bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Target setting for lower limb joint surgery using the Timed Up and Go test in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kojima Toshihisa , Ishikawa Hajime , Tanaka Sakae , Haga Nobuhiko , Nishida Keiichiro , Yukioka Masao , Hashimoto Jun , Miyahara Hisaaki , Niki Yasuo , Kimura Tomoatsu , Oda Hiromi , Asai Shuji , Funahashi Koji , Kojima Masayo , Ishiguro Naoki 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis prospective observational cohort study aimed to set targets for lower limb joint surgery based on the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), an objective functional outcome measure, in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWe validated TUG as an outcome measure of lower limb joint surgery and compared it with changes in patient‐reported outcomes, including the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ‐DI) and European Quality of life scale with five dimensions (EQ‐5D). Changes in these outcomes were compared by performed surgery and by achievement of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for EQ‐5D using univariate analysis of variance. Associations between TUG and HAQ remission (HAQ‐DI ≤0.5) were determined using logistic regression analysis. Cut‐off values of TUG at baseline and 6 months after surgery for HAQ remission were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsA total of 126 patients were analyzed. Mean age, HAQ‐DI, and TUG were 65.4 years, 1.036, and 12.8 seconds, respectively. After surgery, patients showed improvements in TUG as well as HAQ‐DI. TUG at 6 months after surgery was significantly associated with HAQ remission (adjusted OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.65‐0.93). TUG cut‐off values at baseline and 6 months after surgery for achieving HAQ remission were 12.1 and 8.8 seconds, respectively. Significant improvements in TUG (∆TUG, 3.7 seconds) were associated with achievement of the MCID for EQ‐5D (≥0.05) at 6 months after surgery.ConclusionTimed Up and Go test is a useful tool for assessing the outcome of lower limb joint surgery in RA patients. We propose that TUG ≤9 seconds could be an objective target for achieving good physical function after lower limb joint surgery.
Burden and depression in caregivers of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in China
Authors: Ru Jinli , Ma Jing , Niu Hongqing , Chen Ying , Li Li , Liu Yanqiong , Li Xuxu , Lian Fengping , Wang Xiuli 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimCaregivers of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often experience a sense of burden and depression. This study aimed to determine the degree of burden and depression on caregivers of RA patients and identify characteristics of both patients and caregivers that may contribute to that distress.MethodsA convenience sample of 195 patients with RA and their caregivers completed a demographic questionnaire, Zarit Care Burden Scale, Center Depression Self Rating Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, and the Short Form Health Survey. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to evaluate contributing factors.ResultsOverall, caregivers' feelings of burden and depression were moderate, with 52 (26.7%) feeling depression and 156 (80%) feeling burdened. Caregivers with poorer health (OR = 4.393; 95% CI = 1.155‐16.708; P = 0.030) and less education (OR = 6.458; 95% CI = 1.675‐24.895; P = 0.007) experienced greater burdens than those with better health and more education. The greatest degree of stress occurred during the first 6 months of providing care and after 5 years of caregiving.ConclusionsOverall occurrence of depression among caregivers is low. Caregivers with poorer health, less education and closer relationship with the patient bear a heavier burden. Healthcare professionals should be aware of these potential problems and provide information and support to ensure the best quality of life for both RA patients and their caregivers.
Is granulomatosis with polyangiitis in Asia different from the West?
