bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recombinant Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Induces Ventricular Remodeling By Up-Regulating Angiotensin II
Authors: Luo Lu-yuan , Gu Si-qi , Zhou Wan-xing , Chen Li-zhi , You Xin-chao , Li Rui-ying , Zhang Wei , Song Yu-lan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objective
To study the effect of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) on ventricular remodeling and involvement of angiotensin II (Ang II).

Methods
Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control (n = 12), MMP-9 (n = 12), and MMP-9 + olmesartan (n = 12) groups. Recombinant MMP-9 (2.1 ng/g) was injected intraperitoneally twice a week. Olmesartan (3 mg/kg) was given by oral gavage once daily. Animals were treated for 4 or 8 weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography followed by histological analysis. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of MMP-9 in myocardial tissues were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Serum levels of Ang I, II, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and MMP-9 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
MMP9 administration for 4 or 8 weeks increased mRNA and protein levels of MMP-9 in myocardial tissues, serum levels of MMP-9, Ang I, II and ACE, and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) but decreased collagen volume fraction (CVF) compared with the control group (all P &lt; 0.05). Cardiomyocyte cell size was significantly enlarged and disorganized with cytoplasmic lysis and necrosis in the MMP-9 group. After olmesartan treatment, myocardial MMP-9 mRNA and protein levels, serum levels of MMP-9 and Ang II, and LVMI were lower, and CVF was higher with significant improvement in myocardial morphology and cardiac function (all P&lt;0.05).

Conclusion
Recombinant MMP-9 treatment induces ventricular remodeling and cardiac dysfunction by up-regulating Ang II.
Real-world evidence on impact of a pharmacist-led transitional care program on 30- and 90-day readmissions after acute care episodes
Authors: Bae-Shaaw Yuna H , Eom Hyunah , Chun Robert F , Steven Fox D 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Purpose
Recent evidence suggests that improving the transitional care process may reduce 30-day readmissions and hospital length of stay (LOS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led transitions-of-care (TOC) program on 30- and 90-day all-cause readmissions and LOS for patients discharged from the hospital acute care setting.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a difference-in-difference (DID) approach. Patients who were at least 18 years old with any of the following primary diagnoses were included: acute myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), and pneumonia. Outcome measures were all-cause 30- and 90-day readmission and LOS for the index admission.

Results
From October 2013 through September 2017, 1,776 patients were discharged from the intervention site, and 2,969 patients were discharged from 3 control sites. Only 33.3% of eligible patients at the intervention site actually received the intervention. The DID analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) for 30-day readmission was 0.65 [P = 0.035] at the intervention site following TOC program initiation. The OR for 90-day readmission was 0.75 [P = 0.070]. Among all diagnosis groups, the CHF subgroup had the highest proportion of patients who actually received the TOC intervention (57.2%). Within that CHF subgroup, the ORs for 30- and 90-day readmissions were 0.52 [P = 0.056] and 0.47 [P = 0.005], respectively. The mean LOS did not change significantly in either analysis.

Conclusion
This pharmacist-led transitional care intervention was associated with significantly decreased inpatient readmissions. The analysis indicates that pharmacist interventions can significantly reduce 30-day readmissions for high-risk populations and 90-day readmissions in patients with CHF.
Management of an i.v. fluid shortage through use of electronic medical record alerts
Authors: Sandler Melissa , Cavanaugh Jared , Walton Ted , Cavendish Laurie , Shah Kruti 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Purpose
Evaluation of mechanisms used to cope with an i.v. fluid shortage to determine if prescribing habits were changed and if substitution of an i.v. dose of magnesium with an oral dose impacted patient outcomes.

Methods
A single-center, retrospective analysis of electronic medical record (EMR) alerts and medical records covering 6-month periods before and during an i.v. fluid shortage was conducted. Records of adult medical and surgical inpatients admitted during these periods who had an order for i.v. or oral magnesium were screened for inclusion. The primary outcome of part 1 of the study was the percent acceptance of drug shortage–related EMR alert recommendations associated with i.v. magnesium. The primary outcome of part 2 of the study was the change in serum magnesium concentration (SMC) after an i.v. or oral dose of magnesium was administered.

