bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nemonoxacin dosage adjustment in patients with severe renal impairment based on population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis
Authors: Li Yi , Lu Jianda , Kang Yue , Xu Xiaoyong , Li Xin , Chen Yuancheng , Wang Kun , Liu Xiaofen , Fan Yaxin , Wu Hailan , Wang Yu , Hu Jiali , Yu Jicheng , Wu Jufang , Guo Beining , Zhang Yingyuan , Zeng Xin , Zhao Ming , Xue Jun , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2021

Aims

To optimize the dosing regimen in patients with severe renal impairment based on population pharmacokinetic (PPK)/pharmacodynamic analysis.

Methods

The pharmacokinetics and safety of nemonoxacin was evaluated in a single‐dose, open‐label, nonrandomized, parallel‐group study after single oral dose of a 0.5‐g nemonoxacin capsule in 10 patients with severe renal impairment and 10 healthy controls. Both blood and urine samples were collected within 72 hours after admission and determined the concentrations. A PPK model was built using nonlinear mixed effects modelling. The probability of target attainment and the cumulative fraction of response against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus was calculated by Monte Carlo simulation.

Results

The data best fitted a 2‐compartment model, from which the PPK parameters were estimated, including clearance (8.55 L/h), central compartment volume (80.8 L) and peripheral compartment volume (50.6 L). The accumulative urinary excretion was 23.4 ± 6.5% in severe renal impairment patients and 66.1 ± 16.8% in healthy controls. PPK/pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation of 4 dosage regimens found that nemonoxacin 0.5 g every 48 hours (q48h) was the optimal dosing regimen in severe renal impairment patients, evidenced by higher probability of target attainment (92.7%) and cumulative fraction of response (>99%) at nemonoxacin minimum inhibitory concentration ≤ 1 mg/L against S. pneumoniae and S. aureus. The alternative regimens (0.25 g q24h; loading dose 0.5 g on Day 1 followed by 0.25 g q24h) were insufficient to cover the pathogens even if minimum inhibitory concentration = 1 mg/L.

Conclusion

An extended dosing interval (0.5 g q48h) may be appropriate for optimal efficacy of nemonoxacin in case of severe renal impairment.
Improving engagement with services to prevent Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) in families with children at risk of significant harm: A systematic review of evidence
Authors: Garstang Joanna , Watson Debbie , Pease Anna , Ellis Catherine , Blair Peter S. , Fleming Peter
Published: April 2021

This paper reports part of a wider systematic review commissioned by the English National Safeguarding Panel on Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI). The wider review covered three areas: interventions to improve safer sleep practices in high‐risk families, interventions to improve engagement with services and decision making by parents at high risk of SUDI about infant sleep environments. Here, we report the qualitative and quantitative studies reviewed under the engagement strand. Parental engagement is understood to be a multidimensional task for health and social care professionals comprising attitudinal, relational and behavioural components. Following a PROSPERO registered systematic review synthesizing the three strands outlined, 28 papers were found to be relevant in the review of interventions to improve engagement with services in families with children at risk of significant harm through abuse or neglect. No studies were found that specifically focused on engagement of families at high risk for SUDI, so these wider engagement studies were included. The different types of intervention reported in the included studies are described under two broad themes: Enablers (including parental motivation and working with families) and Barriers. Given the focus in the studies on interventions that support parental engagement, the Enablers theme is more extensive than the Barriers reported although all studies noted well‐understood barriers. The evidence underpinning these interventions and approaches are reviewed in this paper. We conclude that effective engagement is facilitated by experienced professionals given time to develop supportive non‐judgemental relationships with families in their homes, working long‐term, linking with communities and other services. While these conclusions have been drawn from wider studies aimed at reducing child maltreatment, we emphasize lessons to be drawn for SUDI prevention work with families with children at risk of significant harm.
Predicting Middle School Profiles of Algebra Performance Using Fraction Knowledge
Authors: Barbieri Christina Areizaga , Young Laura K. , Newton Kristie J. , Booth Julie L.
Published: April 2021

Fraction knowledge and algebraic skill are closely linked. Algebra is a gatekeeper for advanced courses (Booth & Newton, 2012; Brown & Quinn, 2007). This study uses the person‐centered approach of latent profile analysis to examine individual differences in middle schoolers’ (N = 350) algebra performance at the end of the year (EOY). The relative importance of a range of fraction skills is considered in predicting the likelihood of displaying a particular profile of EOY algebra knowledge, measured by feature knowledge, equation encoding, equation solving, and word‐problem skills. Notably, fraction number line estimation did not predict algebra performance on any of the four measures. Fraction arithmetic at the beginning of the year is most predictive of displaying the highest performing EOY algebra profile.
Nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay efficiency influences bleeding severity in ITGA2B c.2659C > T (p.Q887X) knock‐in mice
Authors: Xie Zhanli , Jiang Jiang , Cao Lijuan , Jiang Miao , Yang Fei , Ma Zhenni , Wang Zhaoyue , Ruan Changgeng , Liu Hong , Zhou Lu
Published: April 2021

