bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of apical periodontitis treatment on hyperglycaemia in diabetes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Davidović Brankica , Krunić Jelena , Mladenović Irena , Stojanović Nikola , Hannig Matthias , Vitkov Ljubomir 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimThis prospective cohort study was undertaken to evaluate the success rate of root canal treatment (RCT) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with targeted level and unachieved targeted level of glycaemic control as well as the impact of RCT on the glucose blood level in T2DM patients.MethodologyPatients needing RCT were divided into three groups: these without T2DM, that is, the control group (CG), those with targeted level of glycated haemoglobin HbA1c < 7% (TL A1c) and the third ones with unachieved targeted level (UTL A1c), that is, with HbA1c ≥ 7%. Before RCT, HbA1c and the periapical index (PAI) score were assessed, as well as 1 year later.ResultsOur results showed less favourable treatment results of RCT such as a reduction of radiographic lesions in T2DM patients, particularly in subjects with UTL A1c. The intergroup analysis of PAI score at the 12‐month follow‐up revealed a significant difference in TL A1C (p = .022) and CG (p = .001) with respect to UTL A1c. Total number of healed teeth (PAI≤2) at the 12‐month after RCT in UTL A1c was significantly lower in comparison to CG (p = .008). Contrariwise, RCT may improve the glycaemic control in diabetic patients with UTL A1c after 12 months of posttreatment. Regression analysis showed that UTL A1c patients were more likely to have AP persistence after endodontic treatment (OR = 4.788; CI: 1.157–19.816; p = .031).ConclusionsT2DM retards the AP healing and conversely AP contributes to increasing the inflammatory burden in T2DM. RCT reduces the cumulative inflammatory burden in T2DM and thus may contribute to improvement of glycaemic control particularly in patients with UTL A1c.
Electrical discharge machining process investigation and optimization of parameters for machining of aluminum silicon dioxide (Al7075–SiO2) composite
Authors: Saravanan Kaliappan , Muthukumaran Velayutham 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis research paper explores the impact of electrical discharge machining process parameters, including current, pulse‐on time (Ton), and pulse‐off time (Toff), on the material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) during the fabrication of aluminum silicon dioxide (Al7075–SiO2) composites. The Al7075–SiO2 composites were produced through stir casting, incorporating 10% by weight of SiO2 reinforcements with an average particle size of 54 µm. To systematically investigate the process parameters' effects, Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array was implemented in the design of experiments. Subsequently, the experimental data underwent analysis of variance (ANOVA) for thorough analysis. The response table for MRR and SR demonstrated that the current significantly influenced both responses (MRR and SR). The ANOVA results provided valuable insights into the percentage contribution of each parameter to the responses. Through the analysis, the optimal control variable settings for achieving the highest MRR were identified as a current of 3 A, a pulse‐on time of 1500 µs, and a pulse‐off time of 1 µs. Conversely, to attain the lowest SR, the ideal control variable settings were determined to be a current of 1 A, a pulse‐on time of 500 µs, and a pulse‐off time of 1 µs. Results also suggest that the error was within admissible range of 5% and the percentage contribution of the current (70.19%) had the largest effect on MRR.
Deciphering the enigma of itch sensation: insights and impact from a readability study
Authors: Skrzypczak Tomasz , Skrzypczak Anna , Szepietowski Jacek C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundItch terminology is ambiguous. How itch was described in online materials and how terminology influenced the readability of these materials was previously unknown.Materials and methodsTwo groups of search terms, itch and prurigo, were translated into five of the most prevalent European Union (EU) languages. The itch group consisted of “itch” and “pruritus.” The prurigo group consisted of “prurigo,” “prurigo nodularis,” and “chronic prurigo”. Then, a search of the terms in each language was queried in the Google search engine in the private mode of the Internet browser. The first 50 results generated were assessed for suitability. Patient education was the primary objective of the materials provided, with no barriers or advertisements included. In cases where the terms yielded identical outcomes, any duplicated materials were omitted from the analysis. When translating search terms within a group led to just one shared transcription, the results were attributed to the search term with the most similar syntax. The Lix score was utilized to assess readability.Results314 articles in English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish were evaluated. The term “pruritus” was the most commonly used description for the sensation of itching, with 142 (45%) articles included. Overall, the mean Lix score was 54 ± 9, classifying all articles as hard to comprehend. Articles in the itch group had significantly (P < 0.001) lower mean Lix score (52 ± 9) than materials in the prurigo group (56 ± 10).ConclusionsDespite being more accessible to conceptualize, skin conditions such as prurigo had lower readability compared to information about the itch itself. The distinction between “itch” and “pruritus” was unclear.
