bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asian carp: A threat to American lakes, a feast on Chinese tables
Authors: Li Dapeng , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Tan Yuqing , Luo Yongkang , Hong Hui
Published: April 2021

Asian carp, which are widely distributed in Asia and Europe, are nutritious and popular with consumers. In China, Asian carp is a tasty dish and has been consumed for thousands of years. However, they are considered aggressive invasive species that threaten rivers, lakes, and indigenous species in the United States. Asian carp have proliferated greatly in the water basin of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and they have caused severe ecological problems over the past 20 years. In recent years, several state governments along the Mississippi River have implemented assistance programs to eliminate invasive Asian carp, but these did not alleviate the threat. We conducted a survey to understand consumers' attitudes toward Asian carp in the United States, and related reports were reviewed to explore the possibility of Asian carp as food fish on American tables. Emphasis is placed on the farming history, functional characteristics, consumption preferences, and successful utilization methods for Asian carp in China. In addition, suggestions and possible utilization methods were proposed to improve the negative impression of Asian carp in the United States. Further research is needed to take full advantage of this huge excellent source of food or health supplements. This review provides ideas and directions for the use of Asian carp in the United States. We believe that through effective cooperation between China and the United States, the negative aspects of Asian carp in the United States could be diminished, and a mutually beneficial situation could be achieved.
Bioinformatic pipelines combining denoising and clustering tools allow for more comprehensive prokaryotic and eukaryotic metabarcoding
Authors: Brandt Miriam I. , Trouche Blandine , Quintric Laure , Günther Babett , Wincker Patrick , Poulain Julie , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie
Published: April 2021

Environmental DNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool for studying biodiversity. However, bioinformatic approaches need to adjust to the diversity of taxonomic compartments targeted as well as to each barcode gene specificities. We built and tested a pipeline based on read correction with DADA2 allowing analysing metabarcoding data from prokaryotic (16S) and eukaryotic (18S, COI) life compartments. We implemented the option to cluster amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with swarm, a network‐based clustering algorithm, and the option to curate ASVs/OTUs using LULU. Finally, taxonomic assignment was implemented via the Ribosomal Database Project Bayesian classifier (RDP) and BLAST. We validated this pipeline with ribosomal and mitochondrial markers using metazoan mock communities and 42 deep‐sea sediment samples. The results show that ASVs and OTUs describe different levels of biotic diversity, the choice of which depends on the research questions. They underline the advantages and complementarity of clustering and LULU‐curation for producing metazoan biodiversity inventories at a level approaching the one obtained using morphological criteria. While clustering removes intraspecific variation, LULU effectively removes spurious clusters, originating from errors or intragenomic variability. Swarm clustering affected alpha and beta diversity differently depending on genetic marker. Specifically, d‐values > 1 appeared to be less appropriate with 18S for metazoans. Similarly, increasing LULU’s minimum ratio level proved essential to avoid losing species in sample‐poor data sets. Comparing BLAST and RDP underlined that accurate assignments of deep‐sea species can be obtained with RDP, but highlighted the need for a concerted effort to build comprehensive, ecosystem‐specific databases.
Frailty in relation to psycho‐social factors in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross‐sectional mixed qualitative‐quantitative study
Authors: Cleutjens Fiona , van Moerbeke Anne , Boonen Annelies , van Onna Marloes
Published: April 2021

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) ≥55 years: (1) whether the occurrence of frailty as measured by the Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) increases with age (survey 1); and (2) to gain insight into which frailty characteristics (eg, loneliness) contribute to frailty (survey 2).

Methods

The GFI was assessed in 3 age groups (55‐64/65‐74/≥75‐years), ensuring equal representation. GFI‐subdomains that discriminated most between those classified as frail were further studied in a subset of patients using validated domain‐specific questionnaires (eg Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]) and semi‐structured interviews. Questionnaires were filled out twice: for current age and the recalled situation at age 40, to see whether psychiatric symptomatology might be misinterpreted for frailty.

Results

Of 90 patients included, frailty prevalence on the GFI across age groups was 43.3%‐40.0%‐43.4%, respectively. Frail patients often reported depressive (73.7% vs. 11.5%) and anxious (57.9% vs. 15.4%) feelings. There were 32/90 patients who filled out the psycho‐social questionnaires twice. More frail patients had signs of an anxiety disorder on the HADS (missing data 4 patients), both at current age (5/11 frail patients vs. 0/17 non‐frail patients, P = .01) and age 40 (7/11 frail patients vs. 0/0 non‐frail patients, P < .01). During the interviews, especially frail patients reported gloomy feelings, although none confirmed depression or anxiety.

Conclusions

Frailty is highly prevalent in RA patients ≥55 years. As frail patients were characterized by symptoms of anxiety both at current age but (recalled) also at age 40, this finding suggests that pre‐existing psychiatric symptomatology may confound assessment of frailty.
Increasing number of implantation failures and pregnancy losses associated with elevated Th1/Th2 cell ratio
Authors: Kuroda Keiji , Nakagawa Koji , Horikawa Takashi , Moriyama Azusa , Ojiro Yuko , Takamizawa Satoru , Ochiai Asako , Matsumura Yuko , Ikemoto Yuko , Yamaguchi Koushi , Sugiyama Rikikazu
Published: April 2021

Problem

We aimed to assess whether an imbalance of T‐helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells contributes to implantation failure and pregnancy loss.

