Initial Entry Research Articles

An autophagy-related gene ATG14 promotes WSSV infection by facilitating autophagy in Cherax quadricarinatus

The activation of autophagy was found to be positively correlated with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) entry into host cells; however, the molecular regulation between autophagic initiation and WSSV entry is still poorly known. Herein, ATG14, a major member of autophagy initiation complex class III phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3KC3) complex 1 (PI3KC3-C1), playing a vital role in the formation of autophagy precursors, was studied on WSSV infection in a crustacean Cherax quadricarinatus. The CqATG14 gene was cloned with 1476 bp encoding 491 amino acids, which was widely expressed in all examined tissues of crayfish with the highest expression in hemocytes. Moreover, the gene expression of CqATG14 was significantly up-regulated at 6 and 12 hpi in crayfish hematopoietic tissue (Hpt) after WSSV infection. Importantly, the internalized WSSV virions was clearly decreased at an early infection stage of 2 hpi in CqATG14-silenced Hpt cells, causing the decrease of viral replication as the expression of both WSSV genes and viral protein VP28 were significantly down-regulated at a late infection stage after CqATG14 knocking down. Furthermore, the binding of CqATG14 to CqBeclin1 was determined by co-immunoprecipitation assay; meanwhile, the presence of CqGABARAP-II protein (a marker of autophagy activation) was significantly decreased in CqATG14-silenced Hpt cells. These data suggest that CqATG14 might promote the early infection of WSSV, probably resulting from the promotion of viral endocytosis via facilitating autophagy, which benefits the further exploration of molecular mechanism around WSSV-autophagy in crustaceans.

Does policy that provides choice in athletic footwear affect musculoskeletal injury risk in US Coast Guard recruits?

IntroductionMusculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) are ubiquitous during initial entry military training, with overuse injuries the most common. A common injury mechanism is running, an activity that is integral to US Coast...

Predictors of Identity Crime Victimization of Adolescent Youth in Foster Care

ABSTRACT Identity crimes pose serious risks and challenges for youth in foster care. As young people move through various out-of-home placements and schools, their personal data are often widely disseminated, difficult to secure, and thus vulnerable to theft and misuse. When they transition from foster care to adulthood, identity crime victims with compromised credit histories may be denied loans, employment, and/or housing during the already-precarious period of emerging adulthood. Even though federal law requires state child welfare agencies to conduct annual credit checks for adolescent youth in foster care, little is known about the factors contributing to risk of identity crime victimization among foster care-involved youth, either before or after their initial entry into care. To address this knowledge gap, we analyze linked child welfare and consumer credit records for a population cohort of 4,670 youth (age 14 to 17) in foster care in a southeastern state who received credit checks from November 2015 through December 2021. Using gradient boosted machine learning, we find that prior identity crime victimization before the youth first entered care is the strongest predictor of victimization while in foster care. Implications of these findings for policy and practice are discussed.

A progesterone derivative linked to a stable phospholipid activates breast cancer cell response without leaving the cell membrane

In hormone-responsive breast cancer cells, progesterone (P4) has been shown to act via its nuclear receptor (nPR), a ligand-activated transcription factor. A small fraction of progesterone receptor is palmitoylated and anchored to the cell membrane (mbPR) forming a complex with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Upon hormone exposure, either directly or via interaction with ERα, mbPR activates the SRC/RAS/ERK kinase pathway leading to phosphorylation of nPR by ERK. Kinase activation is essential for P4 gene regulation, as the ERK and MSK1 kinases are recruited by the nPR to its genomic binding sites and trigger chromatin remodeling. An interesting open question is whether activation of mbPR can result in gene regulation in the absence of ligand binding to intracellular progesterone receptor (iPR). This matter has been investigated in the past using P4 attached to serum albumin, but the attachment is leaky and albumin can be endocytosed and degraded, liberating P4. Here, we propose a more stringent approach to address this issue by ensuring attachment of P4 to the cell membrane via covalent binding to a stable phospholipid. This strategy identifies the actions of P4 independent from hormone binding to iPR. We found that a membrane-attached progestin can activate mbPR, the ERK signaling pathway leading to iPR phosphorylation, initial gene regulation and entry into the cell cycle, in the absence of detectable intracellular progestin.

