bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profile of food truck consumers and their opinion about food safety
Authors: Valente Gabriela Mazzon , Stangarlin-Fiori Lize , Seiscentos Lais de Oliveira , de Souza Viviane Valle , Opolski Medeiros Caroline 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the profile of food truck consumers at gourmet events, identifying their food preferences and opinions about the provision of safe food by this segment.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 750 food truck customers in the city of Curitiba, Brazil, participated in the study. The survey investigated the socio-economic profile of the consumers, the frequency of their food consumption, the criteria for their choice of food trucks, their mean spending value, the method of payment used and the opinion of consumers about food cost and food truck hygiene conditions.

Findings
Most consumers were female (62.7 per cent), students (31.3 per cent) and with an average age of 29 ± 10 years. Many customers preferred the consumption of salty foods (84.0 per cent), mainly burgers and kabobs. The consumers reported spending between $6.32 and $9.03 during the events, and men spent more money than women (p = 0.000). Both thought that good conditions of hygiene (81.9 per cent), food presentation (46.9 per cent) and service (48.0 per cent) were more important than the product price (19.3 per cent). Consumers thought that the food trucks had an adequate structure (73.5 per cent) and the food handlers (74.4 per cent) had good conditions of hygiene, ensuring the safety of the food sold.

Research limitations/implications
On account of the convenience sampling in an urban environment, the data cannot be generalized to the entire population of the municipality and to other regions.

Originality/value
There are few studies with food trucks consumers in Brazil, to this writing the largest sample ever used for this type of research in this country. The results were designed to be used by professionals working in the area.
Sensor system for use with low intensity pulsed ultrasound
Authors: Diermeier Andreas , Sindersberger Dirk , Angele Peter , Kujat Richard , Monkman Gareth John 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
Ultrasound is a well-established technology in medical science, though many of the conventional measurement systems (hydrophones and radiation force balances [RFBs]) often lack accuracy and tend to be expensive. This is a significant problem where sensors must be considered to be “disposable” because they inevitably come into contact with biological fluids and expense increases dramatically in cases where a large number of sensors in array form are required. This is inevitably the case where ultrasound is to be used for the in vitro growth stimulation of a large plurality of biological samples in tissue engineering. Traditionally only a single excitation frequency is used (typically 1.5 MHz), but future research demands a larger choice of wavelengths for which a single broadband measurement transducer is desirable. Furthermore, because of implementation conditions there can also be large discrepancies between measurements. The purpose of this paper deals with a very cost-effective alternative to expensive RFBs and hydrophones.

Design/methodology/approach
Utilization of cost-effective piezoelectric elements as broadband sensors.

Findings
Very effective results with equivalent (if not better) accuracy than expensive alternatives.

Originality/value
This paper concentrates on how very cost-effective piezoelectric ultrasound transducers can be implemented as sensors for ultrasound power measurements with accuracy as good, if not better than those achievable using radiation force balances or hydrophones.
Bordet‐Gengou agar medium supplemented with albumin‐containing biologics for cultivation of bordetellae
Authors: Hiramatsu Yukihiro , Osada‐Oka Mayuko , Horiguchi Yasuhiko 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. bronchiseptica cause respiratory infections in mammals, including humans, and are generally cultivated on Bordet‐Gengou (BG) agar plates in laboratories. The medium requires animal blood as a supplement for better bacterial growth. However, using blood is problematic, as its constant supply is occasionally difficult because of the limited shelf‐life. This study proposes modified BG agar plates supplemented with bovine serum albumin and fetal bovine serum as a simple and convenient medium that confers sufficient growth of bordetellae.