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is a severe hemorrhagic disease. It is caused by mutations in ITGA2B or ITGB3, which are the respective genes encoding integrin αIIb and β3. Despite widespread mutational analysis, the mechanisms underlying the extensive variability in bleeding severity observed among affected individuals remains poorly understood. In order to explore the mechanisms conferring for bleeding heterogeneity, three GT patients with ITGA2B c.2671C > T (p.Q891X) who possessed different bleeding scores were studied. Analysis showed that there was significant difference in nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD) efficiency among the three patients. These differences positively correlated with their bleeding score. Next, a knock‐in mouse model (KI mice) with the ITGA2B c.2659C > T (p.Q887X) was generated using CRISPR/Cas9. Importantly, this mutation is homologous to ITGA2B c.2671C > T (p.Q891X) in humans. The bleeding time of KI mice was significantly in comparison to the wide‐type mice. Interestingly, bleeding was stopped after treatment with caffeine, which is a known NMD inhibitor. This suggests that NMD efficiency potentially influences bleeding severity in ITGA2B c.2659C > T (p.Q887X) KI mice.
Exploring the views of adolescents with type 1 diabetes on digital mental health interventions: What functionality and content do they want?
Authors: Boggiss Anna L. , Consedine Nathan S. , Schache Kiralee R. , Wallace‐Boyd Kate , Cao Nicholas , Hofman Paul L. , Serlachius Anna S.
Published: April 2021

Background

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience higher rates of psychological disorders compared with their healthy peers. As poor psychological health has been associated with suboptimal glycaemic control and more frequent complications, there is an urgent need to develop more ‘clinically usable’ interventions. Digital mental health interventions offer unique advantages compared with in‐person interventions; however, what adolescents with T1D want in terms of content and functionality is poorly understood. Accordingly, the current study conducted focus groups to examine the views of adolescents with T1D regarding digital mental health interventions.

Methods

Four focus groups were conducted, including 16 adolescents with T1D, ranging from 13 to 17 years in age (69% female). Transcripts were analysed using directed content analysis to examine (1) ‘what adolescents dislike about existing digital mental health interventions?’ and (2) ‘what adolescents want in future digital mental health interventions?’.

Results

Findings provide a preliminary understanding of what adolescents dislike and also the type of content and functional features, which may be important to include in digital mental health programs for this population, such as a peer support feature (reported by 16 of 16), emotion and diabetes check‐in feature (11 of 16) and diabetes‐relevant content (12 of 16).

Conclusions

Early data suggest that digital mental health interventions should include a significant peer support element, diabetes‐relevant content and examples, and check‐in on their mental health and diabetes self‐management regularly, while avoiding fixed responses or modules and non‐age‐appropriate content. Based on these findings, a digital intervention is currently being developed.
A Longitudinal Examination of Common Dyadic Coping and Sexual Distress in New Parent Couples during the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Tutelman Perri R. , Dawson Samantha J. , Schwenck Gracielle C. , Rosen Natalie O.
Published: April 2021

New parents experience significant disruption to their sexual relationships such as lower desire and sexual frequency relative to prepregnancy. Little is known about the sexual distress new parents feel related to these changes, how sexual distress evolves over time, or how coping with stress relates to this distress. New parent couples who engage in more adaptive, joint coping with mutual stressors—common dyadic coping (CDC)—may be better able to manage distress related to their sexuality and thus, experience less sexual distress at 3‐months postpartum and experience more marked improvement over time. In 99 first‐time parent couples, we examined the link between CDC measured at 3‐months postpartum and trajectories of sexual distress across 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐months postpartum. Analyses used dyadic latent growth curve modeling informed by the actor–partner interdependence model. Mothers’ sexual distress at 3‐months postpartum was clinically elevated and higher than their partner’s. Mothers’ sexual distress declined significantly over time, whereas partners’ sexual distress remained low and stable. An individual’s higher perceptions of CDC was significantly associated with their own (but not their partner’s) lower sexual distress at 3‐months postpartum. No significant associations were found between CDC and change in sexual distress over time. How new parents jointly cope with stressors early in the postpartum period may lessen the distress they have about their sexuality at a time when most couples have just resumed sexual activity. Results identify CDC as a possible novel target for interventions aimed at helping couples manage sexual distress during the transition to parenthood.
Urban Interventions to Reduce Pollution Exposure and Improve Spatial Equity
Authors: Schindler Mirjam , Caruso Geoffrey
Published: April 2021

