bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrine reduces susceptibility to postinfarct atrial fibrillation in rats due to antifibrotic properties
Authors: Ma Jin , Ma Shiyu , Yin Chunxia , Wu Huanlin
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to investigate whether matrine could prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) after myocardial infarction by reducing left atrial fibrosis, and to determine the underlying mechanisms in isolated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Five weeks after MI, matrine‐treated rats had lower rates of AF inducibility and shorter AF duration than MI rats. Matrine improved the left atrial conduction velocity and homogeneity. Matrine decreased the fibrosis positive areas and the protein levels of type I collagen and type III collagen in the left atrium. Matrine inhibited CFs differentiation to myofibroblasts and the expression of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. In vitro, matrine inhibited the CFs proliferation, migration, differentiation, and secretion ability. These in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that matrine has the potential to reduce susceptibility to AF after MI due, at least in part, to reduced atrial fibrosis via inhibiting CFs proliferation, migration, differentiation, and secretion ability.
Multiple roles of Ring 1 and YY1 binding protein in physiology and disease
Authors: Zhan Shaohua , Wang Tianxiao , Ge Wei , Li Jinming
Published: January 2018

Ring 1 and YY1 binding protein (RYBP) was first identified in 1999, and its structure includes a conserved Npl4 Zinc finger motif at the N‐terminus, a central region that is characteristically enriched with arginine and lysine residues and a C‐terminal region enriched with serine and threonine amino acids. Over nearly 20 years, multiple studies have found that RYBP functions as an organ developmental adaptor. There is also evidence that RYBP regulates the expression of different genes involved in various aspects of biological processes, via a mechanism that is dependent on interactions with components of PcG complexes and/or through binding to different transcriptional factors. In addition, RYBP interacts directly or indirectly with apoptosis‐associated proteins to mediate anti‐apoptotic or pro‐apoptotic activity in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of various cell types. Furthermore, RYBP has also been shown to act as tumour suppressor gene in different solid tumours, but as an oncogene in lymphoma and melanoma. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the functions of this multifaceted RYBP in physiological and pathological conditions, including embryonic development, apoptosis and cancer, as well as its role as a component of polycomb repressive complex 1.
Secular changes in the symptom level of clinically diagnosed autism
Authors: Arvidsson Olof , Gillberg Christopher , Lichtenstein Paul , Lundström Sebastian
Published: January 2018

Background

The prevalence of autism has been reported to have increased worldwide. A decrease over time in the number of autism symptoms required for a clinical autism diagnosis would partly help explain this increase. This study aimed to determine whether the symptom level of clinically diagnosed autism cases below age 13 had changed over time.

Methods

Parents of Swedish 9‐year old twins (n = 28,118) participated in a telephone survey, in which symptoms and dysfunction/suffering related to neurodevelopmental disorders [including autism, but also attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), and Learning Disabilities (LD)] in their children were assessed over a 10‐year period. Survey data was merged with the National Patient Register containing clinically registered autism diagnoses (n = 271).

Results

In individuals who had been clinically diagnosed with autism before the age of 13, the symptom score for autism decreased on average 30% over more than a decade in birth cohorts 1992–2002. There was an average decrease of 50% in the autism symptom score from 2004 to 2014 in individuals who were diagnosed with autism at ages 7–12, but there was no decrease in those diagnosed at ages 0–6.

Conclusions

Over time, considerably fewer autism symptoms seemed to be required for a clinical diagnosis of autism, at least for those diagnosed after the preschool years. The findings add support for the notion that the observed increase in autism diagnoses is, at least partly, the by‐product of changes in clinical practice, and flag up the need for working in agreement with best practice guidelines.
Reviewer selection biases editorial decisions on manuscripts
Authors: Hausmann Laura , Schweitzer Barbara , Middleton Frank A. , Schulz Jörg B.
Published: January 2018

Many journals, including the Journal of Neurochemistry, enable authors to list peer reviewers as ‘preferred’ or ‘opposed’ suggestions to the editor. At the Journal of Neurochemistry, the handling editor (HE) may follow recommendations or select non‐author‐suggested reviewers (non‐ASRs). We investigated whether selection of author‐suggested reviewers (ASRs) influenced decisions on a paper, and whether differences might be related to a reviewer’s, editor's or manuscript's geographical location. In this retrospective analysis, we compared original research articles submitted to the Journal of Neurochemistry from 2013 through 2016 that were either reviewed exclusively by non‐ASRs, by at least one ASR, by at least one reviewer marked by the author as ‘opposed’ or none. Manuscript outcome, reviewer rating of manuscript quality, rating of the reviewers’ performance by the editor (R‐score), time to review, and the country of the editor, reviewers and manuscript author were analyzed using non‐parametric rank‐based comparisons, chi‐square (χ2) analysis, multivariate linear regression, one‐way analysis of variance, and inter‐rater reliability determination. Original research articles that had been reviewed by at least one ASR stood a higher chance of being accepted (525/1006 = 52%) than papers that had been reviewed by non‐ASRs only (579/1800 = 32%). An article was 2.4 times more likely to be accepted than rejected by an ASR compared to a non‐ASR (Pearson's χ2(1) = 181.3, p < 0.05). At decision, the editor did not simply follow the reviewers’ recommendation but had a balancing role: Rates of recommendation from reviewers for rejection were 11.2% (139/1241) with ASRs versus 29.0% (1379/4755) with non‐ASRs (this is a ratio of 0.39 where 1 means no difference between rejection rates for both groups), whereas the proportion of final decisions to reject was 24.7% (248/1006) versus 45.7% (822/1800) (a ratio of 0.54, considerably closer to 1). Recommendations by non‐ASRs were more favorable for manuscripts from USA/Canada and Europe than for Asia/Pacific or Other countries. ASRs judged North American manuscripts most favorably, and judged papers generally more positively (mean: 2.54 on a 1–5 scale) than did non‐ASRs (mean: 3.16) reviewers, whereas time for review (13.28 vs. 13.20 days) did not differ significantly between these groups. We also found that editors preferably assigned reviewers from their own geographical region, but there was no tendency for reviewers to judge papers from their own region more favorably. Our findings strongly confirm a bias toward lower rejection rates when ASRs assess a paper, which led to the decision to abandon the option to recommend reviewers at the Journal of Neurochemistry.