Vegetation changes from 1984 to 2008 on Mount Usu, northern Japan, after the 1977–1978 eruptions
Authors: Tsuyuzaki Shiro 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe revegetation patterns after volcanic eruptions were monitored annually on Mount Usu, northern Japan, using over 25 years to detect successional changes. The vegetation was monitored by 2 × 5 m plots from 1984 and 2008 and by 5 × 5 m plots that were enlarged from the original plots from 1994 to 2008 due to increasing vegetation height. The thick tephra from these eruptions destroyed the former vegetation in 1977 and 1978. Diversity indexes were calculated, and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was conducted using the vegetation data with environmental factors. The cover of dominant species was higher in the large plots probably due to the vegetative expansion. Species richness and diversity continued to increase annually for 30 years after the eruptions. Well‐established plants were perennial forbs and trees and the species replacement occurred consistently. NMDS of small plot data suggested that elevation was related to the first axis, and year, litter volume and distance to the caldera rim were related to the second axis. Plot scores on the first axis suggested that deterministic factors, that is, elevation and its related factors, produced vegetation convergence but those on the second axis suggested that the vegetation change was in response to stochastic factors, such as litter accumulation and its related unmeasured factors, with year. The results indicated that the convergence or divergence was determined by the conflict between the net effects of deterministic and stochastic factors on vegetation development.
Tumor location may affect the clinicopathological features and prognosis of thymomas
Authors: Tian Dong , Shiiya Haruhiko , Sato Masaaki , Sun Chang‐Bo , Anraku Masaki , Nakajima Jun 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundThe current staging systems do not consider the tumor location of thymomas, and its clinical relevance is poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of tumor location on the clinicopathological features and prognosis of thymomas.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients at our institution who underwent an extended thymectomy for a thymoma from 1976 to 2015. The tumor location was classified as either the superior or inferior mediastinum based on the maximum tumor diameter. The clinicopathological characteristics of the thymoma were also evaluated. Kaplan‐Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the survival outcomes and risk factors for recurrence.ResultsA total of 194 patients with thymoma were eligible for this study. Compared with the inferior mediastinum group (n = 167), the superior mediastinum group (n = 27) had a higher frequency of myasthenia gravis (MG), advanced Masaoka‐Koga staging, disease progression and recurrence (P < 0.05). The Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated thymomas in the superior mediastinum had worse survival outcomes that included overall survival, progression‐free survival and disease‐free survival (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis showed tumor location was an independent prognostic factor for all the survival outcomes (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the tumor location (P = 0.004) and Masaoka‐Koga stage (P < 0.001) were the only two independent risk factors for recurrence in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionsThe clinicopathological features of thymomas on MG, Masaoka‐Koga staging, disease progression, and recurrence were different between locations of superior and inferior mediastinum locations. Thymomas in the superior mediastinum tended to be associated with worse survival and increased recurrence.
Reversal of epigenetic aging and immunosenescent trends in humans
Authors: Fahy Gregory M. , Brooke Robert T. , Watson James P. , Good Zinaida , Vasanawala Shreyas S. , Maecker Holden , Leipold Michael D. , Lin David T. S. , Kobor Michael S. , Horvath Steve 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEpigenetic “clocks” can now surpass chronological age in accuracy for estimating biological age. Here, we use four such age estimators to show that epigenetic aging can be reversed in humans. Using a protocol intended to regenerate the thymus, we observed protective immunological changes, improved risk indices for many age‐related diseases, and a mean epigenetic age approximately 1.5 years less than baseline after 1 year of treatment (−2.5‐year change compared to no treatment at the end of the study). The rate of epigenetic aging reversal relative to chronological age accelerated from −1.6 year/year from 0–9 month to −6.5 year/year from 9–12 month. The GrimAge predictor of human morbidity and mortality showed a 2‐year decrease in epigenetic vs. chronological age that persisted six months after discontinuing treatment. This is to our knowledge the first report of an increase, based on an epigenetic age estimator, in predicted human lifespan by means of a currently accessible aging intervention.