Air pollution is of increasing concern to urban residents and urban planners are struggling to find interventions which tackle the trade‐off between environmental, health, and economic impacts arising from this. We analyze within a spatially explicit theoretical residential choice model how different urban interventions can reduce exposure to endogenous traffic‐induced air pollution at residential locations. We model a city of fixed population size, where households are averse to localized pollution and examine how a flat commuting tax, an urban growth boundary, a cordon toll, and the optimal distance‐based tax compare to an urban scenario without any planner's intervention. We find that an urban intervention to optimally address exposure concerns needs to achieve steep density gradients near the urban fringe and flat gradients near the center. We show the deficiencies of the alternative interventions to achieve optimal population distributions within the city and in a scenario where peoples' aversion to pollution increases. We then discuss these interventions in light of resulting spatial patterns of exposure and spatial equity that is households' assessment of their own exposure to air pollution relative to their responsibility for the exposure of others depending on their spatial location within the city. Our results show that, when equity is also a concern, compensations are needed from households who live in the periphery and our simulations suggest that a cordon toll can then achieve a more balanced outcome.
TYK 2 inhibitors for the treatment of dermatologic conditions: the evolution of JAK inhibitors
Authors: Jo Christine E. , Gooderham Melinda , Beecker Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Increasing understanding of cytokines as major drivers of immune‐mediated diseases has revolutionized targeted treatments for these conditions. As the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions is mediated by a complex interplay of various cytokines, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been of particular interest due to their ability to target multiple cytokines simultaneously. However, due to safety concerns with first generation JAK inhibitors, most notably from JAK2 and JAK3 inhibition, interest has shifted to more selective inhibition of TYK2. Three key TYK2 inhibitors that have advanced furthest in clinical trials for treatment of dermatologic autoimmune conditions are deucravacitinib (BMS‐986165), brepocitinib (PF‐06700841), and PF‐06826647. This review outlines the current understanding of the efficacy and safety of these three TYK2 inhibitors from completed phase I and II studies and summarizes studies currently in progress for dermatologic conditions.
Does real earnings smoothing reduce investors’ perceived risk?
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Bon , Wang Jeff J. , Zhang Eliza Xia
Published: April 2021

This study examines whether real earnings smoothing influences equity and credit investors’ perceptions of risk. Using a large sample of US public firms, we find that real earnings smoothing is negatively associated with option‐implied volatility, suggesting that real earnings smoothing lowers equity investors’ perceived risk. We also find that real earnings smoothing is negatively associated with credit default swap spread, implying that real earnings smoothing lowers credit investors’ perceived risk. Our results are robust to multiple sensitivity analyses and to various tests used to address potential endogeneity. Moreover, the effect of real earnings smoothing is greater than that of accrual‐based smoothing, suggesting that real earnings smoothing is more difficult for investors to detect and unravel. Overall, our study documents a new factor that influences both equity and credit investors’ ex‐ante perceptions of risk.
It's the tone, stupid! Soft information in credit rating reports and financial markets
Authors: Kiesel Florian
Published: April 2021

Using a unique, comprehensive data set of 6110 Moody's rating reports from 2004 to 2019, I find that the textual tone of credit rating reports has a significant effect on the credit default swap (CDS) and stock markets. This effect is driven by negative watchlist reports. The results show that the negative tone of these watchlist reports, in particular, leads to a widening in CDS spreads and lower abnormal stock returns. It also indicates that the rating is likely to be downgraded. These findings show the importance of credit rating agencies as information sources for financial markets.
Comment on: Decrease of anticholinergic drug use in nursing home residents in the United States
Authors: Aalto Ulla L. , Kautiainen Hannu , Pitkälä Kaisu H.
Published: April 2021

See the Reply by Mehta et al.
Progranulin in neurodegenerative dementia
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Ming , Zeng Peng , Fang Ying‐Yan , Zhang Teng , Tian Qing
Published: April 2021

Long‐term or severe lack of protective factors is important in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative dementia. Progranulin (PGRN), a neurotrophic factor expressed mainly in neurons and microglia, has various neuroprotective effects such as anti‐inflammatory effects, promoting neuron survival and neurite growth, and participating in normal lysosomal function. Mutations in the PGRN gene (GRN) have been found in several neurodegenerative dementias, including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Herein, PGRN deficiency and PGRN hydrolytic products (GRNs) in the pathological changes related to dementia, including aggregation of tau and TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43), amyloid‐β (Aβ) overproduction, neuroinflammation, lysosomal dysfunction, neuronal death, and synaptic deficit have been summarized. Furthermore, as some therapeutic strategies targeting PGRN have been developed in various models, we highlighted PGRN as a potential anti‐neurodegeneration target in dementia.

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Promising tacrine/huperzine A‐based dimeric acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for neurodegenerative disorders: From relieving symptoms to modifying diseases through multitarget
Authors: Mak Shinghung , Li Wenming , Fu Hongjun , Luo Jialie , Cui Wei , Hu Shengquan , Pang Yuanping , Carlier Paul R. , Tsim Karl Wahkeung , Pi Rongbiao , Han Yifan
Published: April 2021

