bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: deSouza Ian S , Tadrous Mina , Sexton Theresa , Benabbas Roshanak , Carmelli Guy , Sinert Richard 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimsWe sought to identify the most effective antidysrhythmic drug for pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods and resultsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to March 2019, limited to human subjects and English language. We also searched for unpublished data. We limited studies to randomized controlled trials that enrolled adult patients with AF ≤ 48 h and compared antidysrhythmic agents, placebo, or control. We determined these outcomes prior to data extraction: (i) rate of conversion to sinus rhythm within 24 h, (ii) time to cardioversion to sinus rhythm, (iii) rate of significant adverse events, and (iv) rate of thromboembolism within 30 days. We extracted data according to PRISMA-NMA and appraised selected trials using the Cochrane review handbook. The systematic review initially identified 640 studies; 30 met inclusion criteria. Twenty-one trials that randomized 2785 patients provided efficacy data for the conversion rate outcome. Bayesian network meta-analysis using a random-effects model demonstrated that ranolazine + amiodarone intravenous (IV) [odds ratio (OR) 39.8, 95% credible interval (CrI) 8.3–203.1], vernakalant (OR 22.9, 95% CrI 3.7–146.3), flecainide (OR 16.9, 95% CrI 4.1–73.3), amiodarone oral (OR 10.2, 95% CrI 3.1–36.0), ibutilide (OR 7.9, 95% CrI 1.2–52.5), amiodarone IV (OR 5.4, 95% CrI 2.1–14.6), and propafenone (OR 4.1, 95% CrI 1.7–10.5) were associated with significantly increased likelihood of conversion within 24 h when compared to placebo/control. Overall quality was low, and the network exhibited inconsistency. Probabilistic analysis ranked vernakalant and flecainide high and propafenone and amiodarone IV low.ConclusionFor pharmacologic cardioversion of recent-onset AF within 24 h, there is insufficient evidence to determine which treatment is superior. Vernakalant and flecainide may be relatively more efficacious agents. Propafenone and IV amiodarone may be relatively less efficacious. Further high-quality study is necessary.
Frailty Phenotype and Cause-Specific Mortality in the United States
Authors: Lohman Matthew C , Sonnega Amanda J , Resciniti Nicholas V , Leggett Amanda N 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Frailty is a common condition among older adults increasing risk of adverse outcomes including mortality; however, little is known about the incidence or risk of specific causes of death among frail individuals.

Methods
Data came from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 2004–2012), linked to underlying cause-of-death information from the National Death Index (NDI). Community-dwelling HRS participants aged 65 and older who completed a general health interview and physical measurements (n = 10,490) were included in analysis. Frailty was measured using phenotypic model criteria—exhaustion, low weight, low energy expenditure, slow gait, and weakness. Underlying causes of death were determined using International Classification of Diseases, Version 10 codes. We used Cox proportional hazards and competing risks regression models to calculate and compare incidence of cause-specific mortality by frailty status.

Results
During follow-up, prefrail and frail older adults had significantly greater hazard of all-cause mortality compared to individuals without symptoms (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] prefrail: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.51, 2.25; HR frail: 2.75, 95% CI: 2.14, 3.53). Frailty was associated with 2.96 (95% CI: 2.17, 4.03), 2.82 (95% CI: 2.02, 3.94), 3.48 (95% CI: 2.17, 5.59), and 2.87 (95% CI: 1.47, 5.59) times greater hazard of death from heart disease, cancer, respiratory illness, and dementia, respectively.