Utilization of electronic health record sex and gender demographic fields: a metadata and mixed methods analysis.

Despite federally mandated collection of sex and gender demographics in the electronic health record (EHR), longitudinal assessments are lacking. We assessed sex and gender demographic field utilization using EHR metadata. Patients ≥18 years of age in the Mass General Brigham health system with a first Legal Sex entry (registration requirement) between January 8, 2018 and January 1, 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Metadata for all sex and gender fields (Legal Sex, Sex Assigned at Birth [SAAB], Gender Identity) were quantified by completion rates, user types, and longitudinal change. A nested qualitative study of providers from specialties with high and low field use identified themes related to utilization. 1576120 patients met inclusion criteria: 100% had a Legal Sex, 20% a Gender Identity, and 19% a SAAB; 321185 patients had field changes other than initial Legal Sex entry. About 2% of patients had a subsequent Legal Sex change, and 25% of those had ≥2 changes; 20% of patients had ≥1 update to Gender Identity and 19% to SAAB. Excluding the first Legal Sex entry, administrators made most changes (67%) across all fields, followed by patients (25%), providers (7.2%), and automated Health Level-7 (HL7) interface messages (0.7%). Provider utilization varied by subspecialty; themes related to systems barriers and personal perceptions were identified. Sex and gender demographic fields are primarily used by administrators and raise concern about data accuracy; provider use is heterogenous and lacking. Provider awareness of field availability and variable workflows may impede use. EHR metadata highlights areas for improvement of sex and gender field utilization.

Risk factors for hospital-based surgical site infections.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) contribute to morbidity and are costly to the healthcare system. To identify factors associated with SSIs. Case-control study analyzing the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD). We identified 45,445 SSIs. Infection rates were higher in those who were obese (BMI ≥ 30) (OR: 1.39, 95% CI 1.28-1.51), tobacco users (OR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.15), diagnosed with diabetes (OR: 1.16, 95% CI 1.10-1.22), with Elixhauser Comorbidity Index ≥ 2 (OR: 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.20), admitted to hospital for 4-6days (OR: 1.35, 95% CI 1.29-1.42), in medium-size hospital (OR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.05-1.26), or large-size hospital (OR: 1.43, 95% CI 1.31-1.56). In contrast, patients who were 60-79years old (OR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.73-0.84), 80years or older (OR: 0.66, 95% CI 0.59-0.73), female (OR: 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99), underweight (BMI < 18.5) (OR: 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.59), in a non-metropolitan hospital (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.75-0.91), self-pay (OR: 0.82, 95% CI 0.74-0.91), or covered by Medicare (OR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.91) had lower odds. Initial data entry to NRD is susceptible to human error. Patients who are obese, use tobacco, have multiple comorbidities, and have long hospital stays in medium-to-large-size hospitals are at risk of SSIs. Conversely, odds of SSIs are lower in females, age ≥ 60, BMI < 18.5, self-pay or Medicare (versus private insurance), or at smaller hospitals. Understanding factors associated with SSIs may help surgeons anticipate complications.