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are devastating diseases in the elderly world, which are closely associated with progressive neuronal loss induced by a variety of genetic and/or environmental factors. Unfortunately, currently available treatments for neurodegenerative disorders can only relieve the symptoms but not modify the pathological processes. Over the past decades, our group by collaborating with Profs. Yuan‐Ping Pang and Paul R. Carlier has developed three series of homo/hetero dimeric acetylcholinesterase inhibitors derived from tacrine and/or huperzine A. The representative dimers bis(3)‐Cognitin (B3C), bis(12)‐hupyridone, and tacrine(10)‐hupyridone might possess disease‐modifying effects through the modulation ofN‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptors, the activation of myocyte enhancer factor 2D gene transcription, and the promotion of neurotrophic factor secretion. In this review, we summarize that the representative dimers, such as B3C, provide neuroprotection against a variety of neurotoxins via multiple targets, including the inhibitions ofN‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptor with pathological‐activated potential, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and β‐amyloid cascades synergistically. More importantly, B3C might offer disease‐modifying potentials by activating myocyte enhancer factor 2D transcription, inducing neuritogenesis, and promoting the expressions of neurotrophic factors in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, the novel dimers might offer synergistic disease‐modifying effects, proving that dimerization might serve as one of the strategies to develop new generation of therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders.

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Diapause and bet‐hedging strategies in insects: a meta‐analysis of reaction norm shapes
Authors: Joschinski Jens , Bonte Dries
Published: April 2021

Many organisms escape from lethal climatological conditions by entering a resistant resting stage called diapause, which needs to be optimally timed with seasonal change. As climate change exerts selection pressure on phenology, the evolution of mean diapause timing, but also of phenotypic plasticity and bet‐hedging strategies is expected. The potential of the latter strategy as a means of coping with environmental unpredictability has received little attention in the climate change literature.

Populations should be adapted to spatial variation in local conditions; contemporary patterns of phenological strategies across a geographic range may hence provide information about their evolvability. We thus extracted 458 diapause reaction norms from 60 studies. First, we correlated mean diapause timing with mean winter onset. Then we partitioned the reaction norm variance into a temporal component (phenotypic plasticity) and among‐offspring variance (diversified bet‐hedging) and correlated this variance composition with variability of winter onset. Mean diapause timing correlated reasonably well with mean winter onset, except for populations at high latitudes, which apparently failed to track early onsets. Variance among offspring was, however, limited and correlated only weakly with environmental variability, indicating little scope for bet‐hedging. The apparent lack of phenological bet‐hedging strategies may pose a risk in a less predictable climate, but we also highlight the need for more data on alternative strategies.
Newly identified host range of viruses infecting species of the genus Allium and their distribution in six habitats in the Czech Republic
Authors: Mansouri Faten , Krahulec František , Duchoslav Martin , Ryšánek Pavel
Published: April 2021

Studies on plant viruses are concentrated mainly towards crop diseases and little is known about viruses in wild and ornamental species. We surveyed viruses infecting 65 vegetable, wild, and ornamental Allium species cultivated or naturally occurring in the Czech Republic. Allium plants were collected from six habitat categories (botanical gardens, private gardens, cultivated fields, ornamentals from markets, cultivated plants of wild origin, wild origin). Samples were tested by ELISA and/or reverse transcription‐PCR for the presence of 15 viruses belonging to the genera Allexivirus, Carlavirus, Potyvirus, and Orthotospovirus. Of the 883 sampled plants, 63.4% were infected by at least one or more viruses. The infection rate of Allium samples differed depending on the habitat origin and phylogenetic relatedness of the hosts. Viruses were most frequently detected in cultivated species, with a high incidence of leek yellow stripe virus (LYSV), garlic common latent virus (GCLV), shallot virus X (ShVX), garlic virus A (GarV‐A), and garlic virus B (GarV‐B). Low infection rates and virus‐free samples were detected in species of wild origin. Composition of viruses belonging to the genus Allexivirus significantly differentiated the subgenus Melanocrommyum from other Allium subgenera. Mixed infections (51.1% of analysed plants) were widespread in most species. New host associations were observed for some viruses previously recorded in the Czech Republic. In addition, three viruses, shallot yellow stripe virus (SYSV), Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), and iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), were detected for the first time on Allium species in the Czech Republic.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐A*11:01:111 allele in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Li Chi‐Cheng , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: April 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon −4 of HLA‐A*11:01:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐A*11:01:111.
Crystal structure of chloroplastic thioredoxin z defines a type‐specific target recognition
Authors: Le Moigne Théo , Gurrieri Libero , Crozet Pierre , Marchand Christophe H. , Zaffagnini Mirko , Sparla Francesca , Lemaire Stéphane D. , Henri Julien
Published: April 2021

