly and thicker air bubbles cell walls as observed under scanning electron microscope. The addition of <20% soybean flour and feed moisture content resulted in snacks with improved nutritional value and physical properties.
Stability enhancement of garlic essential oil using new opopanax gum/gelatin nanofibres
Authors: Khezri Zohreh , Shekarchizadeh Hajar , Fathi Milad
Published: October 2020

Opopanax gum/gelatin nanofibre was produced by the electrospinning method, and the efficiency of this new technique for encapsulation of garlic essential oil was investigated. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy results showed the physical and weak interactions between opopanax gum and gelatin, as well as the improvement of their thermal stability in the nanofibres structure. Incorporating 10% garlic essential oil based on biopolymer weight in nanofibres was considered the best percentage. The results confirmed the presence of garlic essential oil in the nanofibres and the improvement of its thermal stability by entrapment to the nanofibre structure. The data of analysis of the stability of garlic essential oil in the forms of free and encapsulated conditions showed that its stability increased at 25 °C from 20 days to more than 60 days. It indicated the efficiency of opopanax gum/gelatin nanofibres as an applicable coating material for stability enhancement of essential oils.
Optimized sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of Ca1+2xSnSi2x+yO3+6x+2y by composition modulation
Authors: Du Kang , Guo Yan‐Bo , Wang Fei , Fan Jun , Wang Xiao‐Chuan , Lu Wen‐Zhong , Lei Wen
Published: October 2020

Ca1+2xSnSi2x+yO3+6x+2y (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9; 0.1 ≤ y ≤ 0.9) microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared through traditional solid‐state reaction sintered at 1450°C–1500°C for 5 hours. The Ca3SnSi2O9 second phase replaced the SnO2 second phase of the Ca1+2xSnSi2xO3+6x (x = 0, y = 0) ceramics by controlling the ratio of Ca:Sn:Si. The cracks of CaSnO3 (x = 0, y = 0) ceramic were inhibited, the microwave dielectric properties were optimized by introducing the Ca3SnSi2O9 second phase, and the CaSnO3‐Ca3SnSi2O9 mixture system existed at (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9, y = 0). The CaSnSiO5 phase with positive τf value was related to the Si‐rich in CaSnSiyO3+2y (x = 0; 0.1 ≤ y ≤ 0.9), and the coexistence of three and four phases was obtained at CaSnSiyO3+2y (0.1 ≤ y ≤ 0.9) ceramics. The CaSnSiO5 phase appeared at CaSnSiyO3+2y (0.3 ≤ y ≤ 0.9) ceramics. The CaSnSiyO3+2y (y = 0.8) ceramic with 49.2 wt% CaSnSiO5 phase exhibited excellent microwave dielectric properties: εr = 11.06, Q × f = 57,500 GHz (at 11.5 GHz), and τf = +8.1 ppm/°C.
The effects of a brief hope intervention on decision‐making in chronic kidney disease patients: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chan Kitty , Wong Frances , Tam Suet Lai , Kwok Ching Ping , Fung Yuen Ping , Wong Ping Nam
Published: October 2020

Aims

This study describes the study protocol of a manualized brief hope intervention that is based on the theoretical proposition – hope theory.

Background

Patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease often had decisional regret when facing the tension of treatment alternatives between dialysis initiation and palliative care. Hope has been found to account for therapeutic changes in clients with depressive symptoms, heightens positive expectations, and striving to accomplish chosen goals. Nevertheless, little is known about the effect of hope on decisional conflict and its influences to the quality of life in these chronic kidney disease patients.

Design

This study is a single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Participants will be recruited from a regional hospital (approved in April 2018). They will be randomly assigned in equal numbers to either the brief hope intervention or the control arm on completion of the baseline assessment on the possible need of dialysis initiation. Participants in the intervention group will receive the pre‐dialysis education and a 4‐week Brief Hope Intervention [consisting of four sessions at weekly intervals (two face‐to‐face sessions and two telephone follow‐up sessions in between)], while those allocated to the control arm will receive the renal education and social chats. Outcome measures will be carried out prior to the intervention (baseline), immediately, and 1 month after the intervention. These consist of the hope level, decisional conflict, and quality of life. Healthcare resources use data will be reported.

Impact

The study results have the potential to add scientific evidence to the research‐tested programme when developing renal services integral to multimodal care management to optimize decision‐making and attain better health outcomes.
Experiences of parents who give pharmacological treatment to children with functional constipation at home
Authors: Flankegård Gunilla , Mörelius Evalotte , Duchen Karel , Rytterström Patrik
Published: October 2020

Aim

The aim was to explore the lived experiences of parents who give oral and rectal pharmacological treatment to their children with functional constipation at home.

Design

A phenomenological design with a reflective lifeworld research approach that describes phenomena as they are experienced by individuals.

Methods

From January–May 2019, 15 interviews were conducted with parents of children with functional constipation with home‐based oral and rectal treatment. Parents were recruited from three different healthcare levels. Open‐ended questions were used starting from the description of a normal day with constipation treatment. Analyses were made with an open and reflective ‘bridling’ attitude.

Findings

Constipation treatment causes parents to question their parental identity and what it means to be a good parent. Forced treatment makes them feel abusive and acting against their will as parents. There is a conflict between doubt and second thoughts about the treatment, the urge to treat based on the child's needs and encouragement from healthcare professionals to give treatment.

Conclusion

As pharmacological constipation treatment can be experienced as challenging, it is important to help parents make an informed decision about how such treatment should be carried out at home. The findings reveal a medical treatment situation where parents hesitate and children resist, resulting in insecure parents who question their parental identity.

Impact

The findings point to the importance of supporting parents in treatment situations. Healthcare providers need to treat children with constipation with greater focus and more prompt management to prevent these families from lingering longer than necessary in the healthcare system.
Weak phylogenetic and climatic signals in plant heat tolerance
Authors: Perez Timothy M. , Feeley Kenneth J.
Published: October 2020

Aim

High heat tolerance is a potential way for plants to maintain performance under high temperatures that can be acted upon by environmental filters to influence community assembly. Plant heat tolerances are phenotypically plastic and thus common garden experiments are needed to test if species from hotter environments have consistently higher heat tolerance than species from colder environments. Past studies that have measured heat tolerance from species grown in common gardens have found conflicting relationships between species' climatic origins and their heat tolerance, possibly due to phylogenetic non‐independence of study species. In this study, we test the hypothesis that phylogenetic structure can help to explain variation in heat tolerance in order to resolve the confliciting relationships between climate and plant heat tolerance.

Location

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Gifford Arboretum, Miami, FL, USA.

Taxon

Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms.

Methods

We tested for phylogenetic signal in the photosynthetic heat tolerance of 123 species of ferns, gymnosperms, magnoliids, monocots and eudicots by calculating Blomberg's K. Phylogenetic independent contrasts of heat tolerance and climatic distributions for >100 species were used to test the hypothesis that climate can predict variation in heat tolerance.

Results

Species' heat tolerances were not phylogenetically conserved according to Blomberg's K, but we found significant differences in the heat tolerance of ferns, gymnosperms, magnoliids, monocots and eudicots. When controlling for phylogenetic non‐independence, we found a significant, but weak relationship between the mean maximum temperature of the warmest month of species' climatic distributions and their photosynthetic heat tolerance.

Main conclusions

We conclude that phylogeny and climate are weak predictors of photosynthetic heat tolerance. However, differences among the groups we studied suggest that the variation in heat tolerance may be better explained by differences in microenvironment, thermoregulatory traits and leaf temperatures.