bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between polymorphisms in catechol‐O‐methyl transferase, opioid receptor Mu 1 and serotonin receptor genes with postoperative pain following root canal treatment
Authors: Karataş E. , Kahraman Ç. Y. , Akbıyık N. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COMT, OPRM1, 5HT1A, 5HT2A and 5HTR3B genes on the intensity of postoperative pain following root canal treatment.MethodologyNinety‐five patients with mandibular and maxillary molar teeth diagnosed with symptomatic apical periodontitis and a level of preoperative pain greater than 50 on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) were included. Salivary DNA was collected from the participants and stored in Eppendorf tubes at −80 °C. Preoperative percussion pain values were recorded before the root canal treatment procedures. After completion of root canal treatment, the participants were given instructions to record their postoperative pain intensity levels at 24, 48 and 72 h, 5 days and 1 week after treatment, using the VAS. A second visit for the patients after seven days was planned to record their intensity levels of percussion pain on VAS. The percussion test was performed by tapping on the occlusal surface of the tooth with a blunt instrument. A QIAamp DNA Mini Kit was used to isolate DNA from saliva, and SNP Genotyping Analysis software version 1 was used to analyse the genotypes by calculating FAM and HEX signals. The Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used to evaluate pain intensity values amongst the genotypes, alleles, haplotypes and allele combinations. Nominal data (gender, intake and tooth number) were analysed using a Chi‐square test. Bonferroni correction was performed. Thus, the significance level was set at 1.6% (P = 0.016), 2.5% (P = 0.025) and 1.25% (P = 0.0125) for genotype, allele and haplotype comparisons, respectively.ResultsThere was no significant difference amongst the genotypes and alleles in terms of pre‐ and postoperative pain intensity. There was no significant difference amongst the haplotypes formed for the COMT gene in terms of pain intensity. Additionally, there was no significant association between the allelic combination formed for 5HT1A + 5HT2A genes and the intensity of postoperative pain.ConclusionThe findings indicate that none of the evaluated SNPs for COMT, OPRM1, 5HT1A, 5HT2A and 5HTR3B genes were associated with the intensity of postoperative pain.
Effect of XP‐endo Shaper versus conventional rotary files on postoperative pain and bacterial reduction in oval canals with necrotic pulps: a randomized clinical study
Authors: Emara R. S. , Gawdat S. I. , El‐Far H. M. M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo assess postoperative pain and bacterial reduction following the use of XP‐endo Shaper versus conventional rotary files in preparation of oval canals with necrotic pulps.MethodologyThis superiority, parallel, randomized, double blinded clinical trial was conducted in the clinic of the Endodontic Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Egypt. Sixty single‐canalled mandibular premolars with necrotic pulps were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Canals were instrumented using XP‐endo Shaper files in the intervention group and iRaCe rotary files in the control group. Bacterial samples were taken before and after canal instrumentation. Incidence and severity of postoperative pain was assessed using a modified VAS after 6, 12, 24 h and daily for 5 days. A culture method was used to assess the number of bacterial colony forming units. Incidence of analgesic intake as well as flare‐ups was recorded. Data were analysed using chi‐square, Fisher Exact, Mann–Whitney, Independent t‐test, and Spearman’s correlation for pain and bacterial counts.ResultsThe XP‐endo Shaper compared with the iRaCe group was associated with a significantly lower incidence of postoperative pain at 6, 12, and 24 h (P = 0.039, 0.047, and 0.026, respectively), and severity of postoperative pain at 6 h (mean difference: 1.33, 95% CI: 0.307–2.352, P = 0.02), 12 h (mean difference: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.26–1.936, P = 0.007), 24 h (mean difference: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.178–1.701, P = 0.008) and 48 h (mean difference: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.192–1.747, P = 0.038). There was a significant decrease in bacterial count following canal instrumentation in both groups (P < 0.001) with no significant difference between them (mean difference: 0.83 × 105, 95% CI: 0.336 × 105–1.996 × 105, P = 0.56). A weak correlation existed between postoperative pain severity and bacterial counts (P = 0.54). There was no significant difference in analgesic intake between the two groups (P = 0.085). Flare‐ups occurred in 3.3% of teeth in the iRaCe group, while no flare‐ups occurred in the XP‐endo Shaper group.ConclusionsXP‐endo Shaper was associated with a significantly lower frequency of postoperative pain for up to 24 h, and lower severity of postoperative pain for up to 48 h compared with iRaCe files. Both systems were equally effective in bacterial reduction from oval root canals with necrotic pulps.
