bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dofetilide and ranolazine on atrial fibrillatory rate in a horse model of acutely induced atrial fibrillation
Authors: Carstensen Helena , Hesselkilde Eva Zander , Haugaard Maria Mathilde , Flethøj Mette , Carlson Jonas , Pehrson Steen , Jespersen Thomas , Platonov Pyotr G. , Buhl Rikke 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe atrial fibrillatory rate is a potential biomarker in the study of antiarrhythmic drug effects on atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether dose‐dependent changes in the atrial fibrillatory rate can be monitored on surface electrocardiography (ECG) following treatment with dofetilide, ranolazine, and a combination of the two in an acute model of AF in horses.Methods and ResultsEight horses were subjected to pacing‐induced AF on 4 separate days. Saline (control), dofetilide, ranolazine, or a combination of dofetilide and ranolazine was administered in four incremental doses. Atrial fibrillatory activity was extracted from surface ECGs using spatiotemporal QRST cancellation. The mean atrial fibrillatory rate before drug infusion was 297 ± 27 fpm. Dofetilide reduced the atrial fibrillatory rate following the infusion of low doses (0.89 µg/kg, P < 0.05) and within 5 minutes preceding cardioversion (P < 0.05). Cardioversion with ranolazine was preceded by a reduction in the atrial fibrillatory rate in the last minute (P < 0.05). The combination of drugs reduced the atrial fibrillatory rate in a similar manner to dofetilide used alone. A trend toward a lower atrial fibrillatory rate before drug infusion was found among horses cardioverting on low doses of the drugs.ConclusionThe atrial fibrillatory rate derived from surface ECGs showed a difference in the mode of action on AF between dofetilide and ranolazine. Dofetilide reduced the atrial fibrillatory rate, whereas ranolazine displayed a cardioverting mechanism that was distinct from a slowing of the fibrillatory process.
Pacing prescription for cardiac resynchronization therapy: When RV stimulation matters
Authors: Varma Niraj , Ghanem Raja , Jia Ping 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) aims to correct delayed left ventricle (LV) activation resulting from left bundle branch block (LBBB). The source of LV activation delay resides in the septum and/or anterior LV. LV pacing, timed with intrinsic right bundle branch (RBB) conduction, may restore “physiological” biventricular activation. This is not assured because LV paced wavefronts themselves propagate unpredictably. Less studied are effects of right ventricle (RV) pacing on LV activation in heart failure (HF) patients with LBBB.Methods and ResultsIn this case RV pacing pre‐excited precisely the region left behind during LV pacing. Consequently, biventricular pacing produced confluent LV depolarization (the patient “responded” to this with reverse remodeling).ConclusionSuccessful electrical resynchronization requires best combination and timing of paced/intrinsic wavefront(s). This demands individualization. Sometimes, an RV paced wavefront may be valuable to resynchronization.
Leadless pacemaker implant in patients with pre‐existing infections: Results from the Micra postapproval registry
Authors: El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Johansen Jens Brock , Zaidi Amir , Faerestrand Svein , Reynolds Dwight , Garcia‐Seara Javier , Mansourati Jacques , Pasquie Jean‐Luc , McElderry Hugh Thomas , Roberts Paul R. , Soejima Kyoko , Stromberg Kurt , Piccini Jonathan P. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionLeadless pacemakers may provide a safe and attractive pacing option to patients with cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection. We describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients with a recent CIED infection undergoing Micra implant attempt.Methods and ResultsPatients with prior CIED infection and device explant with Micra implant within 30 days, were identified from the Micra post approval registry. Procedure characteristics and outcomes were summarized. A total of 105 patients with prior CIED infection underwent Micra implant attempt ≤30 days from prior system explant (84 [80%] pacemakers and 13 [12%] ICD/CRT‐D). All system components were explanted in 93% of patients and explant occurred a median of 6 days before Micra implant, with 37% occurring on the day of Micra implant. Micra was successfully implanted in 99% patients, mean follow‐up duration was 8.5 ± 7.1 months (range 0‐28.5). The majority of patients (91%) received IV antibiotics preimplant, while 42% of patients received IV antibiotics postprocedure. The median length of hospitalization following Micra implant was 2 days (IQR, 1‐7). During follow‐up, two patients died from sepsis and four patients required system upgrade, of which two patients received Micra to provide temporary pacing support. There were no Micra devices explanted due to infection.ConclusionImplantation of the Micra transcatheter pacemaker is safe and feasible in patients with a recent CIED infection. No recurrent infections that required Micra device removal were seen. Leadless pacemakers appear to be a safe pacing alternative for patients with CIED infection who undergo extraction.
