bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of middle mesial canal and radix entomolaris of mandibular first permanent molars in a western Chinese population: an in vivo cone-beam computed tomographic study
Authors: Qiao Xin , Zhu Hualing , Yan Yujia , Li Jinglin , Ren Jiayin , Gao Yuan , Zou Ling 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the middle mesial canal (MMC) and radix entomolaris (RE) in mandibular first permanent molars in a western Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Methods: A total of 1174 CBCT images of the mandibular first molars were collected from West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. The following information was recorded and evaluated: the detection rate and location of the MMC and RE, the curvature of the RE, the canal configuration and bilateral symmetry.Results: The detection rates of the MMC and RE were 3.41% and 25.04%, respectively, as calculated by individuals, and 1.79% and 22.15%, respectively, as calculated by total teeth. The average curvature in the buccolingual (BL) orientation ( 40.63±14.3 9°) was significantly larger than that in the mesiodistal (MD)orientation ( 17.64±7.8 2°) (p<0.05). Of 587 patients, 71.72% (421/587) had bilateral symmetry according to the root canal morphology. The incidence of three-rooted mandibular first molars was higher in males than in females, while the incidence of two-rooted mandibular first molars was higher in females than in males.Conclusions: Our results showed that the RE could be detected in almost 1/4 of the western Chinese population; thus, RE detection requires special attention and careful assessment in endodontic treatment.
Changes In Self-Reported Sleep Duration With Age - A 36-Year Longitudinal Study Of Finnish Adults
Authors: Hublin Christer , Haasio Lassi , Kaprio Jaakko 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Sleep deprivation is often claimed to be increasingly common, but most studies show small changes in sleep duration over the last decades. Our aim was to analyze long-term patterns in self-reported sleep duration in a population-based cohort. Methods: Members of the Older Finnish Twin Cohort have responded to questionnaires in 1975 (N = 30,915 individuals, response rate 89%, mean age 36 years), 1981 (24,506, 84%, 41 years), 1990 (12,502, 77%, 44 years), and 2011 (8510, 72%, 60 years). Weibull regression models were used to model the effects of follow-up time and age simultaneously. Results: Sleep duration has decreased in all adult age groups and in both genders. The mean duration was in men 7.57 hours in 1975 and 7.39 in 2011, and in women 7.69 and 7.37, respectively. The decrease was about 0.5 minutes in men and 0.9 in women per year of follow-up. In the age-group 18-34 years, mean sleep length was 7.69 hours in 1975 and 7.53 in 1990. Among 35-54-year-old it was 7.57 hours in 1975 and 7.34 in 2011, and in the age group of 55+ year olds 7.52 and 7.38, correspondingly. The change was largest in middle-aged group: about 23 minutes or about 0.6 minutes per year of follow-up. Conclusions: There has been a slight decrease in mean sleep duration during the 36-year follow-up. Although the sleep duration was longer in 1970s and 1980s, the probable main cause for the change in this study population is the effect of aging.