Determinants of incorrect inhaler technique in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Harb Hadeer S. , Ibrahim Laz Nabila , Rabea Hoda , Abdelrahim Mohamed E. A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsThere is a lack of an overview of determinants of incorrect inhaler technique among chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible determinants of incorrect inhaler technique in COPD subjects with common inhalers.MethodsA cross over study was conducted in 180 COPD subjects. Baseline assessment of inhaler technique was evaluated in 10 placebo inhalers including: [pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI), Aerolizer, Handihaler, Turbohaler, Discus, Breezhaler, Ellipta, Easyhaler, Diskhaler and Respimat] without receiving any instructions. Subjects were then crossed over to other inhalers in random order. Inhaler technique was assessed. The proper technique of inhalers was demonstrated and the number of counselling attempts needed to achieve a correct technique was recorded. Patient past‐experience, demographics/clinical variables were recorded.ResultsIncorrect inhaler techniques were highly prevalent among COPD subjects, ranging from 80% of participants demonstrated incorrect use, a minimum of 1 error, with Ellipta, to 100% with Respimat/Diskhaler (P < .001). Past‐experience (OR = 14.639 at P < .001) and inhaler‐type (OR = 10.397 at P < .001, 4.267 at P =. 007, 2.664 at P =. 057, 8.666 at P =. 001, 10.250 at P < .001, 0.613 at P =. 212 and 0.265 at P< .001 for pMDI, Aerolizer, Handihaler, Turbohaler, Discus, Breezhaler and Ellipta, respectively) were the strongest determinants of incorrect technique followed by gender (OR = 0.310 at P < .001), age category (OR = 0.307 at P < .001) and GOLD group (OR = 2.289 at P =. 005).ConclusionIncorrect inhaler techniques are highly prevalent among COPD subjects. Lack of past‐experience, certain inhaler types, female gender, older age and lower GOLD group are the most significant determinants of incorrect technique.
Regulation of Chlamydia spreading from the small intestine to the large intestine via an immunological barrier
Authors: He Conghui , Xu Ying , Huo Zhi , Wang Jie , Jia Tianjun , Li Xiao‐Dong , Zhong Guangming 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia is a genital tract pathogen that can also colonize the gastrointestinal tract for long periods. The long‐lasting colonization is dependent on chlamydial spreading from the small intestine to the large intestine. We previously reported that a mutant Chlamydia was able to activate an intestinal barrier for blocking its own spreading to the large intestine. In the current study, we used the mutant Chlamydia colonization model to confirm the intestinal barrier function and further to determine the immunological basis of the barrier with gene‐deficient mice. Recombination activating gene 1−/− mice failed to block the mutant Chlamydia spreading, while mice deficient in toll‐like receptors, myeloid differentiation primary response 88 or stimulator of interferon genes still blocked the spreading, suggesting that the intestinal barrier function is dependent on lymphocytes that express antigen receptors. Mice deficient in CD4, but not CD8 nor μ chain failed to prevent the chlamydial spreading, indicating a protective role of CD4+ cells in the intestinal barrier. Consistently, adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells reconstituted the intestinal barrier in CD4‐/‐ mice. More importantly, CD4+ but not CD8+ T cells nor B cells restored the intestinal barrier function in recombination activating gene 1−/− mice. Thus, CD4+ T cells are necessary and sufficient for maintaining the intestinal barrier function, indicating that the spread of an intracellular bacterium from the small intestine to the large intestine is regulated by an immunological barrier. This study has also laid a foundation for further illuminating the mechanisms by which a CD4+ T cell‐dependent intestinal barrier regulates bacterial spreading in the gut.
