bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advantages and Challenges of Fostering Cognitive Integration Through Virtual Collaborative Learning: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Ignacio Jeanette , Chen Hui-Chen , Roy Tanushri 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe drastic shift from face-to-face classes to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled educators to ensure the continuity of learning for health professions students in higher education. Collaborative learning, a pedagogy used to facilitate knowledge integration by helping students translate theory from basic sciences to clinical application and practice, has thus been transformed from a face-to-face to a virtual strategy to achieve the learning objectives of a multi-disciplinary and integrated module.ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe and evaluate, through focus group discussions, a virtual collaborative learning activity implemented to assist first year undergraduate nursing students to develop cognitive integration in a module consisting of pathophysiology, pharmacology and nursing practice.MethodsFourteen first year undergraduate students and four faculty involved in facilitating the virtual collaboration participated in the study. Focus group discussions were conducted to elicit the perceptions of students and staff on the virtual collaborative learning session conducted at the end of the semester.ResultsThree themes were generated from the thematic analysis of the students’ focus group scripts. These were: (1) achieving engagement and interaction, (2) supporting the collaborative process, and (3) considering practical nuances. The three themes were further subdivided into subthemes to highlight noteworthy elements captured during focus group discussions. Three themes also emerged from the focus group discussion scripts of faculty participants: (1) learning to effectively manage, (2) facing engagement constraints, and (3) achieving integration. These themes were further sectioned into salient subthemes.ConclusionThe virtual collaborative learning pedagogy is valuable in fostering cognitive integration. However, meticulous planning considering various variables prior to implementation is needed. With better planning directed at addressing the learners’ needs and the faculty’s capabilities and readiness for online learning pedagogies, and with a strong institutional support to help mitigate the identified constraints of virtual collaborative learning, students and faculty will benefit.
Phenotyping of boro rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars in Assam based on its potential yield and variable component traits
Authors: Pradhan Amit Kumar , Tanti Bhaben 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The current environmental scenario and increased average yield rate has marked boro rice cultivars as a potent rice cultivar during rabi season. It serves to be an alternative to traditional sali rice and an escape to flood problems. The selection and development of potent boro rice cultivar among its diverse types has been an issue. In this study, 117 traditionally grown boro rice cultivars in different low-lying areas and newly developed irrigated areas of Assam were analyzed. The cultivars were analyzed based on yield and related component traits as per the standard evaluation system for rice. Grain yield and its related component traits showed a significant relationship among the cultivars. All the traits analyzed showed positive relationship with grain yield and harvest index except to time taken for flowering and maturity. Based on total yield, principal component and cluster analysis, Bahurupi, PSB 68, Mandhya Vijaya, Bahunipi, Pathariya showed to be best performing cultivars, with high yield and higher component traits performance. This study marks the significant association of grain yield with its component traits and further provides an insight to the selection of rice cultivars for breeding programmes.
High Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio Is a Prognostic Marker for Mortality in Severe Covid-19 and Is Associated With Elevated Age and Kidney Failure
Authors: Santos Heitor , Delpino Felipe , Veloso Octavio , Freire Juliana , Gomes Erlaine , Pereira Cristina 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Neutrophil and lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has emerged as a prognostic marker in intensive care. This study aimed to associate high NLR values with COVID-19-associated diseases and mortality among critically ill patients. A cross-sectional study encompassing 189 critically ill patients with COVID-19 was performed. Crude model and adjusted (1- age; 2- sex; 3- kidney failure, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, sex, and age) modes were used. Participants with NLR ≥10.6 were older than those with NLR <10.6 (p < 0.001). The number of deaths (37 vs. 18, p = 0.001) and patients with kidney failure (30 vs. 20, p = 0.045) were higher for NLR ≥10.6 than NLR <10.6. NLR ≥10.6 was associated with higher number of deaths for the crude model (OR: 3.10 [95%CI:1.60-6.01], p = 0.001), age-adjusted (OR: 2.62 [95%CI:1.32-5.20], p = 0.006) and sex-adjusted (OR: 2.97 [95%CI:1.52-5.78], p = 0.031), as well as in the fully-adjusted model (OR: 2.48 [95%CI:1.21-5.08], p = 0.013), when compared to NLR <10.6. Older adults (≥60y) had an OR of 2.61 (95%CI:1.26-5.39, p = 0.010) for mortality compared to adults (≤59y), and the same value was found for the model adjusted for sex (OR: 2.61 [95%CI:1.26-5.42], p = 0.010). Kidney failure was associated with mortality for the crude model (OR: 2.58 [95%CI:1.30-5.11], p = 0.007), age-adjusted (OR: 2.09 [95%CI:1.02-4.27], p = 0.044), and sex-adjusted (OR: 2.45 [95%CI:1.23-4.89], p = 0.011). In conclusion, high NLR is a prognostic marker for mortality in severe COVID-19 and is associated with advanced age and kidney failure.
