bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Ablation of TASK-1 (Tandem of P Domains in a Weak Inward Rectifying K
+
Channel–Related Acid-Sensitive K
+
Channel-1) (K
2P
3.1) K
+
Channels Suppresses Atrial Fibrillation and Prevents Electrical Remodeling
Authors: Schmidt Constanze , Wiedmann Felix , Beyersdorf Christoph , Zhao Zhihan , El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Lan Huan , Szabo Gabor , Li Xin , Lang Siegfried , Korkmaz-Icöz Sevil , Rapti Kleopatra , Jungmann Andreas , Ratte Antonius , Müller Oliver J. , Karck Matthias , Seemann Gunnar , Akin Ibrahim , Borggrefe Martin , Zhou Xiao-Bo , Katus Hugo A. , Thomas Dierk 
Published: September 2019

Background:

Despite an increasing understanding of atrial fibrillation (AF) pathophysiology, translation into mechanism-based treatment options is lacking. In atrial cardiomyocytes of patients with chronic AF, expression, and function of tandem of P domains in a weak inward rectifying TASK-1 (K
+
channel–related acid-sensitive K
+
channel-1) (K
2P
3.1) atrial-specific 2-pore domain potassium channels is enhanced, resulting in action potential duration shortening. TASK-1 channel inhibition prevents action potential duration shortening to maintain values observed among sinus rhythm subjects. The present preclinical study used a porcine AF model to evaluate the antiarrhythmic efficacy of TASK-1 inhibition by adeno-associated viral anti–TASK-1-siRNA (small interfering RNA) gene transfer.

Methods:
AF was induced in domestic pigs by atrial burst stimulation via implanted pacemakers. Adeno-associated viral vectors carrying anti–TASK-1-siRNA were injected into both atria to suppress TASK-1 channel expression. After the 14-day follow-up period, porcine cardiomyocytes were isolated from right and left atrium, followed by electrophysiological and molecular characterization.

Results:
AF was associated with increased TASK-1 transcript, protein and ion current levels leading to shortened action potential duration in atrial cardiomyocytes compared to sinus rhythm controls, similar to previous findings in humans. Anti–TASK-1 adeno-associated viral application significantly reduced AF burden in comparison to untreated AF pigs. Antiarrhythmic effects of anti–TASK-1-siRNA were associated with reduction of TASK-1 currents and prolongation of action potential durations in atrial cardiomyocytes to sinus rhythm values.

Conclusions
Adeno-associated viral-based anti–TASK-1 gene therapy suppressed AF and corrected cellular electrophysiological remodeling in a porcine model of AF. Suppression of AF through selective reduction of TASK-1 currents represents a new option for antiarrhythmic therapy.
Facilitated Data Relay and Effects on Treatment of Severe Aortic Stenosis in Europe
Authors: Steeds Richard P. , Lutz Matthias , Thambyrajah Jeetendra , Serra Antonio , Schulz Eberhard , Maly Jiri , Aiello Marco , Rudolph Tanja K. , Lloyd Guy , Bortone Alessandro Santo , Hauptmann Karl Eugen , Clerici Alberto , Delle‐Karth Georg , Rieber Johannes , Indolfi Ciro , Mancone Massimo , Belle Loic , Lauten Alexander , Arnold Martin , Bouma Berto J. , Deutsch Cornelia , Kurucova Jana , Thoenes Martin , Bramlage Peter , Frey Norbert , Messika‐Zeitoun David 
Published: September 2019

Background
Many patients with severe aortic stenosis are referred late with advanced symptoms or inappropriately denied intervention. The objective was to investigate whether a structured communication to referring physicians (facilitated data relay) might improve the rate and timeliness of intervention.

Methods and Results

A prospective registry of consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis at 23 centers in 9 European countries with transcatheter as well as surgical aortic valve replacement being available was performed. The study included a 3‐month documentation of the status quo (phase A), a 6‐month intervention phase (implementing facilitated data relay), and a 3‐month documentation of a legacy effect (phase‐B). Two thousand one hundred seventy‐one patients with severe aortic stenoses were enrolled (phase A: 759; intervention: 905; phase‐B: 507). Mean age was 77.9±10.0 years, and 80% were symptomatic, including 52% with severe symptoms. During phase A, intervention was planned in 464/696 (67%), 138 (20%) were assigned to watchful waiting, 8 (1%) to balloon aortic valvuloplasty, 60 (9%) were listed as not for active treatment, and in 26 (4%), no decision was made. Three hundred sixty‐three of 464 (78%) patients received the planned intervention within 3 months. Timeliness of the intervention improved as shown by the higher number of aortic valve replacements performed within 3 months (59% versus 51%,
P
=0.002) and a significant decrease in the time to intervention (36±38 versus 30±33 days,
P
=0.002).

