Statistical Methods in Integrative Genomics

Statistical methods in integrative genomics aim to answer important biology questions by jointly analyzing multiple types of genomic data (vertical integration) or aggregating the same type of data across multiple studies (horizontal integration). In this article, we introduce different types of genomic data and data resources, and then review statistical methods of integrative genomics, with emphasis on the motivation and rationale of these methods. We conclude with some summary points and future research directions

Student Perspectives on E-Learning in a Malaysian Medical College One Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, physical in-person classes in Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) were replaced with e-learning. Teaching in NUMed was being delivered online during COVID-19 pandemic for the last one and a half academic years (18 March 2020 – June 2021) due to the strict lockdowns and physical distancing measures in place, limited in-person sessions on campus, and disrupted hospital attachments. There was concern over the effectiveness and satisfaction with e-learning amongst our students, and how this affects their overall academic performance. Our study aims to explore students’ e-learning experiences and its perceived benefits and challenges during the pandemic. Methods: 285 students participated in this cross-sectional study using a convenience sampling method. Participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire via an email invitation between July 12th and August 12th, 2021 which comprised of sociodemographic characteristics and experiences with e-learning. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation tests were used to identify correlation between students’ e-learning experiences, the effects of e-learning, and academic performance. Results: Most students used laptops (n=275, 96.5%) for e-learning and owned at least two electronic devices (n=245, 86%). Over half of our students (n=148, 51.9%) reported their theoretical knowledge remains unchanged, while about three-quarters (n=213, 74.7%) perceived practical skills to have worsened. Students preferred paper-based exams (n=170, 59.6%) and objectively formatted online exams (n=193, 67.7%). Since transitioning to e-learning, the majority of students (n=207, 72.6%) reported difficulties studying online and were unsatisfied with their academic performance (n=166, 58.2%). Students preferred e-learning due to the lower risk of contracting COVID-19 (n=256, 89.8%), the convenience of online classes (n=244, 85.6%) and flexible schedules (n=219, 76.8%). However, the lack of patient contact (n=236, 82.8%), lecturer and peer interactions (n=234, 82.1%), and unreliable internet (n=201, 70.5%) made e-learning challenging. Students’ experiences were generally affected by multiple factors encompassing personal, lecturer, and environmental aspects. Conclusion: E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted students’ academic performance, particularly practical skills and performance satisfaction. Therefore, the university should look towards addressing e-learning constraints and providing adequate support to improve students’ educational experiences in the ongoing pandemic

2007-2008 Master Class - Sylvia Rosenberg (Violin)

https://spiral.lynn.edu/conservatory_masterclasses/1116/thumbnail.jp

Transport of N-acetylaspartate via murine sodium/dicarboxylate cotransporter NaDC3 and expression of this transporter and aspartoacylase II in ocular tissues in mouse

AbstractCanavan disease is a genetic disorder associated with optic neuropathy and the metabolism of N-acetylaspartate is defective in this disorder due to mutations in the gene coding for the enzyme aspartoacylase II. Here we show that the plasma membrane transporter NaDC3, a Na+-coupled transporter for dicarboxylates, is able to transport N-acetylaspartate, suggesting that the transporter may function in concert with aspartoacylase II in the metabolism of N-acetylaspartate. Since Canavan disease is associated with ocular complications, we investigated the expression pattern of NaDC3 and aspartoacylase II in ocular tissues in mouse by in situ hybridization. These studies show that NaDC3 mRNA is expressed in the optic nerve, most layers of the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, ciliary body, iris, and lens. Aspartoacylase II mRNA is coexpressed in most of these cell types. We conclude that transport of N-acetylaspartate into ocular tissues via NaDC3 and its subsequent hydrolysis by aspartoacylase II play an essential role in the maintenance of visual function

Reduced acquisition and reactivation of human papillomavirus infections among older women treated with cryotherapy: results from a randomized trial in South Africa

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Treatment of women for high-grade cervical cancer precursors frequently results in clearance of the associated high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection but the role of treatment among women without hrHPV is unknown. We investigated whether cervical cryotherapy reduces newly detected hrHPV infections among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women who were hrHPV negative when treated.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The impact of cryotherapy on newly detected hrHPV infections was examined among 612 women of known HIV serostatus, aged 35 to 65 years, who were negative for hrHPV DNA, and randomized to either undergo cryotherapy (n = 309) or not (n = 303). All women underwent repeat hrHPV DNA testing 6, 12, 24, and 36 months later.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among 540 HIV-negative women, cryotherapy was associated with a significant reduction in newly detected hrHPV infections. Women in the cryotherapy group were 55% less likely to have newly detected hrHPV than women in the control group (95% CI 0.28 to 0.71). This association was independent of the influence of changes in sexual behaviors following therapy (adjusted hazards ratio (HR) = 0.49, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.81). Among 72 HIV-positive women, similar reductions were not observed (HR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.53 to 2.29).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Cervical cryotherapy significantly reduced newly detected hrHPV infections among HIV-negative, but not HIV-positive women. These results raise intriguing questions about immunological responses and biological mechanisms underlying the apparent prophylactic benefits of cryotherapy.</p

Magneto-ionic control of spin polarization in multiferroic tunnel junctions

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 barriers are reported to show both tunneling magnetoresistance effect (TMR) and tunneling electroresistance effect (TER), displaying four resistance states by magnetic and electric field switching. Here we show that, under electric field cycling of large enough magnitude, the TER can reach values as large as 10^6%. Moreover, concomitant with this TER enhancement, the devices develop electrical control of spin polarization, with sign reversal of the TMR effect. Currently, this intermediate state exists for a limited number of cycles and understanding the origin of these phenomena is key to improve its stability. The experiments presented here point to the magneto-ionic effect as the origin of the large TER and strong magneto-electric coupling, showing that ferroelectric polarization switching of the tunnel barrier is not the main contribution

Cops & No Counselors: How the Lack of School Mental Health Staff Is Harming Students

This report examines data provided by the U.S. Department of Education\u27s Office of Civil Rights to better understand the prevalence of school-based mental health (SBMH) professionals in schools. Asserting that access to emotional, behavioral, and mental health supports are part of accessing a Free and Appropriate Education and are a civil right, Dr. Mann and her collaborators at the ACLU examine the impact of a lack of appropriate SBMH supports in schools. The report authors also examine the consequences of hardening of schools including the proliferation of law enforcement in schools