bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐acute exposure to cadmium does not impair whitefish sperm motility
Authors: Yaripour Sareh , Kekäläinen Jukka , Huuskonen Hannu , Janhunen Matti , Kortet Raine 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCadmium (Cd) exposure can impair the traits of aquatic animals associated with reproduction. In natural lakes Cd is typically detected at concentrations below 0.001 mg l−1. The authors investigated the impact of ultra‐acute Cd exposure on sperm motility in European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus). They activated sperm with water containing various nominal concentrations of Cd and recorded sperm motility parameters. Only the highest Cd concentration (500 mg l−1) was associated with decreased sperm swimming velocity and increases in both the percentage of static cells and curvature of the sperm swimming trajectory. The results indicate that environmentally realistic concentrations of Cd during the sperm motility activation are not critically harmful to male C. lavaretus fertilization potential.
A meta‐synthesis exploring caregiver experiences of home enteral tube feeding
Authors: Serjeant Sarah , Tighe Bernice 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is estimated that 18,232 people received home enteral tube feeding (HETF) in the UK in 2013 and HETF often requires reliance on a caregiver. Caregivers are an essential resource, and so research is needed to explore their perspectives to inform how best to support them. Therefore, this meta‐synthesis aimed to explore caregiver experiences of HETF.MethodsA systematic search and a meta‐synthesis of the literature relating to caregiver experiences of HETF were undertaken. Ethical approval was obtained from Coventry University Ethics. A comprehensive search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete and SCOPUS databases was conducted, followed by a reference list search of included studies. Studies were screened for eligibility using a priori inclusion criteria. Included studies used qualitative methodology, were in English, and explored caregivers’ experiences of supporting an adult or child receiving HETF for at least 1 month. The meta‐synthesis was conducted using a thematic‐synthesis method. Included studies were assessed for quality, and rigour was ensured via transparent reporting of methodology, peer review and reflexivity.ResultsIn total, 328 records were screened, with 10 studies included and a total of 97 caregivers’ experiences were reported. Four analytical themes were developed: loss of a normal life, psychological impact, practical challenges and becoming the ‘expert’. Overall quality of the included studies was assessed as good.ConclusionsThis meta‐synthesis highlighted the challenges experienced by caregivers, and revealed the need for improved HETF training for caregivers and psychological support from healthcare professionals, with the aim of providing personalised advice and regimes as part of holistic care.
Creation of aromatic maize by CRISPR/Cas
Authors: Wang Yanxiao , Liu Xiaoqin , Zheng Xiuxiu , Wang Wenxia , Yin Xunqing , Liu Haifeng , Ma Changle , Niu Xiaomu , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Wang Fei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAroma is an important quality parameter for breeding in rice (Oryza sativa). For example, the aromatic rice varieties basmati and jasmine rice, with a popcorn‐like scent, are popular worldwide and routinely command a price premium. 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2AP) is a key flavor compound among over 200 volatiles identified in fragrant rice. A naturally fragrant germplasm exists in multiple plant species besides rice, which all exhibit lower activity of BETAINE ALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE 2 (BADH2). However, no equivalent aromatic germplasm has been described in maize (Zea mays). Here, we characterized the two maize BADH2 homologs, ZmBADH2a and ZmBADH2b. We generated zmbadh2a and zmbadh2b single mutants and the zmbadh2a‐zmbadh2b double mutant by CRISPR/Cas in four inbred lines. A popcorn‐like scent was only noticeable in seeds from the double mutant, but not from either single mutant or in wild type. In agreement, we only detected 2AP in fresh kernels and dried mature seeds from the double mutant, which accumulated between 0.028 and 0.723 mg/kg 2AP. These results suggest that ZmBADH2a and ZmBADH2b redundantly participate in 2AP biosynthesis in maize, and represent the creation of the world's first aromatic maize by simultaneous genome editing of the two BADH2 genes.