Thioredoxins (TRXs) are ubiquitous disulfide oxidoreductases structured according to a highly conserved fold. TRXs are involved in a myriad of different processes through a common chemical mechanism. Plant TRXs evolved into seven types with diverse subcellular localization and distinct protein target selectivity. Five TRX types coexist in the chloroplast, with yet scarcely described specificities. We solved the crystal structure of a chloroplastic z‐type TRX, revealing a conserved TRX fold with an original electrostatic surface potential surrounding the redox site. This recognition surface is distinct from all other known TRX types from plant and non‐plant sources and is exclusively conserved in plant z‐type TRXs. We show that this electronegative surface endows thioredoxin z (TRXz) with a capacity to activate the photosynthetic Calvin–Benson cycle enzyme phosphoribulokinase. The distinct electronegative surface of TRXz thereby extends the repertoire of TRX–target recognitions.
Screening of blood donors for sickle cell trait using a DNA‐based approach: Frequency in a multiethnic donor population
Authors: Gowda Lohith , Vege Sunitha , Kessler Debra , Shaz Beth , Westhoff Connie M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Minority RBC donors are important to support the transfusion needs of patients with sickle cell disease. Testing of donors for sickle cell trait (SCT) is performed to avoid transfusion of hemoglobin S+ (HbS+) RBCs to specific patient groups and to investigate leukoreduction failures. A screening assay based on hemoglobin solubility is commonly used. The purpose of this study was to validate a DNA approach for HbS screening.

Methods

Hemoglobin solubility screening (Pacific Hemostasis or SICKLEDEX) and PreciseType human erythrocyte antigen (HEA)‐HbS (Immucor) targeting c.20A>T in the β‐globin gene were performed according to manufacturer's directions. Resolution of differences in results included gene sequencing and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

Initial validation of HEA‐HbS performed by testing 60 known samples, 20 HbS/A, A/A, and S/S, gave expected results. However, in the subsequent parallel testing phase, 4/58 samples HbS+ by solubility assay tested negative by HEA‐HbS; the negative results were confirmed by β‐globin gene sequencing. Samples from donors self‐identifying as White testing HbS+ by solubility assay (n = 60) were retested by HEA‐HbS and HPLC. The HEA‐HbS assay was concordant with HPLC which is recognized as the gold standard for hemoglobin variation.

Conclusion

A DNA‐based approach is an alternative to screen donors for SCT, found in approximately 7% of Black and 1.7% of our random donors. HEA‐HbS correlated with HPLC results in all samples tested, supporting the use of HEA‐HbS as the test of record. The method allows higher throughput screening and testing at the donor center allows association of the screening result with the donor record to avoid repeat testing.
In situ compositional mapping of combinatorial materials libraries by scanning low-angle x-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Jeonggoo , Strikovski Mikhail D. , Garrahan Steven L. , Mozelack Richard , Parkinson Jonathan E. , Kolagani Solomon H.
Published: April 2021

A novel in situ diagnostic, scanning low-angle x-ray spectroscopy, has been introduced for compositional mapping of combinatorial thin film libraries. The technique uses high-energy electron beam-generated characteristic x rays from the films as they are deposited. The x-ray intensities are acquired dynamically, layer by layer at different film thicknesses, processed, and analyzed by Neocera-developed software using a unique algorithm. A fully automated four-axis mechanical stage facilitates data acquisition from a 2-in. diameter wafer providing a comprehensive compositional map across the wafer. A ternary materials library of Zn-Ti-Cr oxide has been deposited by continuous composition spread pulsed laser deposition to demonstrate the novel application of scanning low-angle x-ray spectroscopy for compositional mapping in situ. This in situ feedback on composition across the wafer significantly enhances the capability of any physical vapor deposition technique used for depositing combinatorial libraries, by providing compositional feedback during growth as well as the ability to monitor and control deposition processes for composition optimizations.
Using deep learning for acoustic event classification: The case of natural disasters
Authors: Ekpezu Akon O. , Wiafe Isaac , Katsriku Ferdinand , Yaokumah Winfred
Published: April 2021

This study proposes a sound classification model for natural disasters. Deep learning techniques, a convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM), were used to train two individual classifiers. The study was conducted using a dataset acquired online1 and truncated at 0.1 s to obtain a total of 12 937 sound segments. The result indicated that acoustic signals are effective for classifying natural disasters using machine learning techniques. The classifiers serve as an alternative effective approach to disaster classification. The CNN model obtained a classification accuracy of 99.96%, whereas the LSTM obtained an accuracy of 99.90%. The misclassification rates obtained in this study for the CNN and LSTM classifiers (i.e., 0.4% and 0.1%, respectively) suggest less classification errors when compared to existing studies. Future studies may investigate how to implement such classifiers for the early detection of natural disasters in real time.
Mitochondrial respiration controls the Prox1-Vegfr3 feedback loop during lymphatic endothelial cell fate specification and maintenance
Authors: Ma Wanshu , Gil Hyea Jin , Liu Xiaolei , Diebold Lauren P. , Morgan Marc A. , Oxendine-Burns Michael J. , Gao Peng , Chandel Navdeep S. , Oliver Guillermo
Published: April 2021

Mitochondrial complex III maintains the Prox1-Vegfr3 feedback loop and LEC identity.
A highly conserved 3
10
helix within the kinesin motor domain is critical for kinesin function and human health
Authors: Lam Aileen J. , Rao Lu , Anazawa Yuzu , Okada Kyoko , Chiba Kyoko , Dacy Mariah , Niwa Shinsuke , Gennerich Arne , Nowakowski Dan W. , McKenney Richard J.
Published: April 2021

