bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting a Veteran‐Friendly Learning Environment
Authors: Hunter‐Johnson Yvonne
Published: October 2020

The transitioning of veterans from the military world to “the civilian world” and by extension the civilian workforce is the “ultimate career transition.” However, to facilitate this challenge, most veterans often utilize higher education as a transitional tool to qualify themselves with credentials that are not only recognizable but valued by their potential civilian employer. Transitional challenges for the veteran student in higher education include a unified learning environment (veterans and civilians), a learning environment supported by unfamiliar learning theories, and differences in roles, for example instructor and student. Utilizing the transitional challenges veterans encounter while pursuing higher education as an underpinning, this chapter provides an overview of the veteran student, explores the transitional challenges veterans encounter while pursuing higher education and relevant support systems needed for success. Additionally, this chapter provides strategies that should be employed by adult educators in an effort to promote a veteran‐friendly learning environment.
Adult Learning and Development Goals for Female Veterans’ Career Transitions Amid Cultural Adaptation and Identity Formation
Authors: Greer Tomika W.
Published: October 2020

Differences between military culture and civilian culture can affect the postmilitary experience for transitioning veterans. Adult educators should acquire and maintain a high level of military cultural competence to effectively serve female veterans as they transition out of the military. For women, the military‐to‐veteran transition also includes unique challenges related to identity formation, including occupational gender identity formation, which is not a salient concern for male veterans. Six learning and development goals are presented to guide adult educators in successfully facilitating the cultural adaptation and identity formation process for new female veterans.
Cyanine Conjugate‐Based Biomedical Imaging Probes
Authors: Li Yang , Zhou Yiming , Yue Xiuli , Dai Zhifei
Published: October 2020

Cyanine is a class of fluorescent dye with meritorious fluorescence properties and has motivated numerous researchers to explore its imaging capabilities by miscellaneous structural modification and functionalization strategies. The covalent conjugation with other functional molecules represents a distinctive design strategy and has shown immense potential in both basic and clinical research. This review article summarizes recent achievements in cyanine conjugate‐based probes for biomedical imaging. Particular attention is paid to the conjugation with targeting warheads and other contrast agents for targeted fluorescence imaging and multimodal imaging, respectively. Additionally, their clinical potential in cancer diagnostics is highlighted and some concurrent impediments for clinical translation are discussed.
Direct Optical Patterning of Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes via In Situ Ligand Exchange
Authors: Cho Himchan , Pan Jia‐Ahn , Wu Haoqi , Lan Xinzheng , Coropceanu Igor , Wang Yuanyuan , Cho Wooje , Hill Ethan A. , Anderson John S. , Talapin Dmitri V.
Published: October 2020

Precise patterning of quantum dot (QD) layers is an important prerequisite for fabricating QD light‐emitting diode (QLED) displays and other optoelectronic devices. However, conventional patterning methods cannot simultaneously meet the stringent requirements of resolution, throughput, and uniformity of the pattern profile while maintaining a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of the patterned QD layers. Here, a specially designed nanocrystal ink is introduced, “photopatternable emissive nanocrystals” (PENs), which satisfies these requirements. Photoacid generators in the PEN inks allow photoresist‐free, high‐resolution optical patterning of QDs through photochemical reactions and in situ ligand exchange in QD films. Various fluorescence and electroluminescence patterns with a feature size down to ≈1.5 µm are demonstrated using red, green, and blue PEN inks. The patterned QD films maintain ≈75% of original PLQY and the electroluminescence characteristics of the patterned QLEDs are comparable to thopse of non‐patterned control devices. The patterning mechanism is elucidated by in‐depth investigation of the photochemical transformations of the photoacid generators and changes in the optical properties of the QDs at each patterning step. This advanced patterning method provides a new way for additive manufacturing of integrated optoelectronic devices using colloidal QDs.
Scalable Production of Wearable Solid‐State Li‐Ion Capacitors from N‐Doped Hierarchical Carbon
Authors: Xu Yanan , Wang Kai , Han Jianwei , Liu Cong , An Yabin , Meng Qinghai , Li Chen , Zhang Xiong , Sun Xianzhong , Zhang Yaosheng , Mao Lijuan , Wei Zhixiang , Ma Yanwei
Published: October 2020

Smart and wearable electronics have aroused substantial demand for flexible portable power sources, but it remains a large challenge to realize scalable production of wearable batteries/supercapacitors with high electrochemical performance and remarkable flexibility simultaneously. Here, a scalable approach is developed to prepare wearable solid‐state lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) with superior performance enabled by synergetic engineering from materials to device architecture. Nitrogen‐doped hierarchical carbon (HC) composed of 1D carbon nanofibers welded with 2D carbon nanosheets is synthesized via a unique self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS) technique, which exhibits superior electrochemical performance. Subsequently, inspired by origami, here, wave‐shaped LIC punch‐cells based on the above materials are designed by employing a compatible and scalable post‐imprint technology. Finite elemental analysis (FEA) confirms that the bending stress of the punch‐cell can be offset effectively, benefiting from the wave architecture. The wearable solid‐state LIC punch‐cell exhibits large energy density, long cyclic stability, and superior flexibility. This study demonstrates great promise for scalable fabrication of wearable energy‐storage systems.
Selective Aerobic Oxidation of 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furfural over Heterogeneous Silver‐Gold Nanoparticle Catalysts
Authors: Schade Oliver R. , Stein Frederic , Reichenberger Sven , Gaur Abhijeet , Saraҫi Erisa , Barcikowski Stephan , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk
Published: October 2020

