bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thymol in fattening rabbit diet, its bioavailability and effects on intestinal morphology, microbiota from caecal content and immunity
Authors: Placha Iveta , Bacova Kristina , Zitterl‐Eglseer Karin , Laukova Andrea , Chrastinova Lubica , Madarova Michaela , Zitnan Rudolf , Strkolcova Gabriela 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTo our knowledge, no study has been carried out to evaluate the effects of thymol sustained administration on gut health and immune response in terms of its bioavailability in the rabbit organism. A total of 48 rabbits were randomly divided at 35 days of age into two dietary treatment groups (C/control or T/thymol at 0.025% addition). Thymol was added for 21 days and then withdrawn for 7 days. Thymol content in faeces (p < 0.001) and caecal content (p < 0.05) was significantly higher than in plasma during the thymol addition and withdrawal (2442 ± 451.4, 881.9 ± 231.3 ng/g DM and 46.2 ± 28.4 ng/ml, respectively; 149.5 ± 40.54, 45.76 ± 12.44 ng/g DM and 2.73 ± 0.45 ng/ml, respectively). Increasing of villi height to crypt depth ratio in small intestinal wall (p < 0.01), phagocytic activity in blood (p < 0.0001) and lactic acid bacteria in caecal appendix (p < 0.01) and faeces (p < 0.05) was still presented after withdrawn of thymol. The thymol at this concentration demonstrated its biological properties and was able to positively affect gut health and immune response of rabbits.
Historical and current environmental selection on functional traits of trees in the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Silva José Luiz Alves , Souza Alexandre F. , Vitória Angela Pierre 
Published: June 2021

AbstractQuestionsHow is community functional composition associated with environmental and historical factors and how is this relationship mediated by spatial and phylogenetic autocorrelation?LocationAtlantic Forest of South America.MethodsWe compiled abundance data of 2,122 species (most trees) distributed across 281 communities, seven functional traits, and 29 environmental and historical predictors. We mapped traits using community‐weighted means, and related traits to predictors by combining the fourth‐corner and the extended RLQ approaches.ResultsWe found that decreases in rainfall, soil nutrition, biome stability in the last 120 kyr, and the increase in thermal variability were associated with high specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf N content, and reduced leaf thickness. In addition, increased temperature and soil sand content, and low biome stability in the last 21 kyr were associated with high wood density and leaf dry matter content, and reduced maximum plant height. Tree communities rich in taxa with N‐rich thin leaves and high SLA were mostly located in semideciduous and deciduous forests (e.g., Fabaceae), while communities rich in taxa with N‐poor thick leaves and low SLA were mostly found in rain forests (e.g., Myrtaceae and Lauraceae). Species with short stature, high wood density and heavy leaves were particularly abundant in the northern part of the Atlantic Forest (e.g., Myrtaceae), whereas tall species with light wood and leaves were abundant in the south (e.g., Lauraceae). There was not a particular direction in which seed dry mass increased most in response to predictors.ConclusionsOur study reinforces the view that the multifaceted nature of community assembly needs analytical approaches that integrate abundance, functional, phylogenetic, and spatial data to properly understand how environmental and historical factors determine the dominance of functional traits. The observed patterns suggest that different regions of a given biome function in different ways, and probably provide different ecosystem services.
