bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Awareness and Occupational Exposure to Brucellosis and Other Zoonotic Diseases Among Abattoir Workers in Rwanda
Authors: Ntivuguruzwa Jean Bosco , Michel Anita , Byaruhanga Charles , Gashururu Richard , Kolo Francis Babaman , vanHeerden Henriette 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis are endemic in Rwandan cattle, but little is known about the awareness of zoonotic transmission and occupational exposure among abattoir workers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the awareness, practices, and history of the diseases among 100 abattoir workers from four high throughput and 18 workers from two low throughput abattoirs. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire, and exposure and outcome variables were assessed by univariate and correspondence analyses.Results: It was found that 82.2%, 27.1%, 8.5%, 10.2%, and 12.7% of abattoir workers were familiar with tuberculosis, brucellosis, Q-fever, leptospirosis, and cysticercosis, respectively. Three years before the survey, the majority (67.8%) of abattoir workers reported sickness of malaria (48.3%), and symptoms of flu (5.1%), headache (5.1%), fever (5.1%), headache (5.1%), and nephritis (3.4%). Malaria-negative patients had the symptoms of fatigue (11.0%), and flu (9.3%). Respondents (7.6%) had contracted ‘abattoir-related diseases including typhoid (1.7%) and have had symptoms of diarrhea (5.9%). Few workers also reported abortion (0.9%), and orchitis (0.9%). Most abattoir workers (70.3%) usually cut their hands, a few (9.3%) wore gloves while 39.8% worked with bare and injured hands. Most (74.6%) of workers experienced splashes of animal fluids into their faces while none (0.0%) wore facemasks or safety goggles. Eating at work was observed in 28.0% of abattoir workers. Univariate and correspondence analyses showed that transporters of carcasses, butchers, and workers with 3 years’ experience and above were more likely to get sick than other groups. Conclusions: The awareness that was low for zoonotic brucellosis, Q-fever, leptospirosis, and cysticercosis was supported by not wearing protective equipment’s alerting the competent veterinary authorities to improve biosafety protection in the abattoirs. The awareness for zoonotic brucellosis and tuberculosis was highest in educated workers indicating the need for educating abattoir. Abattoir workers reported the symptoms of fever, fatigue, flu, headache, nephritis, abortion, and orchitis which are common symptoms of brucellosis, leptospirosis, and Q-fever. Abattoirs are key points for the detection of zoonotic infectious diseases; thus, routine sampling and testing of slaughtered animals and abattoir workers are needed for surveillance and control of zoonotic diseases.
Study on the Immunogenicity of Three Recombinant Lactic Acid Bacteria Expressing ASFV p14.5 Protein
Authors: Huang Quntao , Niu Tian-Ming , Zou Bo-Shi , Wang Jun-Hong , Xin Jun-Hong , Niu Hui , Li Nan , Jiang Yu-Xin , Bao Jun-Fu , Zhang Di , Feng Xi-Ze , Sun Ting-Ting , Wang Xin , Yang Kai-Dian , Wang Ying , Zhao Dan-Dan , Yang Gui-Lian , Wang Chun-Feng 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The African Classical Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) has spread severely all over the world. The lack of vaccines has dealt a heavy blow to the pig industry.In this study, the p14.5 protein encoded by the African swine fever virus was used as the antigen, and the p14.5 protein gene was expressed in vitro using the Lactobacillus expression system. Three new functional recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum((L. plantarum) were constructed and the p14.5 was successfully detected using western technology.Protein, fusion gene p14.5-IL-33-mouse（P14.5-IL-33-Mus） protein and CTA1-p14.5-DD protein expression.After oral immunization of SPF mice with recombinant lactic acid bacteria, flow cytometry and ELISA were used to detect that the differentiation and maturity of T, B, and DC cells of the mice were higher than those of the control group, and specific antibodies were produced. In contrast, the immune effect of the adjuvant group was stronger than that of the single antigen group, and the IL-33 adjuvant effect was stronger than that of the CTA1-DD adjuvant. This study provides effective data support for the prevention of African swine fever virus infection with new lactic acid bacteria preparations, and has certain innovative significance.
