bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initiation and elongation factor co-expression correlates with recurrence and survival in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Sobočan Monika , Brunialti Daniela , Sprung Sussanne , Schatz Christoph , Knez Jure , Kavalar Rajko , Takač Iztok , Haybaeck Johannes
Published: June 2022

High grade epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its aggressive features and short recurrence free survival (RFS) after primary treatment. Novel targets to inform our understanding of the EOC carcinogenesis in the translational machinery can provide us with independent prognostic markers and provide drugable targets. We have identified candidate eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF) and eukaryotic elongation factors (eEF) in the translational machinery for differential expression in EOC through in-silico analysis. We present the analysis of 150 ovarian tissue microarray (TMA) samples on the expression of the translational markers eIF2α, eIF2G, eIF5 (eIF5A and eIF5B), eIF6 and eEF1A1. All translational markers were differentially expressed among non-neoplastic ovarian samples and tumour samples (borderline tumours and EOC). In EOC, expression of eIF5A was found to be significantly correlated with recurrence free survival (RFS) and expression of eIF2G and eEF1A1 with overall survival (OS). Expression correlation among factor subunits showed that the correlation of eEF1A1, eIF2G, EIF2α and eIF5A were significantly interconnected. eIF5A was also correlated with eIF5B and eIF6. Our study demonstrates that EOCs have different translational profile compared to benign ovarian tissue and that eIF5A is a central dysregulated factor of the translation machinery.
Effect of plant waste addition as exogenous nutrients on microbial remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil
Authors: Shi Lei , Liu Zhongzheng , Yang Liangyan , Fan Wangtao
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the feasibility of bio-enhanced microbial remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil, and analyzes the effect of different plant wastes as exogenous stimulants on microbial remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil and the effect on soil microbial community structure, in order to guide the remediation of soil in long-term petroleum-contaminated areas with nutrient-poor soils.

Methods

The study was conducted in a representative oil extraction area in the Loess Hills, a typical ecologically fragile area in China. Through indoor simulated addition tests, combined with the determination of soil chemical and microbiological properties, the degradation efficiency of petroleum pollutants and the response characteristics of soil microbial community structure to the addition of different plant wastes in the area were comprehensively analyzed to obtain the optimal exogenous additive and explore the strengthening mechanism of plant wastes on microbial remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil.

Results

Compared with the naturally decaying petroleum-contaminated soil, the addition of plant waste increased the degradation rate of petroleum pollutants, that is, it strengthened the degradation power of indigenous degrading bacteria on petroleum pollutants, among which the highest degradation rate of petroleum pollutants was achieved when the exogenous additive was soybean straw; compared with the naturally decaying petroleum-contaminated soil, the addition of soybean straw and dead and fallen leaves of lemon mallow made the microbial species in the contaminated soil significantly reduced and the main dominant flora changed, but the flora capable of degrading petroleum pollutants increased significantly; the addition of exogenous nutrients had significant effects on soil microbial diversity and community structure.

Conclusions

Soybean straw can be added to the contaminated soil as the optimal exogenous organic nutrient system, which improves the physicochemical properties of the soil and gives a good living environment for indigenous microorganisms with the function of degrading petroleum pollutants, thus activating the indigenous degrading bacteria in the petroleum-contaminated soil and accelerating their growth and proliferation and new city metabolic activities, laying a foundation for further obtaining efficient, environmentally friendly and low-cost microbial enhanced remediation technology solutions. The foundation for further acquisition of efficient, environmentally friendly, and low-cost microbial-enhanced remediation technology solutions. It is important for improving soil remediation in areas with long-term oil contamination and nutrient-poor soils.
KIF2A decreases IL-33 production and attenuates allergic asthmatic inflammation
Authors: Wang Zhengxia , Wu Jingjing , Jiang Jingxian , Ma Qiyun , Song Meijuan , Xu Tingting , Liu Yanan , Chen Zhongqi , Bao Yanmin , Huang Mao , Zhang Mingshun , Ji Ningfei
Published: June 2022

Background

The microtubule-dependent molecular motor protein Kinesin Family Member 2A (KIF2A) is down-regulated in asthmatic human airway epithelium. However, little is known about the roles of KIF2A as well as the possible underlying mechanisms in asthma.

Methods

House dust mite (HDM) extract was administered to establish a murine model of asthma. The expression of KIF2A, IL-33 and the autophagy pathways were detected. The plasmid pCMV-KIF2A was used to overexpress KIF2A in the airway epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. IL-4, IL-5, IL-33 and other cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues homogenates were measured.