Conclusions
Significantly greater risk of mortality from several different causes should be considered alongside the potential costs of screening and intervention for frailty in subspecialty and general geriatric clinical practice. Findings may help investigators estimate the potential impact of frailty reduction approaches on mortality.
Cell-to-Cell Variation in Gene Expression for Cultured Human Cells Is Controlled in Trans by Diverse Genes: Implications for the Pathobiology of Aging
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Burnaevskiy Nikolay , Annis James , Han Wenyan , Hou Deyin , Ladd Paula , Lee Lin , Mendenhall Alexander R , Oshima Junko , Martin George M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Cell-to-cell variation in gene expression increases among homologous cells within multiple tissues during aging. We call this phenomenon variegated gene expression (VGE). Long, healthy life requires robust and coordinated gene expression. We posit that nature may have evolved VGE as a bet-hedging mechanism to protect reproductively active populations. The price we may pay is accelerated aging. That hypothesis will require the demonstration that genetic loci are capable of modulating degrees of VGE. While loci controlling VGE in yeast and genes controlling interindividual variation in gene expression in Caenorhabditis elegans have been identified, there has been no compelling evidence for the role of specific genetic loci in modulations of VGE of specific targets in humans. With the assistance of a core facility, we used a customized library of siRNA constructs to screen 1,195 human genes to identify loci contributing to the control of VGE of a gene with relevance to the biology of aging. We identified approximately 50 loci controlling VGE of the prolongevity gene, SIRT1. Because of its partial homology to FOXO3A, a variant of which is enriched in centenarians, our laboratory independently confirmed that the knockdown of FOXF2 greatly diminished VGE of SIRT1 but had little impact upon the VGE of WRN. While the role of these VGE-altering genes on aging in vivo remains to be determined, we hypothesize that some of these genes can be targeted to increase functionality during aging.
The EACTS simulation-based training course for endoscopic mitral valve repair: an air-pilot training concept in action
Authors: Sardari Nia Peyman , Heuts Samuel , Daemen Jean H T , Olsthoorn Jules R , Chitwood W Randolph , Maessen Jos G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We have developed a high-fidelity minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) simulator that provides a platform to train skills in an objective and reproducible manner, which has been incorporated in the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS) endoscopic mitral valve repair course. The aim of the study is to provide data on the application of simulation-based training in MIMVS using an air-pilot training concept.

METHODS
The 2-day EACTS endoscopic mitral training course design was based on backwards chaining, pre- and post-assessment, performance feedback, hands-on training on MIMVS, theoretical content and follow-up. One hundred two participants who completed the full programme throughout 2016–2018 in the EACTS endoscopic mitral training courses were enrolled in the current study.

RESULTS
Of the 102 participants, 83 (83.3%) participants were staff/attending surgeons, 12 (11.8%) participants had finished residency and 5 (4.9%) participants were residents. Theoretical pre- and post-assessment showed that participants scored significantly higher on post-assessment (median score 58% vs 67%, P &lt; 0.001). Pre- and post-assessment of skills on MIMVS showed that participants could work with long-shafted instruments more accurately (suture accuracy 43% vs 99%, P &lt; 0.001) and faster (87 vs 42 s, P &lt; 0.001). Follow-up, based on course evaluation and a survey, had a response rate of 55% (57 participants). Of all surveyed participants, 33.3% (n = 19) had started an endoscopic mitral programme successfully, while 66.7% (n = 38) did not yet start.