The efficacy and safety of azithromycin in asthma: A systematic review
Authors: Tian Bao‐Ping , Xuan Nanxia , Wang Yesong , Zhang Gensheng , Cui Wei 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAzithromycin is a potential therapeutic choice for asthma control, which is a heterogeneous airway inflammatory disease. Because of variable findings, we intend to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of azithromycin in asthma. Databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CNKI until 31 December 2017, were searched to identify available randomised controlled trials regarding azithromycin treatment for asthma. We identified seven studies involving 1520 cases that met our criteria. The mean difference for lung function (FEV1, FVC, PEF), symptom assessment (ACQ, AQLQ), airway inflammation, and risk ratios for adverse events were extracted. Chi‐square and I2 tests were applied to evaluate the heterogeneity among the studies towards each index with a random effect model or a fixed effect model. Pooled analysis shows that azithromycin administration results in no significant improvement in FEV1 (MD: 0.09, 95% CI −0.10 to 0.29, P = 0.36), PEF (MD: 11.76; 95% CI, −2.86 to 26.38, P = 0.11), total airway inflammatory cells (MD: −0.29; 95% CI, −1.38 to 0.80, P = 0.60), ACQ (MD: 0.05; 95% CI, −0.08 to 0.19, P = 0.44), and AQLQ (MD: 0.12; 95% CI, −0.02 to 0.26, P = 0.10). Moreover, no significant difference was detected in adverse events (Risk ratio 0.99; 95% CI, 0.82‐1.19, P = 0.90). These findings demonstrate no beneficial clinical outcome of azithromycin in asthma control, and we propose that further prospective cohorts are warranted.
RPS15A promotes gastric cancer progression via activation of the Akt/IKK‐β/NF‐κB signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Chenchen , He Xigan , Liu Xiaowen , Yu Jian , Zhang Meng , Yu Fudong , Wang Yanong 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the clinical significance, potential biological function and underlying mechanism of RPS15A in gastric cancer (GC) progression. RPS15A expression was detected in 40 pairs of GC tissues and matched normal gastric mucosae (MNGM) using qRT‐PCR analysis. Immunohistochemistry assay was conducted using a tissue microarray including 186 primary GC samples to characterize the clinical significance of RPS15A. A series of in vitro and in vivo assays were performed to elucidate the biological function of RPS15A in GC development and underlying molecular mechanisms. The expression of RPS15A was significantly up‐regulated in GC samples compared to MNGM, and its expression was closely related to TNM stage, tumour size, differentiation, lymph node metastasis and poor patient survival. Ectopic expression of RPS15A markedly enhanced the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells both in vitro and in vivo. RPS15A overexpression also promoted the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype formation of GC cells. Investigations of underlying mechanisms found that RPS15A activated the NF‐κB signalling pathway by inducing the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of the p65 NF‐κB subunit, transactivation of NF‐κB reporter and up‐regulating target genes of this pathway. In addition, RPS15A overexpression activated, while RPS15A knockdown inhibited the Akt/IKK‐β signalling axis in GC cells. And both Akt inhibitor LY294002 and IKK inhibitor Bay117082 neutralized the p65 and p‐p65 nuclear translocation induced by RPS15A overexpression. Collectively, our findings suggest that RPS15A activates the NF‐κB pathway through Akt/IKK‐β signalling axis, and consequently promotes EMT and GC metastasis. This newly identified RPS15A/Akt/IKK‐β/NF‐κB signalling pathway may be a potential therapeutic target to prevent GC progression.