Results
Of the 7,476 EMR alerts generated during provider ordering of i.v. magnesium products, 4.8% resulted in the provider accepting the recommendation to switch to an oral alternative, 89% resulted in continuation of an i.v. magnesium order, and 6.2% resulted in order cancellation. Among patients who received magnesium doses, SMC values increased by a mean (SD) of 0.135 (0.08) mg/dL per gram of i.v. magnesium sulfate administered (n = 251), compared to an increase of 0.058 (0.08) mg/dL per 400-mg tablet of magnesium oxide administered (n = 42).

Conclusion
Acceptance of the EMR alert recommendations was low. Both i.v. magnesium sulfate and oral magnesium oxide are viable options for increasing SMC.
The Decline in Alcohol Consumption in Russia from 2006 to 2017: Do Birth Cohorts Matter?
Authors: Radaev Vadim , Roshchina Yana , Salnikova Daria 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Aim
Previous studies on youth drinking showed opposite trends for high-income and low-income countries. In Russia, a recent decline was observed in the prevalence of alcohol use, particularly among younger cohorts. This study aims at disentangling age and birth cohort effects to better understand the dynamics of abstinence and the volume of alcohol consumption.

Methods
Data were collected from annual nationally representative panel surveys from 2006 to 2017. Data included 34,514 individuals aged 14–80. We estimated mixed-effects binary-choice models for percentage of abstainers and mixed-effects linear models with Heckman correction for alcohol volume. Integer variables of age and age-squared were used. Period was defined with a dummy variable using 2012 as the dividing line associated with a new Russian alcohol policy. Birth cohorts were defined as 13 groups from 1930–1939 to 2000–2003. Controls were per capita income, education, marital status, composition of households, body weight, ethnicity, residence type, regional per capita income and regional climate.

Results
In both genders, percentage of abstainers increased and drinking volumes declined. Age for both genders showed u-shaped trend for abstinence and inverse u-shaped trend for alcohol volume. Controlling for age effects, cohorts born after 1990 demonstrated the strongest increase in abstinence for both genders and the strongest decrease in alcohol volume for males. The period of 2012–2017 had the effect of increasing the abstinence and decreasing the alcohol volume.

Conclusion
Downward trend in alcohol consumption in Russia is partially attributable to increased abstinence and reduced alcohol volume among younger cohorts.
Asymmetrical canina meiosis is accompanied by the expansion of a pericentromeric satellite in non-recombining univalent chromosomes in the genus Rosa
Authors: Lunerová Jana , Herklotz Veit , Laudien Melanie , Vozárová Radka , Groth Marco , Kovařík Aleš , Ritz Christiane M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background and Aims
Despite their abundant odd-ploidy (2n = 5x = 35), dogroses (Rosa sect. Caninae) are capable of sexual reproduction due to their unique meiosis. During canina meiosis, two sets of chromosomes form bivalents and are transmitted by male and female gametes, whereas the remaining chromosomes form univalents and are exclusively transmitted by the egg cells. Thus, the evolution of chromosomes is expected to be driven by their behaviour during meiosis.

Methods
To gain insight into differential chromosome evolution, fluorescence in situ hybridization was conducted for mitotic and meiotic chromosomes in four dogroses (two subsections) using satellite and ribosomal DNA probes. By exploiting high-throughput sequencing data, we determined the abundance and diversity of the satellite repeats in the genus Rosa by analysing 20 pentaploid, tetraploid and diploid species in total.

Key Results
A pericentromeric satellite repeat, CANR4, was found in all members of the genus Rosa, including the basal subgenera Hulthemia and Hesperhodos. The satellite was distributed across multiple chromosomes (5–20 sites per mitotic cell), and its genomic abundance was higher in pentaploid dogroses (2.3 %) than in non-dogrose species (1.3 %). In dogrose meiosis, univalent chromosomes were markedly enriched in CANR4 repeats based on both the number and the intensity of the signals compared to bivalent-forming chromosomes. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms and cluster analysis revealed high intragenomic homogeneity of the satellite in dogrose genomes.