Robust Prediction of Personalized In Vivo Response to Unseen Drugs From In Vitro Screens Using a Novel Context-Aware Deconfounding Autoencoder
Authors: He Di , Liu Qiao , Xie Lei 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Accurate and robust prediction of patient-specific responses to drug treatments is critical for drug development and personalized medicine. However, patient data are often too scarce to train a generalized machine learning model. Although many methods have been developed to utilize cell line data, few of them can reliably predict individual patient clinical responses to new drugs due to data distribution shift and confounding factors. We have developed a novel Context-aware Deconfounding Autoencoder (CODE-AE) that can extract intrinsic biological signals masked by context-specific patterns and confounding factors. Extensive comparative studies demonstrated that CODE-AE effectively alleviated the out-of-distribution problem for the model generalization, significantly improved accuracy and robustness over state-of-the-art methods in predicting patient-specific in vivo drug responses purely from in vitro screens. Using CODE-AE, we screened 59 drugs for 9,808 cancer patients. Our results are consistent with existing clinical observations, suggesting the potential of CODE-AE in developing personalized anti-cancer therapies and drug-response biomarkers.
Assessing The Utility and Efficacy of e-OSCE Among Undergraduate Medical Students During The COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shorbagi Sarra , Sulaiman Nabil , Hasswan Ahmad , Kaouas Mujtaba , Al-Dijani Mona M. , El-hussein Rania Adil , Daghistani Mada Talal , Nugud Shumoos , Guraya Salman Yousuf 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its quick progression to a global pandemic has urged medical schools to shift from didactic to distance learning and assessment approaches. The quality of clinical training and assessment have been jeopardized due to the regulatory restrictions and potential hazards to human lives. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the utility and efficacy of an electronic Objective Structured Clinical Examination (e-OSCE), which attempted to transform the format of a face-to-face OSCE to an e-OSCE.
Methods
We conducted three end of clerkship e-OSCEs for final year medical students in Surgery, Medicine and Family Medicine using the teleconferencing application of Microsoft Teams (MST). The e-OSCE blueprint included the assessment of all clinical skills except physical examination and procedural skills. Examiners supervised e-OSCE from the college campus, while all students were remotely assessed through the MST channels. During the exam, the students stayed in their specified MST channel and examiners rotated across all students. The utility and efficacy of e-OSCE was evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire for students, examiners and e-OSCE team.
Results
The data analysis showed that 93.4% students and 92.2% examiners agreed with the quality and process of e-OSCE. Similarly, 83.6% students and 98% examiners agreed with the seamless organization of e-OSCE. As many as 45.9% students and 74.5% examiners agreed that e-OSCE was close to real life practice. Approximately one fifth of students and one third of examiners preferred e-OSCE over the face-to-face OSCE. The analysis of qualitative data generated the themes of e-OSCE structure and technology. While majority of participants were satisfied with e-OSCE, students were concerned about examiners’ training and e-OSCE contents. Examiners and e-OSCE team recognized the paper-less, tech-savy, fast and reliable format of e-OSCE.
Conclusion
During and beyond COVID- 19 era, e-OSCE is a strong substitute to standard OSCE for assessing clinical competence except for physical examination and procedural skills. The planning and implementation of e-OSCE reflects an ingenuity in the assessment of clinical competencies of medical students.
