bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensiveness of Distributed Medical Education Systems: A Regional Population-Based Perspective
Authors: Burrows Andrea , Laupland Kevin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The core business of medical schools includes clinical (education and service) and academic (research) activities. Our objective was to assess the degree to which these activities exist in a distributed medical education system in Canada. Methods: A population-based design was utilized. Programs were contacted and public records were searched for medical trainees and faculty positions within a province in Canada during the 2017/2018 academic year. Data were expressed as positions per 100,000 residents within the Lower Mainland, Island, and Northern and Southern interior regions. Results: Substantial differences in the distribution of medical students by region was observed with the highest observed in the Northern region at 45.5 per 100,000 as compared to Lower Mainland, Island, and Southern regions of 25.4, 16.8, 16.0 per 100,000, respectively. The distribution of family medicine residents was less variable with 14.9, 10.7, 8.9, and 5.8 per 100,000 in the Northern, Island, Southern, and Lower Mainland regions, respectively. In contrast, there was a marked disparity in distribution of specialty residents with 40.8 per 100,000 in the Lower Mainland as compared to 7.5, 3.2, and 1.3 per 100,000 in the Island, Northern, and Southern regions, respectively. Clinical faculty were distributed with the highest observed in the Northern region at 180.4 per 100,000 as compared to Southern, Island, and Lower Mainland regions of 166.9, 138.5, and 128.4, respectively. In contrast, academic faculty were disproportionately represented in the Lower Mainland and Island regions (92.8 and 50.7 per 100,000) as compared to the Northern and Southern (1.4 and 1.2 per 100,000) regions, respectively. Conclusion: While there has been successful redistribution of medical students, family medicine residents, and clinical faculty, this has not been the case for specialty residents and academic faculty.
Monitoring priority substances in biota under the Water Framework Directive: How effective is a tiered approach based on caged invertebrates? A proof of concept study targeting PFOS in French rivers.
Authors: Babut Marc , Fe Benoit J.D. , Jame Patrick , Assoumani Azziz , Lestremau François , Hette-Tronquart Nicolas , Miege Cécile , Perceval Olivier 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aims to describe and test a tiered approach for assessing compliance to Environmental Quality standards (EQSs) for priority substances in biota in line with the European Water Framework Directive. This approach is based on caged gammarids and trophic magnification factors (TMFs) at the first tier, with fish analysed at the second tier at sites exceeding the EQS. A dataset was implemented by monitoring perfluorooctane (PFOS) in caged gammarids exposed at 15 sites in French rivers, and in fish muscle and rest-of- body from the same sites. Isotopic ratios (δ13C and δ15N) were also measured in gammarids and fish. Two scenarios were developed to compare measured PFOS concentrations in fish against predicted concentrations based on measures in caged gammarids and TMFs. Scenario (1) compared measured PFOS concentrations in fish fillets with predicted PFOS concentrations based on measured concentrations in caged gammarids and δ15N. Scenario (2) tested whether or not EQS exceedance was correctly predicted based on measured concentrations in caged gammarids and trophic levels (TLs) from wild fish and gammarid populations.Results: δ13C and δ15N variations showed that caged gammarids used local food resources during exposure in the field. PFOS concentrations in gammarids were fairly variable through time at each site. In fish, concentrations ranged from non-quantifiable to 250 ng g− 1 (wet weight). After adjustment to the TL at which the EQS is set, 12 sites were above the EQS for PFOS. In scenario (1), predicted concentrations were almost correct at 7 sites out of 15. Most incorrect predictions were overestimations that were slightly improved by applying a lower TMF. In scenario (2) we tested several variants for parameters involved in the predictions. The most efficient combination yielded two wrong predictions out of 15. This result was obtained with a higher TMF value, mean concentrations in gammarids from several field exposures, and a TL for gammarids at the median of the distribution in French rivers.Conclusion: The proposed tiered approach was thus efficient. However, the number of sites was relatively limited, and the dataset was biased towards EQS exceedance. The tiered approach warrants further validation.
Clinical Characteristics of 2019 Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Qian Kai , Wang Guo-Ping , Peng Hao , Peng Jun , Cheng Hong-Zhong , Deng Yi , Liu Jun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Although novel pneumonia associated with the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) suddenly broke out in China, China has controlled this epidemic effectively. Therefore, evidence-based descriptions of medical and clinical characteristics in China are necessary.
