bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hanseniaspora uvarum Attracts Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) With High Specificity
Authors: Kleman Isabella , Rehermann Guillermo , Kwadha Charles A , Witzgall Peter , Becher Paul G
Published: February 2022

Since the early phase of the intercontinental dispersal of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), fermentation baits have been used for monitoring. Self-made lures and commercial products are often based on wine and vinegar. From an ecological perspective, the formulation of these baits is expected to target especially vinegar flies associated with overripe fruit, such as Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Hanseniaspora uvarum (Niehaus) (Ascomycota: Saccharomyceta) is a yeast closely associated with D. suzukii and fruit, and furthermore attractive to the flies. Based on this relation, H. uvarum might represent a suitable substrate for the development of lures that are more specific than vinegar and wine. In the field, we therefore, compared H. uvarum to a commercial bait that was based on vinegar and wine with respect to the number of trapped D. suzukii relative to other drosophilids and arthropods. Trap captures were higher with the commercial bait but specificity for D. suzukii was greater with H. uvarum. Moreover, H. uvarum headspace extracts, as well as a synthetic blend of H. uvarum volatiles, were assayed for attraction of D suzukii in a wind tunnel and in the field. Headspace extracts and the synthetic blend induced strong upwind flight in the wind tunnel and confirmed attraction to H. uvarum volatiles. Furthermore, baited with H. uvarum headspace extract and a drowning solution of aqueous acetic acid and ethanol, 74% of field captured arthropods were D. suzukii. Our findings suggest that synthetic yeast headspace formulations might advance the development of more selective monitoring traps with reduced by-catch.
Herbivory by European Earwigs (Forficula auricularia; Dermaptera: Forficulidae) onCitrusSpecies Commonly Cultivated in California
Authors: Kahl Hanna M , Mueller Tobias G , Cass Bodil N , Xi Xinqiang , Cluff Emma , Rosenheim Jay A
Published: February 2022

Agricultural plant species differ in susceptibility to herbivores; therefore, identifying natural resistances or tolerances to pests can be leveraged to develop preventative, integrated pest management approaches. While many Citrus species are grown in California, most pest management guidelines are based upon research conducted on navel oranges [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck; Sapindales: Rutaceae]. A recent study has established European earwigs (Forficula auricularia L.; Dermaptera: Forficulidae) as herbivores of young navel orange fruit, causing damage ranging from small bite marks to large chewed holes. It is unknown whether earwigs damage fruit of other citrus species. We conducted field experiments in which we caged earwigs to branch terminals bearing young fruit to explore potential differences in susceptibility of Citrus species to European earwigs. Specifically, we tested whether three species, navel oranges, clementines (C. clementina hort. ex Tanaka), and true mandarins (C. reticulata Blanco) exhibit differences in: 1) feeding deterrence to earwigs; 2) suitability as food for earwigs; 3) preferential abscission of damaged fruit; and 4) healing of damaged fruit. Earwigs caused heavy damage on navel orange and clementine fruit, whereas heavy damage was rare on true mandarin fruit. There was little evidence of preferential abscission of damaged fruit or healing of seriously damaged fruit. Consequently, several heavily damaged navel orange and one clementine fruit were retained to harvest and developed large scars. Overall, we found that Citrus fruit vary in their susceptibility to earwigs, and pest management strategies for earwigs should be refined to consider their varying effects on different Citrus species.
Change Your Face, Change Your Life? Prison Plastic Surgery as a Way to Reduce Recidivism
Authors: Pearl Sharrona
Published: February 2022

The paper explores the history and ethics of prison plastic surgery programs, which ran from the 1950s through as late as 1988 in the UK, the US, and Canada. I focus in particular on the Oakalla Prison, the Haney Young Offenders Correctional Unit, and the Kingston Penitentiary in Canada; the Huntsville Penitentiary in Texas; the Camp Hill Borstal in England; and the collaboration between Montifiore Hospital and Sing-Sing Prison in New York. Sometimes federally funded, these programs were designed to reduce rates of recidivism, operating under the notion that a changed face could lead to a changed character. The surgeries were rooted in a commitment to rehabilitation through medicine, offering participants access to surgery in exchange for good behavior, participation in an experimental protocol, and in some cases, providing training for medical students and residents. As I show, these programs were consonant with prevailing experimental and ethical ethos, and maintain deep continuity with the idea that changes in appearance could lead to changes in behavior.
Ukraine and the International Criminal Court
Authors: Masol Sergii
Published: February 2022

Ukraine exhibits two, seemingly contradictory, attitudes towards the International Criminal Court (ICC). On the one hand, it lodged two ad hoc declarations, accepting the ICC’s jurisdiction over certain alleged crimes occurring on its territory since late 2013; on the other hand, the desirability of ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court remains an open question. This problem is exacerbated by the highly contested information environment, as well as by the widespread misunderstanding of the ICC, its functioning, and its likely impact on events in Ukraine. The present article examines the heated debate between national stakeholders from the vantage point of post-truth politics. It also explains how the government can use the status quo to keep prospective international investigations and prosecutions under control.
Ewing sarcoma of the facial soft tissues—a case report
Authors: Knight Beau , Brierly Gary , Dimitroulis George
Published: February 2022