Open Data: Materials are available on https://osf.io/jshg7/

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Consumer's Side of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Nonhypothetical Study
Authors: Lerro Marco , Caracciolo Francesco , Vecchio Riccardo , Cembalo Luigi
Published: January 2018

In recent decades, consumer trust in the food sector has declined because of several scandals that have affected the agro‐food industry. To recover their business reputation and trust, agro‐food companies are increasingly implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their production processes. CSR involves the whole supply chain, and several studies on CSR in the agro‐food industry have investigated consumer preferences regarding social responsibility either as a whole or in a small number of dimensions. This study, which is based on a sample of 204 Italian university students, measures consumer preferences and the willingness to pay (WTP) for eight dimensions of CSR. The respondents' WTP was evaluated in a nonhypothetical setting by using the incentive‐compatible Becker–DeGroot–Marschak method. Individual human values were also detected to investigate the determinants influencing the participants' WTP. The results revealed a positive effect of social responsibility on the participants' WTP, with personal values playing a central role.
In response to ‘benefits and risks of intensive blood‐pressure lowering in advanced chronic kidney disease’
Authors: Obi Y. , Kalantar‐Zadeh K. , Shintani A. , Kovesdy C. P. , Hamano T.
Published: January 2018

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Dr. Cheung et al.
Social Exclusion and Parental Incarceration Impacts on Adolescents' Networks and School Engagement
Authors: Cochran Joshua C. , Siennick Sonja E. , Mears Daniel P.
Published: January 2018

Although prior research links parental incarceration to deleterious outcomes for children during the life course, few studies have examined whether such incarceration affects the social exclusion of children during adolescence. Drawing on several lines of scholarship, the authors examined whether adolescents with incarcerated parents have fewer or lower quality relationships, participate in more antisocial peer networks, and feel less integrated or engaged in school. The study applies propensity score matching to survey and network data from a national sample of youth. Analyses indicated that children with incarcerated parents have more antisocial peers; the authors found limited evidence that parental incarceration adversely impacts peer networks and school integration domains. The results suggest that the impacts of parental incarceration on adolescents' social lives have less to do with isolation than with the types of peers adolescents befriend. Findings provide support for the idea that parental incarceration may adversely affect children's social exclusion.
Papilla‐Crown Height Dimensions around Zirconium Dioxide Implants in the Esthetic Area: A 3‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Kniha Kim , Schlegel Karl Andreas , Kniha Heinz , Modabber Ali , Neukam Friedrich , Kniha Kristian
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Soft tissue interactions with ceramic dental implants have previously been shown to have favorable esthetic outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the papilla‐crown proportion around zirconia implants in a 3‐year follow‐up study and the correlation between the gingival biotype and changes in papillary height.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective study of 39 patients with 40 single‐gap implants (Straumann PURE Ceramic ZLA Implant). The papilla‐crown proportion was assessed after 3 months, 1 year, and 3 years. In addition, correlations between the peri‐implant biotypes and changes in papillary heights were evaluated.

Results

The papilla‐crown proportion improved from 35.5% after 3 months to 41.7% after 3 years. The gingival biotype was correlated very weakly to papilla height alterations. Significant papillary fill was observed in the interdental space between 3 months and 3 years (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

An ideal papilla‐crown proportion of 40% around single implants was observed after 3 years. A thin or thick gingival biotype showed a very weak correlation with soft tissue alterations.
Are the benefits of autonomy satisfaction and the costs of autonomy frustration dependent on individuals' autonomy strength?
Authors: Van Assche Jasper , van der Kaap‐Deeder Jolene , Audenaert Elien , De Schryver Maarten , Vansteenkiste Maarten
Published: January 2018

Objective

From a self‐determination theory perspective, individuals are assumed to benefit and suffer from, respectively, the satisfaction and frustration of the psychological need for autonomy, even if they score low on autonomy strength. Yet, previous studies on need strength are scarce, operationalized need strength differently, and produced inconsistent findings.