Methods

Literatures have been systematically performed a search on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, GreyNet International, and The Cochrane Library from inception up to March 15, 2020. Quality of evidence was evaluated according to the STROBE checklist, and publication bias was analyzed by Egger’s test. In the single-arm meta-analysis, A random-effects model was used to obtain a pooled incidence rate. We conducted subgroup analysis according to geographic region and research scale.
Results

A total of 30 Chinese studies and 1969 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The valid pooled incidence rates of symptoms were as follows: rhinorrhea 5.1% (95% CI: 3.7–6.8, I2 = 31.90), diarrhea 11.0% (95% CI: 9.3–12.9, I2 = 16.58), pharyngalgia 9.4% (95% CI: 7.5–11.7, I2 = 36.40), headache 9.5% (95% CI: 8.5–11.1, I2 = 5.7), and lymphocytopenia 36.7% (95% CI: 33.8–39.8 I2 = 28.73). Meanwhile, 4.3% (95% CI: 3.5–5.4, I2 = 0.00) of patients were found without any symptoms, although they were diagnosed by RT-PCR. In terms of lung CT imaging, most of the patients showed bilateral mottling or ground-glass opacity, and 7.7% (95% CI: 4.4–12.9, I2 = 35.64) of patients had a crazy-paving pattern. In subgroup analysis, the pooled incidence rate of normal CT presentations in the Wuhan area and outside Wuhan area was 2.3% (95% CI: 1.4–3.6, I2 = 24.78) and 5.8% (95% CI: 4.4–7.7, I2 = 32.76) respectively (P = 0.001).
Conclusions

The findings suggest that although most of the COVID-19 patients have symptoms or abnormal CT imaging presentations, a few of them accompany with no symptoms or abnormal CT imaging results should also be noticed. The digestive symptoms and lymphocytopenia may be the potential clinical characteristics, especially for patients with a history of contact with COVID-19. Additionally, the incidence rate of ARDS in the Wuhan area and outside Wuhan area was different; however, the reasons for this phenomenon are unclear.
Cord blood soluble Fas ligand linked to allergic rhinitis and lung function in seven-year-old children
Authors: Su Kuan-Wen , Chiu Chih-Yung , Tsai Ming-Han , Liao Sui-Lin , Chen Li-Chen , Hua Man-Chin , Yao Tsung-Chieh , Huang Jing-Long , Yeh Kuo-Wei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Serum or cord blood soluble Fas ligand (FasL) has been related to asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in cross-sectional and short-term follow-up studies. However, the association of cord blood soluble FasL with long-term allergic outcomes has seldom been investigated. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between cord blood soluble FasL and long-term allergic outcomes in a follow-up birth cohort.
Methods
The Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children birth cohort study recruited healthy newborns upon delivery. At birth, blood was collected from the umbilical cords of these children, and the cord blood soluble Fas ligand levels were measured. At the age of seven years, the allergic outcome of each child was diagnosed by pediatric allergists and pulmonologists. Tests were conducted to measure the specific immunoglobulin E, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and pulmonary function levels of each child.
Results
Cord blood soluble FasL levels were higher in 7-year-old children with allergic rhinitis (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, p = .012) and expiratory airway obstruction (the highest forced expiratory volume in 1 second/ forced vital capacity < 90%, OR = 2.11, p = .022). The FeNO and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-specific immunoglobulin E levels of 7-year-old children were positively correlated with cord blood soluble FasL levels (p = .006 and .02, respectively).
Conclusions
In this birth cohort, the cord blood soluble FasL levels were associated with allergic rhinitis, obstructive-type lung function, FeNO, and house dust mite sensitization in 7-year-old children. The cord blood soluble FasL level might be used as a predictor for allergic diseases in children who are 7 years old.