Zoochory on and off: A field experiment for trait‐based analysis of establishment success of grassland species
Authors: Kiss Réka , Deák Balázs , Tóthmérész Béla , Miglécz Tamás , Tóth Katalin , Török Péter , Lukács Katalin , Godó Laura , Körmöczi Zsófia , Radócz Szilvia , Borza Sándor , Kelemen András , Sonkoly Judit , Kirmer Anita , Tischew Sabine , Valkó Orsolya 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsWe tested the establishment success of grassland species in the presence or absence of zoochory by livestock and identified the traits associated with successful establishment.LocationHortobágy National Park, Hungary.MethodsIn six restored species‐poor grasslands we established two species‐rich 4 m × 4 m source plots per site in 2013. One source plot was managed by extensive cattle grazing (“zoochory on”), the other one was fenced and protected from grazers (“zoochory off”). We monitored the vegetation development in the source plots (2014–2018), and the establishment success of sown species (2016–2018) in adjacent dispersal plots in four, 20‐m‐long strips per source plot in a total of 960 dispersal plots. We calculated community‐weighted means of thirteen plant traits related to regeneration and competitive ability. The effect of grazing, year, distance from source plots, grazing–year and grazing–distance interactions on population and trait dynamics in the source and dispersal plots were analysed with generalized linear mixed‐effect models.ResultsAlthough grazing reduced the cover and flowering success of sown species in the source plots, the number of successful establishment events was higher in dispersal plots next to grazed source plots. The sown species were the most abundant in plots adjacent to source plots, but occurred at all monitored distances. Zoochory favoured perennial plants with high specific leaf area (SLA), low leaf dry matter content (LDMC), short stature, light seeds, early flowering period, high clonal index and anemochory index.ConclusionsWe showed that species that can colonize the matrix with and without zoochory have contrasting trait syndromes. In grazing‐adapted ecosystems, fencing source populations of target species does not always seem to be a good option. It was a good tool for increasing the cover and flowering success of the sown species in the short run, but it significantly decreased their chance to colonize the surrounding area in the long run.
Is hepatitis delta underestimated?
Authors: Papatheodoridi Margarita , Papatheodoridis George V. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHepatitis D virus may be underestimated because it is a significant problem in HBsAg‐positive patients, especially those who inject drugs, have HIV or HCV co‐infections and/or live in certain endemic regions. In the past few decades, the prevalence of HDV was expected to have decreased as a result of improvements in public healthcare policies and universal HBV vaccination programs. However, HDV has continued to spread in low‐income countries, with local outbreaks and migration to less endemic areas, so that its prevalence has remained stable or even increased in certain regions. As a result, research has been focused on the epidemiology of HDV. Contradicting data from three large recent meta‐analyses have reported that the prevalence of HDV may be between 0.16% and 1.00% in the global general population, and 4.5% and 14.6% in HBsAg‐positive patients, with an estimated 12 to 70 million HDV patients worldwide. The exact prevalence and estimated number of HDV patients is still a subject of debate for several reasons, including the unreliable assessment of the infection and a lack of real‐world screening. HDV infection is associated with an increased risk of progression to cirrhosis and the development of HCC compared to patients with HBV mono‐infection, a risk which is even higher in patients with HIV co‐infection. Morbidity and mortality from HDV‐related cirrhosis should not be overlooked. In conclusion, hepatitis D virus is probably underestimated and certainly underdiagnosed, and screening for HDV should be performed in all HBsAg‐positive patients in clinical practice.
Nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy: The role of tenofovir alafenamide
Authors: Buti Maria , Marcos‐Fosch Cristina , Esteban Rafael 
Published: June 2021

AbstractChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains an important global health problem, and may be difficult to manage in clinical practice. Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) with a high barrier to resistance (entecavir [ETV], tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [TDF] and tenofovir alafenamide [TAF]) are the most frequently used HBV treatments because of their long‐term effectiveness and tolerability. ETV may be less effective in patients with lamivudine‐resistant strains, and TDF is associated with impaired renal function and reductions in bone mineral density. TAF, a new tenofovir prodrug, has been developed to overcome the less favourable safety profile of TDF. TAF is more stable in plasma, and higher tenofovir levels are achieved within cells at lower doses than with TDF. Several registration and real‐life studies, performed up to week 144 of treatment, have shown that TAF is at least as effective as TDF, with higher rates of ALT normalization and significantly fewer kidney disturbances and changes in bone mineral density. No emergence of drug resistance has been found with TAF use. The main limitation to prescribing TAF is its price. The European Association for the Study of the Liver has suggested selecting TAF or ETV instead of TDF in patients >65 years old and in those with a risk of osteoporosis or renal abnormalities, and to prescribe TAF rather than ETV in patients previously exposed to NAs.
