First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Biology Open, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Sonu S. Baral is first author on ‘Nucleolar stress in Drosophila neuroblasts, a model for human ribosomopathies’, published in BiO. Sonu conducted the research described in this article while a PhD student in Patrick J. DiMario's lab at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA. She is now a R&D scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Santa Clara, CA, USA, investigating various genetic disorders relevant to reproductive health and newborn screening.

Background:

Previous studies examining potential sex and gender bias in the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) match have had conflicting results. We examined the results of the CaRMS match over the period 2013–2019 to determine the potential association between applicants’ gender and the outcome of matching to their first-choice discipline.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional analysis, we determined the risk of matching to one’s first-choice discipline in CaRMS by applicant gender and year, for all Canadian medical students who participated in the first iteration of the R-1 match for the years 2013 to 2019. We analyzed data in 3 categories of disciplines according to CaRMS classifications: family medicine, nonsurgical disciplines and surgical disciplines. We excluded disciplines with fewer than 10 applicants.

Results:

Match results were available for 20 033 participants, of whom 11 078 (55.3%) were female. Overall, female applicants were significantly more likely to match to their first-choice discipline (relative risk [RR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.04). After adjustment for match year and stratification by discipline categories, we found that female applicants were more likely to match to family medicine as their first choice (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.05) and less likely to match to a first-choice surgical discipline (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91–1.00) than their male peers. There was no significant difference between the genders in matching to one’s first-choice nonsurgical discipline (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.03).

Interpretation:

These results suggest an association between an applicant’s gender and the probability of matching to one’s first-choice discipline. The possibility of gender bias in the application process for residency programs should be further evaluated and monitored.

Background:

First Nations people in Ontario have an increased prevalence of diabetes compared to other people in the province. This study examined use of health care services by First Nations people with diabetes and other people with diabetes in Ontario.

Methods:

Using linked health administrative databases, we identified all people in Ontario with diabetes as of Apr. 1, 2014. We identified First Nations people using the Indian Register. We looked at outcomes from Apr. 1, 2014, to Mar. 31, 2015. We determined the proportion of people with a regular family physician and their continuity of care with that physician. We also examined visits with specialists for diabetes care, hospital admissions for ambulatory-care–sensitive conditions, and emergency department visits for hypo- or hyperglycemia.

Results:

There were 1 380 529 people diagnosed with diabetes in Ontario as of Apr. 1, 2014, of whom 22 952 (1.7%) were First Nations people. First Nations people were less likely to have a regular family physician (85.3% v. 97.7%) and had lower continuity of care with that physician (mean score for continuity of care 74.6 v. 77.7) than other people in Ontario. They were also less likely to see specialists. First Nations people were more likely to be admitted to hospital for ambulatory-care–sensitive conditions (2.4% v. 1.2%) and to have an emergency department visit for hypo- or hyperglycemia (1.5% v. 0.8%). Disparities were particularly marked for those living in First Nations communities.

Interpretation:

First Nations people with diabetes in Ontario had poorer access to and use of primary care than other people with diabetes in the province. These findings may help explain continued disparities in the rates of complications related to diabetes.

Background:

In Canada, First Nations populations experience a higher incidence of diabetes and diabetes-related complications than other people. Given the paucity of information on use of preventive eye examinations and the need for interventional care for severe retinopathy among First Nations people, we carried out a population-based study to compare rates of eye examinations and interventional therapies to treat vision-threatening stages of diabetic retinopathy among First Nations people and other people with diabetes in Ontario.

Methods:

In collaboration with the Chiefs of Ontario, we carried out a population-based study to identify cohorts of First Nations people and other people with diabetes in Ontario from 1995/96 to 2014/15. We used linked health administrative databases to evaluate rates of eye examination (2005/06–2014/15) and severe diabetic retinopathy treatment and compared them between the 2 populations, and between First Nations people living in and outside of First Nations communities.

Results:

We identified 23 013 First Nations people and 1 364 222 other people diagnosed with diabetes from 1995/96 to 2014/15, of whom 49.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.9%–50.7%) and 53.8% (95% CI 53.7%–54.0%), respectively, received an eye examination in 2014/15. Eye examination rates were similar for First Nations people regardless of whether they lived in or outside a First Nations community. First Nations people developed severe diabetic retinopathy at a faster rate than other people (hazard ratio 1.19, 95% CI 1.02–1.38). The gap between First Nations people and other people in the proportion requiring therapy for severe diabetic retinopathy was especially prominent among younger people. There were no significant differences in rates of diabetic retinopathy treatment in First Nations people stratified by place of residence.

Interpretation:

Eye examination rates remain suboptimal among people with diabetes in Ontario and were lower among First Nations people. This is particularly concerning in light of our other findings showing an increased risk of requiring treatment for advanced diabetic retinopathy and the accelerated rate of diabetic retinopathy progression among First Nations people with diabetes.

