bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and content validation of the Symptoms Evolution of COVID-19: a patient-reported electronic daily diary in clinical and real-world studies
Authors: Rofail Diana , McGale Nadine , Im Joseph , Rams Alissa , Przydzial Krystian , Mastey Vera , Sivapalasingam Sumathi , Podolanczuk Anna J. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was limited understanding of symptom experience and disease progression. We developed and validated a fit-for-purpose disease-specific instrument to assess symptoms in patients with COVID-19 to inform endpoints in an interventional trial for non-hospitalized patients.

Methods
The initial drafting of the 23-item Symptoms Evolution of COVID-19 (SE-C19) Instrument was developed based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention symptom list and available published literature specific to patients with COVID-19 as of Spring 2020. The measurement principles outlined in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) guidance and the FDA's series of four methodological Patient-Focused Drug Development guidance documents were also considered. Following initial development, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 30 non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Interviews involved two stages: (1) concept elicitation, to obtain information about the symptoms experienced as a result of COVID-19 in the patients’ own words, and (2) cognitive debriefing, for patients to describe their understanding of the SE-C19 instructions, specific symptoms, response options, and recall period to ensure the content of the SE-C19 is relevant and comprehensive. Five clinicians treating COVID-19 outpatients were also interviewed to obtain their insights on symptoms experienced by patients and provide input on the SE-C19.

Results
Patients reported no issues regarding the relevance or appropriateness of the SE-C19 instructions, including the 24-h recall period. The comprehensiveness of the SE-C19 was confirmed against the conceptualization of the patient experience of symptoms developed in the qualitative research. Minor conceptual gaps were revealed to capture nuances in the experience of nasal and gustatory symptoms and systemic manifestations of sickness. Almost all items were endorsed by patients as being appropriate, well understood, and easy to respond to. The clinicians largely approved all items, response options, and recall period.

Conclusions
The qualitative research provided supportive evidence of the content validity of the SE-C19 to assess the symptoms of outpatients with COVID-19, and its use in clinical trials to evaluate the benefit of treatment. Minor changes may be considered to improve conceptual clarity and ease of responding.
Antitumor effect of partially purified venom protein from Conus virgo on rat glioma cell line
Authors: Ganesan Dhana Sekaran , Annadurai Dhasarathan , Vadakkuvaselvi Lakshmanan , Neelan Kathirvel , Chinnasamy Arulvasu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Since many research works have been carried out to identify the pharmacological properties of conotoxins from many Conus sp. The pharmacological properties of higher molecular weight toxin from the venom of Conus sp. have been poorly elucidated. Therefore, the present investigation was made to isolate the higher molecular weight toxin from the venom of Conus virgo and to test its antitumor effect on rat glioma cell line.

Results
The partially purified fraction 1 showed better activity (IC50 50 μg/ml) than fraction 2 (IC50 150 µg/ml) after 24 h incubation. The decreased elevation of creatine kinase was documented on fraction 1treated C6 cells. Vero cells showed minimal cell damage at 150 μg/ml 24 h as well. The nuclear morphology and nuclear fragmentation showed the presence of nuclear damage in C6 cells. Western blot analysis revealing the upregulation of the p53-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway was documented.

Conclusions
The present investigation emphasizes that the partially purified fraction 1 has triggered p53 mediated apoptosis by synergism of two higher molecular weight toxins in Rat glioma cell.
Association between cerebral microbleeds and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Diker Sevda , Gelener Pınar , Eker Amber , Kaymakamzade Bahar , Mut Senem , Erem Ayşegül , Balyemez Uğurcan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Host inflammation has been studied in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) due to large vessel occlusions. Inflammatory markers were shown to correlate with large artery atherosclerosis and worse outcomes after ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusions. However, the association between inflammation and cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is controversial. Mostly studied are the white matter hyperintensities; however, results regarding association of white matter hyperintensities with inflammatory markers are conflicting. We aimed to investigate the association between cerebral microbleed (CMB) load, as an indicator of SVD, and inflammation indices in patients with IS.

Results
We identified 127 patients with IS admitted within 7 days of symptom onset. CMBs were detected in 37% (n: 47) of patients. Patient’s age and Fazekas score were independently associated with CMB load. Inflammatory biomarkers were not associated with the presence or quantitative burden of CMBs.