Evaluating the efficacy of standardized pressure ulcer management protocols in the prevention of pressure injuries among patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Wenxia , Li Yanyan , Ma Man , Shang Kun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPressure injuries are a significant concern for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures due to prolonged immobility and the complexity of care. This study evaluates the efficacy of standardized pressure ulcer management protocols in preventing pressure injuries and enhancing patient care in a neurosurgical context. A comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted at a single institution from December 2020 to December 2023, comparing 50 patients who received standardized pressure ulcer management (intervention group) with 50 patients who received conventional care (control group). The study assessed the incidence of pressure ulcers, patient comfort levels using the Kolcaba Comfort Scale and sleep quality using the Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 27.0, applying t‐tests and chi‐square tests as appropriate. The intervention group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of pressure ulcers at all measured time points post‐surgery compared to the control group. Patient comfort levels in the intervention group were consistently higher across psychological, environmental, physiological and socio‐cultural domains. Sleep quality metrics, including sleep depth, latency to sleep onset and overall sleep quality, were significantly improved in the intervention group. The implementation of standardized pressure ulcer management protocols in neurosurgical care significantly reduces the incidence of pressure injuries, enhances patient comfort and improves sleep quality. These findings highlight the importance of adopting structured care protocols to improve postoperative outcomes and patient well‐being in neurosurgical settings.
Pilot study to evaluate left‐to‐right ventricular offset in biventricular pacing—comparison of electrocardiographic imaging and ECG
Authors: Noheria Amit , Shahab Ahmed , Andrews Christopher , Cuculich Phillip S. , Rudy Yoram 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionBiventricular pacing (BiVp) improves outcomes in systolic heart failure patients with electrical dyssynchrony. BiVp is delivered from epicardial left ventricular (LV) and endocardial right ventricular (RV) electrodes. Acute electrical activation changes with different LV‐RV stimulation offsets can help guide individually optimized BiVp programming. We sought to study the BiVp ventricular activation with different LV‐RV offsets and compare with 12‐lead ECG.MethodsIn five patients with BiVp (63 ± 17‐year‐old, 80% male, LV ejection fraction 27 ± 6%), we evaluated acute ventricular epicardial activation, varying LV‐RV offsets in 20 ms increments from −40 to 80 ms, using electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) to obtain absolute ventricular electrical uncoupling (VEUabs, absolute difference in average LV and average RV activation time) and total activation time (TAT). For each patient, we calculated the correlation between ECGI and corresponding ECG (3D‐QRS‐area and QRS duration) with different LV‐RV offsets.ResultsThe LV‐RV offset to attain minimum VEUabs in individual patients ranged 20–60 ms. In all patients, a larger LV‐RV offset was required to achieve minimum VEUabs (36 ± 17 ms) or 3D‐QRS‐area (40 ± 14 ms) than that for minimum TAT (−4 ± 9 ms) or QRS duration (−8 ± 11 ms). In individual patients, 3D‐QRS‐area correlated with VEUabs (r 0.65 ± 0.24) and QRS duration correlated with TAT (r 0.95 ± 0.02). Minimum VEUabs and minimum 3D‐QRS‐area were obtained by LV‐RV offset within 20 ms of each other in all five patients.ConclusionsLV‐RV electrical uncoupling, as assessed by ECGI, can be minimized by optimizing LV‐RV stimulation offset. 3D‐QRS‐area is a surrogate to identify LV‐RV offset that minimizes LV‐RV uncoupling.