Bimetallic silver‐gold alloy nanoparticles on zirconia with varying Ag/Au ratios were designed by a rational approach and tested as catalysts for the selective oxidation of the promising biomass platform molecule 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF). For this purpose, colloidal AgxAu10‐x particles with molar compositions x=1/3/5/7/9 were prepared by laser ablation in liquids, a surfactant‐free method for the preparation of highly pure nanoparticles, before adsorption on zirconia. In‐depth characterization of the supported catalysts evidenced alloyed nanoparticles with distinct trends of the surface and bulk composition depending on the overall Ag/Au molar ratio as determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), respectively. To uncover the synergistic effect of the Ag/Au ratio, the catalysts were further studied in terms of the catalytic activity and selectivity in HMF oxidation. Either the aldehyde moiety or both functional groups of HMF were selectively oxidized depending on the Ag/Au composition resulting in 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furan‐carboxylic acid (HFCA) or 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), respectively. Optimization of the reaction conditions allowed the quantitative production of HFCA over most catalysts, also after re‐use. Only gold rich catalysts Ag1Au9/ZrO2 and particularly Ag3Au7/ZrO2 were highly active in FDCA synthesis. While Ag3Au7/ZrO2 deactivated upon re‐use due to sintering, no structural changes were observed for the other catalysts and all catalysts were stable against metal leaching. The present work thus provides fundamental insights into the synergistic effect of Ag and Au in alloyed nanoparticles as active and stable catalysts for the oxidation of HMF.

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Modular and Chemoselective Strategy for Accessing (Distinct) α,α‐Dihaloketones from Weinreb Amides and Dihalomethyllithiums
Authors: Touqeer Saad , Senatore Raffaele , Malik Monika , Urban Ernst , Pace Vittorio
Published: October 2020

The selective transfer of diversely functionalized dihalomethyllithiums (LiCHBrCl, LiCHClI, LiCHBrI, LiCHCl2, LiCHBr2, LiCHFI) to Weinreb amides for preparing gem‐dihaloketones in one synthetic operation is reported. The capability of these amides as acylating agents and, the wide availability of dihalomethanes as pronucleophiles, enable a straightforward route to the title compounds under full chemocontrol. No racemization phenomena were evidenced in the case of optically active materials. Additionally, tolerance to sensitive functional groups (esters, amides, halogens, olefins etc.) was uniformly noticed, thus making this conceptually intuitive strategy flexible and tunable by the operator.

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Toward the Application of Graphene for Combating Marine Biofouling
Authors: Jin Huichao , Tian Limei , Bing Wei , Zhao Jie , Ren Luquan
Published: October 2020

The discovery of graphene has brought great innovations to materials science. Since tributyltin antifouling coatings were banned worldwide in 2008, the development of green antifouling coatings has become necessary. Recently, novel graphene‐related antifouling coatings have been the focus of many studies due to their enhanced mechanical strength, excellent antifouling capabilities, and environmental friendliness. This review starts by introducing the basic antifouling mechanisms of graphene nanosheets and the possible antifouling mechanisms when graphene is incorporated into coatings. Subsequently, the progress and existing problems regarding the application of graphene in the prevention of marine biofouling are discussed. Specifically, this review focuses on six graphene‐related antifouling coatings, including pure graphene film, nanohybrids, foul release coatings, photocatalytic nanocomposites, desalination membranes, and materials for uranium enrichment. The fabrication, antifouling properties, working mechanisms, and future development of graphene‐related antifouling coatings are highlighted. In addition, the potential environmental risk of using graphene materials in preventing marine biofouling is explained, and the basic requirements for designing an environmentally friendly graphene‐related antifouling coating are discussed. Finally, the prospect of applying graphene materials for combating marine biofouling is presented. This review aims to aid in improving the design of graphene‐related green antifouling coatings.
Relationship between reaction and diffusion during ultrafine NiO reduction toward agglomeration fluidization
Authors: Li Jun , Zhu Qingshan , Li Hongzhong
Published: October 2020

The relationship between reaction and diffusion during ultrafine NiO reduction by H2 in a fluidized bed reactor were investigated. The result illuminates that the reduction reaction proceeding in the unreduced NiO powders is according to the nucleation model. A modified force balance model between cohesive and collision forces incorporating grain‐boundary diffusion and reaction is proposed to predict the agglomeration behavior of ultrafine Ni during the reduction of NiO in a fluidized bed. The modified force balance model shows more precise predictions than the model without consideration of grain‐boundary diffusion. Based on the model, it is found that the core of the two‐step reduction is to decouple grain growth from reduction for achieving full conversion while retaining nanosized grain sizes.
Gold‐catalyzed Cyclization of Non‐conjugated Ynone‐oxime Derivatives: Incorporation of Solvent Molecule
Authors: Taşdemir Volkan , Menges Nurettin
Published: October 2020

