bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Evaluation of Dental English Education in China Based on ‘Guanghua Cup’ International Clinical Skill Exhibition Activity
Authors: Wang Xi , Liu Yangjingwen , Yang Le , Zhou Kai , Cao Yang , Hong Yun , Huang Shuheng , Lin Zhengmei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate current Chinese dental English education based on the Chinese participants’ application ability of dental English during an international dental skill competition called ‘Guanghua Cup activity’.Methods: The enrollment ratio of English and Chinese volunteers, the answer rate and accuracy of English knowledge quiz of Chinese and international contestants were statistically described. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was delivered to contestants, English and Chinese volunteers. The data was analyzed using spearman test, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test and Mann-Whitney U test.Results: Among the 194 students, the English and Chinese volunteer enrollment rate was 7.73% and 30.93%, respectively. The answer rate of Chinese participants and international participants in the English quiz was 25% and 75%, with an accuracy rate of 50% and 66.70%, respectively. The questionnaire was graded by Likert 5-level classification. There was a positive correlation between the use of English textbooks in classes and the communication with international teachers and students in the competition (Rs = 0.348, p = 0.016). English volunteers had more preparation in English before the competition, more opportunities to communicate with international peers, and greater improvement in English ability than the contestants and Chinese volunteers(p < 0.001). After the competition, all participants paid more attention to dental English (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Chinese dental students have difficulty in dental English application. The ‘Guanghua Cup’ helps to improve English proficiency of English volunteers and arouses the interest of dental English for all participants. Chinese dental school needs to strengthen and reach a consensus in dental English education.
Effect of a High Value Care Curriculum on Standardized Patient Exam in the Core Clerkship in Internal Medicine
Authors: Pahwa Amit K , Eaton Kevin , Apfel Ariella , Bertram Amanda , Ridell Rebecca , Cayea Danelle 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: While there are increasing curricula on high value care, little is published on the effectiveness of curricula on medical students’ ability to practice high value care.Methods: In addition to the standard curriculum, the intervention group received two classroom sessions and three virtual patients focused on the concepts of high value care. The primary outcome was number of tests and charges for tests on standardized patients.Results: One hundred forty-one students enrolled in the Core Clerkship in Internal Medicine and 69 completed the high value care curriculum. There were no significant differences in ordering of appropriate tests (3.1 vs. 3.2 tests/students, p = 0.55) and inappropriate tests (1.8 vs. 2.2, p = 0.13) between the intervention and control. Students in the intervention group had significantly lower median Medicare charges ($287.59 vs. $500.86, p = 0.04) and felt their education in high value care was appropriate (81% vs. 56%, p = 0.02).Conclusions: This is the first study to describe the impact of a high value care curriculum on medical students’ ordering practices. While number of inappropriate tests were not significantly different, students in the intervention group refrained from ordering expensive tests.
Molecular and morphological clocks for estimating evolutionary divergence times
Authors: Barba-Montoya Jose , Tao Qiqing , Kumar Sudhir 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Matrices of morphological characters are frequently used for dating species divergence times in systematics. In some studies, morphological and molecular character data from living taxa are combined, whereas others use morphological characters from extinct taxa as well. We investigated whether morphological data produce time estimates that are concordant with molecular data. If true, it will justify the use of morphological characters alongside molecular data in divergence time inference. Results: We systematically analyzed three empirical datasets from different species groups to test the concordance of dates of species divergence inferred using molecular and discrete morphological data from extant taxa as test cases. We found a high correlation between their divergence time estimates, despite a poor linear relationship between branch lengths for morphological and molecular data mapped onto the same phylogeny. This was because node-to-tip distances showed a much higher correlation than branch lengths, because of an averaging effect over multiple branches. We found that nodes with a large number of taxa often benefit from such averaging, but some considerable discordance between time estimates from molecules and morphology may still occur because some deeper branches show large difference from two types of data. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that node- and tip-calibration approaches may be better suited for nodes with a large number of taxa. Nevertheless, we highlight the importance of evaluating the concordance of time structure in morphological and molecular data before any dating analysis using combined datasets.