The role of vascular adhesion protein‐1 in diabetes and diabetic complications
Authors: Yen I‐Weng , Li Hung‐Yuan 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTVascular adhesion protein‐1 (VAP‐1) plays a dual role with its adhesive and enzymatic properties, facilitating leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation and catalyzing the breakdown of primary amines into harmful by‐products, which are linked to diabetic complications. Present in various tissues, VAP‐1 also circulates in a soluble form in the bloodstream. Diabetes is associated with several complications such as cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, significantly contributing to disability and mortality. These complications arise from hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and the formation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs). Earlier research, including our own from the 1990s and early 2000s, has underscored the critical role of VAP‐1 in these pathological processes, prompting extensive investigation into its contribution to diabetic complications. In this review, we examine the involvement of VAP‐1 in diabetes and its complications, alongside its link to other conditions related to diabetes, such as cancer and metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease. We also explore the utility of soluble VAP‐1 as a biomarker for diabetes, its complications, and other related conditions. Since the inhibition of VAP‐1 to treat diabetic complications is a novel and promising treatment option, further studies are needed to translate the beneficial effect of VAP‐1 inhibitors observed in animal studies to clinical trials recruiting human subjects. Besides, future studies should focus on using serum sVAP‐1 levels for risk assessment in diabetic patients, identifying those who need intensive glycemic control, and determining the patient population that would benefit most from VAP‐1 inhibitor therapies.
Real‐world experience of Fuzheng Yiqing granule as chemoprophylaxis against COVID‐19 infection among close contacts: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Che Qianzi , Huo Ruili , Zhao Chen , Yang Wei , Xiang Xinghua , Tang Shihuan , Shi Jiaheng , Lu Cheng , Li Hongmei , Huang Luqi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of the current study was to evaluate whether the use of traditional Chinese medicine, Fuzheng Yiqing granule (FZYQG), was associated with a reduced infection risk of COVID‐19 in close contacts.Research design and methodsThis was a prospective cohort study across 203 quarantine centres for close contacts and secondary contacts of COVID‐19 patients in Yangzhou city. FZYQG group was defined as quarantined individuals who voluntarily took FZYQG; control group did not take FZYQG. The primary outcome was the coronavirus test positive rate during quarantine period. Logistic regression with propensity score inverse probability weighting was used for adjusted analysis to evaluate independent association between FZYQG and test positive rate.ResultsFrom July 13, 2021 to September 30, 2021, 3438 quarantined individuals took FZYQG and 2248 refused to take the granule. Test positive rate was significantly lower among quarantined individuals who took FZYQG (0.29% vs. 1.73%, risk ratio 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08–0.34, p < 0.001). On logistic regression, odds for test positive were decreased in FZYQG group (odds ratio: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.08–0.32, p < 0.001).ConclusionsClose and secondary contacts of COVID‐19 patients who received FZYQG had a lower test positive rate than control individuals in real‐world experience.Trial registrationThis study has been registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100049590) on August 5, 2021.
Differences in healthcare utilization between enrollees of fully integrated dual eligible special needs plans versus non‐fully integrated plans
Authors: Kim Hyunjee , Senders Angela , Sergi Clint , Simeon Erika , Huang Sean Shenghsiu , Dodge Hiroko H. , McConnell K. John , Roberts Eric T. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPolicymakers advocate care integration models to enhance Medicare and Medicaid service coordination for dually eligible individuals. One rapidly expanding model is the fully integrated dual eligible (FIDE) plan, a sub‐type of the dual eligible special needs plan (D‐SNP) in which a parent insurer manages Medicare and Medicaid spending for dually eligible individuals. We examined healthcare utilization differences among dually eligible individuals aged 65 years or older enrolled in D‐SNPs by plan type (FIDE vs non‐FIDE).MethodsUsing 2018 Medicare Advantage encounters and Medicaid claims of FIDE and non‐FIDE enrollees in six states (AZ, CA, FL, NY, TN, WI), we compared healthcare utilization between plan types, adjusting for enrollee characteristics and county indicators. We applied propensity score weighting to address differences between FIDE and non‐FIDE plan enrollees.ResultsIn our main analysis, which included all dually eligible individuals in our sample, we observed no significant difference in healthcare utilization between FIDE and non‐FIDE plan enrollees. However, we identified some differences in healthcare utilization between FIDE and non‐FIDE plan enrollees in subgroup analyses. For example, among home and community‐based service (HCBS) users, FIDE plan enrollees had 6.0 fewer hospitalizations per 1000 person‐months (95% CI: −7.9, −4.0) and were 7.0 percentage points more likely to be discharged to home (95% CI: 2.6, 11.5) after hospitalization, compared to non‐FIDE plan enrollees.ConclusionWhile we found no differences in healthcare utilization between FIDE and non‐FIDE plan enrollees when considering all dually eligible individuals in our sample, some differences emerged when focusing on subgroups. For example, HCBS users with FIDE plans had fewer hospitalizations and were more likely to be discharged to their home following hospitalization, compared to HCBS users with non‐FIDE plans. These findings suggest that FIDE plans may improve care coordination for specific subsets of dually eligible individuals.