Authors: Naidu Godasi S. R. S. N. K. , Misra Durga Prasanna , Rathi Manish , Sharma Aman 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe incidence and clinical features of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) have been shown to vary according to geographical areas, with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) being more common in northern Europe and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) being more common in Asian countries. The annual incidence of GPA among Asians varies between 0.37/million to 2.1/million population. The prevalence of GPA has been estimated to be 1.94/100 000 in a Chinese population. Polymorphisms in class II major histocompatibility genes and ETS1 proto‐oncogene has been shown in Asian patients with GPA. There is a difference in mean age at onset and proteinase 3 (PR3) or myeloperoxidase (MPO) positivity in GPA patients from different Asian countries. Those from India had mean age of 40 years and those from Japan had mean age of 65 years. Sixty percent of GPA patients from China and Japan were MPO ANCA positive while the majority of patients from India and Korea were PR3 positive. Geographical variation with lower frequency of renal involvement in Indian studies and higher frequency in Chinese patients has also been noted. Treatment outcomes have been similar to those reported from other parts of the world. Remission was achieved in about two‐thirds of patients while relapses were noted in one‐third to half of the patients. Apart from minor differences in the organ systems involved, MPO‐ANCA GPA and PR3‐ANCA GPA had similar rates of remission and relapses.
Impact of subclinical synovitis in ankles and feet detected by ultrasonography in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Inamo Jun , Kaneko Yuko , Sakata Komei , Takeuchi Tsutomu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the impact of subclinical synovitis detected by ultrasonography (US) on the ankles and feet of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of patients (n = 59) who underwent US.ResultsThe functional ability and quality of life (QoL) of patients in the subclinical group were impaired. While the physician visual analog scale (VAS) scores significantly decreased in the subclinical group, patient and pain VAS scores significantly decreased only in patients without synovitis.ConclusionUS‐detected subclinical foot and ankle synovitis considerably affected patient functional status and QoL; however, it was often unnoticed by physicians.
Relationship between neutrophil‐lymphocyte, platelet‐lymphocyte ratio and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis treated with rituximab
Authors: Sargin Gokhan , Senturk Taskin , Yavasoglu Irfan , Kose Reyhan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundNeutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) may be used as indicators of inflammatory markers and disease activity due to inflammatory changes in neutrophils, platelets and lymphocytes. Our aim is to investigate the relationship between NLR, PLR ratio and disease activity in RA patients treated with rituximab.MethodsThirty‐eight patients (8 male, 30 female, mean age 56.8 ± 11.8 years) diagnosed with RA and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Disease Activity Score of 28 joints ‐ erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR), lymphocyte, neutrophil, platelet counts, ESR, C‐reactive protein (CRP), PLR, and NLR were evaluated before and after rituximab in RA patients. The relationship between all parameters was assessed by Pearson's correlation, Wilcoxon signed‐rank, Mann‐Whitney U and paired t tests.ResultsThe levels of CRP, ESR, and DAS28‐ESR decreased significantly at 6 months of rituximab treatment compared to pre‐treatment. NLR and PLR ratios were higher in patients with RA than the control group. The median levels were 33.5 mm/hour, 5.7 mg/dL, and 3.7 respectively after 6 months of rituximab treatment. And, the levels were lower than baseline treatment. There was a significant correlation between the levels of DAS28‐ESR and NLR, DAS28‐ESR and PLR before and after treatment.ConclusionsThe NLR and PLR were higher than healthy controls and correlated with DAS28‐ESR in patients with RA. These parameters which are indicative of disease activity decrease with rituximab and correlate with disease activity at 6 months. The NLR and PLR may be useful indices to evaluate RA disease activity treated with rituximab.