Results

In response to the challenge of house dust mite (HDM) in vitro and in vivo, airway epithelial cells displayed decreased production of KIF2A. Meanwhile, autophagy and IL-33 were increased in HMD-treated epithelial cells. Mechanistically, KIF2A decreased autophagy via suppressing mTORC1 pathway in HDM-treated epithelial cells, which contributed to the reduced production of IL-33. Moreover, in vivo KIF2A transfection reduced IL-33 and autophagy in the lung, leading to the attenuation of allergic asthma.

Conclusion

KIF2A suppressed mTORC1-mediated autophagy and decreased the production of epithelial-derived cytokine IL-33 in allergic airway inflammation. These data indicate that KIF2A may be a novel target in allergic asthma.
WDFY3 mutation alters laminar position and morphology of cortical neurons
Authors: Schaaf Zachary A. , Tat Lyvin , Cannizzaro Noemi , Panoutsopoulos Alexios A. , Green Ralph , Rülicke Thomas , Hippenmeyer Simon , Zarbalis Konstantinos S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Proper cerebral cortical development depends on the tightly orchestrated migration of newly born neurons from the inner ventricular and subventricular zones to the outer cortical plate. Any disturbance in this process during prenatal stages may lead to neuronal migration disorders (NMDs), which can vary in extent from focal to global. Furthermore, NMDs show a substantial comorbidity with other neurodevelopmental disorders, notably autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Our previous work demonstrated focal neuronal migration defects in mice carrying loss-of-function alleles of the recognized autism risk gene WDFY3. However, the cellular origins of these defects in Wdfy3 mutant mice remain elusive and uncovering it will provide critical insight into WDFY3-dependent disease pathology.

Methods

Here, in an effort to untangle the origins of NMDs in Wdfy3lacZ mice, we employed mosaic analysis with double markers (MADM). MADM technology enabled us to genetically distinctly track and phenotypically analyze mutant and wild-type cells concomitantly in vivo using immunofluorescent techniques.

Results

We revealed a cell autonomous requirement of WDFY3 for accurate laminar positioning of cortical projection neurons and elimination of mispositioned cells during early postnatal life. In addition, we identified significant deviations in dendritic arborization, as well as synaptic density and morphology between wild type, heterozygous, and homozygous Wdfy3 mutant neurons in Wdfy3-MADM reporter mice at postnatal stages.

Limitations

While Wdfy3 mutant mice have provided valuable insight into prenatal aspects of ASD pathology that remain inaccessible to investigation in humans, like most animal models, they do not a perfectly replicate all aspects of human ASD biology. The lack of human data makes it indeterminate whether morphological deviations described here apply to ASD patients or some of the other neurodevelopmental conditions associated with WDFY3 mutation.

Conclusions

Our genetic approach revealed several cell autonomous requirements of WDFY3 in neuronal development that could underlie the pathogenic mechanisms of WDFY3-related neurodevelopmental conditions. The results are also consistent with findings in other ASD animal models and patients and suggest an important role for WDFY3 in regulating neuronal function and interconnectivity in postnatal life.
Post-synaptic specialization of the neuromuscular junction: junctional folds formation, function, and disorders
Authors: Zou Suqi , Pan Bing-Xing
Published: June 2022

Post-synaptic specialization is critical to the neurotransmitter release and action potential conduction. The neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are the synapses between the motor neurons and muscle cells and have a more specialized post-synaptic membrane than synapses in the central nervous system (CNS). The sarcolemma within NMJ folded to form some invagination portions called junctional folds (JFs), and they have important roles in maintaining the post-synaptic membrane structure. The NMJ formation and the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering signal pathway have been extensively studied and reviewed. Although it has been suggested that JFs are related to maintaining the safety factor of neurotransmitter release, the formation mechanism and function of JFs are still unclear. This review will focus on the JFs about evolution, formation, function, and disorders. Anticipate understanding of where they are coming from and where we will study in the future.
The Alberta Wildland Fuels Inventory Program (AWFIP): data description and reference tables
Authors: Phelps Nathan , Cameron Hilary , Forbes Air M. , Schiks Tom , Schroeder Dave , Beverly Jennifer L.
Published: June 2022

Key message

This document describes a dataset obtained from a field sampling program conducted in Alberta, Canada. Field data were used to describe the structure and composition of forest stands, including several fuel loads (e.g., surface, understory, canopy fuels). The dataset can be downloaded from https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/FZ8E4 and metadata is available at https://metadata-afs.nancy.inra.fr/geonetwork/srv/fre/catalog.search#/metadata/527efb49-43b4-43eb-88b2-70535ff99fc5

