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Spatial transcriptomics is a powerful and widely used approach for profiling the gene expression landscape across a tissue with emerging applications in molecular medicine and tumor diagnostics. Recent spatial transcriptomics experiments utilize slides containing thousands of spots with spot-specific barcodes that bind RNA. Ideally, unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) at a spot measure spot-specific expression, but this is often not the case in practice due to bleed from nearby spots, an artifact we refer to as spot swapping. To improve the power and precision of downstream analyses in spatial transcriptomics experiments, we propose SpotClean, a probabilistic model that adjusts for spot swapping to provide more accurate estimates of gene-specific UMI counts. SpotClean provides substantial improvements in marker gene analyses and in clustering, especially when tissue regions are not easily separated. As demonstrated in multiple studies of cancer, SpotClean improves tumor versus normal tissue delineation and improves tumor burden estimation thus increasing the potential for clinical and diagnostic applications of spatial transcriptomics technologies. Spatial transcriptomics experiments profile genome-wide gene expression at localized spots across a tissue. Here, the authors identify spot swapping, an artifact where RNA expressed at one tissue spot binds probes at another, and they propose SpotClean to adjust for it.

Background Anatomy education in US medical schools has seen numerous changes since the call for medical education reform in 2010. The purpose of this study was to survey US medical schools to assess recent trends in anatomy education, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anatomy teaching, and future directions of medical school anatomy curricula. Methods We sent a 29-item survey to anatomy course directors of 145 AAMC-associated allopathic medical schools inquiring about their schools’ anatomy curricula. The survey contained objective discrete questions concerning the curricula changes preceding COVID-19 and those directly related to COVID-19. We also asked subjective and open-ended questions about the impact of COVID-19 and future directions of anatomy education. Results A total of 117/143 course directors (82%) completed the survey. Most schools (60%) reported a major change to their anatomy course within the past five years, including a decrease in total course time (20%), integration of anatomy into other courses (19%), and implementation of a “flipped classroom” (15%) teaching style. Due to COVID-19, there was a decrease in the fraction of course time dedicated to “hands-on” learning ( p  < 0.01) and teaching of clinical correlates ( p  = 0.02) and radiology ( p  < 0.01). Most course directors (79%) reported that COVID-19 had a negative impact on quality of learning due to decreased interactive or in-person (62%) learning and lack of dissection (44%). Incorporation of virtual-reality applications or 3D anatomy software (23%) and a decrease in cadaver dissection (13%) were the most common future anticipated changes. Conclusion The constraints conferred by COVID-19 highlight the importance of maximizing interactive learning in the discipline of anatomy. In an era of social distancing and decreased emphasis on conventional anatomy dissection, adaptations of new technologies and teaching modalities may allow for traditional educational rigor to be sustained.

In this research work, Dy 3+ doped alkali zinc alumino borosilicate (AZABS) glasses have been prepared via melt quenching technique. A series of AZABS glasses of varying concentrations of dysprosium (Dy 3+ ) (0.1–2.5 mol%) was prepared. It was found that under UV excitation, 0.5 mol% Dy 3+ doped glass exhibited maximum luminescence intensity. Subsequent photoluminescence studies like emission/excitation spectra, temperature-dependent photoluminescence and decay kinetics were also performed. The value of direct bandgap as calculated from Tauc Plot for 0.5 mol% of Dy 3+ ions doped AZABS glass is 2.85 eV. Yellow to blue ratio and colorimetry analysis have showed that the as-prepared glasses are capable of producing cool white light. Application of Dexter theory showed that the energy transfer mechanism between the dopant ions in the glass matrix was of dipole–dipole nature. It is proposed that these Dy 3+ doped AZABS glasses can be used as prospective materials in optoelectronic device applications such as solid-state lighting and w-LEDs.

Propensity score techniques can reduce confounding and bias in observational studies. Such analyses are able to measure and balance pre-determined covariates between treated and untreated groups, leading to results that can approximate those generated by randomized prospective studies when such trials are not feasible. The most commonly used propensity score -based analytic technique is propensity score matching (PSM). Although PSM popularity has continued to increase in medical literature, improper methodology or methodological reporting may lead to biased interpretation of treatment effects or limited scientific reproducibility and generalizability. In this study, we aim to characterize and assess the quality of PSM methodology reporting in high-impact otolaryngologic literature. PubMed and Embase based systematic review of the top 20 journals in otolaryngology, as measured by impact factor from the Journal Citations Reports from 2012 to 2018, for articles using PSM analysis throughout their publication history. Eligible articles were reviewed and assessed for quality and reporting of PSM methodology. Our search yielded 101 studies, of which 92 were eligible for final analysis and review. The proportion of studies utilizing PSM increased significantly over time (p < 0.001). Nearly all studies (96.7%, n = 89) specified the covariates used to calculate propensity scores. Covariate balance was illustrated in 67.4% (n = 62) of studies, most frequently through p-values. A minority (17.4%, n = 16) of studies were found to be fully reproducible according to previously established criteria. While PSM analysis is becoming increasingly prevalent in otolaryngologic literature, the quality of PSM methodology reporting can be improved. We provide potential recommendations for authors regarding optimal reporting for analyses using PSM.

