bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial patterns, availability and cultural preferences for edible plants in southern Africa
Authors: Welcome Ashton K. , Van Wyk Ben‐Erik 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimWe investigated whether cross‐cultural food plant selection in southern Africa is best explained by language ancestry, floristic environment or subsistence strategy.LocationThe flora of southern Africa region.TaxaAll 1,740 edible plant taxa of southern Africa, representing 711 genera in 156 families.MethodsDistribution data of plants were overlapped in ArcMap with 19 language maps, eight biomes and all taxa with nutritional data. Six correlations were estimated between five pairwise distance matrices (language ancestry, geographical proximity, floristic and edible environments and utilized species) with Mantel tests using the ‘vegan’ package in R. Regression analyses were used to identify floristic and cultural preferences in food plant selection.ResultsSpatial autocorrelation did not influence the selection of edible plants by the 19 language groups of southern Africa (r = −.078). The floristic and edible environments had a strong correlation (r = .9743) while the distance matrices of the edible and actually utilized plants had a low correlation for 13 of the language groups (r = .2174). Regression analyses between the floristic and edible environments for the FSA region and three languages, representing hunter‐gatherers (Ju│’hoan), pastoralists (Khoekhoe) and agrarians (Venda) were all significant (p < .001) with high R2 values (respectively .6181, .7702, .6654 and .7900), as were the relationship (p < .001) between what is edible and what was actually utilized. Surprisingly, the Apocynaceae had a much higher residual value than globally important food plant families. Vitamin C of fruits seems to have higher levels along the coastal regions, and carbohydrates in underground storage organs have higher levels in the summer‐arid western region.Main conclusionsThere is an apparent preference for certain food plant families in southern Africa. This selection appears to be driven by subsistence strategy, based on the categories of plants preferred by the three representative language groups.
Association of normal systolic blood pressure in the emergency department with higher in‐hospital mortality among hypertensive patients
Authors: Klang Eyal , Soffer Shelly , Shimon Shahar Moni , Barash Yiftach , Apter Sara , Konen Eli , Zimlichman Eyal , Grossman Ehud 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBlood pressure is commonly elevated at the hospital emergency department (ED), especially among hypertensive patients. The aim of the study was to determine the association between ED systolic blood pressure (SBP) and in‐hospital mortality among hypertensive patients. The authors retrospectively retrieved records of hypertensive patients who were hospitalized during a seven‐year period. The authors examined the association between SBP and in‐hospital mortality rate, adjusted for demographics, heart rate, comorbidities, laboratory results, and hospital ward. Overall, 96 423 patients were included. Compared to patients with SBP 110‐139 mm Hg, the adjusted odds ratios were 4.1 (95% CI, 3.7‐4.6) with SBP <90, 1.6 (95% CI, 1.4‐1.7) with SBP 90‐109, 0.7 (95% CI, 0.6‐0.7) with SBP 140‐159, 0.7 (95% CI, 0.6‐0.7) with SBP 160‐179, 0.7 (95% CI, 0.6‐0.8) with SBP 180‐199, 0.9 (95% CI, 0.7‐1.1) with SBP 200‐219, and 1.1 (95% CI, 0.7‐1.7) with SBP ≥220 mm Hg. Thus, SBP levels of 110‐139 mm Hg were associated with higher in‐hospital mortality in comparison with elevated SBP up to 200 mm Hg.
Comparison of child adiposity indices in prediction of hypertension in early adulthood
Authors: Fan Hui , Zhu Qi , Medrano‐Gracia Pau , Zhang Xingyu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe aimed to compare child body mass index (BMI) in prediction of hypertension in early adulthood with 4 other adiposity indices (waist circumference [WC], waist circumference‐to‐height ratio [WHtR], waist‐to‐hip ratio [WHR], and triceps skinfold [TSF]). The cohort from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 1993‐2011 consisted of 1444 adults aged 18‐36 years who were examined in childhood and early adulthood. Child adiposity indices and adult blood pressure (BP) were transformed into age‐, sex‐, and survey year‐specific Z‐scores. Adult hypertension was defined as BP ≥130/80 mm Hg as per the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. Adult hypertension prevalence was 32.9% during a mean follow‐up of 10.1 years. Childhood BMI showed stronger correlation with adult BP than WHR and TSF (PS for difference <.05). Child BMI showed the better prediction of adult hypertension compared with WHtR, WHR, and TSF using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (PS for difference <.05). Per SD change in the predictor, child BMI (relative risk [95% confidence interval], 1.11 [1.04‐1.18]) and WC (1.12 [1.05‐1.20]) were significantly associated with adult hypertension using covariate‐adjusted Poisson models with robust standard errors. Child BMI performed equally or better compared with 4 other adiposity indices in predicting adult hypertension.