We present a quality-checked and curated dataset obtained from a field sampling program conducted in the province of Alberta, Canada. Field data were used to describe the structure and composition of forest stands documented in 476 sampling events. Each sampling event record consists of 42 different variables, including several fuel loads (e.g., surface, understory, canopy fuels). The dataset has been created for operational and research applications including but not limited to fuel classification, estimation of fuel attributes from remote sensing technologies, fuel treatment planning, fire behavior prediction, and use in high resolution fire growth models.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and hospital mortality in critically ill patients without COVID-19 before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter, retrospective, propensity score-matched study
Authors: Kim Sua , Choi Hangseok , Sim Jae Kyeom , Jung Won Jai , Lee Young Seok , Kim Je Hyeong
Published: June 2022

Background

The high transmission and fatality rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) strain intensive care resources and affect the treatment and prognosis of critically ill patients without COVID-19. Therefore, this study evaluated the differences in characteristics, clinical course, and prognosis of critically ill medical patients without COVID-19 before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients from three university-affiliated tertiary hospitals. Demographic data and data on the severity, clinical course, and prognosis of medical patients without COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) via the emergency room (ER) before (from January 1 to May 31, 2019) and during (from January 1 to May 31, 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic were obtained from electronic medical records. Propensity score matching was performed to compare hospital mortality between patients before and during the pandemic.

Results

This study enrolled 1161 patients (619 before and 542 during the pandemic). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) 3 and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, assessed upon ER and ICU admission, were significantly higher than those before the pandemic (p < 0.05). The lengths of stay in the ER, ICU, and hospital were also longer (p < 0.05). Finally, the hospital mortality rates were higher during the pandemic than before (215 [39.7%] vs. 176 [28.4%], p < 0.001). However, in the propensity score-matched patients, hospital mortality did not differ between the groups (p = 0.138). The COVID-19 pandemic did not increase the risk of hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.405, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.937–2.107, p = 0.100). SAPS 3, SOFA score, and do-not-resuscitate orders increased the risk of in-hospital mortality in the multivariate logistic regression model.

Conclusions

In propensity score-matched patients with similarly severe conditions, hospital mortality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic did not differ significantly. However, hospital mortality was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic in unmatched patients in more severe conditions. These findings imply collateral damage to non-COVID-19 patients due to shortages in medical resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, strategic management of medical resources is required to avoid these consequences.
Global evidence on the rapid adoption of telemedicine in primary care during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Valdes Daniela , Alqazlan Lama , Procter Rob , Dale Jeremy
Published: June 2022

Background

Before the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, primary care in most countries relied on face-to-face consultations, with relatively limited use of telemedicine. Lockdowns and social distancing measures during the early stages of the pandemic led to rapid, widely spread telemedicine adoption in healthcare settings. The rapid uptake that occurred following the onset of these pandemic-induced measures in countries such as the UK, Canada and New Zealand prompts questions around the drivers, extent and sustainability of this transformation in clinical practice at the global level, as the research in this area is still emerging. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore the global evidence surrounding the rapid adoption of telemedicine in primary care settings during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic through three lenses: patient experience, health inequalities and patient-clinician trust, with the purpose of identifying elements contributing to the sustainability of this innovation.

Methods

A draft protocol was tested through an initial search on Ovid Medline, Web of Science and Google Scholar with additional searches on the Cochrane Database. This informed the final selection of terms which will be used to search Ovid, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PROSPERO, Cochrane Library and others, filtering for studies from the pandemic declaration onwards. Additional grey literature reports will be sourced through simplified searches on Google in widely spoken languages. Duplicates will be removed by screening titles. Abstracts and grey literature text extracts will be screened based on pre-set eligibility criteria by two researchers. Abstracts (and extracts in the case of grey literature) will be mapped against the domains of the Non-adoption, Abandonment, and challenges to Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability (NASSS) framework by two researchers. Data will be presented in table format.

Discussion

This review will map the current literature to identify current gaps in evidence related to the adoption of telemedicine after the declaration of the pandemic in March 2020. The use of simplified searches in the several spoken languages in the world is aimed at capturing more immediate non-academic reflections and experiences on this major service change at a global level.

Systematic review registration

The study has been registered on Open Science Framework and can be accessed through the following URL: https://osf.io/4z5ut/
A systematic review and meta-analysis on tubal ligation and breast cancer risk
Authors: Najdi Nazila , Esmailzadeh Arezoo , Shokrpour Maryam , Nikfar Somayeh , Razavi Seyedeh Zahra , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Maroufizadeh Saman , Safiri Saeid , Almasi-Hashiani Amir
Published: June 2022

Background

Based on previous studies, it has been hypothesized that tube sterilization may be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. This study aims to investigate the relationship between tubal ligation and the risk of breast cancer through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant non randomized studies published up to November 2020. Then, we screened the papers to include the eligible papers in the meta-analysis. Finally, we pooled the extracted results of individual studies to estimate the summary effect size. All analyses were done using Stata software version 13 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX).

