Effect of root perforation repair with mineral aggregate-based cements on the retention of customized fiberglass posts

Odontology - The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the root perforation repair with mineral aggregate-based cements affects the retention of customized fiberglass posts to bovine...     

Postoperative pain in root canal treatment with ultrasonic versus conventional irrigation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Clinical Oral Investigations - The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRM) was to answer the question whether the use of ultrasonic irrigation (UI) results in less postoperative...     

A propensity score–matched analysis indicates screening for asymptomatic coronary artery disease does not predict cardiac events in kidney transplant recipients

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Impact of COVID-19 inequalities on children: An intersectional analysis

Societal concerns about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have largely focussed on the social groups most directly affected, such as the elderly and health workers. However, less focus has been placed on understanding the effects on other collectives, such as children. While children’s physical health appears to be less affected than the adult population, their mental health, learning and wellbeing is likely to have been significantly negatively affected during the pandemic due to the varying policy restrictions, such as withdrawal from face to face schooling, limited peer-to-peer interactions and mobility and increased exposure to the digital world amongst other things. Children from vulnerable social backgrounds, and especially girls, will be most negatively affected by the impact of COVID-19, given their different intersecting realities and the power structures already negatively affecting them. To strengthen the understanding of the social determinants of the COVID-19 crisis that unequally influence children’s health and wellbeing, this article presents a conceptual framework that considers the multiple axes of inequalities and power relations. This understanding can then be used to inform analyses and impact assessments, and in turn inform the development of effective and equitable mitigation strategies as well as assist to be better prepared for future pandemics.     

The DAGMAR Score: D-dimer assay-guided moderation of adjusted risk. Improving specificity of the D-dimer for pulmonary embolism

We generated a novel scoring system to improve the test characteristics of D-dimer in patients with suspected PE (pulmonary emboli).Electronic Medical Record data were retrospectively reviewed on Emergency Department (ED) patients 18?years or older for whom a D-dimer and imaging were ordered between June 4, 2012 and March 30, 2016. Symptoms (dyspnea, unilateral leg swelling, hemoptysis), age, vital signs, medical history (cancer, recent surgery, medications, history of deep vein thrombosis or PE, COPD, smoking), laboratory values (quantitative D-dimer, platelets, and mean platelet volume (MPV)), and imaging results (CT, VQ) were collected.Points were designated to factors that were significant in two multiple regression analyses, for PE or positive D-dimer. Points predictive of PE were designated positive values and points predictive of positive D-dimer, irrespective of presence of PE, were designated negative values.The DAGMAR (D-dimer Assay-Guided Moderation of Adjusted Risk) score was developed using age and platelet adjustment and points for factors associated with PE and elevated D-dimer.Of 8486 visits reviewed, 3523 were unique visits with imaging, yielding 2253 (26.5%) positive D-dimers. 3501 CT scans and 156 VQ scans were completed, detecting 198 PE.In our cohort, a DAGMAR Score?<?2 equated to overall PE risk?<?1.2%. Specificity improved (38% to 59%) without compromising sensitivity (94% to 96%). Use of the DAGMAR Score would have reduced CT scans from 2253 to 1556 and lead to fewer false negative results.By considering factors that affect D-dimer and also PE, we improved specificity without compromising sensitivity.     

Prolonged extracorporeal preservation and evaluation of human lungs with portable normothermic ex vivo perfusion

Many lung donor offers are refused despite increasing demand. Portable normothermic ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) could increase donor yield by monitoring and reconditioning extended criteria donor (ECD) lungs. We report its use in human lungs declined for clinical transplantation. Ten sets of such lungs were procured from brain-dead donors and underwent 24 hours of normothermic EVLP using a perfusate based on donor whole blood. Hemodynamic and ventilatory data and P:F ratios were measured. Advanced donor age and borderline oxygenation (donor mean P:F 228 ± 73) were the most commonly cited reasons for refusal for transplantation. There was no significant worsening of pulmonary hemodynamics or compliance or significant P:F decline during preservation in the overall cohort. Mean P:F ratio in the overall cohort was 315 ± 88 mm Hg after 24 hours EVLP. At EVLP termination 5/10 lung blocks met standard EVLP thresholds for acceptability for transplant. Eventual EVLP performance was poorly predicted by donor P:F ratio but well predicted by data gathered early in EVLP. Portable normothermic EVLP is useful for transportation, monitoring, and reconditioning of ECD lungs. Early EVLP measurements are more effective than preprocurement donor P:F in predicting eventual allograft performance. We advocate an aggressive strategy of evaluation of ECD lungs using blood-based EVLP.