bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Neurosurgery Resident Microdissection Through Placental Simulation
Authors: Alcalá Nicolas E , Pajer Hengameh B , Piazza Martin , Goodnight William , Yap Edward , Sasaki-Adams Deanna , Hobbs Gene W , Quinsey Carolyn S 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Prior work has shown that the human placenta is an available and realistic model for microdissection simulation. We sought to find a measurable improvement in the technical skills of neurosurgical residents with deliberate practice of microdissection tasks using a placental model. Postgraduate year (PGY) 1 to 3 neurosurgery residents were consented. A 1-min video of each participant's baseline skills skeletonizing placental vessels was recorded. Participants underwent 10 practice sessions with intermittent informal feedback for 30-60 min over 18 mo. Another 1-min video was recorded following the 10th dissection. The videos were blinded and assessed by 3 board eligible or certified microsurgical neurosurgeons using a modified Objective Structured Assessment of Aneurysm Clipping Skills. Performance was compared via t-testing among four domains: instrument handling, time flow and forward planning, quality of dissection, and respect for tissue. Microdissection, instrument handling, and quality of dissection were significantly improved after deliberate practice with the placental simulator (P < .05). Improvement was seen in time flow and forward planning and respect for tissue; however, this failed to be significant. Subjectively, residents expressed enjoyment performing the exercise. They also expressed a desire for demonstrations or videos to watch before practice sessions. The placental simulation model provides microsurgical skill development with minimal deliberate practice sessions. Practice exercises are favorably regarded and interest in continuing them is strong by residents. Residents expressed a desire to make the dissection more deliberate with demonstration, breakdown of steps, and mimicry, which could improve the effectiveness and enjoyment of the skills session.
Tobacco-Related Disparities Viewed Through the Lens of Intersectionality
Authors: Sheffer Christine E , Williams Jill M , Erwin Deborah O , Smith Phillip H , Carl Ellen , Ostroff Jamie S 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Despite remarkable progress, tobacco control efforts are not equitably distributed, and tobacco-related disparities continue to contribute to significant health disparities. Our premise in this commentary is that Intersectionality can serve as a productive analytical framework for examining tobacco-related disparities across and within multiple marginalized populations. Intersectionality is a theoretical framework for understanding the multiple interlocking societal systems that bestow privilege and oppression and is increasingly being to the study of health inequities. We present a model and describe how tobacco-related disparities can be understood via critical elements of Intersectionality. We conclude that the application of Intersectionality to understanding tobacco-related disparities has potential to stimulate meaningful discussion and lead to new and innovative multilevel and cross-cutting interventions to eliminate tobacco-related disparities and foster culturally safe environment in which all people can thrive.

Implications
This commentary describes how Intersectionality can serve as a productive analytic framework for examining the development and maintenance of tobacco-related disparities across and within many marginalized groups.
We Should Not Use Randomization Procedures to Allocate Scarce Life-Saving Resources
Authors: Fumagalli Roberto 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In the recent literature across philosophy, medicine and public health policy, many influential arguments have been put forward to support the use of randomization procedures (RAND) to allocate scarce life-saving resources (SLSR). In this paper, I provide a systematic categorization and a critical evaluation of these arguments. I shall argue that those arguments justify using RAND to allocate SLSR in fewer cases than their proponents maintain and that the relevant decision-makers should typically allocate SLSR directly to the individuals with the strongest claims to these resources rather than use RAND to allocate such resources.