Results

Four hundred sixty-four papers were retrieved from PubMed/Medline (160), Scopus (165), and Web of Science (139), and 21 papers from Google Scholar and manual search of references in selected full texts. After the removal of duplicates and screening of the papers, 11 articles (6 cohort and 5 case-control study) were included in the final analysis. The results of cohort (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.97–1.0, I2 = 21.1%) and case control studies (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.62–1.12, I2 = 88.9%) revealed that tubal ligation was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk.

Conclusion

According to our findings, tubal ligation cannot be considered as a risk factor associated with breast cancer risk.
Protocol for a scoping review of sepsis epidemiology
Authors: Wilcox M. Elizabeth , Daou Marietou , Dionne Joanna C. , Dodek Peter , Englesakis Marina , Garland Allan , Lauzon Claire , Loubani Osama , Rochwerg Bram , Shankar-Hari Manu , Thavorn Kednapa , Tricco Andrea C.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Sepsis is a common, life-threatening syndrome of physiologic, pathologic, and biochemical abnormalities that are caused by infection and propagated by a dysregulated immune response. In 2017, the estimated annual incidence of sepsis around the world was 508 cases per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI], 422–612 cases per 100,000), however, reported incidence rates vary significantly by country. A scoping review will identify knowledge gaps by systematically investigating the incidence of sepsis.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will be guided by the updated JBI (formerly Joanna Briggs Institute) methodology. We will search the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews/Central Register of Controlled Trials. In addition, we will search websites of trial and study registries. We will review titles and abstracts of potentially eligible studies and then full-texts by two independent reviewers. We will include any study that is focused on the incidence of sepsis or septic shock in any population. Data will be abstracted independently using pre-piloted data extraction forms, and we will present results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols Extension for Scoping Reviews.

Ethics and dissemination

The results of this review will be used to create a publicly available indexed and searchable electronic registry of existing sepsis research relating to incidence in neonates, children, and adults. With input from stakeholders, we will identify the implications of study findings for policy, practice, and research. Ethics approval was not required given this study reports on existing literature.
Different places, different problems: profiles of crime and disorder at residential parcels
Authors: O’Brien Daniel T. , Ristea Alina , Hangen Forrest , Tucker Riley
Published: June 2022

Certain places generate inordinate amounts of crime and disorder. We examine how places differ in their nature of crime and disorder, with three objectives: (1) identifying a typology of profiles of crime and disorder; (2) assessing whether different forms of crime and disorder co-locate at parcels; and (3) determining whether problematic parcels explain crime and disorder across neighborhoods. The study uses 911 and 311 records to quantify physical and social disorder and violent crime at residential parcels in Boston, MA (n = 81,673). K-means cluster analyses identified the typology of problematic parcels and how those types were distributed across census block groups. Cluster analysis identified five types of problematic parcels, four specializing in one form of crime or disorder and one that combined all issues. The second cluster analysis found that the distribution of problematic parcels described the spectrum from low- to high-crime neighborhoods, plus commercial districts with many parcels with public physical disorder. Problematic parcels modestly explained levels of crime across neighborhoods. The results suggest a need for diverse intervention strategies to support different types of problematic parcels; and that neighborhood dynamics pertaining to crime are greater than problematic properties alone.
Aging gut microbiota of wild macaques are equally diverse, less stable, but progressively personalized
Authors: Sadoughi Baptiste , Schneider Dominik , Daniel Rolf , Schülke Oliver , Ostner Julia
Published: June 2022

Background

Pronounced heterogeneity of age trajectories has been identified as a hallmark of the gut microbiota in humans and has been explained by marked changes in lifestyle and health condition. Comparatively, age-related personalization of microbiota is understudied in natural systems limiting our comprehension of patterns observed in humans from ecological and evolutionary perspectives.

Results

Here, we tested age-related changes in the diversity, stability, and composition of the gut bacterial community using 16S rRNA gene sequencing with dense repeated sampling over three seasons in a cross-sectional age sample of adult female Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) living in their natural forest habitat. Gut bacterial composition exhibited a personal signature which became less stable as individuals aged. This lack of stability was not explained by differences in microbiota diversity but rather linked to an increase in the relative abundance of rare bacterial taxa. The lack of age-related changes in core taxa or convergence with age to a common state of the community hampered predicting gut bacterial composition of aged individuals. On the contrary, we found increasing personalization of the gut bacterial composition with age, indicating that composition in older individuals was increasingly divergent from the rest of the population. Reduced direct transmission of bacteria resulting from decreasing social activity may contribute to, but not be sufficient to explain, increasing personalization with age.