Topical isoniazid as a novel treatment for melasma: A randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ahramiyanpour Najmeh , Mahmoudi Zahra , Nezhad Nazanin Zeinali , Khazaeli Payam , Amiri Rezvan , Kasraee Behrooz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionMelasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation disorder, and its treatment poses a challenge to dermatologists due to its chronicity and resistance to conventional therapies. Oral isoniazid is used for the treatment of tuberculosis. One of us had previously showed that topical isoniazid exerts a strong depigmenting action in animal models. In this clinical trial, we assessed the therapeutic effect of topical isoniazid on melasma.MethodsTwenty female patients suffering from epidermal melasma were enrolled and divided equally into two groups. The treatment group received topical isoniazid 10%, and the control group received the cold cream vehicle as the placebo. All participants were advised to avoid sunlight and used SPF 50 sunscreen. Patients applied topical agents once daily at night for 3 months. The melanin and erythema indices were measured by colorimetric evaluations at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. At these time points, the (mMASI) score was also determined, as was the subjective evaluation through Melasma Quality of Life Scale (MELASQOL) scores. Blood tests were performed to evaluate CBC and the liver enzymes.ResultsAll patients completed the 12‐week study. In the treatment group, a significant decrease in melanin index from 63.77 ± 6.27 at baseline to 55.92 ± 5.79 was recorded (p = 0.001). Very minimal clinical changes were also seen in the control group and melanin index was decreased from 62.65 ± 2.23 to 61.25 ± 2.34 (p = 0.004). Clinically significant differences were observed in the rate of changes between both groups. These findings indicate that topical isoniazid has significant depigmenting effects compared to the placebo (p = 0.001). The erythema index remained unchanged in both groups. In the treatment group, the mMASI score was 5.63 ± 3.28 at baseline and 2.13 ± 1.71 at the last follow‐up, significantly reduced compared to the control group (p = 0.002). The MELASQOL score indicated a significant improvement in the quality of life in the treatment group.ConclusionThis clinical trial shows for the first time that topical isoniazid is effective in treating melasma. Further clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy and tolerability of topical isoniazid in comparison with other skin‐depigmenting compounds.
