bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to Mutational Testing in Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) – A Survey of Life Raft Group Members
Authors: Montoya Denisse , Call Jerry W. , Eshak Jennily , Knox Pete , Luedke Maeven , Kaur Sahibjeet , Rothschild Sara , Garland Mary , Scherzer Norman J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDue to the low mutational testing rate in patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST), The Life Raft Group (LRG) conducted a survey to analyze various factors that may have an impact on patients’ ability to receive mutational testing. Methods A survey about mutational testing for patients with GIST, or their caregivers, was conducted by The Life Raft Group in June 2020 with 295 patients/caregivers participating. The Life Raft Group is a non-profit organization that provides support, advocacy, and conducts research for patients with GIST. The survey was designed by the LRG Patient Registry Department. Members of the LRG, regardless of Patient Registry status, were eligible to participate. ResultsThe percentage of patients who indicated they had received mutational testing was much higher in this survey than in the general GIST community. The LRG membership is voluntary and proactive; patients who join are more likely to participate in surveys and mutational testing. In this survey, 80% of patients reported a known mutation. Several reasons were cited for having a test, including: “My doctor ordered/suggested that I have it done” (54%); “The Life Raft Group advised/suggested I have it done” (25%); “I asked my doctor to have it done” (22%); “I had it done as part of a clinical trial” (5%); “I am not sure” (3%) and “Other” (14%). Mutational testing resulted in a treatment change in 25% of cases. ConclusionsA doctor’s order/recommendation was the most cited reason for patients receiving a mutational test (54%), highlighting the critical role that doctors play in whether a patient receives mutational testing. An LRG recommendation for testing (25%) and patient’s advocating for the test (22%) were the next most cited reasons. One of the most important findings was that mutational testing resulted in changes in treatment in 25% of cases. In other cases, it provided confidence in the current or proposed treatment plan. These are extremely important findings, as it helps ensure that patients are on the proper treatment, which should lead to better outcomes.
Transient Visual Disturbance is Associated with Disability and Suicidal Risk in Patients with Migraine Without Aura
Authors: Tsao Yu Chien , Wang Yen-Feng , Fuh Jong-Ling , Chen Wei-Ta , Lai Kuan-Lin , Liu Hung-Yu , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Chen Shih-Pin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Patients with migraine without aura frequently report transient visual disturbances (TVD) other than typical visual aura, but the clinical correlates are not determined. Method: Patients with migraine without aura (MO) that attended the headache clinic were enrolled. Structured questionnaires were self-administered by the patients including headache profiles, comorbidities, lifetime suicidal ideation and attempts, six-item Headache Impact Test, Migraine Photophobia Score, Migraine Disability Assessment, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A semi-structured visual phenomenon questionnaire was also used to assess the characteristics of TVDs. TVD is defined as any zigzag flashes, flickering dots/lines, or blurred/foggy vision associated with headache and with a Visual Aura Rating Scale < 4. Headache specialists interviewed with the participants for the ascertainment of diagnosis and verified of the questionnaires.Result: MO patients (n = 7,200, female/male = 3.56, mean age: 40.1 ± 13.4 years) were divided into 2 subgroups based on the presence (n=2,488) or absence of TVDs (n= 4,712). Patients with TVD had higher headache-related disability, more psychiatric comorbidities and were more likely to be photophobic. Suicidal ideation and attempts were more common in patients with TVD than in those without (ideation: 31.9% vs. 18.1%, OR = 1.92 [95% CI: 1.71−2.15], p < 0.001; attempt: 8.2% vs. 3.5%, OR = 2.23 [95% CI: 1.80−2.75], p < 0.001). The associations remained after adjustment of confounding factors.Conclusion: Presence of transient visual disturbance may suggest a higher migraine-related disability, higher level of photophobia and higher suicidal ideation/attempts in MO patients.