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an uncommon malignancy of the maxillofacial region, primarily affecting the long bones and pelvis of the paediatric population. Within the head and neck, the facial skeleton is responsible for the majority of reported cases. ES poses a challenge to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons due to its rarity and its aggressive nature. This case report is of a 35-year-old female with primary ES in the buccal soft tissues—the first reported case of its kind.
A rare case of internal hernia through the foramen of Winslow
Authors: Monteiro Emerson Leonardo , Andresen Julian Ramin , Schmid Johannes , Mischinger Hans Jörg , Kornprat Peter
Published: February 2022

Internal hernia is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. The risk of internal herniation is higher in some patients after abdominal surgery or with certain anatomical anomalies. Here, we present a case of an 80-year-old patient with incarcerated internal hernia through the foramen of Winslow due to an anatomical abnormality.
Identification of OsPK5 involved in rice glycolytic metabolism and GA/ABA balance for improving seed germination via genome-wide association study
Authors: Yang Bin , Chen Mingming , Zhan Chengfang , Liu Kexin , Cheng Yanhao , Xie Ting , Zhu Peiwen , He Ying , Zeng Peng , Tang Haijuan , Tsugama Daisuke , Chen Sunlu , Zhang Hongsheng , Cheng Jinping
Published: February 2022

Seed germination plays a pivotal role in the plant life cycle, and its precise regulatory mechanisms are not clear. In this study, 19 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with rice seed germination were identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of the following traits in 2016 and 2017: germination rate (GR) at 3, 5, and 7 days after imbibition (DAI) and germination index (GI). Two major stable QTLs, qSG4 and qSG11.1, were found to be associated with GR and GI over 2 continuous years. Furthermore, OsPK5, encoding a pyruvate kinase, was shown to be a crucial regulator of seed germination in rice, and might be a causal gene of the key QTL qSG11.1, on chromosome 11. Natural variation in OsPK5 function altered the activity of pyruvate kinase. The disruption of OsPK5 function resulted in slow germination and seedling growth during seed germination, blocked glycolytic metabolism, caused glucose accumulation, decreased energy levels, and affected the GA/ABA balance. Taken together, our results provide novel insights into the roles of OsPK5 in seed germination, and facilitate its application in rice breeding to improve seed vigour.
Violence, Ritual, and Vogue: Black Queer Feminist Praxis in Motion
Authors: Forsgren La Donna L
Published: February 2022

As an unapologetically Black feminist artist, Ntozake Shange furthered the cause of black girl representation on Broadway stages with the 1976 debut of for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf. Shange’s award-winning choreopoem eschews the masculinist liberation discourse of the Black Power era and instead centers the concerns of Black girls within the freedom struggle. Using twenty poems interlaced with dance and music, Shange illuminates the subjectivity of seven “colored girls” who experience sexual, emotional, and physical violence in their communities. Committed to the health and safety of the entire Black community, Shange concludes the performance with a ritual dance to foster unity and community healing from violence. Her early Black feminist intervention serves as a foundation for the artistic work of Black Lives Matter activists today, many of whom continue to use ritual performances to promote community healing in the wake of white-authored violence. Black Lives Matter movement artists and activists Gorgeous Mother Karma Gucci, Adonte Prodigy, and Amya Miyake-Mugler, for example, performed ritual Voguing at a Chicago demonstration on 3 June 2020 to bring greater visibility to the intracultural violence reaped upon Black queer and transgender girls. Their ritual Voguing, which I situate as Black queer feminist praxis in motion, reimagines the Black radical tradition as collective liberation. Collectively, the work of Shange, Gucci, Prodigy, and Mugler affirms the vital truth that none of us are free until all of us are free.
CRISPR-iPAS: a novel dCAS13-based method for alternative polyadenylation interference
Authors: Tian Shuye , Zhang Bin , He Yuhao , Sun Zhiyuan , Li Jun , Li Yisheng , Yi Hongyang , Zhao Yan , Zou Xudong , Li Yunfei , Cui Huanhuan , Fang Liang , Gao Xin , Hu Yuhui , Chen Wei
Published: February 2022

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) plays an important role in gene regulation. With the recent application of novel sequencing technology in APA profiling, an ever-increasing number of APA genes/sites have been identified. However, the phenotypic relevance of most of these APA isoforms remains elusive, which is largely due to the lack of a convenient genetics tool for APA interference. To address this issue, herein, an efficient method is developed based on the CRISPR-dCas13 system, termed as CRISPR-iPAS. Out of eight different dCas13 proteins, Porphyromonas gulae (Pgu) dCas13b, is identified as the most effective one in blocking the usage of the polyadenylation site (PAS). With guide RNAs targeting at core regulatory elements, dPguCas13b enabled APA regulation of endogenous genes with different APA types, including tandem 3′UTR, alternative terminal exon, as well as intronic PAS. Finally, we demonstrated that the proposed APA perturbation tool could be used to investigate the functional relevance of APA isoforms.
STRIDE: accurately decomposing and integrating spatial transcriptomics using single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Sun Dongqing , Liu Zhaoyang , Li Taiwen , Wu Qiu , Wang Chenfei
Published: February 2022

