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Root canal re-treatment with gutta percha – which techniques influence success?

Evid Based Dent. 2024 May 25. doi: 10.1038/s41432-024-01019-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was carried out assessing the success rate of root canal retreatment using gutta percha.

DATA SOURCES: Four of the largest databases were used to identify existing literature with no date or language restrictions. PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Scopus and other additional sources were searched. Grey literature was also reviewed.

STUDY SELECTION: Two authors, with Master’s degrees in endodontics and with extensive university teaching experience, were selected to screen the databases to identify suitable studies. In case the authors were not able to agree during the study selection process, a third investigator was consulted. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were outlined and adhered to in the study selection. Two randomised controlled trials, seven single arm prospective studies and one single arm ambispective study published before the 10th of December 2022 were included. These studies evaluated the success of root canal re-treatment, obturated with gutta percha with at least a 1-year follow-up. Nine of the studies were published between 1998 and 2022. Seven studies were conducted in Europe, one in North America and one in Asia.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Standard Cochrane methods to assess interval validity were used. Risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS) for single-arm studies, and the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB2) was used for randomised controlled trials. Outcome measures were standardised as either success or failure of root canal retreatment. Success was classified into 2 different criteria: Strict criteria = absence of clinical signs and symptoms and radiographically normal periodontal ligament space; and Loose criteria = absence of clinical signs and symptoms and absence or reduction of apical radiolucency in the control radiograph. Statistical analysis was undertaken using R software and the Freeman-Turkey transformation was performed. Results were visualised using forest plots. Heterogeneity between studies was measured using the Cochrane Q test and I2 values.

RESULTS: Whilst following strict criteria, the success rate of non-surgical root canal retreatment obturated with gutta percha was 71% for 1-3 years follow-up (95% CI, 0.66-0.77) and 77% for 4-5 years follow-up (95% CI, 0.67-0.86). Heterogeneity was moderate (I2 = 61.4) and low (I2 = 0.0), respectively. Factors reducing the success rate of root canal re-retreatment under the strict criteria were older patients, mandibular teeth, molar teeth, the presence of a peri-apical radiolucency, teeth with a previous radiolucency, large peri-apical radiolucency’s, higher initial periapical index scores and multiple visit-retreatments. Following the loose criteria, the success rate of non-surgical root canal re-treatment obturated with gutta percha was 87% for 1-3 years follow-up (95% CI, 0.79-0.93) with significant heterogeneity across the studies (I2 = 88.5%). Factors influencing the success rate under the loose criteria were large periapical lesions >5 mm and higher initial periapical index (PAI) scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical root canal retreatment results in favourable outcomes. However, there are several factors which can result in a lower success rate: the presence and size of a periapical radiolucency, a higher initial PAI score, multiple-visit retreatments, and the size and position of the tooth.

PMID:38796553 | DOI:10.1038/s41432-024-01019-1

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Is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) more cost-effective? New-perspective on economic evaluations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sleep. 2024 May 25:zsae122. doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsae122. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To investigate the cost-effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI), with an additional focus on digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBTI) in adults with insomnia.

METHODS: We searched eight electronic databases for economic evaluations of CBTI: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, psycINFO, Cochrane, Library, CINAHL, ProQuest and National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database. Meta-analyses were performed to investigate the effects and costs between CBTI and control groups (no treatment, other treatments included hygiene education and treatment as usual). Subgroup analyses for dCBTI were conducted.

RESULTS: Twelve randomized controlled trails studies between 2004 and 2023 were included in our systematic review and meta-analyses. The incremental cost-utility ratios and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios showed that the CBTI and dCBTI groups were more cost-effective than controls, from healthcare perspective and societal perspective, respectively. Compared to controls, CBTI demonstrated significantly better efficacy within 12 months. Healthcare costs were significantly higher in the CBTI groups compared to the controls within 6 months but there was no difference at 12 months. Additionally, dCBTI was associated with significantly lower presenteeism costs compared to controls at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that CBTI is more cost-effective than other treatments or no treatment for adults with insomnia. It may bring more economic benefits in the long-term, especially in long-lasting efficacy and costs reduction. In addition, dCBTI is one of the cost-effective options for insomnia.