The role of cumulative risk and armed conflict exposure in adolescent psychological symptoms in Turkey
Authors: Kara Buket , Selcuk Bilge 
Published: April 2024

AbstractExposure to risk factors and adversity may cause immediate, and sometimes prolonged, psychological symptoms in adolescents. Identifying universal and specific risk factors in a particular context and examining their cumulative effects is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying psychological symptoms and informing about strategies for intervention. Using concurrent measures, the current study aimed to examine the role of armed conflict experiences and cumulation of other risk factors (e.g., maternal psychological symptoms, socioeconomic indicators) in predicting adolescent psychological symptoms in an underresearched community. The sample included 161 adolescents (54.7% female) aged 11–14 years (M = 12.36, SD = 1.27) and their mothers living in the east of Turkey. The cumulative risk index was calculated by summing the standardized scores of the corresponding factors. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to predict internalizing and externalizing symptoms among adolescents by introducing demographic variables (age, gender) in the first step, armed conflict experiences and cumulative risk in the second step, and their interaction in the final step. Results showed that the levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms were predicted by gender, armed conflict experience and cumulative risk. Being a girl was associated with higher levels of internalizing symptoms and lower levels of externalizing symptoms. Higher levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms were predicted by exposure to armed and cumulative risk. After controlling for other factors, the interaction of armed conflict experience and cumulative risk significantly predicted externalizing, but not internalizing symptoms. These findings suggested that cumulative risk was a stronger predictor of psychological symptoms, and further amplified the strength of the association between armed conflict experiences and externalizing symptoms. These findings can be used in the formulation of intervention strategies and policies to promote psychological well‐being in adolescents living in armed conflict zones under multiple risks.
New consensus definition on defining and measuring care for children with paediatric feeding disorder
Authors: Elliot Chris , Hopwood Nick , Moraby Khadeejah , Crockett Naomi , Wright Simone , Vanos Katelyn , Furey Krystal , Hammond Anna , Handley Siobhan , Dalby‐Payne Jacqueline , Dadich Ann , Gottschalk Belinda , Ooi Chee Y , Woolfenden Susan 
Published: April 2024

AimThis study addresses the absence of a definition of care for children with feeding disorders, limited agreement on key performance indicators (KPIs), and the lack of data linked to those KPIs.MethodsClinicians, consumers and researchers involved in outpatient feeding care in New South Wales (NSW), Australia were invited to participate in a two‐Phase study. In Phase 1, a modified Delphi method was used. Two rounds of voting resulted in a new consensus definition of a multidisciplinary paediatric feeding clinic. Three further rounds voting determined relevant KPIs. In Phase 2, the KPIs were piloted prospectively in 10 clinics.ResultsTwenty‐six clinicians, consumers and researchers participated in Phase 1. Participation across five voting rounds declined from 92% to 60% and a valid definition and KPI set were created. In Phase 2, the definition and KPIs were piloted in 10 clinics over 6 weeks. Data for 110 patients were collected. The final KPI set of 28 measures proposed covers clinical features, patient demographics and medical issues, parent–child interaction and outcome measures.ConclusionsA new definition of a multidisciplinary paediatric feeding clinic is now available, linked to a standardised KPI set covering relevant performance measures. These proved viable in baseline data collection for 10 clinics across NSW. This sets a foundation for further data collection, systematic measurement of care provision and outcomes, and research needed to deliver care improvement for children with paediatric feeding disorder.
Burden and distribution of mortality due to sepsis and severe infection in children and adolescents in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: McDonald Gabrielle , Hayman Rebecca , Hii Joseph 
Published: April 2024

AimThe aims of this research were to determine the mortality from sepsis and severe infection in the paediatric and adolescent populations of Aotearoa/New Zealand, and to determine the distribution of mortality by sub‐populations.MethodsWe used three different methods to identify deaths from sepsis and severe infection and compared the groups:
All deaths primarily coded with any ICD‐10‐AM code relating to sepsis;
The presence of A40, A41 and P36 in any cause of death field;
Deaths due to pneumonia and meningitis.
Cases were selected from a national mortality database, with cause of death as ascribed in the national mortality collection for the years 2002–2020 inclusive. Overall sepsis and severe infection rates were calculated from the sum of unique cases from all three methods for determining sepsis and severe infection cases.ResultsSubstantially different results were obtained depending on the method of identifying cases. In total, 577 deaths due to sepsis and severe infection were detected, with an overall rate of 1.99/100 000 age‐specific population and statistically significant disparity by ethnic grouping. Rates were highest in post‐neonatal infants at 22.7 per 100 000, regardless of the method of identification.ConclusionsThere is a considerable opportunity to improve the mortality from sepsis and severe infection in children and young people. The ethnic disparities described in this paper show the need to ensure a high level of care for those most marginalised in society through the development and provision of systems and structures that meet, rather than fail to meet need.