RESOLVING GENDER EQUALITY: HOW FAMILY BACKGROUND CAN HELP TO RESOLVE GENDER EQUALITY IN THE EMPLOYMENT CONTEXT

Occupational segregation encompasses two distinct phases: initial labour market entry, characterised as horizontal gender segregation, and subsequent ascension to upper echelons within firms, known as vertical gender segregation. Existing scholarly work has illuminated how the labour market delineates occupations into men-dominated, women-dominated, and mixed-gender spheres (Beller, 1984; Reskin &amp; Hartmann, 1986; Rytina &amp; Bianchi, 1984; Ruijter &amp; Huffman, 2003; May &amp; McGarvey, 2017; Lewandowski et al., 2020). Concurrently, vertical gender segregation, or the glass ceiling, propels men's expedited progression to upper management positions, contributing to male dominance in this realm. This gender disparity is underscored by global senior management statistics, revealing a mere 29% female representation (Catalyst, 2020). This research endeavours to dissect the familial impact on horizontal gender segregation, hypothesising its consequential role in driving vertical gender segregation. An online questionnaire was distributed to seven branches of the private college, and a total of 599 respondents were received. The descriptive statistical analysis was used to investigate which factor(s) of the family background influenced their education selection. The results found that parental role influenced the most decisions, followed by parents’ education and family's economic condition. However, there were no significant differences between the three factors, probably due to the financial assistance they received during their studies.

Development and Validation of a Patient Discharge Readiness Scale for Daytime Cataract Surgery (DRS-CAT)

PurposeTo ensure the safety of patients discharged from the hospital, a nurse-assessed scale for outpatient cataract surgery patients was constructed to provide a special tool for cataract patients’ discharge readiness evaluation. DesignThis is a methodological study. MethodsThe development of the tool was completed between 2021 and 2022. Based on the literature review and qualitative interviews, the initial entry pool of the discharge readiness scale was established. After consultation with Delphi experts, the preliminary scale was tested by 312 participants to screen items and test reliability and validity. The analysis included internal consistency, content validity, and construct validity. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observation studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was used as the reporting guideline for this study. FindingsThe final Discharge Readiness Scale for Cataract surgery consists of 21 items in five dimensions: cognition of discharge readiness, personal status, mastery of health education knowledge, coping capacity, and social support. Five common factors were extracted from the exploratory factor analysis, and they explained 70.12% of the total variance. All of the indexes of the confirmatory factor analysis were within the theoretical allowable range. The Cronbach's α of the total scale was 0.903, and the scale-level content validity index/average variance extracted was 0.99. ConclusionsThe Discharge Readiness Scale for Cataract surgery, evaluated by nurses, has good reliability and validity and can be used to determine the discharge readiness of cataract patients undergoing day surgery.

The Identity Dilemma among Inter-Generational Immigrants -- Take the United States in the 21st Century as an Example

For the United States, immigration has rapidly diversified its ethnic composition. With the arrival of people from different regions with different cultural origins and religious beliefs, some social problems have arisen while constantly exploring new living Spaces. Therefore, in order to solve the problem of the social identity of American immigrants and the identity dilemma between generations of immigrants, this paper adopts the literature research method and finds that from the initial entry verification to voucher entry, either way, will bring the experience of belonging to American immigrants. Differences and even contradictions between groups caused by racial differences and cultural barriers are everywhere in society, and even new immigrants will produce huge contradictions due to differences in identity and cultural identity. Only by grasping their own identity and sticking to their own Tao in mother culture and immigrant culture can they avoid the end of duckweed in chaotic times.

Behavior of neuropathy symptom score and neuropathy disability score in patients with and without peripheral diabetic neuropathy: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThis study aimed to stablish cut-off of early diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy (PDN) based on neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and neuropathy disability score (NDS); to determine the behavior of NDD and NDS in patients with and without PDN; and to verify the association between clinical and demographic variables with both tests. MethodsThis retrospective cohort included 86 patients with diabetes. The NSS and NDS evaluations were collected in medical records in two moments: initial (entry into service) and final (after three years). Individuals were categorized in three groups: G1- PDN in both evaluations (N = 27); G2- PDN only in the final evaluation (N = 16); G3-individuals without PDN (N = 43). A ROC curve was performed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of NSS and NDS for PDN diagnosis. ANOVA was used to compare NSS and NDS between groups and evaluations, and multiple regression was performed to find predictors of PDN. ResultsThe NSS and NDS showed excellent sensitivity and specificity (NDS ≥1.5 and NSS ≥6.5) for PDN diagnosis. There was a significant difference between groups in initial (p = 0.000) and final (p = 0.000) NDS and NSS evaluations. There was an association between peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and increase in NSS (p = 0.024) in G2; and association between loss of protective sensation (LOPS) and increase in NSS in G3 (p < 0.001). ConclusionNSS and NDS tests showed excellent sensitivity and specificity for early PDN diagnosis. Behavior of both tests can differ patients with and without PDN. Furthermore, PAD and LOPS can be a predictor of PDN evolution.