Conclusions
White matter damage and patient’s age predicted CMB presence and number, respectively, in IS patients. However, inflammatory markers failed to show any association with such SVD signs. Prospective studies with a higher number of stroke patients are needed in order to justify our findings.
High flow nasal oxygen therapy for COVID 19: an unusual complication
Authors: Kumar Tushar , Tirkey Amit , Bhattacharya P. K. , Suwalka U. , Lakra Ladhu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure is the most common complication of COVID 19 infection. Newer ways for oxygen therapy were explored during this pandemic. High flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO) emerged as a novel technique for oxygenation and prevented the need for invasive mechanical ventilation during hypoxia among COVID patients. Using high flow oxygen dries the nasal mucosa and leads to skin disruption. We are presenting this case as this complication has not been reported anywhere to our knowledge.

Case presentation
Here we present a case of a 62-year-old male, who was on HFNO for a long time as a part of treatment for COVID 19 and developed ulceration in the nasal septa. Patient belonged to a geriatric age group and had diabetes mellitus. Close monitoring by ICU (intensive care unit) staff was a big problem during this pandemic. Daily physical assessment, good nutrition, and daily dressing with plastic surgery consultation helped treat our patient.

Conclusions
Geriatric patients with other co-morbidities are vulnerable to mucosal injury. Even in COVID era, everyday general physical surveillance is very vital in such patients to prevent these complications. During this pandemic close monitoring of patients suffered due to scarcity of ICU staff. In spite of that, it is a must to ensure daily physical surveillance and good supplemental nutrition especially in geriatric patients.
A comparison of clustering methods for the spatial reduction of renewable electricity optimisation models of Europe
Authors: Frysztacki Martha Maria , Recht Gereon , Brown Tom 
Published: May 2022

AbstractModeling the optimal design of the future European energy system involves large data volumes and many mathematical constraints, typically resulting in a significant computational burden. As a result, modelers often apply reductions to their model that can have a significant effect on the accuracy of their results. This study investigates methods for spatially clustering electricity system models at transmission level to overcome the computational constraints. Spatial reduction has a strong effect both on flows in the electricity transmission network and on the way wind and solar generators are aggregated. Clustering methods applied in the literature are typically oriented either towards preserving network flows or towards preserving the properties of renewables, but both are important for future energy systems. In this work we adapt clustering algorithms to accurately represent both networks and renewables. To this end we focus on hierarchical clustering, since it preserves the topology of the transmission system. We test improvements to the similarity metrics used in the clustering by evaluating the resulting regions with measures on renewable feed-in and electrical distance between nodes. Then, the models are optimised under a brownfield capacity expansion for the European electricity system for varying spatial resolutions and renewable penetration. Results are compared to each other and to existing clustering approaches in the literature and evaluated on the preciseness of siting renewable capacity and the estimation of power flows. We find that any of the considered methods perform better than the commonly used approach of clustering by country boundaries and that any of the hierarchical methods yield better estimates than the established method of clustering with k-means on the coordinates of the network with respect to the studied parameters.
Zoo-technical responses of growing cattle fed sun-dried brewers’ spent grain at 20% of dietary inclusion
Authors: Singh Padam Veer , Ghosh M. K. , Mahesh M. S. , Chatterjee A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Agro-industrial by-products are gaining immense significance in animal feeding as a plausible solution to curtail ever-increasing prices of traditional feedstuffs, which may in turn stave off the skewed profit margin in dairy production. To this end, the present experiment sought to evaluate the effect of sun-dried brewers’ spent grain (BSG)—a by-product of distillery industry—as a dietary component on the performance outcome in cattle. Ten growing male Jersey crossbred cattle were stratified into two groups of control (T1) and treatment (T2) based on comparable body weight (BW: 59.3 ± 5.9 kg). Animals in group T1 were fed a basal diet comprising of approximately 15% green oats, 45% paddy straw and 40% concentrate mixture, whilst that of T2 contained 20% (w/w) sun-dried BSG, equally substituting concentrate mixture with the proportion of forage components similar to that of T1 on dry basis.

Results
105 days of experimental feeding revealed that the intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients did not differ between two groups. However, animals in group T2 exhibited a greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain in BW along with an improvement (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio over group T1. Additionally, diet offered to group T2 relatively proved 20% more economical than T1. Furthermore, on comparing cost/kg crude protein furnished by a range of conventional ingredients, BSG appeared third in the rank, only next to mustard (rapeseed) de-oiled cake and de-oiled rice bran.

Conclusion
Based on these results, it is concluded that sun-dried BSG could be incorporated at 20% in the diet for leveraging a greater growth performance in cattle, while also realising a distinct reduction in feed outlay.
Clinical outcomes in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation after technologic advances including contact force-guided and ablation index-guided ablation
Authors: Jeon Won Kyeong , Lee So-Ryoung , Choi Eue-Keun , Oh Seil 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
We aimed to evaluate the influence of technological advances on ablation outcomes in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) (PeAF). Radiofrequency ablation for patients with AF has advanced, including contact force (CF)-sensing catheters and the ablation index (AI).