The recent advances in spatial transcriptomics have brought unprecedented opportunities to understand the cellular heterogeneity in the spatial context. However, the current limitations of spatial technologies hamper the exploration of cellular localizations and interactions at single-cell level. Here, we present spatial transcriptomics deconvolution by topic modeling (STRIDE), a computational method to decompose cell types from spatial mixtures by leveraging topic profiles trained from single-cell transcriptomics. STRIDE accurately estimated the cell-type proportions and showed balanced specificity and sensitivity compared to existing methods. We demonstrated STRIDE’s utility by applying it to different spatial platforms and biological systems. Deconvolution by STRIDE not only mapped rare cell types to spatial locations but also improved the identification of spatially localized genes and domains. Moreover, topics discovered by STRIDE were associated with cell-type-specific functions and could be further used to integrate successive sections and reconstruct the three-dimensional architecture of tissues. Taken together, STRIDE is a versatile and extensible tool for integrated analysis of spatial and single-cell transcriptomics and is publicly available at https://github.com/wanglabtongji/STRIDE.
Global chromosome rearrangement induced by CRISPR-Cas9 reshapes the genome and transcriptome of human cells
Authors: Liu Ying , Ma Guangwei , Gao Zenghong , Li Jian , Wang Jin , Zhu Xiangping , Ma Ruowu , Yang Jiawen , Zhou Yiting , Hu Kaishun , Zhang Yin , Guo Yabin
Published: February 2022

Chromosome rearrangement plays important roles in development, carcinogenesis and evolution. However, its mechanism and subsequent effects are not fully understood. Large-scale chromosome rearrangement has been performed in the simple eukaryote, wine yeast, but the relative research in mammalian cells remains at the level of individual chromosome rearrangement due to technical limitations. In this study, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to target the highly repetitive human endogenous retrotransposons, LINE-1 and Alu, resulting in a large number of DNA double-strand breaks in the chromosomes. While this operation killed the majority of the cells, we eventually obtained live cell groups. Karyotype analysis and genome re-sequencing proved that we have achieved global chromosome rearrangement (GCR) in human cells. The copy number variations of the GCR genomes showed typical patterns observed in tumor genomes. The ATAC-seq and RNA-seq further revealed that the epigenetic and transcriptomic landscapes were deeply reshaped by GCR. Gene expressions related to p53 pathway, DNA repair, cell cycle and apoptosis were greatly altered to facilitate the cell survival. Our study provided a new application of CRISPR-Cas9 and a practical approach for GCR in complex mammalian genomes.
Programmable manipulation of oligonucleotide–albumin interaction for elongated circulation time
Authors: Yang Cai , Zhao Haitao , Sun Yang , Wang Cheng , Geng Xinyao , Wang Ruowen , Tang Lumin , Han Da , Liu Jianjun , Tan Weihong
Published: February 2022

Oligonucleotide (ON) therapeutics are emerging as a new generation of medicine with tremendous potential, but their clinical translation is hampered by inferior stability and short circulation time in the human body. Here, we report a general approach to manipulating the interaction between ONs and albumin by modulating hydrophobicity. A series of DNA aptamer derivatives were designed and prepared by programmable synthesis as an ON library with a gradient of hydrophobic base ‘F’. In vitro experiments revealed that the introduction of two F bases at both ends of ONs enhanced the biostability without sacrificing biological activities, while the binding affinity toward albumin was dramatically increased with Kd in the range of 100 nM to 1 μM. In vivo imaging confirmed the immediate formation of the aptamer–albumin complex after the injection, and the circulation time of the aptamer was dramatically elongated owing to the enhanced biostability and retarded renal excretion. The programmable incorporation of the F base provides a general approach to regulating albumin-binding affinity and enhancing the stability of aptamers in vivo, conferring aptamer therapeutics prolonged circulation time to meet clinical requirements.
Kinetic regulation of MXene with water-in-LiCl electrolyte for high-voltage micro-supercapacitors
Authors: Zhu Yuanyuan , Zheng Shuanghao , Lu Pengfei , Ma Jiaxin , Das Pratteek , Su Feng , Cheng Hui-Ming , Wu Zhong-Shuai
Published: February 2022

MXenes are one of the key materials for micro-supercapacitors (MSCs), integrating miniaturized energy-storage components with microelectronics. However, the energy densities of MSCs are greatly hampered by MXenes’ narrow working potential window (typically ≤0.6 V) in aqueous electrolytes. Here, we report the fabrication of high-voltage MXene-MSCs through the efficient regulation of reaction kinetics in 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene microelectrodes using a water-in-LiCl (WIL, 20 m LiCl) salt gel electrolyte. Importantly, the intrinsic energy-storage mechanism of MXene microelectrodes in WIL, which is totally different from traditional electrolytes (1 m LiCl), was revealed through insitu and exsitu characterizations. We validated that the suppression of MXene oxidation at high anodic potential occurred due to the high content of WIL regulating anion intercalation in MXene electrodes, which effectively broadened the voltage window of MXene-MSCs. Remarkably, the symmetric planar MXene-MSCs presented a record operating voltage of 1.6 V, resulting in an exceptionally high volumetric energy density of 31.7 mWh cm−3. With the ultra-high ionic conductivity (69.5 mS cm−1) and ultralow freezing point (−57°C) of the WIL gel electrolyte, our MSCs could be operated in a wide temperature range of −40 to 60°C, and worked for a long duration even at −40°C, demonstrative of its practicality in extreme environments.
Comparing polysomnography, actigraphy, and sleep diary in the home environment: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Sleep Study
Authors: Lehrer H Matthew , Yao Zhigang , Krafty Robert T , Evans Marissa A , Buysse Daniel J , Kravitz Howard M , Matthews Karen A , Gold Ellen B , Harlow Sioban D , Samuelsson Laura B , Hall Martica H
Published: February 2022