Auııı‐promoted cyclization reaction of ynone‐oxime derivatives furnished 4H‐1,2‐oxazine ring under mild reaction conditions. When an alcohol is present in the reaction media, it was attached to the oxazine ring by the second activation of cyclic intermediate with a gold catalyst. Cholesterol, propargyl alcohol, phenol, and some of the different alcohol derivatives with alkyl chain were bonded to the oxazine ring in good yields. While amine derivatives did not attach to the ring under optimized reaction conditions, the molecule with the thiol group deactivated the gold catalyst under the same reaction conditions and did not give any cyclic products. With the obtained cyclization protocol, 11 unknown oxazine derivatives were synthesized and characterized. The proposed cyclization mechanism was drawn according to the two independent control experiments, DFT optimization, and NBO charges.
Role of Bm30kc6 gene in cell apoptosis and the silk gland degradation signaling pathway in Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Xiao Ying , Li Lei‐lei , Bibi Asma , Zhang Ning , Chen Ting , Mo Yitao , Yue Wanfu , Miao Yungen
Published: October 2020

Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death that is regulated by genes independently. The Bm30kc6 gene is a kind of small molecular lipoprotein about 30 kDa, expressed highly in the late stage of the silkworm hemolymph. Our study showed that overexpression of Bm30kc6 could decrease caspase‐3 activation. Meanwhile, activation of caspase‐3 increased when Bm30kc6 expression was disturbed by small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cell apoptosis was decreased when Bm30kc6 was overexpressed under UV treatment. The apoptosis rate induced by actinomycin D is similar to the trend by UV. It was inferred that Bm30kc6 has an inhibitory effect on the apoptosis of silkworm cells. The apoptosis‐related genes, such as BmFadd, BmDredd, and BmDaxx were increased after overexpression of Bm30kc6 or decreased after interference of siRNA. It was speculated that there was an interactive relationship between Bm30kc6, BmDaxx, BmFadd, and BmDredd in the apoptosis signaling pathways. We investigated the transcription expression of the Bm30kc6 gene in different growth stages and tissues of the silkworm. The results showed that Bm30kc6 reached its peak in the hemolymph during the 6th to 7th days of the 5th instar, or in spinning post 24 h of the silk gland. In the silkworm BmN cells treated with caspase‐3/7 inhibitor, the caspase‐3 enzyme activity, and the expression levels of Bm30kc6, BmFadd, BmDredd, and BmDaxx were significantly reduced. The expression levels of Bm30kc6 increased sharply when silkworms were treated by molting hormone at Day 3 or 5 of the 5th instar. The results indicated that the expression of the Bm30kc6 gene was affected by the molting hormone and was likely to be its downstream target. In conclusion, the results suggest that the Bm30kc6 gene is involved in the regulation of the apoptotic signaling pathway and plays a role in the apoptotic process.
Validation of the Traumatic Antecedents Questionnaire using item response theory
Authors: Park Kyumin , Shim Geumsook , Jeong Bumseok
Published: October 2020

Background

Traumatic Antecedents Questionnaire (TAQ) is a traumatic experience scale that measures exposure to traumatic events across four age periods. Although the TAQ has good convergent validity with other traumatic scales, the classification of the domains and the psychometric properties of the scale has not been verified.

Methods

A total of 290 young adults completed the TAQ, and 156 participated in the retest. The number of trauma domains was determined using principal component analysis. Rasch model was used for verifying the items that each domain might represent in one common measurement.

Results

When scores were transformed as binary a code 0 and 1 from the original 4 categories, 8 domains were established consisting of Domestic violence, Sexual/other rare trauma, Incompetence, Caring family, Accidents to close person, Unstable caring environment, Safe environment, and Lack of sexual/extreme trauma. Most domains had acceptable psychometric properties with a mean‐square fit value within the range of 0.7–1.3. The Bland and Altman analysis suggest 98.7% of difference scores between test and retest were within ±2 standard deviations from the mean. TAQ severity showed a significant relationship with the multiplicity score of the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure scale (r = 0.677).

Conclusions

The newly proposed scoring system and 8 domains for the TAQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and validity. Further studies are needed to develop new items in domains with less than 5 items to improve the psychometric properties of the scale and to create a maltreatment domain that includes bullying items.
Computer‐based simulation to reduce EHR‐related chemotherapy ordering errors
Authors: Wyatt Kirk D. , Freedman Elizabeth B. , Arteaga Grace M. , Rodriguez Vilmarie , Warad Deepti M.
Published: October 2020

Background

The electronic health record (EHR) is a contributor to serious patient harm occurring within a sociotechnical system. Chemotherapy ordering is a high‐risk task due to the complex nature of ordering workflows and potential detrimental effects if wrong chemotherapeutic doses are administered. Many chemotherapy ordering errors cannot be mitigated through systems‐based changes due to the limited extent to which individual institutions are able to customize proprietary EHR software. We hypothesized that simulation‐based training could improve providers’ ability to identify and mitigate common chemotherapy ordering errors.