Method

In two studies among 224 South African adults (Mage = 24.13, SD = 4.25; 54.0% male) and 156 Belgian prisoners (Mage = 38.60, SD = 11.68; 88.5% male), we investigated the moderating role of autonomy valuation and desire in the relations of autonomy satisfaction and frustration with a variety of well‐being and ill‐being indicators.

Results

Study 1 provided some evidence for the moderating role of mostly explicit autonomy desire (rather than explicit autonomy valuation). In Study 2, neither explicit nor implicit autonomy desire played a consistent moderating role.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings are congruent with a moderate (albeit not with a strong) interpretation of the universality claim made within self‐determination theory, provide initial evidence for a differentiation between deficit‐based and growth‐oriented interpersonal differences in need strength, and indicate that the potential moderating role of need strength deserves continued attention before any firm conclusions can be drawn.
Socioeconomic and behavioral determinants of tooth brushing frequency: results from the representative French 2010 HBSC cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fernandez de Grado Gabriel , Ehlinger Virginie , Godeau Emmanuelle , Sentenac Mariane , Arnaud Catherine , Nabet Cathy , Monsarrat Paul
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To describe tooth brushing frequency and its association with a wide range of socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics, using a nationally representative sample of school‐aged children in France.

Methods

Our sample included 11,337 students aged from 10 to 16 years, who answered the HBSC questionnaire. Some variables were grouped into composite variables, thus generating scores for: eating habits, health and body, relationships with parents, socioeconomic status (SES) of family, and school life. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to study the relationship between these variables and tooth brushing frequency.

Results

Girls were more likely to brush twice a day than boys [adjusted Odds Ratio: aOR 2.47, 95 percent confidence interval CI95% (1.97; 3.11), aOR 1.89, CI95% (1.56; 2.29), aOR 1.45, CI95% (1.25; 1.68) for low, mid, and high school life score, respectively]. Students were more likely to brush twice a day when they had high (versus low) scores for healthy eating habits [aOR = 1.60; 95 percent CI: (1.40; 1.83)], well‐being concerning health and body [aOR = 1.61; 95 percent CI: (1.40; 1.86)] and SES [aOR = 1.25; 95 percent CI: (1.09; 1.43)].

Conclusions

We believe that preventive health campaigns should target school and family environments more specifically to reach the most disadvantaged sections of the population and include promotion of whole health. The messages should be designed to efficiently reach adolescents, e.g., by appealing to their maturity, self‐esteem, and emotional factors. Through the incorporation of qualitative research elements, identifying the reasons for not brushing twice a day would also help to develop new prevention programs.
Reversal of visceral hypersensitivity in rat by Menthacarin®, a proprietary combination of essential oils from peppermint and caraway, coincides with mycobiome modulation
Authors: Botschuijver S. , Welting O. , Levin E. , Maria‐Ferreira D. , Koch E. , Montijn R. C. , Seppen J. , Hakvoort T. B. M. , Schuren F. H. J. , de Jonge W. J. , van den Wijngaard R. M.
Published: January 2018

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder associated with altered gastrointestinal microflora and increased nociception to colonic distension. This visceral hypersensitivity can be reversed in our rat maternal separation model by fungicides. Menthacarin® is a proprietary combination of essential oils from Mentha x piperita L. and Carum carvi. Because these oils exhibit antifungal and antibacterial properties, we investigated whether Menthacarin® can reverse existing visceral hypersensitivity in maternally separated rats.

Methods

In non‐handled and maternally separated rats, we used the visceromotor responses to colorectal distension as measure for visceral sensitivity. We evaluated this response before and 24 hours after water‐avoidance stress and after 7 days treatment with Menthacarin® or control. The pre‐ and post‐treatment mycobiome and microbiome were characterized by sequencing of fungal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS‐1) and bacterial 16s rDNA regions. In vitro antifungal and antimicrobial properties of Menthacarin® were studied with radial diffusion assay.

Key Results

Menthacarin® inhibited in vitro growth of yeast and bacteria. Water‐avoidance caused visceral hypersensitivity in maternally separated rats, and this was reversed by treatment. Multivariate analyses of ITS‐1 and 16S high throughput data showed that maternal separation, induced changes in the myco‐ and microbiome. Menthacarin® treatment of non‐handled and maternally separated rats shifted the mycobiomes to more similar compositions.