Effect of socket‐shield technique on alveolar ridge soft and hard tissue in dogs
Authors: Zhang Zhengchuan , Dong Yu , Yang Jiamin , Xu Ruogu , Deng Feilong 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimTo study the soft and hard tissue alterations of the alveolar ridge after socket‐shield technique.Materials and MethodsIn four Beagle dogs, the following treatments (Tx) were randomly assigned to 32 extraction sockets: Tx1: blood clot; Tx2: Bio‐Oss Collagen; Tx3: socket‐shield technique and blood clot; Tx4: socket‐shield technique and Bio‐Oss Collagen. The width and height alterations of the buccal bone plate were calculated by CBCT scans. The dimensional alterations of the buccal aspect of the alveolar ridge at different time points were calculated by impressions using digital imaging analysis. The dogs were sacrificed for micro‐CT and histologic analysis 3 months after surgery.ResultsWidth, height and dimensional alterations of Tx3 and Tx4 were significantly lower than those of Tx1 and Tx2. Bone morphological parameters displayed no significant differences among four groups except for the trabecular thickness of Tx1 and Tx2. The quantity and quality of hard tissue containing the residual teeth of Tx3 and Tx4 were much greater than those of Tx1 and Tx2.ConclusionsSocket‐shield technique may be beneficial in preserving the soft and hard tissue of the alveolar ridge, which is better than simple bone grafting in the extraction socket.
Periorbital pigmentation: An alarming sign of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zawar Vijay , Daga Snehal , Pawar Manoj , Kumavat Shrikant 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPeriorbital pigmentation is a commonly encountered condition which presents clinically as bilateral round, oval or semicircular homogenous dark brown pigmented macules in the periocular region. It may influence quality of life of an individual with its strong psychological impact. We present a case of middle‐aged female patient, who had periorbital pigmentation as a manifestation of acanthosis nigricans. On evaluation, she was found to have hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia and she fulfilled the criteria for metabolic syndrome. We believe, it is important to evaluate the patients who present as periorbital pigmentation with clinical features of acanthosis nigricans for underlying metabolic syndrome.
Increased synthesis of hyaluronic acid by enhanced penetration of CTP‐EGF recombinant in human keratinocytes
Authors: Jeon Yoon‐Jae , Kim Young‐Hoon , Jeon Ye Ji , Lee Wan‐Won , Bae Il Geun , Yi Ki Wan , Hong Seung Ho 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundEpidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in regeneration and proliferation of skin cells. It synthesizes fibrous proteins, such as collagen, and induces the proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. It can also induce hyaluronic acid synthesis, which subsequently leads to improved skin elasticity, wrinkle improvement, and moisturizing effects. Thus, the EGF is an attractive cosmetic additive for skin care.ObjectivesWe tested the use of cytoplasmic transduction peptide (CTP) as a delivery peptide for EGF into skin cells. Additionally, we characterized the skin permeability of CTP‐EGF for its potential use in skin antiaging and antiwrinkle cosmetics.MethodsSkin penetration by recombinant CTP‐EGF protein was confirmed using fluorescent imaging techniques. The ability to synthesize hyaluronic acid was confirmed by immunoblotting and ELISA.ResultsCTP‐EGF displayed cell membrane permeability and could penetrate skin cells. Treatment with CTP‐EGF increased collagen protein formation, which is a major regulator of skin elasticity. Further, CTP‐EGF treatment led to increased expression of HAS3 enzyme and subsequently boosted hyaluronic acid synthesis. The CTP‐EGF also performed better than natural EGF in wound healing assays.ConclusionsCTP‐EGF has a superior ability, compared with natural EGF, to permeate skin and induce hyaluronic acid synthesis and collagen formation. Thus, it has great potential to be used in cosmetics and therapeutic agents to improve wrinkles and health of the skin.