Shaping the Balkan corridor: Development and changes in the migration route 2015–16
Authors: Abikova Jana , Piotrowicz Wojciech 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn 2015–16, Europe witnessed the biggest refugee crisis since the Second World War. Over a million people moved via different migration routes. The key route was the Balkan corridor running from Turkey, via Greece, to Central, Western and Northern Europe. The aim of this paper is to describe the development and changes in the route and provide an analysis of transit via Balkan countries, looking at factors that influenced the shape of the corridor. This refugee crisis was challenging for European countries and the whole European Union (EU). This corridor was unique, being de facto formalized semi‐legal territory, which the EU had never faced before. An official reaction to the crisis was necessary due to the substantial number of people who were on the move, seeking to cross the Balkan countries in the fastest manner possible. Therefore, the response was focused on arranging transport and providing only short‐term accommodation. This paper uses the PESTLE framework to examine the key political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental aspects that influenced the Balkan corridor, as well as changes in the route over time and responses to them. The role of the media in shaping the corridor is also acknowledged, thus resulting in a PESTLE‐M framework. Findings from the research are important, as it is likely that the EU will face a similar crisis in the near future. Therefore, there is a need to prepare and develop a plan in case such a situation arises.
The dietary knowledge measurement instruments in diabetes: A systematic psychometric review
Authors: Montagut‐Martínez Pedro , Pérez‐Cruzado David , Gutiérrez‐Sánchez Daniel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsTo identify, critically appraise, and summarize instruments to measure dietary knowledge in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2.DesignPsychometric systematic review.Data sourcesA comprehensive search was carried out during March 2020 in the followed databases: Medline, Web of Science, Open Grey, Cochrane Library, COSMIN database, and Scielo.Review MethodsIn accordance with the most up‐to‐date COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments methodology (COSMIN) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statements. A systematic review of the measurement properties of the instruments that assess the level of dietary knowledge in the diabetic population was carried out. The COSMIN checklist was used to assess the measurement properties of existing patient‐reported outcome measures to select the most appropriate outcome measurement instrument. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42020186516).ResultsNine instruments were identified. The Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT) was the questionnaire included in the largest volume of studies. The Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ) was the questionnaire with the most evaluated psychometric characteristics. The Personal Diabetes Questionnaire (PDQ) was the second with the highest number of psychometric characteristics evaluated and with a better score regarding the quality of the evidence.ConclusionAccording to the quality methodological results; DKT, DKQ and PDQ are the recommended instruments to assess dietary knowledge in people with diabetes types 1 and 2.Impact statementWhat problem did the study address?One of the main factors that lead to greater difficulty for patients with diabetes mellitus is dietary management, and it is necessary to evaluate whether the patient has sufficient knowledge about dietetics to practice a healthy diet.What were the main findings?Nine instruments were identified that were specifically designed to assess dietary knowledge in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 1 or 2. Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test, Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire, and Personal Diabetes Questionnaire are the recommended instruments to assess dietary knowledge in people with diabetes.Where and on whom will the research have impact?The evaluation of this construct is very useful both in clinical practice; at hospital, community and primary care levels, in patients with type 1 and / or 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), as in research.