Conclusions & Inferences

The development of visceral hypersensitivity in maternally separated rats and the Menthacarin®‐mediated reversal of hypersensitivity is associated with changes in the mycobiome. Therefore, Menthacarin® may be a safe and effective treatment option that should be tested for IBS.
IgG4‐mediated autoimmune diseases: a niche of antibody‐mediated disorders
Authors: Huijbers Maartje G. , Plomp Jaap J. , van der Maarel Silvère M. , Verschuuren Jan J.
Published: January 2018

Immunoglobulin 4 (IgG4) is one of four human IgG subclasses and has several unique functional characteristics. It exhibits low affinity for complement and for most Fc receptors. It furthermore has generally high affinity for its antigen, with binding occurring in a monovalent fashion, as IgG4 can exchange Fab‐arms with other IgG4 molecules. Because of these characteristics, IgG4 is believed to block its targets and prevent inflammation, which, depending on the setting, can have a protective or pathogenic effect. One example of IgG4 pathogenicity is muscle‐specific kinase (MuSK) myasthenia gravis (MG), in which patients develop IgG4 MuSK autoantibodies, resulting in muscle weakness. As a consequence of the distinct IgG4 characteristics, the pathomechanism of MuSK MG is very different from IgG1‐and IgG3‐mediated autoimmune diseases, such as acetylcholine receptor MG. In recent years, new autoantibodies in a spectrum of autoimmune diseases have been discovered. Interestingly, some were found to be predominantly IgG4. These IgG4‐mediated autoimmune diseases share many pathomechanistic aspects with MuSK MG, suggesting that IgG4‐mediated autoimmunity forms a separate niche among the antibody‐mediated disorders. In this review, we summarize the group of IgG4‐mediated autoimmune diseases, discuss the role of IgG4 in MuSK MG, and highlight interesting future research questions for IgG4‐mediated autoimmunity.
T‐type calcium channels drive migration/invasion in BRAFV600E melanoma cells through Snail1
Authors: Maiques Oscar , Barceló Carla , Panosa Anaïs , Pijuan Jordi , Orgaz Jose L. , Rodriguez‐Hernandez Irene , Matas‐Nadal Clara , Tell Gemma , Vilella Ramón , Fabra Angels , Puig Susana , Sanz‐Moreno Victoria , Matias‐Guiu Xavier , Canti Carles , Herreros Judit , Marti Rosa M. , Macià Anna
Published: January 2018

Melanoma is a malignant tumor derived from melanocytes. Once disseminated, it is usually highly resistant to chemotherapy and is associated with poor prognosis. We have recently reported that T‐type calcium channels (TTCCs) are overexpressed in melanoma cells and play an important role in melanoma progression. Importantly, TTCC pharmacological blockers reduce proliferation and deregulate autophagy leading to apoptosis. Here, we analyze the role of autophagy during migration/invasion of melanoma cells. TTCC Cav3.1 and LC3‐II proteins are highly expressed in BRAFV600E compared with NRAS mutant melanomas, both in cell lines and biopsies. Chloroquine, pharmacological blockade, or gene silencing of TTCCs inhibit the autophagic flux and impair the migration and invasion capabilities, specifically in BRAFV600E melanoma cells. Snail1 plays an important role in motility and invasion of melanoma cells. We show that Snail1 is strongly expressed in BRAFV600E melanoma cells and patient biopsies, and its expression decreases when autophagy is blocked. These results demonstrate a role of Snail1 during BRAFV600E melanoma progression and strongly suggest that targeting macroautophagy and, particularly TTCCs, might be a good therapeutic strategy to inhibit metastasis of the most common melanoma type (BRAFV600E).
Impact of routine surveillance biopsy intensity on the diagnosis of moderate to severe cellular rejection and survival after pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Zinn Matthew D. , Wallendorf Michael J. , Simpson Kathleen E. , Osborne Ashley D. , Kirklin James K. , Canter Charles E.
Published: January 2018

Data are lacking on RSB intensity and outcomes after pediatric heart transplantation. PHTS centers received a survey on RSB practices from 2005 to present. PHTS data were obtained for 2010‐2013 and integrated with center‐matched survey responses for analysis. Survey response rate was 82.6% (38/46). Centers were classified as low‐, moderate‐, and high‐intensity programs based on RSB frequency (0—more than 8 RSB/y). RSB intensity decreased with increasing time from HT. Age at HT impacted RSB intensity mostly in year 1, with little to no impact in later years. Most centers have not replaced RSB with non‐invasive methods, but many added ECHO and biomarker monitoring. Higher RSB intensity was not associated with decreased 4‐year mortality (P=.63) or earlier detection of moderate to severe (ISHLT grade 2R/3R) cellular rejection (RSBMSR) in the first year (P=.87). First‐year RSBMSR incidence did not differ with intensity or age at HT. Significant variability exists in RSB intensity, but with no impact on timing and incidence of RSBMSR or 4‐year mortality. Reduction in RSB frequency may be safe in certain patients after pediatric HT.
How Noninstitutionalized Policy Innovation Is Justified: A Rhetorical Perspective
Authors: Li Jiayuan
Published: January 2018

The premise of this article is that developing persuasive justification is fundamental to the construction and emergence of policy innovation. Nevertheless, given that policy innovation has been typically treated as given, existing public policy research on innovation says little about the process through which the rationales for innovative policies are established. A rhetorical approach is introduced as a new perspective to illustrate this process. In particular, I focus on the case of happiness indices, which is selected because it represents a noninstitutionalized idea which challenges the incumbent way of measuring social progress by GDP‐related indicators. Rhetorical analysis is then applied to a body of documents advocating this ambitious innovation, through which I reveal five distinct types of legitimation strategies (i.e., logos, authorization, cosmology, scientization, and teleology). These rhetorical strategies are used in a supplementary manner to describe a policy idea—utopian in many people's eyes—as appropriate and desirable. The concluding discussion section highlights the wider implications of the empirical findings.
Differences in the neural correlates of frontal lobe tests
Authors: Matsuoka Teruyuki , Kato Yuka , Imai Ayu , Fujimoto Hiroshi , Shibata Keisuke , Nakamura Kaeko , Yamada Kei , Narumoto Jin
Published: January 2018