Study Objectives

Polysomnography (PSG) is considered the “gold standard” for assessing sleep, but cost and burden limit its use. Although wrist actigraphy and self-report diaries are feasible alternatives to PSG, few studies have compared all three modalities concurrently across multiple nights in the home to assess their relative validity across multiple sleep outcomes. This study compared sleep duration and continuity measured by PSG, actigraphy, and sleep diaries and examined moderation by race/ethnicity.

Methods

Participants from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Sleep Study included 323 White (n = 147), African American (n = 120), and Chinese (n = 56) middle-aged community-dwelling women (mean age: 51 years, range: 48–57). PSG, wrist actigraphy (AW-64; Philips Respironics, McMurray, PA), and sleep diaries were collected concurrently in participants’ homes over three consecutive nights. Multivariable repeated-measures linear models compared time in bed (TIB), total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep latency (SL), and wake after sleep onset (WASO) across modalities.

Results

Actigraphy and PSG produced similar estimates of sleep duration and efficiency. Diaries yielded higher estimates of TIB, TST, and SE versus PSG and actigraphy, and lower estimates of SL and WASO versus PSG. Diary SL was shorter than PSG SL only among White women, and diary WASO was lower than PSG and actigraphy WASO among African American versus White women.

Conclusions

Given concordance with PSG, actigraphy may be preferred as an alternative to PSG for measuring sleep in the home. Future research should consider racial/ethnic differences in diary-reported sleep continuity.
Exercise mediates ubiquitin signalling in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Lord Samuel O. , Lai Yu‐Chiang
Published: February 2022

Physical activity or regular exercise provides many beneficial effects towards human health, helping prevent and ameliorate metabolic diseases. However, certain molecular mechanisms that mediate these health benefits remain poorly understood. Parker et al. provided the first global analysis of exercise‐regulated ubiquitin signalling in human skeletal muscle, revealing post‐translational modification cross‐talk. As a result of their analysis, NEDDylation is thought to promote ubiquitin signalling for the removal of damaged proteins following exercise. The proteomic dataset generated from their study is invaluable for researchers in this field to validate new mechanistic hypotheses. To further reveal molecular mechanisms regulated by exercise, future research could employ more sensitive mass spectrometry‐based workflows that increase the detection of both ubiquitylated sites and peptides and subsequently identify more exercise‐regulated ubiquitin signalling pathways.
Fundamental Teaching Activities in Family Medicine Framework: Analysis of Awareness and Utilization
Authors: Lee-Krueger Rachelle C. W. , Moreau Katherine , Delva Dianne , Eady Kaylee , Giroux Catherine M. , Archibald Douglas
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

In 2015, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, in performing their commitment to supporting its members in their educational roles, created the Family Medicine Framework (FTA). It was designed to assist family medicine educators with an understanding of the core activities of educators: precepting, coaching, and teaching within or beyond clinical settings. Given that an examination of member awareness of FTA has not been previously undertaken, our primary objective was to conduct an evaluation on its utility and application.

Methods:

In partnership with College of Family Physicians of Canada Faculty Development Education Committee members, we used a practical participatory evaluation approach to conduct a two-phase mixed-methods evaluation of the FTA. We distributed an electronic survey in French and English languages to Canadian faculty development, program, and site directors in family medicine. We then conducted follow-up interviews with self-selected participants.

Results:

Of the target populations, 12/15 (80%) faculty development directors (FDDs), 12/18 (66.7%) program directors, and 34/174 (19.5%) site directors completed the electronic survey. Subsequently, 6 FDDs, 3 program directors, and 3 site directors completed an interview (n = 12). Findings indicate that awareness of the FTA was highest among FDDs. Facilitators who encourage teachers to use the FTA and barriers for low uptake were also identified.

Discussion:

This evaluation illuminated that varied levels of awareness of the FTA may contribute to the low uptake among education leaders. We also suggest future research to address possible barriers that hinder effective applications of the FTA in faculty development initiatives.
Only When They Seek: Exploring Supervisor and Resident Perspectives and Positions on Upward Feedback
Authors: Ramani Subha , Lee-Krueger Rachelle C. W. , Roze des Ordons Amanda , Trier Jessica , Armson Heather , Könings Karen D. , Lockyer Jocelyn M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Verbal feedback from trainees to supervisors is rare in medical education, although valuable for improvement in teaching skills. Research has mostly examined narrative comments on resident evaluations of their supervisors. This study aimed to explore supervisors' and residents' beliefs and experiences with upward feedback, along with recommendations to initiate and facilitate effective conversations.