Holocene heathland development in temperate oceanic Southern Hemisphere: Key drivers in a global context
Authors: Adeleye Matthew Adesanya , Haberle Simon Graeme , Harris Stephen , Hopf Felicitas Viktoria‐Louise , Connor Simon , Stevenson Janelle 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimUnderstanding long‐term heathland development is key in mitigating their current attrition globally. However, such knowledge is limited in Australia and the wider Southern Hemisphere. We aim to identify potential climatic and environmental drivers of Holocene heathland development in temperate‐oceanic Australia (Bass Strait), and also assess the applicability of Iversen's conceptual model of interglacial vegetation development to the area.LocationBass Strait, southeast Australia.TaxonMonotoca, Epacris, Sprengelia and Restionaceae.MethodsWe used multiple sedimentary pollen and charcoal records from truwana/Cape Barren Island (CBI) in Bass Strait to reconstruct vegetation and fire history. We also used rarefaction analysis on pollen records to estimate floristic richness for all sites, and magnetic susceptibility and organic content were derived for two of the four sites as proxies for local sedimentary changes. Reconstructed vegetation and fire histories were then compared to independent records of climate and sea‐level change in temperate Australia, using a Detrended Correspondence Analysis ordination, to identify major drivers of heathland development.ResultsMajor heathland expansion occurred on truwana/CBI between the early and mid‐Holocene in response to sea‐level rise, high effective precipitation, reduced seasonality and increased Indigenous burning. Increasing seasonality, low effective precipitation, El Niño‐Southern Oscillation intensification, stable sea level, and decreased fire activity drove the expansion of scrub and woodland at the expense of heathland in the late Holocene. The overall vegetation development on truwana/CBI fits poorly with the classic Iversen conceptual model of interglacial vegetation development in the Northern Hemisphere, due to the significant role of interglacial sea‐level rise on truwana/CBI. Therefore, a modified model, which takes into account the role of sea‐level change, is proposed for Southern Hemisphere‐temperate‐oceanic settings.Main conclusionsHeathland developments in both hemispheres reflect some level of homogeneity, considering the roles of increased Indigenous burning and reduced seasonality in both hemispheres. Frequent, controlled burning strategies are recommended to maintain heathland on truwana/CBI.
Tricuspid valve annuloplasty and mitral valve replacement are associated with bradyarrhythmia after mitral valve surgery
Authors: Herrmann Florian E. M. , Schleith Anne‐Sophie , Graf Helen , Sadoni Sebastian , Hagl Christian , Bagaev Erik , Juchem Gerd 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionMitral valve surgery has developed into a strong subspecialty of cardiac surgery with operative techniques and outcomes constantly improving. The development of bradyarrhythmias after mitral valve surgery is not completely understood.MethodsWe investigated a cohort of 797 patients requiring mitral valve surgery with and without concomitant procedures. Incidences and predictors of pacemaker requirement as well as survival were analyzed.ResultsIn the complete follow‐up period (median follow‐up time: 6.09 years [95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.94–6.22 years, maximum 8.77 years) 80 patients (10% of the complete cohort) required pacemaker implantation for bradyarrhythmia. The cumulative rate of pacemaker implantation was 6.4% at 50 days (48 patients) with most (54.2%) requiring pacing for atrioventricular block. Mitral valve replacement (odds ratio [OR]: 1.905; 95% CI: 1.206–3.536; p = .041) and tricuspid ring annuloplasty (OR: 2.348; 95% CI: 1.165–4.730, p = .017) were identified as operative risk factors of pacemaker requirement after mitral valve surgery. Insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus was also identified as a predictor of pacemaker requirement (OR: 4.665; 95% CI: 1.975–11.02; p = .001). There was no difference in survival in the paced and unpaced groups.ConclusionsAfter mitral valve surgery, a relevant subgroup of patients requires pacemaker implantation—most for atrioventricular block. We identified mitral valve replacement and tricuspid ring annuloplasty as significant operative risk factors and insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus as a demographic risk factor. While anatomic relationships help explain the operative risk factors the role of diabetes mellitus is not completely understood.
Premature battery depletion of EMBLEM subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators
Authors: Ip James E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe EMBLEM subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) has an expected longevity of 7 years. In August 2019, Boston Scientific released an advisory regarding a limited subset of ~400 S‐ICDs that exhibited an increased likelihood of an electrical component malfunction causing accelerated battery depletion. We observed several cases of nonadvisory S‐ICD early battery depletion and sought to systematically evaluate the cohort of EMBLEM devices implanted and followed in our medical center. Out of 118 nonadvisory EMBLEM S‐ICDs with a median time to most recent follow‐up after implant of 735 days (interquartile range 375–1219 days), there were four premature battery failures identified. Serial device interrogations showed a sudden reduction in battery life at 1 195, 1 205, 1 300, and 678 days after implant. The number of shocks delivered during the lifetime of the devices did not explain the premature depletion. There was a sudden departure from the gradual linear decrease in battery longevity observed over time. We are the first to report a signal of premature battery depletion among S‐ICD EMBLEM devices that were not among the initial advisory devices. The prevalence of premature battery failure in our cohort was 3.4%, occurring at an average of 1 095 days. Following these reports, Boston Scientific issued an advisory on EMBLEM devices in December 2020 extending beyond the initial advisory subset. The current projected occurrence rate for hydrogen‐induced accelerated battery depletion is 3.7% at 5 years. Increased surveillance of this potential device issue and mitigation to identify patients at risk for this is warranted.