Sedimentation and sediment geochemistry in a tropical mangrove channel meander, Sungai Kerteh, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Shaari Hasrizal Bin , Nasir Qatrunnada Mohd , Pan Hui-Juan , Mohamed Che Abd Rahim , Yusoff Abdul Hafidz , Khalik Wan Mohd Afiq Wan Mohd , Naim Erick , Setiawan Riza Yuliratno , Anthony Edward J. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Tropical mangrove swamps are commonly characterized by dense networks of tidal channels that may show pronounced meandering and dendritic patterns. Channel meanders are sometimes accompanied by cut offs, and, like classical fluvial meanders, record changes in hydrology and sedimentation over time. Channel meandering can, thus, be an important process that contributes to spatial and temporal variability in the preserved record of the sedimentology and geochemistry of mangrove sediments. The aim of this study is to highlight changes in channel meander sedimentation in response to a meander cut-off in a tropical mangrove swamp. Two short sediment cores were sampled, respectively from a point bar (core KR1, 122 cm) at the junction with the neck cut-off and inside the cut-off (core KR2, 98 cm) in the Sungai Kerteh mangroves of Peninsular Malaysia. The profile comparison was based on sediment characteristics, total organic carbon (TOC) and selected elements (Fe, Na, Mg, Mn, Ba and Sr). A smaller standard deviation of mean grain size (MGS) was found at the point bar (4.37±0.51 ϕ) than in the cut-off (4.43 ±1.76 ϕ), indicating a difference in flow velocity between the two settings. In turn, these changes in grain size influence channel meander evolution via associated changes in TOC and heavy metals. In order to clarify these relationships, we used principal components analysis and factor analysis. An increased accumulation of selected elements and TOC at the cut-off site from a depth of ~ 60 cm to the core-top segment was probably associated with a slowing down of sediment settling. A higher TOC recorded in the cut-off (2.74±1.42%) compared to the point bar (1.14±0.46%) suggests a propensity for prolonged in-situ accumulation of organic matter in the abandoned meander bend. This study provides grain-size and sediment geochemical information that is consistent with patterns of active and inactive sedimentation in the meander bends of mangrove channels.
Changes in health-related quality of life before and after a 12-month enhanced primary care model among chronically ill primary care patients in Australia.
Authors: John James , Tannous W Kathy , Jones Amanda 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Evidence suggests that Patient-centred Medical Home (PCMH) model facilitates person-centred care and improves health-related quality of life for patients with chronic illness. This study aims to evaluate changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), before and after enrolment into a 12-month integrated care program called ‘WellNet’. Methods: This study includes 616 eligible consented patients aged 40 years and above with one or more chronic conditions from six general practices across Sydney, Australia. The WellNet program included a team of general practitioners (GPs) and clinical coordinators (CCs) providing patient-tailored care plans configured to individual risk and complexity. HRQoL was recorded using the validated EuroQol five dimensions five levels (EQ-5D-5L) instrument at baseline and 12 months. Additionally, patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis also reported HRQoL using short versions of Knee and/or Hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOSjr and HOOSjr). A case-series study design with repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess changes in mean differences of EQ-5D index scores after controlling for baseline covariates. Additionally, backward stepwise multivariable linear regression models were conducted to determine significant predictors of EQ-5D index scores at follow-up. Results: Out of 616 patients, 417 (68%) reported EQ-5D scores at follow-up. Almost half (48%) of the WellNet patients reported improved EQ-5D index scores at follow-up. After controlling for baseline covariates, the adjusted mean difference was statistically significant whilst also meeting the bare minimal clinically important difference (MCID) with a change of 0.03 (95% CI 0.01, 0.05). The multivariable regression models determined that baseline EQ-5D scores and positive diagnosis of a respiratory illness were significant predictors of HRQoL at follow-up. There were significant improvements across both KOOS and HOOS assessments, specifically, the pain and symptom scores in both scales met statistical significance in addition to meeting the MCID.Conclusion: Patient-tailored chronic disease management (CDM) plans designed by team of GPs and CDM clinical coordinators could lead to better HRQoL among primary care patients.