Formononetin, J1 and J2 have different effects on endothelial cells via EWSAT1‐TRAF6 and its downstream pathway
Authors: Li Xin , Huang Chen , Sui Cheng Liang , Liang Chun Mei , Qi Guang Ying , Ren Qian Yao , Chen Jian , Huang Zhao Quan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFormononetin is a natural isoflavone compound found mainly in Chinese herbal medicines such as astragalus and red clover. It is considered to be a typical phytooestrogen. In our previous experiments, it was found that formononetin has a two‐way regulatory effect on endothelial cells (ECs): low concentrations promote the proliferation of ECs and high concentrations have an inhibitory effect. To find a specific mechanism of action and provide a better clinical effect, we performed a structural transformation of formononetin and selected better medicinal properties for formononetin modifier J1 and J2 from a variety of modified constructs. The MTT assay measured the effects of drugs on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) activity. Scratch and transwell experiments validated the effects of the drugs on HUVEC migration and invasion. An in vivo assessment effect of the drugs on ovariectomized rats. Long‐chain non‐coding RNA for EWSAT1, which is abnormally highly expressed in HUVEC, was screened by gene chip, and the effect of the drug on its expression was detected by PCR after the drug was applied. The downstream factors and their pathways were analysed, and the changes in the protein levels after drug treatment were evaluated by Western blot. In conclusion, the mechanism of action of formononetin, J1 and J2 on ECs may be through EWSAT1‐TRAF6 and its downstream pathways.
A systematic review of psychometric assessment of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist
Authors: Williams Brett , Beovich Bronwyn 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionEmpathic communication in health care may enhance positive patient and health care professional relationships, patient satisfaction and can buffer professional burnout. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) was developed based on the need to quantitatively measure levels of empathy, particularly in health care settings. Evaluating the utility of empathy is underpinned by the psychometric rigour of the instruments used to measure it. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the current evidence on the measurement properties of the JSE.MethodsTwo reviewers independently searched six databases for papers describing psychometric assessment of the JSE from January 2000 to July 2018 inclusive. The studies were independently assessed for methodological quality using the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist.ResultsThe search strategy resulted in the retrieval of 985 papers, of which 59 were included in this study. The majority of papers reported on measures of structural validity and internal consistency, and it was in these areas which the highest quality of reporting was demonstrated. Additionally, there was a generally very good quality in reporting of convergent validity. Reliability, measurement error, cross‐cultural validity were reported with less than optimum quality.ConclusionThe JSE demonstrates robust structural validity, internal consistency, and convergent validity. These measurement properties are generally well reported in the literature in studies of good methodological quality, and thus may be interpreted with relative confidence when used in empathy research. However, current evidence is limited for the properties of reliability, measurement error, and cross‐cultural validity. Thus, a degree of caution should be considered in drawing conclusions when using the JSE with regard to these properties. It is recommended that future examinations of the JSE refer to the COSMIN guidelines to ensure complete and well‐reported psychometric data are included.