Time‐Consistent Management of a Liquidity Trap with Government Debt
Authors: MATVEEV DMITRY 
Published: May 2021

AbstractI show that debt maturity considerations affect the optimal conduct of monetary and fiscal policy in the presence of lower bound episodes. I consider a New Keynesian model where the lower bound on nominal interest rates binds occasionally. I study optimal monetary and fiscal policy under discretion, characterizing the strategic use of government debt as a tool to affect expectations of real interest rates and inflation. During lower bound episodes, the presence of long‐term bonds makes it optimal to temporarily consolidate debt. In addition, the long‐run level of debt increases with both the likelihood of reaching the lower bound and the maturity of debt.
Topical oil formulation of plant extracts and vitamins as effective treatment for stretch marks and xerosis—An observational longitudinal study
Authors: Cantelli Mariateresa , Camela Elisa , Marasca Claudio , Fontanella Giuseppina , Blasio Chiara , Fabbrocini Gabriella 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundStretch marks are linear scars that result from elastic fiber destruction. They usually occur as the consequence of rapid change in the body mass (weight gain and loss, pregnancy, weightlifting), long‐term steroid use, or endocrinopathies. Treatment is challenging and mainly based on topical and procedural therapies, although the standard of care is still under debate.PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of a topical oil formulation of plant extracts and vitamins on the aesthetic improvement of stretch marks and xerosis.Materials and methodsFifty male and female patients, aged between 14 and 45 years, with stretch marks referring at the University Hospital Federico II, Naples, were enrolled between March and November 2019. Topical application of plant extracts and vitamin‐rich oil was performed twice daily on affected skin for 4 months. Patients were monitored at baseline (T0), and at two‐month (T1) and 4‐month (T2) follow‐ups, through clinical and dermoscopic assessment, confocal microscopy, cutaneous ultrasound, MoistureMeterEpiD, and X‐Rite spectrocolorimeter. Primary endpoints were as follows: 70% clinical improvement of stretch marks and 3‐point decrease in clinical score from baseline to T2. Secondary endpoints were as follows: change in the T0 parallel pattern of collagen fibers at confocal microscopy, cutaneous thickness increase at ultrasounds, cutaneous hydration increase at MoistureMeterEpiD, erythema reduction at X‐Rite spectrocolorimeter, and safety and adverse events (AEs).ResultsAt 4‐month follow‐up, stretch marks improved objectively and subjectively in all patients (p < 0.001). In detail, there was a 29% and 71% improvement in clinical appearance of stretch marks at T1 and T2, respectively, as documented dermoscopically and by the 3‐point reduction in the assessor's mean clinical score at each follow‐up visits [from 8.1±0.7 at baseline to 5.7±1.0 at T1 and 2.3 ±0.5 at T2 (p < 0.001)]. Erythema decreased by 15% and 30% and in parallel hydration increased by 25% and 71%, at T1 and T2, respectively (p < 0.001). At T2 confocal microscopy of stretch marks, dermal collagenous fibers assumed casual disposition with reticular pattern and refractivity, as signs of collagen remodeling and neocollagenesis, and also the T2 cutaneous ultrasound revealed increased epidermal thickness and decreased dermal hypoechogenicity as for a higher skin hydration.ConclusionOur study showed that a topical oil formulation rich in plant extracts and vitamins appears to be effective and safe in treating stretch marks and xerosis.
