bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Mitochondrial Genomes in Gryllidea (Insecta: Orthoptera): Implications for Adaptive Evolution in Ant-Loving Crickets
Authors: Sanno Ryuto , Kataoka Kosuke , Hayakawa Shota , Ide Keigo , Nguyen Chuong N , Nguyen Thao P , Le Binh T N , Kim Oanh T P , Mineta Katsuhiko , Takeyama Haruko , Takeda Makio , Sato Toshiyuki , Suzuki Takeshi , Yura Kei , Asahi Toru
Published: September 2021

Species of infraorder Gryllidea, or crickets, are useful invertebrate models for studying developmental biology and neuroscience. They have also attracted attention as alternative protein sources for human food and animal feed. Mitochondrial genomic information on related invertebrates, such as katydids, and locusts, has recently become available in attempt to clarify the controversial classification schemes, although robust phylogenetic relationships with emphasis on crickets remain elusive. Here, we report newly sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes of crickets to study their phylogeny, genomic rearrangements, and adaptive evolution. First, we conducted de novo assembly of mitochondrial genomes from eight cricket species and annotated protein-coding genes and transfer and ribosomal RNAs using automatic annotations and manual curation. Next, by combining newly described protein-coding genes with public data of the complete Gryllidea genomes and gene annotations, we performed phylogenetic analysis and found gene order rearrangements in several branches. We further analyzed genetic signatures of selection in ant-loving crickets (Myrmecophilidae), which are small wingless crickets that inhabit ant nests. Three distinct approaches revealed two positively selected sites in the cox1 gene in these crickets. Protein 3D structural analyses suggested that these selected sites could influence the interaction of respiratory complex proteins, conferring benefits to ant-loving crickets with a unique ecological niche and morphology. These findings enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of cricket evolution without relying on estimates based on a limited number of molecular markers.
Comparison of Multiple Lapse Time Window Analysis and Qopen to determine intrinsic and scattering attenuation
Authors: van Laaten M , Eulenfeld T , Wegler U
Published: September 2021

This study compares the results of Multiple Lapse Time Windows Analysis (MLTWA) and full envelope inversion (Qopen) to determine intrinsic and scattering attenuation of the crust using the region around the central part of the Leipzig–Regensburg fault zone in Germany as an example. We use 18 of the region’s strongest earthquakes from 2008 to 2019 with a magnitude between 1.4 and 3.0 in the frequency band range between 3 and 34 Hz. The determined attenuation values of both methods are similar within their error bars. The inverse quality factors of the shear wave are relatively low compared to other regions, with values of 3.2 × 10−4 to 8.7 × 10−4 for $Q^{-1}_{i}$ and 1.4 × 10−4 to 2.8 × 10−4 for $Q^{-1}_{sc}$, respectively. As a by-product of Qopen, we also obtain the energy site amplification of the stations used in the inversion as well as source displacement spectra and moment magnitudes of the inverted earthquakes. Several combinations of inversion parameters were tested for MLTWA, with $Q^{-1}_{i}$ and $Q^{-1}_{sc}$ providing the lowest trade-off. Likewise, we investigated the influence of window length on the results of Qopen. We found a dependency of the results on the length, if the windows are shorter than 30 s. For longer time windows, the dependence disappears, and the result becomes independent of window length..
Predictors of social distancing compliance in an Australian sample
Authors: Thacker J , Sturman D , Auton J
Published: September 2021

Pandemics are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been the most fatal coronavirus outbreak of the 21st century. To reduce person-to-person transmission, interventions such as social distancing have been recommended; however, it is anticipated that 80% compliance is required to control the outbreak. A questionnaire was used to assess the factors related to compliance with social distancing restrictions using a modified version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) that included participants’ understanding of restrictions. The questionnaire included 18 vignettes (violating, non-violating and ambiguous) to assess participants’ knowledge of the social distancing restrictions and intentions to violate them. Participants were also presented the social distancing restrictions relevant at the time of completion and they were asked to consider the restrictions when anticipating their behavior in the vignettes. In line with the predictions of the TPB, intentions to adhere to restrictions and perceived behavioral control predicted participants’ self-reported behaviors. Further, attitudes (ATT) toward social distancing restrictions and knowledge of the restrictions predicted intentions to adhere to them. Public health messaging should aim to increase the understanding of the restrictions, e.g. through the use of example scenarios of permitted and prohibited behaviors. This would be particularly beneficial when changes are implemented to promote the understanding of the restrictions and positive ATT toward them.
Oral contraceptives: knowledge and counselling practices of Lebanese community pharmacists
Authors: Chahine Bahia , Souheil Farah Al
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To examine the extent of Lebanese pharmacists’ knowledge about oral contraceptives (OCs), the characteristics influencing their knowledge and the factors that may predict their counselling practices.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between January and June 2020 in which a random sample of community pharmacists in Lebanon was asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. The survey was divided into three sections including demographic information, pharmacists’ knowledge and counselling practices, and their perceptions about OCs.