An uncharacterized structural element in the kinesin motor domain is shown to be critical for motor function and human health.
Direct observation of hyperpolarization breaking through the spin diffusion barrier
Authors: Stern Quentin , Cousin Samuel François , Mentink-Vigier Frédéric , Pinon Arthur César , Elliott Stuart James , Cala Olivier , Jannin Sami
Published: April 2021

The resurgence of nuclear hyperpolarization brings new insights into spin diffusion processes near paramagnetic centers.
Optical coherence transfer mediated by free electrons
Authors: Kfir Ofer , Di Giulio Valerio , de Abajo F. Javier García , Ropers Claus
Published: April 2021

Not just light waves—free electrons can also transport optical coherence through vacuum.
Toward a more sustainable mining future with electrokinetic in situ leaching
Authors: Martens Evelien , Prommer Henning , Sprocati Riccardo , Sun Jing , Dai Xianwen , Crane Rich , Jamieson James , Tong Pablo Ortega , Rolle Massimo , Fourie Andy
Published: April 2021

The application of electric fields facilitates in situ extraction of metals from intact ore bodies of low hydraulic conductivity.
Slot-die coating large-area formamidinium-cesium perovskite film for efficient and stable parallel solar module
Authors: Yang Zhichun , Zhang Wenjun , Wu Shaohang , Zhu Hongmei , Liu Zonghao , Liu Zhiyang , Jiang Zhaoyi , Chen Rui , Zhou Jing , Lu Qian , Xiao Zewen , Shi Lei , Chen Han , Ono Luis K. , Zhang Shasha , Zhang Yiqiang , Qi Yabing , Han Liyuan , Chen Wei
Published: April 2021

Efficient and stable parallel perovskite solar module is achieved by slot-die coating.
A Crucial Role for Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Midst of COVID-19
Authors: Mayi Bindu S. , Mainville Manda , Altaf Rida , Lanspa Michelle , Vaniawala Sheel , Ollerhead Thomas A. , Raja Aarti
Published: April 2021

As the world deals with a pandemic, there remains another global challenge that cannot be ignored. Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics may be justified, as we are trying to treat a novel disease condition, which, in turn, could lead to an increase in antimicrobial resistance.
Promoting Academic Integrity and Student Learning in Online Biology Courses
Authors: Hsu Jeremy L.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an abrupt shift in biology courses, with many transitioning to online instruction. This has led to an increased concern about academic integrity and cheating in online courses.
CURE in a Box: An Online CURE for Introductory Biology Majors That Incorporates
Vision and Change
Authors: Bennett Kyle F. , Arriola Paul E. , Marsh Tamara L. , Mineo Patrick M. , Raimondi Stacey L. , Shaffer Corey L.
Published: April 2021

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) help fulfill the recommendation of
Vision and Change
for biology curricula to focus on key concepts and skills to better prepare students for careers in the sciences. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many schools to move instruction online, highlighting the dearth of resources available for offering a CURE for introductory biology outside of the traditional laboratory-based setting.
Science Bootcamp Goes Virtual: A Compressed, Interdisciplinary Online CURE Promotes Psychosocial Gains in STEM Transfer Students
Authors: Majka Elizabeth A. , Guenther Merrilee F. , Raimondi Stacey L.
Published: April 2021

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are well-documented as high-impact practices that can broaden participation and success in STEM. Drawing primarily from a community of practice theoretical framework, we previously developed an interdisciplinary CURE course (Science Bootcamp) for STEM majors focused entirely on the scientific process.
Remote Online Project: Traveling in a Virtual World, Researching Microbes
‡
Authors: Adil Ahsan , Sami Sophia , Morales Tiara Pérez
Published: April 2021

The undergraduate general microbiology course-based research projects were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020. Therefore, we developed a remote online research project that combines aspects of microbiology lectures and laboratory techniques.
Engaging Undergraduates in Research Experiences at a Distance: Insights and Recommendations for Remote UREs
Authors: Jensen-Ryan Danielle , Murren Courtney J. , Bisner April , Rutter Matt T. , Strand Allan
Published: April 2021

Undergraduates phenotyping
Arabidopsis
knockouts (unPAK) is a biology research network that has provided undergraduate research experiences (URE) since 2010. In 2019, unPAK expanded to include a summer URE that engaged undergraduate researchers from across the network in an intensive collaborative program.
Analysis of a COVID-19 Clinical Trial to Emphasize Experimental Design and Quantitative Reasoning in an Introductory Biology Course
†
Authors: Grosser Melinda R. , Hale Rebecca E.
Published: April 2021

Increasing student exposure to primary literature in early biology coursework can enhance scientific literacy and quantitative reasoning skills. The efficacy of primary literature discussion is heavily impacted by article selection, as student engagement is optimal with material that is topical and has clear relevance to real world issues.
Fostering Student-Student Interactions in a First-Year Experience Course Taught Online during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Majewska Ania A. , Vereen Ethell
Published: April 2021