CONCLUSIONS
The MIMVS is a valuable tool for the development and assessment of endoscopic mitral repair skills. This EACTS course provides surgeons with theoretical knowledge and necessary skills to start an endoscopic mitral valve programme successfully.
The Application and Effectiveness of Prototype Theory in The New Oxford English-Chinese Dictionary
Authors: Lingzhen Dai , Yanyan Huang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe New Oxford English-Chinese Dictionary (NOECD) is a bilingualized dictionary based on the New Oxford Dictionary of English (NODE), which is likely the first dictionary to claim explicitly to put prototype theory into dictionary making. Assessments of the effectiveness of this move vary, but so far, no empirical study has been conducted to examine it. This paper reports two studies of the application of prototype theory in NOECD. The first regards the use of the theory in defining and sense organising, and the second concerns users’ perception of the effectiveness of the organisation of sense. The first study is qualitative, and it examines how prototype theory is exhibited in defining and sense organising. The second study is empirical and consists of a test of dictionary users’ vocabulary retention and some follow-up questions. In this second study, it was found that the prototype strategy adopted by NOECD, of identifying a core sense and grouping subsenses around it, contributed little to improving user efficiency in memorising word meanings. Several possible reasons are proposed to account for the ineffectiveness: the influence of L1, limitations of prototype theory, users’ inadequate dictionary skills and others. It is concluded that these challenges could be addressed by compiling nation-specific dictionaries for specific users. Dictionary training should be an inseparable part of language learning to improve users’ dictionary skills and awareness.
Strategies to implement community training to promote responsible self-medication in Indonesia: a qualitative study of trainers
Authors: Setiadi Adji P , Wibowo Yosi I , Setiawan Eko , Mulyono Ika , Wardhani Susilo A , Sunderland Bruce 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
A community-based approach has been identified as one key strategy to improve the health of Indonesians. In 2015, the government initiated the ‘Smart Use of Medications Movement’ (GeMa CerMat) to promote responsible self-medication. This study aims to explore pharmacist/pharmacy staff trainers’ views on strategies to implement GeMa CerMat community training.

Methods
Four focus group discussions were conducted with 38 pharmacist/pharmacy staff trainers in Ngawi, Indonesia and a thematic analysis was used to obtain the key strategies.

Results
The identified key strategies were building community readiness via well-designed training (considering participant characteristics, training methods, and materials and resources); policy, regulation and organizational support; access to training in a cultural context; communication media to promote training and the inclusion of active-learning tools.