Fast and Robust Optimization of Full Trajectory from Entry Through Powered Descent

A high-mass Mars entry, descent, and landing (EDL) mission for cargo delivery or human exploration faces the challenge of a high propellant mass fraction requirement for powered descent. This work develops a novel method and the associated algorithm that utilize existing entry and propellant-optimal powered descent guidance algorithms for fast and robust optimization of the end-to-end EDL trajectory for achieving the overall optimized propellant efficiency. A bilevel optimization formulation aided by a predictive logic based on the optimal powered descent algorithm to determine the near-optimal transition from entry to powered descent allows the end-to-end trajectory to be optimized in a relatively simple manner. No new major software or algorithms are required other than the existing guidance algorithms. A solution to the bilevel optimization problem is shown to exist, and the convergence of the bilevel optimization algorithm is guaranteed under certain mild assumptions. The algorithm developed in this paper is able to find consistently an end-to-end near-optimal EDL trajectory in just over 10 s on a desktop computer, while general-purpose modern trajectory optimization software can take thousands of seconds. The effectiveness and robustness of the algorithm are demonstrated by successfully optimizing thousands of complete EDL trajectories efficiently and reliably from dispersed initial entry conditions.

A coupled 3D thermo-mechanical peridynamic model for cracking analysis of homogeneous and heterogeneous materials

This paper proposes a variable timestep-strategy that can speed up the peridynamic modeling of thermomechanical cracking in both homogeneous and heterogeneous materials. A piecewise continuous time-step variation function is incorporated into the peridynamic framework that dynamically adjusts the time-step size, which ranges from a small value to a maximum value that remains below the critical stable time-step. The advantages of this variable timestep strategy are threefold: (1) The exceptional computational efficiency of this approach is mainly manifested in enabling peridynamic simulation that is 20 times faster compared to that employing a constant time step; (2) Taking advantage of the proposed method, both two- and three-dimensional peridynamic modeling of thermomechanical deformation and crack propagation has been demonstrated to be of great accuracy and robustness; (3) Facilitated with this variable timestep strategy, we achieve a remarkable advancement in peridynamics to capture intricate 3D crack patterns with complex topological structures in homogeneous specimens subjected to water quenching. Furthermore, the effects of the temperature difference, specimen geometrical configurations and the initial water entry velocity on the crack patterns of the specimens under water quenching are systematically explored.

Antibody-mediated spike activation promotes cell-cell transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

The COVID pandemic fueled by emerging SARS-CoV-2 new variants of concern remains a major global health concern, and the constantly emerging mutations present challenges to current therapeutics. The spike glycoprotein is not only essential for the initial viral entry, but is also responsible for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 components via syncytia formation. Spike-mediated cell-cell transmission is strongly resistant to extracellular therapeutic and convalescent antibodies via an unknown mechanism. Here, we describe the antibody-mediated spike activation and syncytia formation on cells displaying the viral spike. We found that soluble antibodies against receptor binding motif (RBM) are capable of inducing the proteolytic processing of spike at both the S1/S2 and S2' cleavage sites, hence triggering ACE2-independent cell-cell fusion. Mechanistically, antibody-induced cell-cell fusion requires the shedding of S1 and exposure of the fusion peptide at the cell surface. By inhibiting S1/S2 proteolysis, we demonstrated that cell-cell fusion mediated by spike can be re-sensitized towards antibody neutralization in vitro. Lastly, we showed that cytopathic effect mediated by authentic SARS-CoV-2 infection remain unaffected by the addition of extracellular neutralization antibodies. Hence, these results unveil a novel mode of antibody evasion and provide insights for antibody selection and drug design strategies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 infected cells.