Impact of High-Risk Fertility Behavior on Under-five Mortality in Asia and Africa: Evidence from Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Amir-ud-Din Rafi , Naz Lubna , Rubi Anila , Usman Muhammad , Ghimire Umesh 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background High-risk fertility behaviors (HRFBs) are common in African and South Asian countries and can potentially affect child survival. This study examines the high-risk fertility behaviors concerning child mortality across the countries. Method Data from a series of Demographic and Health Surveys from the year 1987 to 2016 from 24 South Asian and African countries (N=1,224,832) were included in this study. Four HRFB parameters - women’s age <18 or >=34 years at childbirth, birth spacing <24 months, and child order of birth >3, were categorized into three exposure levels: i) exposure to any HRFBs category (exposure to any of four parameters); ii) exposure to single and multiple HRFB category (a combination of two or more parameters); and iii) the specific type of HRFB category (either single or multiple HRFB categories). Bivariate descriptive analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model were used to examine the association between under-five child mortality and various measures of HRFBs. Results Our pooled data analysis reported that HRFBs was associated with an increased risk of under-five child mortality in Asian and African countries. Children of women exposed to HRFBs were at increased risk of under-five mortality by 77% (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.771, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.722 - 1.821). Children born within 24 months’ birth interval were four times more likely to die (AOR = 4.995, 95% CI: 4.842-5.152) than their counterparts. However, a single high-risk category was not associated with under-five mortality, and birth order was found to be a protective factor against under-five mortality. Age of women (<18 or >=34 years) was found to be a risk factor of Under-five child mortality in 16 countries. The association between under-five mortality risk and birth interval of less than 24 months was highly significant in all countries. Conclusion Women’s age at childbirth, birth interval, and birth order were significantly associated with under-five mortality. Quality care for women and newborns need to be ensured through investment in the healthcare system, and by promoting health services with more focus given to the valuable populations through sexual and reproductive health education programs and empowering women.
Effectiveness of Mulligan Joint Mobilizations and Trunk Stabilization Exercises Versus Isometric Knee Strengthening in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: NAZIR SHAIKH NABI BUKHSH , Ali Syed Shahzad , Akhtar Saeed 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundKnee Osteoarthritis (KOA) has a huge negative impact on gait parameters and on many components of biomechanics, including impairment of dynamic lower limb alignment and control of lumbopelvic movement. Specifically addressing these problems in treatment regimens is therefore critical but they must first be studied in detail before they can be used clinically to treat patients with KOA. This study protocol focuses on whether Mulligan joint mobilization with movement demonstrably decreases pain and restores healthy joint biomechanics and whether trunk stabilization exercises improve stability of the trunk, thereby distributing the weight of the body evenly on both feet. Because the treatment effects of neither treatment are conclusive, this study aims to determine their efficacy versus isometric knee strengthening.Method:The study protocol is a three-arm randomized controlled trial. After initial screening by a referring consultant, subjects who fulfil the study criteria will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. They will then be given an explanation of study objective and asked for their informed consent to participate in the study. Group 1 will receive Mulligan mobilization with kinesiotaping and knee strengthening. Group 2 will receive trunk stabilization exercises, knee strengthening, and kinesiotaping. Group 3 will receive knee strengthening along with kinesiotaping. All participants will be evaluated using a visual analogue scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, stair climb test and 6-minute walk test at the baseline, 3rd and end of 6th week.DiscussionThe results of this study will answer focused questions concerning the relative efficacy of each treatment in KOA patients. The findings of this study will inform clinical decision-making by healthcare professionals and researchers.Trial registration: NCT04099017
FAM172A suppresses polymerization of tubulin and development of HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
Authors: Zhang Jin-qian , Xia Zheng-lin , Li Li , Li Dao-wei , Chen Yu , Chen Jinglong , Xiang Guo-an 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe polymerization of tubulin play the vital role in development and pathogenesis of cancer. Our study will explain the role of FAM172A in tubulin polymerization of HCC cell line.MethodsFAM172A-interacting proteins were screened from cDNA library of human liver with the system of yeast two-hybrid, the combined protein of FAM172A was further identified with system of mammalian two-hybrid, CO-IP experiment, and assay of GST-pull down. Then cell line HepG2 of human hepatocellular carcinoma was transfected with AAV-FAM172A or FAM172A-shRNA, and then proliferation ability and cell cycle were assessed. The expression of FAM172A and β-tubulin polymerization were determined. The effect of FAM172A on development of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with polymerization of tubulin was studied, and we used xenograft mice in vivo experiment.ResultsSeveral clones were positively screened from library, which included β-tubulin cDNA. Further studies confirmed FAM172A could combine with β-tubulin. FAM172A suppressed polymerization of tubulin, meanwhile the proliferation and cell cycle of HepG2. Besides, AAV-FAM172A could inhibit the development of HCC in xenogarft mice. ConclusionsOur results indicated FAM172A might be the crucial mediator of polymerization tubulin and HCC development. It suggested that aim at FAM172A through suppressing the polymerizaton of tubulin maybe the viable strategy for treatment of HCC.