Exposure to ZnO/TiO2 Nanoparticles Affects Health Outcomes in Cosmetics Salesclerks
Authors: Lee Ching-Chang , Lin Yi-Hsin , Hou Wen-Che , Li Meng-Han , Chang Jung-Wei 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Concerns about the effects of nanoparticles (NPs) on human health are being raised by researchers because the risks of nanocosmetics like sunscreen are unknown. Methods: We explored the association between urinary oxidative stress markers and exposure of cosmetics salesclerks to 20 cosmetics which might contain titanium dioxide (TiO2)/zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs. We then recruited 40 cosmetics salesclerks and 24 clothing salesclerks and categorized them based on their exposure to ZnO and TiO2 NPs. Results: Nineteen and fifteen samples met the EU definition for TiO2 and ZnO nanomaterials, respectively. Participants with a higher co-exposure index of ZnO and TiO2 NPs had a significantly higher base level of urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosin (8-OHdG) concentrations than the lower co-exposure group (5.82 vs. 2.85 ng/mL, p < 0.001). After potential confounding factors had been adjusted for, the TiO2 and ZnO NP co-exposure index was significantly positively associated with the urinary 8-OHdG base concentration (β = 0.308, 95% CI = 0.106 to 0.510) and the creatinine-adjusted concentration (β = 0.486, 95% CI = 0.017 to 0.954). Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that the likelihood of harm from using sunscreens containing nanoparticles might result in higher urinary 8-OHdG. However, our limited number and types of sample cosmetics might underestimate the risk.
Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Changes in Exhaled Nitric Oxide and DNA Methylation in Arginase and Nitric Oxide Synthase in Children with Asthma
Authors: Ji Nan , Fang Mingzhu , Baptista Ana , Cepeda Clarimel , Greenberg Molly , Mincey Ivelisse Colon , Strickland Pamela Ohman , Fiedler Nancy , Kipen Howard M. , Laumbach Robert J. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) has been associated with increased risk of airway inflammation in children with asthma. While epigenetic changes could potentially modulate TRAP-induced inflammatory responses, few studies have assessed the temporal pattern of exposure to TRAP, epigenetic changes and inflammation in children with asthma. Our goal was to test the time-lag patterns of personal exposure to TRAP, airway inflammation (measured as fractional exhaled nitric oxide, FeNO), and DNA methylation in the promoter regions of genes involved in nitric oxide synthesis among children with asthma.
Methods
We measured personal exposure to black carbon (BC) and FeNO for up to 30 days in a panel of children with asthma. We collected 90 buccal cell samples for DNA methylation analysis from 18 children (5 per child). Methylation in promoter regions of nitric oxide synthase (NOS1, NOS2A, NOS3) and arginase (ARG1, ARG2) was assessed by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Linear-mixed effect models were used to test the associations of BC at different lag periods, percent DNA methylation at each site and FeNO level.
Results
Exposure to BC was positively associated with FeNO, and negatively associated with DNA methylation in NOS3. We found strongest association between FeNO and BC at lag 0–6 hours while strongest associations between methylation at positions 1 and 2 in NOS3 and BC were at lag 13–24 hours and lag 0–24 hours, respectively. The strengths of associations were attenuated at longer lag periods. No significant associations between exposure to TRAP and methylation levels in other NOS and ARG isoforms were observed.
Conclusions
Exposure to TRAP was associated with higher levels of FeNO and lower levels of DNA methylation in the promoter regions of the NOS3 gene, indicating that DNA methylation of the NOS3 gene could be an important epigenetic mechanism in physiological responses to TRAP in children with asthma.
Elevated Serum Triglyceride Predicates Recurrence of Colorectal Polyps in Patients with Advanced Adenomas
Authors: Liu Sudong , Liu Boying , Wen Pingwu , Gu Xiaodong , Weng Ruiqiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The recurrence of colorectal polyps is common and impacted by various factors. The aim of this study is to explore the association between lipid profiles and recurrence of colorectal polyps.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed lipid profiles of 435 patients underwent colonoscopy with removal of colorectal polyps, and observed the recurrence of polyps by follow-up endoscopy within the following 1.5 years. Regression logistic was used to evaluate the association between lipid profiles and polyp recurrence.
Results
During the 1.5-year follow-up, recurrences of colorectal polyps were observed in 135 out of 435 patients (30.34%). Patients with recurrent polyps showed higher levels of total cholesterol (TG) (P = 0.006), lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.008) and apoliprotein A1 (ApoA1) (P = 0.033). Regression logistic model suggested that TG was an independent risk factor of polyp recurrence (OR: 1.81; CI: 1.29–2.55; P = 0.039) in patients with advanced adenomas.