Method of study

In this cross‐sectional study, 197 consecutive patients with a history of repeated implantation failure (RIF) after three or more embryo transfer (ET) cycles and/or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) after two or more clinical pregnancy losses underwent Th cell testing. After excluding 42 women aged ≥44 and 9 with vitamin D supplementation, we recruited 146 women including 79 with RIF and 81 with RPL. Fourteen women had a history of both RIF and RPL. We also recruited 45 fertile women and 40 general infertile women without a history of in vitro fertilization treatment. This study was approved by the local ethics committee.

Results

There was no significant difference in IFN‐γ‐producing Th1 and IL‐4‐producing Th2 cell levels between the fertile and general infertile women, but Th1 cell levels and the Th1/Th2 cell ratio were significantly higher in the women with ≥4 ET cycles and ≥2 pregnancy losses than in the fertile and general infertile women. In the general infertile women, the total livebirth rates including natural conception after two ET cycles in the normal and high Th1/Th2 groups (Th1/Th2 <11.8 and ≥11.8, respectively) were 66.7% and 87.5%, respectively (p = .395).

Conclusions

A high Th1/Th2 cell ratio was linked to ≥4 implantation failure cycles and ≥2 pregnancy losses but not to general infertility.
Systematic review of machine learning models for personalised dosing of heparin
Authors: Falconer Nazanin , Abdel‐Hafez Ahmad , Scott Ian A. , Marxen Sven , Canaris Stephen , Barras Michael
Published: April 2021

Aim

To identify and critically appraise studies of prediction models, developed using machine learning (ML) methods, for determining the optimal dosing of unfractionated heparin (UFH).

Methods

Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and IEEE Xplore databases were searched from inception to 31 January 2020 to identify relevant studies using key search terms synonymous with artificial intelligence or ML, ‘prediction’, ‘dose’, ‘activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)’ and ‘UFH.’ Studies had to have used ML methods for developing models that predicted optimal dose of UFH or target therapeutic aPTT levels in the hospital setting. The CHARMS Checklist was used to assess quality and risk of bias of included studies.

Results

Of 8393 retrieved abstracts, 61 underwent full text review and eight studies met inclusion criteria. Four studies described models for predicting aPTT, three studies described models predicting optimal dose of heparin during dialysis and one study described a model that used surrogate outcomes of clotting and bleeding to predict a therapeutic aPTT. Studies varied widely in reporting of study participants, feature characterisation and selection, handling of missing data, sample size calculations and the intended clinical application of the model. Only one study conducted an external validation and no studies evaluated model impacts in clinical practice.

Conclusion

Studies of ML models for UFH dosing are few and none report a model ready for routine clinical use. Existing studies are limited by low methodological quality, inadequate reporting of study factors and absence of external validation and impact analysis.
Relations among positivity, positive affect in school, and learning flow in elementary school students: A longitudinal mediation model
Authors: Wu Renshuang , Huebner Eugene Scott , Zhou Jianhua , Tian Lili
Published: April 2021

Background

Learning flow is an optimal learning experience representing full engagement in one’s studies. The belief–affect–engagement model and control‐value theory suggest that positivity would be a motivator of learning flow, while positive affect in school would be a mediator of the relation between positivity and learning flow.

Aims

The current research aimed to examine (1) the longitudinal relations among positivity, positive affect in school, and learning flow, and (2) the mediational role of positive affect in school between positivity and learning flow.

Sample and Method

A sample of 4681 Chinese elementary school students (44.9% girls; Mage = 9.87 years, SD = 0.70 at Time 1) completed reliable measures for each construct on four occasions across 2 years, using 6‐month intervals. Structural equation modelling was used for examining study hypotheses.

Results

After controlling for gender, age, and family socioeconomic status, the results showed that (1) positivity, positive affect in school, and learning flow reciprocally facilitated each other directly; (2) positive affect in school mediated the relation between positivity and later learning flow, as well as the relation between learning flow and later positivity.

Conclusions

These findings revealed that positivity, positive affect in school, and learning flow form a complex, dynamic system, suggesting that school professionals should consider monitoring and developing interventions based upon these variables as early as elementary school.
New insights into genetic white matter disorders
Authors: Bonkowsky Joshua L
Published: April 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Knuutinen et al. on pages 1066–1074 of this issue.
Structural insights into the activation of chemokine receptor CXCR2
Authors: Liu Kaiwen , Shen Ling , Wu Meng , Liu Zhi‐Jie , Hua Tian
Published: April 2021