Voluntary exercise normalizes the proteomic landscape in muscle and brain and improves the phenotype of progeroid mice
Authors: Ross Jaime M. , Coppotelli Giuseppe , Branca Rui M. , Kim Kyung M. , Lehtiö Janne , Sinclair David A. , Olson Lars 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations is a suspected driver of aging and age‐related diseases, but forestalling these changes has been a major challenge. One of the best‐studied models is the prematurely aging mtDNA mutator mouse, which carries a homozygous knock‐in of a proofreading deficient version of the catalytic subunit of mtDNA polymerase‐γ (PolgA). We investigated how voluntary exercise affects the progression of aging phenotypes in this mouse, focusing on mitochondrial and protein homeostasis in both brain and peripheral tissues. Voluntary exercise significantly ameliorated several aspects of the premature aging phenotype, including decreased locomotor activity, alopecia, and kyphosis, but did not have major effects on the decreased lifespan of mtDNA mutator mice. Exercise also decreased the mtDNA mutation load. In‐depth tissue proteomics revealed that exercise normalized the levels of about half the proteins, with the majority involved in mitochondrial function and nuclear–mitochondrial crosstalk. There was also a specific increase in the nuclear‐encoded proteins needed for the tricarboxylic acid cycle and complex II, but not in mitochondrial‐encoded oxidative phosphorylation proteins, as well as normalization of enzymes involved in coenzyme Q biosynthesis. Furthermore, we found tissue‐specific alterations, with brain coping better as compared to muscle and with motor cortex being better protected than striatum, in response to mitochondrial dysfunction. We conclude that voluntary exercise counteracts aging in mtDNA mutator mice by counteracting protein dysregulation in muscle and brain, decreasing the mtDNA mutation burden in muscle, and delaying overt aging phenotypes.
Loss of HDAC3 contributes to meiotic defects in aged oocytes
Authors: He Yongfu , Li Xiaoyan , Gao Min , Liu Honglin , Gu Ling 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMaternal age‐related decline in oocyte quality is associated with meiotic defects, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) has been shown to govern multiple cellular events via deacetylating diverse substrates. We previously found that HDAC3 could promote meiotic apparatus assembly in mouse oocytes. In the present study, we identified a substantial reduction in HDAC3 protein in oocytes from old mice. Importantly, overexpression of HDAC3 in old oocytes not only partially prevents spindle/chromosome disorganization, but also significantly lowers the incidence of aneuploidy. Meanwhile, we noticed the elevated acetylation level of α‐tubulin in oocytes derived from old mice. By employing site‐directed mutagenesis, we showed that acetylation‐mimetic mutant tubulin‐K40Q disrupts the kinetochore–microtubule attachments and results in the assembly failure of meiotic apparatus in mouse oocytes. Importantly, forced expression of tubulin‐K40R (nonacetylatable‐mimetic mutant) was capable of alleviating the defective phenotypes of oocytes from aged mice. To sum up, this study uncovers that loss of HDAC3 represents one potential mechanism mediating the effects of advanced maternal age on oocyte quality.
(Pro)renin Receptor is Involved in Myocardial Damage in Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Xiong Jie , Cao Xinran , Qiao Shiyuan , Yu Shiran , Li Lei , Yu Yalin , Fu Changning , Jiang Fan , Dong Bo , Su Qing 
Published: September 2019

Background(Pro)renin receptor (PRR), a novel member of the renin–angiotensin system, participates in various cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of PRR in alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM), which is caused by alcohol intake and manifests as myocardial damage and cardiac dysfunction, remains unclear.MethodsPRR gene silencing was achieved by transfecting recombinant adenovirus expressing anti‐PRR short hairpin RNA (PRR‐shRNA). In vitro, primary rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were cultured with the stimulation of alcohol (200 mM), with or without PRR‐shRNA and PD98059. Immunofluorescence, RT‐PCR, and Western blot were used to measure the protein and messenger (mRNA) expression of PRR, fibrotic factors, and members of related signaling pathways. In vivo, Wistar rats were fed a diet containing 9% (v/v) alcohol or a normal diet for 3 months, with or without PRR‐shRNA. Sirius Red staining, immunohistochemical staining, and toluidine blue staining were used to evaluate myocardial fibrosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation response.ResultsAlcohol markedly increased PRR mRNA and protein expression in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner in CFs. The increased expression of fibrotic factors induced by alcohol was prevented by PRR‐shRNA and PD98059. Moreover, PRR‐shRNA decreased the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2 in CFs. Furthermore, PRR‐shRNA decreased cardiac fibrosis, reduced oxidative stress, and alleviated inflammation response in the myocardial tissue.ConclusionsOur results show that PRR‐ERK1/2 signaling was involved in the development of ACM and that PRR could be a new target for the treatment of ACM.