Conclusions
The lipid profiles are associated with the recurrence of colorectal polyps. Elevated TG would serve as an independent risk predictor of polyp recurrence in patients with advanced adenomas.
Tribological behavior of Ti(C, N)-TiB2 composite cermets using FeCoCrNiAl high entropy alloys as binder over a wide range of temperatures
Authors: Li Zhanjiang , Fu Peixin , Zhu Chenglong , Hong Chunfu , Dai Pinqiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The Ti(C, N)-TiB2 composite cermets with different binders (HEAs or Ni-Co) were fabricated by mechanical alloying and vacuum hot-pressing sintering. Wear resistance of two composite cermets at elevated temperatures was studied. Wear mechanism was characterized by a combination of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Experimental results indicated that HEAs binder composite cermets possessed excellent wear resistance comparing with Ni-Co binder composite cermets. At lower temperatures, no obvious difference was observed in worn surfaces of two cermets. Abrasive wear mechanism was dominant wear mechanism. At greater than 600 °C, oxidative wear and adhesive wear were found to be dominant wear mechanism. The wear rate of HEAs binder composite cermets was 11.8%, 17%, 39.25%, and 46.7% lower than that of Ni-Co binder composite cermets at 200℃, 400℃, 600℃, and 800℃, respectively. Enhanced wear performance of Ti(C, N)-TiB2-HEAs composite cermets is attributed to relatively high hardness and toughness, as well as excellent high-temperature softening resistance and oxidation resistance of HEAs.
The Relevance of Using Games for Teaching Noun Phrases in English Language Teaching Class
Authors: Roy Abhipriya 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Game-based learning makes learners collaborative, communicative and interactive. Strategic games improve the functioning of the brain. Gaming creates a dynamic atmosphere and develop skills while emotionally connecting the learners to the subject matter. The research paper focuses on the use of games inside the classroom and favours games to be a good teaching method for teaching noun phrases. It suggests the use of experimental method where a pre-test and a post-test will be used for data collection. It has suggested five language games for teaching noun phrases for analysing the impact of games for teaching noun phrases and their impact on language comprehension and language production. It also highlights the further scope of research.
Anti-oxidative effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide, a regulator of aging, on rat high glucose-induced tenocytes in vitro
Authors: Yamaura Kohei , Mifune Yutaka , Inui Atsuyuki , Nishimoto Hanako , Kataoka Takeshi , Kurosawa Takashi , Mukohara Shintaro , Niikura Takahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) plays an important role in energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, aging, and cell death. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is one of the key precursors of NAD+. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the oxidative stress effects of NMN on rat tenocytes in-vitro.Methods Tenocytes from normal Sprague–Dawley rats were cultured in regular glucose (RG) and high-glucose (HG) conditions with or without NMN, and were divided into four groups: RG NMN−, RG NMN+, HG NMN−, and HG NMN+. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1, NOX4, interleukin (IL)-6, SIRT1, and SIRT6, were determined in-vitro.Results The NMN groups led to significantly higher cell viabilities compared with the other groups. The mRNA expressions of NOX1, NOX4, and IL6, in the HG NMN+ group were significantly lower compared with those of the HG NMN− group. Conversely, the corresponding expressions of the SIRT1 and SIRT6 levels in the HG NMN+ group were significantly higher compared with those of the HG NMN−group. Both the accumulation of ROS and apoptosis in the HG NMN− group were significantly higher compared with those in the RG NMN− group at 48 h.Conclusion The expression levels of NOX1, NOX4, IL6, and ROS were significantly reduced by NMN. These results suggest that NMN could effectively reduce the oxidative stress by activating SIRT1 and SIRT6, and by inhibiting the activity of NOX and apoptosis in the tenocytes.
