bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of contracted endodontic cavities compared to traditional endodontic cavities in premolars
Authors: Juan Xia , weidong Wang , Zhengmao Li , Bingpeng Lin , Qian Zhang , Qianzhou Jiang , Yang xuechao 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: This study aims to compare the percentage of dentin removed, instrumentation efficacy, root canal filling and load at fracture between contracted endodontic cavities, and traditional endodontic cavities on root canal therapy in premolars.Methods: Forty extracted intact human first premolars were imaged with micro-CT and randomly assigned to the contracted endodontic cavity (CEC) or traditional endodontic cavity (TEC) groups. CEC was prepared with the aid of a 3D-printed guiding template, canals were prepared with a 0.04 taper M-Two rotary instrument, and cavities were restored with resin. The specimens were loaded to fracture in an Instron Universal Testing Machine after a fatigue phase. The data were analyzed by the independent samples T test and Mann-Whitney U test, appropriate post hoc tests.Results: In the premolars tested in vitro, the percentage of dentin removed in the premolars with two dental roots in the CEC group (3.85% ± 0.42%) was significantly smaller (P < 0.05) than in the TEC group (4.94% ± 0.5%). The untouched canal wall (UCW) after instrumentation for TECs (16.43% ± 6.56%) was significantly lower (P< .05) than the UCW (24.42% ± 9.19%) for CECs in single-rooted premolars. No significant differences were observed in the increased canal volume and surface areas in premolars between the TEC and CEC groups (P > 0.05). CECs conserved coronal dentin in premolars with two dental roots but no impact on the instrument efficacy, the root canal filling or the biomechanical responses was observed. There were no differences between the CEC groups and the TEC groups in the percentage of filling material and voids (P > 0.05). In addition, the mean load at failure of premolars did not significantly differ between the CEC and TEC groups and there was no significant difference in the type of fracture (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that CEC could not improve the fracture resistance of the endodontically treated premolars. The instrumentation efficacy and the percentage of filling material did not significantly differ between CECs and TECs in the premolars.Keywords: 3D-printed template, contracted endodontic cavities, instrumentation efficacy, root canal filling, fracture resistance
Regional differences in reasons for consultation and general practitioners’ spectrum of services in Northern Germany – Results of a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Schäfer Ingmar , Hansen Heike , Ruppel Thomas , Lühmann Dagmar , Wagner Hans-Otto , Kazek Agata , Scherer Martin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Among other factors, the patients’ consultation reasons and GPs’ spectrum of services determine the process and outcome of the medical treatment. So far, however, there has been little information on differences in reasons for consultation and GPs’ services between urban and rural areas. Our study’s goal was thus to investigate these factors in relation to the regional location of GPs’ practices. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional observational study based on standardised GP interviews in a quota sampling design. All counties and independent cities within a radius of 120 km around Hamburg were divided into three regional categories (urban area, environs, rural area) and stratified proportionally to the population size. Differences in the number of reasons for consultation and services were analysed by multivariate linear regressions in mixed models adjusted for random effects on the levels of the German federal states and administrative districts. Differences in individual consultation reasons and services were identified by logistic regression via stepwise forward and backward selection. Results Primary care practices in 34 of the 37 selected administrative districts (91.9%) were represented in the dataset. In total, 211 GPs were personally interviewed. On average, GPs saw 344 patients per month with a slightly higher number of patients in rural areas. They reported 59.1 ± 15.4 different reasons for consultation and 30.3 + 3.9 different services. There was no statistically significant regional variation in the number of different consultation reasons, but there was a broader service spectrum by rural GPs (ß=-1.42; 95% confidence interval -2.75/-0.08; p=0.038) which was statistically explained by a higher level of medical training. Additionally, there were differences in the frequency of individual consultation reasons and services between rural and urban areas. Conclusion GPs in rural areas performed more frequently services usually provided by medical specialists in urban areas. This might be caused by a low availability of specialists in rural areas. The association between medical training and service spectrum might imply that GPs compensate the specific needs of their patients by completing advanced medical training before or after setting up a medical practice. Trial registration The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02558322).