Successes and Challenges of Implementing Teleprehabilitation for Onco-Surgical Candidates and Patients’ Experience: A Retrospective Pilot-Cohort Study
Authors: Drummond Kenneth , Lambert Genevieve , Tahasildar Bhagya , Carli Francesco 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to document the successes and challenges of teleprehabilitation programs for cancer patients undergoing surgery.Method: This pilot-cohort study included adults scheduled for elective cancer surgery, referred to the prehabilitation clinic to engage in physical activity and received a teleprehabilitation program between August 1st 2020 and February 28th 2021. Using a technology platform that included a tablet and was wearable, data were acquired through virtual physical activity monitoring in addition to patient charts.Results: Ten patients (8 males and 2 females; mean age: 68.3 years, SD: 11.96) diagnosed with various thoraco-abdominal malignancies were included in the current descriptive study. The successes identified were related to recruitment and assessment, improvement in functional capacity, clinic scheduling and interventions, and optimal medical follow-up. The challenges identified were related to the adoption of the technologies by patients and the multidisciplinary team, the accurate acquisition of patient physical activity data, and the initial costs to acquire the new technologies. Patients were satisfied with the teleprehabilitation program (i.e., services delivered; average appreciation: 96%), and they perceived the technologies provided to be 90% user-friendly.Conclusion: The findings of the current study are paramount in view of the current international health paradigm changes prioritizing remote interventions facilitated through digital communication technologies. It provides important insight into the clinical application of telehealth in elderly populations, notably in the context of acute preoperative cancer care. This article may provide guidance for other cancer care facilities aiming to implement teleprehabilitation programs.
Temporary Nature-based Carbon Removal Can Lower Peak Warming in a Well-below 2°C Scenario
Authors: Matthews H. Damon , Zickfeld Kirsten , Dickau Mitchell , MacIsaac Alexander , Mathesius Sabine , Nzotungicimpaye Claude-Michel , Luers Amy 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
There is growing recognition that meeting the climate objectives of the Paris Agreement will require the world to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions around or before mid-century1–4. Natural climate solutions (NCS), which aim to preserve and enhance carbon storage in terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems5,6, are increasingly being evoked as a potential contributor to net-zero emissions targets7,8. However, there is a risk that any carbon that we succeed in storing in land-based systems could be subsequently lost back to the atmosphere as a result of either climate-related or human-caused disturbances such as wildfire or deforestation9–12. Here, we show that temporary NCS-based carbon sequestration has the potential to decrease the peak temperature increase, but only if implemented alongside an ambitious mitigation scenario where fossil fuel CO2 emissions were decreased to net-zero during the time that NCS-sequestered carbon remained stored. We also demonstrate the importance of non-CO2 climate effects of NCS implementation, which have the potential to counter a substantial portion of the climate effect of carbon sequestration. Our results suggest that there is some climate benefit associated with temporary NCS, but only if implemented as a complement (and not an alternative) to ambitious fossil fuel CO2 emissions reductions.
Early Dexamethasone Use as A Protective Measure In Non-Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: A Multicenter, Cohort Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Eljaaly Khalid , Altebainawi Ali F. , Harbi Omar Al , Badreldin Hisham A. , Harthi Abdullah Al , Yousif Ghada Al , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Albelwi Shorouq , Almutairi Rahaf , Almousa Maha , Alghamdi Razan , Alhubaishi Alaa , Alissa Abdulrahman , Alharbi Aisha , Algarni Rahmah , Homaid Sarah Al , Kahtani Khawla , Akhani Nada , Atassi Abdulaleam Al , Ghamdi Ghassan Al , Aljuhani Ohoud 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Dexamethasone showed mortality benefits in COVID-19 patients. However, the optimal timing for dexamethasone initiation to prevent COVID-19 consequences such as respiratory failure requiring MV is debatable. As a result, the purpose of this study is to assess the impact of early dexamethasone initiation in non-MV critically ill patients with COVID19.Methods: A multicenter cohort study including adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) and received systemic dexamethasone between March 2020 and March 2021. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the timing for dexamethasone initiation (early vs. late). The primary endpoint is developing respiratory failure that required MV; other outcomes were considered secondary. Propensity score matching was used based on the patient’s SOFA score, mechanical ventilation (MV) status, prone status, and early use of tocilizumab within 24 hours of ICU admission.Results: Among 208 patients matched using propensity score, 104 had received dexamethasone after 24 hours of ICU admission (1:1 ratio). Among the non-mechanically ventilated patients, late use of dexamethasone was associated with higher odds of developing respiratory failure that required MV (OR [95%CI]: 2.75 [1.12, 6.76], P=0.02). Additionally, late use was associated with longer hospital LOS (Est. [95%CI]: 0.55 [0.22, 0.88], P=0.001).The 30-day and in-hospital mortality were higher in the late group; however, were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Early use of dexamethasone within 24 hours of ICU admission in critically ill patients with COVID-19 might be considered a proactive protective measure in non-mechanically ventilated patients.