The C‐X‐C motif chemokine CXCL8 (interleukin‐8, IL‐8) and its receptor chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) mediate neutrophil migration during cell development and inflammatory responses and thus are related to numerous inflammatory diseases and cancers. We have determined the cryo‐electron microscopy structure of CXCL8 bound CXCR2 coupled to Gi protein, as well as the crystal structure of inactive CXCR2 in complex with a designed allosteric antagonist. These results reveal the binding modes between CXCL8 and CXCR2, CXCR2 and G protein, and the detailed binding pattern of the allosteric antagonist, 00767013. Further structural analysis of the inactive‐ and active‐ states of CXCR2 reveals the unique shallow‐pocket activation mechanism of C‐X‐C chemokine receptors and promotes our understanding on how a G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) is activated by an endogenous protein molecule. In addition, the cholesterol molecule is observed in the activated CXCR2 structure, providing the structural basis of the potential allosteric modulation role of cholesterol in chemokine receptors.
Interleukin‐1β exacerbates disease and is a potential therapeutic target to reduce pulmonary inflammation during severe influenza A virus infection
Authors: Bawazeer Abdulah OS , Rosli Sarah , Harpur Christopher M , Docherty Callum AH , Mansell Ashley , Tate Michelle D
Published: April 2021

Hyperinflammatory responses including the production of NLRP3‐dependent interleukin (IL)‐1β is a characteristic feature of severe and fatal influenza A virus (IAV) infections. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been shown to play a temporal role during severe IAV immune responses, with early protective and later detrimental responses. However, the specific contribution of IL‐1β in modulating IAV diseasein vivois currently not well defined. Here, we identified that activation of NLRP3‐dependent IL‐1β responses occurs rapidly following HKx31 H3N2 infection, prior to the onset of severe IAV disease. Mature IL‐1β was detectablein vivoin both hemopoietic and nonhemopoietic cells. Significantly, therapeutic inhibition of IL‐1β in the airways with intranasal anti‐IL‐1β antibody treatment from day 3 postinfection, corresponding to the onset of clinical signs of disease, significantly prolonged survival and reduced inflammation in the airways. Importantly, early targeting of IL‐1β from day 1 postinfection also improved survival. Together, these studies specifically define a role for IL‐1β in contributing to the development of hyperinflammation and disease and indicate that targeting IL‐1β is a potential therapeutic strategy for severe IAV infections.
Classification and analysis of outcome predictors in non‐critically ill COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Venturini Sergio , Orso Daniele , Cugini Francesco , Crapis Massimo , Fossati Sara , Callegari Astrid , Pellis Tommaso , Tonizzo Maurizio , Grembiale Alessandro , Rosso Alessia , Tamburrini Mario , D'Andrea Natascia , Vetrugno Luigi , Bove Tiziana
Published: April 2021

Background

Early detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐infected patients who could develop a severe form of COVID‐19 must be considered of great importance to carry out adequate care and optimise the use of limited resources.

Aims

To use several machine learning classification models to analyse a series of non‐critically ill COVID‐19 patients admitted to a general medicine ward to verify if any clinical variables recorded could predict the clinical outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed non‐critically ill patients with COVID‐19 admitted to the general ward of the hospital in Pordenone from 1 March 2020 to 30 April 2020. Patients' characteristics were compared based on clinical outcomes. Through several machine learning classification models, some predictors for clinical outcome were detected.

Results

In the considered period, we analysed 176 consecutive patients admitted: 119 (67.6%) were discharged, 35 (19.9%) dead and 22 (12.5%) were transferred to intensive care unit. The most accurate models were a random forest model (M2) and a conditional inference tree model (M5) (accuracy = 0.79; 95% confidence interval 0.64–0.90, for both). For M2, glomerular filtration rate and creatinine were the most accurate predictors for the outcome, followed by age and fraction‐inspired oxygen. For M5, serum sodium, body temperature and arterial pressure of oxygen and inspiratory fraction of oxygen ratio were the most reliable predictors.

Conclusions

In non‐critically ill COVID‐19 patients admitted to a medical ward, glomerular filtration rate, creatinine and serum sodium were promising predictors for the clinical outcome. Some factors not determined by COVID‐19, such as age or dementia, influence clinical outcomes.
LncRNA PWAR6 regulates proliferation and migration by epigenetically silencing YAP1 in tumorigenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Shanshan , Li Yaqi , Hu Jinhua , Li Li , Liu Zhen , Guo Hui , Jiang Bailing , Chen Jun , Li Junhe , Xiang Xiaojun , Deng Jun , Xiong Jianping
Published: April 2021

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a novel class of regulators in multiple cancer biological processes. However, the functions of lncRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified PWAR6 as a frequently down‐regulated lncRNA in PDAC samples as well as a panel of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Down‐regulated PWAR6 was associated with multiple clinical outcomes, including advanced tumour stage, distant metastasis, and overall survival of PDAC patients. In our cell‐based assays, ectopic expression of PWAR6 dramatically repressed PDAC cells proliferation, invasion and migration, accelerated apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. In contrast, depletion of PWAR6 mediated by siRNA exhibited opposite effects on PDAC cell behaviours. In vivo study further validated the anti‐tumour role of PWAR6 in PDAC. By taking advantage of available online sources, we also identified YAP1 as a potential PWAR6 target gene. Negative correlation between YAP1 and PWAR6 expressions were observed in both online database and our PDAC samples. Notably, rescue experiments further indicated that YAP1 is an important downstream effector involved in PWAR6‐mediated functions. Mechanistically, PWAR6 could bind to methyltransferase EZH2, a core component of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) in regulating gene expression, and scaffold EZH2 to the promoter region of YAP1, resulting in epigenetic repression of YAP1. In conclusion, our data manifest the vital roles of PWAR6 in PDAC tumorigenesis and underscore the potential of PWAR6 as a promising target for PDAC diagnosis and therapy.
Macrophage‐derived exosomes mediate silica‐induced pulmonary fibrosis by activating fibroblast in an endoplasmic reticulum stress‐dependent manner
Authors: Qin Xiaofeng , Lin Xiaofang , Liu Lang , Li Ying , Li Xiang , Deng Zhenghao , Chen Huiping , Chen Hui , Niu Zhiyuan , Li Zisheng , Hu Yongbin
Published: April 2021