High prevalence of fragmented QRS on electrocardiography in Japanese patients with diabetes irrespective of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Yagi Kunimasa , Nagata Yoshiki , Yamagami Takashi , Chujo Daisuke , Kamigishi Miki , Yokoyama‐Nakagawa Maki , Shikata Masataka , Enkaku Asako , Takikawa‐Nishida Akiko , Honoki Hisae , Fujisaka Shiho , Origasa Hideki , Tobe Kazuyuki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionFragmented QRS (fQRS) on electrocardiography is a marker of myocardial fibrosis and myocardial scar formation. This study aimed to clarify the relationship of fQRS with diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Japanese patients.Materials and MethodsApproximately 702 individuals who had a routine health checkup at the Hokuriku Health Service Association (Toyama, Japan) in October 2014 were enrolled and categorized into one of the following four groups based on MetS and diabetes mellitus status: with diabetes mellitus (+) MetS+ (164 participants); diabetes mellitus+ without MetS (Mets−; 103 participants); diabetes mellitus− MetS+ (133 participants); and diabetes mellitus− MetS− (302 participants). fQRS was assessed using the results of electrocardiography.ResultsThe prevalence of fQRS was statistically higher in patients with diabetes mellitus+ MetS+ (37%) and diabetes mellitus+ MetS− (35%), than those with diabetes mellitus− MetS+ (14%) or diabetes mellitus− MetS− (10%; P < 0.0001). Significant differences were observed between the fQRS(+) and fQRS(–) groups for age, sex, waist circumference, heart rate, hypertension, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, MetS and diabetes mellitus. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for traditional risk factors and diabetes mellitus was 0.72 (P = 0.0007, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.76), and for traditional risk factors and MetS it was 0.67 (P = 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.72). Patients with diabetes mellitus had more than threefold higher likelihood of showing fQRS (odds ratio 3.41; 95% confidence interval 2.25–5.22; P < 0.0001) compared with the reference group without diabetes mellitus, after adjusting for age, sex, dyslipidemia, hypertension and waist circumference.ConclusionsfQRS was observed more frequently in diabetes mellitus patients than in MetS and control individuals. Diabetes mellitus was the most significant determinant for fQRS among MetS and other traditional metabolic risk factors.
Comparative proteomic analysis provides insight into the key proteins as potential targets underlying the effect of malachite green against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: Qu Shenye , Song Chenguang , Tan Xiaoping , Wang Gaoxue , Ling Fei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTarget identification is important for drug discovery. Unfortunately, no drug targets have been found in Ichthyophthirius multifiliis until now and further limited development of the novel drug for Ichthyophthiriasis. In this study, an iTRAQ‐based quantitative proteomic analysis was used to find the target of malachite green (MG), exhibiting greater efficacy than the existing drugs, against I. multifiliis trophonts in situ. We also verified the proteomic results by RT‐qPCR, TEM and cell apoptosis assay. Our results showed that major variations in protein abundance were found among many of the ribosome proteins, indicating ribosome might be a candidate target. Furthermore, GO and KEGG pathway analyses of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) revealed that ribosome and PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway were remarkably enriched. Taken together, the above DEPs were also verified by RT‐qPCR and morphological observations. This study provides insights into the key proteins enriched in PI3K‐Akt signal pathway and ribosome pathway as potential targets of MG killing I. multifiliis, which could be served as targets for other less toxic drugs and be tested as potential treatments for I. multifiliis.