Conclusions
The CANR4 satellite arose early in the evolution of the genus Rosa. Its high content and extraordinary homogeneity in dogrose genomes is explained by its recent amplification in non-recombining chromosomes. We hypothesize that satellite DNA expansion may contribute to the divergence of univalent chromosomes in Rosa species with non-symmetrical meiosis.
Visual-Spatial Perspective-Taking in Spatial Scenes and in American Sign Language
Authors: Secora Kristen , Emmorey Karen 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
As spatial languages, sign languages rely on spatial cognitive processes that are not involved for spoken languages. Interlocutors have different visual perspectives of the signer’s hands requiring a mental transformation for successful communication about spatial scenes. It is unknown whether visual-spatial perspective-taking (VSPT) or mental rotation (MR) abilities support signers’ comprehension of perspective-dependent American Sign Language (ASL) structures. A total of 33 deaf ASL adult signers completed tasks examining nonlinguistic VSPT ability, MR ability, general ASL proficiency (ASL-Sentence Reproduction Task [ASL-SRT]), and an ASL comprehension test involving perspective-dependent classifier constructions (the ASL Spatial Perspective Comprehension Test [ASPCT] test). Scores on the linguistic (ASPCT) and VSPT tasks positively correlated with each other and both correlated with MR ability; however, VSPT abilities predicted linguistic perspective-taking better than did MR ability. ASL-SRT scores correlated with ASPCT accuracy (as both require ASL proficiency) but not with VSPT scores. Therefore, the ability to comprehend perspective-dependent ASL classifier constructions relates to ASL proficiency and to nonlinguistic VSPT and MR abilities.
The management and long-term outcomes of endoscopic and surgical treatment of early esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Saunders John H , Al-Zubaidi Samim , Waller Ruth C , Ortiz-Fernandez-Sordo Jacobo , Parsons Simon L , Ragunath Krish , Kaye Philip V ,   Trent Oesophago-Gastric Unit
Published: February 2020

Summary
Endoscopic resection (ER) for early (pT1) esophageal adenocarcinoma can be justified if the rate of coexisting lymph node (LN) metastasis is less than the mortality rate from esophagectomy. This study examines endoscopic and surgical outcomes, histological assessment of submucosal (sm) disease, factors influencing LN metastasis, and the safety of treating pT1b disease endoscopically. Histopathological reexamination recorded thickness, width and depth of sm invasion, grade, presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), resection margin status and tumor stage. Multivariate analysis was employed to evaluate the factors influencing survival and LN metastasis. Rate of LN metastasis for pT1 low-risk (LR: sm invasion &lt; 500 μm, G1–2, no LVI) or high-risk (HR: sm invasion &gt;500 μm, G3–4 or LVI) disease were analyzed. Ninety three patients underwent ER and 96 underwent esophagectomy. We demonstrate conflicting histological methods of sm disease reporting, which may explain the difference in LN metastasis rate between reported surgical & endoscopic series. Multivariate analysis confirmed age, T stage, and presence of LN metastases were the independent factors predicting poor prognosis. Tumor thickness as well as grade, T stage, LVI were predictors of LN metastasis. Rates of LN metastasis are &lt;2% in LR sm1 disease, and &gt;15% in HR sm1 disease. Pathological reporting of sm invasion should be updated for uniform analysis of endoscopic and surgical specimens. Following rigorous histopathological examination and within a close endoscopic follow-up regimen, pT1a and pT1b LRsm1 disease may be treated with curative intent endoscopically, whereas pT1b HRsm1-sm3 disease should be offered surgery.
Preoperative determination of artificial chordae tendineae length by transoesophageal echocardiography in totally endoscopic mitral valve repair
Authors: Pitsis Antonios , Tsotsolis Nikolaos , Theofilogiannakos Efstratios , Boudoulas Harisios , Boudoulas Konstantinos Dean 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Artificial chordae tendineae are widely used for surgical repair in patients with mitral regurgitation due to floppy mitral valve/mitral valve prolapse. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene has been used to construct these artificial chordae; however, the determination of the optimal length of the chordae prior to surgery has been an issue. For this reason, such a method was developed and the results of its use are presented.