Reduction of The Pyruvate Decarboxylase Activity Improves Isobutanol Production By Klebsiella Pneumoniae
Authors: Shu Lin , Gu Jinjie , Wang Qinghui , Sun Shaoqi , Cui Youtian , Fell Jason , Mak Wai Shun , Siegel Justin B. , Shi Jiping , Lye Gary J. , Baganz Frank , Hao Jian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae contains an endogenous isobutanol synthesis pathway. ipdC, annotated as an indole-3-pyruvate decarboxylase (Kp-IpdC), was identified to catalyze the formation of isobutyraldehyde from 2-ketoisovalerate.
Results

Compared with 2-ketoisovalerate decarboxylase from Lactococcus lactis (KivD), a decarboxylase commonly used in artificial isobutanol synthesis, Kp-IpdC has an 2.8-fold lower Km for 2-ketoisovalerate, leading to higher isobutanol production without induction. However, high level expression of ipdC by induction resulted in a low isobutanol titer. In vitro enzymatic reactions showed that Kp-IpdC exhibits promiscuous pyruvate decarboxylase activity, which adversely consume the available pyruvate precursor for isobutanol synthesis. To address this we have engineered Kp-IpdC to reduce pyruvate decarboxylase activity. From computational modeling we identified 10 residues surrounding the active site for mutagenesis. Ten designs consisting of eight single-point mutants and two double-mutants were selected for exploration. Mutants L546W and T290L showed 5.1% and 22.1% of catalytic efficiency on pyruvate, which were then expressed in K. pneumoniae for in vivo test. Isobutanol production by K. pneumoniae T290L was 25% higher than the control strain, and a final titer of 5.5 g/L isobutanol was obtained with a substrate conversion ratio of 0.16 mol/mol glucose.
Conclusions

This research provides a new way to improve the efficiency of the biological route of isobutanol production.
A New Prognostic and Therapeutic Immune-related Risk Signature of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Yuan , Huang Hao , Feng Jun , Zhu Yulan , Jiang Tianwei , Xu Bin , Zheng Xiao , Chen Lujun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough some advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients could select immunotherapy, but still most microsatellite stability (MSS) CRC patients did not respond. Our present study aims to set up a novel system for prognostic prediction and immunotherapeutic responsiveness for MSS CRC patients.MethodsUnivariable Cox regression survival analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selector operation (LASSO) regression analysis were performed to identify prognostic genes and establish immune risk signatures. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to verify whether these clinical features could predict prognosis. R package was used to analyze the relationship between the immune-related risk model and these immune cells, effector molecules, and immune checkpoints.ResultsWe constructed an immune-related signature and verified its predictive capability. Immune-related signature included 12 differentially expressed IRGs (12 DE IR MSSGs), including CXCL1, CD36, FABP4, MS4A2, NRG1, VGF, GRP, HDC, XCL1, NGF, MAGEA1, and IL13. The signature consisting of 12 DE IR MSSGs was an independent and effective prognostic factor for the overall survival of CRC patients. In addition, the signature consisting of 12 DE IR MSSGs reflected the infiltration characteristics of different immunocytes in tumor immune microenvironment. The signature consisting of 12 DE IR MSSGs also had a significant correlation with immune checkpoint molecules.