Methods

Pediatric hematology/oncology providers voluntarily participated in simulations using an EHR testing (“Playground”) environment. The number of safety risks identified and mitigated by each provider at baseline was recorded. Risks were reviewed one‐on‐one after initial simulations and at a group “lunch‐and‐learn” session. At three‐month follow‐up, repeat simulations assessed for improvements in error identification and mitigation, and providers were surveyed about prevention of real‐life safety events.

Results

The 8 participating providers identified and mitigated an average of 5.5 out of 10 safety risks during the initial simulation, compared 7.4 safety risks at the follow up simulation (p=0.030). Two of the providers (25%) reported preventing at least one real‐world patient safety event in the clinical setting as a result of the initial training session.

Conclusions

Simulation‐based training may reduce providers’ susceptibility to chemotherapy ordering safety vulnerabilities within the EHR. This approach may be used when systems‐based EHR improvements are not feasible due to limited ability to customize local instances of proprietary EHR software.
Pesticide residue in grain‐based food: Effects on health, grain quality, and chemical properties of biomacromolecules
Authors: Malalgoda Maneka , Simsek Senay
Published: October 2020

Background and objectives

The use of pesticides has been increasing over the years, and although the application of pesticides has some benefits, concerns over pesticide residue in food are increasing. Additionally, pesticides can affect biochemical pathways in affected plants as determined by their mode of action. To this end, the objective of the review was to provide an overview of the issues concerning pesticide residue in grain‐based food and discuss potential implications of preharvest herbicide application on grain quality and chemistry.

Findings

There is mounting evidence that pesticide residue in food can lead to health concerns as well as environmental concerns. Additionally, relatively new agricultural practices like the preharvest application of herbicides in small grains can impact grain quality as well as the physicochemical properties of grain starch and proteins, depending on the dose and application time among other factors. Such effects need to be critically evaluated in order to elucidate how preharvest herbicide application interferes with biochemical pathways in plants.

Conclusions

With health and environmental concerns over the use of pesticides in agriculture and new evidence suggesting that preharvest application of herbicides can impact grain quality and chemistry, especially if applied early, it is critical to re‐evaluate the use of pesticides in grain production.

Significance and novelty

This review provides an insight into the effects of pesticides, especially the effects of herbicides that are applied preharvest and provides a holistic view on approaches that can be used to decrease the use of such compounds in grain production systems.
Expression of invadopodia markers can identify oral lesions with a high risk of malignant transformation
Authors: Ali Aiman , Soares Andresa Borges , Eymael Denise , Magalhaes Marco
Published: October 2020

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity and is usually preceded by a range of premalignant tissue abnormalities termed oral potentially malignant disorders. Identifying malignant transformation is critical for early treatment and consequently improved survival and decreased morbidity. Invadopodia (INV) are specialized subcellular structures required for cancer cell invasion. We developed a new method to visualize INV in keratinocytes using fluorescent immunohistochemistry (FIHC) and semi‐automated images analysis. The presence of INV was used to determine the risk of malignant transformation. We analyzed 145 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) oral biopsy samples from 95 patients diagnosed as nondysplastic, dysplastic, and OSCC including 49 patients whose lesions transformed to OSCC (progressing) and 46 cases that did not transform to OSCC (control). All samples were stained for Cortactin, tyrosine kinase substrate with five SH3 domains (Tks5) and matrix metallopeptidase 14 (MMP14) using FIHC, imaged using confocal microscopy and analyzed using a multichannel colocalization analysis. The areas of colocalization were used to generate an INV score. Using the INV score, we were able to identify progressing lesions with a sensitivity of 75–100% and specificity of 72–76%. A positive INV score was associated with increased risk of progression to OSCC. Our results suggest that INV markers can be used in conjunction with the current diagnostic standard for early detection of OSCC.
Cytology‐based screening for anal intraepithelial neoplasia in women with a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer
Authors: Wohlmuth Christoph , Ghorab Zeina , Shier Michael , Tinmouth Jill , Salit Irving E. , Covens Allan , Zhang Liying , Vicus Danielle
Published: October 2020

Background

High‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified in the pathogenesis of anal cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of abnormal anal cytology and HPV in women aged ≥40 years who have a history of high‐grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) or cancer and to estimate the prevalence of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) using cytology as the primary screening modality.

Methods

Women who had a history of high‐grade cervical SIL or cancer and were ≥40 years of age were included in this prospective study. Anal cytology with HPV‐DNA testing was performed. All patients with abnormal anal cytology were referred for high‐resolution anoscopy (HRA), and abnormal lesions were biopsied and treated if pathologically confirmed. Abnormal anal cytology correlated with HPV status, HRA findings, and clinical and demographic characteristics.

