bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AimIn 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).MethodsPatients 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.ResultsOne 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.ConclusionsPrevalence 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

AbstractObjectiveCosmetic 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.MethodsCoconut, 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionThe 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

AbstractObjectiveAs 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsColour 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.ConclusionOur 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

SummaryWe 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

SummaryUsing 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

AbstractThe 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

SummaryOpopanax 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

AbstractCa1+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

AbstractAimsThis study describes the study protocol of a manualized brief hope intervention that is based on the theoretical proposition – hope theory.BackgroundPatients 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.DesignThis study is a single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial.MethodsParticipants 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.ImpactThe 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

AbstractAimThe aim was to explore the lived experiences of parents who give oral and rectal pharmacological treatment to their children with functional constipation at home.DesignA phenomenological design with a reflective lifeworld research approach that describes phenomena as they are experienced by individuals.MethodsFrom 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.FindingsConstipation 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.ConclusionAs 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.ImpactThe 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

AbstractAimHigh 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.LocationFairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Gifford Arboretum, Miami, FL, USA.TaxonPteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms.MethodsWe 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.ResultsSpecies' 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 conclusionsWe 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.
Winter temperature and forest cover have shaped red deer distribution in Europe and the Ural Mountains since the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Niedziałkowska Magdalena , Doan Karolina , Górny Marcin , Sykut Maciej , Stefaniak Krzysztof , Piotrowska Natalia , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła , Ridush Bogdan , Pawełczyk Sławomira , Mackiewicz Paweł , Schmölcke Ulrich , Kosintsev Pavel , Makowiecki Daniel , Charniauski Maxim , Krasnodębski Dariusz , Rannamäe Eve , Saarma Urmas , Arakelyan Marine , Manaseryan Ninna , Titov Vadim V. , Hulva Pavel , Bălășescu Adrian , Fyfe Ralph , Woodbridge Jessie , Trantalidou Katerina , Dimitrijević Vesna , Kovalchuk Oleksandr , Wilczyński Jarosław , Obadă Theodor , Lipecki Grzegorz , Arabey Alesia , Stanković Ana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimThe Expansion‐Contraction model has been used to explain the responses of species to climatic changes. During periods of unfavourable climatic conditions, species retreat to refugia from where they may later expand. This paper focuses on the palaeoecology of red deer over the past 54 ka across Europe and the Urals, to reveal patterns of change in their range and explore the role of environmental conditions in determining their distribution.LocationEurope and western Asia to 63°E.TaxonRed deer (Cervus elaphus).MethodsWe collected 984 records of radiocarbon‐dated red deer subfossils from the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene, including 93 original dates. For each deer sample we compiled climatic and biome type data for the corresponding time intervals.ResultsDuring the last 54 ka changes in red deer range in Europe and the Urals were asynchronous and differed between western and eastern Europe and western Asia due to different environmental conditions in those regions. The range of suitable areas for deer during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was larger than previously thought and covered vast regions not only in southern but also in western and eastern Europe. Throughout the period investigated the majority of specimens inhabited forests in the temperate climatic zone. The contribution of forests in deer localities significantly decreased during the last 4 ka, due to deforestation of Europe caused by humans. Mean January temperature was the main limiting factor for species distribution. Over 90% of the samples were found in areas where mean January temperature was above −10°C.Main conclusionsRed deer response to climatic oscillations are in agreement with the Expansion‐Contraction model but in contradiction to the statement of only the southernmost LGM refugia of the species. During the last 54 ka red deer occurred mostly in forests of the temperate climatic zone.