Effects of lactobionic acid peel, aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion, and both procedures on skin hydration, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss
Authors: Algiert‐Zielińska Barbara , Mucha Paulina , Rotsztejn Helena 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundTopical applications of alpha‐hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids in the form of peels gained popularity. To enhance the effect of these substances, aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion can be used in one procedure.AimsThe assessment of skin hydration, elasticity, and TEWL after using lactobionic acid in the form of 20% peel and lactobionic acid in the form of 20% peel combined with aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion.Material and methodsThe study involved 20 Caucasian female subjects. Six treatments were performed at weekly intervals, using the Split face method—20% LA was used on the left side of the face and aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion followed by 20% LA application on the right side of the face.ResultsCorneometric measurement showed statistically significant differences between the hydration level for sessions 1 and 3 and 1 and 6. A higher hydration level was found on the side with the combined procedure. Tewametric measurement showed that the TEWL values were different for sessions 1 and 3 and 1 and 6—they decreased. There were no statistically significant differences between the two procedures. The cutometric measurement indicated statistically significant differences between skin elasticity for pairs in session 1 and 3 and 1 and 6.ConclusionsThe results of the study indicate that the combination of LA peel with microdermabrasion increases its moisturizing effect and improves skin elasticity. The use of both procedures also contributed to the decrease in TEWL; however, greater exfoliation of the epidermis in combined procedures resulted in slightly higher TEWL values.
A comparison of infection rates during skin cancer excisions using nonsterile vs sterile gloves: A prospective randomized pilot study
Authors: Michener Michael , Xia Yang , Larrymore David , McGraw Timothy , McCarthy Sean 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBackgroundStandard surgical skin excision is a routine outpatient procedure commonly performed in Dermatology practice to treat nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancer. Use of sterile gloves during this procedure has been the standard of care in most Dermatology offices.ObjectiveTo determine whether the incidence of infection rates was affected when using nonsterile gloves (NSG) instead of sterile gloves (SG) during standard skin excisions in an outpatient Dermatology clinic setting.MethodsThis prospective, subject‐blinded, single‐center trial randomized 93 patients presenting for routine skin cancer excisions into two groups. In the first group, 53 excisions were performed with NSG and in the second group 53 excisions were performed with sterile gloves. Degree of wound inflammation and wound infection at 48‐72 hours postprocedure was measured.ResultsOne hundred and six total wounds were included. Zero of 53 were infected in the NSG group, and 0/53 were infected in the SG at the initial screening 48‐72 hours postexcision procedure (P = 0.99). The average wound inflammation score was 0.321 for the NSG group and 0.245 for the SG group.ConclusionsOur study suggests that NSG are safe to use for simple excisions of cutaneous skin cancers in an outpatient dermatology clinic setting.
Modified phenol peels for treatment‐refractory hyperpigmentation of lichen planus pigmentosus: A retrospective clinico‐dermoscopic analysis
Authors: Sonthalia Sidharth , Vedamurthy Maya , Thomas Mary , Goldust Mohamad , Jha Abhijeet K. , Srivastava Sakshi , Aggarwal Ishad 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundLichen Planus Pigmentosus (LPP), a disorder with stubborn treatment‐refractory hyperpigmentation predominantly affects the darker skin. Deep dermal pigmentary incontinence of LPP renders the condition treatment‐refractory.ObjectivesLack of a consistently effective depigmenting treatment protocol of inactive LPP mandates exploration of novel approaches. We analyzed the effect of six sessions of modified phenol peel on reduction of pigmentation of LPP in Indian patients.MethodsThe results of a retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of six sessions of Croton oil free phenol combination (CFPC) peel done every 3 weeks, for inactive LPP‐associated hyperpigmentation in 17 patients are presented. Efficacy evaluation was done with patient‐reported improvement, physician‐evaluated improvement (photographic comparison of baseline and post‐treatment clinical images), and pre‐ and posttreatment comparison of dermoscopic images using a simple scale.ResultsOut of 17, 5 (29%) patients sustained excellent improvement with >75% reduction of pigmentation. Overall 13 (76%) patients had moderate to excellent improvement, that is, at least 25% or more reduction in pigmentation. The patient‐reported improvement, physician‐graded improvement, and dermoscopic changes—all three measures showed harmonious overlap. Lightening of the background color and reduction in density and color intensity of pigmented structures was observed on dermoscopy in majority of patients. The treatment was well tolerated with no serious local/systemic adverse effects.ConclusionsModified phenol peels seem effective in reduction of hyperpigmentation of LPP. They are safe and well tolerated. Thorough priming, stringent sun protection and use of post‐peel adjuvant topicals boost the peel effect and aid in maintaining the effect for up to a year.