Given worldwide increases in the incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, new strategies for preventing and treating metabolic diseases are needed. The nuclear receptor PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) plays a central role in lipid and glucose metabolism; however, current PPARγ-targeting drugs are characterized by undesirable side effects. Natural products from edible biomaterial provide a structurally diverse resource to alleviate complex disorders via tailored nutritional intervention. We identified a family of natural products, the amorfrutins, from edible parts of two legumes, Glycyrrhiza foetida and Amorpha fruticosa, as structurally new and powerful antidiabetics with unprecedented effects for a dietary molecule. Amorfrutins bind to and activate PPARγ, which results in selective gene expression and physiological profiles markedly different from activation by current synthetic PPARγ drugs. In diet-induced obese and db/db mice, amorfrutin treatment strongly improves insulin resistance and other metabolic and inflammatory parameters without concomitant increase of fat storage or other unwanted side effects such as hepatoxicity. These results show that selective PPARγ-activation by diet-derived ligands may constitute a promising approach to combat metabolic disease.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244423.].

Gesture Language Translator using Morse Code is an innovative assistive technology designed to address the communication challenges faced by people with auditory or speech impairments. These individuals struggle with expressing themselves verbally or understanding spoken language, leading to social isolation and frustration. communication aids frequently lack the real-time responsiveness and intuitive interaction necessary for effective communication. This study aims to bridge this gap by leveraging a sensor-embedded glove that translates user gestures into Morse code, a universally recognized system. The translated Morse code is then converted into both auditory and visual feedback, enabling users to communicate seamlessly and in real time. The development of this device involves the integration of various hardware and software components to create a cohesive and functional prototype. Key hardware elements include sensors embedded in a glove, microcontrollers for processing signals, and output modules for delivering auditory and visual feedback. On the software side, this system entails designing robust. This study not only aims to develop a practical communication tool but also seeks to promote inclusivity and accessibility in communication. By enabling individuals with auditory or speech impairments to express themselves effectively, the Gesture Language Translator fosters participation in social interactions and activities. The iterative design process, involving user feedback and rigorous testing, ensures the device meets the specific needs of its users. Additionally, exploring the potential of incorporating Hindi Sign Language into the system could significantly enhance its accessibility for individuals who primarily communicate in Hindi. While this may require additional research and development, it presents an opportunity to bridge language barriers and promote inclusivity on a larger scale.

Objective Nonphysician health care workers are involved in high-risk patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing them at high risk of mental health burden. The mental health impact of COVID-19 in this crucial population has not been studied thus far. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the psychosocial well-being of these providers. Study Design National cross-sectional online survey (no control group). Setting Academic otolaryngology programs in the United States. Subjects and Methods We distributed a survey to nonphysician health care workers in otolaryngology departments across the United States. The survey incorporated a variety of validated mental health assessment tools to measure participant burnout (Mini-Z assessment), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7), distress (Impact of Event Scale), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire–2). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictive factors associated with these mental health outcomes. Results We received 347 survey responses: 248 (71.5%) nurses, 63 (18.2%) administrative staff, and 36 (10.4%) advanced practice providers. A total of 104 (30.0%) respondents reported symptoms of burnout; 241 (69.5%), symptoms of anxiety; 292 (84.1%), symptoms of at least mild distress; and 79 (22.8%), symptoms of depression. Upon further analysis, development of these symptoms was associated with factors such as occupation, practice setting, and case load. Conclusion Frontline otolaryngology health care providers exhibit high rates of mental health complications, particularly anxiety and distress, in the wake of COVID-19. Adequate support systems must be put into place to address these issues.

This case describes a patient with known mantle cell lymphoma without cutaneous involvement presenting with a diffuse morbilliform rash during an inpatient admission for bacterial pneumonia. The patient was thought to have a hypersensitivity to antibiotics but failed to improve after the offending agents were stopped. A skin biopsy revealed metastatic cutaneous mantle cell lymphoma. Treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and chemotherapy was initiated resulting in the resolution of the rash.