Incidence and risk factors for reactivation from resolved hepatitis B virus in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with biological disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs
Authors: Watanabe Toshiyuki , Fukae Jun , Fukaya Shinji , Sawamukai Norifumi , Isobe Masato , Matsuhashi Megumi , Shimizu Masato , Akikawa Kazumasa , Tanimura Kazuhide , Atsumi Tatsuya , Koike Takao 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimTo identify the incidence and risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with resolved HBV receiving biological disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).MethodRheumatoid arthritis patients in whom bDMARD therapy was initiated in our departments from April 2009 to July 2016 were reviewed. The patients diagnosed with resolved HBV and whose HBV‐DNA levels had been repeatedly measured were enrolled. The endpoint was HBV reactivation (a positive conversion of HBV‐DNA or unquantifiable cases with positivity <20 IU/mL). Nucleic acid analogues (NAAs) were administered when the HBV‐DNA levels increased beyond 20 IU/mL. The associations between HBV reactivation and the clinical findings were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐two RA patients with resolved HBV were enrolled; 133 (88%) patients had antibodies against HBV surface antigen (anti‐HBs). The medicines that were administered included: abatacept (n = 29), golimumab (n = 26), etanercept (n = 25), tocilizumab (n = 25), adalimumab (n = 19), infliximab (n = 17) and certolizumab pegol (n = 11). During the observation period (15 [interquartile range 4.0‐34] months), 7 (4.6%) patients developed HBV reactivation. In 5 of these patients, the HBV‐DNA levels became negative or remained at <20 IU/mL (+) without NAA therapy. HBV‐DNA levels of >20 IU/mL were observed in 2 patients but the HBV‐DNA levels became negative after NAA treatment. Patients who were negative for anti‐HBs showed a significantly higher incidence of HBV reactivation (P = 0.013).ConclusionHBV reactivation occurred in 4.6% of RA patients with resolved HBV during the treatment with bDMARDs and the absence of anti‐HBs may be a risk factor for the reactivation of resolved HBV.
Piezosurgical management of sealer extrusion‐associated mental nerve anaesthesia: A case report
Authors: Szalma József , Soós Balázs , Krajczár Károly , Lempel Edina 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe present report describes a case where sealer extrusion (Sealapex) occurred during root canal obturation of a left lower second premolar tooth, and the patient experienced sudden pain and followed by complete anaesthesia of the lower lip. After 3 weeks of conservative therapy and an unaltered anaesthesia period, piezosurgical removal of the extruded sealer and root‐end resection was performed despite the direct contact with the mental neurovascular bundle. At suture removal, 1 week after surgery, there was no improvement in sensation. Two weeks after the operation, the patient reported some changes, including a short paraesthesia period alternating with anaesthesia. At the fourth post‐operative week, neurosensory function recovered completely. This case represents successful use of the piezoelectric technique for mental nerve decompression and periapical surgery of a lower second premolar with close contact of the mental nerve.
An assessment of endodontic treatment completion rate in a University‐based student clinic and the factors associated with incomplete treatment
Authors: Krishnan Unni , Huang Hejie Jessica , Moule Alex , Lalloo Ratilal 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIncomplete endodontic treatment is potentially a public health issue. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the endodontic treatment completion rate at a University student clinic and to identify the factors associated with completion rates. The records of all patients who commenced an endodontic treatment (code 415) from January 2015 to December 2015 were extracted. A total of 783 records were available for analysis of which 86% received complete endodontic treatment. Maxillary first molars were significantly associated with incomplete endodontic treatment (IET). Patients requiring an additional visit (code 455) were 1.5 times more likely to have an IET. The endodontic treatment completion rate at the School of Dentistry at the University of Queensland is higher than those reported in other international university‐based student clinics. Focus group surveys of students and supervisors are required to identify the reasons for higher IET with maxillary first molars and code 455.
The effect of bleaching agents on the compressive strength of calcium silicate‐based materials
Authors: Keskin Cangül , Sariyilmaz Evren , KeleŞ Ali 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe present study aimed to evaluate the effect of sodium perborate on the compressive strength of calcium silicate‐based materials. ProRoot wMTA, MTA Plus, NeoMTA Plus and Biodentine discs with 5 mm thickness and 4 mm diameter were prepared. Thirty discs from each material were used for compressive strength testing and divided into two groups: control and bleaching (n = 15). The sodium perborate was mixed with 30% hydrogen peroxide in a creamy consistency and placed on the surface of the specimens. Specimens were tested in an Instron machine, and compressive strength values were recorded and compared. The data were analysed using one‐way anova and post hoc Tukey tests. Compressive strength of all tested materials significantly decreased after bleaching (P < 0.05). SEM examination revealed deterioration on materials’ surfaces after bleaching. Application of sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide reduced the compressive strength of ProRoot wMTA, MTA Plus, NeoMTA Plus and Biodentine.