Conclusions
A simple, low‐cost, facilitated data relay improves timeliness of treatment for patients diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, resulting in a shorter time to transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This effect was mainly driven by a significant improvement in timeliness of intervention in transcatheter aortic valve replacement but not surgical aortic valve replacement.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02241447.
On the taxonomy of two rare freshwater crabs (Decapoda, Brachyura, Chasmocarcinidae and Hymenosomatidae) from Palau, western Pacific
Authors: Ng Peter K. L. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The taxonomy of two species of secondary freshwater crabs endemic to Palau is discussed. Males of the chasmocarcinid Australocarcinus palauensis Davie & Guinot, 1996 (Trogloplacinae), previously known only from one female, are reported for the first time and the species is redescribed and figured. This species is closest to A. kanaka Davie & Guinot, 1996, from New Caledonia, but can be distinguished by the form of the carapace, third maxillipeds and gonopods. The rare hymenosomatid Neorhynchoplax inermis (Takeda & Miyake, 1971) (Hymenosomatinae), known only from the original description, is here shown to be distinct from species of Neorhynchoplax Sakai, 1938 s. str., differing in its complete absence of a true rostrum, absence of postocular lobes, the relatively short ischia and meri of the third maxillipeds, unarmed ambulatory dactyli and strongly twisted male first gonopod. The species is redescribed and transferred to a new genus, Insulaplax.
Using a Gaussian Function to Describe the Seasonal Courses of Monthly Precipitation and Potential Evapotranspiration across the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Luo Yi , Shafeeque Muhammad 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Seasonal variations in precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (ET0) are critical for regional hydrometeorological studies and water resource management. The sinusoidal function is widely used to describe the seasonal pattern of P and ET0. However, high errors occur either in the arid places or in places with hyperseasonal precipitation. These limitations are intrinsic properties of the sinusoidal climate descriptor and remain a barrier to provide insight into regional water–energy partitions and hydrologic similarity and predictability. In this study, we used a Gaussian framework as an alternative to describe seasonal variations in P and ET0 regimes in the Yellow River basin (YRB). The results show that the Gaussian framework provides a good approximation to the seasonal pattern of P and has a strong regional applicability for reproducing the monthly P and ET0. This allows us to assess the climate seasonality characterizing the regional balance between water supply and energy availability using δP, δET0, and aridity index. The climate seasonality indicates that the balance between water supply and energy availability has a switch in about 32% of the grid cells during the seasonal cycle from 1982 to 2015. These grid cells are mostly located in regions with average annual precipitation above 550 mm. In the northwest region of the YRB, which has a dry climate, the amount of potential evapotranspiration always exceeds the precipitation. We argue that the Gaussian function provides a quantitative conceptual framework for accurate assessment of regional water supply and energy availability and offers a penetrating insight into hydrometeorology.
Active and Adequate Exposure of the Facial Nerve and Chorda Tympani Nerve to Improve the Safety of Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Lu Ling , Wang Maohua , Dong Jianfei , Lin Chuanyao , Yu Chenjie , Qian Xiaoyun , Gao Xia 
Published: September 2019

Background: The posterior tympanum approach of cochlear implantation is easy to damage the facial nerve and cord tympanic nerve. Therefore, we need to improve the safety of cochlear implantation. Objectives: To discuss the safety and feasibility of active and adequate transparent exposure of the facial nerve and chorda tympani nerve during the surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on all 945 patients who underwent cochlear implantation from January 2011 to September 2017. All patients have been followed up for 14 months to 5 years postoperatively and postoperative complications have been observed. Results: All 945 patients received artificial cochlear implantation. The facial nerves of 76 cases were above the horizontal semicircular canal plane, while narrow facial recess was observed in 44 cases. Serious chorda tympani nerve variation was found in 1 case. No facial paralysis and facial nerve irritation and abnormal taste occurred after operation. Conclusions: Cochlear implantation with initiative and adequate exposure of facial nerve and the chorda tympani nerve can improve the safety of the cochlear implant surgery. Our study provide a safe and effective method for clinical cochlear implantation to reduce facial nerve and tympanic cord nerve injury.
Navigating the fourth industrial revolution: Taxing automation for fiscal sustainability
Authors: McCredie Bronwyn , Sadiq Kerrie , Chapple Larelle 
Published: September 2019