PMID:38795362 | DOI:10.1093/sleep/zsae122

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Insight on Pediatric Burn Morbidity and Mortality at a Tertiary Indian Burn Care Center: A Case For Burn Prevention

J Burn Care Res. 2024 May 25:irae091. doi: 10.1093/jbcr/irae091. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Pediatric burns pose a significant health burden in LMICs. Despite efforts to address burn prevention and management, morbidity and mortality rates remain high, particularly among children. Understanding pediatric burn epidemiology and predictors of clinical outcomes is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and improving patient-care. This retrospective cohort study analyzed pediatric burn patients admitted to a tertiary burn-center in India, between March-2022 and December-2023. Demographic date, burn characteristics, treatments, complications and outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis, including logistic and linear regression, was conducted to identify predictors of mortality, sepsis, and hospital stay length. Among 332 pediatric burn patients, median age was 3 years, with a male predominance. Scald burns were the most common, followed by electrical and flame burns. Median total body surface area burned was 20%, with upper and lower extremities most affected. The incidence of electrical burns increased with age and was associated with a longer length of stay. Mortality rate was 14.2%, with age >10 years, male gender, and TBSA >30% predicting mortality. Complications like sepsis significantly increased mortality risk, while deep burns were associated with longer hospital stays. This study underscores importance of targeted prevention efforts and specialized care. Scald burns among young children highlight the need for safer cooking practices, while the high incidence of electrical burns in older children suggests age-specific education interventions are necessary. Predictors of mortality identified can guide risk assessment and resource allocation, emphasizing the importance of infection control and wound management strategies in improving outcomes.

PMID:38795341 | DOI:10.1093/jbcr/irae091

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Validation of the transcranial Doppler rescue criteria for mechanical thrombectomy

J Neuroimaging. 2024 May 25. doi: 10.1111/jon.13207. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) identifies acute stroke patients with arterial occlusion where treatment may not effectively open the blocked vessel. This study aimed to examine the clinical utility and prognostic value of TCD flow findings in patients enrolled in a multicenter prospective study (CLOTBUST-PRO).

METHODS: Patients enrolled with intracranial occlusion on computed tomography angiography (CTA) who underwent urgent TCD evaluation before intravenous thrombolysis was included in this analysis. TCD findings were assessed using the mean flow velocity (MFV) ratio, comparing the reciprocal ratios of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) depths bilaterally (affected MCA-to-contralateral MCA MFV [aMCA/cMCA MFV ratio]).

RESULTS: A total of 222 patients with intracranial occlusion on CTA were included in the study (mean age: 64 ± 14 years, 62% men). Eighty-eight patients had M1 MCA occlusions; baseline mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 16, and a 24-hour mean NIHSS score was 10 points. An aMCA/cMCA MFV ratio of <.6 had a sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 16%, positive predictive value (PV) of 60%, and negative PV of 94% for identifying large vessel occlusion (LVO) including M1 MCA, terminal internal carotid artery, or tandem ICA/MCA. Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia scale, with (grade ≥1) compared to without flow (grade 0), showed a sensitivity of 17.1%, specificity of 86.9%, positive PV of 62%, and negative PV of 46% for identifying LVO.

CONCLUSIONS: TCD is a valuable modality for evaluating arterial circulation in acute ischemic stroke patients, demonstrating significant potential as a screening tool for intravenous/intra-arterial lysis protocols.