Rosmarinic acid exerts a neuroprotective effect on spinal cord injury by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation via modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathways
Authors: Ma Zhanjun , Lu Yubao , Yang Fengguang , Li Shaoping , He Xuegang , Gao Yicheng , Zahng Guangzhi , Ren Enhui , Wang Yonggang , Kang Xuewen 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe central nervous system injury for which few efficacious drugs are available. Rosmarinic acid (RA), a water-soluble polyphenolic phytochemical, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. However, the effect of RA on SCI is unclear. We investigated the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of RA on SCI in vivo and in vitro. Methods: In vivo experiment, The BBB locomotion scale, the inclined plane test, Nissl staining, and spinal cord edema were employed to determine the neuroprotective effects of RA treatment after SCI. Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were detected by commercial kits and cell apoptosis status was measured by TUNEL staining. A proteomics and bioinformatics approach, together with Western blotting, was used to investigate the effect of RA on the proteome of SCI rats. In vitro experiment, oxidative stress and inflammatory injury were induced by H2O2 and LPS stimulation. Effects of RA on cell viability, apoptosis, inflammatory, and oxidative stress were evaluated. Results: Using a rat model of SCI, we showed that RA improved locomotor recovery after SCI and significantly mitigated neurological deficit, increased neuronal preservation, and reduced apoptosis. Also, RA inhibited activation of microglia and the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β and MDA. Moreover, proteomics analyses identified the Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways as targets of RA. Pretreatment with RA increased levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and reduced those of TLR4 and MyD88 as well as phosphorylation of IkB and subsequent nuclear translocation of NF-κB-p65. Using H2O2- and LPS-induced PC12 cells, we found that RA ameliorated the H2O2-induced decrease in viability and increase in apoptosis and oxidative injury by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Also, LPS-induced cytotoxicity and increased apoptosis and inflammatory injury in PC-12 cells were mitigated by RA by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 weakened the effect of RA on oxidant stress, inflammation and apoptosis in SCI rats, and significantly increased the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Conclusions: Therefore, the neuroprotective effect on SCI of RA may be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are mediated by modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathways. Moreover, RA activated Nrf2/HO-1, which amplified its inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.
Hyperhomocysteinemia accompany with metabolic syndrome increase the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy in rural Chinese
Authors: Yu Shasha , Chen Yintao , Yang Hongmei , Guo Xiaofan , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: To investigate the influence of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in residents in rural Northeast China.
Methods: We performed a cross-sectional baseline data analysis of 6837 subjects (mean age: 54±10 years) recruited from a rural area of China. Anthropometric indicators were measured according to standard methods. MetS was defined by the modified ATP III criteria.
HHcy was defined according to the WHO standard: an Hcy level >15 μmol/L representing HHcy. Four groups were defined: non-HHcy & non-MetS, HHcy & non-MetS, MetS & non-HHcy and HHcy & MetS.
Results: The left ventricular mass index for height2.7 (LVMH2.7) in both sexes was significantly higher in the HHcy & MetS group than in the non-HHcy & non-MetS group (females: 51.23±16.34 vs. 40.09±10.55 gm-2.7, P<0.001; males: 48.67±12.24 gm-2.7 vs. 42.42±11.38 gm-2.7, P<0.001). A similar result was observed in those groups when using the left ventricular mass index for body surface area (LVMI) to define LVH (females: 103.58±31.92 gm-2 vs. 86.63±20.47 gm-2, P<0.001; males: 106.10±24.69 gm-2 vs. 98.16±23.29 gm-2, P<0.001). The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that the HHcy & MetS group had a higher risk of LVH than the other three groups (OR: 1.628 for LVMI, P<0.001, OR: 2.433 for LVMH2.7, P<0.001). Moreover, subjects in the HHcy & non-MetS group [OR (95% CI): 1.297 (1.058, 1.591) for LVMI, P<0.05; OR (95% CI): 1.248 (1.044, 1.492) for LVMH2.7, P<0.05] also had a statistically greater risk of LVH than subjects in the non-HHcy & non-MetS group. The HHcy & non-MetS group was also found to be significantly and independently associated with LVH.
Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia has an independent effect on LVH. The combined effect of MetS and hyperhomocysteinemia might increase the strength of the abovementioned effects.