The fourth industrial revolution has arrived; however, this industrial revolution is unlike those witnessed in the past. Equal opportunity and growth have been replaced by the 21st century trend of rising inequality, in which advancement through digitisation and automation brings fortune to the few and hardship to the many, as income and property stratification grows. As a result, current tax systems are under pressure with displaced workers requiring support, and the fiscal purse, which has historically been funded by income taxes, being eroded due to a decreasing number of workers to tax. Conceivably, it is up to governments to address this ‘double negative effect’, but it is unclear how this could be achieved and what theoretical basis should be leveraged to do so. This article provides a discussion of three important normative philosophies of distributive justice, utilitarianism, libertarianism and John Rawls’ theory of justice, to determine a theoretical basis on which the redistribution of income via a tax on automation is justified. The pertinent theory is then operationalised with the proposal of three alternate models of taxation: a Pigouvian tax, a tax on economic rents and an appreciation tax. Each of these models is evaluated alongside a discussion on the shift in global tax policy from taxing income to taxing capital. This article argues that this shift is necessary to reduce income inequality and to ensure even the lowest common denominator is provided for, for we are the 99%. JEL Classification: H23, H25, K34, O23
A rare case of primary rectal choriocarcinoma and review of the literature
Authors: Telli Tugba A , Demircan Nazim C , Alan Ozkan , Tuylu Tugba B , Arikan Rukiye , Ercelep Ozlem , Atıcı Ali E , Ergelen Rabia , Seven Ipek E , Babacan Nalan A , Kaya Serap , Dane Faysal , Fulden Yumuk Perran 
Published: September 2019

Introduction Primary choriocarcinoma of the colon is an extremely rare neoplasm which has a poor prognosis. Only 18 cases have been previously reported in English medical literature. Here we present a case of primary rectal choriocarcinoma with a good response to chemotherapy and review the literature on this uncommon tumor. Case report A 36-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed 6.9 × 5.3 × 6.4 cm hypervascular mass posterior to uterus very close to rectum. Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level was markedly elevated. Low anterior resection of the rectum with lymph node dissection and total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. Pathologic diagnosis was reported as colonic choriocarcinoma with a focal component of adenocarcinoma. Post-operative magnetic resonance imaging detected multiple metastatic lesions throughout the liver. The patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy using bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP protocol). After three cycles, β-hCG level decreased to normal and magnetic resonance imaging showed regression of liver metastasis. However, the patient died of respiratory failure due to bleomycin toxicity and pneumonia accompanied by rapid disease progression. Discussion This is an extremely rare case of primary rectal choriocarcinoma. Due to poor prognosis of the disease, it seems very important to start prompt treatment to improve patient’s survival.
Pazopanib-induced fatal heart failure in a patient with unresectable soft tissue sarcoma and review of literature
Authors: Karaağaç Mustafa , Eryılmaz Melek Karakurt 
Published: September 2019

Introduction Pazopanib, an oral multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is associated with improved outcomes in patients with unresectable or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. Pazopanib may cause cardiotoxicity such as heart failure. Case report A 50-year-old female patient with no cardiovascular risk factors other than the previous treatment with adriamycin had a baseline left ventricular ejection fraction of 60%. She was receiving pazopanib 800 mg once daily for advanced leiomyosarcoma of the presacral area. On the 60th day of treatment, she presented with fatigue, palpitation, and exertional dyspnea for several days. Echocardiography was performed, and left ventricular ejection fraction was measured as 25%. Pazopanib-induced heart failure was considered and all other possible preliminary diagnoses were excluded. Management and outcome Pazopanib was stopped immediately. Bisoprolol fumarate 5 mg orally once daily, spironolactone 100 mg orally once daily, furosemide 40 mg orally once daily, and ramipril 2.5 mg orally once daily were started. The patient’s symptoms partially improved. Second echocardiography was performed after 15 days, and left ventricular ejection fraction was measured as 35%. But, despite pazopanib was not resumed and cardiac support treatment was administered, she died four weeks after discontinuation of pazopanib due to heart failure. Discussion Pazopanib-induced heart failure may be fatal. Physicians and patients should be aware of the cardiotoxicity risk when managing the use of pazopanib in soft tissue sarcoma.
Evaluation of irrational dose assignment definitions using the continual reassessment method
Authors: Wages Nolan A. , Bagley Evan 
Published: September 2019