Is elimination of HCV realistic by 2030: France
Authors: Pol Stanislas , Lair‐Mehiri Loriane , Vallet‐Pichard Anaïs 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a plan for the elimination of viral hepatitis with a goal of reducing new hepatitis infections by 30% and 90% in 2020 and 2030, and associated mortality by 10% and 65% respectively. Actions and targets to reach these goals include improving hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination programs, the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HBV, improving the safety of blood products and injections, risk reduction policies and optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis. The goal of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030 is based on three main actions: increased screening, strengthening access to care and the prevention of infections and re‐infections. But, can this goal be reached? The answer to this question is yes in some countries, perhaps in others and no in most countries. Success will be limited by a “diagnosis burn‐out” with 5 times more new viral infections than diagnoses in 2016 and a “treatment burn‐out” with cure rates that are 5 times lower than the number of new infections. Nevertheless, France, like 10 other countries, is on track to achieve the WHO elimination plan by 2030. In France, the prioritization of oral antivirals in 2013‐2014 which was extended to high‐risk populations in 2015 (HIV‐infected patients) and 2016 (men who have sex with men, dialyzed or kidney transplant recipients), then in 2017 to universal treatment with full coverage by French national healthcare (10 to 15 000 treatments per year) has resulted in half of the 120 000 patients needed to be treated by 2022 have been treated. Renewed efforts should make it possible to reach the target announced by the French Minister of Health in May 2018 by 2025.
Mitochondrial DNA variation of Metapenaeus monoceros (Decapoda, Penaeidae) reveals high genetic variation within Bangladesh with distinct lineages in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Alam M. M. Mahbub , Pálsson Snæbjörn 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe speckled shrimp Metapenaeus monoceros is a commercially important penaeid shrimp in the Indo‐West Pacific region including Bangladesh. Phylogenetics of penaeid shrimps is still a debatable issue, and molecular variation within the species is large. This study focused on the phylogeography of M. monoceros, including an assessment of the phylogenetic relationships among seven other Metapenaeus species by assessing sequence variation in three mitochondrial markers, the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), control region (CR) and 16S rRNA (16S). In addition, the mitochondrial variation along the Bangladesh coastline was analysed. The mitochondrial variation has a clear geographical pattern with two distinct evolutionary lineages, one found in the western Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and the second in the eastern Indian Ocean. A phylogenetic analysis of Metapenaeus based on the three markers revealed polyphyletic relationships within the genus and that the taxonomy needs revision. The mtDNA variation in Metapenaeus monoceros in Bangladesh presents a single population (AMOVA, FST and ΦST p > .05), which started to expand around 467 (CI: 186–753) kyr ago, and is characterized by a large number of closely related haplotypes. The study could be used to improve the management and conservation of the shrimp fishery in the region.
What drives program terminations for the federal government?
Authors: Kasdin Stuart , McCann Anthony 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDo federal program terminations result from politics or program ineffectiveness? We used mixed methods, starting with a survey of current and former budget officials and staffers in the Office of Management and Budget, Appropriations Committees, and other Congressional committees. We followed this up using OMB budget data and the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART). Consistent with the survey results, the President's Budget request did have an impact. Political events, particularly changes in party control of Congress, also had an impact. The influence of performance information was less clear: The PART evaluations did not seem to influence the likelihood of terminations.
Ultrasound‐guided photodynamic therapy with intralesional methylene blue and a 635 nm light‐emitting diode lamp in hidradenitis suppurativa: A retrospective study of 41 patients
Authors: Gamissans Marta , Riera‐Martí Núria , Romaní Jorge , Gilaberte Yolanda 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundPhotodynamic therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a therapeutic alternative with a good safety profile, but its effectiveness has yet to be demonstrated.ObjectivesTo demonstrate the effectiveness of PDT with intralesional methylene blue in HS lesions.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional study was performed. Forty‐one patients were treated with intralesional methylene blue and a diode lamp. Follow‐up was carried out at 1 and 6 months after therapy. Efficacy was determined by the diameter reduction of the lesion measured by high‐frequency ultrasound.ResultsA reduction of ≥75% in the maximum diameter was recorded in 58.5% of the lesions, while 22% showed a reduction between 50% and 75%, and 19.5% showed a reduction of <50%. Recurrence rate was 12.5%. The lesions treated in patients with typical forms of HS (Canoui‐Poitrine phenotype I) had a better therapeutic response. No statistically significant differences were found in terms of lesion location or concomitant treatment.ConclusionThis therapy may potentially be a cost‐effective and well‐tolerated local therapy for Hurley I‐II patients with superficial abscesses and fistulas.