Benchmarking in Academic Physical Therapy: A Multicenter Trial Using the PT-GQ Survey
Authors: Shields Richard K ,   The Benchmarking Research Advances Value in Education (BRAVE) Group, Ambler Steven B , Audette Jennifer , Austin Gary P , Berg-Poppe Patti , Bowden Mark G , Buford John A , Chevan Julia , Christensen Nicole , Krasinski Debra Clayton , Costello Ellen , Decker Ann Marie , Dupre Anne-Marie , Ellis Terry D , Frank Lynn , Fulk George D , Gagnon Kendra , Galen Sujay Saphire , Healey William E , Irrgang James J , Kirk-Sanchez Neva , Mahoney Edward C , Maňago Marc M , Michael McKeough D , Merians Alma S , Miller Amy H , Nesbit Kathryn C , North Sara E , Pabian Patrick S , Peck Kirk , Silkwood-Sherer Debbie , Talley Susan Ann , van Duijn Arie J , Scott Ward R , Dudley-Javoroski Shauna 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveAcademic physical therapy has no universal metrics by which educational programs can measure outcomes, limiting their ability to benchmark to their own historical performance, to peer institutions, or to other health care professions. The PT-Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) survey, adapted from the Association of American Medical Colleges’ GQ, addresses this gap by offering both inter-professional insight and fine-scale assessment of physical therapist education. This study reports the first wave of findings from an ongoing multi-site trial of the PT-GQ among diverse academic physical therapy programs, including (1) benchmarks for academic physical therapy, and (2) a comparison of the physical therapist student experience to medical education benchmarks.MethodsThirty-four doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs (13.2% nationwide sample) administered the online survey to DPT graduates during the 2019 to 2020 academic year. PT-GQ and Association of American Medical Colleges data were contrasted via Welch’s unequal-variance t test and Hedges g (effect size).ResultsA total of 1025 respondents participated in the study (response rate: 63.9%). The average survey duration was 31.8 minutes. Overall educational satisfaction was comparable with medicine, and respondents identified areas of curricular strength (eg, anatomy) and weakness (eg, pharmacology). DPT respondents provided higher ratings of faculty professionalism than medicine, lower rates of student mistreatment, and a lesser impact of within-program diversity on their training. One-third of respondents were less than “satisfied” with student mental health services. DPT respondents reported significantly higher exhaustion but lower disengagement than medical students, along with lower tolerance for ambiguity. Of DPT respondents who reported educational debt, one-third reported debt exceeding $150,000, the threshold above which the DPT degree loses economic power.ConclusionsThese academic benchmarks, using the PT-GQ, provided insight into physical therapist education and identified differences between physical therapist and medical student perceptions.ImpactThis ongoing trial will establish a comprehensive set of benchmarks to better understand academic physical therapy outcomes.
Significance of single β-mannanase supplementation on performance and energy utilization in broiler chickens, laying hens, turkeys, sows, and nursery-finish pigs: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Kiarie Elijah G , Steelman Samantha , Martinez, Marco , Livingston Kimberly 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This review will give a brief description of β-mannans, abundance in feedstuffs, utility of supplemental feed β-mannanase, and subsequent animal responses. Soybean products and co-products of processing palm, coconut, and guar seeds are the major sources of β-mannans in poultry and livestock feed. β-Mannans are linear polymers of mannose residues linked by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds and their ingestion elicit undesirable and metabolically costly responses. Web of Science was searched to retrieve published studies for meta-analyses of the impact of supplemental β-mannanase on performance and digestibility in pigs and poultry. The mean difference (MD) between β-mannanase and control on average daily gain (g/d) was +0.23 (P = 0.013; 95% CI of 0.05; 0.41), +10.8 g/d (P = 0.0005; 95% CI of 6.6; 15.0 g/d), and +20.68 (P &lt; 0.000; 95% CI of 17.15; 24.20 g/d) for broiler chickens, nursery pigs, and grow-finish pigs, respectively. The MD on β-mannanase improvement on feed conversion (FCR) was −0.02 (P &lt; 0.0001) with 95% CI (−0.03; −0.02) suggesting a 2-to-3-point FCR improvement in broiler chickens. β-Mannanase improvement on gain to feed (G:F) was +13.8 g/kg (P = 0.027; 2.1; 25.4 g/kg) and +8.77 g/kg (6.32; 11.23 g/kg) in nursery and grow-finish pigs, respectively. β-Mannanase improved apparent metabolizable energy by 47 kcal/kg (P = 0.0004) with 95% CI (28.8; 65.7 kcal/kg) in broiler chickens. The improvement of gross energy digestibility in pigs was 1.08% unit with 95% CI (0.90; 1.26) translating to the release of between 30.6 and 42.8 kcal/kg of digestible energy. Although data were limited, β-mannanase improved egg production in laying hens linked to improved energy metabolism in laying hens linked to improved energy metabolism but had no impact on egg quality. Turkeys may be more adversely affected by β-mannans because of the high protein/amino acids requirements necessitating higher dietary inclusion of soybean meal. However, growth performance and feed efficiency responses of turkeys fed diets supplemented with β-mannanase were variable. In summary, β-mannanase supplementation improved performance linked to energy and nutrient utilization. However, the magnitude of response was variable within and between species indicating further application refinement is warranted to achieve consistent efficacy, and improved understanding of the functional contribution of β-mannans hydrolysis products.