Methods:

Using 60-minute focus group discussions, a previous study explored opinions of internal medicine residents and clinical supervisors at the Brigham and Women's Hospital regarding the impact of institutional culture on feedback conversations. For this study, we conducted a thematic analysis of the transcribed, anonymous data to identify key concepts pertaining only to verbal upward feedback, through the theoretical lens of Positioning theory.

Results:

Twenty-two supervisors and 29 residents participated in three and five focus groups, respectively. Identified themes were mapped to three research questions regarding (1) existing beliefs (lack of impact, risks to giving supervisors feedback, need for preparation and reflection), (2) experiences (nonspecific language, avoidance of upward feedback, bypassing the supervisor), and (3) recommended approaches (setting clear expectations, seeking specific feedback, emphasizing interest in growth).

Discussion:

Study participants appeared to assume learner–teacher positions during feedback conversations, resulting in residents' concerns of adverse consequences, beliefs that supervisors will neither accept feedback nor change their behaviors, and avoidance of constructive upward feedback. Residents suggested that emphasis on mutual professional growth and regular feedback seeking by supervisors could encourage them to take on the role of feedback providers. Their recommendations could be a valuable starting point for faculty development initiatives on upward feedback.
Increasing Pediatricians' Scholarly Productivity on and off the Tenure Track
Authors: Tumin Dmitry , Baumgarten Nathan , Buckman Cierra , Kuehn Devon , Higginson Jason D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Physician faculty have increasingly been appointed to nontenure track positions, which provide limited support for scholarly activity. We evaluated how a centralized departmental research group affected the scholarly productivity of faculty on and off the tenure track.

Methods:

A research team providing both mentorship and logistical study support was implemented in 2018. We identified a pre-intervention cohort of physician faculty employed in July 2016, and a postintervention cohort, employed in July 2018. A publication search was conducted for these cohorts in the period 2017 to 2018 and 2019 to 2020, respectively.

Results:

Seventy-five faculty were included in the analysis, with approximately two-thirds appointed on the clinical (nontenure) track. In the pre-intervention cohort (n = 59), 15 faculty (25%) had at least one publication in the period 2017 to 2018. In the postintervention cohort (n = 59), 33 faculty (56%) published at least one article in the period 2019 to 2020 (P = .001). Multivariable random-effects regression analysis confirmed that postintervention, odds of publishing in a given year increased for both clinical-track and tenure-track faculty.

Conclusion:

Both clinical and tenure-track faculty contribute to the academic mission at medical schools, yet scholarly activity is supported and rewarded for tenure-track faculty more often than for clinical-track faculty. Our centralized research team successfully fostered scholarly activity among both clinical-track and tenure-track faculty.
Graduate Medical Education Can Be an Impetus for Behavior Changes in Physicians in Practice: Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Faculty Development Intervention in Anesthesiology
Authors: Zisblatt Lara , Byrne Melissa , Chen Fei , Caldwell Matthew
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

While there is growing evidence to suggest that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) may aid in clinical decision-making in the perioperative setting and there are new requirements that anesthesiology residents must be trained in POCUS, few practicing anesthesiologists use POCUS in their practice. The goal of this investigation is to determine whether a multifaceted faculty development program helps a group of faculty members incorporate POCUS into their practice.

Methods:

This intervention had five parts: (1) online prework, (2) 2-day workshop, (3) follow-up hands-on sessions, (4) regular communication, and (5) equipment acquisition. This is a pretest/posttest, single group, observational study where the main outcome measure is the number of POCUS examinations documented and the number of providers who performed at least one examination. In addition, presurveys and postsurveys were administered to determine whether there was a change in confidence and self-reported use of POCUS.

Results:

The number of examinations completed and the number of providers completing examinations by month both seemed to increase over time between May 2017 and October 2018. Between August 2017 and October 2018, the number of examinations completed per month increased by a rate of approximately one examination per month (starting with one examination in May 2017) and the number of providers completing examinations increased by a rate of approximately 0.61 providers per month (staring with one provider in May 2017).

Discussion:

This study shows that an intervention that targets interested faculty can increase the use of POCUS in practice and residents' perceptions of teaching.
Prevalence of Private and Public Health Insurance Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults
Authors: Downing Jae , Lawley Kendall A. , McDowell Alex
Published: February 2022

Background:

Little is known about how health insurance payer types differ between transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people and cisgender people. Much of what is known about insurance coverage among TGD adults has been based on research from claims and electronic health record data, which excludes individuals who have not accessed gender-affirming care. Research designed to understand how TGD populations pay for health care to best inform care interventions and public insurance policies is lacking.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine differences in the prevalence of public and private health insurance between transgender and cisgender adults.

Methods:

Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, this study estimated prevalence of health insurance coverage among TGD and cisgender adults residing in 22 states that administered the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity module and the Healthcare Access module from 2014 to 2019. This study estimated the odds of health insurance coverage (no insurance, private insurance, public insurance) among cisgender adults compared with TGD adults.