Conclusions
These identified multilevel strategies require collaboration among national bodies and the involvement of trusted community members (‘change agents’). A new strategy using ‘active learning tools’ was necessary to build critical thinking and understanding of the use of medications in everyday life. Future research should focus on process, impact and outcome evaluation involving GeMa CerMat training implementation and sustainability in Indonesia.
Attenuating seismic noise via incoherent dictionary learning
Authors: Wu Juan , Bai Min 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We propose to apply an incoherent dictionary learning algorithm for reducing random noise in seismic data. The image denoising algorithm based on incoherent dictionary learning is proposed for solving the problem of losing partial texture information using traditional image denoising methods. The noisy image is firstly divided into different image patches, and those patches are extracted for dictionary learning. Then, we introduce the incoherent dictionary learning technology to update the dictionary. Finally, sparse representation problem is solved to obtain sparse representation coefficients by sparse coding algorithm. The denoised data can be obtained by reconstructing the image using the sparse coefficients. Application of the incoherent dictionary learning method to seismic images presents successful performance and demonstrates its superiority to the state-of-the-art denoising methods.
Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer
Authors: Shien Tadahiko , Iwata Hiroji 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Systemic therapies for operable breast cancer patients have improved outcomes and have thus become standard treatments. Recently, new molecular target drugs and regimens are being developed based on the predicted sensitivity for specific breast cancer histological types. Systemic therapy is selected according to recurrence risk, with the treatment for low-risk patients being de-escalated, while high-risk patients receive aggressive systemic treatment with an adequate dose and duration. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy has a different aim. The efficacy of systemic therapies, based on the sensitivities to drugs, is supported by improvements in the rate of breast-conserving therapy. The response to neoadjuvant systemic therapy is the most important factor for predicting outcomes and selecting the optimal adjuvant therapy. Novel biological markers unique to individual patients allow appropriate targeted therapy, which can achieve optimal efficacy.
Plant growth under suboptimal water conditions: early responses and methods to study them
Authors: Dubois Marieke , Inzé Dirk 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDrought stress forms a major environmental constraint during the life cycle of plants, often decreasing plant yield and in extreme cases threatening survival. The molecular and physiological responses induced by drought have been the topic of extensive research during the past decades. Because soil-based approaches to studying drought responses are often challenging due to low throughput and insufficient control of the conditions, osmotic stress assays in plates were developed to mimic drought. Addition of compounds such as polyethylene glycol, mannitol, sorbitol, or NaCl to controlled growth media has become increasingly popular since it offers the advantage of accurate control of stress level and onset. These osmotic stress assays enabled the discovery of very early stress responses, occurring within seconds or minutes following osmotic stress exposure. In this review, we construct a detailed timeline of early responses to osmotic stress, with a focus on how they initiate plant growth arrest. We further discuss the specific responses triggered by different types and severities of osmotic stress. Finally, we compare short-term plant responses under osmotic stress versus in-soil drought and discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and future of these plate-based proxies for drought.
Aesthetic Emotions
Authors: Robinson Jenefer 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates what I call aesthetic emotions in the “traditional” sense going back to Burke and Kant. According to Kant, aesthetic pleasure is disinterested, and so maybe for Kant aesthetic emotions would be too, for Kant, but emotions by their very nature cannot be disinterested. After dismissing the idea that aesthetic emotions are a special kind of distanced emotions or refined emotions, I extract from the writings of Clive Bell, Peter Kivy, and Peter Lamarque the view that aesthetic emotions are positive, pleasurable, consummatory emotions—emotions of appreciation—which are noninstrumental and which take as their intentional objects the intrinsic qualities of an artwork, more particularly, its formal interrelationships and the way that the overall formal structure of an artwork molds its content.
Structural basis of the fanconi anemia-associated mutations within the FANCA and FANCG complex
Authors: Jeong Eunyoung , Lee Seong-Gyu , Kim Hyun-Suk , Yang Jihyeon , Shin Jinwoo , Kim Youngran , Kim Jihan , Schärer Orlando D , Kim Youngjin , Yeo Jung-Eun , Kim Ho Min , Cho Yunje 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Monoubiquitination of the Fanconi anemia complementation group D2 (FANCD2) protein by the FA core ubiquitin ligase complex is the central event in the FA pathway. FANCA and FANCG play major roles in the nuclear localization of the FA core complex. Mutations of these two genes are the most frequently observed genetic alterations in FA patients, and most point mutations in FANCA are clustered in the C-terminal domain (CTD). To understand the basis of the FA-associated FANCA mutations, we determined the cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structures of Xenopus laevis FANCA alone at 3.35 Å and 3.46 Å resolution and two distinct FANCA–FANCG complexes at 4.59 and 4.84 Å resolution, respectively. The FANCA CTD adopts an arc-shaped solenoid structure that forms a pseudo-symmetric dimer through its outer surface. FA- and cancer-associated point mutations are widely distributed over the CTD. The two different complex structures capture independent interactions of FANCG with either FANCA C-terminal HEAT repeats, or the N-terminal region. We show that mutations that disturb either of these two interactions prevent the nuclear localization of FANCA, thereby leading to an FA pathway defect. The structure provides insights into the function of FANCA CTD, and provides a framework for understanding FA- and cancer-associated mutations.
SENEBLOC, a long non-coding RNA suppresses senescence via p53-dependent and independent mechanisms
Authors: Xu Cheng Lin , Sang Ben , Liu Guang Zhi , Li Jin Ming , Zhang Xu Dong , Liu Lian Xin , Thorne Rick F , Wu Mian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important biological tuners. Here, we reveal the role of an uncharacterized lncRNA we call SENEBLOC that is expressed by both normal and transformed cells under homeostatic conditions. SENEBLOC was shown to block the induction of cellular senescence through dual mechanisms that converge to repress the expression of p21. SENEBLOC facilitates the association of p53 with MDM2 by acting as a scaffold to promote p53 turnover and decrease p21 transactivation. Alternatively, SENEBLOC was shown to affect epigenetic silencing of the p21 gene promoter through regulation of HDAC5. Thus SENEBLOC drives both p53-dependent and p53-independent mechanisms that contribute to p21 repression. Moreover, SENEBLOC was shown to be involved in both oncogenic and replicative senescence, and from the perspective of senolytic agents we show that the antagonistic actions of rapamycin on senescence are dependent on SENEBLOC expression.
Identifying critically important cardiovascular outcomes for trials in hemodialysis: an international survey with patients, caregivers and health professionals
Authors: O’Lone Emma , Howell Martin , Viecelli Andrea K , Craig Jonathan C , Tong Allison , Sautenet Benedicte , Herrington William G , Herzog Charles A , Jafar Tazeen H , Jardine Meg , Krane Vera , Levin Adeera , Malyszko Jolanta , Rocco Michael V , Strippoli Giovanni , Tonelli Marcello , Wang Angela Yee-Moon , Wanner Christoph , Zannad Faiez , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C , Wheeler David C 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in people on hemodialysis (HD). Cardiovascular outcomes are reported infrequently and inconsistently across trials in HD. This study aimed to identify the priorities of patients/caregivers and health professionals (HPs) for CVD outcomes to be incorporated into a core outcome set reported in all HD trials.