PERIPHERAL ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATIONS AND THEIR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT MODALITIES: A SINGLE SURGEON’S EXPERIENCE AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS
Authors: Usman Rashid , Hussain Duaa Ajaz , Malik Muhammad Jamil , Anwar Muhammad Waseem , Ali Kishwar 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundPeripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital defects resulting in abnormal connections between veins and arteries. We investigated a group of patients with peripheral AVMs to determine whether there were any gender differences in disease presentation and the response of AVMs to various modalities of treatment.MethodologyThe patients in this cross-sectional study were divided into two groups based on gender and their demographic data, clinical presentation at the time of diagnosis and response to treatment was assessed. Both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options were used. Nonsurgical options employed in the study included immunotherapy, embolotherapy and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS)ResultsOut of 43 patients, 74.4% were females with a male to female ratio of 1:3. The mean age at presentation in males was 27 years and 17 years in females. 60% of the male patients presented with high-flow AVMs while 81% of the female patients presented with low-flow lesions instead. Half of the AVMs in males were on the trunk whereas, in females, 93.9% were on the extremities. UGFS alone was used in 95.3% of patients while 32.5% of patients underwent UGFS followed by surgical excision. One patient was treated with sirolimus. In 4.6% of cases, embolization followed by surgical excision was performed. Recurrence was recorded in 20.9% of cases.ConclusionsThe clinical presentation of AVMs is notably different among the two genders. Sclerotherapy and embolotherapy proved to be effective treatment options. Larger studies, however, are needed to substantiate these claims.
mRNA-1273 vaccine (Moderna): a better option than BNT162b2 (Pfizer) in kidney transplant recipients and dialysis patients?
Authors: Wijtvliet Veerle P. W. M. , Ariën Kevin K. , Abrams Steven , Couttenye Marie M. , Mestrez Fabienne , Mariën Joachim , De Winter Benedicte Y. , Van Damme Pierre , Pipeleers Lissa , Wissing Karl Martin , Abramowicz Daniel , Ledeganck Kristien J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this study of the humoral immune response after the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, low seroconversion rates were noted in both kidney transplant recipients and dialysis patients after first dose administration. While in DP the seroconversion rate levelled up to 92.8% after a second dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, KTR stayed behind with a seroconversion rate of 62.4%. Futhermore, vaccination with the mRNA-1273 vaccine (Moderna) resulted in both higher seroconversion rates and mean log-transformed antibody titer concentrations compared to BNT162b2 (Pfizer).
Efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance for detection of COVID-19 at a residential private college
Authors: Landstrom Michelle , Braun Evan , Larson Ellen , Miller Merrill , Holm Geoffrey H. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMany colleges and universities utilized wastewater surveillance testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA as a tool to help monitor and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic on campuses across the United States during the 2020-2021 academic year. We sought to assess the efficacy of one such program by analyzing wastewater RNA load data in relation to SARS-CoV-2 cases identified through individual surveillance testing. Almost 80% of the cases on campus were associated with positive wastewater tests, resulting in an overall positive predictive value of ∼79% (Chi square 48.1, Df = 1, p < 0.001). However, half of the positive wastewater samples occurred in the two weeks following the return of a student to the residence hall following isolation, and therefore were not useful in predicting new infections. When these samples were excluded, the positive predictive value of a positive wastewater sample was ∼54%. Overall, we conclude that the continued shedding of viral RNA by patients past the time of potential transmission confounds the identification of new cases using wastewater surveillance, and decreases its effectiveness in managing SARS-CoV-2 infections on a residential college campus.