Results

A total of 317 women completed the study. Of these, 96 (30.3%) had abnormal anal cytology (high‐grade SIL, 12.5%; low‐grade SIL, 19.8%; atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high‐grade SIL, 6.3%; atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 61.5%) and 101 (31.9%) were HPV‐DNA–positive. There was a significant association between abnormal cytology results and the presence of high‐risk HPV. Of the 96 patients with abnormal cytology, 30 (31.3%) had biopsy‐proven AIN on HRA, representing 9.5% of the total patient cohort; of these, 10 (33.3%) had low‐grade AIN and 20 (66.7%) had high‐grade AIN. Older age and smoking were significant risk factors for abnormal anal cytology.

Conclusion

Women aged ≥40 years with a history of high‐grade cervical SIL or cancer have a high rate of AIN. Screening for anal cancer may therefore be considered in this patient population. The optimal screening approach should be addressed in future studies.
Unidirectional response to bidirectional selection on body size II. Quantitative genetics
Authors: Le Rouzic Arnaud , Renneville Clémentine , Millot Alexis , Agostini Simon , Carmignac David , Édeline Éric
Published: October 2020

Anticipating the genetic and phenotypic changes induced by natural or artificial selection requires reliable estimates of trait evolvabilities (genetic variances and covariances). However, whether or not multivariate quantitative genetics models are able to predict precisely the evolution of traits of interest, especially fitness‐related, life history traits, remains an open empirical question. Here, we assessed to what extent the response to bivariate artificial selection on both body size and maturity in the medaka Oryzias latipes, a model fish species, fits the theoretical predictions. Three lines (Large, Small, and Control lines) were differentially selected for body length at 75 days of age, conditional on maturity. As maturity and body size were phenotypically correlated, this selection procedure generated a bi‐dimensional selection pattern on two life history traits. After removal of nonheritable trends and noise with a random effect (“animal”) model, the observed selection response did not match the expected bidirectional response. For body size, Large and Control lines responded along selection gradients (larger body size and stasis, respectively), but, surprisingly, the Small did not evolve a smaller body length and remained identical to the Control line throughout the experiment. The magnitude of the empirical response was smaller than the theoretical prediction in both selected directions. For maturity, the response was opposite to the expectation (the Large line evolved late maturity compared to the Control line, while the Small line evolved early maturity, while the opposite pattern was predicted due to the strong positive genetic correlation between both traits). The mismatch between predicted and observed response was substantial and could not be explained by usual sources of uncertainties (including sampling effects, genetic drift, and error in G matrix estimates).
Mitochondrial DNA analysis reveals spatial genetic structure and high genetic diversity of Massicus raddei (Blessig) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in China
Authors: Zhang Yufan , Manzoor Atif , Wang Xiaoyi
Published: October 2020

The oak longhorned beetle (OLB), Massicus raddei (Blessig, 1872) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is widely distributed in Asia (China, the Korean Peninsula, Japan, Vietnam and the Russian Far‐East), but pest outbreaks have occurred only in Liaoning Province and Jilin Province of China. In order to explore possible mechanisms of local population outbreaks and characterize the genetic diversity and genetic structure of M. raddei across its range in China, three mitochondrial genes (COI, Cytb, and COII) were sequenced and analyzed for seven M. raddei populations collected from six provinces in China. From these different populations, we found a high haplotype and nucleotide diversity. Haplotype networks and phylogenetic analyses both demonstrate apparent genetic diversification between SC (southern China) and NC (northern China) population groups. A set of 21 pairwise comparisons for Fst (pairwise fixation indices) and Nm (genetic flow index) showed significant genetic differentiation and limited gene flow except for two pairs, Shandong (SD) and Liaoning (LN), and Anhui (AH) and Henan (HN). This pattern suggested that the periodic outbreak of the LN population could not be attributed to the absence of genetic flow with other spatial populations and that regional environmental factors might be responsible. AMOVA (Analysis of molecular variance) showed that the greater molecular genetic variation was among populations. Based on Tajima's D statistic, Fu's Fs, and the mismatch distribution test, we determined that the seven populations sampled were stable and had not experienced any recent population expansion. The fact that all the sampled populations showed only unique haplotypes and lacked shared or ancestral haplotypes, as well as the nonstar‐like distribution of haplotype network for concatenated genes, collectively provided powerful evidence of the stable and isolated nature of most populations. The high genetic differentiation and spatial genetic structuring among populations are both likely related to the beetle's moderate flight capacity, regional variation in host tree species and microclimate, as well as the geographic distance between sampling sites.
(Re‐) Defining evolutionary medicine
Authors: Moltzau Anderson Jacqueline , Horn Florian
Published: October 2020