Key findings

Of the 300 pharmacists invited to participate, 240 (80%) responded. The majority of the pharmacists (255; 85%) had satisfactory general knowledge about the indications, side effects, contraindications and drug interactions of OCs. However, only 173 (57.5%) participants had satisfactory knowledge about the proper use of OCs. Older pharmacists and those who have been in practice for more than 10 years achieved lower knowledge scores; however, those with postgraduate degrees had significantly higher scores. Pharmacists with a postgraduate degree and male pharmacists were less likely to counsel patients compared with their counterparts. Conversely, pharmacists with postgraduate OC training and those who had a private area for consultation presented better counselling practices.

Conclusions

More than half of the participating pharmacists appeared to have satisfactory knowledge about OCs and their proper use; however, limited counselling and key misconceptions were observed in this study.
Challenges for Programmatic Implementation of Oral Cholera Vaccine in India
Authors: Chakraborty Debjit , Kanungo Suman , Kumar Nandy Ranjan , Kumar Deb Alok , Kumar Mukhopadhyay Asish , Dutta Shanta
Published: September 2021

Cholera remains a major contributor of diarrheal diseases and leads to substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in low socioeconomic settings. Nonavailability of a national cholera control plan in India, compounded by underreporting of cholera cases and deficient accurate cholera hotspot estimates, has made cholera control a challenge. Obstacles in the programmatic introduction of oral cholera vaccine (OCV) lie within the infrastructure—stockpile, costing, distribution system, cold-chain mechanism, vaccine logistics, and lack of strengthened surveillance systems for adverse events following immunization. Sustained political commitment along with collaboration of people working in the media will also determine the policy outcome of OCV introduction in India.
Impairment of Invasion and Maturation and Decreased Selectivity of Plasmodium falciparum in G6PD Viangchan and Mahidol Variants
Authors: Palasuwan Duangdao , Palasuwan Attakorn , Boonpeng Kanyarat , Ketprasit Nutpakal , Imwong Mallika , Kulkeaw Kasem
Published: September 2021

Background

Protection against Plasmodium falciparum is observed in a population deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), particularly in African and Mediterranean regions. However, such protection remains unknown among G6PD-deficient individuals in Southeast Asia.

Methods

In this study, we assessed the invasion and maturation of P falciparum K1 in a culture of erythrocytes isolated from Thai subjects carrying Viangchan (871G > A) and Mahidol (487G > A).

Results

We found that the parasites lost their ability to invade hemizygous and homozygous G6PD-deficient erythrocytes of Viangchan and Mahidol variants in the second and third cycles of intraerythrocytic development. It is interesting to note that P falciparum parasites selectively grew in erythrocytes from hemi- and homozygous genotypes with normal G6PD activity. Moreover, externalization of phosphatidylserine upon P falciparum infection was significantly increased only in Viangchan hemizygous variant cells.

Conclusions

This study is the first to show that blockage of invasion in long-term culture and potentially enhanced removal of parasitized erythrocytes were observed for the first time in erythrocytes from Viangchan and Mahidol G6PD-deficient individuals.
Coproduction in medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic: critical components of successful curricular reform
Authors: Gregoire Bruce , Trager Lena , Blum Jessamina
Published: September 2021

The current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has greatly affected medical education in unanticipated ways. By introducing the concept of educational coproduction at our institution, we have maintained a flexible and productive curricular environment for all students. The notion of coproduction acknowledges that education is a service that requires recognition of the expertise that both the teacher and the learner bring to the table, in the context of their community and society writ large. Using the coproduction framework allowed for increased communication and improved partnerships among students, educators, clinicians and our community as well as adaptations to a rapidly changing educational environment. Embracing the idea of coproduction is a valuable concept for institutions to consider during this time and in the future post-pandemic period.
How safe is prehospital care? A systematic review
Authors: O’connor Paul , O’malley Roisin , Lambe Kathryn , Byrne Dara , Lydon SinÉad
Published: September 2021

Background

As compared to other domains of healthcare, little is known about patient safety incidents (PSIs) in prehospital care. The aims of our systematic review were to identify how the prevalence and level of harm associated with PSIs in prehospital care are assessed; the frequency of PSIs in prehospital care; and the harm associated with PSIs in prehospital care.

Method

Searches were conducted of Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete and the grey literature. Reference lists of included studies and existing related reviews were also screened. English-language, peer-reviewed studies reporting data on number/frequency of PSIs and/or harm associated with PSIs were included. Two researchers independently extracted data from the studies and carried out a critical appraisal using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD).

Results

Of the 22 included papers, 16 (73%) used data from record reviews, and 6 (27%) from incident reports. The frequency of PSIs in prehospital care was found to be a median of 5.9 per 100 records/transports/patients. A higher prevalence of PSIs was identified within studies that used record review data (9.9 per 100 records/transports/patients) as compared to incident reports (0.3 per records/transports/patients). Across the studies that reported harm, a median of 15.6% of PSIs were found to result in harm. Studies that utilized record review data reported that a median of 6.5% of the PSIs resulted in harm. For data from incident reporting systems, a median of 54.6% of incidents were associated with harm. The mean QATSDD score was 25.6 (SD = 4.1, range = 16–34).