Background

The Executive Interview (EXIT25), the executive clock‐drawing task (CLOX1), and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) are used to assess executive function at the bedside. These tests assess distinct psychometric properties. The aim of this study was to examine differences in the neural correlates of the EXIT25, CLOX1, and FAB based on magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

Fifty‐eight subjects (30 with Alzheimer’s disease, 10 with mild cognitive impairment, and 18 healthy controls) participated in this study. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the brain regions correlated with the EXIT25, CLOX1, and FAB scores. Age, gender, and years of education were included as covariates. Statistical thresholds were set to uncorrected P‐values of 0.001 at the voxel level and 0.05 at the cluster level.

Results

The EXIT25 score correlated inversely with the regional grey matter volume in the left lateral frontal lobe (Brodmann areas 6, 9, 44, and 45). The CLOX1 score correlated positively with the regional grey matter volume in the right orbitofrontal cortex (Brodmann area 11) and the left supramarginal gyrus (Brodmann area 40). The FAB score correlated positively with the regional grey matter volume in the right precentral gyrus (Brodmann area 6). The left lateral frontal lobe (Brodmann area 9) and the right lateral frontal lobe (Brodmann area 46) were identified as common brain regions that showed association with EXIT25, CLOX1, and FAB based only a voxel‐level threshold.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the EXIT25, CLOX1, and FAB may be associated with the distinct neural correlates of the frontal cortex.
Decision‐making framework in gynaecology for patients who lack mental capacity
Authors: Bolaji Ibrahim I , Omih Edwin , SZE Ka Yan Shirley
Published: January 2018

Key content

Caring for and making decisions on behalf of incompetent adults can be a complicated process.

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 provides a legal framework that protects mentally incapacitated individuals and guides decision makers during the decision‐making process.

A gynaecologist can easily undertake the determination of mental capacity using the two‐stage test of capacity.

The best interests meeting is an appropriate way of facilitating the decision‐making process by bringing together the relevant people involved in the care of the individual who has lost decision‐making ability.

Learning objectives

To understand mental capacity in relation to the MCA 2005.

To understand the test of mental capacity.

To understand the different decision‐making models, as applied to mental capacity.

To be able to apply the MCA statutory checklist in the determination of best interests.

Ethical issues

There may be conflicts of interest between the medical team and surrogate decision maker in the best interest meeting.

A dispute among the members of the best interest team could delay the treatment of the mentally incapacitated individual, and such delay may not be in the best interest of the patient.
How Does Rumination Impact Cognition? A First Mechanistic Model
Authors: van Vugt Marieke K. , van der Velde Maarten ,   ESM‐MERGE Investigators
Published: January 2018

Rumination is a process of uncontrolled, narrowly focused negative thinking that is often self‐referential, and that is a hallmark of depression. Despite its importance, little is known about its cognitive mechanisms. Rumination can be thought of as a specific, constrained form of mind‐wandering. Here, we introduce a cognitive model of rumination that we developed on the basis of our existing model of mind‐wandering. The rumination model implements the hypothesis that rumination is caused by maladaptive habits of thought. These habits of thought are modeled by adjusting the number of memory chunks and their associative structure, which changes the sequence of memories that are retrieved during mind‐wandering, such that during rumination the same set of negative memories is retrieved repeatedly. The implementation of habits of thought was guided by empirical data from an experience sampling study in healthy and depressed participants. On the basis of this empirically derived memory structure, our model naturally predicts the declines in cognitive task performance that are typically observed in depressed patients. This study demonstrates how we can use cognitive models to better understand the cognitive mechanisms underlying rumination and depression.
Accuracy of international classification of diseases, ninth revision, codes for postpartum hemorrhage among women undergoing cesarean delivery
Authors: Butwick Alexander J. , Walsh Eileen M. , Kuzniewicz Michael , Li Sherian X. , Escobar Gabriel J.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Determining the accuracy of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9) codes for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is vital for reaching valid conclusions about the epidemiology of PPH. Our primary objectives were to assess the performance characteristics of ICD‐9 PPH codes against a reference standard using estimated blood loss (EBL) among a cohort undergoing Cesarean delivery.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed maternal discharge and EBL data from women who underwent Cesarean delivery at Kaiser Permanente Northern California facilities between 2010 and 2013. We defined PPH as an EBL of at least 1000 mL. In a secondary analysis, ICD‐9 performance characteristics were assessed using an EBL of at least 1500 mL to classify severe PPH.