The applicability of evolutionary biology principles to diseases has been largely questioned by the medical field. While Evolutionary Medicine (EM) developed in part to lessen this gap, EM is an independent field from both evolution and medicine, whose continued narrowing of topics as a consequence of its reductionist approach, in addition to its focus to introduce itself at a late stage in medical education, has led to its continued resistance toward implementation. In turn, this has had a profound and lasting impact on the awareness of evolution in medicine among physicians. For both the evolutionary and medical communities to reach a common perspective and obtain a greater frame‐work of medical thought, a comprehensive view of the evolution of the healthy human being needs to be introduced as a starting point during the premedical curriculum. Here, we present our views on the ongoing challenges that have caused the continued division between the evolutionary fields and medicine, and provide solutions to help bridge the gap for an interdisciplinary field of evolution in medicine.
Panarchy: opportunities and challenges for ecosystem management
Authors: Garmestani Ahjond , Twidwell Dirac , Angeler David G , Sundstrom Shana , Barichievy Chris , Chaffin Brian C , Eason Tarsha , Graham Nick , Granholm Dean , Gunderson Lance , Knutson Melinda , Nash Kirsty L , Nelson R John , Nystrom Magnus , Spanbauer Trisha L , Stow Craig A , Allen Craig R
Published: October 2020

Addressing unexpected events and uncertainty represents one of the grand challenges of the Anthropocene, yet ecosystem management is constrained by existing policy and laws that were not formulated to deal with today's accelerating rates of environmental change. In many cases, managing for simple regulatory standards has resulted in adverse outcomes, necessitating innovative approaches for dealing with complex social–ecological problems. We highlight a project in the US Great Plains where panarchy – a conceptual framework that emerged from resilience – was implemented at project onset to address the continued inability to halt large‐scale transition from grass‐to‐tree dominance in central North America. We review how panarchy was applied, the initial outcomes and evidence for policy reform, and the opportunities and challenges for which it could serve as a useful model to contrast with traditional ecosystem management approaches.
Statistical approaches for meta‐analysis of genetic mutation prevalence
Authors: Hujoel Margaux L. A. , Parmigiani Giovanni , Braun Danielle
Published: October 2020

Estimating the prevalence of rare germline genetic mutations in the general population is of interest as it can inform genetic counseling and risk management. Most studies that estimate the prevalence of mutations are performed in high‐risk populations, and each study is designed with differing inclusion criteria, resulting in ascertained populations. Quantifying the effects of ascertainment is necessary to estimate the prevalence in the general population. This quantification is difficult as the inclusion criteria is often based on disease status and/or family history. Combining estimates from multiple studies through a meta‐analysis is challenging due to the variety of study designs and ascertainment mechanisms as well as the complexity of quantifying the effect of these mechanisms. We provide guidelines on how to quantify the ascertainment mechanism for a wide range of settings and propose a general approach for conducting a meta‐analysis in these complex settings by incorporating study‐specific ascertainment mechanisms into a joint likelihood function. We implement the proposed likelihood‐based approach using both frequentist and Bayesian methodologies. We evaluate these approaches in simulations and show that the methods are robust and produce unbiased estimates of the prevalence. An advantage of the Bayesian approach is that it can easily incorporate uncertainty in ascertainment probability values. We apply our methods to estimate the prevalence of PALB2 mutations in the United States by combining data from multiple studies and obtain a prevalence estimate of around 0.02%.
Dissonances in communication with sexual health consumers in an inner‐Sydney sexual health clinic in relation to health literacy: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: McCormack Heather , Nathan Sally , Varma Rick , Haire Bridget
Published: October 2020

Issues addressed

This study examined the navigation of health care interactions by health consumers attending Sydney Sexual Health Centre (SSHC), an inner‐city sexual health clinic in Sydney, Australia. We aimed to assess the accessibility and appropriateness of communications between SSHC and patients in the context of health literacy.

Methods

We conducted 20 semi‐structured interviews with health consumers, assessed health literacy using the Short Health Literacy Assessment for English‐Speaking Adults (SAHL‐E) and conducted a focus group with clinical staff.

Results

We identified dissonances around assumed knowledge in communications between health professionals and health consumers, which were most apparent when lack of knowledge about sexual health, HIV and pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) intersected with poor English fluency.

So what?

This study suggests that existing models of access for HIV treatment and PrEP in Australia have been developed for high health literacy and may not support consumers who experience communication barriers due to low health literacy. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care recommends addressing health literacy systemically, including embedding assessment of health literacy into organisational systems and policies. We recommend developing tools to assess knowledge levels of consumers accessing sexual health services and incorporating health literacy into clinician training on working with patients from non‐English–speaking backgrounds.
Novel local information kernelized fuzzy C‐means algorithm for image segmentation
Authors: Li Songcheng , Lu Junyong , Cheng Long , Li Xiangping
Published: October 2020