Macrophages play a key role in silicosis, and exosomes are potent mediators of intercellular communication. This suggests that macrophage‐derived exosomes have a potential contribution to the pathogenesis of silicosis. To investigate whether macrophage‐derived exosomes promote or inhibit lung fibrosis, in vitro, silica‐exposed macrophage‐derived exosomes (SiO2‐Exos) were collected and cocultured with fibroblasts. The expression of collagen I and α‐SMA was evaluated. Furthermore, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers BIP, XBP1s and P‐eIF2α were assessed after treatment with or without the ER stress inhibitor 4‐PBA. In vivo, mice were pre‐treated with the exosome secretion inhibitor GW4869 prior to silica exposure. After sacrifice, lung tissues were histologically examined, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. The results showed that the expression of collagen I and α‐SMA was up‐regulated after treatment with SiO2‐Exos, accompanied by increased expression of BIP, XBP1s and P‐eIF2α. Pre‐treatment with 4‐PBA reversed this effect. More importantly, an in vivo study demonstrated that pre‐treatment with GW4869 decreased lung fibrosis and the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 in BALF. These results suggested that SiO2‐Exos are profibrogenic and that the facilitating effect is dependent on ER stress.
VA home‐based primary care interdisciplinary team structure varies with Veterans' needs, aligns with PACE regulation
Authors: Chan Caitlin S. , Davis Darlene , Cooper Dayna , Edes Thomas , Phibbs Ciaran S. , Intrator Orna , Kinosian Bruce
Published: April 2021

Background

Interdisciplinary team (IDT) care is central to home‐based primary care (HBPC) of frail elders. Traditionally, all HBPC disciplines managed a patient (Full IDT), a costly approach to maintain. The recent PACE (Program of All‐inclusive Care for the Elderly) regulation provides for a flexible approach of annual assessments from a core team with involvement of additional disciplines dependent upon patient needs (Core+). Current Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) HBPC guidance specifies Full IDTs care for medically complex and functionally impaired Veterans similar to PACE participants. We evaluated whether VA HBPC has adopted the flexible structure of the PACE regulation, aligned to Veteran needs.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

All 139 VA HBPC programs administered across 379 sites.

Participants

About 55,173 Veterans enrolled in HBPC during fiscal year 2018.

Measurements

Patients' HBPC physician, nurse, psychologist/psychiatrist, social worker, therapist, dietitian, and pharmacist visits were grouped into interdisciplinary team types. Patient frailty was classified using VA HNHR v2 (High‐Need High‐Risk version 2, a measure of high, medium, and low risk of long‐term institutionalization). Medical complexity was measured by clusters of impairment in the JEN frailty index (JFI). JFI clusters were validated by VA's Nosos measure to project cost and Care Assessment Need (CAN) measure of hospitalization and mortality risk.

Results

HBPC provided Full IDT care to 21%, Core+ care to 54%, and Home Health+ (HHA+) care (skilled home health services plus additional disciplines, without primary care) to 16% of Veterans. Team type was associated with medical complexity (X2 2863.5 [66 df], p < 0.0001). High‐risk Veterans (72% of sample) were more likely to receive Full IDT care (X2 62.9, 1 df), p < 0.0001), while low‐risk Veterans (28%) were more likely to receive HHA+ care (X2 314.8, 1 df, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

There is a strong association between HBPC team patterns and patient frailty, indicating tailoring of care to match Veteran needs.
First Impressions Stick: Market Entry Strategies and Category Priming in the Digital Domain
Authors: Aversa Paolo , Huyghe Annelore , Bonadio Giulia
Published: April 2021

The rise of the ‘digital age’ presents unique challenges for firms entering new markets and deciding ‘where’ to compete – a pivotal topic in corporate strategy. Particularly, it is not clear what the opportunities and implications are for digital new entrants as they position their disruptive business offerings in the category system, in particular vis‐à‐vis non‐market stakeholders. In this article, we qualitatively investigate how two icons of the ‘sharing economy’, Uber and BlaBlaCar, pursued two distinct categorization strategies which were incumbent‐focused and economic versus emergent‐focused and non‐economic. Our longitudinal comparative case study reveals how digital new entrants, through self‐categorization, can enduringly impact the nature of the responses of non‐market stakeholders. The mechanism at play is ‘category priming’ – the process of directing stakeholders’ selective attention towards, or away from, the commonalities shared with a specific market category – and its stickiness over time. In particular, the distinct categorization strategies primed stakeholders to focus (Uber) or not focus (BlaBlaCar) on similarities between the entrant and an established category, which triggered polarized responses from media and regulators and resulted in a ‘sticky’ association regardless of repositioning efforts. Our contribution dissects the constituents and consequences of these strategies and discusses implications for future research on digital market entry, strategic categorization, and business models.
Natural disasters, public housing, and the role of disaster aid
Authors: Davlasheridze Meri , Miao Qing
Published: April 2021

