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Sebastian F, Vargas AI, Clarin J, Hurgoi A, Amini R. Meta Data Analysis of Sex Distribution of Study Samples Reported in Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Annual Conference Abstracts. J Biomech Eng 2024; 146:060906. [PMID: 37943115 DOI: 10.1115/1.4064032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The biased use of male subjects in biomedical research has created limitations, underscoring the importance of including women to enhance the outcomes of evidence-based medicine and to promote human health. While federal policies (e.g., the 1993 Revitalization Act and the 2016 Sex as a Biological Variable Act) have aimed to improve sex balance in studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), data on sex inclusivity in non-NIH funded research remain limited. The objective of this study was to analyze the trend of sex inclusion in abstracts submitted to the Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, & Biotransport Conference (SB3C) over 7 years. We scored every abstract accepted to SB3C, and the findings revealed that approximately 20% of total abstracts included sex-related information, and this trend remained stable. Surprisingly, there was no significant increase in abstracts, including both sexes and those with balanced female and male samples. The proportion of abstracts with balanced sexes was notably lower than those including both sexes. Additionally, we examined whether the exclusion of one sex from the corresponding studies was justified by the research questions. Female-only studies had a 50% justification rate, while male-only studies had only 2% justification. Disparity in sex inclusion in SB3C abstracts was apparent, prompting us to encourage scientists to be more mindful of the sex of the research samples. Addressing sex inclusivity in biomechanics and mechanobiology research is essential for advancing medical knowledge and for promoting better healthcare outcomes for everyone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana I Vargas
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02120
| | - Julia Clarin
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02120
| | - Anthony Hurgoi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
- Northeastern University
| | - Rouzbeh Amini
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115; Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
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Clarin J, Vargas AI, Jennings T, Salinas SD, Amini R, Tjiptowidjojo Y, Yelle B, Jacobsen MY, Eide T, Udberg-Helle C, Olsen TA, Crossen J, Prot V, Skallerud B, Amini R. An Experiential Learning Opportunity in Norway: Computation for Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering Students. J Biomech Eng 2024; 146:051004. [PMID: 38376458 DOI: 10.1115/1.4064791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The global learning initiative at Northeastern University is focused on fostering intercultural communication skills. The Dialogue of Civilization (DOC) program serves as a mechanism to achieve such a goal by offering faculty-led international experiences. In this paper, we have presented a detailed account of a DOC program that took place in Norway. The primary objective of the program was to teach mechanical engineering and bio-engineering students computational skills while stimulating critical thinking about the cultural and social aspects of technology and engineering in Norway. The program focused on two courses: a technical course and a special topics course. The technical course introduced students to finite element analysis, with practical applications and site visits in Norway to enhance experiential learning. In the special topics course, the interplay between modern technologies, like green energy, state policies, and the rights and traditions of the indigenous Sámi people was explored. The course highlighted both the progressive social policies in Norway and the historical discrimination against the Sámi. Student feedback was positive and experiential learning components such as guest lectures and site visits were particularly appreciated. Additional surveys showed that students' self-confidence was higher following the DOC program. In addition, female-identifying students had higher confidence in their future success after completion of this program as compared to their male-identifying counterparts. Our paper is expected to serve as a resource for educators seeking to integrate technical education with intercultural experiences and discussions on social and cultural impacts in engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Clarin
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Ana I Vargas
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Turner Jennings
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
- Northeastern University
| | - Samuel D Salinas
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
- Northeastern University
| | - Reza Amini
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
- Northeastern University
| | - Yustianto Tjiptowidjojo
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Benjamin Yelle
- Department of Philosophy and Religion, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
- Northeastern University
| | | | - Trine Eide
- Kinn Education and Resource Centre, Florø 6906, Norway
| | | | - Torjer A Olsen
- The Centre for Sámi Studies, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway
| | - Jonathan Crossen
- The Centre for Sámi Studies, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway
| | - Victorien Prot
- Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Bjørn Skallerud
- Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
| | - Rouzbeh Amini
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115
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Ackler S, Mitten MJ, Chen J, Clarin J, Foster K, Jin S, Phillips DC, Schlessinger S, Wang B, Leverson JD, Boghaert ER. Navitoclax (ABT-263) and bendamustine ± rituximab induce enhanced killing of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tumours in vivo. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 167:881-91. [PMID: 22624727 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02048.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Bendamustine with or without rituximab provides an effective and more tolerable alternative to the polytherapy cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisolone (CHOP) in the treatment of haematological tumours and is currently approved for the treatment of many haematological malignancies. Navitoclax (ABT-263) is a potent inhibitor of Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L) and Bcl-w, which has demonstrated efficacy in haematological tumours alone and in combination with other agents. This paper describes the in vivo efficacy of combining either bendamustine or bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) with navitoclax in xenograft models of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Activity was tested in xenograft models of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DoHH-2, SuDHL-4), mantle cell lymphoma (Granta 519) and Burkitt's lymphoma (RAMOS). Activity was also monitored in a systemic model of Granta 519. KEY RESULTS Navitoclax potentiated bendamustine activity in all cell lines tested. Bendamustine activated p53 in Granta 519 tumours, concurrent with activation of caspase 3. Navitoclax also improved responses to bendamustine-rituximab (BR) in a subset of tumours. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Navitoclax in combination with bendamustine and BR is a viable combination strategy for use in the clinic and demonstrated superior efficacy compared with previously reported data for navitoclax plus CHOP and rituximab-CHOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ackler
- Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abbott Labs, Abbott Park, IL, USA.
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