From Theory to Experiment: Transformer-based Generation Enables Rapid Discovery of Novel Reactions
Authors: Wang Xinqiao , Yao Chuansheng , Zhang Yun , Yu Jiahui , Qiao Haoran , Zhang Chengyun , Wu Yejian , Bai Renren , Duan Hongliang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Deep learning methods have been proven their potential roles in the chemical field, such as reaction prediction and retrosynthesis analysis. However, the de novo generation of unreported reactions using artificial intelligence technology remains not be completely explored. Inspired by molecular generation, we proposed the task of novel reaction generation. In this work, we applied the Heck reactions to train the transformer model, state-of-art natural language process model and obtained 4717 generated reactions after sampling and processing. We then confirmed that 2253 novel Heck reactions by organizing chemists to judge the generated reactions, and adopted organic synthesis experiment to verify the feasibility of unreported reactions. In this process, it only took 15 days from Heck reaction generation to experimental verification, proving that our model learns reaction rules in-depth and can make great contributions in the novel reaction discovery.
Effects of Ketoconazole On Clinical Recovery In Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Chantarasorn Yodpong , Rasmidatta Kochapong , Pokawattana Itsara , Silpa-archa Sukhum 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Hypercortisolism has long been correlated with choroidal vasorelaxation in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). This may explain the inconsistency of therapeutic responses of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist since hyperaldosteronism has rarely been detected in such cases. Hence, an early treatment using ketoconazole, the first line cortisol inhibitor that also blocks the MR ligand, appears to be rational. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ketoconazole on CSCR, and to analyze correlations between choroidal thickness and steroid hormones.Method: In this three-center retrospective cohort, forty-one naïve CSCR eyes of 41 patients were categorized into control (20 eyes) and treatment group (21 eyes). Patients in the treatment group were given oral ketoconazole at a daily dose of 400 or 600 mg for three to six weeks. At week 12, rescue laser therapy was applied to patients exhibiting persistent subretinal fluid (SRF). We performed a survival analysis to determine the time interval from presentation to clinical resolution of SRF. The secondary outcomes consisted of proportion of eyes with persistent SRF, and factors affecting therapeutic response.Results: Mean 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) were elevated at 181 ± 70 and 150 ± 68 µg/day (range = 20-150) in the treatment and control group (p = 0.21). After controlling for age and gender, baseline UFC levels demonstrated a positive correlation with choroidal thickness in both eyes (p < 0.05). Ketoconazole significantly accelerated the resolution of CSCR with the median time to resolution of 7 versus 16 weeks (p < 0.01), and reduced the proportion of eyes receiving rescue therapy at 12 weeks (23.8% versus 50%, p = 0.01). Prolonged CSCR durations were likely found in elderly patients who had thick choroid in fellow eyes.Conclusions: Elevated glucocorticoids are likely responsible for the pathogenesis of CSCR. Therefore, a temporary decrease in choroidal hyperpermeability using the cortisol blocker could reduce the persistency of CSCR.
Gene Expression Variation Explains Maize Seed Germination Heterosis
Authors: Wan Jiong , Wang Qiyue , Zhao Jiawen , Dang Kuntai , Guo Zhanyong , Hu Desheng , Meng Shujun , Lin Yuan , Qiu Xiaoqian , Mu Liqin , Ding Dong , Tang Jihua 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHeterosis has been extensively utilization in plant breeding, however, the underlying molecular mechanism remain largely elusive. Maize (Zea mays), which exhibits strong heterosis, is an ideal material for studying heterosis.ResultsIn this study, there is a faster imbibition and development in reciprocal crossing Zhengdan958 hybrids than in their parent lines during seed germination. To investigate the mechanism of heterosis of maize germination, comparative transcriptomic analyses was conducted between reciprocal crossing hybrids and their parental lines. The gene expression patterns showed that 1324 (47.27%) and 1592 (66.44%) of the different expression genes between hybrids and either parental line display parental dominance up or higher levels in Zhengdan958 and Zhengdan958 reciprocal-cross, respectively. Notably, these genes were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways, including carbon metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, etc.ConclusionOur results provide evidence for the higher expression level genes in hybrid involved in metabolic pathways acting as main contributors to maize seed germinating heterosis. These findings provide new insights into the gene expression variation of maize embryo and improve the understanding of maize seed germination heterosis.
Determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of front-line health workers during the first wave of COVID-19 in Africa: a multi-center online cross-sectional study
Authors: Kamabu Larrey Kasereka , Lekuya Hervé Monka , Iranya Richard Newton , Kasusula Bienvenu Muhindo , Sikakulya Franck Katembo , Kicaber Saviour , Valimungighe Moise Muhindo , Nganza Sifa Katungu , Butala Eric Sadiki , Sikiminya Zacharie Muhindo , Kathaka Louange Maha , Munyambalu Dalton Kambale , Katsioto Agnès Kavira , Longombe Thérèse Yenyi Ahuka , Mumbere Bienfait , Nzanzu Adelard Kalima , Kavughe Frederic , Kambere Thaddée Katembo , Robinson Ssebuufu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: During its first wave of COVID-19 infection in sub-Saharan Africa, there was insufficient understanding of the pandemic among front-line health care professionals that has led to a misidentification, and mistreatment of affected patients, with a potential risk of contracting and spreading the disease. This study was carried out to determine the Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of front-line health workers (HWs) towards COVID-19 in Africa and their related factors.Methods: This was a multi-centers online cross-sectional study conducted over a 3-months study-period using a google survey link among front lines HWs involved in the COVID-19 response in 26 African countries. Chi-square test & logistic regression were used in the bivariate and multivariate analysis respectively to assess determinants of KAP. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 16; all tests were two-sided with 95% confidence interval. Results: Five hundred and seventeen (517, 96.3%) consented to participate in this study from 26 African countries; 289 (55.9%) were male and 228 (44.1%) female. Overall, most of HWs, 379 (73.3%) showed poor knowledge about COVID-19 infection and preventive measures. In contrast, majority of them showed good attitude (89%) and practice (90.3%) towards prevention of COVID-19 infections. Knowledge varied among countries; Uganda had the greatest number of HWs with good knowledge. (OR = 28.09, p <0.0001) followed by Ghana (OR=10.92, p=0.001) and DRC (OR: 4.59, p=0.015). The cadre of HWs also influenced knowledge; doctors were the most knowledgeable as compared to other cadres (OR: 3.4, p= 0.005). Additionally, knowledge increased with increasing HWs’ education level (p=0.011).Attitude and practice were both influenced by HWs country of workplace (p=0.05 & p< 0.0001 respectively) and their cadre (p = 0.025 & p < 0.0001 respectively).Conclusions: Majority of the front-line HWs in the African region had an overall good attitude and practice towards COVID-19 infection and practice measures despite relatively poor Knowledge. The KAP is influenced by HWs country of workplace, their cadre and level of education.
Integrated rupture mechanics for slow slip events and earthquakes
Authors: Weng Huihui 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Slow slip events usually occur downdip of seismogenic zones in subduction megathrusts and crustal faults, with rupture speeds much slower than earthquakes. The empirical moment-duration scaling relation can help constrain the physical mechanism of slow slip events, yet it is still debated whether this scaling is linear or cubic and a fundamental model unifying slow slip events and earthquakes is still lacking. Here I present numerical simulations that show that slow slip events are regular earthquakes with negligible dynamic-wave effects. A continuum of rupture speeds, from arbitrarily-slow speeds up to the S-wave speed, is primarily controlled by the stress drop and a transition slip rate above which the fault friction transitions from rate-weakening behaviour to rate-strengthening behaviour. This continuum includes tsunami earthquakes, whose rupture speeds are about one-third of the S-wave speed. These numerical simulation results are predicted by the three-dimensional theory of dynamic fracture mechanics of elongated ruptures. This fundamental model unifies slow slip events and earthquakes, reconciles the observed moment-duration scaling relations, and opens new avenues for understanding earthquakes through investigations of the kinematics and dynamics of frequently occurring slow slip events.