Methods
Between 2009 and 2018, we analyzed 173 patients with PeAF who underwent catheter ablation. We categorized them into three groups: AF ablation without CF and AI information (no-CF group, n = 63), with CF without AI (CF-only group, n = 49), and with optimal AI-guided ablation (AI group, n = 61). Early (within 3 months, ER) and late (from 3 months to 1 year, LR) AF recurrence after ablation was assessed. Procedure-related complications were also evaluated.

Results
The baseline characteristics were similar among the 3 groups, excluding the baseline antiarrhythmic drug history. Additional substrate modification after pulmonary vein isolation was significantly low in frequency in the AI group (71.4%, no-CF; 69.4%, CF-only; 41.0%, AI, p = 0.001). The AI group had a shorter mean procedure-related time than the other groups. Both ER and LR of PeAF showed a trend of reduction with technological advances. With a short experience (less than 1 year), the CF-only group showed more ER and LR than that shown by the AI group. However, with a long experience (more than 1 year), ER and LR occurred similarly in the two groups. Procedure-related complications improved with technological advances.

Conclusion
As ablation technology advanced, favorable clinical outcomes with short procedural times were observed. However, prospective, large multicenter studies are needed to verify these results.
The shifting educational landscape: science teachers’ practice during the COVID-19 pandemic through an activity theory lens
Authors: McPherson Heather , Pearce Rebecca 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic closed all educational institutions. Teachers were called upon to respond quickly to the needs of K-12 students. They had to learn how to navigate online learning systems while simultaneously delivering engaging inquiry-based activities in high-stakes school science courses. To understand how teachers navigated these dual tensions, we have drawn on Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) to describe how teachers learned and mediated their professional practices to meet the educational needs of their students. We examine the rapidly changing school activity system and how these changes impacted teachers’ epistemological beliefs about student engagement and evaluation. We report that teachers developed new styles and attitudes about teaching that reflected the new educational landscape imposed by the pandemic. We explore the pedagogical shifts that characterize this specific time and how the newly acquired pedagogies could find permanence in teachers’ activities post-pandemic. This study reports on the experiences of ten teachers from two high schools as they adapt to change during the global pandemic. We followed the teachers’ professional journey as they worked in a professional learning community to develop online practices. Professional learning meetings, semi-structured interviews, and participant journals captured teachers’ successes and failures as they struggled to adapt inquiry-based science lessons to meet the challenges of teaching online. Their practices shifted as they engaged students in synchronous collaborative projects and laboratory activities, and they developed alternative formative and summative assessment practices. This study contributes to a growing body of research of teacher practice through a CHAT theoretical framework to understand teachers’ professional learning during a time of change and upheaval.
Comparative frequency distribution of glutathione S-transferase mu (GSTM1) and theta (GSTT1) allelic forms in Himachal Pradesh population
Authors: Hemlata  , Singh Jagphool , Bhardwaj Anuradha , Kumar Anil , Singh Gulab , Priya Kanu , Giri Shiv Kumar 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a class of important Phase II detoxification enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of glutathione and xenobiotic compounds (environmental carcinogens, pollutants and drugs) to protect against oxidative stress. GSTT1 and GSTM1 genetic polymorphisms have been extensively studied, and null genotypes or homozygous deletions have been reported in various populations. Previous studies have suggested that those who are homozygous null at the GSTM1 or GSTT1 loci are more susceptible and have a higher risk of cancers linked to environmental pollutants and drug-induced toxicity. Our study focused on GSTM1 and GSTT1 null allele frequency in the Doon population of Himachal Pradesh (India) with a comparison across other Inter and Intra-Indian ethnic groups to predict variation in the possible susceptible status.

Material and methods
Genomic DNA samples were extracted from 297 healthy unrelated individuals by a ReliaPrep™ Blood gDNA Miniprep kit (Promega, USA), and genotyped for allelic variation in GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Fisher's exact test was applied using SPSS.20 to analyze the genotypic distribution of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null alleles in male and female of Doon region (Solan) Himachal Pradesh.

Results
In our study, the frequency distribution of the homozygous null genotypes of GSTM1, GSTT1 individually as well as combined was found as 33.3%, 32% and 9%, respectively. Upon gender-wise comparison, a non-significant distribution (p > 0.05) for null genotypes of GSTM1 (32.8% and 35.4%, OR-0.77, 95% CI 0.42–1.41), GSTT1 (33.2% and 27.7%, OR-1.12, 95% CI 0.63–2.0) individually and combined GSTM1 and GSTT1 (10.8% and 3.7%, OR-0.31, 95% CI 0.07–1.42) were observed in studied population.

