Ulnar variance and load transfer in the forearm during maximal grip: a finite element study

The aim of the study was to simulate the effects, ulnar variance has on the load distribution to the radius and ulna during maximal gripping and compare to previously published measurements, which used load cells placed on the forearm bones to measure the load ratio

BORDETELLA FILAMENTOUS HEMAGGLUTININ UNDERGOES REGULATED, SEQUENTIAL PROCESSING BY MULTIPLE PROTEASES AND POTENTIALLY FUNCTIONS IN SELECTIVE DELIVERY OF ADENYLATE CYCLASE TOXIN TO HOST CELLS

Filamentous hemagglutinin is a critically important virulence factor produced by Bordetella species that cause respiratory infections in humans and other animals. It is also a prototypical member of the Two Partner Secretion family of proteins. Synthesized as the ~370 kDa protein FhaB, filamentous hemagglutinin is converted during secretion to the ~260 kDa protein FHA by regulated degradation of its C-terminal ~1,200 amino acid “prodomain”. Here, we identify CtpA as a periplasmic protease responsible for degradation. We show that stepwise proteolysis by CtpA, the autotransporter SphB1, and a yet unidentified protease is required for FhaB conversion, release of FHA into extracellular milieu, and full function in vivo. We also present early evidence supporting the hypothesis that degradation may occur to facilitate cell-specific delivery of adenylate cyclase toxin to phagocytes. These data support a substantially updated model for the mechanism of secretion, maturation, and function of this model Two Partner Secretion protein.Master of Scienc

A three-dimensional finite element model of maximal grip loading in the human wrist

The aim of this work was to create an anatomically accurate three-dimensional finite element model of the wrist, applying subject-specific loading and quantifying the internal load transfer through the joint during maximal grip. For three subjects, representing the anatomical variation at the wrist, loading on each digit was measured during a maximal grip strength test with simultaneous motion capture. The internal metacarpophalangeal joint load was calculated using a biomechanical model. High-resolution magnetic resonance scans were acquired to quantify bone geometry. Finite element analysis was performed, with ligaments and tendons added, to calculate the internal load distribution. It was found that for the maximal grip the thumb carried the highest load, an average of 72.2 ¡ 20.1 N in the neutral position. Results from the finite element model suggested that the highest regions of stress were located at the radial aspect of the carpus. Most of the load was transmitted through the radius, 87.5 per cent, as opposed to 12.5 per cent through the ulna with the wrist in a neutral position. A fully three-dimensional finite element analysis of the wrist using subject-specific anatomy and loading conditions was performed. The study emphasizes the importance of modelling a large ensemble of subjects in order to capture the spectrum of the load transfer through the wrist due to anatomical variation

Social Needs Screenings Programs: Factors for Success

Abstract Introduction: In January 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented Health Quality Measure (HQM) 487, which required participating hospitals to annually screen admitted patients for the 5 domains of the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). These requirements allowed hospitals to develop individualized, but compliant, screening programs. Previous SDOH screening research has focused on measurement tools, but not the mechanisms of screening present in various hospitals. Research Objectives: This study will investigate the mechanism(s) for a social needs screening program (which is reflective of underlying SDOH disparity) in a large, multi-hospital academic health system in the Northeastern United States. A secondary objective will be to determine factors that positively and negatively affect the ability of a program to accurately capture underlying SDOH disparities and improve health outcomes. Methods: Directors from 17 hospitals within the health system will be interviewed using a standardized survey and structured interview. Questions about topics such as the screening setting, screening administrators, and which SDOH domains are screened for will be asked. Preliminary Results: Not available. Expected Outcomes and Significance: This investigation aims to holistically characterize SDOH screening programs in a hospital setting and highlight their distinguishing attributes. This may allow for better contextualization of SDOH data collected across different institutions, leading to a better understanding of disparities across larger populations. Well contextualized data will also strengthen disparity-influenced decision making and allow providers to better leverage public sector and industry social services to address health inequities

Her Voice: Engaging and Preparing Girls With Disabilities for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Careers

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) related fields comprise the top 30 occupations expected to grow the fastest by 2026. This increase in job opportunities, coupled with the evolution of technology, is creating higher demands for diversity in the labor market. Currently all students require innovative training and support from a young age to pursue STEM careers successfully. However, women and girls with disabilities face unique barriers along the STEM education pipeline. In this paper, we report the current and projected labor market trends in the United States. We then consider how this labor market information can be used by elementary educators to engage girls with disabilities in STEM-related learning effectively. Finally, through our analysis of labor market needs and the available assessment and intervention literature, we present a science-informed framework for intervention