PMID:38795329 | DOI:10.1111/jon.13207

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A service-learning framework to address accreditation standards: Self-Assessment, communication skills, health literacy, and cultural competence

J Dent Educ. 2024 May 25. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13597. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Pre-doctoral dental programs must provide opportunities for students to become proficient in self-assessment, communication skills, health literacy, and cultural competence, essential for independent unsupervised practice. This study aimed to assess how student learning through a classroom education service-learning program addresses the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards 2-11 and 2-17; specifically through the examination of self-assessment, communication skills, health literacy, and cultural competence.

METHODS: This 2022 retrospective mixed methods cohort study examined unstructured faculty comments on drafted lesson plans and structured evaluations of classroom education service-learning rehearsal sessions. A random sample of faculty comments from three academic years, 2018, 2019, and 2020, were deidentified and analyzed by five researchers for emerging themes using NVivo. Quantitative data from rehearsal presentations were analyzed with descriptive statistics to assess the concordance of self and faculty feedback on specific evaluation criteria.

RESULTS: Six major themes from faculty lesson plan feedback emerged: knowledge, professionalism, communication, presentation skills, cultural competence, and program logistics. Concordance between faculty feedback and student self-assessment ranged from 83% to 92.4% across all evaluation criteria over the 3 years: spoke clearly and confidently at the right pace, provided accurate dental terminology and facts, used grade-appropriate language, provided clear instructions to follow, appeared enthusiastic throughout the rehearsal presentation, and designed a well thought out lesson plan that will engage children for the entire presentation.

CONCLUSION: Findings support the classroom education service-learning program as a framework to provide opportunities for student self-assessment and feedback on communication skills, health literacy, and cultural competence aligned with CODA standards 2-11 and 2-17.

PMID:38795322 | DOI:10.1002/jdd.13597

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Relationship Between Frailty and Diabetic Pharmacologic Therapy in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Drugs Aging. 2024 May 25. doi: 10.1007/s40266-024-01119-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Older adults with diabetes mellitus require drug treatment considering their frailty, cognitive function, and hypoglycemia.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the association between diabetic pharmacologic therapy and both diabetic complications and frailty across eight diabetes-specific outpatient clinics nationwide.

METHODS: Participants (aged 60-80 years) who had type 2 diabetes and did not require nursing care were included in the study. Basic attributes, patient background, complications, hypoglycemic status, body weight, body composition, blood tests, grip strength, and Kihon Checklist (a frailty index) and self-care scores were obtained. Descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test, and regression analyses were employed for evaluation.

RESULTS: Overall, 417 participants were included (224 men, 193 women, mean age 70.1 ± 5.4 years, diabetes duration 14.9 ± 10.9 years, body mass index 24.5 ± 3.8, glycated hemoglobin 7.22 ± 0.98%, proportion of individuals with frailty and prefrailty, 19.9% and 41.0%, respectively). All drugs were used more frequently in prefrailty conditions. Each diabetes medication was related to complications, body composition, and frailty, as follows: sulfonylurea (lower hypoglycemia); glinide (severe hypoglycemia, retinopathy, weaker grip strength, high Kihon Checklist score, decreased physical activities); alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (no association); biguanide (high body mass index, high body fat, stronger grip strength); thiazolidinedione (decreased instrumental activities of daily living); dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (no association); sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors; retinopathy, high body mass index and Kihon Checklist score, and depressive mood); glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (high body mass index and body fat and poor nutritional status); and insulin preparations (hypoglycemia, retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular diseases, weaker grip strength, and high Kihon Checklist score and physical inactivity).

CONCLUSIONS: Some formulations, such as glinide, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and insulin, are associated with an increased frequency of frailty, warranting careful and individualized diabetes treatment.