Solutions of Schrodinger Equation And Thermodynamic Properties of Potassium Dimer Based On Formular Method
Authors: Onyenegecha C. P. , Omoko E. N. , Njoku I. J. , Oguzie E. E. , Okereke C. J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The study presents the thermodynamic properties of the XI Σ+g state of potassium (K2) dimer with molecular Deng-Fan potential. The bound state energy solution of the radial Schrodinger equation is obtained via the formula method. The partition function and other thermodynamic properties are evaluated. The numerical values of energy are found to be in agreement with results obtained from other methods in literature. The results further show that the partition function increases as temperature decreases, which implies a decrease in the probability of finding a particle in a state with quantum number, n.
Clinical Characteristics and Burden of a Large Series with Cluster Headache From Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study From Headache Centers
Authors: DIKMEN PINAR YALINAY , ARI CAGLA , SAHIN ERDI , ERTAS MUSTAFA , DOMAC FUSUN MAYDA , AYDINLAR ELIF ILGAZ , SAHIN AYSENUR , OZGE AYNUR , OZGUNER HILAL , KARADAS OMER , SHAFIYEV JAVID , VURALLI DOGA , AKTAN CİLE , AKARSU EMEL OGUZ , KARLI NECDET , ZARIFOGLU MEHMET , BOLAY HAYRUNISA , EKIZOGLU ESME , ORHAN ELIF KOCASOY , BAYKAN BETUL 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Our purpose was to investigate the demographics, diagnosis patterns, clinical characteristics, triggers, treatment experiences, and personal burden of patients with Cluster headache (CH) in Turkey, a country located between Europe and Asia.Methods: The study is a cross-sectional investigation based on data from eight headache centers in Turkey. All patients completed the semi-structured survey either face to face or by phone interview with a neurologist.Results: A total of 209 individuals with a mean age of 39.8 (11.3) completed the survey (176 males; 188 episodic, 21 chronic). The mean age at disease onset was 28.6 (10.2) years. The diagnostic delay was 4.9 years and misdiagnosis before CH was 57.9%. Of participants, 9.1% reported a positive family history for CH. Male patients with CH showed higher rates for being current smokers in comparison to females (59.7% vs. 24.2%; p<0.0001) and they also had significantly more past history of smoking at the time of first diagnosis (60.8% vs. 21.2%; p<0.0001). Females with CH had a previous diagnosis of migraine more frequently (57.6% vs. 27.3; p=0.001). Attack duration without treatment was significantly longer in female patients with CH compared to males (112 min vs. 87 min; p=0.029). Female participants had more migrainous features (57.6 % vs. 36.9%; p=0.033) and nausea/vomiting (48.5% vs. 30.1%; p=0.045) during their attacks. Only 42.1% of all participants reported satisfying treatment experiences. Of the participants, 85.9 % reported that oxygen was efficient for abortive treatment of CH; however, only 22 % of them had an oxygen tube at home. Female participants, as well as chronic CH patients, reported a higher likelihood of preventive treatment experiences. In this study, 49.3% of all participants appeared to be disabled by their headaches. Over one-quarter percent of our cohort reported that CH caused job-related burden.Conclusion: Remarkable diagnostic delay is an ongoing problem for CH and migraine was the most common misdiagnosis. Nearly half of the patients suffered from a burden of CH regardless of chronicity. Both past abortive and preventive treatment experiences of the participants highlight the insufficient efficacy of available choices and the necessity of more specific treatments for CH.
Global Polygons For Terrain Classification Divided Into Uniform Slopes And Basins
Authors: Iwahashi Junko , Yamazaki Dai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Global terrain classification data have been used for various issues that are known to be related to topography, such as estimation of soil types, estimation of Vs30, and creation of seismic hazard maps. However, due to the resolution of the DEMs used, the terrain classification data from previous studies could not discriminate small landforms, such as narrow valley bottom plains, and small-rises within the plains. We created a global polygon dataset of the shapefile format divided into uniform slopes from slope gradients and HAND (height above the nearest drainage) calculated using the 90m spatial resolution MERIT DEM, and combined this data with the unit catchments of MERIT-Basins. This dataset contains the calculated terrain measurements (slope gradient, HAND, surface texture, local convexity, Sinks) and polygon areas as attributes, as well as the ID number of the MERIT-Basins’ unit catchment. In addition, the results of k-means clustering using slope gradient, HAND, and surface texture, which can be joined with the dataset as a simple terrain classification, are also available. This dataset can be used as a proxy and is expected to contribute to the modeling and estimation of various points that are known to be related to topography.