Tb-practecal: Study Protocol for a Randomised, Controlled, Open-label, Phase II-III Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Regimens Containing Bedaquiline and Pretomanid for the Treatment of Adult Patients With Pulmonary Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Berry Catherine , du Cros Philipp , Fielding Katherine , Gajewski Suzanne , Kazounis Emil , McHugh Timothy D , Merle Corinne , Motta Ilaria , Moore David AJ , Nyang'wa Bern-Thomas 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGlobally rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis disease affects around 460 000 people each year. Current recommended regimens are 9-24 months duration, have poor efficacy and carry significant toxicity. A shorter, less toxic and more efficacious regimen would improve outcomes for people with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. MethodsTB-PRACTECAL is an open-label, randomised, controlled, phase II/III non-inferiority trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of 24 week regimens containing bedaquiline and pretomanid to treat rifampicin resistant tuberculosis. Conducted in Uzbekistan, South Africa and Belarus, patients aged 15 and above with rifampicin resistant pulmonary tuberculosis and requiring a new course of therapy are eligible for inclusion irrespective of HIV status. In the first stage, equivalent to a phase IIB trial, patients are randomly assigned one of four regimens, stratified by site. Investigational regimens include oral bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid. Additionally, two of the regimens also include moxifloxacin (arm 1) and clofazimine (arm 2) respectively. Treatment is administered under direct observation for 24 weeks in investigational arms and 36 to 96 weeks in the standard of care arm. The second stage of the study is equivalent to a phase III trial, investigating the safety and efficacy of the most promising regimen/s. The primary outcome is the percentage of unfavourable outcomes at 72 weeks post randomisation. This is a composite of early treatment discontinuation, treatment failure, recurrence, lost to follow up and death. The study is conducted in accordance with ICH-GCP and full ethical approval was obtained from Médecins sans Frontières ethical review board, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine ethical review board as well as ERBs and regulatory authorities at each site. DiscussionTB-PRACTECAL is an ambitious trial using adaptive design to accelerate regimen assessment and bring novel regimens that are effective and safe to patients quicker. The trial took a patient-centred approach, adapting to best practice guidelines throughout recruitment. The implementation faced significant challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial was terminated early for efficacy on the advice of the DSMB and will report on data collected up to end of recruitment and additionally, the planned final analysis at 72 weeks after end of recruitment. Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT02589782
Espaços de repressão:
Authors: Da Fonsêca Lins Selly Laryssa 
Published: December 2021

Este artigo pretende discutir acerca das práticas de torturas e mortificações consumadas nos espaços repressivos, destacadamente Operação Bandeirantes (OBAN), Dops – SP e Presídio Tiradentes, à época da Ditadura civil-militar, contra os corpos de mulheres que ousaram questionar, de alguma forma, o regime político vigente. Procuramos entender como e por que demarcadores sociais e biológicos da condição feminina, tal como a maternidade, foram utilizados enquanto instrumentos de controle e sujeição pelos espaços coercitivos e seus agentes. Para tanto, realizamos a análise arqueogenealógica dos testemunhos de quatro ex-militantes cujos relatos foram concedidos ao Grupo de Trabalho (GT) “Ditadura e Gênero”, da Comissão Nacional da Verdade no período de 17 de setembro de 2013 à 6 de março de 2014.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Repressão, mulheres, espaços, tortura.
Uma Transição Pós-Colonial?
Authors: Almada Pablo 
Published: December 2021

O artigo concebe uma leitura da influência dos movimentos de libertação colonial na África no discurso político da Revolução do 25 de Abril (1974). Para isso, será problematizada a relação entre a tradição crítica revolucionária e o colonialismo, observando a novidade que se erigia, nesse âmbito, acerca da capacidade das lutas sociais em contexto colonial. O argumento principal reposiciona a participação dos agentes na derrocada do colonialismo salazarista, em termos de uma relação anticolonial dos movimentos de libertação, os quais apresentaram reflexos duais, no centro e nas ex-colônias, um elo essencial para se compreender como as dinâmicas políticas pós-coloniais foram responsáveis pela abertura democrática portuguesa.
Palavras-Chave: Imperialismo, Pós-Colonialismo, Salazarismo, Movimentos de Libertação Colonial, Movimento das Forças Armadas.