Recent FDA approvals of regimens targeting programmed death 1 (PD-1) in combination with anti-CTLA-4 or with VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitors are reshaping front-line therapy for metastatic kidney cancer. In parallel, therapeutics specific for programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), one of the two major ligands for PD-1, are under continued investigation. Surprisingly, not all PD-1 and PD-L1 agents lead to similar clinical outcomes, potentially due to biological differences in the cellular expression and regulation of these targets. Here, we review current clinical data on combination immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in metastatic kidney cancer and discuss the relevant biology of PD-1 and PD-L1. The design of future rational combination therapy trials in metastatic renal cell carcinoma will rely upon an understanding of this biology, along with an evolving understanding of immune cell populations and their functional states in the tumor microenvironment.

Etravirine (ETR) is a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used in treatment-experienced individuals. Genotypic resistance test-interpretation systems can predict ETR resistance; however, genotype-based algorithms are derived primarily from HIV-1 subtype B and may not accurately predict resistance in non-B subtypes. The frequency of ETR resistance among recombinant subtype C HIV-1 and the accuracy of genotypic interpretation systems were investigated. HIV-1_LAI containing full-length RT from HIV-1 subtype C-positive individuals experiencing virologic failure (>10,000 copies/ml and >1 NNRTI resistance-associated mutation) were phenotyped for ETR susceptibility. Fold change (FC) was calculated against a composite 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀) from treatment-naive individuals and three classifications were assigned: (i) <2.9-FC, susceptible; (ii) ≥2.9- to 10-FC, partially resistant; and (iii) >10-FC, fully resistant. The Stanford HIVdb-v8.4 was used for genotype predictions merging the susceptible/potential low-level and low-level/intermediate groups for 3 x 3 comparison. Fifty-four of a hundred samples had reduced ETR susceptibility (≥2.9-FC). The FC correlated with HIVdb-v8.4 (Spearman’s rho = 0.62; P < 0.0001); however, 44% of samples were partially (1 resistance classification difference) and 4% completely discordant (2 resistance classification differences). Of the 34 samples with an FC of >10, 26 were HIVdb-v8.4 classified as low-intermediate resistant. Mutations L100I, Y181C, or M230L were present in 27/34 (79%) of samples with an FC of >10 but only in 2/46 (4%) of samples with an FC of <2.9. No other mutations were associated with ETR resistance. Viruses containing the mutation K65R were associated with reduced ETR susceptibility, but 65R reversions did not increase ETR susceptibility. Therefore, genotypic interpretation systems were found to misclassify ETR susceptibility in HIV-1 subtype C samples. Modifications to genotypic algorithms are needed to improve the prediction of ETR resistance for the HIV-1 subtype C.

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For almost first-time home buyers, owning a home can be a very rewarding experience. With a little caution and some attention to detail, you can avoid costly mistakes.

If you’re excited and in good shape to buy a home, self-made millionaire Barbara Corcoran says these are the five steps for you to take.

Finding your first apartment is an exciting milestone. But as with many firsts, your first apartment hunt can be overwhelming and stressful. This guide can help you navigate the search and find the perfect first place.

To take your first-time buyer from shopping to purchasing requires a lot of investment, a bit of armchair psychology, and a lot of research, and you absolutely must stay on your toes. We put together 10 tips to help you close the deal with first-time buyers.

You are preparing your home for sale? Don’t forget to make some small repairs since they can make a big difference both in terms of interest levels and offer prices for the home.

Although there are many first time buyers who are not in a financial position to buy the home of their dreams just yet, there are countless who are perfectly placed to climb onto the property ladder by buying an investment property.

Ubisoft has released the first look gameplay trailer for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The gameplay is "representative of Xbox Series X gameplay."

"As developers, we’re always excited to work with new hardware because it gives us a greater ability to express our creative vision," said Assassin’s Creed Valhalla creative director Ashraf Ismail. "Assassin’s Creed has always been committed to exploring new technologies and leveraging new consoles’ abilities to deliver the most immersive experience possible. We are excited to be collaborating closely with Microsoft to bring Assassin’s Creed Valhalla to the Xbox Series X."

View the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla gameplay trailer below:

Here is an overview of the game:

In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you are Eivor, a fierce Viking warrior raised on tales of battle and glory. Explore a dynamic and beautiful open world set against the brutal backdrop of England’s Dark Ages. Raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in your quest to earn your place among the gods in Valhalla.

Key Features:

• Write Your Viking Saga – Advanced RPG mechanics allow you to shape the growth of your character and influence the world around you. With every choice you make, from political alliances and combat strategy to dialogue and gear progression, you will carve your own path to glory.
• Visceral Combat System – Dual-wield powerful weapons such as axes, swords, and even shields to relive the ruthless fighting style of the Viking warriors. Brutally decapitate your foes, vanquish them from afar, or stealthily assassinate targets with your hidden blade. Challenge yourself with the most varied collection of deadly enemies ever found in an Assassin’s Creed game.
• A Dark Age Open World – Sail from the harsh and mysterious shores of Norway to the beautiful but forbidding kingdoms of England and beyond. Immerse yourself in the Viking way of life through fishing, hunting, drinking games, and more.
• Lead Epic Raids – Launch massive assaults against Saxon troops and fortresses throughout England. Lead your clan in surprise attacks from your longship and pillage enemy territories to bring riches and resources back to your people.
• Grow Your Settlement – Construct and upgrade buildings that allow for deep customization, including a barracks, blacksmith, tattoo parlor, and more. Recruit new members to your clan and personalize your Viking experience.
• Mercenary Vikings – Create and customize a unique Viking raider within your clan and share it online with friends to use during their own raids.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will launch for Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Google Stadia in Holiday 2020. The game will support Smart Delivery on the Xbox. This means if you purchase the game on the Xbox One or Xbox Series X, you will automatically gain access to the other version of the game. 