PMID:38795310 | DOI:10.1007/s40266-024-01119-8

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Impact of lactate/albumin ratio on prognostic outcomes in patients with concomitant heart failure and chronic kidney disease

Intern Emerg Med. 2024 May 25. doi: 10.1007/s11739-024-03656-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have linked the lactate/albumin (L/A) ratio to poor outcomes in various conditions, but its connection to mortality in patients with both heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. Using data from 1537 patients in MIMIC-IV, this study examined the relationship between L/A ratio and in-hospital and one-year mortality, employing Cox models, Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis, and restricted cubic splines (RCS). The non-survivor group showed higher L/A ratios than survivors (1.04 ± 0.78 vs. 0.58 ± 0.29, p < 0.001), indicating a significant link between higher L/A ratios and mortality. Cox analysis identified the L/A ratio was significantly related to all-cause mortality both in-hospital (HR 2.033; 95% CI 1.576-2.624; p < 0.001) and one-year (HR 1.723; 95% CI 1.428-2.078; p < 0.001). The association between L/A ratio and mortality was non-linear and increasing. The KM survival curves demonstrated significantly poorer survival outcomes for the high L/A group compared to the low L/A group, a difference that was statistically validated by a significant log-rank test (log-rank p < 0.001). L/A ratio has a significant association with poor prognosis in patients with HF and CKD patients in a critical condition. This finding demonstrates that L/A ratio might be useful in identifying patients with HF and CKD at high risk of all-cause death. Further large-scale prospective studies are needed to verify these results and inform clinical decisions.

PMID:38795274 | DOI:10.1007/s11739-024-03656-x

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The assessment of the impact of antiepileptic drugs on cognitive functions via N-200/P-300 potentials and neuropsychological measures

Neurol Sci. 2024 May 25. doi: 10.1007/s10072-024-07606-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs) on cognitive functions have not been fully elucidated. The primary aim of this study was to demonstrate potential changes in cognitive functions in patients diagnosed with epilepsy from both neuropsychological and electrophysiological perspectives. Our secondary objective was to assess the effects of administered ASM on cognitive functions by categorizing patients into different monotherapy and polytherapy groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center, prospective patient registry study was conducted between May 2022 and June 2023. The inclusion criteria included epilepsy patients aged 18 to 50 years who were receiving ASM) treatment, either as inpatients or outpatients, and who did not have any syndromic diagnosis that may lead to cognitive disfunciton (such as primary progressive myoclonic epilepsies, Down syndrome and so on), and did not diagnosed previously or during examination that could affect dementia or cognitive functions. Patients who were scheduled to initiate new ASM treatment were evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale and Event-Related Potentials (ERP) assessment both before commencing treatment and three months thereafter.

RESULTS: A total of 320 participants were included in the study; 20 healthy controls and 300 epilepsy patients were included. Statistically significant differences were observed between the healthy control group and the epilepsy group in terms of average Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores and event-related potentials (ERPs) (n200, p300 latencies, n2p3 amplitudes) (p<0.05). Similarly, statistically significant differences were observed between the monotherapy and polytherapy groups in terms of average MoCA and ERP scores (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the detrimental effects of certain ASMs, particularly topiramate and carbamazepine, on cognitive functions. Furthermore, the negative impact on cognitive performance became more pronounced with an increasing number of concurrently used ASMs (polytherapy), with topiramate showing notable effects.

PMID:38795272 | DOI:10.1007/s10072-024-07606-5

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Metabolic and productive parameters of lactating dairy cows under heat stress conditions supplemented with plant polyphenol extract

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2024 May 25;56(5):176. doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04031-w.