Distribution and Diversity of Sand Fly Species (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in Two Geoclimatic Zones of Chad
Authors: KODINDO Israel DEMBA , Israël Demba Kodindo , Coulibaly Cheick Amadou , Sissoko Ibrahim Moussa , Traoré Bourama , Wilke André B. B. , Beier John C , Muller Gunter C , Doumbia Seydou 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies is an important vector-borne disease. In Chad, information on sandflies is outdated, and so this study was designed to update the sandfly fauna. Methods: Sandflies were collected in five health districts representing two geoclimatic zones using sticky traps and pyrethrum sprays in indoor and peridomestic habitats between September 2019 and December 2020. All collected sandfly specimens were identified based on species-level morphological characters. Results: A total of 2,015 specimens belonging to 13 species of sandflies (one Phlebotomus and twelve Sergentomyia) were collected and identified. The vector of human cutaneous leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus duboscqi, represents 0.65% of all collected sandflies and is the only representative of the Phlebotomus genus to be collected predominantly inside human dwellings. Phlebotomus orientalis, the vector of visceral leishmaniasis previously collected in Chad in 1976 was not found in this study. Sergentomyia clydei, Sergentomyia schwetzi, Sergentomyia antennata and Sergentomyia africana were the most abundant species collected with 44.71%; 22.73%; 16.03% and 11.17%, respectively. Sergentomyia schwetzi and Sergentomyia dubia, the two species involved in the transmission of canine leishmaniasis, were found in five and four study sites respectively. Conclusion: According to our results, the sandfly fauna of the two geoclimatic zones of Chad is comprised of 13 species. Our data showed that, unlike P. orientalis which was not found, P. duboscqi is present in four of the five sites surveyed. Therefore, these areas are at risk and remain potential foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, the need for further studies such as vector species detection, their seasonal fluctuations and their vector competence.
New Mechanism For Mesenchymal Stem Cell Microvesicle To Restore Lung Permeability: Intracellular S1P Signaling Pathway Independent of S1P Receptor-1
Authors: Ye Lifang , Song Jieqiong , Zheng Yijun , Zhong Ming , Liu Jun , Zhu Duming , Hu Shuling 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Microvesicles (MV) derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) were demonstrated to restore lung protein permeability and attenuate acute lung injury (ALI). In our previous study, we found that MSC MV increased sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) kinase1 mRNA levels in injured human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) significantly. However, the role of S1P signaling in MSC MV to restore lung protein permeability is unknown.Methods: In this study, we hypothesized that MSC MV might restore lung permeability in part through increasing intracellular S1P signaling pathway in injured HLMVEC independent of S1P receptors. We used the transwell co-culture system to study the effect of MSC MV on protein permeability of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) damaged HLMVEC. Results: Our results showed that LPS significantly increased the permeability of HLMVEC to FITC-dextran (70 kDa) within 24 hours. MSC MV restores this permeability, and to a large extent prevents the cytoskeleton protein F-actin from recombining into "actin stress fibers", and restores the positions of tight junctions and adhesion junctions in the damaged HLMVEC. This therapeutic effect of MSC MV was related to the increase in the S1P level in injured HLMVEC and was not eliminated when adding the antagonist of S1P receptor, suggesting that MSC MV to restore lung permeability was independent of S1P receptors on HLMVEC. Laser confocal further observed that Ca2+ mobilization and Rac1 activiation in LPS injured HLMVEC were increased in parallel with the increase in intracellular S1P level after MSC MV treatment. Conclusions: In short, MSC MV partially restored protein permeability across HLMVEC through the intracellular S1P signaling pathway independent of S1P receptor-1.