It has been widely recognized that socially disadvantaged populations are highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Nonetheless, little is known about how disasters affect housing affordability, particularly for those who depend on public housing. Using a national sample of counties over the period 2005–2016, this study examines the effects of flooding and federal disaster aid on the provision of public housing across the United States. We estimate a panel fixed‐effects model with an instrumental variable to account for the endogeneity of disaster aid. Results show that severe floods reduce the number of public housing units, prolong the average waiting time, and increase tenant‐paid rents for public housing. Meanwhile, we find that the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance (PA) aid can help restore the supply of public housing and lower the rents paid by tenants in the aftermath of flood events. Our findings suggest that natural disasters place particularly high stress on the socially vulnerable, and post‐disaster aid can alleviate some of the adverse impact of disasters on those who depend on public housing.
The novel HLA‐DQB1*03:282N allele was identified in a Chinese individual
Authors: Chen Nanying , Fu Rui , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: April 2021

HLA‐DQB1*03:282N differs from HLA‐DQB1*03:03:02:01 by a single nucleotide deletion at position 258.
Sequencing of the new HLA class I alleles, HLA‐A*68:02:01:14, ‐B*35:510, and ‐C*07:907
Authors: Balas Antonio , Planelles Dolores , Rodríguez‐Cebria Manuel , Luis‐Hidalgo Mar , Vicario José L.
Published: April 2021

Three new HLA class I alleles were characterized by next generation sequencing.
Neural Representations of Task Context and Temporal Order During Action Sequence Execution
Authors: Shahnazian Danesh , Senoussi Mehdi , Krebs Ruth M. , Verguts Tom , Holroyd Clay B.
Published: April 2021

Routine action sequences can share a great deal of similarity in terms of their stimulus response mappings. As a consequence, their correct execution relies crucially on the ability to preserve contextual and temporal information. However, there are few empirical studies on the neural mechanism and the brain areas maintaining such information. To address this gap in the literature, we recently recorded the blood‐oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response in a newly developed coffee–tea making task. The task involves the execution of four action sequences that each comprise six consecutive decision states, which allows for examining the maintenance of contextual and temporal information. Here, we report a reanalysis of this dataset using a data‐driven approach, namely multivariate pattern analysis, that examines context‐dependent neural activity across several predefined regions of interest. Results highlight involvement of the inferior‐temporal gyrus and lateral prefrontal cortex in maintaining temporal and contextual information for the execution of hierarchically organized action sequences. Furthermore, temporal information seems to be more strongly encoded in areas over the left hemisphere.
Insights Into Thermal Transactions of a Novel Rotating Packed Bed
Authors: Saurabh  , Kumar Sandeep , Murthy D. S.
Published: April 2021

The field of the rotating packed bed (RPB) and its applications in the transfer processes are multidisciplinary in nature. The achievement of significant volume reduction by employing the RPB in distillation towers has been fairly established in the mass transfer domain. Nevertheless, the prospect of RPB in the heat transfer domain still remains dormant. The current work addresses this very issue by exploring the characteristics of thermal transactions across the novel RPB device. This study succinctly presents the related aspects with multi-phase flow of participating fluids in the counter-current direction across the porous, rotating packed bed structure. However, the simultaneous involvement of these multivariate intrinsic attributes makes the understanding of the transfer phenomenon quite complex upon viewing from the experimental perspective alone. Hence, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool has been used for the assimilation of the physical understanding of the thermal transactions along with the effects of operating parameters. The thermal contours, main effect, and surface plots for heat transfer rate directly contribute toward a better appreciation of the thermal transaction mechanism and could be employed for suitable volume reduction in heat exchanger devices.
Analysis of Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Micro-Scale Heat Sink Structure
Authors: Long Wei , Song Zixuan , Ren Tao , Liu Yun
Published: April 2021

With the increasing power requirements of electronic devices, high heat flux will cause serious damage to the devices. Based on the basic theory of micro-nano heat transfer, the series and topological microchannel heat sink models are established. The flow field characteristics and temperature distribution in the heat sink are analyzed by numerical calculation. The effects of channel structure on temperature, pressure drop, the Nusselt number, and enhanced heat transfer factor are compared, and the micro-mechanism of heat transfer enhancement in microchannels is clarified. It is found that the Nusselt number of the flow field can be significantly increased by adding the triangular groove in the microchannel, and the enhanced heat transfer factor in the channel can be greatly improved by the topological structure. Further analysis of the factors such as angle α, diameter ratios γ, and topological structures of the triangular groove shows that when α = 70 deg, the Nusselt number of the flow field is 3.1 times of that of the straight channel and the enhanced heat transfer factor is 2.7 times of that of it; compared with the straight channel, the comprehensive heat transfer performance of the microchannel with γ = 1/2 is improved by 31%; when using variable cross-sectional topology microchannel with triangle structure (T.Tr.N.) topology, the convective heat transfer of the microchannel is 2.6 times of that of the straight channel and the comprehensive heat transfer performance is increased by 5.9 times.
Niche and local geography shape the pangenome of wastewater- and livestock-associated Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Shaw Liam P. , Chau Kevin K. , Kavanagh James , AbuOun Manal , Stubberfield Emma , Gweon H. Soon , Barker Leanne , Rodger Gillian , Bowes Mike J. , Hubbard Alasdair T. M. , Pickford Hayleah , Swann Jeremy , Gilson Daniel , Smith Richard P. , Hoosdally Sarah J. , Sebra Robert , Brett Howard , Peto Tim E. A. , Bailey Mark J. , Crook Derrick W. , Read Daniel S. , Anjum Muna F. , Walker A. Sarah , Stoesser Nicole ,   REHAB consortium
Published: April 2021