Using Machine Learning to Identify At-risk Students in an Introductory Programming Course
Authors: Cooper Cameron I. , Cooper Kamea J. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Nationally, more than one-third of students enrolling in introductory computer science programming courses (CS101) do not succeed. To improve student success rates, this research team used supervised machine learning to identify students who are “at-risk” of not succeeding in CS101 at a two-year public college. The resultant predictive model accurately identifies \(\approx\)99% of “at-risk” students in an out-of-sample test data set. The programming instructor piloted the use of the model’s predictive factors as early alert triggers to intervene with individualized outreach and support across three course sections of CS101 in fall 2020. The outcome of this pilot study was a 23% increase in student success and a 7.3 percentage point decrease in the DFW rate. More importantly, this study identified academic, early alert triggers for CS101. Specifically, the first two graded programs are of paramount importance for student success in the course.
Kinetic compartmentalization by unnatural reaction for itaconate production
Authors: Ye Daeyeol , Noh Myung Hyun , Moon Jo Hyun , Milito Alfonsina , Kim Minsun , Lee Jeong Wook , Yang Jae-Seong , Jung Gyoo Yeol 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Physical compartmentalization of metabolisms using membranous organelles in eukaryotes is helpful for chemical biosynthesis to ensure the availability of substrates from competitive metabolic reactions. Bacterial hosts lack such a membranous system, which is one of the major limitations for efficient metabolic engineering. Here, we introduced kinetic compartmentalization as an alternative strategy to enable substrate availability from competitive reactions. This method utilizes a non-natural biochemical reaction performed by an engineered enzyme to kinetically isolate the metabolic pathways and ensure substrate availability for the desired reaction. As a proof of concept, we could successfully demonstrate kinetic separation for efficient itaconate production from acetate in Escherichia coli, mimicking the native mitochondrial membrane system in Aspergillus species. Despite the utilization of the non-preferred carbon source, kinetic compartmentalization could lead to substantial increases of itaconate in both yield and titer, suggesting enough potential of our strategy for broad applications in diverse engineering.
Dynamic and Probabilistic Seismic Performance Assessment of Precast Prestressed Rcfs Incorporating Slab Influence Through Three-Dimensional Spatial Model
Authors: Cao Xu-Yang , Xiong Cheng-Zhuo , Feng De-Cheng , Wu Gang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The dynamic and probabilistic seismic performances of precast prestressed RCFs are assessed in this paper, and the slab influence in the overall structural behavior is considered during the process. The threedimensional spatial model is established to provide the numerical basis, and the slab is modelled through L-/T-section beam-slab fiber-sections considering the effective width and centroid positions. The adopted model is verified with the experimental data, and the slab influence in hysteresis curves is investigated by parametric study. Then, two groups of precast prestressed RCFs are well designed to evaluate the slab influence in dynamic responses through seismic excitations, and the modal analysis, roof displacement analysis, maximum and residual drift ratio analysis are conducted for discussion. Moreover, the incremental dynamic analysis and fragility analysis are also conducted to investigate the probabilistic performance of precast prestressed RCFs with or without slabs. In general, different demand parameters may result in the variability of analyzing results, and ignoring the slab influence may underestimate the structural capacity under the frequent earthquakes (i.e., elastic stage) and overestimate the structural capacity under the rare earthquakes (i.e., plastic stage). In a sense, the research proves the significance of slabs in the seismic performance of dry-connected precast prestressed RCFs, and meanwhile provides the reference for the further explorations of slab factors in precast concrete structures.