Prediction of BAP1 mutations in uveal melanoma patients from histology images using weakly supervised deep learning-based whole slide image analysis
Authors: Mehdiratta Garv 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWhile cases of uveal melanoma are relatively rare overall, it remains the most common intraocular cancer in adults and has a 10-year fatality rate of approximately 50% in metastatic patients with no effective treatment options. Mutations in BAP1, a tumor suppressor gene, have been previously found to be associated with the onset of metastasis in uveal melanoma patients. In this study, I utilize a weakly supervised deep learning-based pipeline in order to analyze whole slide images (WSIs) of uveal melanoma patients in conjunction with slide-level labels regarding the presence of BAP1 mutations. I demonstrate that there is a strong relationship between BAP1 mutations and physical tumor development in uveal melanoma and that my model is able to predict such relationships with an optimized mean test AUC of 0.86. My findings demonstrate that deep learning models are able to accurately predict patient-specific genotypic characteristics in uveal melanoma. Once integrated into and adapted to existing non-invasive ocular scanner technologies, my model would assist healthcare professionals in understanding the specific genetic profiles of their patients and provide more personalized treatment options in a safe, efficient manner, thus resulting in improved treatment outcomes.
Rapid semi-quantitative point of care diagnostic test for post vaccination antibody monitoring
Authors: Moeller Maria E. , Engsig Frederik N. , Bade Melanie , Fock Jeppe , Pah Pearlyn , Soerensen Anna Louise , Bang Didi , Donolato Marco , Benfield Thomas 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTIntroductionPoint-of-care (POC)quantification of the antibody responses against the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein can enable decentralized monitoring of immune responses after infection or vaccination. We evaluated a novel POC microfluidic cartridge-based device (ViroTrack Sero COVID-19 Total Ab) for quantitative detection of total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Spike trimeric spike protein and compared to standard laboratory chemiluminescence (CLIA) based tests.MethodsCapillary- and venous blood samples were collected from 101 individuals employed at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. Antibody responses were measured on capillary-, venous whole blood, plasma and diluted plasma samples directly on the POC instrument. POC results were available within seven minutes on the microfluidic cartridge reader. Plasma samples were analysed on the DiaSorin LIAISON® XL CLIA Analyzer using LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 IgM, LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG and LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG assays. The data from the CLIA platform was used as a reference.ResultsThe Spearman rank’s correlation coefficient between ViroTrack Sero COVID-19 Total Ab and LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG and LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG assays is found to be 0.86 and 0.90 respectively. ViroTrack Sero COVID-19 Total Ab furthermore showed high correlation (>0.86) among the different sample matrixes. The agreement for determination of samples >200 BAU/mL on POC and CLIA methods is estimated to be around 90%.ConclusionViroTrack Sero Covid Total Ab is a very rapid and simple-to-use POC test with high sensitivity and high correlation of the numerical results expressed in BAU/mL when compared to a commercial CLIA assay.
Educational Attainment Polygenic Scores, Socioeconomic Factors, and Cortical Structure in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Merz Emily C. , Strack Jordan , Hurtado Hailee , Vainik Uku , Thomas Michael , Evans Alan , Khundrakpam Budhachandra 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundGenome-wide polygenic scores for educational attainment (PGS-EA) and socioeconomic factors, which are correlated with each other, have been consistently associated with academic achievement and general cognitive ability in children and adolescents. Yet, the independent associations of PGS-EA and socioeconomic factors with specific underlying factors at the neural and neurocognitive levels are not well understood. The goal of this study was to examine the unique contributions of PGS-EA and parental education to cortical thickness (CT), cortical surface area (SA), and neurocognitive skills in children and adolescents.MethodsParticipants were typically developing children and adolescents (3-21 years of age; 53% male;N= 391). High-resolution, T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired. PGS-EA were computed based on the most recent genome-wide association study of educational attainment. Sustained attention, inhibitory control, working memory, vocabulary, and episodic memory were measured.ResultsPGS-EA and parental education were independently and significantly associated with SA, vocabulary, and attention outcomes but were not associated with CT. Vertex-wise analyses indicated that higher PGS-EA was significantly associated with greater SA in the left medial orbitofrontal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus after accounting for parental education. Higher parental education was significantly associated with greater SA in the left parahippocampal gyrus after accounting for PGS-EA.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that education-linked genetics may influence SA, particularly in certain frontal regions, leading to variability in academic achievement. Results suggested genetic confounding in associations between parental education and SA in children and adolescents, with these associations remaining significant after controlling for PGS-EA.