Experiences of paediatric emergence delirium ‐ from parents’ and a child’s perspective
Authors: Ringblom Jenny , Proczkowska Marie , Korhonen Laura , Wåhlin Ingrid 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundEmergence delirium is a complex behaviour of perceptual disturbances that may occur after general anaesthesia in children. These children often exhibit delusions, confusion, restlessness and involuntary physical activity. They cry and are almost impossible to console. Research has mainly focused on comparing different medication agents in the occurrence of and dealing with emergence delirium. However, less is known about parents’ experiences of emergence delirium during the recovery process, and there is hardly any research concerning the children's experiences.AimsThe primary aim of this study was to describe parents’ experiences and reflections during their child's emergence delirium behaviour when recovering from anaesthesia. A secondary aim was to describe children's experiences of having been in this condition.MethodA qualitative research approach with thematic analysis was applied. The study was conducted at two county hospitals in southern Sweden. A total of 16 parents and one child were interviewed.ResultsWatching their child demonstrate emergence delirium made parents feel as if they were encountering an incomprehensible scenario. They experienced fear and insecurity and had feelings of powerlessness and guilt. Information and previous experience turned out to offer relief, and being seen by the healthcare staff when they, in their vulnerability, failed to reach or console their child, gave hope and energy. The child confirmed the unexpected and uncontrolled behaviour described by parents. She clearly remembered being ‘wild’ and out of control.ConclusionEmergence delirium must be extensively considered in children undergoing general anaesthesia. It is of great importance for healthcare staff to be aware of the parental difficulties it may cause and what is experienced as relieving, such as receiving information and staff members being available, responsive and supportive during the wake‐up period.
Incidence of herpes zoster in adult solid organ transplant recipients: A meta‐analysis and comprehensive review
Authors: Kwon Da Eun , Lee Hye Sun , Lee Kyoung Hwa , La Yeonju , Han Sang Hoon , Song Yong Goo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic immunosuppressive therapy in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients can trigger latent varicella zoster virus reactivation even in those with stable graft function. The inactivated herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine can be effective in preventing post‐transplant HZ, which can cause severe neuralgia or disseminated disease. This meta‐analysis aims to assess the incidences of HZ across transplant organs in SOT recipients.MethodsWe included 12 observational studies (6560 recipients) from a PubMed and EMBASE search of articles through October 2019 and collected data from single‐center dating from January 2001 to December 2017 (3498 recipients). The pooled HZ incidence and its differences between subgroups were obtained from random‐effect models and meta‐analysis of variance tests using R package.ResultsThe overall pooled crude incidence was 9.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.6%‐10.8%). The pooled incidence was similar between sexes but significantly different between transplanted organs (P < .001). Heart transplants (HT) (n = 644) have the highest pooled incidence with 15.2% (95% CI, 12.7%‐18.2%), followed by lung transplants (LTX) (n = 780) with 11.0% (8.3%‐14.4%). Kidney transplants (n = 5435) have the lowest incidence of 6.7 (5.1%‐8.8%). The meta‐regression analysis revealed that HZ development had a relationship with past graft rejection (P = .024).ConclusionThese data support the need for subunit HZ vaccination in SOT recipients with a high risk for HZ, especially HT and LTX recipients, without respect to the late post‐transplant period.