Capryloyl glycine and soy isoflavonoids in hypertrichosis: An experimental and placebo‐controlled clinical study
Authors: Barbareschi Mauro , Benetti Federico , Gaio Elisa , Angileri Luisa , Veraldi Stefano 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe management of acquired hypertrichosis (HT) is based on the search of the causes and subsequent specific treatment. However, simultaneous hair removal is important. No single method for hair removal is appropriate for all patients and skin areas. Treatment options are actually limited and clinical results are often unsatisfactory. Ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1), an enzyme present in hair follicles, is considered as a potential target to inhibit hair growth. Only eflornithine hydrochloride, an inhibitor of ODC1, showed to be partially effective in the management of acquired HT.AimsThe aim of our study was to evaluate the potential inhibition of ODC1 activity by a cream containing 4% capryloyl glycine, an ODC1 inhibitor, and 1% glycine soy‐fermented extract (soy isoflavonoids). Furthermore, we present the results of a placebo‐controlled clinical study that evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of this cream.MethodsThe ODC1 activity was detected by measuring absorbance at 340 nm. In the presence of ODC1 inhibitors, absorbance decreases as a function of inhibition. Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) was provided as an inhibitor control. ODC1 activity inhibition was expressed as percentage of control (untreated sample). All data were presented as mean ± standard deviation of three independent experiments. To determine if statistically significant differences between treatments were present, a t test analysis was performed. The differences between groups were considered significant at p < 0.05. Twelve Caucasian female adult patients, with HT located on the forearms, were enrolled. The study cream (product A) was applied twice/day for four months on the right forearm. A placebo cream (product B) was applied twice/day for four months on the left forearm. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by means of macrophotography.ResultsThe cream significantly inhibited ODC1 activity (35.1 ± 0.5% inhibition, equivalent to a 64.9 ± 0.5% ODC1 activity). DFMO completely abolished the enzymatic activity (100 ± 5% inhibition, equivalent to 0 ± 5% ODC1 activity). All patients were considered evaluable. In 11 out of 12 patients (91.7%), who were treated with product A, an improvement was observed. No improvement was observed in patients treated with product B. The global assessment showed good efficacy in 7 patients (58.3%) and moderate efficacy in 5 patients (41.7%) treated with the product A. No efficacy was detected in patients treated with product B.ConclusionsThe study cream showed to be effective in Caucasian, adult, female patients with hypertrichosis located on the forearms.
Effects of food supplements and a topical solution containing nanosilicon on skin hydration, barrier function, and elasticity
Authors: Cameli Norma , Silvestri Martina , Mariano Maria , Berardesca Enzo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSilicon is an abundant element in the human body and plays an important role in the skin, taking part in the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. The use of nanotechnology methods, which processes materials at an atomic and molecular scale, has allowed the development of nanosilicons.AimsThe study evaluates the effectiveness of a food supplement and a topical solution containing nanosilicon in improving skin hydration and elasticity.MethodsA total of 30 female subjects were randomized to receive the placebo (n = 15) and the active compound (n = 15). All enrolled subjects took the food supplement twice a day for 20 days and then once a day for the next 20 days, and they also had to apply the nanosilicon solution on the right forearm four times a day. Evaluation of several parameters was performed after 20 and 40 days through the use of non‐invasive instrumental methods (Corneometer® CM 825, Cutometer® MPA 580, Visioscan® VC, Tewameter® TM 200).ResultsBoth treatment groups showed a statistically significant improvement in barrier function and in skin hydration on the right forearm after 20 days; increase in skin elasticity was observed only in the group taking the active compound.ConclusionsThe study showed that the administration of a food supplement and a topical solution, both containing nanosilicon, improves hydration, elasticity, and skin barrier function.