Conclusions

Together, our results challenge the assumption of a constant microbiota through adult life in a wild primate. Within the limits of this study, the fact that increasing personalization of the aging microbiota is not restricted to humans suggests the underlying process to be evolved instead of provoked only by modern lifestyle of and health care for the elderly.
Molecular mechanisms of Shigella effector proteins: a common pathogen among diarrheic pediatric population
Authors: Nasser Ahmad , Mosadegh Mehrdad , Azimi Taher , Shariati Aref
Published: June 2022

Different gastrointestinal pathogens cause diarrhea which is a very common problem in children aged under 5 years. Among bacterial pathogens,Shigellais one of the main causes of diarrhea among children,and it accounts for approximately 11% of all deaths among children aged under 5 years. The case-fatality rates forShigellaamong the infants and children aged 1 to 4 years are 13.9% and 9.4%, respectively.Shigellauses unique effector proteins to modulate intracellular pathways.Shigellacannot invade epithelial cells on the apical site; therefore, it needs to pass epithelium through other cells rather than the epithelial cell. After passing epithelium, macrophage swallowsShigella,and the latter should prepare itself to exhibit at least two types of responses: (I) escaping phagocyte and (II) mediating invasion of and injury to the recurrent PMN. The presence of PMN and invitation to a greater degree resulted in gut membrane injuries and greater bacterial penetration. Infiltration ofShigellato the basolateral space mediates (A) cell attachment, (B) cell entry, (C) evasion of autophagy recognition, (D) vacuole formation and and vacuole rapture, (E) intracellular life, (F) Shiga toxin, and (G) immune response. In this review, an attempt is made to explain the role of each factor inShigellainfection.
Improvement and integration: scientific analyses of willow-leaf shaped bronze swords excavated from the Shuangyuan Village Cemetery, Chengdu, China
Authors: Chen Dian , Yang Yingdong , Wang Tianyou , Wang Xiaoting , Luo Wugan
Published: June 2022

Willow-leaf shaped sword is a kind of exclusive bronze weapon popular only in the states of Ba and Shu during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC). Its prototype may originate from Central Asia and India and is a typical example of a trans-regional and cross-cultural artifact. Here, we present a scientific study of willow-leaf shaped swords of Shu State from the Shuangyuan Village Cemetery, Chengdu, by pXRF and MC-ICP-MS, and attempted to argue for the improvement and integration of weapon production in Shu by characterizing its elemental composition and lead isotopic signature. The results show that there is a significant difference in the tin content and lead material source between the Ba and Shu bronze swords. This feature can be applied as an important indicator to distinguish willow-leaf shaped swords from Ba and Shu, especially when the appearances are almost confused. The alloy formula of the Shu bronze sword was influenced by the bronze-making technology of Chu and other states. Combining the published lead isotope data of the willow-shaped bronze swords, it can be inferred that Shu State has produced bronze weapons with considerable frequency and in many batches, which was a major motivation for triggering faster progress in its craft.
Stability of transverse dental arch dimension with passive self-ligating brackets: a 6-year follow-up study
Authors: Willeit Franz Josef , Cremonini Francesca , Willeit Paul , Ramina Fabio , Cappelletti Marta , Spedicato Giorgio Alfredo , Lombardo Luca
Published: June 2022

Objective

The stability of the transverse expansion in passive self-ligating bracket treatments is a debated topic in orthodontics. However, to date, only 3 reports are available in the literature, with the maximum follow-up of 3 years after the end of therapy. The present study aims to evaluate the stability of orthodontic treatment with self-ligating brackets in a 6-year follow-up period of time.

Materials and methods

A sample of 56 non-extractive cases (of whom 33 females, mean age 16.9, SD = 9.0 years) consecutively treated with Damon® system was retrospectively selected. All patients received fixed retainers from canine to canine in both arches at the end of treatment, and no removable retainers were provided. The mean values of the transverse intercusp, transverse centroid and transverse lingual distances were evaluated for all teeth from canines to second molars in both arches. Each measure was calculated at four timepoints: before treatment (T0), at the end of treatment (T1), one year after treatment (T2) and six years after treatment (T3). Transverse diameters were measured for all teeth, starting from the canines to the second molars, for a total of 1680 observations, and subsequently compared in order to evaluate intra-treatment and post-treatment modifications.

Results

There were increases in all transverse dental measurements during active treatment. A statistically significant (p < .05) reduction of the transverse diameter was found, for upper and lower premolars, from T1 to T3.

Conclusion

The 6-year follow-up analysis detected that the initial transverse expansion showed a statistically significant relapse in premolars. No relapse was detected at the level of canines, due to the presence of fixed retainers, and minimal at first molars.
Perceived abilities or academic interests? Longitudinal high school science and mathematics effects on postsecondary STEM outcomes by gender and race
Authors: Zhao Teng , Perez-Felkner Lara
Published: June 2022

Purpose of the study

Previous literature has examined the relationship between high school students’ postsecondary STEM major choices and their prior interest and perceived ability in mathematics. Yet, we have limited understanding of whether and how perceived ability and interest in science and mathematics jointly affect students’ STEM major choices.