Estimation of Lewis‐negative alleles by high‐resolution melting analysis of three tag SNPs of FUT3
Authors: Soejima Mikiko , Koda Yoshiro 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe expression of type 1 chain Lewis blood group antigens is regulated by secretor‐type α(1,2)fucosyltransferase, encoded by FUT2, and Lewis α(1,3/1,4)fucosyltransferase, encoded by FUT3. Accumulating evidence has linked Lewis phenotypes or genotypes to various clinical conditions. Thus, in addition to FUT2, large‐scale FUT3 genotyping is important. Because FUT3 has two paralogous genes (FUT5 and FUT6) with high DNA sequence similarity, we should select the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers carefully for FUT3 genotyping. Previously, we suggested that 13G>A (rs28362458), 59T>G (rs28362459) and 202T>C (rs812936) could be selected as tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for detection of Lewis‐negative alleles (le).Materials and MethodsIn this study, three high‐resolution melting (HRM) analyses for genotyping these SNPs were developed and applied for 140 Japanese, eight Ghanaians and four Sinhalese subjects.ResultsEach of three genotypes of 13G>A (G/G, G/A, A/A), 59T>G (T/T, T/G, G/G) and 202T>C (T/T, T/C, C/C) was discriminated clearly. Although we need to be careful in interpretation of results due to SNPs other than the 59T>G in the amplicon, the results of 59T>G genotyping were in full agreement with the results by a previous PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 140 Japanese. In addition, three heterozygotes of 202C substitution were identified, and no one having a 13A substitution was found in 140 Japanese.ConclusionThe present HRM analyses are useful and reliable methods for large‐scale estimation of le alleles.
A review of Cyclospora cayetanensis in animals
Authors: Totton Sarah Ceridwen , O'Connor Annette Maree , Naganathan Thivya , Martinez Brayan Alexander Fonseca , Sargeant Jan Merrill 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCyclosporiasis is a global, emerging disease in humans caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis. The role of animals in the epidemiology of cyclosporiasis is not fully understood. We conducted a narrative review of the published literature on C. cayetanensis in animals. MEDLINE® (Web of Science™), Agricola (ProQuest), CABI Global Health (1979 to December 2020) and Food Science and Technology Abstracts (EBSCOhost) (1979 to February 2020) were searched. Studies of C. cayetanensis in or on any species of animal were eligible. Thirteen relevant studies were found. C. cayetanensis was found in wild and farmed Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), wild grooved carpet shell clams (Ruditapes decussatus) and in the faeces of dogs (domestic and street), wild chickens, wild rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) from a wildlife research centre, and Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) from an experimental primate research centre. As the small intestines of the naturally exposed animals were not biopsied, existence of a natural animal reservoir of C. cayetanensis could not be confirmed. Animals shedding oocysts in their faeces may be paratenic hosts. Investigators were able to successfully infect the following animals with C. cayetanensis: oysters, Asian freshwater clams (Corbicula fluminea), Swiss albino mice and guinea pigs. Future non‐laboratory studies of animals should use PCR coupled with DNA sequencing to confirm that the species found is C. cayetanensis. The potential role of animals in the transport of oocysts and contamination of food, water, and soil could be explored through future primary research.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYSULFONE-ZnO NANOCOMPOSITE MEMBRANE
Authors: Hidayah Malikhatul , Kusworo Tutuk Djoko , Susanto Heru 
Published: June 2021

Large quantities of wastewater are generated by the petroleum refining process. Micron-scale emulsion droplets and submicron droplets are difficult to remove from oil-refined wastewater, and addressing these issues has been a major challenge for researchers. Membrane technology is widely used in water treatment because it is very selective and effective in the filtration process. his research focuses on oil refinery water treatment using a polysulfone membrane (PSF)-nano-ZnO membrane with the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG). This research aims to determine the PEG ratio that produces the optimum PSF-ZnO membrane in terms of mechanical properties, including thickness, tensile strength, and molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) value. The membranes with the optimum clearance were obtained at 3% PEG with a thickness of 0.0077 mm, Young's modulus of 8800 N/m2, and Morphological analysis was performed using the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) method on the membrane which had the highest and lowest permeability values.. The best membrane MWCO value was achieved by the addition of 19% PSF-nano-ZnO 1% wt at 5 minutes of UV irradiation. This shows that the addition of PEG composite affects pore openings. The membrane formed with variations in PEG concentrations affecting the thickness of the membrane. Higher concentrations make the membrane thicker, resulting in a higher Young’s modulus.