RESULTS

We identified 35,614 hospitalizations for Cesarean delivery. Using EBL of at least 1000 mL as the “gold standard,” PPH codes had a sensitivity of 27.8%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 74.5%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 80.9%. The prevalence of a PPH code (9%) was lower than the prevalence using a blood loss of at least 1000 mL (24%). Using a reference standard of EBL of at least 1500 mL, PPH codes had a sensitivity of 61.7%, specificity of 93.8%, PPV of 34.2%, and NPV of 97.9%.

CONCLUSION

PPH ICD‐9 codes have high specificity, moderately high PPVs and NPVs, and low sensitivity. An EBL of at least 1500 mL as a reference standard has higher sensitivity. Our findings suggest that, for women undergoing Cesarean delivery, quality improvement efforts are needed to enhance PPH ICD‐9 coding accuracy in administrative data sets.
The impact of migration on the cross‐border M&A: Some evidence for Japan
Authors: Etzo Ivan , Takaoka Sumiko
Published: January 2018

Facing the rapidly ageing society and shrinking of markets at home, Japanese firms are expanding outbound mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity at a record pace. This study examines the determinants of Japanese cross‐border M&A activity focusing on the role of migrant networks in overcoming the informational barriers to such activity. Migrants include immigrants residing in Japan as well as Japanese citizens residing abroad. Our results suggest that the presence of immigrants and of Japanese citizens residing abroad both increase the probability of acquiring assets in a potential target country. Moreover, both communities exert positive effects on the number and value of outbound M&A deals.
The haemodynamic response to incremental increases in negative intrathoracic pressure in healthy humans
Authors: Cheyne William S. , Gelinas Jinelle C. , Eves Neil D.
Published: January 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The haemodynamic response to incremental increases in negative intrathoracic pressure (nITP) during spontaneous breathing and the mechanisms of cardiac impairment at these levels of nITP remain unclear.

What is the main finding and its importance?

nITP of −20 cmH2O or greater reduces stroke volume in healthy, spontaneously breathing supine humans due to direct ventricular interaction and increased left ventricular afterload.

Negative intrathoracic pressure (nITP) generally augments venous return and left ventricular (LV) stroke volume (LVSV), though large increases in nITP, commonly seen in respiratory disease, attenuate LVSV. Despite this consistent finding, the degree of nITP required to reduce LVSV and the contributions of series and direct ventricular interaction (DVI) in mediating this response remain unclear. We hypothesized that nITP ≤−15 cmH2O would augment LVSV, while nITP ≥−20 cmH2O would reduce LVSV via DVI and increased afterload. Twenty‐three healthy subjects were randomly given inspiratory loads during spontaneous breathing to generate −5, −10, −15, −20 and −25 cmH2O. LV volumes, LV geometry, inferior vena cava collapsibility (cIVC) and LV end‐systolic meridional wall‐stress (LVESMWS) were assessed in the supine position using tri‐plane echocardiography. LVSV remained unchanged up to −15 cmH2O, but was significantly reduced at nITP ≥−20 cmH2O (−12 ± 8% and −15 ± 11% at −20 and −25 cmH2O, respectively, P < 0.05) due to significant reductions in LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), while LV end‐systolic volume was unchanged. cIVC on inspiration was significantly increased at all levels of nITP, while LVESMWS only increased at −25 cmH2O (P < 0.05). DVI, as indicated by a significant increase in the radius of septal curvature, occurred at nITP ≥−10 cmH2O. In supine healthy humans, nITP ≤−15 cmH2O does not significantly affect LV function, despite increased DVI. In contrast, nITP ≥−20 cmH2O causes significant reductions in LVSV and LVEDV, which appear to be mediated by DVI and increased afterload at −25 cmH2O. The impact of cIVC during nITP remains unclear.
Precooling of Citrus Fruits
Authors: Sutton George E.
Published: January 2018

To introduce the subject of precooling it would probably be well to define precooling. As used in most cases precooling means the rapid cooling during or as soon after processing as possible. This is done in order to remove not only the field heat but to reduce the fruit temperature in order to reduce respiration. In addition to previous reasons, precooling will lower the temperature of fruit loaded into cars, consequently reducing the refrigeration load on the car. The end effect of precooling is to provide the customer with better fruit and as a consequence to increase sales.

Paper published with permission.
Corrosion Resistant Materials for the Citrus Processing Industry
Authors: Tiffin Wm. T.
Published: January 2018

One of the most perplexing problems that confronts the designer of citrus processing machinery and equipment is that of corrosion resistance. Citrus waste product, pulp, and juice have a citric acid content of around 2.7% by weight which will quickly destroy paint or lacquer finishes and will rapidly corrode carbon or low alloy steels. Only the highly alloyed chromium nickel steels, monel, inconel, pure nickel, some of the bronzes, tin and copper can withstand the corrosive attack of citrus juice and pulp.

Paper published with permission.
Getting the Most From Your Evaporator
Authors: Kelly E. J.
Published: January 2018

Normally when one gives a paper dealing with the subject “Getting the Most Out Of” it is generally tied to a circumstance. In your industry the writer tried to find and evaluate such a circumstance, but let’s look at the ledger.