WNK1 Antagonist Decreased Sevoflurane-induced Neurotoxicity in HT22 Hippocampal Neurons via the WNK1/NKCC1 Signalling Pathway
Authors: Bai Ya-Fan , Li Wen-Jing , Zhang Li , Li Jun-Fa , An Li-Xin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background : . The GABA A R plays an important role in the neurotoxicity caused by sevoflurane, but the mechanism of its regulation in this context is unknown. The present study aimed to reveal the WNK1/NKCC1 pathway as a regulator of the neurotoxicity caused by sevoflurane on the HT22 hippocampal neuron cell line. Methods : HT22 cultured hippocampal neurons were divided into three groups: control group, 4.1% sevoflurane treatment group for 6h, WNK-463 (specific antagonist of WNK1, 1µmol) + sevoflurane treatment group. Cell viability and the optimum concentration of WNK-463 were measured by MTS method. Cell apoptosis was detected by Tunel method, and the content of cleaved caspase-3 protein apoptosis factor was detected by Western blot. Pathway protein detection including the expression of WNK1, NKCC1 were detected. Calcium imaging measures intracellular calcium ion concentration and verifies downstream targets. Results : The neurotoxic effects of sevoflurane on hippocampal neurons were observed. As setting the results of control group is “1”, compared with sevoflurane group, WNK-463 downregulated the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 (1.96±0.49 vs 1.29±0.38), increased cell viability (0.68 vs 0.96) and decreased apoptosis (13.31±4.67/vision vs 7.05±3.82/vision, *** P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, sevoflurane treatment increased the expression of WNK1 kinase and NKCC1 protein, whereas WNK-463 reversed this increase without affecting the control HT22 cells (* P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, sevoflurane exposure in HT22 cells increased intracellular Ca 2+ concentrations, while WNK-463 reversed this change (1.0 vs 2.08±1.36 vs 1.26±0.77, ** P < 0.01). Conclusion : This study demonstrated a neuroprotective role of the WNK1 antagonist WNK-463 in sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity. WNK-463 promoted hippocampal neuron viability and reduced the apoptosis and intracellular calcium overload caused by sevoflurane on HT22 hippocampal neurons, possibly via the modulation of the WNK1/NKCC1 pathway.
Effectiveness of extracorporeal blood purification (hemoadsorption) in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Asgharpour Masoumeh , Mehdinezhad Hamed , Bayani Masoumeh , Zavareh Mahmoud Sadeghi Haddad , Hamidi Seyed Hossein , Akbari Roghayyeh , Ghadimi Reza , Bijani Ali , Mouodi Simin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Extracorporeal blood purification has been proposed as one of the therapeutic approaches in patients with coronavirus infection, because of its beneficial impact on elimination of inflammatory cytokines.

Methods

This controlled trial has been conducted on critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted in the state hospital affiliated to Babol University of Medical Sciences, Iran who received different antiviral and antibacterial drugs, and different modalities of respiratory treatments and did not have positive clinical improvement. No randomization and blindness was considered. All of the participants underwent three sessions of resin-directed hemoperfusion using continuous renal replacement therapy with a mode of continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH).

Results

Five men and five women with a mean age of 57.30±18.07 years have been enrolled in the study; and six of them have improved after the intervention. Peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) changed after each session. Mean SpO2 before the three sessions of hemoperfusion was 89.60%±3.94% and increased to 92.13%±3.28% after them (p<0.001). Serum IL-6 showed a reduction from 139.70±105.62 to 72.06±65.87 pg/mL (p=0.073); and c-reactive protein increased from 136.25±84.39 to 78.25±38.67 mg/L (P=0.016).

Conclusions

Extracorporeal hemoadsorption could improve the general condition in most of recruited patients with severe coronavirus disease; however, large prospective multicenter trials in carefully selected patients are needed to definitely evaluate the efficacy of hemoperfusion in COVID-19 patients.
Perceived barriers to the adoption of active surveillance in low-risk prostate cancer: A Qualitative Analysis of Community and Academic Urologists
Authors: Ellis Shellie D , Hwang Soohyun , Morrow Emily , Kimminau Kim S. , Goonan Kelly , Petty Laurie , Ellerbeck Edward , Thrasher J Brantley 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Clinical practice guidelines recommend active surveillance as the preferred treatment option for low-risk prostate cancer, but only a minority of eligible men receive active surveillance, and practice variation is substantial. The aim of this study is to describe barriers to urologists’ recommendation of active surveillance in low-risk prostate cancer and explore variation of barriers by setting. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews among 22 practicing urologists, evenly distributed between academic and community practice. We coded barriers to active surveillance according to a conceptual model of determinants of treatment quality to identify potential opportunities for inResults: Community and academic urologists were generally in agreement on factors influencing active surveillance. Urologists perceived patient-level factors to have the greatest influence on recommendations, particularly tumor pathology, patient age, and judgements about the patient’s ability to adhere to follow-up protocols. They also noted cross-cutting clinical barriers, including concerns about the adequacy of biopsy samples, inconsistent protocols to guide active surveillance, and side effects of biopsy procedures. Urologists had differing opinions on the impact of environmental factors, such as financial disincentives and fear of litigation. Conclusions: Despite national and international recommendations, both academic and community urologists note a variety of barriers to implementing active surveillance in low risk prostate cancer. These barriers will need to be specifically addressed in efforts to help urologists offer active surveillance more consistently.
Cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein predicts neurodegeneration and clinical progression in non-demented elders
Authors: Li Jie-Qiong , Bi Yan-Lin , Shen Xue-Ning , Wang Hui-Fu , Xu Wei , Tan Chen-Chen , Dong Qiang , Wang Yan-Jiang , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAccumulating reports suggest that α-synuclein is involved in Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-synuclein could be a potential biomarker of AD. We sought to test whether CSF α-synuclein is associated with other AD biomarkers and could predict neurodegeneration and clinical progression in non-demented elders. MethodsAssociations were investigated between CSF α-synuclein and other AD biomarkers at baseline in non-demented Chinese elders. The predictive values of CSF α-synuclein in longitudinal neuroimaging change and conversion risk of non-demented elders were assessed using linear mixed effects models and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, respectively, in Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database.ResultsWe detected that CSF α-synuclein levels correlated with AD-specific biomarkers CSF total tau and phosphorylated tau levels in 651 Chinese Han participants (training set). These positive correlations were replicated in ADNI database (validation set). Using a longitudinal cohort from ADNI, CSF α-synuclein concentrations increased with disease severity. CSF α-synuclein had high diagnostic accuracy for AD based on the “ATN” system (A+T+) vs controls (A-T-) (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.84). Moreover, CSF α-synuclein predicted longitudinal hippocampus atrophy and conversion from MCI to AD dementia.ConclusionsCSF α-synuclein is associated with CSF tau levels and could predict neurodegeneration and clinical progression in non-demented elders. This finding indicates CSF α-synuclein is a potentially useful, early biomarker for AD.
Differentiating novel coronavirus pneumonia from general pneumonia based on machine learning
Authors: Liu Chenglong , Wang Xiaoyang , Liu Chenbin , Sun Qingfeng , Peng Wenxian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Chest CT screening as supplementary means is crucial in diagnosing novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) with high sensitivity and popularity. Machine learning was adept in discovering intricate structures from CT images and achieved expert-level performance in medical image analysis. Methods: An integrated machine learning framework on chest CT images for differentiating COVID-19 from general pneumonia (GP) was developed and validated. Seventy-three confirmed COVID-19 cases were consecutively enrolled together with twenty-seven confirmed general pneumonia patients from Ruian People’s Hospital, from January 2020 to March 2020. To accurately classify COVID-19, region of interest (ROI) delineation was implemented based on ground glass opacities (GGOs) before feature extraction. Then, 34 statistical texture features of COVID-19 and GP ROI images were extracted, including 13 gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) features, 15 gray level-gradient co-occurrence matrix (GLGCM) features and 6 histogram features. High dimensional features impact the classification performance. Thus, ReliefF algorithm was leveraged to select features. The relevance of each features was the average weights calculated by ReliefF in n times. Features with relevance lager than the empirically set threshold T were selected. After feature selection, the optimal feature set along with 4 other selected feature combinations for comparison were applied to the ensemble of bagged tree (EBT) and four other machine learning classifiers including support vector machine (SVM), logistic regression (LR), decision tree (DT), and K-nearest neighbor with Minkowski distance equal weight (KNN) using 10-fold cross-validation. Results and Conclusions: The classification accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE) of our proposed method yield 94.16%, 88.62% and 100.00%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.99. The experimental results indicate that the EBT algorithm with statistical textural features based on GGOs for differentiating COVID-19 from general pneumonia achieved high transferability, efficiency, specificity, sensitivity, and impressive accuracy, which is beneficial for inexperienced doctors to more accurately diagnose COVID-19 and essential for controlling the spread of the disease.