Optimisation of rapid untargeted nanopore DNA virus metagenomics using cell cultures and calves experimentally infected with bovine herpes virus-1
Authors: Esnault Gaelle , Earley Bernadette , Cormican Paul , Waters Sinead M. , Lemon Ken , Barry Thomas , Reddington Kate , McCabe Matthew S. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cattle in Ireland, and internationally. This disease is caused by many well-known, and an ever-increasing number of newly associated viruses and bacteria. Consequently, diagnosis of BRD pathogens by targeted real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) diagnostics is too expensive and slow to enable a same-day response that is targeted at the causative pathogen(s). To address this, we developed a same-day, sample to result, untargeted metagenomic MinION sequencing protocol for the identification of DNA viruses associated with BRD from nasal swabs. The procedure comprises non-viral nucleic acid depletion, nucleic acid extraction, rapid transposase-based tagmentation with barcoded adapters, non-biased PCR amplification of tagmented nucleic acid, sequencing on a MinION device, then rapid analysis of resulting sequences on cloud-based software EPI2ME WIMP. The protocol was developed using BoHV1-infected foetal lung cell cultures where we achieved 96% enrichment of the BoHV-1 sequence. Subsequently, the protocol was successfully applied to untargeted detection of BoHV-1 in nasal swabs from calves experimentally challenged with BoHV-1.
Are Facet Orientation and Tropism Risk Factors for Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy? A Retrospective Study in a Chinese Population
Authors: Zhou Yuanxing , Yang Ming , Zhang Wentao , Sun Tianze , Wang Bo , Li Zhonghai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Facet parameters, such as facet orientation (FO) and tropism (FT) are thought to be predisposing factors for pathological changes in the lumbar spine. This study aimed to explore the association between facet parameters and cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) on 3-dimentional views.
Methods
A total of 226 patients with single-level CSR and 182 normal control participants were included. FO, FT and the incidence of FT (defined as FT ≥ 7) based on reconstructed CT images were measured. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the association between facet joint parameters and the incidence of CSR. The Pearson Chi-square test was used to find out the relationship between the side of herniation and facet joint parameters in CSR patients.
Results
Axial FT of CSR group was significantly larger compared to control group at each spinal level, while sagittal except C5/6 and coronal FT shown not. The differences of incidence of axial FT at all levels between groups were statistically significant, as well as incidence of sagittal FT at C4/5 and C5/6. Incidence of axial FT with respect to all levels was significantly associated with CSR, and incidence of sagittal FT only at C4/5 and C5/6 was associated with CSR. The proportion between the left and right side of greater FO was significantly different on axial view.
Conclusion
Axial and sagittal FT but not FO were associated with CSR, and axial FT might exert more dominant function on the development of CSR. Moreover, CSR might be more vulnerable to more severe axial FT, which should be paid more attention. The side of herniation might prefer the side of greater axial FO.
Bionanosystem Based on Platycodon Grandifloras “Guides the Medicine Upward” for Targeting Lung Inflammation to Calm the Cytokine Storm
Authors: Li Yi , Guo Chunjing , Chen Qiang , Su Yanguo , Guo Huimin , Chen Daquan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Pneumonia can lead to high morbidity and mortality due to uncontrolled inflammation of the lung tissue. More and more evidences indicate that cytokine storms play a vital role in the progression of inflammatory lung diseases. Blocking cytokine storms may be one of the keys to saving the life of patients with severe pneumonia. According to the guide theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the inherent affinity of macrophages for the site of inflammation, we constructed a bionic drug delivery system (MPNPs) derived from macrophage-membrane (MM) encapsulated ROS-responsive Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharide (PGP) nanoparticles (PNPs) to calm down the cytokine storm and improve lung inflammation. By loading the anti-inflammatory agent Curcumin (Cur), we could clearly find that MPNPs@Cur were better targeted to the inflammatory cell and more significantly suppressed the release of proinflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α. In acute lung injury (ALI) mice treated with MPNPs@Cur significantly reduced inflammation and cytokine storm syndrome, while also alleviating symptoms in mice with ALI. Interestingly, we found that the PNPs also had potent pulmonary targeting compared to other polysaccharide carriers, which is in line with the guide theory of the attribution of the Platycodon grandiflorum to the lung. Additionally, MM segregate pro-inflammatory cytokines to suppress local inflammation. The synergistic effect of drug therapy and the separation of inflammatory cytokines from this biomimetic drug delivery system leads to an increase in the therapeutic effect of ALI. Rational design of drug delivery platform to improve the treatment of lung injury is revealed in our study, which inherits and develops the important theories of TCM through the perfect combination of guide theory and modern biomimetic nanotechnology, as well as provides experimental scientific basis for the clinical application of channel ushering drugs.