Methods
In an international online survey, participants rated the absolute importance of 10 cardiovascular outcomes (derived from a systematic review) on a 9-point Likert scale, with 7–9 being critically important. The relative importance was determined using a best–worst scale. Likert means, medians and proportions and best–worst preference scores were calculated for each outcome. Comments were thematically analyzed.

Results
Participants included 127 (19%) patients/caregivers and 549 (81%) HPs from 53 countries, of whom 530 (78%) completed the survey in English and 146 (22%) in Chinese. All but one cardiovascular outcome (‘valve replacement’) was rated as critically important (Likert 7–9) by all participants; ‘sudden cardiac death’, ‘heart attack’, ‘stroke’ and ‘heart failure’ were all rated at the top by patients/caregivers (median Likert score 9). Patients/caregivers ranked the same four outcomes as the most important outcomes with mean preference scores of 6.2 (95% confidence interval 4.8–7.5), 5.9 (4.6–7.2), 5.3 (4.0–6.6) and 4.9 (3.6–6.3), respectively. The same four outcomes were ranked most highly by HPs. We identified five themes underpinning the prioritization of outcomes: ‘clinical equipoise and potential for intervention’, ‘specific or attributable to HD’, ‘severity or impact on the quality of life’, ‘strengthen knowledge and education’, and ‘inextricably linked burden and risk’.

Conclusions
Patients and HPs believe that all cardiovascular outcomes are of critical importance but consistently identify sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure as the most important outcomes to be measured in all HD trials.
Sodium, volume and pressure control in haemodialysis patients for improved cardiovascular outcomes
Authors: Pinter Jule , Chazot Charles , Stuard Stefano , Moissl Ulrich , Canaud Bernard 
Published: January 2020

AbstractChronic volume overload is pervasive in patients on chronic haemodialysis and substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular death. The rediscovery of the three-compartment model in sodium metabolism revolutionizes our understanding of sodium (patho-)physiology and is an effect modifier that still needs to be understood in the context of hypertension and end-stage kidney disease. Assessment of fluid overload in haemodialysis patients is central yet difficult to achieve, because traditional clinical signs of volume overload lack sensitivity and specificity. The highest all-cause mortality risk may be found in haemodialysis patients presenting with high fluid overload but low blood pressure before haemodialysis treatment. The second highest risk may be found in patients with both high blood pressure and fluid overload, while high blood pressure but normal fluid overload may only relate to moderate risk. Optimization of fluid overload in haemodialysis patients should be guided by combining the traditional clinical evaluation with objective measurements such as bioimpedance spectroscopy in assessing the risk of fluid overload. To overcome the tide of extracellular fluid, the concept of time-averaged fluid overload during the interdialytic period has been established and requires possible readjustment of a negative target post-dialysis weight. 23Na-magnetic resonance imaging studies will help to quantitate sodium accumulation and keep prescribed haemodialytic sodium mass balance on the radar. Cluster-randomization trials (e.g. on sodium removal) are underway to improve our therapeutic approach to cardioprotective haemodialysis management.