Production of photocurrent and hydrogen gas from intact plant leaves
Authors: Shlosberg Yaniv , Meirovich Matan , Yehezkeli Omer , Schuster Gadi , Adir Noam 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHere, we show that it is possible to harvest photocurrent directly from unprocessed plant tissues from terrestrial or aquatic environments in bio-photoelectrochemical cells (BPECs) and use the current to produce molecular H2. The source of electrons is shown to originate from the Photosystem II water-oxidation reaction and utilizes exported mediating molecules, especially NADPH. The photocurrent production is dependent on the concentration of the photosynthetic complexes, as an increase in total chlorophyll and oxygen evolution rates lead to increased photocurrent rates. The permeability of the outer leaf surface is another important factor in photocurrent harvesting. Different tissues produce photocurrent densities in the range of ∼ 1 – 10 mA / cm2 which is significantly higher than microorganism-based BPECs. The relatively high photocurrent and the simplicity of the plants BPEC may pave the way toward the development of future applicative photosynthetic based energy technologies.
Genomic Surveillance in Japan of AY.29—A New Sub-lineage of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant with C5239T and T5514C Mutations
Authors: Abe Takashi , Arita Masanori 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTIn the present study, we report a new sub-lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant called AY.29, which has C5239T and T5514C mutations. We investigated the monthly trend of AY.29 in Japan within 37,737 Delta variants downloaded on October 2, 2021. Among the total Japanese Delta variants, the AY.29 sub-lineage accounted for 95.1%. In terms of monthly trends, the sequences became predominant in June, and accounted for 95.4%, 97.6% and 90.5% of the reported sequences in July, August and September, respectively. Furthermore, the number of Delta variants imported from abroad during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics (held in August 2021) was extremely low during the fifth wave in Japan. Therefore, the epidemic of the new Delta variant is attributable to a newly occurring mutation in Japan.
The GET pathway serves to activate Atg32-mediated mitophagy by ER targeting of the Ppg1-Far complex
Authors: Onishi Mashun , Okamoto Koji 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMitophagy removes defective or superfluous mitochondria via selective autophagy. In yeast, the pro-mitophagic protein Atg32 localizes to the mitochondrial surface and interacts with the scaffold protein Atg11 to promote degradation of mitochondria. Although Atg32-Atg11 interactions are thought to be stabilized by Atg32 phosphorylation, how this posttranslational modification is regulated remains obscure. Here we show that cells lacking the guided entry of tail-anchored proteins (GET) pathway exhibit reduced Atg32 phosphorylation and Atg32-Atg11 interactions, which can be rescued by additional loss of the ER-resident Ppg1-Far complex, a multi-subunit phosphatase negatively acting in mitophagy. In GET-deficient cells, Ppg1-Far is predominantly localized to mitochondria. An artificial ER anchoring of Ppg1-Far in GET-deficient cells significantly ameliorates defects in Atg32-Atg11 interactions and mitophagy. Moreover, disruption of GET and Msp1, an AAA-ATPase that extracts non-mitochondrial proteins localized to the mitochondrial surface, elicits synthetic defects in mitophagy. Collectively, we propose that the GET pathway mediates ER targeting of Ppg1-Far, thereby preventing dysregulated suppression of mitophagy activation.