Endodontic management of a maxillary first molar with two palatal roots: A case report
Authors: Schryvers Alexander , Govaerts Dries , Politis Constantinus , Lambrechts Paul 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis case report describes the endodontic treatment of a maxillary first molar with two palatal roots. Both of the palatal canals had separate canal orifices and separate foramina. A cone beam computed tomography scan was taken prior to treatment to visualise any abnormalities seen on a periapical radiograph. The shaping procedure of the root canal treatment was performed using reciprocating instruments. The obturation was performed using matched gutta percha points and a resin based sealer in a warm vertical compaction manner. Complete bone healing of the periapical area was visualised on intra‐oral radiographs taken one year after the treatment. No canals were unfilled nor untreated.
Genome‐wide identification of microRNAs in decidual natural killer cells from patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Li Dandan , Li Jian , Jia Bin , Wang Yue , Zhang Juxin , Liu Guangzhi 
Published: October 2018

ProblemThis study revealed miRNA regulation and functional microarray‐based profiles of miRNAs in the natural killer (NK) cells of the decidual tissue obtained from patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA).Method of StudyPatients with URSA were categorized based on the occurrence of at least two or more successive spontaneous abortions between 7th and 10th gestational week. Total RNA was isolated from the NK cells of the decidual tissue obtained from patients with induced abortion at about the 8th gestational week. The potential contribution of regulatory miRNAs to a genetic predisposition to URSA was characterized by comparison with healthy and fertile controls and bioinformatics analyses.ResultsAnalysis of the miRNA expression profiles identified 50 miRNAs that were differentially expressed, including one down‐regulated and 49 up‐regulated miRNAs in the URSA group. MiRNA‐Gene‐Network, miRNA‐GO‐Network and miRNA‐Gene‐TF‐Network were constructed. The key miRNAs, genes, GOs and core TFs in the network were determined.ConclusionOur results suggest that a close relationship exists between the aberrant miRNAs and URSA. Furthermore, these findings support the notion that altered expression of miRNAs may contribute to the clinical diagnosis of URSA and the potential to develop novel strategies for therapeutic targets against URSA.
Physical activity and eye diseases. The Beijing Eye Study
Authors: Wang Ya Xing , Wei Wen Bin , Xu Liang , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeTo assess associations between the amount of physical activity and the prevalence of ocular diseases.MethodsThe participants of the population‐based Beijing Eye Study underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination and an interview. Physical activity was assessed in a standardized questionnaire.ResultsOut of 3468 study participants, information on their physical activity was available for 3031 (87.4%) individuals (age: 64.6 ± 9.7 years; range: 50–93 years). In multivariate analysis (regression coefficient r: 0.41), higher physical activity was associated with a lower prevalence of diabetic retinopathy [p = 0.009; standardized regression coefficient beta: −0.05; non‐standardized regression coefficient B: −15.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): −27.6, −3.90] after adjusting for younger age, rural region of habitation, lower level of education, lower blood concentrations of triglycerides and low‐density lipoproteins and higher blood concentrations of high‐density lipoproteins, higher systolic blood pressure, lower body mass index and lower depression score. Other major ocular diseases such as open‐angle glaucoma (p = 0.25), angle‐closure glaucoma (p = 0.59), nuclear cataract (p = 0.78), cortical cataract (p = 0.54), posterior subcapsular cataract (p = 0.96), retinal vein occlusions (p = 0.93) and central serous choroidopathy (p = 0.39) were not statistically associated with physical activity in that model. The association between higher physical activity and prevalence of age‐related macular degeneration (p = 0.04; β: 0.04; B: 4.87; 95% CI: 0.25, 9.50) was marginally significant.ConclusionsHigher physical activity and less sedentary lifestyle were associated with a lower prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, while the occurrence of other major ocular diseases such as any type of cataract and of glaucoma, retinal vein occlusions and central serous choroidopathy was statistically independent of physical activity or a more sedentary lifestyle.