Paper published with permission.
Production and Distribution of Chilled Citrus Salads
Authors: Hamrick David O.
Published: January 2018

The production and distribution of chilled citrus segments and salads has developed into an important outlet for Florida citrus within the last few years. These chilled segments are highly perishable sections clipped from oranges or grapefruit, using technics similar to the ones developed in the commercial canned section operation of the Florida citrus industry. The sections are subjected to a minimum of processing and for this reason maintain a substantial amount of their natural flavor for several weeks provided adequate refrigeration is provided.

Paper published with permission.
Automatic Palletizing
Authors: Beaver Gail D.
Published: January 2018

Palletizing is a relatively new word in the materials handling field. Its origin, in the sense that we use it today, occurred probably not over twenty years ago.

Paper published with permission.
Some Practical Aspects of Basic Hydraulics
Authors: Forth Courtney A.
Published: January 2018

It is obvious that a paper on this subject cannot possibly deal with all of the great wealth of material that is available. Therefore, it is necessary to narrow the material down to a more specific subject that will be of interest and value to the greatest possible number of people that are gathered here.

Paper published with permission.
Some Engineering Aspects of New Metal Container Materials
Authors: Pilcher R. W. , Lueck R. H.
Published: January 2018

During recent years, a number of plans for the development and sale of rigid metal containers made of materials other than tin plate have been publicly stated. While dealing primarily with the use of aluminum alloys, these announcements (1, 2, 3, 4) reflect general interest since World War II in the development of metal cans made from tin-free materials which would replace or compete with tin plate cans. This discussion will review within the limitations of space and time the progress made in this over-all field and, in particular, indicate the major engineering and economic problems which attend this development area.

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Factors Involved in Selecting Optimum Size Industrial Valves and Pipes
Authors: Riopelle Earl F.
Published: January 2018

The transporting of liquids and gases is a basic need of civilization. Many methods have been and are used, ranging from the Egyptian water jar to the modern pipe line. The method used in today’s economy depends on the kind and amount of fluid to be transported. Martinis are delivered in 2 ounce glasses by a waiter, whereas oil is transported by 6 to 16 inch pipe lines. For purposes of discussion in this paper we will assume that the requirements are such that the fluid must be delivered to a particular location at a uniform rate. Thus, with this assumption, the most economical method of transporting would be by pipe. If the pipe and valve circuit is to be designed for most economical installation and operation, there are several things that should be known at the outset.

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Electrical Design and Application Fundamentals for the Citrus Industry
Authors: Gay James L.
Published: January 2018

Probably the most important industrial requirement is electricity, without which, the modern plant could not operate. Therefore, it is imperative that plant operators and maintenance staff be well grounded in the fundamentals of electrical system design and application of equipment.

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Automatic Lubrication
Authors: Brouillette Herbert J.
Published: January 2018

Mr. Chairman, Representatives of the Citrus Industry, Members of the A.S.M.E., I am honored to be here today. Processing of pine trees may seem to be a long way from processing citrus fruits; however, if you’ll stop to think about it — all processings using machinery have kinship. My subject is “Automatic Lubrication” — if I’m successful in conveying one sound usable idea to a person in this rather large audience, I will be most happy and consider I have accomplished my mission here.

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Can Handling Principles as Applied to Today’s 6 Oz. Concentrate Can
Authors: Bair D. O.
Published: January 2018

Engineering of can conveying systems has been far from an exact science in the past. The conveying components of yesterday’s systems were based upon the experience of individuals along with advice from the Farmer’s Almanac, old wives’ tales, practical jokes, medicine man’s chants and astrologer’s forecasts. This was, and still is, practical where cans are built from automobile body plate and where they are filled at 150 cans per minute. In those days, can conveying problems were relatively non-existent, and even as line speeds increased, can conveying methods were over-shadowed by can closing, can processing and can manufacturing problems. Even today many production supervisor’s view can handling by yesterday’s standards. However, the high speed lines, and relatively fragile cans and products of today, are demanding that each segment of the can conveying system be thoroughly engineered and controlled.

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Pulp Washing With FMC Inline Extractors
Authors: Belk Wilber C.
Published: January 2018

The importance of this development to the citrus industry need not be further discussed as all of you are well aware of financial advantage possible through pulp washing.

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Application of Centrifuges in the Recovery of Citrus Flavor Fractions
Authors: Thrush R. E.
Published: January 2018

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the use of centrifugals in the Citrus Industry. Centrifuges have been adapted to applications for pulp control in the production of fresh juice, in pulp reduction of the pulp wash and for control of the pulp level in the juice being fed to the evaporating system.

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The Market Impact of Snythetics
Authors: Taylor Edward A.
Published: January 2018

The advent of synthetic orange flavored concentrates has had and will have a long-lasting impact upon the citrus industry. However, this impact should not be looked upon as a total catastrophe by the members of this industry since as time progresses it will have certain side benefits on which the industry can capitalize.

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Data Processing From the Field to the Supermarkets
Authors: Hammerle E. A.
Published: January 2018

In the Citrus Industry, where production and distribution problems are compounded by product perishability, mechanized data processing systems are helping organizations to operate more efficiently and to reap greater profits.