Emodin alleviated hyperlipidemia and hepatic lipid metabolism in zebrafish larvae fed a high-cholesterol diet via AMPK/SREBP-2/PCSK9/LDLR signaling pathway
Authors: He Linfeng , Wang Cheng , Zhang Yafang , Guo Chaocheng , Wan Yan , Li Yunxia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEmodin (EM) is one of bioactive components extracted from Rheum palmatum L. (Dahuang), which possesses numerous pharmacological activities including hypolipidemic effect. However, the potential action of EM on hyperlipidemia (HLP) remains unclear. Here, the theraputic effect of EM against HLP were investigated.MethodsIn this study, the hypolipidemic properties of EM were evaluated using high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-stimulated zebrafish larvae model. The body weight, body length and body mass index (BMI) was measured. The total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as well as the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected by corresponding assay kits. Tg (flil: eGFP) zebrafish were utilized to observe vascular cholesterol accumulation and Tg (mpx: eGFP) zebrafish to visualize and quantify neutrophil inflammation. The hepatic lipid deposition and hepatic histopathology were analyzed by Oil red O staining and H&E staining, respectively. Finally, the underlying mechanism of EM were investigated using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis to assess the gene levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα), sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP-2), proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1).ResultsOur data indicated that EM reduced obesity of zebrafish as evidenced by the decrease in body weight, body length and BMI. EM significantly reduced TC, TG, and LDL-C, and increased HDL-C contents. Moreover, it displayed a prominent inhibitory effect on blood cholesterol accumulation, hepatic lipid accumulation, and neutrophil inflammation in vascular site. Additionally, EM improved the liver function through decreasing ALT and AST levels of zebrafish with HCD-induced hepatosteatosis. Further investigation showed that EM treatment attenuated lipid accumulation via upregulating the expression of AMPKα, LDLR, ABCA1 and ABCG1, and downregulating the expression of SREBP-2, PCSK9 and HMGCR.ConclusionTo conclude, EM alleviated lipid metabolism disorder symptoms caused by HCD via modulating AMPK/SREBP-2/PCSK9/LDLR pathway in larvae, suggesting that EM may be developed into hypolipidmic agent for treating lipid metabolism related diseases.
Are Stories and Anecdotes an Underused Pedagogic Technique in Undergraduate Medicine? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Richardson Cara , Jones Linda 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Arguably storytelling is a recognised teaching method used in different fields such as teaching children, religion, and culture. Its use in medical teaching is apparent, but little is known of how valuable this method is within medical teaching. This study aimed to explore the perceptions stakeholders have of using stories within teaching and learning at Dundee Medical School. We hope to understand how stories are perceived and to consider how educators might optimise their use. Methods: A qualitative approach allowed for the exploration of participants perceptions of storytelling within medical teaching. Purposive sampling was used to sample medical students and educators. Eleven students participated in one of three group semi-structured interviews and five individual semi-structured interviews with educators took place. The data collected was coded and analysed to reveal themes and sub-themes regarding storytelling at Dundee Medical School. Results: Both stakeholder groups sampled highly valued the use of stories and anecdotes within medical teaching. Whilst both suggested the same purposes, types and impact of stories and identified similar barriers to using storytelling such as confidence and experience. Students were more focused on the importance of the relevance, delivery, and context of where a story was being told for stories to be effective, whilst for faculty, their perceptions didn’t involve these themes. Conclusions: The findings from this small study have provided insight into how storytelling is perceived and developed some recommendations for optimising its use within medical education at Dundee Medical School. This highlights the value of this method to educators and exemplifies the important qualities stories can help to foster amongst students, whilst suggesting a possible theory on how to successfully utilise them.