Resin infiltration of enamel white spot lesions: An ultramorphological analysis
Authors: Perdigão Jorge 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveThere is not a clear understanding of the ultramorphology of enamel white spot lesions (WSLs). The purpose of this study is to characterize resin infiltration of enamel WSLs using electron microscopy.Materials and methodsEnamel sections with sound enamel and WSLs were sectioned from extracted teeth and assigned to three groups: (a) left untreated; (b) etched with 15% hydrochloric acid (Icon‐Etch); (c) restored with the resin infiltration sequence (Icon‐Etch, Icon‐Dry, and Icon‐Infiltrant). Restored specimens were demineralized to obtain replicas. Observations were carried out under a field‐emission scanning electron microscope.ResultsIcon‐Etch resulted in an array of pits and funneled holes on the WSL. Replicas of WSLs depicted 0.5‐6.0‐μm‐thick shaggy resin tags up to a depth of 465 μm. Enamel crystallites were enveloped with resin at the bottom of the WSL forming a hybrid layer.ConclusionsThe resin infiltrant filled the spaces between the crystallites and resulted in an enamel hybrid layer.Clinical significanceIn addition to masking enamel WSLs, resin infiltration is able envelop residual enamel crystallites forming an enamel hybrid layer. This hybridization makes resin‐embedded enamel more resistant to acid attack than sound enamel.
Pulmonary amniotic fluid embolism in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Johnson Amanda L. , Reader J. Rachel 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA pregnant female rhesus macaque died spontaneously during stage two labor. Gross and histopathologic findings included severe pulmonary edema, with low numbers of blood vessels containing pale basophilic mucinous material (Alcian Blue positive and PTAH negative), consistent with intravascular amniotic fluid‐derived mucin resulting in pulmonary amniotic fluid embolism.
Expressions of Preference and Other Morally Problematic Instances of Prayer
Authors: Manninen Bertha Alvarez 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWhen considering the role of prayer in the lives of believers, most theists agree that one important effect is the psychological impact on the person who is praying. Nevertheless, the way many of us pray, by primarily or solely focusing on our welfare and the welfare of our loved ones, agitates the human tendency towards exclusion. If we take seriously God’s commandment to love the neighbor as the self, we should use prayer, instead, as a prime opportunity to help cultivate a moral character that embraces more inclusion. In this paper, I use Søren Kierkegaard’s Works of Love as a framework for working towards this more inclusive view of prayer—one that widens our moral circle and awareness to include all human beings, and not just the select ones we have chosen to prefer above all others. It does not follow that we are prohibited from praying for our own welfare or the welfare of our loved ones, but it does mean that using prayer in a way that only (or primarily) shows concern for those whom we prefer is morally problematic.
Introduction
Authors: Lee Jung H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe contributors to this reflection on the field consider the legacy of Christian ethics in comparative religious ethics (CRE), particularly in regard to whether the latter has escaped the parochialism and hegemony of the former, whether the legacy is simply vicious or whether it can be virtuous, and the specific ways in which the former has influenced the discipline of CRE in regard to methods and themes. Beyond these methodological questions, the contributors also speak to the historical development of Christian ethics and CRE in the cultural and institutional contexts of late twentieth century America and provide reflections on the politics of CRE as it is now practiced and debated in the field and in the academy.
Comparative Religious Ethics and the Politics of Christian Identity
Authors: Lee Jung H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractI present a brief historical narrative of the legacy of Christian ethics in comparative religious ethics (CRE) that attempts to make sense of the tensions within the field from the perspective of the politics of identity with reference to its changing content and practices—its internal history—and what might be called the background conditions—its external history—that shaped not only the content and methods of CRE but also its self‐understanding. Given the politics of Christian identity and the historical development of religious ethics within the American academy, I recommend that scholars of CRE adopt a more confessional mode of inquiry that makes explicit their ultimate commitments.