Topical and spatial repellent bioassays against the Australian paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Sukkanon Chutipong , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap , Doggett Stephen L 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe Australian paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus, is the cause of significant human morbidity. Bites from the tick may result in paralysis, allergic reactions that can include anaphylaxis and death, mammalian meat allergies and the transmission of infectious agents. In recent years, there have been a number of papers published on the microbiome of the species, but to date, there is no published research on I. holocyclus management or personal protection options to prevent the bite from the species. The study herein focused on the latter; the use of repellents for the prevention of bites from I. holocyclus. Five personal repellents were tested along with coconut oil, and a citronella patch and wristband. These were all tested for repellency in a laboratory assay over the time intervals of 15 min, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h post application. The personal repellents included the active ingredients of picaridin (9.3%), DEET (11.5%), lemon eucalyptus (36.0%), a combined formulation of citronella and tea tree oil (28.4%) and an extract of Andrographis paniculata (30% w/v). The coconut oil was 30% v/v. The citronella patch contained 120 mg/patch, whereas the citronella wristband contained 750 mg/band. Two spatial repellents were also tested in the laboratory for repellency and toxicity against I. holocyclus and tested for toxicity in the field. These included OFF!® Clip‐On™ (metofluthrin 312 g/kg) and Thermacell® (allethrin 219.7 g/kg). For the personal repellents at 4 h, there was no statistical difference in repellency between the formulations of picaridin, DEET and lemon eucalyptus, with over 84% repellency recorded for all. Thus, these would be the personal repellents recommended for preventing tick bites. The citronella patch produced 100% repellency over 4 h; however, as this type of product is known to only provide protection close to the patch, it is not recommended for routine use. For the spatial repellents, both produced significant repellency and toxicity in the laboratory, but failed to produce any tick mortality in the field, and their use cannot be recommended. This is the first published study investigating personal and spatial repellents for the prevention of tick bite from I. holocyclus.
Laparoscopic segmentectomy using ultrasound probe compression of hepatic vessel
Authors: Lee Woohyung , Cho Jin‐Kyu , Jang Jae Yool , Hong Soon‐Chan , Jeong Chi‐Young 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAlthough open liver resection using ultrasound (US) probe compression of the hepatic vessel has been reported, laparoscopic liver resection using the same method has not yet been reported. Magnetic resonance imaging of a 55‐year‐old man with hepatitis B‐related liver cirrhosis revealed a 2.5 cm liver mass in segment VI. He underwent laparoscopic segmentectomy. After right liver mobilization, the subglissonean pedicle of segment VI was identified and it was compressed with laparoscopic US probe with confirmation using Doppler US. The liver parenchyma was transected with a Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator and advanced bipolar system along the ischemic line. The patient was discharged 9 days after surgery without complications. Laparoscopic segmentectomy using laparoscopic US probe compression has advantages including preservation of the hepatic parenchyma and prevention of injury to the adjacent Glissonean pedicle.