METHODS
Forty-seven consecutive patients with significant mitral regurgitation due to floppy mitral valve/mitral valve prolapse who underwent totally endoscopic mitral valve surgery were studied. The chordae length was predetermined using transoesophageal echocardiography. The length between the top of the fibrous body of the papillary muscle and the coaptation line of the 2 leaflets of the mitral valve was measured and used to define the length of the chordae to be used for repair. Then under stereoscopic vision, a total endoscopic mitral valve repair was performed.

RESULTS
The predicted mean length of chordal loops was 19.76 ± 0.71 mm (median 20, range 16–28) and the actual mean length of chordal loops used was 19.68 ± 0.74 mm (median 20, range 16–26) demonstrating an excellent correlation between the two (r = 0.959). The mean number of chordae loops used per patient was 5.12 ± 0.62 (median 4, range 2–12). All patients at the time of discharge had no or trivial mitral regurgitation on transoesophageal echocardiography.

CONCLUSIONS
The chordae length used for mitral valve repair can be determined prior to surgery using transoesophageal echocardiography with a high degree of accuracy. Further, total endoscopic repair in this group of patients provides excellent results. For these reasons, it is expected that this method will replace most traditional approaches to cardiac surgeries in the years to come.
Settler Colonialism, Decolonization and Radicalizing Transitional Justice
Authors: Park Augustine S J 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Although transitional justice has been mobilized to address violence perpetrated under regimes of settler colonialism that are also established liberal democracies, this article theorizes the inability of paradigmatic transitional justice to confront settler colonialism. The liberal teleology of transitional justice risks working to realize the self-supersessionist goal of replacing the colony with a ‘post-colonial’, settler/settled polity. Drawing on Indigenous scholars, decolonization is explored through refusal, resurgence and prefiguration. The article advances a counterfactual proposition: If transitional justice is radicalized it has the potential to contribute to decolonization through decentring the state, inter-nationalizing the justice relation, challenging the legitimacy of the settler regime and abandoning liberal teleology. The article argues for a decolonizing acceptance of indeterminacy and uncertainty.
Exact solutions by integrals of the non-stationary elliptic Calogero–Sutherland equation
Authors: Atai Farrokh , Langmann Edwin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe use generalized kernel functions to construct explicit solutions by integrals of the non-stationary Schrödinger equation for the Hamiltonian of the elliptic Calogero–Sutherland model (also known as elliptic Knizhnik–Zamolodchikov–Bernard equation). Our solutions provide integral representations of elliptic generalizations of the Jack polynomials.
Electron Capture Gas Chromatography for Determination of DDT in Butter and Some Vegetable Oils
Authors: Klein A K , Watts J O , Damico J N 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The use of electron capture gas chromatography makes it possible to determine DDT in 1 g of butter and in 1 g of refined vegetable oils at the 0.1—1.0 ppm level of DDT. The precision is about 90%. The lowest limit for reliable measurements is 0.1 ppm DDT. At 0.05 ppm, DDT is not measured. A variable artifact, having the same retention time as p,p’-DDT, is the limiting factor. The presence of DDT may be confirmed by measuring and identifying DDE formed by alkaline hydrolysis.
Enzymatic Determination of Carbon Dioxide in Lightly Carbonated Wines—1962 Collaborative Study
Authors: Morrison Robert L 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The titrimetric method for determining carbon dioxide in wine using carbonic anhydrase (presented at the 1961 AOAC Meeting) was studied collaboratively. Six laboratories analyzed 20 samples by the enzymatic method. Results varied considerably, and it is recommended that the method be studied collaboratively for another year.
Note on the Determination of Caffeine in Coffee
Authors: Borker E 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A chromatographic-spectral method can be vised for the determination of caffeine in coffee products as well as in beverages and caffeine-containing drugs. Four methods (the official micro Bailey-Andrew and three chromatographic procedures) have been compared on six different types of coffees. A modified version of the Levine procedure appears to have value as a general purpose caffeine method.
Collaborative Study of the Method for Counting Microorganisms in Maple Sirup