The third dimension of flavor: A chemesthetic approach to healthier eating (a review)
Authors: Spencer Molly , Dalton Pamela 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObesity and obesity‐related illness are an increasingly prevalent problem globally, especially in Western society. One of the largest contributing factors to the obesity pandemic is the modern food environment and food culture. It is necessary to identify and develop strategies to increase the sensory appeal of healthy food and beverage options in order to provide healthy options to consumers without sacrificing the fundamental sensory enjoyment of eating. Since flavor is the largest driver of food intake and choice, it follows that flavor ought to be part of the solution. This paper reviews the potential of chili pepper or capsaicin (the pungent component of chili pepper) as a healthy eating strategy, by increasing energy expenditure, decreasing intake, decreasing eating rate, and enhancing flavor and satisfaction. Furthermore, we suggest a holistic chemesthetic approach to weight management, by using the sensory impact of trigeminal stimulation (spiciness or heat) in foods, rather than medicinally, in order to cross‐modally enhance tastes and odors, increase perceived complexity and overall flavor, increase sensory satisfaction, and decrease salt and caloric intake. Future research directions are discussed.Practical ApplicationIt is necessary to provide strategies, such as trigeminal stimulation, global culinary practices, and flavor complexity, to consumers to maintain sensory satisfaction derived from healthier foods and beverages. Healthy does not have to equate to flavorless or unappealing, although it is commonly believed that unhealthy = tasty in the United States. Food can be both healthy and flavorful if we harness our collective sensory and culinary knowledge to generate a satisfying sensory experience. Incorporation of trigeminal stimulation, the third dimension of flavor in addition to taste and aroma, such as capsaicin or hot pepper, is an excellent example of drawing from global cuisines, increasing flavor complexity, and increasing overall flavor impression, in order to boost the sensory appeal, nutrition content, and nutrient absorption of healthy foods and to promote healthier eating.
Vibration‐controlled transient elastography for the detection of cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis D infection
Authors: Da Ben L. , Surana Pallavi , Takyar Varun , Kleiner David E. , Heller Theo , Koh Christopher 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNoninvasive detection of cirrhosis via vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) has revolutionized the management of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, VCTE has not been studied in chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection and accuracy remains in question due to the significant hepatic inflammation associated with this infection. Consecutive HBV, HCV and HDV patients who underwent VCTE (2006‐2019) were evaluated. Diagnosis of cirrhosis was made via liver biopsy or clinical findings. VCTE was compared with other noninvasive serum fibrosis tests using AUROC curves. The performance of VCTE in HBV/HCV/HDV was also compared. We evaluated 319 patients (HBV‐112; HCV‐132; HDV‐75), 278(87%) patients had histology for evaluation. HDV patients had evidence of higher hepatic inflammation as evidence by aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and histology activity index. Cirrhotic HDV patients had higher mean liver stiffness measurements compared with noncirrhotic patients (29.0 vs 8.3 kPa, P < .0001). VCTE demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy for the detection of cirrhosis with an AUROC of 0.90 compared with APRI (0.83), FIB‐4 (0.88), AAR (0.73) and RPR (0.85). Performance of VCTE in HDV was comparable with HBV (0.93) and HCV (0.94). At the optimized cut‐off value of ≥14.0 kPa for determining cirrhosis in HDV, VCTE had a sensitivity of 0.78, specificity of 0.86, NPV of 0.93 and PPV of 0.64. Hence, VCTE is a useful noninvasive test in HDV for determining cirrhosis despite the presence of significant hepatic inflammation.
Organics preserved in anhydrous interplanetary dust particles: Pristine or not?
Authors: Chan Queenie H. S. , Franchi Ian A. , Zhao Xuchao , Stephant Alice , Wright Ian P. , Alexander Conel M. O'D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe chondritic‐porous subset of interplanetary dust particles (CP‐IDPs) are thought to have a cometary origin. Since the CP‐IDPs are anhydrous and unaltered by aqueous processes that are common to chondritic organic matter (OM), they represent the most pristine material of the solar system. However, the study of IDP OM might be hindered by their further alteration by flash heating during atmospheric entry, and we have limited understanding on how short‐term heating influences their organic content. In order to investigate this problem, five CP‐IDPs were studied for their OM contents, distributions, and isotopic compositions at the submicro‐ to nanoscale levels. The OM contained in the IDPs in this study spans the spectrum from primitive OM to that which has been significantly processed by heat. Similarities in the Raman D bands of the meteoritic and IDP OMs indicate that the overall gain in the sizes of crystalline domains in response to heating is similar. However, the Raman ΓG values of the OM in all of the five IDPs clearly deviate from those of chondritic OM that had been processed during a prolonged episode of parent body heating. Such disparity suggests that the nonaromatic contents of the OM are different. Short duration heating further increases the H/C ratio and reduces the δ13C and δD values of the IDP OM. Our findings suggest that IDP OM contains a significant proportion of disordered C with low H content, such as sp2 olefinic C=C, sp3 C–C, and/or carbonyl contents as bridging material.