The pangenome ofEscherichia colifrom nearby farms shows how livestock host and local geography shape bacterial populations.
A cell-based screening method using an intracellular antibody for discovering small molecules targeting the translocation protein LMO2
Authors: Bery Nicolas , Bataille Carole J.R. , Russell Angela , Hayes Angela , Raynaud Florence , Milhas Sabine , Anand Sneha , Tulmin Hanna , Miller Ami , Rabbitts Terence H.
Published: April 2021

A cell-based screening uses intracellular antibodies to select compounds targeting the chromosomal translocation protein LMO2.
Epigenetics, fragmentomics, and topology of cell-free DNA in liquid biopsies
Authors: Lo Y. M. Dennis , Han Diana S. C. , Jiang Peiyong , Chiu Rossa W. K.
Published: April 2021

Enhancing liquid biopsies

Liquid biopsies, analyses of cell-free DNA that circulates in the blood, can be used in prenatal testing, oncology, and to monitor organ transplant recipients. Lo
et al.
review the nongenetic information that can be gleaned from analyses of cell-free DNA, which offers additional promise for the applications of this procedure. These analyses include DNA methylation patterns, fragmentation profiles, and topology, which can be informative about the health and origin of the tissue from which they are derived.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaw3616
Targeting the nucleotide salvage factor DNPH1 sensitizes
BRCA
-deficient cells to PARP inhibitors
Authors: Fugger Kasper , Bajrami Ilirjana , Silva Dos Santos Mariana , Young Sarah Jane , Kunzelmann Simone , Kelly Geoff , Hewitt Graeme , Patel Harshil , Goldstone Robert , Carell Thomas , Boulton Simon J. , MacRae James , Taylor Ian A. , West Stephen C.
Published: April 2021

Three strikes to knock cancer out

BRCA1
and
BRCA2
are tumor-suppressor genes, and patients with mutations in these genes are predisposed to breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Because
BRCA1
and
BRCA2
mutations affect pathways involved in DNA break repair, these patients' tumors are usually vulnerable to treatments that further damage DNA repair, such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, but they can acquire resistance to therapy. Using a genome-wide screening approach, Fugger
et al.
identified a protein called DNPH1 as a “nucleotide sanitizer” that prevents the incorporation of abnormal nucleotides into DNA (see the Perspective by Kriaucionis). The authors examined its mechanism of action and demonstrated how it can be targeted to expedite the killing of
BRCA1
-mutant cancer cells in combination with PARP inhibitor treatment.

Science
, this issue p.
156
; see also p.
127
Mechanism and dynamics of fatty acid photodecarboxylase
Authors: Sorigué D. , Hadjidemetriou K. , Blangy S. , Gotthard G. , Bonvalet A. , Coquelle N. , Samire P. , Aleksandrov A. , Antonucci L. , Benachir A. , Boutet S. , Byrdin M. , Cammarata M. , Carbajo S. , Cuiné S. , Doak R. B. , Foucar L. , Gorel A. , Grünbein M. , Hartmann E. , Hienerwadel R. , Hilpert M. , Kloos M. , Lane T. J. , Légeret B. , Legrand P. , Li-Beisson Y. , Moulin S. L. Y. , Nurizzo D. , Peltier G. , Schirò G. , Shoeman R. L. , Sliwa M. , Solinas X. , Zhuang B. , Barends T. R. M. , Colletier J.-P. , Joffre M. , Royant A. , Berthomieu C. , Weik M. , Domratcheva T. , Brettel K. , Vos M. H. , Schlichting I. , Arnoux P. , Müller P. , Beisson F.
Published: April 2021

Light makes light work of fatty acids

Photosynthetic organisms are notable for their ability to capture light energy and use it to power biosynthesis. Some algae have gone a step beyond photosynthesis and can use light to initiate enzymatic photodecarboxylation of fatty acids, producing long-chain hydrocarbons. To understand this transformation, Sorigué
et al.
brought to bear an array of structural, computational, and spectroscopic techniques and fully characterized the catalytic cycle of the enzyme. These experiments are consistent with a mechanism starting with electron transfer from the fatty acid to a photoexcited oxidized flavin cofactor. Decarboxylation yields an alkyl radical, which is then reduced by back electron transfer and protonation rather than hydrogen atom transfer. The wealth of experimental data explains how algae harness light energy to produce alka(e)nes and provides an appealing model system for understanding enzyme-catalyzed photochemistry more generally.