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443428/assassins-creed-valhalla-gets-xbox-series-x-first-look-gameplay-trailer/

Within months researchers will attempt to create a ball of plasma hotter than the sun inside the Joint European Torus, a doughnut-shaped machine in south-east England

Watch everything unfold in real time, rather than reading about it later.

The Quadrantid meteor shower has a short peak period that lasts only a few hours, so midnight on 3 January is the best time to view in the UK

The TESS space telescope has found its first Earth-sized planet with conditions that might be right for life, orbiting a small star 100 light years away

China has connected the world’s first portable ground station for quantum communication to the Mozi satellite, and has plans to launch another quantum satellite soon

A private satellite that is low on fuel could survive five more years because another satellite has come to its rescue – a technique that could be used by future service spacecraft

New images reveal threads of ultra-hot gas woven throughout the sun's corona, in the most detailed look at previously unseen parts of the atmosphere of our closest star

SpaceX’s first crewed launch is planned for 27 May and will be run from a mission control with desks set six feet apart to comply with social distancing protocols

Megyn Kelly's exclusive sit down with Tara Reade

A new automated lab bench combs through known chemical reactions to figure out how best to synthesize compounds

Cerebras aims to speed deep learning at supercomputing centers

Your weekly selection of awesome robot videos

For the first time, NASA's Astrobee robot has demonstrated autonomous free flight in space

Shannon's said: “OCRO HLI RGWR NMIELWIS”

In 1966, the Eliza program couldn’t say much—but it was enough

Argonne will use the CS-1 to help discover cancer therapies and understand colliding blackholes

This is a terrifying elevator cam gif from Korea of an elevator that begins ascending before a man enters, tripping him and almost creating a classic horror movie death scene in real life. Thankfully he was able to escape. And this is exactly why I don't take elevators -- or escalators. "So you're a stair guy?" Please *jiggling belly* jetpack or grappling gun only. Thanks to PK, who agrees they always say use the stairs in case of emergency, and what's 2020 if not a nonstop emergency? Besides, how do you social distance in an elevator? I mean if somebody farts everyone smells it.

Ubisoft debuted some in-engine footage of the latest Assassin's Creed game during the Inside Xbox stream

Writers at The Edge outline what gigs they can't wait for after lockdown

This research shows how different populations of people share most of the genetic susceptibilities to developing type 2 diabetes but do have some different genetic variations that can make them more or less susceptible to developing the condition.

The Hollywood Reporter says numerous attendees returned from the late-January festival with coronavirus symptoms

A new report suggests that January’s Sundance film festival, the annual gathering of cinephiles in Park City, Utah, may have been a key early hub for coronavirus in the US. The article, in the Hollywood Reporter, cites numerous attendees who experienced Covid-19-like symptoms either during or immediately after the festival. None were believed to have been tested for the disease.

Sundance this year attracted about 120,000 people to the small mountain resort, to watch films and party in confined spaces. The snowy conditions that make Park City perfect for skiing mean that socialising indoors is common, as are some flu-like symptoms as a result of the low temperature and high altitude.

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During these long, mundane physically-distant days, stretching on into an uncertain future like an ever-lengthening beigeish corridor, it’s impossible not to miss hanging out with friends. Especially the kind of hanging out where you’re not really doing anything in particular, not talking about any one thing—just kind of being. As we continue to stay physically […]

Around 250 Indian students and tourists were seen queuing with their luggage at the airport as they prepared for the journey home.

We need to be very cautious about preliminary studies estimating how many people have already been infected by the coronavirus

"If we don't have all the information in front of us to help us make decisions, then how do we flatten the curve and stop the spread?"

Most reserves have set up security systems that include check stops and community monitoring for large groups and house parties.

From pure, racing-style gaming chairs to rockers and recliners, we've got the bet gaming chairs to fit your seating needs.

Marin Cilic has experienced many great moments on court in recent years, but the 18-time tour-level titlist announced that he will enjoy a milestone moment off the court in 2020. Speaking to his 170,000 followers on Twitter, the Croat shared the news that he will become a father next year. The news comes just 18 months after Cilic married Kristina Milkovic in Dubrovnik. Cilic’s announcement was accompanied by a photo of the 31-year-old shopping for a pushchair. New ride ?? ?? Excited to share with you all that #teamCilic will be growing. New member joining us in 2020 ???????? pic.twitter.com/m0Qxn6AdQB — Marin Cilic (@cilic_marin) 7 October 2019 Cilic will compete at next week’s VTB Kremlin Cup in Moscow, where he will be aiming to achieve his 500th tour-level victory. If Cilic achieves the feat, he would become the 10th active player on the ATP Tour to reach that mark..

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