Results

Using the most recent nationally representative longitudinal cohort of U.S. secondary school students, we examine the degree to which students’ perceived mathematical and scientific abilities and interests predict their STEM major choices, employing logistic regression and a series of interaction analyses. We find that while both mathematics and science perceived ability positively influence STEM major selection, academic interest in these subjects is a weaker predictor. Moreover, across a series of analyses, we observe a significant gender gap—whereby women are less than half as likely to select STEM majors—as well as nuanced distinctions by self-identified race. The relationships among perceived ability, interest, and STEM major choice are not found to meaningfully vary by race nor consistently by gender. However, perceived ability has a more positive effect for men than women who are pursuing Computing/Engineering majors and a more positive effect for women than men who are pursuing other STEM majors, including less applied Social/Behavioral, Natural, and Other Sciences.

Implications

These findings suggest potential opportunities to enhance their perceived mathematical and scientific abilities in high school, positioning them to potentially enter STEM fields. School sites with more resources to support the ambitions of STEM students of all backgrounds may be better positioned to reduce postsecondary disparities in STEM fields. Given existing opportunity gaps and resource differentials among schools, corresponding recommendations are suggested.
Mechanical behavior of hybrid glenoid components compared to all-PE components: a finite element analysis
Authors: Bonnevialle Nicolas , Berhouet Julien , Pôtel Paul , Müller Jacobus Hendrik ,   Shoulder Friends Institute, Godenèche Arnaud
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this finite element study was to compare bone and cement stresses and implant micromotions among all-polyethylene (PE) and hybrid glenoid components. The hypothesis was that, compared to all-PE components, hybrid components yield lower bone and cement stresses with smaller micromotions.

Methods

Implant micromotions and cement and bone stresses were compared among 4 all PE (U-PG, U-KG, A-KG, I-KG) and 2 hybrid (E-hCG, I-hPG) virtually implanted glenoid components. Glenohumeral joint reaction forces were applied at five loading regions (central, anterior, posterior, superior and inferior). Implant failure was assumed if glenoid micromotion exceeded 75 µm or cement stresses exceeded 4 MPa. The critical cement volume (CCV) was based on the percentage of cement volume that exceeded 4 MPa. Results were pooled and summarized in boxplots, and differences evaluated using pairwise Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests.

Results

Differences in cement stress were found only between the I-hPG hybrid component (2.9 ± 1.0 MPa) and all-PE keeled-components (U-KG: 3.8 ± 0.9 MPa, p = 0.017; A-KG: 3.6 ± 0.5 MPa, p = 0.014; I-KG: 3.6 ± 0.6 MPa, p = 0.040). There were no differences in cortical and trabecular bone stresses among glenoid components. The E-hCG hybrid component exceeded micromotions of 75 µm in 2 patients. There were no differences in %CCV among glenoid components.

Conclusions

Finite element analyses reveal that compared to all-PE glenoid components, hybrid components yield similar average stresses within bone and cement. Finally, risk of fatigue failure of the cement mantle is equal for hybrid and all-PE components, as no difference in %CCV was observed.

Level of evidence

IV, in-silico.
Anomalous systemic arterial supply to the left basal lung with a calcified abnormal vessel: a case report
Authors: Ebihara Motoki , Fujimori Sakashi , Suzuki Souichiro , Yotsumoto Takuma , Kikunaga Shinichiro , Ohtsuka Reo , Matsuyama Shigefumi
Published: June 2022

Background

Anomalous systemic arterial supply to the normal basal segment of the left lower lobe is a congenital abnormality of the lung, frequently and is generally diagnosed at a young age. Surgery is generally recommended if symptoms such as blood sputum or fever are observed. Resection of the abnormal artery is often performed at an early age, with only few reports of surgery being performed at an older age. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on surgical treatment of abnormal calcified vessels to date. Herein, we have presented a case in which a calcified aberrant vessel of lung was resolved surgically.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old female, previously diagnosed with anomalous systemic arterial supply to the left normal basal segment of the left lung lower lobe of lung was under observation on the basis of being asymptomatic.

The patient presented to the emergency room with the chief complaint of blood in the sputum and she was referred to our hospital for a surgery. Computed tomography showed circumferential calcification of the intima of the abnormal vessel, which might have contributed to incomplete resection of the artery if automatic sutures were used. Thus, the abnormal vessel was ligated and dissected using pledgeted 4–0 polypropylene sutures and vessel clips under open thoracotomy followed by left lower lobectomy. The patient was discharged seven days after surgery without any serious surgical complications.