Science
, this issue p.
eabd5687
High-throughput injection molding of transparent fused silica glass
Authors: Mader Markus , Schlatter Oliver , Heck Barbara , Warmbold Andreas , Dorn Alex , Zappe Hans , Risch Patrick , Helmer Dorothea , Kotz Frederik , Rapp Bastian E.
Published: April 2021

Shaping silica like a polymer

Glass is tremendously useful, but it is energy intensive to make because of the high melting temperature and processing methods that require melts. Mader
et al.
circumvented the need for melting glass using a plastic silica nanocomposite for injection molding (see the Perspective by Dylla-Spears). The low-temperature injection molding can produce parts in as little as 5 seconds with high spatial resolution. The strategy provides a different and potentially less energy-intensive method for mass producing parts made of glass.

Science
, this issue p.
182
; see also p.
126
Comment on “Tumor-initiating cells establish an IL-33–TGF-β niche signaling loop to promote cancer progression”
Authors: Kamphuis Jasper B. J. , Worrall William P. M. , Stackowicz Julien , Mougel Aurélie , Mauré Emilie , Conde Eva , Bruhns Pierre , Guilleminault Laurent , Gaudenzio Nicolas , Chen Jinmiao , Gentek Rebecca , Reber Laurent L.
Published: April 2021

Taniguchi
et al
. (Research Articles, 17 July 2020, p. 269) claim that the cytokine interleukin-33 induces accumulation of tumor-associated macrophages expressing the immunoglobulin E receptor FcεRI. Although these findings hold great therapeutic promise, we provide evidence that the anti-FcεRI antibody used in this study is not specific for FcεRI on macrophages, which raises concerns about the validity of some of the conclusions.
Preshaping clear glass at low temperatures
Authors: Dylla-Spears Rebecca
Published: April 2021

Pelletized glass-forming composites enable rapid injection molding and facile binder recovery
Refracted reality
Breaking the Social Media Prism: How to Make Our Platforms Less Polarizing
Chris Bail
Princeton University Press, 2021. 240 pp.
Authors: Golbeck Jennifer
Published: April 2021

A social scientist probes social media–induced polarization
Epigenetic nucleotides enhance therapy
Authors: Kriaucionis Skirmantas
Published: April 2021

Targeting sanitation of epigenetic nucleotides synergizes with cancer treatment
Successful treatment of positive-sense RNA virus coinfection with autoimmune hepatitis using double filtration plasmapheresis
Authors: Kamimura Hiroteru , Kamimura Kenya , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Terai Shuji
Published: April 2021

Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is an apheretic technique that selectively removes high molecular weight substances using a plasma component filter. DFPP has been used to treat positive-sense RNA virus infections, mainly chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, because of its ability to directly eliminate viral particles from blood plasma from 2008 to about 2015, before direct-acting antiviral agents was marketed. This effect has been termed virus removal and eradication by DFPP. HCV is a positive-sense RNA virus similar to West Nile virus, dengue virus and the SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 is classified same viral species. These viruses are all classified in Family Flaviviridae which are family of single-stranded plus-stranded RNA viruses. Viral particles are 40–60 nm in diameter, enveloped and spherical in shape. We present a rare case of HCV removal where an RNA virus infection that copresented with virus-associated autoimmune hepatitis was eliminated using DFPP. Our results indicate that DFPP may facilitate prompt viraemia reduction and may have novel treatment applications for SARS-CoV-2, that is, use of therapeutic plasma exchange for fulminant COVID-19.
Anaesthetic challenges for a patient with huge superior mediastinal mass in prone position
Authors: Yeap Tat Boon , Teah Ming Kai , Ramly Astrie Kamalia Mohd , Bong Chin Pei
Published: April 2021

Anaesthesia for patients with huge mediastinal mass is very challenging due to the cardiorespiratory embarrassment that may occur. We present a patient with this condition, which was complicated by total airway obstruction, intraoperatively. We discuss the importance of patient positioning and the role of spontaneous ventilation.
AI-powered effective lens position prediction improves the accuracy of existing lens formulas
Authors: Li Tingyang , Stein Joshua , Nallasamy Nambi
Published: April 2021

Aims

To assess whether incorporating a machine learning (ML) method for accurate prediction of postoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD) improves the refraction prediction performance of existing intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas.

Methods

A dataset of 4806 patients with cataract was gathered at the Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, and split into a training set (80% of patients, 5761 eyes) and a testing set (20% of patients, 961 eyes). A previously developed ML-based method was used to predict the postoperative ACD based on preoperative biometry. This ML-based postoperative ACD was integrated into new effective lens position (ELP) predictions using regression models to rescale the ML output for each of four existing formulas (Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay and SRK/T). The performance of the formulas with ML-modified ELP was compared using a testing dataset. Performance was measured by the mean absolute error (MAE) in refraction prediction.

Results

When the ELP was replaced with a linear combination of the original ELP and the ML-predicted ELP, the MAEs±SD (in Diopters) in the testing set were: 0.356±0.329 for Haigis, 0.352±0.319 for Hoffer Q, 0.371±0.336 for Holladay, and 0.361±0.331 for SRK/T which were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the original formulas: 0.373±0.328 for Haigis, 0.408±0.337 for Hoffer Q, 0.384±0.341 for Holladay and 0.394±0.351 for SRK/T.