LTE RSSI Based Vehicular Localization System in Long Tunnel Environment

Current navigation systems rely heavily on global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs), which provide stable positioning results in open-sky environments but exhibit severe performance degradation in areas where the signal is compromised, such as dense urban environments, underground parking lots, and tunnels. Current navigation systems use an initial entry velocity to estimate a vehicle's position in a tunnel. Therefore, when the speed of a vehicle changes, a corresponding error occurs with respect to the determined position of the vehicle. This study proposes a novel localization technology to estimate a vehicle's position using long-term evolution (LTE) signals measured using a smartphone in a tunnel. Many antennas are installed along the length of the tunnel to increase LTE coverage. Thus, the LTE received signal strength indicator (RSSI) forms a unique pattern with several peaks in the tunnel. The accumulated LTE RSSI pattern was used to estimate the vehicle position in the tunnel. After the LTE fingerprint inside the tunnel was constructed, the position with the highest correlation with the LTE RSSI sequence of the user buffer was determined as the current vehicle location. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system, we conducted an extensive field test in an actual tunnel using various off-the-shelf smartphones. Experimental results show that the proposed technology provides stable performance throughout the tunnel space.

Salmonella engages CDC42 effector protein 1 for intracellular invasion.

Human enterocytes are primary targets of infection by invasive bacterium Salmonella Typhimurium, and studies using nonintestinal epithelial cells established that S. Typhimurium activates Rho family GTPases, primarily CDC42, to modulate the actin cytoskeletal network for invasion. The host intracellular protein network that engages CDC42 and influences the pathogen's invasive capacity are relatively unclear. Here, proteomic analyses of canonical and variant CDC42 interactomes identified a poorly characterized CDC42 interacting protein, CDC42EP1, whose intracellular localization is rapidly redistributed and aggregated around the invading bacteria. CDC42EP1 associates with SEPTIN-7 and Villin, and its relocalization and bacterial engagement depend on host CDC42 and S. Typhimurium's capability of activating CDC42. Unlike CDC42, CDC42EP1 is not required for S. Typhimurium's initial cellular entry but is found to associate with Salmonella-containing vacuoles after long-term infections, indicating a contribution to the pathogen's intracellular growth and replication. These results uncover a new host regulator of enteric Salmonella infections, which may be targeted to restrict bacterial load at the primary site of infection to prevent systemic spread.

Early educational trajectories of children with autism spectrum disorder in Chile: challenges and facilitators

Inclusive education and special education are the means of education for people with special educational needs and specific disabilities. Inclusive education has been promoted in recent decades as the optimal method of educating in diversity. However, in Chile, access to quality education remains a major challenge for students and their families. In this article, we explore the experiences, motivations, and main factors in making early educational decisions by families and caregivers of children on the autism spectrum. In particular, using six semi-structured interviews conducted with families and caregivers of children, we study the process of initial entry into the educational system, including parents’ perceptions and knowledge of the access routes to it and the facilitators and barriers present for their incorporation. The results indicate that, from the very beginning, the information available social and family attitudes, may hinder children’s access to the available care and education system, with a generalized demand to strengthen social and institutional support networks. In general, and as may be expected, educational decisions, trajectories, and expectations are interdependent and evolve with the experience of caregivers and children in the educational system and their families.