Results:

TGD people had greater odds of being uninsured compared with cisgender women. Among nondisabled, nonelderly respondents, TGD adults had lower odds of having private insurance and higher odds of public insurance compared with cisgender men. Among respondents who were likely Medicaid-eligible, TGD respondents had lower odds of having public insurance and higher odds of being uninsured compared with cisgender women.

Conclusion:

These findings provide foundational information about the payer mix among TGD people and provide insight into barriers to health insurance that TGD adults may face.
Rare Presentation of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in a Child With Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Pancreatitis
Authors: Mahajan Ruchi G. , Moisander Joyce Hanna , Green Nancy , Hijiya Nobuko , Jain Namrata G.
Published: February 2022

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity, including acute renal injury, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Rare cases of aHUS in a child with acute leukemia before diagnosis or during chemotherapy have been reported. We report a pediatric case of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated by pancreatitis with concomitant aHUS following induction chemotherapy.
Enuresis and Hyperfiltration in Children With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Zahr Rima S. , Ding Juan , Kang Guolian , Wang Winfred C. , Hankins Jane S. , Ataga Kenneth I. , Lebensburger Jeffrey D. , Porter Jerlym S.
Published: February 2022

Nocturnal enuresis is a common symptom in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Risk factors for development of enuresis are currently unknown. An early manifestation of SCD-associated kidney damage is glomerular hyperfiltration. We test the hypothesis that in a pediatric SCD cohort, individuals with hyperfiltration are more likely to have nocturnal enuresis when compared to children without hyperfiltration. To assess the relationship between nocturnal enuresis and hyperfiltration, we retrospectively evaluated children with SCD enrolled in the Evaluation of Nocturnal Enuresis and Barriers to Treatment among Pediatric Patients with SCD study and prospectively identified children who reported nocturnal enuresis and were enrolled in the longitudinal cohort study Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program. Nocturnal enuresis occurred in 46.5% of Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease participants and was more frequent in participants with HbSS/HbSβ0 thalassemia and in male participants. We did not identify an association between hyperfiltration from 3 to 5 years of age with the later development of enuresis. Severe SCD genotypes and male sex were associated with nocturnal enuresis after age 5 years. We could not identify additional renal or hematologic predictors associated with the diagnosis of nocturnal enuresis. Future studies should incorporate nonrenal risk factors into studies that predict development of enuresis.
Peripheral Blood Smear Detection of Asymptomatic Central Line Infection in a Patient With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Carll Timothy C. , Mariani Rachel , Schafernak Kristian , Snowberger Travis , Jacobsen Jeffrey , Gomez Esteban , Su Leon
Published: February 2022

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong disorder which may be managed by chronic red cell transfusion including exchange transfusion. Chronic indwelling vascular catheters including ports offer convenient and reliable access for red cell exchange but confer risk of complications including infection and thrombosis. Detection of these complications is essential for preserving vascular access and relies on both clinical and laboratory observation. Here we describe a case of asymptomatic port infection detected by manual screening of a peripheral blood smear.
Assessment of Liver Fibrosis by Transient Elastography in Children and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease With and Without Iron Overload
Authors: Alvarez Ofelia , Cumming Vanessa , Fifi Amanda C.
Published: February 2022

Transfusion-associated iron overload may cause liver fibrosis. We compared transient elastography (TE) and aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index (APRI), noninvasive markers for hepatic fibrosis, to liver histology in children and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) who were iron overloaded (cohort 1). Age-matched subjects with SCD but without iron overload (cohort 2) were enrolled for APRI and TE assessments. Nineteen subjects ages 10 to 21 years were transfused for a mean of 9.67 years, had a mean serum ferritin of 4899±2849 ng/mL, and a liver iron concentration of 15.56±10.12 mg/g dry liver weight by R2-magnetic resonance imaging. Mean APRI was 0.33±0.13 in cohort 1 and 0.27±0.10 in cohort 2. The mean liver stiffness measures (LSM) in cohort 1, assessed by TE, was 8.46±3.95 kPa, ranging from 3.5 to 14.6 kPa (expected normal <7 kPa). Cohort 2 had a mean LSM of 5.72±1.74 kPa (4.6 to 8.7 kPa). There was a good correlation between LSM and histologic fibrosis (t value 6.94, P<0.0001). There was no significant correlation between APRI and histologic fibrosis and between APRI and LSM. A high LSM suggests liver fibrosis in children and adults with SCD with iron overload and may merit histologic confirmation especially if persistent.
Role of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging in Minimally Invasive Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Piccolo Gaetano , Barabino Matteo , Pesce Antonio , Diana Michele , Lecchi Francesca , Santambrogio Roberto , Opocher Enrico , Bianchi Paolo P. , Piozzi Guglielmo N.
Published: February 2022