Conclusions

Vascular congenital anomalies of the lung are often operated at a young age presenting due to the associated symptoms. However, even if the disease is discovered incidentally and does not cause any symptoms or calcification in the aberrant artery, early surgical intervention is important due to the possibility of calcification occuring in the future. This can help minimize the degree of surgical invasion.
Antagonistic activities of endophytic bacteria isolated from rice roots against the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, a causal of rice blast disease
Authors: Do Quang Trung
Published: June 2022

Background

The blast disease of rice caused by the fungus Magnaphorthe oryzae is one of the most destructive diseases in Nam Dinh province, Vietnam. This study aimed to isolate and screen antagonistic bacteria isolated from the rice (Oryza sativa) against M. oryzae.

Results

In the present study, 14 endophytic bacteria were isolated from rice roots of a Ngoc Xuan variety in Nam Dinh province. The result showed that 6 isolates showed in vitro antagonistic activity against M. oryzae. Of 6, 2 strains, ND06 and ND10, molecularly identified as Bacillus velezensis and Pseudomonas putida, produced a significant inhibition on the pathogenic growth with growth inhibition of 62.87% and 64.25%, respectively, while the other 4 (ND03, ND07, ND09, and ND11) showed a weak inhibition. In addition, the ND06 and ND10 strains also presented antagonistic activity against M. oryzae under greenhouse conditions. Moreover, screening plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits of 2 isolates exhibited all 5 PGP traits including IAA production, phosphate solubilization, and production of ammonia, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase, and siderophore. In addition, the greenhouse experimental results indicated that the cultivar rice seedlings inoculated with ND06 or ND10 strain produced a significant enhancement of the agronomic parameters (root length, shoot length, dry matter, and chlorophyll content).

Conclusions

The results indicated that the rice root endophytic bacteria (ND06 and ND10) possessed contemporarily multiple PGP traits and antifungal activity. These 2 strains should be further characterized in order to confirm the beneficial traits to develop as a potential biofertilizer and/or biocontrol agent for rice sustainable production.
Bilateral Brown-Sequard syndrome regressing to anterior cord syndrome in spinal impalement: 2 unique cases with management pearls
Authors: Siroya Hardik Lalit , Juneja Mohit , Rao Anirudh J. , Chauhan Sonal , Bhat Dhananjaya Ishwar , Devi Bhagavatula Indira
Published: June 2022

Background

Non-missile impalement spine injuries are quite uncommon. Most of these patients either present with impaling agent in situ or with a part of retained offending agent. Both the scenarios present unique management challenges especially if patients are clinically stable. The injury becomes more complex if multiple compartments like lung and abdomen also get involved. Non-missile penetrating spinal injury is rarely seen in the Indian settings. The world over it approximately accounts for 0.3–2.1% of spinal injuries. In view such meagre occurrence management decisions are usually driven based on surgeons’ experience and patient’s condition. Although conservative approaches for retained products have less complications as compared to surgery, long-term outcomes are not available for comparison. Unique management challenges are noted and described. Physical doctrines for management principles of such injuries are also attempted. Noteworthy is that their regression from complete cord syndrome to anterior cord syndrome is extremely short period.

Case presentation

We present 2 unique cases presenting as complete cord transection regressing from bilateral brown Sequard syndrome to anterior cord syndrome following decompression.

Conclusion

Spinal impalements are very rare especially now with strict societal regulations and criminal justice in place. Still now and then we do come across some staggering cases as described above. To establish a treatment protocol and management guidelines in such scarce scenarios is difficult. We attempt to underlie few basic doctrines in this regard with our experience in a tertiary centre.
Computational pathology, new horizons and challenges for anatomical pathology
Authors: dos-Santos Washington L. C. , de Freitas Luiz A. R. , Duarte Angelo A. , Angelo Michele F. , Oliveira Luciano R.
Published: June 2022

The emergence of digital pathology environments and the application of computer vision to the analysis of histological sections has given rise to a new area of Anatomical Pathology, termed Computational Pathology. Advances in Computational Pathology may substantially change the routine of Anatomical Pathology laboratories and the work profile of the pathologist.
Understanding the pivotal roles of ACE2 in SARS-CoV-2 infection: from structure/function to therapeutic implication
Authors: Pouremamali Amir , Babaei Abouzar , Malekshahi Somayeh Shatizadeh , Abbasi Ardeshir , Rafiee Nastaran
Published: June 2022