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Unitized Distribution Systems
Authors: Swanson Lawrence F.
Published: January 2018

Good Morning, Gentlemen, it’s a pleasure being here with you. In fact, I might even say it’s truly a joy for me because I personally am attracted to your State of Florida very much. With all its industrial growth and beaches and bikinis, not to mention Don Metzger’s typically beautiful weather, who wouldn’t be attracted?

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Canned Chilled Juice
Authors: Boyd John M. , Carroll Eugene A. , Enns Wilbur G.
Published: January 2018

The title of this talk was chosen deliberately to avoid possible confusion with the present canned single strength orange juice. However, the term “chilled juice” may disappear with the adoption of the new U. S. standards for “pasteurized orange juice”. If the processors adopt the recommendations of the Florida Canners Association Sub-Committee on juice quality standards, regular canned juice will be greatly improved. The cooling to not over 50° F. and storage at 50° F. maximum, along with an increase of the minimum brix to 11° and minimum Brix-acid ratio to 12 for Grade A, would result in substantial improvement in average quality.

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Storage and Handling of Dried Citrus Pulp
Authors: Ross I. J. , Boots W. S.
Published: January 2018

Dried citrus pulp is an important by-product of the citrus processing industry. It is a bulky, granular, carbohydrate concentrate livestock feed produced by drying the peel, seed, and rag refuse of citrus fruit. Approximately 324,159 tons of citrus pulp were produced in 1964–65 (2). This amount will probably increase by more than 60 percent during the next 10 years, since the orange crop is expected to increase from the 1964–65 estimate of 83,000,000 boxes to 183,000,000 by 1975 with 80 percent of the oranges being processed (7). The 1975 grapefruit crop is expected to be 30,000,000 boxes with over one-half being processed. These increases in citrus production could mean that by 1975 over 650,000 tons of dried pulp would be produced in the State.

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Fluidics: A New Tool for Controls
Authors: Farber Erich A.
Published: January 2018

This paper discusses the principles which form the bases for the phenomena usually referred to under the common heading of “Fluidics.” It explains how these phenomena can be used to obtain desired results, gives a few examples and points out some of the advantages and disadvantages of Fluidic devices.

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A Non-Metallic Answer to Corrosion Problems
Authors: Wills Robert R. , Jacobs Eugene F.
Published: January 2018

Corrosion is a most expensive by-product of industry. It is a fact that corrosive solutions and fumes deteriorate plant equipment at an annual rate in excess of 6 billion dollars. All companies are continually seeking new ways to decrease maintenance cost and down time.

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Recovered Volatiles From Citrus Juices
Authors: Wolford R. W. , Atkins C. D. , Dougherty M. H. , MacDowell L. G.
Published: January 2018

In the early production of frozen concentrated orange juice (FCOJ) several factors contributed to a product quality that closely resembled the fresh juice fed to the evaporator. Among these were: fruit selection, a moderate juice yield, no heat treatment, low evaporator temperatures, cutback juice (8)2, and selected coldpressed orange oil (7).

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Citrus Pectin and Dried Pectin Peel
Authors: Snyder R. Paul
Published: January 2018

This paper is intended to disclose knowledge of present day methods for the production of pectin and dried pectin peel by citrus fruit processing plants in Florida and in California. This study cannot be considered a complete presentation since information is not available from all producing plants. Some domestic and foreign operations can not disclose their methods due to management regulations concerning proprietary information. There are other plants where the writer has not been able to obtain specific information.

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Citrus Pulp Pelleting
Authors: Trapp William G.
Published: January 2018

Pelleting of complete formula feeds in this country started in the early 1930’s. Today, it is estimated that over thirty million tons are pelleted annually. Pelleting of single ingredients, such as citrus fines, alfalfa meal, wheat by-products, and sugar beet pulp, received their impetus in the early 1950’s. Today, it appears that large quantities of citrus pulp will be pelleted for the domestic and foreign markets.

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d-Limonene Recovery in the Florida Citrus Industry
Authors: Schulz H. E.
Published: January 2018

A summary is given of recovery techniques during the past 30 years. Current innovations are mentioned and the recent research completed and currently in progress. Estimated recovery yields are discussed and areas of oil loss mentioned. The major uses of d-Limonene are described and the new anti-pollution law is discussed. The economics of the limonene market are shown to be tied to the turpentine market. There are comments about the future of terpene resins. Several goals for the future are presented.

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The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
Authors: Schoenborn Theodore F.
Published: January 2018

It is a pleasure to be here today to speak to you about the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which is landmark legislation by any measure applied to it. The Act applies to every employer affecting commerce in the United States and its territories which was not covered by other Federal occupational safety and health laws, such as the Metal and Non-metallic Mine Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. By 1973 a study is to be completed containing recommendations for combining all Federal occupational safety and health programs.

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Bulk Storage of Citrus Concentrates
Authors: Riley Richard A.
Published: January 2018

The Florida citrus processing industry continues to grow in complexity as it serves broader markets, handles an increasing volume of fruit at higher wage and product values, to ever stricter specifications. The trend is toward a blended finished product and away from packaging fruit as it reaches the plant; indeed, packaging is becoming to lose its “seasonal” characteristics so far as packaging and marketing is concerned.

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