Online college courses can lack much-needed student interactions without live synchronous sessions. The need for socialization is particularly important for first-year students and has been of particular concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, when isolation is the new norm outside the classroom. Here we provide a perspective on the use of online synchronous sessions in a first-year biology course that encouraged student-student interactions and employed the culturally responsive teaching approach.
Development of Gamified, Interactive, Low-Cost, Flexible Virtual Microbiology Labs That Promote Higher-Order Thinking during Pandemic Instruction
Authors: Dustman Wendy A. , King-Keller Sharon , Marquez Rolando J.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic radically and without warning changed the laboratory learning environment for students and instructors. Students were faced with having to be receptive to new learning methods; instructors scrambled to devise innovative ways of providing a realistic lab experience for students.
Remote Learning Barriers and Opportunities for Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Learners in Career and Professional Skill Development: A Case Study
†
Authors: Gardner Margery Evans , Bodiya Elizabeth C. , Subramanian Shoba
Published: April 2021

Career and professional development competencies are critical for biomedical PhD and postdoctoral training. In the current educational landscape, programs that meet these competencies are offered and attended in an ad hoc manner.
Teaching during COVID-19 Times: A Community College Perspective
Authors: Mazur Clay , Creech Catherine , Just Jan , Rolle Cleo , Cotner Sehoya , Hewlett James
Published: April 2021

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic altered instructional and learning strategies at institutions across the globe. This emergency transition to remote instruction (ETRI) resulted in ambiguity regarding what to teach, how to teach, and instructor/student workload.
Implementing an Undergraduate Learning Assistant Program Tailored for Remote Instruction
Authors: Martin Miriam E. , Davidyan Arik
Published: April 2021

The inclusion of undergraduate learning assistants (LAs) on the teaching team of a course is a high-impact practice that benefits the teaching team, students, and LAs themselves. LAs are undergraduate students who have taken the course previously and support student learning through facilitated discussion and problem-solving.
Using Virtual Simulations in Online Laboratory Instruction and Active Learning Exercises as a Response to Instructional Challenges during COVID-19
Authors: Alvarez Kanwal S.
Published: April 2021

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020 thrust instructors into a world of frenzy, presenting unique challenges to delivering course content. Especially challenging was how to substitute wet lab experiments that often comprise science labs.
Negative Impacts of the Current COVID-19 Crisis on Science Education in Kenya: How Certain Can We Be about the Efficacy of the Science Learning Framework Online?
Authors: Opere Wasonga Michael
Published: April 2021

Recently, there has been a significant interest in the possibility of continued disruption to school learning due to the spiraling COVID-19 crisis worldwide. Consequently, online learning has been widely adopted.
Growsafe: A Chemical Method to Deactivate Cultivated Microorganisms Using Low-Cost Kitchen Supplies
Authors: Madden Anne A. , Crowe Lauren B. , Logee Erin E. , Starks Philip T. B.
Published: April 2021

One limitation to engaging K–12 students and the public with microorganisms is the inability to cultivate and dispose of bacterial and fungal samples safely without expensive equipment or services. This barrier has been amplified with remote learning modalities and laboratory closures driven by safety precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teaching Interrupted: How COVID-19 Turned Thoughts into Practice
Authors: Deutschman Megan C. , Hyson Audrey Rose , Seithers Laura C. , Jensen Murray
Published: April 2021

The Community College Anatomy and Physiology Education Research (CAPER) project is a 2-year grant that provides a variety of professional development opportunities to community college instructors of Anatomy and Physiology in the United States. Instructors who participate in the CAPER project also take part in a larger research study that uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to track the instructors’ progress with adapting new teaching methods into their classrooms.
Facilitating Engaging Journal Clubs in Online Upper-Level Undergraduate Courses
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Authors: Li Yanfen , St Jean Adam
Published: April 2021

STEM curricula often prepare students with fundamental knowledge, allowing students to have strong backgrounds in technical concepts. However, upper-level students may lack the ability to critically analyze primary research articles, which is important for understanding the current state of the field.
Teaching in a Time of Crisis: Editorial Perspectives on Adjusting STEM Education to the “New Normal” during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brancaccio-Taras Loretta , Mawn Mary V. , Premo Josh , Ramachandran Roshini
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the world, how people interact, and the way business is conducted. Higher education is no exception; as institutions quickly shifted to remote teaching in Spring 2020, many faculty needed to support student learning in ways that were new to them.
Supplemental Material: Controls on andesitic glaciovolcanism at ice-capped volcanoes from field and experimental studies
Authors: Cole Rosemary , al. et
Published: April 2021

Full experimental set up and procedure, including geochemical data of experimental samples, thermal calculations, overall results for all experimental runs, experimental limitations, and photos of post-experiment samples.
Supplemental Material: Pace, magnitude, and nature of terrestrial climate change through the end-Permian extinction in southeastern Gondwana
Authors: Frank Tracy , al. et
Published: April 2021

Data and detailed methods.
Decision-making for children requiring interhospital transport: assessment of a novel triage tool
Authors: Slater Anthony , Crosbie Deanne , Essenstam Dionne , Hoggard Brett , Holmes Paul , McEniery Julie , Thompson Michelle
Published: April 2021

Objective

The use of specialist retrieval teams to transport critically ill children is associated with reduced risk-adjusted mortality and morbidity; however, there is a paucity of data to guide decision-making related to retrieval team activation. We aimed to assess the accuracy of a novel triage tool designed to identify critically ill children at the time of referral for interhospital transport.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Regional paediatric retrieval and transport services.