Entry‐Timing Advantages in Renewable Natural Resources Industries
Authors: Mac Cawley Alejandro F. , Sevil Ángel , Vassolo Roberto S. , Sepúlveda Vargas José Ignacio 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we explore the conditions of entry‐timing advantages in renewable natural resource industries. Drawing from behavioural theory of the firm, we classify firms in two groups depending on the different heuristics used to make entry decisions when facing the cyclical endogenous nature of these industries: crowd firms are procyclical, making decisions based on the current phase of the industry cycle, whereas anti‐crowd firms follow a countercyclical strategy, making uncertain, and risky decisions by estimation of the next phase of the cycle. Therefore, anti‐crowd firms anticipate the deployment of resources each cycle, potentially gaining entry‐timing advantages beyond those provided by traditional competitive isolating mechanisms. Through a mathematical simulation of a performance feedback model, we reveal that the entry‐timing advantage of the anti‐crowd group becomes possible when the rivalry in the industry and the price sensitivity of competitors are high, and when the time required to deploy the resources is short.
Regional variation in courage and entrepreneurship: The contrasting role of courage for the emergence and survival of start‐ups in the United States
Authors: Ebert Tobias , Götz Friedrich M. , Obschonka Martin , Zmigrod Leor , Rentfrow P. Jason 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveThere is growing evidence that certain regional personality differences function as important drivers of regional economic development (e.g., via effects on entrepreneurship and innovation activity). The present investigation examines the impact that regional variation in the trait courage has on entrepreneurship.MethodUsing data from a new large‐scale internet‐based study, we provide the first psychological map of courage across the United States (N = 390,341 respondents from 283 U.S. metropolitan regions). We apply regression analyses to relate regional courage scores to archival data on the emergence and survival of start‐ups across American regions.ResultsOur mapping approach reveals comparatively high levels of regional courage in the Eastern and Southern regions of the United States. Regional courage scores were positively related to entrepreneurial activity, but negatively related to start‐up survival—even when controlling for a wide variety of standard economic predictors. Several robustness checks corroborated these results. Finally, regional differences in economic risk‐taking accounted for significant proportions of variance in the relationship between regional courage and entrepreneurship.ConclusionOur results suggest that regional courage may contribute to a pattern of enterprising and also risky economic behavior, which can lead to high levels of entrepreneurial activity but also shorter start‐up survival.
The self and depression: Four psychological theories and their potential neural correlates
Authors: Kopala‐Sibley Daniel C. , Zuroff David C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe review theory and research pertaining to psychodynamic, social, humanistic, and ethological models of the self and depression and examine research into the neurobiological bases of the self and depression. We provide a narrative review of classic and recent empirical evidence pertaining to these four models of the relation of the self to depression as well as exemplar relevant neurobiological research. Evidence stemming from each of the four theories reviewed here shows a robust relationship between deficits in the sense of self and depressive symptoms, as well as increases in depressive symptoms over time. A smaller body of literature has linked one’s sense of self to onsets of depressive episodes. A growing body of literature has linked self‐relevant variables to functioning in various prefrontal and cortical midline brain regions as well as emotion and reward processing brain regions which have in turn been linked to depression. Evidence has therefore converged across all four theories and confirmed that a deficit in one’s sense of self confers risk for depression and that there is substantial overlap in the brain areas associated with one’s sense of self and depression.