In MRI, the image with poor quality, especially the image with noise interference or low contrast, may provide insufficient data for the visual interpretation of the affected part. Image segmentation provides an effective method to facilitate early detection and further diagnosis. By introducing a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) initialization step and a novel dissimilarity measure metric, we present a local information kernelized fuzzy C‐means (LIKFCM) algorithm for image segmentation. The dissimilarity measure metric, considering an adaptive tradeoff weighted factor, incorporates the Mahalanobis distance and outliers‐rejection‐based spatial term which eliminates unreliable neighboring information. By using this dissimilarity measure metric, the new algorithm could take reliable contextual information into account and achieve better segmentation results on images with complexed boundaries. Furthermore, the adaptive tradeoff factor depends on a fast noise estimation algorithm. This factor avoids subjective adjustment and makes the LIKFCM algorithm more universal. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm both quantitatively and qualitatively, experiments are conducted both on synthetic images and real‐world images with different kinds of noise. Segmentation Accuracy (SA) and Comparison scores are used to evaluate the performance of both proposed algorithm and other methods. Experimental results illustrate that the proposed algorithm has better performance on denoising and reserving useful edges. The LIKFCM algorithm not only shows more robustness to noise but also preserves the texture details of the images.
Spontaneous septostomy in a monochorionic‐diamniotic twin gestation
Authors: Adekola Henry , Unal Elizabeth Ramsey , Thompson Gwyneth , Sondgeroth Kristine , Abrams Robert
Published: October 2020

Monochorionic twin gestations are associated with a greater incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality when compared with their dichorionic counterparts. In turn, monochorionic‐monoamniotic (MCMA) gestations carry greater risks compared with monochorionic‐diamniotic (MCDA) gestations. While the true incidence of spontaneous septostomy of the dividing membranes (SSDM) in MCDA twins is unknown, SSDM has been demonstrated to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality, due to functional transition from a MCDA gestation to a MCMA gestation. We report a case of SSDM in a mid‐trimester MCDA gestation, review the literature, and describe how to identify and manage this complication.
From general to specific: moving past the general population in the HIV response across sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Makofane Keletso , van der Elst Elise M , Walimbwa Jeffrey , Nemande Steave , Baral Stefan D
Published: October 2020

Introduction

As the HIV field evolves to better serve populations which are diverse in risk and access to services, it is crucial to understand and adapt the conceptual tools used to make sense of the HIV pandemic. In this commentary, we discuss the concept of general population. Using a synthetic and historical review, we reflect on the genesis and usage of the general population in HIV research and programme literature, pointing to its moral connotations and its impact on epidemiologic reasoning.

Discussion

From the early days of the HIV pandemic, the category of general population has carried implicit normative meanings. General population represented those people considered to be undeserving of HIV acquisition, and therefore deserving of a response. Framing the HIV epidemic in sub‐Saharan Africa as a generalized epidemic primarily affecting the general population has contributed to the exclusion of men who have sex with men from epidemic responses. The usage of this category has also masked heterogeneity among those it includes; the increasing focus on the use of interventions such as circumcision and HIV treatment as general population HIV prevention approaches has been marked by a lack of attention to heterogeneity among beneficiaries.

Conclusions

We recommend that the term general population be retired from the field’s lexicon. HIV programmes should strengthen their capacity to describe the heterogeneity of those they serve and plan their interventions accordingly. To increase the efficiency and impact of the HIV response, it is urgent to stratify the category of general population by risk. Sexual networks are a promising basis for this stratification.
Clinical manifestations of death with severe fever and thrombocytopenia syndrome: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Wang Xiankun , Ren Xingxiang , Ge Ziruo , Cui Shuping , Wang Lin , Chen Zhihai , Tian Di
Published: October 2020

Severe hemorrhagic fever disease is caused by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) infection, which belongs to the Phlebovirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, Wan Fang Data, Sinomed Database, and VIP database was conducted for articles which have described the clinical manifestation of deceased patients. Data from selected studies were pooled by using STATA VERSION 15.0 software. Finally, 29 articles comprising 4717 laboratory‐confirmed SFTSV cases were included in this analysis. We found there were significant differences between the two groups for fatigue, headache, underlying disease, vomiting, diarrhea, skin bleeding, neurological symptoms, arrhythmia, diffuse intravascular coagulation, and multiple organ failure. There were some significant differences between the fatal and nonfatal groups, and we need to pay more attention to the above symptoms to distinguish between fatal and nonfatal patients.
Kinetic investigation of the reaction of ethylperoxy radicals with ethanol
Authors: Kuzhanthaivelan S. , Rajakumar B.
Published: October 2020