Underactuated USV Path Following Mechanism Based on the Cascade Method
Authors: Lin Mingzhen , Zhang Zhiqiang , Pang Yandong , Lin Hongsheng , Ji Qing 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The path following control under disturbance was studied for an underactuated unmanned surface vehicle (USV) subject to the rudder angle and velocity constraints. For this reason, a variable look-ahead integral line-of-sight (LOS) guidance law was designed on the basis of the disturbance estimation and compensation, and a cascade path following control system was created following the heading control law based on the model prediction. Firstly, the guidance law was designed using the USV three-degree-of-freedom (DOF) motion model and the LOS method, while the tracking error state was introduced to design the real-time estimation of disturbance observer and compensate for the influence of ocean current. Moreover, the stability of the system was analyzed. Secondly, sufficient attention was paid to the rudder angle and velocity constraints and the influence of system delay and other factors in the process of path following when the heading control law was designed with the USV motion response model and the model predictive control (MPC). The moving horizon optimization strategy was adopted to achieve better dynamic performance, effectively overcome the influence of model and environmental uncertainties, and further prove the stability of the control law. Thirdly, a simulation experiment was carried out to verify the effectiveness and advancement of the proposed algorithm. Fourthly, the “Sturgeon 03” USV was used in the lake test of the proposed control algorithm to prove its feasibility in the engineering practices.
Severe Asthma Management, Patient Pathway, and Disease Burden in Russia: Country Results From Multi-Country Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Aisanov Zaurbek , Kurbacheva Oksana , Emelyanov Alexander , Ignatova Galina , Teichman Lindsey , Makarova Janina , Fedosenko Sergey , Alfonso Rafael , Elfishawy Tamer 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Severe asthma is a poorly controlled disease in Russia which leads to significant healthcare resource use and costs. However, little is known about its burden and management in a real clinical practice in Russia. Here we report the results obtained in the Russian population during an international cross-sectional study.
Methods
The study comprised two phases: in Phase I data were collected retrospectively from medical records, while Phase II was a cross-sectional collection of patient-reported outcomes and up-to-date data. For Phase I, adult patients with severe asthma according to ERS/ATS criteria were enrolled. Phase I patients were enrolled into Phase II if they signed a written consent form. Data on demographics, history of asthma and comorbidities, treatment approach, and healthcare resource utilization were obtained in both phases. In Phase II, asthma control and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were also evaluated.
Results
A total of 315 patients were included in Phase I of the study, 106 (33.6%) of them entered Phase II of the study. The study population included more female (n=211, 67.0%) than male patients (n=104, 33.0%). Majority of subjects were either obese (n=103, 39.8%) or overweight (n=94, 36.3%). The most common comorbidity was cardiovascular disease (n=217, 71.4%), followed by chronic respiratory disease (n=198, 68.8%), including COPD and allergies. Mean (SD) age at diagnosis of asthma and severe asthma were 42.9 (16.0) and 53.1 (13.2) years, respectively. There were 268 (85.1%) patients who had at least one exacerbation during last 12 months. Most subjects had only one blood eosinophil count in the last 12 months (n=143, 81.3%). Mean (SD) FEV1 was 56.9 (20.4) % predicted. The mean (SD) last serum IgE/(RAST) value was 254.3 (249.7) ng/mL. Asthma management was generally in line with guidelines. Most patients had poorly controlled asthma according to the ACT and impaired HRQoL.
Conclusions
In Russia, severe asthma patients had poor disease control, high hospital admission rates and multiple comorbidities. Eosinophil and IgE level measurements are not considered routine tests which might be a barrier for appropriate phenotyping and treatment selection, including prescription of biologics in course of disease management.