No Difference in the Neural Underpinnings of Number and Letter Copying in Children: Bayesian Analysis of Functional Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Data
Authors: Soltanlou Mojtaba , Coldea Andra , Artemenko Christina , Ehlis Ann‐Christine , Fallgatter Andreas J. , Nuerk Hans‐Christoph , Dresler Thomas 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTIt is under debate whether the neural representation of numbers and letters might rely on distinct neural correlates, or on a mostly shared neural network. In the present study, a total of 47 children in fifth grade (Experiment 1) and sixth grade (Experiment 2) simply copied numbers and letters on a touch screen while brain activation changes were recorded by means of functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). fNIRS data of both experiments and a joint analysis revealed that a shared neural network, particularly in the left hemisphere, was activated in response to both number and letter copying. Interestingly, no difference was observed in brain activation patterns between these two stimuli, as revealed by Bayesian analysis. Our findings indicate that both number and letter copying lead to similar brain activation in children. We further suggest methodological and applied applications of these findings in the frame of educational neuroscience.
Characterization of 6S RNA in the Lyme disease spirochete
Authors: Drecktrah Dan , Hall Laura S. , Brinkworth Amanda J. , Comstock Jeanette R. , Wassarman Karen M. , Samuels D. Scott 
Published: November 2019

Abstract6S RNA binds to RNA polymerase and regulates gene expression, contributing to bacterial adaptation to environmental stresses. In this study, we examined the role of 6S RNA in murine infectivity and tick persistence of the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia (Borreliella) burgdorferi. B. burgdorferi 6S RNA (Bb6S RNA) binds to RNA polymerase, is expressed independent of growth phase or nutrient stress in culture, and is processed by RNase Y. We found that rny (bb0504), the gene encoding RNase Y, is essential for B. burgdorferi growth, while ssrS, the gene encoding 6S RNA, is not essential, indicating a broader role for RNase Y activity in the spirochete. Bb6S RNA regulates expression of the ospC and dbpA genes encoding outer surface protein C and decorin binding protein A, respectively, which are lipoproteins important for host infection. The highest levels of Bb6S RNA are found when the spirochete resides in unfed nymphs. ssrS mutants lacking Bb6S RNA were compromised for infectivity by needle inoculation, but injected mice seroconverted, indicating an ability to activate the adaptive immune response. ssrS mutants were successfully acquired by larval ticks and persisted through fed nymphs. Bb6S RNA is one of the first regulatory RNAs identified in B. burgdorferi that controls the expression of lipoproteins involved in host infectivity.
Prevalence and characterization of dysphagia in hospitalized patients
Authors: Spronk Peter E. , Spronk Laura E. J. , Lut Jonneke , Gnacke Eva , Mijnes Dionne , van Munster Barbara , Kröner Anke 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundInformation on the prevalence of dysphagia in a generalized hospitalized population is lacking. We aimed to gain information on the recognition of dysphagia by nursing staff and the swallow characteristics of patients with and without dysphagia.MethodsThe Eating Assessment Tool (EAT‐10) and the volume‐viscosity water swallow test (VVST) were utilized to assess the prevalence of dysphagia in a generalized hospitalized population in 2 centers (N = 205). Presence of dysphagia was defined as having either an EAT‐10 score of 2 or higher or having a positive VVST. Nursing staff recognition of dysphagia was assessed. In addition, the swallow characteristics were assessed both clinically and using submandibular surface electromyographic (SEMG) values of the participants.Key ResultsThe prevalence of dysphagia in the hospitalized patients was 30.7%. Nursing staff did hardly ever recognize the presence of dysphagia. Concerning the swallow characteristics, patients with dysphagia demonstrated an increase in the SEMG peak levels of the swallowing actions over the course of an exercise from 103 to 110 μV (P = .05), whereas patients without dysphagia did not demonstrate this effect.Conclusions & InferencesTraining should be conducted for nursing staff to improve awareness and recognition of dysphagia and thus prevent dysphagia complications. Dysphagia is a large burden on the hospitalized population, and further research should be conducted into the specifics.