In December 2019, a novel respiratory tract infection, from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was detected in China that rapidly spread around the world. This virus possesses spike (S) glycoproteins on the surface of mature virions, like other members of coronaviridae. The S glycoprotein is a crucial viral protein for binding, fusion, and entry into the target cells. Binding the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2), a cell-surface receptor, mediates virus entry into cells; thus, understanding the basics of ACE2 and S protein, their interactions, and ACE2 targeting could be a potent priority for inhibition of virus infection. This review presents current knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 basics and entry mechanism, structure and organ distribution of ACE2, and also its function in SARS-CoV-2 entry and pathogenesis. Furthermore, it highlights ACE2 targeting by recombinant ACE2 (rACE2), ACE2 activators, ACE inhibitor, and angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blocker to control the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
“I See You”
Authors: Fang Karen
Published: June 2022

In the global outpouring during the 2020 racial justice protests and coverage of pandemic-related anti-Asian hate, modest forms of engagement such as reading and viewing lists were often suggested as means of fostering sympathy and understanding. This essay argues that combating contemporary Asian American hate requires a more explicit focus on countering invisibility. This objective, necessitated by the ways in which ethnic Asians have been systematically elided and rendered as foreign throughout US history, should focus exclusively on educating Americans about Chinese Exclusion and other facts of America's systemic racism against ethnic Asians. Such an approach acknowledges the very different modes of racialized surveillance by which Asian Americans have historically been othered.
Orientalism and Wellness in the United States
Authors: Putcha Rumya S.
Published: June 2022

This article explores how consumer practices tether Orientalism to wellness. Relying on ethnographic research, the author uncovers how racialization and racialized expressions of gender are produced by and through performative and discursive practices of wellness. Such practices, which are also sometimes described as mindfulness techniques, encourage participants to understand wellness as a state of mind wherein if a person mirrors the behavior or speech of what qualifies as wellness, then they will also become well themselves. Drawing on methods from critical consumer studies as well as critical race feminist theory, the author argues that contemporary wellness practices expose somatic, rather than literary, forms of Orientalism.
Grief, Translation, and the “Asian American Woman” in Hong Kong
Authors: Ting Grace En-Yi
Published: June 2022

This article draws on Judith Butler's theories of violence and grief in order to outline a self-reflexive narrative of teaching and speaking about the Atlanta shootings of March 2021 as a queer and feminist studies scholar of Japanese studies in Hong Kong. The article briefly explains how teaching about this occurrence of anti-Asian violence in East Asia might lead to important discussions of multiple imperialisms within/around Asia, while providing background on the broader potential of Asian American studies for pedagogical contexts within Asia. However, through a description of the author's own coming into being as a racialized, gendered subject in the act of teaching about the Atlanta shootings in Hong Kong, the focus is on a highly particular account of how grief and vulnerability might offer forms of political solidarity that are not defined by roles as distinct subjects belonging to recognizable groups and communities.
A mixed-methods study on the design of Artificial Intelligence and data science-based strategies to inform public health responses to COVID-19 in different local health ecosystems: A study protocol for COLEV
Authors: González-Uribe Catalina , Yañez Nicolás , Onshuus Niño Alf , Velasco Nubia , Cordovez Juan Manuel , Santos-Vega Mauricio , Niño-Machado Natalia , Burbano Andres , Forbes Angus , Amaya Guio Ciro Alberto , Turner Simon , Higuera-Mendieta Diana , Martínez-Cabezas Sandra
Published: June 2022

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science research are promising tools to better inform public policy and public health responses, promoting automation and affordability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AI has been an aid to forecast outbreak spread globally. The overall aim of the study is to contribute to the ongoing public health, socioeconomic, and communication challenges caused by COVID-19.

Protocol: COLEV is a five-pronged interdisciplinary mixed methods project based on AI and data science from an inclusive perspective of age and gender to develop, implement, and communicate useful evidence for COVID-19-related response and recovery in Colombia. The first objective is identification of stakeholders’ preferences, needs, and their use of AI and data science relative to other forms of evidence. The second objective will develop locally relevant mathematical models that will shed light on the possible impact, trajectories, geographical spread, and uncertainties of disease progression as well as risk assessment. The third objective focuses on estimating the effect of COVID-19 on other diseases, gender disparities and health system saturation. The fourth objective aims to analyze popular social networks to identify health-related trending interest and users that act as ‘super spreaders’ for information and misinformation. Finally, the fifth objective, aims at designing disruptive cross-media communication strategies to confront mis- and dis-information around COVID-19. To understand stakeholders’ perspectives, we will use semi-structured interviews and ethnographic work. Daily cases and deaths of COVID-19 reported from the National Surveillance System (INS) of Colombia will be used for quantitative analysis, and data regarding the online conversation will be obtained from Facebook and Twitter.

Conclusions: COLEV intends to facilitate the dialogue between academia and health policymakers. The results of COLEV will inform on the responsible, safe and ethical use of AI and data science for decision-making in the context of sanitary emergencies in deeply unequal settings.