Comparison of Abdominal Initial Entry Techniques in Gynecological Laparoscopy

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the safety of laparoscopic entry techniques.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Within the scope of the study, medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopy due to various gynecological indications at our clinic between January 1, 2011, and July 1, 2015, were examined. Evaluation was conducted using our hospital’s electronic database.&#x0D; Results: In the patient cohort, direct trocar placement was preferred in 91.8% (1025 patients), Veress needle placement was used in 7.4% (82 patients), and an open technique was used in 0.8% (9 patients). In terms of entry sites, umbilicus was the most commonly chosen option, being preferred in 97.2% (1085 patients) of cases. In 2.4% of patients (27 patients), the midline abdominal trocar was preferred as the initial trocar insertion site. Among these patients, suprapubic incision was preferred in 62% (17 patients), while Lee-Huang point was chosen as the entry site in 38% (10 patients).Looking at the history of previous surgeries, 18.5% (206 patients) had a history of prior abdominal surgery, and 3.5% (39 patients) had undergone two previous surgical procedures. Only 0.1% (1 patient) had undergone three or more abdominal surgeries.&#x0D; Discussion: In conclusion, no clear superiority of one initial entry technique over another has been proven. Despite the extensive literature on laparoscopic entry, debates regarding the most effective method to prevent significant complications continue.

Colitis-induced upregulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2) terminates epithelial regenerative signaling to restore homeostasis

Colonic epithelial repair is a key determinant of health. Repair involves changes in epithelial differentiation, an extensive proliferative response, and upregulation of regeneration-associated "fetal-like" transcripts, including Ly6a (Sca-1), that represent Yap1 and interferon targets. However, little is known about how this regenerative program terminates and how homeostasis is restored during injury and inflammation. Here we show that, after the initial entry into the regenerative state, the subsequent upregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor 2 (R2, TNFR2, Tnfrsf1b) clears the regenerative signaling and restores homeostatic patterns of epithelial differentiation. Targeted deletion of epithelial TNFR2 invivo and in colonoid cultures revealed persistent expression of Ly6a, hyperproliferation, and reduced secretory differentiation. Moreover, mice lacking epithelial TNFR2 also failed to complete colon ulcer healing, suggesting that partial resolution of regenerative signaling is essential for the completion of the repair process. These results demonstrate how epithelial cells dynamically leverage a colitis-associated cytokine to choreograph repair.

On-ramp or speed bump? How boards influence the internationalisation of international new ventures

This article aims to explore how the boards of international new ventures (INVs) develop throughout the internationalisation and growth phases of the firm. Specifically, the study explores how the nature and extent of the board’s role changes over time in facilitating the INV’s knowledge and network acquisition. We draw on qualitative data, including 18 interviews with INVs and three interviews with experts on New Zealand’s high-technology sector. The data analysis yielded four main patterns. INVs that relied on an informal board during the initial market entry phase remained flexible in exploring multiple markets before transitioning to a formal board (Pattern 1). INVs that established a formal board during the initial market entry phase achieved accelerated internationalisation only when the board remained flexible (Pattern 2a). Where the formal board did not remain flexible, they became a ‘speed bump’ in the post-entry phase growth process, unless the management team could counter-balance this deceleration effect with bringing in informal board members (Pattern 2b). The findings suggest that the absence of a formal board also reduces internationalisation speed if the founder does not have the discipline to follow through with the exploitation of the perceived opportunities (Pattern 3).

Postsecondary Students’ Social Stress and Learning Styles

Postsecondary students can experience anxiety or stress upon initial entry into large campus classrooms or education abroad settings. Social phobia scrutiny fears combined with social interaction anxieties may culminate in social anxiety disorder or social stress. Social stress may negatively affect one’s enjoyment and fulfillment of learning and one’s ability to learn. This study investigated relationships between students’ social stress, educational setting, learning style, and demographics using the Social Phobia Scale, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, and the Learning Styles Inventory. Through a multiple correlational design, quantitative analysis revealed that social stress was positively associated with reflective observation and assimilative learning styles, but negatively associated with active experimentation learning styles for 144 students at a large southern US university. Females and on-campus students experienced more social stress than did males or those who participated in education abroad. Multiple linear regression revealed a significant increased level of social stress among minority students. About 18% of the variance in social stress was accounted for by significant independent variables (accommodative and convergent learning styles, being male, and Caucasian). Increased understanding of associations between social stress and learning style will help educators develop learning activities that promote inclusiveness for all. Continued research is needed to learn how to decrease social stressors in postsecondary education, especially for female and minority students to enable equitable learning spaces.