A heterogeneity measure for cluster identification with application to disease mapping
Authors: Lin Pei‐Sheng , Zhu Jun 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMapping of disease incidence has long been of importance to epidemiology and public health. In this paper, we consider identification of clusters of spatial units with elevated disease rates and develop a new approach that estimates the relative disease risk in association with potential risk factors and simultaneously identifies clusters corresponding to elevated risks. A heterogeneity measure is proposed to enable the comparison of a candidate cluster and its complement under a pair of complementary models. A quasi‐likelihood procedure is developed for estimating the model parameters and identifying the clusters. An advantage of our approach over traditional spatial clustering methods is the identification of clusters that can have arbitrary shapes due to abrupt or noncontiguous changes while accounting for risk factors and spatial correlation. Asymptotic properties of the proposed methodology are established and a simulation study shows empirically sound finite‐sample properties. The mapping and clustering of enterovirus 71 infections in Taiwan are carried out for illustration.
Virgin coconut oil enhances neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory factors in the thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes of rats
Authors: Karrunanithi Sunil , Ravichandran Kishore A. , Hima Lalgi , Pratap Uday P. , Vasantharekha Ramasamy , ThyagaRajan Srinivasan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveVirgin coconut oil (VCO) is used as a traditional medicine in Asian countries because of its therapeutic effects mediated through hypolipidemic, antimicrobial and anti‐oxidant properties. The interactions between the sympathetic noradrenergic nervous system and the immune cells of the lymphoid organs (thymus and lymph nodes) modulate immunity to determine health or onset of inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of VCO in modulating neuronal and anti‐inflammatory factors in the thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN).MethodsYoung male Wistar rats (n = 8/group) were fed with a control diet or diet supplemented with 4%, 8%, and 16% of VCO. After a 30‐day treatment period, thymus and MLN were isolated to analyze the expressions of p‐tyrosine hydroxylase, nerve growth factor, p‐nuclear factor‐κB (p50 and p65), p‐mechanistic target of rapamycin, SIRT1, p‐LKB1 and intracellular signaling molecules (p‐ERK, p‐Akt, p‐CREB). Activities of anti‐oxidant enzymes and the extent of lipid peroxidation were also analyzed.ResultsIn the thymus, a VCO diet enhanced the expression of p‐tyrosine hydroxylase, nerve growth factor and SIRT1, and the activities of anti‐oxidant enzymes, whereas it decreased the expression of p‐nuclear factor‐κB (p50 and p65) and the extent of lipid peroxidation. In the MLN, VCO augmented the expression of p‐tyrosine hydroxylase, nerve growth factor, p‐mechanistic target of rapamycin, SIRT1 and p‐LKB1, and activities of anti‐oxidant enzymes, whereas p‐nuclear factor‐κB (p50 and p65) expression was inhibited. VCO enhanced the expression of intracellular signaling molecules in both the thymus and MLN.ConclusionDietary VCO might modulate immune responses by upregulating neuroprotective factors, and suppressing inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress through intracellular signaling pathways.
B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin
Authors: Calderón‐Ospina Carlos Alberto , Nava‐Mesa Mauricio Orlando 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundNeurotropic B vitamins play crucial roles as coenzymes and beyond in the nervous system. Particularly vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) contribute essentially to the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Their importance is highlighted by many neurological diseases related to deficiencies in one or more of these vitamins, but they can improve certain neurological conditions even without a (proven) deficiency.AimThis review focuses on the most important biochemical mechanisms, how they are linked with neurological functions and what deficits arise from malfunctioning of these pathways.DiscussionWe discussed the main role of B Vitamins on several functions in the peripheral and central nervous system (PNS and CNS) including cellular energetic processes, antioxidative and neuroprotective effects, and both myelin and neurotransmitter synthesis. We also provide an overview of possible biochemical synergies between thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin and discuss by which major roles each of them may contribute to the synergy and how these functions are inter‐related and complement each other.ConclusionTaking into account the current knowledge on the neurotropic vitamins B1, B6, and B12, we conclude that a biochemical synergy becomes apparent in many different pathways in the nervous system, particularly in the PNS as exemplified by their combined use in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.