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging is an easy and reproducible method to detect hepatic lesions, both primary and metastatic. This review reports the potential benefits of this technique as a tactile mimicking visual tool and a navigator guide in minimally invasive liver resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). PubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched for studies reporting the use of intravenous injection of ICG before minimally invasive surgery for CLRM. The search was performed for publications reported from the first study in 2014 to April 2021. The final review included 13 articles: 6 prospective cohort studies, 1 retrospective cohort study, 3 case series, 1 case report, 1 case-matched study, and 1 clinical trial registry. The administered dose ranged between 0.3 and 0.5 mg/kg, while timing ranged between 1 and 14 days before surgery. CRLM detection rate ranged between 30.3% and 100% with preoperative imaging (abdominal computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging), between 93.3 and 100% with laparoscopic ultrasound, between 57.6% and 100% with ICG fluorescence, and was 100% with combined modalities (ICG and laparoscopic ultrasound) with weighted averages of 77.42%, 95.97%, 79.03%, and 100%, respectively. ICG fusion imaging also allowed to detect occult small-sized lesions, not diagnosed preoperatively. In addition, ICG is effective in real-time assessment of surgical margins by evaluating the integrity of the fluorescent rim around the CRLM.
Testosterone Changes in Men With Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes 6 Months After Sleeve Gastrectomy With Transit Bipartition
Authors: Taskin Halit E. , Al Muzaffer
Published: February 2022

Background:

Metabolic/bariatric surgery has been shown to increase testosterone in males with obesity. This study investigated the effect of the novel metabolic/bariatric surgery procedure, sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition (SG-TB), on serum total testosterone and metabolic variable changes in men with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

In a prospective single-center cohort study, laboratory samples were analyzed preoperatively and at 6 months following SG-TB in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. Changes in metabolic parameters and testosterone were evaluated.

Results:

Between July 2018 and March 2019, 166 patients with a mean baseline BMI of 34.9±3.8 kg/m2 (mean age 51.5±9.3 y), glycosylated hemoglobin 9.5±1.3%, and testosterone 3.1±1.3 underwent SG-TB. At 6-month follow-up, mean excess BMI loss was 70.2±24.3%; glycosylated hemoglobin, 6.6±1.1% (P<0.001); and testosterone, 4.5±1.5 (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

In the early term following SG-TB, more than any other factor assessed, BMI loss was found to be a significant driver of improvement in testosterone levels. Regardless of preoperative obesity classification, patients with initially low testosterone attained significantly increased testosterone levels at 6-month follow-up.
CoDNaS-Q: a database of conformational diversity of the native state of proteins with quaternary structure
Authors: Escobedo Nahuel , Cahui Ronaldo Romario Tunque , Caruso Gastón , Ríos Emilio García , Hirsh Layla , Monzon Alexander Miguel , Parisi Gustavo , Palopoli Nicolas
Published: February 2022

A collection of conformers that exist in a dynamical equilibrium defines the native state of a protein. The structural differences between them describe their conformational diversity, a defining characteristic of the protein with an essential role in multiple cellular processes. Since most proteins carry out their functions by assembling into complexes, we have developed CoDNaS-Q, the first online resource to explore conformational diversity in homooligomeric proteins. It features a curated collection of redundant protein structures with known quaternary structure. CoDNaS-Q integrates relevant annotations that allow researchers to identify and explore the extent and possible reasons of conformational diversity in homooligomeric protein complexes.

Availability and implementation

CoDNaS-Q is freely accessible at http://ufq.unq.edu.ar/codnasq/. The data can be retrieved from the website. The source code of the database can be downloaded from https://github.com/SfrRonaldo/codnas-q.

Contact

npalopoli@unq.edu.ar
Design of a Versatile Microfluidic Device for Imaging Precision-Cut-Tissue Slices
Authors: Rafiei Nafiseh , Au Aaron , Moghadam Mohammadamir G. , Regeenes Romario , Wang Yufeng , Yip Christopher M. , Gaisano Herbert , Rocheleau Jonathan V.
Published: February 2022

Precision-cut-tissues (PCT), which preserve many aspects of a tissue’s microenvironment, are typically imaged using conventional sample dishes and chambers. These can require large amounts of reagent and, when used for flow-through experiments, the shear forces applied on the tissues are often ill-defined. Their physical design also makes it difficult to image large volumes and repetitively image smaller regions of interest in the living slice. We report here on the design of a versatile microfluidic device capable of holding mouse or human pancreas PCTs for 3D fluorescence imaging using confocal and selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM). Our design positions PCTs within a 5 × 5 mm × 140 µm deep chamber fitted with 150 µm tall channels to facilitate media exchange. Shear stress in the device is localized to small regions on the surface of the tissue and can be easily controlled. This design allows for media exchange at flow rates ~10-fold lower than those required for conventional chambers. Finally, this design allows for imaging the same immunofluorescently labelled PCT with high resolution on a confocal and with large field of view on a SPIM, without adversely affecting image quality.
Comparative evaluation of glomerular morphometric techniques reveals differential technical artefacts between FSGS and normal glomeruli
Authors: Basgen John M , Reghuvaran Anand C , Lin Qisheng , Banu Khadija , Shi Hongmei , Pell John , DiRito Jenna , Tietjen Gregory T , Perincheri Sudhir , Moledina Dennis G , Wilson Francis Perry , Menon Madhav C
Published: February 2022

Morphometric estimates of mean glomerular volume (MGV) have clinical implications, over and above histologic data. However, MGV estimation is time-consuming, could waste tissue sections and requires expertise limiting its utility in retrospective clinical studies.