Conclusion

Using a more accurately predicted postoperative ACD significantly improves the prediction accuracy of four existing IOL power formulas.
Systemic conbercept pharmacokinetics and VEGF pharmacodynamics following intravitreal injections of conbercept in patients with retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Cheng Yong , Sun Shuang , Deng Xun , Zhu Xuemei , Linghu Dandan , Sun Xiantao , Liang Jianhong
Published: April 2021

Background

Data on serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and drug levels in patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) following intravitreal injections of conbercept (IVC) are lacking.

Methods

Multicentre, prospective, non-randomised study of patients with aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP) or type 1 ROP who had not received other treatment. All infants received therapy in both eyes plus intravitreal IVC 0.25 mg/0.025 mL in one eye and had at least 6 months of follow-up. Blood samples were collected before and 1 week and 4 weeks after IVC. The main outcome measures were serum conbercept and VEGF concentrations.

Results

Forty infants with APROP or type 1 ROP were enrolled. The mean serum VEGF at baseline and 1 week and 4 weeks after a total of 0.25 mg of IVC was 953.35±311.90 pg/mL, 303.46±181.89 pg/mL and 883.12±303.89 pg/mL, respectively. Serum VEGF 1 week after IVC was significantly lower (p<0.05) than baseline, and at 4 weeks after IVC, it was significantly higher (p<0.05) than at 1 week. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between baseline and 4 weeks. Serum conbercept was below the limit of quantitation (BLOQ) at baseline and 4 weeks and was 19.81±7.60 ng/mL at 1 week.

Conclusion

Serum VEGF 1 week after IVC was significantly lower than baseline but returned to baseline at 4 weeks. Serum conbercept increased at 1 week and was BLOQ at 4 weeks.
Relationship between workers’ return to work, job retention and income in industrial accidents in Korea: a longitudinal study
Authors: Bae Suk Won , Jeong Inchul , Yoon Jin-Ha , Lee Seung Wook , Kim Tae Hyun , Won Jong-Uk
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study aims to compare workers’ income before and after an occupational injury, with regard to return to work and job retention, over a period of 5 years.

Design

This study was designed as a longitudinal study.

Setting

The Panel Study of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (PSWCI) survey targeted workers involved in industrial accidents for which medical care was terminated in the year 2012.

Participants

The panel study was conducted on a final sample of 2000 workers who were selected proportionally by region (nine regions) after priority assignment by disability rating (six levels). A total of 1458 workers were finally included in this study.

Methods

This study used data from the first to fifth PSWCI. To identify the effect on income after occupational injury considering return to work and job retention, we used the generalised estimating equation.

Results

In regard to workers’ return to work, the OR that income after an occupational injury would be higher than that before an occupational injury was 3.17 (2.41–4.17) for those who returned to original work and 2.32 (1.81–2.97) for those re-employed as compared with who did not return to work and 1.27 (1.07–1.15) for those who retained their job as compared with those who did not. The ORs were 2.91 (2.26–3.75) for those who were re-employed and retained jobs and 2.96 (2.15–4.08) for those who returned to original work and did not retain jobs as compared with those who did not return to work and did not retain jobs.

Conclusions

It is important for accident victims to retain their jobs to maintain their economic status.
Help-seeking behaviour and attitudes towards internet-administered psychological support among adolescent and young adults previously treated for cancer during childhood: protocol for a survey and embedded qualitative interview study in Sweden
Authors: Woodford Joanne , Månberg Jenny , Cajander Åsa , Enebrink Pia , Harila-Saari Arja , Hagström Josefin , Karlsson Mathilda , Placid Solimena Hanna , von Essen Louise
Published: April 2021

Introduction

A subgroup of adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors (AYACCS) are at increased risk of psychological distress. Despite this, AYACCS experience difficulties accessing psychological support. E-mental health (e-MH) may offer a solution to reduce this treatment gap. However, research examining e-MH for AYACCS has experienced difficulties with recruitment, retention and adherence. Such difficulties may relate to: (1) help-seeking behaviour and/or (2) e-MH acceptability. The overall study aims are to: (1) examine potential associations between health service use factors, informed by Andersen’s behavioural model of health services use, and help-seeking behaviour; (2) examine attitudes towards e-MH interventions; and (3) explore perceived need for mental health support; past experience of receiving mental health support; preferences for support; and barriers and facilitators to help-seeking.

Methods and analysis

An online and paper-based cross-sectional self-report survey (98 items) and embedded qualitative interview study across Sweden, with a target sample size of n=365. Participants are aged 16–39 years, diagnosed with cancer when 0–18 years and have completed successful cancer treatment. The survey examines sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, actual help-seeking behaviour, attitudes towards e-MH, stigma of mental illness, mental health literacy, social support and current symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Survey respondents with past and/or current experience of mental health difficulties are invited into the qualitative interview study to explore: (1) perceived need for mental health support; (2) past experience of receiving mental health support; (3) preferences for support; and (4) barriers and facilitators to help-seeking. Potential associations between health service use factors and help-seeking behaviour are examined using univariable and multivariable logistic regressions. Qualitative interviews are analysed using content analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Dnr: 2020-06271). Results will be disseminated in scientific publications and academic conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN70570236
.