Authors: Wasserman Aaron E 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A proposed procedure for counting bacteria and mold in maple sirup by the membrane filter technique was tested by collaborative assay. Four samples of maple sirup containing varying numbers of bacteria and molds were analyzed by 15 laboratories. Results were treated statistically. There was no apparent significant difference between replicate counts done within the laboratories but a highly significant difference in results obtained among laboratories. Further analysis of differences in procedures brought out by replies to a questionnaire indicate there was no detectable difference in results due to (a) use of glass or stainless steel filter holders, (b) use of glass or plastic petri dishes, (c) dilution of samples in one step or multiple steps, (d) length of storage over approximately a 4-week period before the test was carried out.
Further collaborative studies on the procedure were recommended.
Lemon Juice Composition. III. Characterization of California-Arizona Lemon Juice by Use of a Multiple Regression Analysis
Authors: Rolle Laurence A , Vandercook Carl E 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
A multiple regression analysis of the total amino acids, l-malic acid, and total polyphenolics content of 61 samples of commercial California-Arizona lemon juice yields an equation which can be used to characterize the authenticity of lemon juice samples in terms of their citric acid content, or to determine per cent fruit content in juice products such as lemonade. Statistical evaluation of the data indicates that if the titrated citric acid of a lemon juice is 20% or more above the calculated value, the sample falls outside acceptable limits and, therefore, should be considered as abnormal.
Characterization of Fruit Juices by Acid Profiles
Authors: Jorysch David 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The gradient elution technique has been applied to the investigation of organic acids present in fruit juices. In this technique, fruit juices are placed on columns containing Dowex ion exchange Resin, 1-X10, soluble fruit solids other than acids are eluted with water, and the acids are eluted with formic acid. Recovery data are given and evaluated on a number of fruit juices. Gradient elution chromatography appears to be a valuable adjunct to present analytical methods for fruit juices. Further work is necessary to determine the constancy of values, especially with regard to the varying degrees of ripeness of the fruit at the time of picking.
Enzymatic-Ultraviolet Method for Determination of Uric Acid in Flour
Authors: Farn Gin , Smith D Morison 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Improvements in the enzymatic-ultraviolet method for the determination of uric acid in flour include readjusting the sample size in relation to other reagents, using a more efficient extractant, and increasing the strengths of both the uricase and trichloroacetic acid solutions. Results indicate that the lower limit of the measurement is 10 mg per 100 g of flour.
Nitrification of Urea-Formaldehyde Fractions Insoluble in Hot or Cold Water
Authors: Pereira Roger L , Smith John B 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Nitrification rates were compared for two urea-forms and the solubility fractions from which activity index values are calculated. The indexes successfully predicted the more rapid rate of nitrification and greater accumulations of nitrate nitrogen from the more soluble product (AI56) than from a ureaform (AI35) that fails to meet the conventional specification for acceptable products (AI40). Nitrification was also reflected in the greater activity of each fraction of the more soluble urea-form studied. The presence of more soluble fractions with those less soluble had an important influence in increasing nitrification of the latter. Results substantiate the use of the activity index as a measure of agronomic usefulness of urea-form fertilizers.
Quinoline Molybdate Method for the Determination of Water-Soluble and Available Phosphorus in Fertilizers
Authors: Hoffman W M , Ferretti R J , Breen H J 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Addition of a separate acid hydrolysis step in the determination of watersoluble phosphorus was found necessary in the official volumetric method but not in the quinoline molybdate method. By carefully controlling the phosphorus and ammonium citrate concentrations in the direct determination of available phosphorus, phosphorus can be completely precipitated as quinoline phosphomolybdate. The nitration of the ammonium citrate digestate in preparing the combined water-soluble and citrate-soluble extract for direct determination of available phosphorus can be eliminated. The latter two observations were supported by the results of a collaborative study by 8 analysts on 8 fertilizer materials.