Methods

We evaluated MGV using both plastic and paraffin-embedded tissue from control and FSGS mice (n=10 each) using the gold-standard Disector/Cavalieri technique (Vglom-Cav) and other reported techniques [2- or 3-profile technique, Weibel-Gomez method (W-G)]. Within Vglom-Cav we examined the precision of MGV estimation while using MGVs obtained from 5- or 10-individual glomeruli measurements vs the true mean (20 glomeruli).

Results

In both FSGS and controls, we identified an acceptable precision of 10-glomerular sampling vs true MGV within Vglom-Cav technique [88 (79-94) % of MGV obtained were within 10% of the true MGV]. The 5-glomerular sampling was less precise [70 (56, 81) % of MGV obtained were within 10% of true MGV]. In plastic based techniques, 2- or 3-profile MGVs showed greater concordance with Vglom-Cav, than W-G MGV. The new 3-profile technique offered incremental benefit to the existing 2-profile method (improved Lin’s concordance in control and FSGS animals). We observed a consistent reduction of Vglom values within control animals (52+/-0.06%) in paraffin-embedded tissue (vs corresponding methods in plastic) demonstrating a clear shrinkage artefact due to tissue processing. FSGS glomeruli showed significantly less and more variable shrinkage artefact likely due to glomerular fibrosis.

Conclusion

We report the precision of 5- or 10-glomerular sampling for MGV estimation using controls and FSGS animals. We demonstrate and quantify the shrinkage bias in MGV during tissue processing for paraffin-embedding that also differentiated control animals and FSGS. Our findings have implications for experimental studies using glomerular morphometry.
Proteogenomics analysis to identify acquired resistance-specific alterations in melanoma PDXs on MAPKi therapy
Authors: Manna Kanishka , Dharanipragada Prashanthi , Alkam Duah , Avaritt Nathan L. , Washam Charity L. , Robeson Michael S. , Edmondson Ricky D. , Mackintosh Samuel G. , Yang Zhentao , Wang Yan , Lomeli Shirley H. , Moriceau Gatien , Byrum Stephanie D. , Lo Roger S. , Tackett Alan J.
Published: February 2022

Therapeutic approaches to treat melanoma include small molecule drugs that target activating protein mutations in pro-growth signaling pathways like the MAPK pathway. While beneficial to the approximately 50% of patients with activating BRAFV600 mutation, mono- and combination therapy with MAPK inhibitors is ultimately associated with acquired resistance. To better characterize the mechanisms of MAPK inhibitor resistance in melanoma, we utilize patient-derived xenografts and apply proteogenomic approaches leveraging genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic technologies that permit the identification of resistance-specific alterations and therapeutic vulnerabilities. A specific challenge for proteogenomic applications comes at the level of data curation to enable multi-omics data integration. Here, we present a proteogenomic approach that uses custom curated databases to identify unique resistance-specific alternations in melanoma PDX models of acquired MAPK inhibitor resistance. We demonstrate this approach with a NRASQ61L melanoma PDX model from which resistant tumors were developed following treatment with a MEK inhibitor. Our multi-omics strategy addresses current challenges in bioinformatics by leveraging development of custom curated proteogenomics databases derived from individual resistant melanoma that evolves following MEK inhibitor treatment and is scalable to comprehensively characterize acquired MAPK inhibitor resistance across patient-specific models and genomic subtypes of melanoma.
Demise of Marimermithida refines primary routes of transition to parasitism in roundworms
Authors: Tchesunov Alexei V. , Nikolaeva Olga V. , Rusin Leonid Yu. , Sanamyan Nadezda P. , Panina Elena G. , Miljutin Dmitry M. , Gorelysheva Daria I. , Pegova Anna N. , Khromova Maria R. , Mardashova Maria V. , Mikhailov Kirill V. , Yushin Vladimir V. , Petrov Nikolai B. , Lyubetsky Vassily A. , Nikitin Mikhail A. , Aleoshin Vladimir V.
Published: February 2022

Nematodes (roundworms) are ubiquitous animals commonly dominating in ecological communities and networks, with many parasites and pathogen vectors of great economic and medical significance. Nematode parasites are remarkably diverse in life strategies and adaptations at a great range of hosts and dimension scales, from whales to protozoan cells. Their life history is intricate and requires understanding to study the genomic, structural and ecological bases of successful transitions to parasitism. Based on analyses of rDNA for a representative sampling of host-associated and free-living groups, we dismiss the last higher-rank nematode taxon uniting solely parasitic forms (Marimermithida) and show that primarily marine parasitism emerged independently and repeatedly within only few free-living lineages. We re-evaluate the significance of some traditionally important phenotypic characters and report the phenomenon of dramatic adaptation to parasitism on very short evolutionary timescales. A cross-phylum character interpretation vindicates that non-intestinal (in-tissue or cavitary) host capture was likely a primary route of transition to truly exploitive parasitism (vs. intestinal commensalism) in roundworms, and extant nematode parasitoids (larval parasites) infesting the host body cavity or internal organs realise this primary lifestyle. Parasitism may have evolved in nematodes as part of innate pre-adaptations to crossing environmental boarders, and such transitions have been accomplished multiple times successfully in the phylum history.