The impact of social participation on health among middle-aged and elderly adults Evidence from longitudinal survey data in China
Authors: Ma Xinxin , Piao Xiangdan , Oshio Takashi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Social participation (SP) is known to have a favourable impact on health. However, studies on the issue have been conducted mainly in advanced countries, and results in China have been mixed. This study examined the impact of SP on health outcomes of middle-aged and elderly adults in China, adjusted for simultaneity and heterogeneity biases. Methods 57,417 observations of 28,935 individuals obtained from the population-based, three-wave panel survey: Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), conducted from 2011, 2013, and 2015 were used. The associations between one- or two-wave-lagged SP and health outcomes (mental health, self-rated health [SRH], activities of daily living [ADL], and diagnosed diseases) were examined by linear regression models. Individual-level heterogeneity was addressed by the random-effects estimation method. Results SP was found to have a positive impact on mental health and ADL, whereas it did not affect much SRH or diagnosed diseases. The impact of SP differed by SP type; playing Mah-jong (Chinese traditional game), chess, or cards, or going to the community club had the most favourable effect. The impact of SP on health was also found to be greater for women than men and greater for individuals aged 60–69 years than those aged 45–59 years and aged 70 and older. Conclusions SP had positive, albeit selective, impacts on health outcomes among middle-aged and elderly adults in China. The results suggest that policy measures to encourage these individuals to engage in SP are needed to enhance their health.
Evaluation of rapid extraction methods coupled with Recombinase polymerase amplification assay for point-of-need diagnosis of Post-kala-azar-dermal leishmaniasis
Authors: Chowdhury Rajashree , ghosh prakash , Khan Md. Anik Ashfaq , Hossain Faria , Faisal Khaledul , Nath Rupen , Baker James , Wahed Ahmed Abd El , Maruf Shomik , Nath Proggananda , Ghosh Debashis , Rashid Md. Masud-Ur , Duthie Malcolm S , Mondal Dinesh 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) usually develops as sequelae of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and can manifest in multiple dermatological forms. Since PKDL patients harbor Leishmania donovani parasites and can potentially trigger inter-epidemic transmission of the disease, the success of kala-azar elimination programme could be jeopardized by these cases. Although several molecular methods with promising diagnostic efficacy have been developed to detect PKDL cases, albeit complicated and expensive DNA extraction methods limit their application in resource poor settings. To address this, in comparison to a reference DNA extraction method (Qiagen), we evaluated two rapid DNA extraction methods and determined their impact on the detection of the parasite DNA using our newly developed recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay.Methods Thirty suspected PKDL cases were enrolled after diagnosis by clinical examination and a positive rk39 strip test. DNA was extracted from three skin biopsy samples using either a spin column-based method (Qiagen) or one of two rapid DNA extraction methods, (Boil & Spin (B&S) and SpeedXtract (SE)). RPA and qPCR were subsequently performed with the extracted samples to detect L. donovani DNA.Results Using DNA extracted by Qiagen method, the qPCR and RPA assays exhibited sensitivities of 86.7% and 93.3% respectively. In contrast, the sensitivity of RPA assay dropped to 76.7% and 63.3%, respectively, when the B&S and SE rapid extraction methods were performed. Despite this compromised sensitivity, B&S-RPA technique yielded an excellent agreement with both Q-qPCR (k = 0.828) and Q-RPA (k =0.831) techniques. Moreover, SE-RPA showed good agreement with Q-qPCR (k = 0.755), Q-RPA (k =0.692) and B&S-RPA (k =0.635) assays. As expected, with all of the three DNA extraction methods, both qPCR and RPA assay showed absolute specificity.Conclusions This study finding substantiates the superior diagnostic efficacy of Qiagen DNA extraction method over B&S and SE method in detecting LD DNA through RPA assay from skin biopsy of PKDL patients. To apply these rapid DNA extraction methods in resource-constrained settings, further methodological refinement is warranted to improve DNA yield and purity through rigorous experiments.
Hand hygiene compliance in the intensive care unit of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital.