A five-step process for designing implementable complex interventions: A worked example using the Tailored intervention for ANxiety and DEpression Management (TANDEM) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Steed Liz , Heslop-Marshall Karen , Sohanpal Ratna , Saqi-Waseem Sarah , Kelly Moira , Pinnock Hilary , Taylor Stephanie 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Healthcare interventions shown to be effective, are commonly then found to be poorly implemented in clinical practice. It is suggested that insufficient attention is given to the implementation process at the developmental phase of intervention. This study outlines a 5 step process for considering both implementation and effectiveness issues from the outset of intervention development. We use the development of a complex intervention Treatment of anxiety and or depression in patients with chronic obstructive disease (TANDEM) to illustrate this process.
Methods

Intervention development built upon the Medical Research Council framework for developing complex interventions and the Person Based Approach to development of behavioural interventions. Evidence synthesis, stakeholder engagement, qualitative data collection and pre-piloting were all critical steps in intervention development.
Results

Contact with experts in the field ensured efficiency of design. Qualitative work suggested guiding principles for the intervention such as introducing mood in relation to breathlessness, and providing flexible tailoring to patients’ needs, whilst implementation principles focused on training selected respiratory professionals and requiring supervision to ensure standards of care. Subsequent steps of intervention development, pre-piloting and intervention refinement led to an intervention that was deemed acceptable and if successful will be ready for implementation.
Conclusions

By following the 5-step process recommended, both effectiveness and implementation concerns can be addressed in developing health care interventions, with the likelihood that such interventions will have a more rapid translation in to health care benefits, if shown to be effective.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare workers towards COVID-19 and its prevention in Ethiopia: a multicenter study
Authors: Jemal Bedru , Ferede Zemedu Aweke , Mola Simeneh , Hailu Sileshi , Abiy Sileshi , Wolde Getahun Dendir , Tilahun Abere , Tesfaye Biruk , Lemma Diriba Teshome , Alimaw Agmuas Asichale , Neme Derartu , Regasa Teshome , Mulugeta Hailemariam , Moges Kassaw , Bedru Mohammedrabi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: An emerging respiratory disease was abbreviated as COVID 19, after it has been first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China. The virus is zoonotic which has a tendency to be transmitted between animal to human and human to human. The major route of transmission of COVID-19 is droplet and close contact. Ethiopian ministry of health has initiated training for health care workers at a different level. WHO and CDC also initiated a multidisciplinary approach to tackle COVID-19 of which awareness creation is the main. Thus, the main objective of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices of health workers in Ethiopia towards COVID-19 and its prevention techniques.Method: an institutional-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in each of eight teaching and referral hospitals. A total of 422 Ethiopian healthcare workers were selected for the assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19. Socio-demographic characteristics and data related to the KAP of the participants were collected using a structured questionnaire Logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the attitude and knowledge of healthcare workers towards COVID-19 at a significance level of p<0.05.Result: Three hundred ninety-seven healthcare workers participated in the study with a response rate of 94%. Among these, 88.2% and 94.7% of respondents had good knowledge and positive attitude respectively. A respondent with history of chronic medical illness (OR: 0.193, 95% CI: 0.063-0.593), social media, telecommunication, and television/radio as a source of information were significantly associated with knowledge (OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.5-7.4, OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.3-14.3 and OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.4-7.2). Additionally respondent with history of chronic medical illness was significantly associated with negative attitude towards COVID-19.Conclusion: The overall level of knowledge and attitude was good. However, the practice was relatively low. Source of information like social media, telecommunication, and television/radio were positively associated with healthcare workers' knowledge about COVID-19. Strategies for enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers to develop practice are needed.Keyword: COVID-19, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Healthcare worker, Ethiopia
Identification of a prognostic immune signature for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to predict survival and inflammatory landscapes
Authors: He Jie , Zhang Chaoqi , Luo Yuejun , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Zhihui , Zhang Guochao , Wang Feng , Che Yun , Zhang Yi , Sun Nan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundImmunotherapy has achieved surprising success in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, studies concerning immune phenotypes within the ESCC microenvironment and their relationship with prognostic outcomes are limited. Therefore, we aim to construct and validate an individual immune-related risk signature for patients with ESCC.MethodsWe collected 196 ESCC cases, including 119 samples from our previous public data (GSE53624) to use as a training set. We additionally collected an independent validation cohort consisting of 77 frozen tumor tissues with qPCR data. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) cohorts were also collected for validation. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model and a stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to construct the immune-specific signature. The potential mechanism and inflammatory landscapes of the signature were explored by using bioinformatics and immunofluorescence assay methods.ResultsImmune-related genes were significantly altered in ESCC tissues, and 16 differentially expressed immune-related genes with the most prognostic value were filtered out (P<0.01). Then a six-gene-based signature (TSPAN2, AMBP, ITLN1, C6, PRLR, and MADCAM1) was generated from the training set. This signature classified the patients into two groups with significantly different overall and relapse-free survival. Furthermore, the signature showed similar prognostic values in different clinical subgroups and in the independent cohort, as well as in patients with HNSCC and LUSC. Multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed that the signature was an independent prognostic factor for patients with ESCC in different cohorts. Pathway analysis showed that genes related to the signature were mostly involved in cell adhesion, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and cancer progression. Further analysis revealed that the signature was closely associated with specific inflammatory activities (activation of macrophages and T cells signaling transduction). Additionally, high-risk patients were found characterized by distinctive immune checkpoints panel and higher filtration of Tregs and fibroblasts. ConclusionWe constructed the first comprehensive immune-related risk signature for ESCC and furnished new hints of immune profiling of ESCC. Future prospective studies are needed to test the clinical utility of this signature in the individualized management of patients with ESCC.