Background: This article studies the notion of irrational dose assignment in Phase I clinical trials. This property was recently defined by Zhou and colleagues as a dose assignment that fails to de-escalate the dose when two out of three, three out of six, or four out of six patients have experienced a dose-limiting toxicity event at the current dose level. The authors claimed that a drawback of the well-known continual reassessment method is that it can result in irrational dose assignments. The aim of this article is to examine this definition of irrationality more closely within the conduct of the continual reassessment method. Methods: Over a broad range of assumed dose-limiting toxicity probability scenarios for six study dose levels and a variety of target dose-limiting toxicity rates, we simulated 2000 trials of n = 36 patients. For each scenario, we counted the number of irrational dose assignments that were made by the continual reassessment method, according to the definitions of Zhou and colleagues. For each of the irrational decisions made, we classified the dose assignment as an underdose assignment, a target dose assignment, or an overdose assignment based on the true dose-limiting toxicity probability at that dose. Results: Across eight dose-toxicity scenarios, there were a total of 181,581 dose assignments made in the simulation study. Of these assignments, 8165 (4.5%) decisions were made when two out of three, three out of six, or four out of six patients had experienced a dose-limiting toxicity at the current dose. Of these 8165 decisions, 1505 (18.4%) recommended staying at the current dose level and would therefore be classified as irrational by Zhou and colleagues. Among the irrational decisions, 41.2% were misclassified, meaning they were made either at the true target dose (17.9%) or at a true underdose (23.3%). The remaining 58.8% were made at a true overdose and therefore truly irrational. Overall, irrational dose assignments comprised <1% of the total dose assignments made during the simulation study. Similar findings are reported in simulations across 100 randomly generated dose-toxicity scenarios from a recently proposed family of curves. Conclusion: Zhou and colleagues argue that the behavior of the continual reassessment method is disturbing due to its ability to make irrational dose assignments. These definitions are based on rules that mimic the popular 3 + 3 design, which should not be the benchmark used to construct guidelines for trial conduct of modern Phase I methods. Our study illustrates that these dose assignments occur very seldom in the continual reassessment method and that even when they do occur, they can often be considered sensible when accounting for all accumulated data in the study.
Learning how to deliver bad and challenging news: Exploring the experience of trainee sonographers – A qualitative study
Authors: Tomlin Liz , Parsons Molly , Kumar Prashanth V , Arezina Jane , Harrison Reema , Johnson Judith 
Published: September 2019

Background Previous studies suggest there is a need to improve the delivery of bad and challenging news in obstetric ultrasound settings. However, no research has explored the experiences of trainee sonographers when learning how to deliver challenging news. Understanding this could identify gaps in current provision and inform future training interventions. Aims To explore the experiences of trainee sonographers when learning how to deliver challenging news. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with trainee sonographers ( n = 7) from four training centres to explore their experiences and preferences for news delivery training. Results Learning how to deliver difficult news was a journey where trainees developed their confidence over time. Most learning occurred in clinical settings, but classroom teaching complemented this. Trainees appreciated the opportunity to observe clinical practice and to hear from patient representatives. However, quality of teaching varied between centres and trainees reported uncertainty regarding the specific language and behaviours they should use. They described building their own personal protocol for news delivery through the course of their training. Discussion An ultrasound-specific news delivery protocol which details the words and behaviours sonographers can employ could help reduce uncertainty in trainees. Trainees may also benefit from receiving structured feedback on their news delivery performance.
Evaluation of Microleakage of Orthodontic Bands Cemented With CPP-ACP-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement
Authors: Heravi Farzin , Bagheri Hossein , Rangrazi Abdolrasoul 
Published: September 2019

Aims and Objectives: In recent years, researchers have focused on finding methods of eliminating caries and white spot lesions under orthodontic bands without requiring patient cooperation. One of the effective and preventive strategies is the addition of antibacterial and remineralizing agents to the band cement. However, modifying the cement should not lead to microleakage and weakening of its mechanical properties. This in vitro study represents a continuation of our previous work of investigating the retentive strength of orthodontic bands cemented with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC). Material and Methods: 60 extracted human premolars were randomly divided into two groups (n = 30). In group 1, stainless steel bands were cemented with GIC. In group 2, a novel dental caries-preventive material, CPP-ACP, was incorporated into the GIC for cementing. The microleakage of each group was measured by the fluid filtration method. Results: Results showed no statistically significant difference in microleakage of either group (GIC and CPP-ACP-modified GIC). Conclusion: We concluded that 1.56% w/w CPP-ACP can be incorporated with GIC for cementing orthodontic bands without promoting microleakage.
Using a National Register as a Sampling Frame from the Perspective of an Early Career Researcher
Authors: Callanan A. 
Published: September 2019

Background: Selection of a sampling frame is a key component of conducting survey-based research. This article discusses the use of a national register, the Dental Register, as a sampling frame from the perspective of an early career researcher. Methods: While conducting a survey-based study of a nationally representative sample of general dentists in Ireland, I documented the difficulties I encountered while using a national register. As a research assistant and novice researcher, I recorded the advantages and disadvantages I discovered over the course of the project and its impact on the study. Conclusion: While using a national register has advantages such as a readily available sample of the target population, there are also inherent disadvantages depending on the manner in which records are recorded. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This article can be used as an informative guide to researchers in selecting a sampling frame, with particular emphasis on the use of a national register in selecting a nationally representative sample of dentists.