Authors: Sebola Dikeledi Carol , Boucher Charlie , Maslo Caroline , Qekwana Daniel Nenene 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Hand hygiene compliance remains the cornerstone of infection prevention and control (IPC) in healthcare facilities. However, there is a paucity of information on the level of IPC in veterinary health care facilities in South Africa. Therefore, this study evaluated hand hygiene compliance of healthcare workers and visitors in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers (HCWs) and visitors in the ICU using the infection control assessment tool (ICAT) as stipulated by the South African National Department of Health. Direct observations using the “five hand hygiene moments” criteria as set out by the World helath Organisation were also recorded. The level of compliance and a 95% confidence interval were calculated for all variables. Results: Individual bottles of alcohol-based hand-rub solution and hand-wash basins with running water, soap dispensers, and paper towels were easily accessible and available at all times in the ICU. In total, 296 observations consisting of 734 hand hygiene opportunities were recorded. Hand hygiene compliance was also evaluated during invasive (51.4%) and non-invasive (48.6%) procedures. The overall hand hygiene compliance was 24.3% (178/734). In between patients, most HCWs did not sanitize stethoscopes, leashes, and cellular phones used. Additionally, the majority of HCWs wore jewellery below the elbows. The most common method of hand hygiene was hand-rub (58.4%), followed by hand-wash (41.6%). Nurses had a higher (44%) level of compliance compared to students (22%) and clinicians (15%). Compliance was also higher after body fluid exposure (42%) compared to after patient contact (32%), before patient contact (19%), after contact with patient surroundings (16%), and before an aseptic procedure (15%). Conclusion: Hand hygiene compliance in this study was low, raising concerns of potential transmission of hospital-acquired infections and zoonoses in the ICU. Therefore, it is essential that educational programs be developed to address the low level of hand hygiene in this study.
Effectiveness of distal tibial osteotomy with distraction arthroplasty in varus ankle osteoarthritis
Authors: Nozaka Koji , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Kashiwagura Takeshi , Kasukawa Yuji , Saito Hidetomo , Kijima Hiroaki , Chida Shuichi , Tsuchie Hiroyuki , Shimada Yoichi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background Advanced to end-stage ankle osteoarthritis in highly active older individuals has traditionally been treated using tibiotalar arthrodesis. Tibiotalar arthrodesis is possible to have high levels of pain-free function, however there is loss of ankle joint movement and a risk of arthrosis of adjacent joints in the future. Distraction arthroplasty is a simple method with a possibility of the joint cartilage repair but current results are mixed with reports of patients with better pain scores and some without any improvement. Distal tibial osteotomy (DTO) without fibular osteotomy, a type of joint preservation surgery, has garnered attention in recent years, However, as far as we know, there are no reports on DTO with joint distraction using a circular external fixator. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of DTO with joint distraction using a circular external fixator on ankle osteoarthritis.Materials and Methods A total of 21 patients with medial ankle arthritis were examined. Arthroscopic synovectomy and a microfracture procedure were performed. Then angled osteotomy and correction of the distal tibia were performed. After ankle conditions improved, the stabilization of the ankle joint was performed. An external fixator was used in all patients. In addition, joint distraction of about 5.8 mm was performed. All patients were allowed full weight-bearing walking immediately after surgery.Results Antero-posterior mortise angle during weight-bearing, lateral mortise angle during weight-bearing, and talar tilt angle and anterior translation of the talus in ankle stress radiography significantly improved (P < 0.05). In addition, signal changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improved in all patients. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS ) and The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores also improved significantly (P < 0.05). No severe complications were observed.Conclusion DTO with joint distraction may be useful for older patients with a high physical activity level as joint preserving surgery for medial ankle osteoarthritis.