Ultrasound-targeted Microbubble Destruction Promotes Myocardial Angiogenesis and Functional Improventments in Rat Model of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Xijun , Zhu Haohui , Zhou Nanqian , Fang Zhixin , Yang Yuping , Jing Yun , Yuan Jianjun , Li Peng , Tian Xinqiao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Facilitating equal access to primary care for all: work experiences of health mediators in a primary health care model program in Hungary
Authors: Katona Cintia , Gutási Éva , Papp Magor , Varga Orsolya , Kósa Karolina 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: A Primary Care Model Programme was implemented in Hungary between 2013 and 2017 in order to increase access of disadvantaged population groups to primary care and to offer new preventive services for all clients. In a country with single-handed practices, four group practices or GP clusters were created in the Programme. Six GPs comprised one cluster who together employed nonmedical health professionals and nonprofessional health mediators, the latter recruited from the serviced communities, many of them of Roma ethnicity. Health mediators were tasked by improving access of the local communities – including its vulnerable Roma members – to existing and new services. Health mediators were interviewed about their work experiences, motivation, and overall opinion as members of the clusters as part of the Programme evaluation. Methods: As part of the Programme evaluation, structured interviews were conducted with all 40 health mediators employed at the time in the Programme. Interviews were transcribed and content analysis was carried out. Results: Three themes emerged from the transcripts. The first centered on the health mediators’ personal characteristics such as motivation to join the Programme, the way their job increased their self-esteem, social status and health consciousness. Domains of the second theme of their work included importance of on-the-job training and of their insider knowledge of local communities, as well as their pride to have become members of the primary care team. The third theme covered overall functioning of the Programme of which they had mostly positive opinions, notwithstanding some criticism regarding procurement. Conclusions: Health mediators had earlier worked in various European countries specifically to improve access of Roma ethnic groups to health services but the Hungarian Model Programme was globally the first in which health mediators, non-professional workers became equal members of the primary care team as employees. Their contribution and overwhelmingly positive experiences, along with their useful insights for improvement call for the establishment and funding of health mediator positions in primary care especially in areas with large numbers of disadvantaged Roma populations.
Use of Spinal Anaesthesia in Neonates and Infants in Antananarivo, Madagascar: A Retrospective Descriptive Study
Authors: Randriamizao Harifetra Mamy Richard , Rakotondrainibe Aurelia , Razafindrabekoto Lova Dany Ella , Ravoaviarivelo Prisca Funken , Rajaonera Andriambelo Tovohery , Andriamanarivo Mamy Lalatiana 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective : The aim of this study was to present the first cases of spinal anesthesia, in newborns and infants, preterms / ex-prematures, in order to determine its feasibility and its potential harmlessness, in Antananarivo – Madagascar. Indeed, spinal anesthesia is a low cost technique and can limit respiratory complications, postoperative apnea a contrario with pediatric general anesthesia which can lead to perioperative risks. Results : In a retrospective, descriptive, seven-year (2013 to 2019) period study, conducted in the University Hospital Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona, data files of 69 babies planned to have spinal anesthesia were recorded. These pediatric patients were predominantly male (sex ratio = 2.8) and 37 [28 - 52] days old. The smallest anesthetized child weighed 880g; the youngest was 4 days old. Twenty-seven (27) of them were premature and 20.3% presented respiratory diseases. They were mostly scheduled for hernia repair (90%). Spinal anesthesia was performed, with a Gauge 25 Quincke spinal needle, after 2 [1 - 2] attempts with hyperbaric bupivacaine of 4 [3.5 - 4] mg. Failure rate was 5.8%. The heart rate was stable throughout perioperative period and no complications were observed.