High‐intensity exercise training ameliorates aberrant expression of markers of mitochondrial turnover but not oxidative damage in skeletal muscle of men with essential hypertension
Authors: Fiorenza Matteo , Gunnarsson Thomas P. , Ehlers Thomas S. , Bangsbo Jens 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimTo examine whether hypertensive individuals exhibit altered muscle mitochondrial turnover and redox homeostasis compared with healthy normotensive counterparts, and whether the antihypertensive effect of high‐intensity exercise training is associated with improved mitochondrial quality and enhanced anti‐oxidant defence.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional and longitudinal parallel design, 24 essential hypertensive (HYP) and 13 healthy normotensive (NORM) men completed 6 weeks of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT). Twenty four‐hour ambulatory blood pressure, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, exercise capacity and skeletal muscle characteristics were examined before and after HIIT. Expression of markers of mitochondrial turnover, anti‐oxidant protection and oxidative damage was determined in vastus lateralis muscle biopsies. Muscle protein levels of eNOS and VEGF, and muscle capillarity were also evaluated.ResultsAt baseline, HYP exhibited lower expression of markers of mitochondrial volume/biogenesis, mitochondrial fusion/fission and autophagy along with depressed eNOS expression compared with NORM. Expression of markers of anti‐oxidant protection was similar in HYP and NORM, whereas oxidative damage was higher in HYP than in NORM. In HYP, HIIT lowered blood pressure, improved body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise capacity, up‐regulated markers of mitochondrial volume/biogenesis and autophagy and increased eNOS and VEGF protein content. Furthermore, in HYP, HIIT induced divergent responses in markers of mitochondrial fusion and anti‐oxidant protection, did not affect markers of mitochondrial fission, and increased apoptotic susceptibility and oxidative damage.ConclusionThe present results indicate aberrant muscle mitochondrial turnover and augmented oxidative damage in hypertensive individuals. High‐intensity exercise training can partly reverse hypertension‐related impairments in muscle mitochondrial turnover, but not redox imbalance.
Examining Cross‐Cultural Differences in Academic Faking in 41 Nations
Authors: Fell Clemens B. , König Cornelius J. 
Published: October 2018

This study examines cross‐cultural differences in students’ academic faking (indicated by claiming to have impossible knowledge about mathematical concepts) by relating data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) to the comprehensive cultural framework of the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) project. Data of N = 233,428 students from 41 countries showed a substantial amount of variance in academic faking between cultures. Students’ academic faking was positively related to the cultural dimensions of gender egalitarianism, humane orientation, and in‐group collectivism. Additionally, the similarity between female and male students’ academic faking was slightly greater in more gender‐egalitarian cultures than in less gender‐egalitarian cultures. Thus, educational stakeholders (e.g., teachers, principals, and policy‐makers) should be made aware of cross‐cultural differences in academic faking because faking gives fakers an unfair advantage.
The enigmatic ATP supply of the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Depaoli Maria R. , Hay Jesse C. , Graier Wolfgang F. , Malli Roland 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a functionally and morphologically complex cellular organelle largely responsible for a variety of crucial functions, including protein folding, maturation and degradation. Furthermore, the ER plays an essential role in lipid biosynthesis, dynamic Ca2+ storage, and detoxification. Malfunctions in ER‐related processes are responsible for the genesis and progression of many diseases, such as heart failure, cancer, neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders. To fulfill many of its vital functions, the ER relies on a sufficient energy supply in the form of adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP), the main cellular energy source. Despite landmark discoveries and clarification of the functional principles of ER‐resident proteins and key ER‐related processes, the mechanism underlying ER ATP transport remains somewhat enigmatic. Here we summarize ER‐related ATP‐consuming processes and outline our knowledge about the nature and function of the ER energy supply.