ABSTRACT

The impact of heat stress on dairy cattle leads to significant economic losses and a negative impact on the welfare of the animals. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the nutritional additive (Thermoplus®) in dairy cows under postpartum heat stress conditions, and its effects on the metabolic profile, production and quality of milk. Eighteen lactating Holstein cows (8 multiparous and ten primiparous), in a free-stall system, with a mean body condition score (BCS) of 3.14 ± 0.05, live weight of 624.55 ± 18, 61 kg, with initial mean days in milk (DIM) of 90 ± 10.11, were selected. The animals were grouped into a control (CG, n = 9) and a treatment (TG, n = 9). Both groups underwent 14 days of diet adaptation, the TG received the basal diet supplemented with 50 g of the additive, once a day, individually, while the control group received only the total diet. Data collection of metabolic and productive parameters were evaluated on days -14 (before adaptation), 1 (after the diet adaptation period), 16, 30, and 44. Milk, blood, and body condition score (BCS) were collected once a day, and heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were collected twice a day. Serum concentrations of albumin, calcium, magnesium, glucose, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) were evaluated. In the milk, the percentage of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids were determined in each sampling. Milk yield was measured daily. Humidity and ambient temperature values were collected on the days of the collection every 30 min, from 5:30 am to 5:00 pm, to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). Statistical analyzes were performed using the SAS software (version 9.3, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The THI ranged from 62.22 to 79.47. Our findings showed that when the THI was greater than 72, the animals in the TG were able to maintain milk yield (Odds ratio (OD) = -0.0577,), and the animals in the CG had a greater chance of reducing it (OD = -0.2301). Multiparous cows in the TG had higher milk yield than CG (32.57 ± 0.34 vs 30.50 ± 0.36 kg per day; P = 0.0078) and lower SCC (34.110 ± 6,940 vs 665.50 ± 214.41 cells per ml; P = 0.03), with the same percentages of total solids (P > 0.05). In multiparous metabolic markers, TG when compared CG had higher albumin concentrations (2.50 ± 0.07 vs 2.12 ± 0.07 g/dl; < 0.001), equal PON-1 (P > 0.05), and higher BHBA levels (0.49 ± 0.03 vs 0.39 ± 0.04 mmol/l). Primiparous from the CG had higher concentrations of NEFA (0.18 ± 0.02 mmol/l) than multiparous from the same group (0.09 ± 0.02 mmol/l) P = 0.0265. The use of the plant polyphenol extract in postpartum Holstein cows challenged by heat stress had beneficial effects on the production and health of the mammary gland in multiparous cows without decreasing milk solids. The non-reduction of the activities of the acute phase proteins indicates an immunomodulatory and inflammatory-reducing effect of the product used.

PMID:38795263 | DOI:10.1007/s11250-024-04031-w

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Pyrotinib as a salvage treatment for patients with HER-2 positive advanced lung adenocarcinoma after the progression of afatinib treatment

Clin Transl Oncol. 2024 May 25. doi: 10.1007/s12094-024-03482-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of afatinib or pyrotinib has been demonstrated in HER2-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients; however, the efficacy of pyrotinib after afatinib progression has yet to be determined.

METHOD: Patients with HER2 mutated advanced lung adenocarcinoma administered afatinib or pyrotinib monotherapy were enrolled. Those who received pyrotinib after afatinib were further analyzed to determine the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib after progression on afatinib. Survival curves were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method. A swimming plot was used to describe the specific treatments. Additionally, patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) were established from HER2-amplified NSCLC patient samples to investigate the antitumor activity of pyrotinib in HER2-amplified tumor cells in vitro.

RESULTS: A total of 99 patients were enrolled, 13 of whom were administered pyrotinib after progression on afatinib. No statistical difference in PFS of pyrotinib was observed between patients whether be treated after afatinib progression or not (6.7 months vs. 4.4 months, P = 0.817), thus indicating that progression on afatinib did not affect the efficacy of pyrotinib. Further analysis was conducted on the former patients, which comprising eight patients administered interval chemotherapy after progression on afatinib. Two patients achieved PR after pyrotinib treatment. No independent factors were found to influence the PFS of pyrotinib. PDTOs confirmed the anti-tumor activity of pyrotinib in NSCLC tumor cells with HER2 amplification.

CONCLUSIONS: Progression after prior afatinib treatment does not influence the efficacy of pyrotinib treatment. Pyrotinib may be a salvage option for patients with HER2 mutation who have experienced progression on afatinib.

PMID:38795256 | DOI:10.1007/s12094-024-03482-9