Rural-Urban Differences in Caregiver Burden Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic among a National Sample of Informal Caregivers

The objective of this exploratory study was to explore potential associations between changes to caregiver burden (CB) due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rural-urban status using a nationally representative sample of 761 informal caregivers. Tertiles of two measures of rural-urban status were used: Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCAs) and population density. Bivariate and multivariable binary and ordinal logistic regression were used to asses study objectives. Using RUCAs, rural informal caregivers were more than twice as likely as urban informal caregivers to report a substantial increase in CB due to COVID-19 (OR 2.27, 95% CI [1.28–4.02]). Similar results were observed for population density tertiles (OR 2.20, 95% CI [1.22–3.96]). Having a COVID-19 diagnosis was also significantly associated with increased CB. Understanding and addressing the root causes of rural-urban disparities in CB among informal caregivers is critical to improving caregiver health and maintaining this critical component of the healthcare system

Tracking the Fine Scale Movements of Fish using Autonomous Maritime Robotics: A Systematic State of the Art Review

This paper provides a systematic state of the art review on tracking the fine scale movements of fish with the use of autonomous maritime robotics. Knowledge of migration patterns and the localization of specific species of fish at a given time is vital to many aspects of conservation. This paper reviews these technologies and provides insight into what systems are being used and why. The review results show that a larger amount of complex systems that use a deep learning techniques are used over more simplistic approaches to the design. Most results found in the study involve Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, which generally require the most complex array of sensors. The results also provide insight into future research such as methods involving swarm intelligence, which has seen an increase in use in recent years. This synthesis of current and future research will be helpful to research teams working to create an autonomous vehicle with intentions to track, navigate or survey

The C. elegans Lifespan Machine

The measurement of lifespan pervades aging research. Because lifespan results from complex interactions between genetic, environmental and stochastic factors, it varies widely even among isogenic individuals. The action of molecular mechanisms on lifespan is therefore visible only through their statistical effects on populations. Survival assays in C. elegans provided critical insights into evolutionarily conserved determinants of aging. To enable the rapid acquisition of survival curves at arbitrary statistical resolution, we developed a scalable imaging and analysis platform to observe nematodes over multiple weeks across square meters of agar surface at 8 μm resolution. The method generates a permanent visual record of individual deaths from which survival curves are constructed and validated, producing data consistent with the manual method for several mutants in both standard and stressful environments. Our approach allows rapid, detailed reverse-genetic and chemical screens for effects on survival and enables quantitative investigations into the statistical structure of aging

Charting a Path to the Quintuple Aim: Harnessing AI to Address Social Determinants of Health

The Quintuple Aim seeks to improve healthcare by addressing social determinants of health (SDOHs), which are responsible for 70-80% of medical outcomes. SDOH-related concerns have traditionally been addressed through referrals to social workers and community-based organizations (CBOs), but these pathways have had limited success in connecting patients with resources. Given that health inequity is expected to cost the United States nearly USD 300 billion by 2050, new artificial intelligence (AI) technology may aid providers in addressing SDOH. In this commentary, we present our experience with using ChatGPT to obtain SDOH management recommendations for archetypal patients in Philadelphia, PA. ChatGPT identified relevant SDOH resources and provided contact information for local organizations. Future exploration could improve AI prompts and integrate AI into electronic medical records to provide healthcare providers with real-time SDOH recommendations during appointments

The Utility of Mechanical Homogenization in COVID-19 Diagnostic Workflows

The use of mechanical homogenization in patient sample preparation for COVID-19 diagnostics has proven impactful in the face of the global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Through methods including bead beating and shaker mill homogenization novel approaches to viral detection have been developed and improvements have been made to existing diagnostic workflows for the improvement of throughput and automation capacity. The application of mechanical homogenization techniques has enhanced the sensitivity and methodology for many molecular based approaches to COVID-19 detection and from a variety of sample types ranging from saliva to nasopharyngeal swabs. Additionally, this technology has been used to help increase laboratory safety during sample processing through efficient viral lysis. Herein, the many benefits of mechanical homogenization for COVID-19 detection will be discussed in the context of the many diagnostic workflows currently utilizing the technique