A Prospective Study to Assess the Value of Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry in the Management of Paediatric Poisoning at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Washaya Norbertta , Evans Alicia , Muloiwa Rudzani , Smith Peter , Buys Heloise 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Paediatric poisoning is a common presentation to emergency departments worldwide.(1, 2)Though it has a good prognosis, it is an important cause of both morbidity and mortality.(1, 3) In 2016 it was responsible for 6 268 554 disability adjusted life years (DALYs) globally, with children less than 15 years accounting for 45% of these DALYs.(4) In a study done in South Africa, poisoning was responsible for 5.7% of all hospital admissions.(2) While, a retrospective patient folder review carried out at a hospital in Johannesburg, indicated that toxin ingestion was responsible for 17% of the admissions in to the paediatric intensive care unit.(5)
Cutaneous manifestations associated with COVID-19 in children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shah Seema , Akhade Kiran , Ganguly Satyaki , Nanda Rachita , Mohapatra Eli , Goel Anil Kumar 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Cutaneous manifestation of COVID 19 in children has not yet been reviewed systematically and hence this review gives a future direction to the clinicians to be vigilant for skin presentations during such pandemic.Methodology: The review was done as per the guidelines of PRISMA and literature search was done on PubMed database using keywords as COVID-19, children and skin in different combinations. Articles published in English with cases of age 1 month to 18 years were eligible. The outcome included varied aspects of cutaneous and COVID-19 infection. The review protocol was not registered.Results: Of 51 publications identified, 13 studies containing 149 children met the eligibility criteria. Acrally located erythematous maculopapular lesion was the most common finding in 138 children. Erythema multiforme, varicella like exanthem and Kawasaki disease like presentations were reported in the rest of the cases. The duration of the skin lesion was 1-2 weeks in 43%. Skin biopsy done in 18 cases revealed superficial & deep perivascular and peri-eccrine lymphocytic infiltrate & lymphocytic vasculitis. RT-PCR was positive in 13.8% cases. Serological markers for HSV, parvovirus B19 analyzed across various studies, were found negative, except for mycoplasma pneumoniae in 2 of 20 cases tested.Discussion: Clinicopathologic analysis established chilblains like lesion in 43% cases with no confirmed etiology like cold exposure, autoimmune dysfunction, drug reaction, or viral infection. The usual cephalo-caudal spread of a viral exanthem was also missing. However, a low number of discussed cases was a limitation of the study.Conclusion: In the absence of any confirmed etiology for such cutaneous manifestations, the possibility of COVID-19 should be explored and evaluated thoroughly during such pandemic.
Increased P450 aromatase levels in post-menopausal women after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Manwani Bharti , Fall Pamela , Zhu Liang , O’Reilly Meaghan Roy , Conway Sarah , Staff Ilene , McCullough Louise D. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Sex differences in stroke have been attributed to the neuroprotective effects of estrogen, yet most clinical trials of estrogen supplementation for stroke prevention have failed. The contribution of sex hormones to stroke outcome remains a subject of debate. Aromatization of testosterone to estradiol in neural tissue leads to sexual differentiation. Emerging data suggests aromatase activity increases in response to brain injury, and increased aromatase expression is seen in the ischemic penumbra in animal models. The objective of this study was to examine the levels of endogenous sex steroids after acute ischemic stroke and determine if levels of sex steroids were associated with acute stroke outcomes.Methods: Peripheral blood from ischemic stroke patients was collected under an approved IRB within 24 hours of symptom onset. 17 β estradiol, testosterone and aromatase levels were measured in the serum of both men and women. Hormone levels were compared in men vs. women in stroke and control groups and correlated with outcomes (NIHSS and change in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), defined as difference of premorbid and discharge mRS) using multivariate regression.Results: We found no significant change in estradiol levels 24 hours after stroke in men (p = 0.86) or women (p = 0.10). In men, testosterone significantly decreased after stroke as compared with controls (1.83 ± 0.12 vs 2.86 ± 0.65, p = 0.01). Aromatase levels were significantly higher in women after stroke as compared with controls (2.27 ± 0.22 vs 0.97 ± 0.22, p = 0.002), but not in men (p = 0.84). Estradiol levels positively correlated with higher NIHSS at the time of admission, (r = 0.62, p = 0.0001) and higher change in mRS, (r = 0.38, p = 0.02) in women. Similar correlations between estradiol levels with NIHSS, (r = 0.34, p = 0.02) and change in mRS, r = 0.3, p = 0.04, was seen in men.Conclusions: Higher estradiol levels correlated with worse acute stroke outcomes, regardless of the sex. Testosterone levels decreased after stroke in men. As seen in animal models, aromatase levels increase after acute ischemic stroke, but this was only true for older women. These indicate an active aromatization process in post-menopausal women after acute ischemic stroke. We speculate that aromatase mediated local production of estradiol may occur in the female brain after acute ischemic stroke.