Oral health status and associated lifestyle behaviors among Iranian adults: a population based household survey
Authors: Jahangiry Leila , Bagheri Raziollah , Darabi Fatemeh , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Sistani Mohammad Mehdi Naghibi , Ponnet Koen 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Poor oral hygiene can lead to serious diseases, like periodontitis, tooth decay, pain and discomfort in teeth or gums, infection, and loss of teeth. In Iran, particularly adults between 50 years and older experience oral health problems, and this age group will grow the next decades. Despite increasing attention into healthy aging, there is less emphasis on oral hygiene. This survey aimed to investigate oral health status among Iranian adults. This knowledge may provide vital information to those who are planning strategies of oral health care. Method: A population-based household survey was conducted to recruit a representative sample of adults. This study was carried out among adults aged 18-65 years between May and October 2016 in Tabriz, Iran. The study population was sampled using a multi-stage cluster sampling design. The WHO’s oral health questionnaire (WHO’s OHQ) was used for measuring oral health status and oral health behavior. Results: In total, 2310 respondents completed the survey. The mean age (SD) of the participants was 41.6(23.4) years. About 48.8% of participants were male and 51.2% were female. 187(8.1%) were edentulous, and 152 (20.7%) of those participants were aged 50 to 65 years. 72.3% of the sample were dentate in that they had 20 or more teeth. Half of adults aged 50-65 years said they had 20 or more teeth. In general, about one-third of the participants reported that they don’t brush their teeth daily (23% for 18-35-year-old adults, 35.9% for 36-50-year-old adults, and 44.6% for 51- to 65-year-old adults). In our sample, 39.4% of 18-35-year-olds, 34.1% of 36-50-year-olds, and 26.6% of 51-65-year-olds had visited a dentist less than six months ago. One-third of participants eat sweets every day and frequently consume tea with sugar. Conclusion: The oral health status indicates that even though the majority of Iranian people assess their dental health positively, only a minority of participants have regular dental visits. Visits to the dentist decline by increasing age, and oral health problems increase. The study findings underline the importance of dental visits and that poor oral health may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes, particularly as age increases.
О классических теоретико-числовых сетках
Authors: Реброва И. Ю. , Чубариков В. Н. , Добровольский Н. Н. , Добровольский М. Н. , Добровольский Н. М. 
Published: November 2019

В работе рассмотрена гиперболическая дзета-функция сеток с весами и распределение значений погрешности приближенного интегрирования при модификациях сеток. Рассмотрены: параллелепипедальные сетки M(a,p), состоящие из точекMk =({a1k/p },...,{ask/p }) (k = 1,2,...,p);неравномерные сетки M(P), координаты точек которых выражаются через степенные функции по модулю P: Mk=({k/P},{k2/P}...,{ks/P}) (k = 1,2,...,P),где P = p или P = p2и p — нечетное простое число; обобщенные равномерные сетки M(⃗n) из N = n1·...·ns точек видаM k=({k1/n1},{k2/n2}...,{ks/ns}) (kj= 1,2,...,nj(j = 1,...,s));алгебраические сетки, введённые К. К. Фроловым в 1976 г., и обобщенные параллелепипедальные сетки, изучение которых началось в 1984 г.Кроме этого, в обзорном порядке рассмотрены p-ичные сетки: сетки Хэммерсли, Холтона, Фора, Соболя и Смоляка. В заключении рассмотрены актуальные проблемы применения теоретико-числового метода в геофизике, требующие дальнейшего исследования.
Теорема о среднем для неполных рациональных тригонометрических сумм
Authors: Чубариков В. Н. , Салиба Х. М. 
Published: November 2019

При 2k > 0.5n(n+1)+1 0 ≤ l ≤ 0,5k−w−1,w = [lnn/lnp,] доказана асимптотическая формула для числа решений системы сравнений{x1+···+ xk ≡ y1+···+ yk (mod pm)Xn/1 +···+ xn/k ≡ yn/1 +···+ yn/k (mod pm)},где неизвестные x1,...,xk,y1,...,ykпробегают значения от 1 до pm−l из полной системы вычетов по модулю pm.При 2k ≤ 0.5n(n + 1) + 1 найденная формула не имеет места. Пусть 1 ≤ s < r < ··· < n,s + r +···+ n < 0.5n(n + 1),0 ≤ l ≤ 0,5k−w−1. Тогда при2 k > s + r +···+ n для числа решений системы сравнений{xs/1 +···+ xs/k ≡ ys/1 +···+ ys/k (mod pm)xr/1 +···+ xr/k ≡ yr/1 +···+ yr/k (mod pm)xn/1 +···+ xn/k ≡ yn/1 +···+ yn/k (mod pm)},где неизвестные x1,...,xk,y1,...,ykпринимают значения от 1 до pm−lиз полной системы вычетов по модулю pm, найдена асимптотическая формула. Эта формула не имеет места при 2k ≤ s + r +···+ n.