Study on the properties of Dendrobiumofficinale fermentation broth as functional raw material of cosmetics
Authors: Lin Yuanyuan , Yang Ting , Shen Luoyi , Zhang Jie , Liu Liping 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundWith the trend that cosmetics containing natural extracts are favored by consumers, many natural herbs are used in cosmetics to enhance the moisturizing and whitening properties of cosmetics. Dendrobium officinale is the stem of the orchid Dendrobium officinale. In China, it is considered as a tonic beneficial to human health. Its main components are Dendrobium polysaccharides, alkaloids, phenanthrene, etc. Its extract has good skin coating comfort and has the potential to be developed as cosmetic raw materials.ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibitory activity, and ultraviolet absorption capacity of the fermentation extract of Dendrobium officinale fermented by different microorganisms, so as to provide the basis for Dendrobium officinale as functional cosmetic raw materials.MethodsThe fermentation of Dendrobium officinale was carried out by yeast, Lactobacillus, Bacillus subtilis, and the mixed bacteria (prepared according to the mass ratio of 1:1:1). Compared with the non‐fermentation group, the contents of polysaccharides, flavonoids, and polyphenols in the fermentation broth of Dendrobium officinale were determined by spectrophotometry, and the antioxidant activity to common free radicals, inhibition to tyrosinase, and absorption to ultraviolet B were determined.ResultsThe fermentation effect of mixed strains on Dendrobium officinale was better than that of a single strain. The content of polysaccharide decreased, while the content of flavonoids and polyphenols increased in the fermentation broth of Dendrobium officinale. With the extension of fermentation time, the scavenging rate of ·OH, DPPH, ABTS free radical, the inhibition rate of tyrosinase, and the absorption of ultraviolet B of Dendrobium officinale fermentation broth first increased (0–3 days), and then decreased (4 days). On the third day of mixed fermentation, the contents of polysaccharides, flavonoids, and polyphenols in the fermentation broth of Dendrobium officinale were ‐ 22.15%, + 118.20%, and +128.17%, respectively. The scavenging rate of ·OH, DPPH, ABTS free radical, tyrosinase inhibition rate and SPF value were increased by 43.03%, 60.05%, 94.87%, 340.85%, and 31.73%, respectively.ConclusionsThe fermentation broth of Dendrobium officinale is superior to the non‐fermentation group in active ingredients, antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibition, and ultraviolet B absorption. It has the potential as a functional cosmetic raw material.
Mirror of shame: Patients experiences of late‐stage COPD. A qualitative study
Authors: Jerpseth Heidi , Knutsen Ingrid R. , Jensen Kari T. , Halvorsen Kristin 
Published: May 2021

Aims and objectivesThis study aims to shed light on patients with late‐stage COPD and their experiences of shame.BackgroundPatients with COPD often experience shame for bringing the disease into their lives due to smoking. Knowledge about patients with COPD and their feelings of shame is crucial, but limited, however.DesignThe study has a qualitative and explorative design. We interviewed twelve patients with late‐stage COPD. The data were analysed using Kvale and Brinkmann's three interpretative contexts. The COREQ checklist was used.ResultsThree main themes were defined; the body as a mirror of shame; a sense of being unworthy, invisible and powerless; and that sharing the burden is too difficult. The participants experienced that the disease defined their value as human beings and that made them feel vulnerable, ashamed and more socially isolated.ConclusionsThe participants experienced feelings of shame, guilt and self‐blame due to their own perceptions of themselves. They were in doubt about whether they were worthy to receive care and comfort from both health professionals and, their family and friends. The participants seemed to have internalised the moral norms of contemporary society and the understanding that the disease, and especially a ‘self‐inflicted’ disease, is a personal weakness.Relevance for clinical practiceFindings from this study show that patients struggle with feelings such as shame and misery. The nurses who work bedside are in continuous contact with the patients and have an opportunity to gain knowledge of these feelings in order to meet the patients’ needs for comfort and care. They have an obligation to ask patients about their feelings and meet them with empathy and respect. Moreover, it is necessary to have interdisciplinary fora in clinical practice where health professionals reflect, discuss and challenge themselves according to attitudes towards patients with so‐called ‘self‐inflicted’ diseases.
Outcomes of treatments for keratomalacia in dogs and cats: a systematic review of the published literature including non‐randomised controlled and non‐controlled studies
Authors: Hartley C. 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesThe aim of this review was to interrogate the evidence base for treatment of keratomalacia in dogs and cats, through examination of the applicable literature.Materials and MethodsStudies were screened for evidence to answer the following question Which of the treatment options for keratomalacia in dogs and cats offers the best chance of globe survival, the fastest time to resolution with globe survival, and the best visual outcome. The search utilised the PubMed (http://www.pubmed.gov/) and ISI Web of Science (http://wok.mimas.ac.uk/) databases. Databases were searched using the following terms: (keratomalacia OR corneal melt OR corneal malacia) AND (dog OR canine OR canid OR cat OR feline OR felid) AND (treatment OR outcome OR morbidity OR complications). Studies were assessed by one author (CH) and excluded if they related to less than three keratomalacia cases, experimental treatments, in vitro studies, or did not provide information regarding outcome. Studies were classified to a level of evidence according to the system described by the Oxford Centre for EvidenceBased Medicine.ResultsEighteen (18) studies were identified as providing information to answer the proposed question, one as level 3, 10 as level 4 and seven as level 5 evidence. Only one study compared two treatments, the remaining were prospective or retrospective case series of a single treatment intervention. Study design was highly variable with respect to population size, followup and outcome assessment, making direct comparison difficult, and metaanalysis was not applied.Clinical SignificanceOverall, the evidence for improved outcome of one proposed treatment over another proposed treatment for keratomalacia in dogs and/or cats is very weak.