The thermodynamic and kinetic investigation for the reaction of ethylperoxy radical (CH3CH2OO•) with ethanol (CH3CH2OH) was studied computationally with variational transition state theory. The geometry optimization calculations showed that both the reactants have two conformers. The energetics and thermodynamic properties were calculated using the G4 composite method. The results showed that the abstraction of H atom from the ─CH2─ site is most feasible, when compared to the other pathways, since it has the lowest energy barrier. The rate coefficient calculations for the title reaction were carried out using the multistructural canonical variational transition state theory with small curvature tunneling corrections in the temperature range of 400‐1500 K. The results showed a similar trend to that of the energetics in which the abstraction of the H atom from the ─CH2─ site has a larger rate coefficient, when compared to other reaction pathways. The reactivity trend towards the H atom abstraction by ethylperoxy radicals varies as ─CH2 > ─CH3 > ─OH. The contributions from the ground‐state conformers of both the reactants were included into the total kinetics using the Boltzmann probability distribution. The obtained temperature‐dependent expression for the studied reaction is ktotal = 1.51 × 10−32 T6.3 exp(−3691/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1.
Pre‐ and Post‐Radiotherapy Radiologic Nodal Features and Oropharyngeal Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Sananmuang Thiparom , Yu Eugene , Su Jie , O'Sullivan Brian , Rathod Shrinivas , Chan Biu , Bartlett Eric , Waldron John , Ringash Jolie , Kim John , Bratman Scott V. , Hope Andrew , Spreafico Anna , Hansen Aaron R. , de Almeida John , Goldstein David P. , Witterick Ian , Tong Li , Xu Wei , Huang Shao H.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To assess the prognostic value of pre‐/post‐radiotherapy (pre‐/post‐RT) radiologic lymph node (LN) features in human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive and HPV‐negative oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) patients treated with definitive (chemo‐)RT.

Methods

Clinical node‐positive OPCs treated from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. Nodal features were reviewed by a radiologist on pre‐/post‐RT computed tomography (CTs). Univariable analysis calculated hazard ratio (HR) for regional failure (RF), distant metastasis (DM), and deaths. Multivariable analysis estimated adjusted HR (aHR) of significant nodal features identified in univariable analysis adjusting for confounders.

Results

Pre‐RT CT was undertaken in 344 HPV‐positive and 94 HPV‐negative OPC patients, of whom 242 (70%) HPV‐positive and 67 (71%) HPV‐negative also had a post‐RT CT. Median follow‐up was 4.9 years. Pre‐RT LN calcification (pre‐RT_LN‐cal) increased the risk of RF in HPV‐negative (aHR: 5.3, P = .007) but not HPV‐positive patients (P = .110). Pre‐RT radiologic extranodal extension (pre‐RT_rENE+) increased the risk of DM and death in both HPV‐negative (DM: aHR 6.6, P < .001; death: aHR 2.1, both P = .019) and HPV‐positive patients (DM: aHR 4.9; death: aHR 3.0, both P < .001). Increased risk of RF occured with < 20% post‐RT LN size reduction in both HPV‐negative (HR 6.0, P = .002) and HPV‐positive cases (HR 3.0, P = .049). Post‐RT_LN‐cal did not affect RF, DM, or death regardless of tumor HPV status (all P > .05).

Conclusion

Pre‐RT_LN‐cal is associated with higher RF risk in HPV‐negative but not in HPV‐positive patients. Pre‐RT_rENE increases risk of DM and death regardless of tumor HPV status. Minimal post‐RT LN size reduction (< 20%) increases risk of RF in both diseases. Post‐RT_LN‐cal + has no apparent influence on outcomes in either disease.

Level of Evidence

4 (a single institution case–control series) Laryngoscope, 131:E1162–E1171, 2021
Elevated Urine LeukotrieneE4Is Associated With Worse Objective Markers in Nasal Polyposis Patients
Authors: Choby Garret , O'Brien Erin K. , Smith Alyssa , Barnes Jason , Hagan John , Stokken Janalee K. , Strumpf Andrew , Mattos Jose L. , Payne Spencer C. , Divekar Rohit
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Urine leukotriene E4 (uLTE4) is a biomarker of leukotriene synthesis and is elevated in patients with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). It can also be useful to help delineate aspirin‐tolerant chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) patients from AERD patients. The purpose of this study is to determine if uLTE4 biomarker levels are associated with objective and subjective markers of disease severity in patients with CRSwNP.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of CRSwNP patients who underwent uLTE4 testing was completed to determine the association of uLTE4 levels to markers of disease severity. uLTE4 levels, as well as presenting subjective (Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 [SNOT22] scores, asthma control test [ACT] scores) and objective data (Lund‐Mackay CT score, spirometry and lab values) were collected.

Results

Among the 157 CRSwNP patients who met inclusion criteria, uLTE4 levels were associated with history of asthma (P< .001), aspirin sensitivity (P< .001), worse Lund‐Mackay CT scores (P= .002) and other objective markers of disease severity including serum IgE (P= .05), presenting blood eosinophil level (P< .001), and the highest recorded eosinophil level (P< .001). In subgroup analysis, associations of uLTE4 to disease markers had stronger correlations in the aspirin sensitive CRSwNP group (Rrange 0.31–0.52) than the aspirin tolerant CRSwNP group (Rrange −0.30–0.24). uLTE4 levels were not associated with subjective symptom scores (SNOT22 and ACT scores).

Conclusion

Elevated uLTE4 biomarker levels are associated with worsened objective markers of disease severity in CRSwNP patients but not patient‐reported symptom measures.

Level of Evidence

3Laryngoscope, 131:961–966, 2021