Molecular evaluation of Toxocara infection in stray cats using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique as a rapid, sensitive, and simple screening assay
Authors: Azimian Hamid , Shokrani Hamidreza , Fallahi Shirzad 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Toxocara species are parasitic nematodes of dogs and cats with a worldwide distribution. The adult worm lives in the intestine of dogs and cats, and infection occurs through eating paratenic host or embryonated eggs. These nematodes are considered as one of the common pathogens of humans and livestock, and in humans cause Visceral larva migrans (VLM) syndrome, which is accompanied by different clinical symptoms, sometimes lead to respiratory problems and even death. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular frequency of Toxocara species in stray cats using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. Methods: During 3 months (July to September 2018) a total of 95 stool samples were randomly collected from stray cats in Khorramabad city, Lorestan province, West of Iran. To separate the parasite’s eggs, the flotation method with chlorine solution was applied to saturation. Microscopic examination was performed after the separation and extraction of supernatants. To rupture the four layers of Toxocara egg, and extraction of DNA, sonication and freeze and thaw processes were used. After DNA extraction from the stool specimens, the LAMP reaction was performed using the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) gene primers of Toxocara species and the appropriate LAMP master mix. Results: The overall prevalence of Toxocara spp. in stray cats of Khoramabad city was 20% (19/95) by parasitological and molecular assessments. The microscopic examination of stool samples revealed that 19 samples were positive for Toxocara spp. The same 19 positive samples were also positive in the LAMP experiments. Interestingly, based on the results of the LAMP assay, out of 95 studied samples, 18 (18.41%) specimens were belonged to Toxocara canis, while only 1 (0.5%) sample was diagnosed as Toxocara cati. Conclusion: Identification of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats as the important sources of human infections especially for children is particularly important. The relatively high prevalence of Toxocara species, especially and interestingly the canis species in the studied cats shows the role of these animals in spreading the disease and the risk of transmission of infection to humans. Precautionary measures such as preventing cats from traveling in public places, especially children's playgrounds, as well as avoiding direct contact with stray cats are recommended.
Recombinant thrombomodulin does not promote bacterial propagation but alleviates oxidative stress in rats infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ito Takashi , Shrestha Binita , Kakihana Yasuyuki , Maruyama Ikuro 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM) has been used for treatment of sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation. Recent studies have suggested that anticoagulant therapy might dampen the protective role of immunothrombosis. We examined if rTM might worsen infectious diseases.
Methods

Male Sprague–Dawley rats with jugular-vein catheterization were divided into three groups: no anticoagulation; rTM pretreatment; rTM treatment at 6 h. Live methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was inoculated into the tail vein of rats. rTM was administered into the jugular-vein catheter before or 6 h after MRSA inoculation, while an equal volume of saline was administered in the no-anticoagulation group. Blood samples were collected from the jugular-vein catheter before, 6 h and 12 h after MRSA inoculation. Tissue samples were collected from anesthetized rats when moribund or 18 h after MRSA inoculation.
Results

The survival rate of rats in the no-anticoagulation group, rTM pretreatment group, and rTM treatment at 6-h group was 50%, 25%, and 75%, respectively. Bacterial burden in blood, lung, liver, and spleen was neither increased nor decreased in rats treated with rTM. The ratio of bacteria found in the extravascular space to those in the intravascular space was increased in rats treated with rTM. Metabolomics analysis revealed that rTM treatment alleviated oxidative stress, as evidenced by the decrease in levels of oxidized glutathione.
Conclusions

rTM does not promote bacterial propagation but alleviates oxidative stress in a rat model of bloodstream infection with MRSA.