Morphological distinctiveness of Ligularia tongolensis and L. cymbulifera is maintained between habitats despite bidirectional and asymmetrical introgression in multiple hybrid zones
Authors: Hu Li , Yang Rui , Yang Guo‐Qian , Sun Gui‐Ling , Gong Xun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNatural hybridization is a crucial evolutionary process and a long‐standing topic of study in evolutionary biology. Hybrid zones, where two congeneric species interact, can provide insight into the process of natural hybridization, especially with respect to how taxon diversity is maintained. In this study, we used double digest restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing technology (ddRAD‐seq) to examine genetic structure and estimate introgression in four hybrid zones of Ligularia tongolensis and Ligularia cymbulifera. Our analysis demonstrated that parental species were highly differentiated, whereas pairwise FST between parents and their hybrids was low, indicating that sympatric sites can form hybrid zones. As most F1 hybrid individuals were observed within these zones, our finding also implied the presence of substantial barriers to interbreeding. Furthermore, some individuals that possessed the typical morphology of the parental species belonged to the F1 generation. Genomic clines analysis revealed that a large fraction of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) deviated from a model of neutral introgression in the four hybrid zones, and most SNPs exhibited selection favoring the L. cymbulifera genotype. Bidirectional but asymmetric introgression was revealed as evident in the four hybrid zones. Habitat differences between the four hybrid zones may affect isolation barriers between both species. Taken together, these findings suggest that where incomplete reproductive barriers allow natural hybridization, the introgression between species generates rich genetic recombination that contributes to the fast adaptation and diversification of the widespread Ligularia in the Hengduan Mountains Region (HMR).
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients with failure to preceding treatments: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lee Jayoun , Kim Gi‐Ae , Kim Hyo Jeong , Cho Songhee , Ko Min Jung , Lim Young‐Suk 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) monotherapy is recommended for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who are refractory to other drugs. Yet, little data are available for the effectiveness of TDF monotherapy compared with TDF‐based combination therapy on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death/transplantation. This nationwide population‐based cohort study included 11,289 CHB patients who initiated TDF rescue therapy after failure of preceding treatments between 2012 and 2014 in Korea. The risks of HCC and death/transplantation were compared between TDF combotherapy (n = 2,499) and TDF monotherapy (n = 8,790) groups. The findings were validated in a hospital cohort of 1,163 CHB patients. In the nationwide cohort, during 44.2 months of overall treatment duration, 529 patients developed HCC and 190 died or received transplantation. In the 2,499 propensity score‐matched pairs, compared with TDF combotherapy, TDF monotherapy showed no significantly different risks of HCC (1.11/100 person‐year [PY] vs. 1.32/100 PY; HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.95−1.60, p = .12) and death/transplant (0.43/100 PY vs. 0.42/100 PY; HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.67−1.60, p = .87). However, in the 469 propensity score‐matched pairs of cirrhosis subcohort, TDF monotherapy was associated with a higher risk of HCC than TDF combotherapy (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.002−2.12, p = .049). In the validation hospital cohort, TDF monotherapy was not associated with significantly different risks of HCC and death/transplant in the entire cohort and cirrhosis subcohort. In CHB patients with failure to preceding treatments, TDF monotherapy showed no higher risks of HCC and death/transplantation compared with TDF combotherapy. However, the comparative effectiveness of rescue TDF monotherapy should be further clarified in cirrhotic patients since the findings were not consistent in the nationwide and hospital cohorts.