Patients

Data were collected for 1815 children referred consecutively for interhospital transport from 87 hospitals in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Intervention

Implementation of the Queensland Paediatric Transport Triage Tool.

Main outcome measures

Accuracy was assessed by calculating the sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value for predicting transport by a retrieval team, or admission to intensive care following transport.

Results

A total of 574 (32%) children were transported with a retrieval team. Prediction of retrieval (95% CIs): sensitivity 96.9% (95% CI 95.1% to 98.1%), specificity 91.4% (95% CI 89.7% to 92.9%), negative predictive value 98.4% (95% CI 97.5% to 99.1%). There were 412 (23%) children admitted to intensive care following transport. Prediction of intensive care admission: sensitivity 96.8% (95% CI 94.7% to 98.3%), specificity 81.2% (95% CI 79.0% to 83.2%), negative predictive value 98.9% (95% CI 98.1% to 99.4%).

Conclusions

The triage tool predicted the need for retrieval or intensive care admission with high sensitivity and specificity. The high negative predictive value indicates that, in our setting, children categorised as acutely ill rather than critically ill are generally suitable for interhospital transport without a retrieval team.
Growth and adrenarche: findings from the CATS observational study
Authors: Goddings Anne-Lise , Viner Russell M , Mundy Lisa , Romaniuk Helena , Molesworth Charlotte , Carlin John B , Allen Nicholas B , Patton George C
Published: April 2021

Background

There is increasing evidence that patterns of pubertal maturation are associated with different patterns of health risk. This study aimed to explore the associations between anthropometric measures and salivary androgen concentrations in pre-adolescent children.

Methods

We analysed a stratified random sample (N=1151) of pupils aged 8–9 years old from 43 primary schools in Melbourne, Australia from the Childhood to Adolescence Transition Study. Saliva samples were assayed for dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA-sulfate and testosterone. Anthropometric measures included height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Associations between (1) anthropometric measures and each androgen, and (2) hormone status with obesity and parental report of pubertal development were investigated using linear regression modelling with general estimating equations.

Results

Greater height, weight, BMI and waist circumference were positively associated with higher androgen concentrations, after adjusting for sex and socioeconomic status. Being overweight or obese was associated with higher testosterone and DHEA concentrations compared with the normal BMI category. Those who were obese were more likely (OR=2.7, 95% CI 1.61 to 4.43, p<0.001) to be in the top tertile of age-adjusted androgen status in both sexes.

Conclusion

This study provides clear evidence for an association between obesity and higher androgen levels in mid-childhood. The adrenal transition may be a critical time period for weight management intervention strategies in order to manage the risk for metabolic problems in later life for high-risk individuals.
Pasta meal intake in relation to risks of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women : findings from the Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Huang Mengna , Lo Kenneth , Li Jie , Allison Matthew , Wu Wen-Chih , Liu Simin
Published: April 2021

Objective

To evaluate the association between pasta meal intake and long-term risk of developing diabetes or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke) in postmenopausal women.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) in the USA.

Participants

84 555 postmenopausal women aged 50–79 in 1994, who were free of diabetes, ASCVD and cancer at baseline who were not in the dietary modification trial of the WHI, completed a validated food frequency questionnaire, and were evaluated for incident diabetes and ASCVD outcomes during the follow-up until 2010.

Main outcome measure

Diabetes and ASCVD.

Results

Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association (HR) between quartiles of pasta meal consumption (residuals after adjusting for total energy) and the risk of incidence diabetes, CHD, stroke or ASCVD, accounting for potential confounding factors, with testing for linear trend. We then statistically evaluated the effect of substituting white bread or fried potato for pasta meal on disease risk. When comparing the highest to the lowest quartiles of residual pasta meal intake, we observed significantly reduced risk of ASCVD (HR=0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.96, p trend=0.002), stroke (HR=0.84, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.93, p trend=0.001), CHD (HR=0.91, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.00, p trend=0.058) and no significant alteration in diabetes risk (HR=1.02, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.07, p trend=0.328). Replacing white bread or fried potato with pasta meal was statistically associated with decreased risk of stroke and ASCVD.

Conclusions

Pasta meal intake did not have adverse effects on long-term diabetes risk and may be associated with significant reduced risk of stroke and ASCVD. The potential benefit of substituting pasta meal for other commonly consumed starchy foods on cardiometabolic outcomes warrants further investigation in additional high-quality and large prospective studies of diverse populations.