Conclusions
In our studied population, the frequency of GSTM1 null genotypes was found deviated from Inter- and Intra-Indian ethnic groups. However, the frequency of homozygous null type of GSTT1 was not significantly different, when compared to previous Indian studies, comparison with global ethnic groups showed deviation. Thus, our study has highlighted possible susceptibility risk to various xenobiotics in the Doon population of Himachal Pradesh, India.
Beta Thalassemia and Klinefelter syndrome: a rare occurrence
Authors: Billapati Sushmitha , Sowmya G. C. , Tapadia R. S. , Dutta Usha R. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
β-Thalassemia is an inherited haematological blood disorder in the HBB gene, and variations in this HBB gene lead to the absence/deficiency of the Beta chain synthesis of haemoglobin leading to severe anaemia. Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality that affects physical and cognitive development in males. Affected individuals are taller, show gynaecomastia and behavioural problems and have small testes that do not produce much testosterone. We describe a boy with β-Thalassemia major referred for chromosomal analysis due to delayed puberty and short stature. This is a second case reported in the literature that gives information on two different contradicting genetic disorders in a single individual but novel case as he exhibits additional short-stature phenotype.

Case presentation
A 17-year-old boy with short stature and gonadal dysfunction was referred for chromosomal analysis. He needed blood transfusion every 4 weeks. The GTG banding for chromosomal analysis and standard PCR for variant detection of HBB gene, Bi-directional Sanger sequencing of the PCR products and multiplex PCR for Y microdeletion of the AZF a, b and c regions on the Y chromosome were performed. The cytogenetic analysis revealed a karyotype of 47,XXY. The HBB gene detected two heterozygous variants forming a pathogenic compound heterozygous condition. The multiplex PCR revealed that the AZF a, b and c regions were intact and were not deleted.

Conclusion
To our knowledge, this is the second case of a patient with β-Thalassemia associated with Klinefelter syndrome but a novel case with short-stature phenotype association instead of tall stature. The possible association of these two disorders and the unusual phenotypic presentation are discussed. This study highlights the possibility of ruling out Thalassemia while evaluating patients with short stature and delayed puberty.
On-X mitral valve leaflet embolization presenting as acute pulmonary oedema
Authors: Sidali Lindiwe , Ndibi Nandipha , Moopanar Manogran , Madansein Rajhmun 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Structural valve failure in the form of leaflet fracture and embolization is an uncommon complication. Severe valve regurgitation with pulmonary oedema in a patient with a history of a prosthetic cardiac valve requires urgent diagnosis. An echocardiogram is essential in identifying the cause of valve failure.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 21-year-old male patient who presented with acute pulmonary oedema due to fracture and embolization of a leaflet of an On-X mitral valve four years post-implant. He underwent an emergency redo mitral valve replacement with a good outcome.

Conclusions
Structural valve failure with leaflet fracture and embolization is an extremely rare complication and may be fatal. Good clinical acumen is required for prompt diagnosis in any patient who presents with a circulatory collapse in the presence of a history of previous cardiac surgery. Once the diagnosis is made, the patient should undergo emergency redo valve replacement surgery.
Sepia officinalis ink mitigates gastric ulcer via modulation of antioxidant/anti-inflammatory pathways
Authors: Sadek Shimaa A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Sepia officinalis ink is a bioactive secondary metabolite rich in melanin granules, which has a wide range of nutritional and therapeutic values and also has been used to prevent various gastrointestinal disorders. Gastric ulcer, the most common gastrointestinal disease, is characterized by severe gastric mucosa damage, and its prevention is currently one of the main goals of clinical and experimental studies. Thus, the present study was focused on evaluating the potential gastroprotective efficacy of Sepia officinalis ink extract (SOIE) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Results
The current results revealed that SOIE administration at the two selected doses improved significantly gastric mucosa integrity as indicated by the significant (P < 0.05) amelioration in gastric secretion indices (pH and volume) and the marked decrease in the ulcer index. Moreover, SOIE could counteract the gastric oxidative stress induced by ethanol via a marked decline in malondialdehyde content as well as a significant (P < 0.05) increment in glutathione content and antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase and glutathione-s-transferase). Additionally, SOIE treatment caused a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in gastric nitric oxide content. Respecting morphological and histopathological studies, SOIE treatment at 200 mg/kg body weight caused marked healing of gastric lesions as indicated by no hemorrhagic bands or injuries observed as well as significantly reduced severity score of ulcer.

Conclusions
SOIE could be used as a promising alternative antiulcerogenic compound to treat severe gastric lesions.