Conclusions

This systematic review gives direction as to how to advance methods for identifying PSIs in prehospital care and assessing the extent to which patients are harmed.
Properties of an acid-tolerant, persistent Cheddar cheese isolate, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GCRL163
Authors: Shah Syed S , Al-Naseri Ali , Rouch Duncan , Bowman John P , Wilson Richard , Baker Anthony L , Britz Margaret L
Published: September 2021

The distinctive flavours in hard cheeses are attributed largely to the activity of nonstarter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) which dominate the cheese matrix during maturation after lactose is consumed. Understanding how different strains of NSLAB survive, compete, and scavenge available nutrients is fundamental to selecting strains as potential adjunct starters which may influence product traits. Three Lacticaseibacillus paracasei isolates which dominated at different stages over 63-week maturation periods of Australian Cheddar cheeses had the same molecular biotype. They shared many phenotypic traits, including salt tolerance, optimum growth temperature, growth on N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine plus delayed growth on D-ribose, carbon sources likely present in cheese due to bacterial autolysis. However, strains 124 and 163 (later named GCRL163) survived longer at low pH and grew on D-tagatose and D-mannitol, differentiating this phenotype from strain 122. When cultured on growth-limiting lactose (0.2%, wt/vol) in the presence of high concentrations of L-leucine and other amino acids, GCRL163 produced, and subsequently consumed lactate, forming acetic and formic acids, and demonstrated temporal accumulation of intermediates in pyruvate metabolism in long-term cultures. Strain GCRL163 grew in Tween 80-tryptone broths, a trait not shared by all L. casei-group dairy isolates screened in this study. Including citrate in this medium stimulated growth of GCRL163 above citrate alone, suggesting cometabolism of citrate and Tween 80. Proteomic analysis of cytosolic proteins indicated that growth in Tween 80 produced a higher stress state and increased relative abundance of three cell envelope proteinases (CEPs) (including PrtP and Dumpy), amongst over 230 differentially expressed proteins.
Cost-effectiveness analysis using lifetime attributable risk of proton beam therapy for pediatric medulloblastoma in Japan
Authors: Yoshimura Takaaki , Tamori Honoka , Morii Yasuhiro , Hashimoto Takayuki , Shimizu Shinichi , Ogasawara Katsuhiko
Published: September 2021

Compared to conventional X-ray therapy, proton beam therapy (PBT) has more clinical and physical advantages such as irradiation dose reduction to normal tissues for pediatric medulloblastoma. However, PBT is expensive. We aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of PBT for pediatric medulloblastoma with that of conventional X-ray therapy, while focusing on radiation-induced secondary cancers, which are rare, serious and negatively affect a patient’s quality of life (QOL). Based on a systematic review, a decision tree model was used for the cost-effectiveness analysis. This analysis was performed from the perspective of health care payers; the cost was estimated from medical fees. The target population was pediatric patients with medulloblastoma below 14 years old. The time horizon was set at 7.7 years after medulloblastoma treatment. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), which was defined as the ratio of the difference in cost and lifetime attributable risk (LAR) between conventional X-ray therapy and PBT. The discount rate was set at 2% annually. Sensitivity analyses were performed to model uncertainty. Cost and LAR in conventional X-ray therapy and PBT were Japanese yen (JPY) 1 067 608 and JPY 2436061 and 42% and 7%, respectively. The ICER was JPY 3856398/LAR. In conclusion, PBT is more cost-effective than conventional X-ray therapy in reducing the risk of radiation-induced secondary cancers in pediatric medulloblastoma. Thus, our constructed ICER using LAR is one of the valid indicators for cost-effectiveness analysis in radiation-induced secondary cancer.
Petrous apex lesion following meningitis: management and discussion
Authors: Elmaraghy Charles , Bishop Ryan , Barron Christine , Adunka Oliver
Published: September 2021

A 9-year-old male with history of mixed hearing loss presented with petrous apex lesion following episode of meningitis. Serial imaging revealed persistence of the lesion necessitating biopsy to rule out malignancy. Biopsy revealed inflammatory changes. The management of petrous apex lesions following meningitis can be conservative but repeat imaging is necessary to rule out progression and to rule out neoplastic process.
Hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic blood supply from right renal artery
Authors: Sohail Amir Humza , Musa Ahmad , Khan Muhammad Salman , Hashmi Hassan Raza , Salam Basit , Brathwaite Collin E M
Published: September 2021

Extrahepatic blood supply is seen in around 17–27% of hepatocellular carcinoma lesions. Evidence suggests that this extrahepatic supply most commonly originates from a right intercostal artery (70–83%) followed by left intercostal, omental and right renal arteries. Thus a comprehensive knowledge of variations in standard vascular anatomy and cognisance of factors influencing or predicting extrahepatic blood supply in HCC is instrumental in ensuring the success of surgical and interventional procedures. We present the unusual case of a 66-year-old male with HCC in Segment I of the liver with aberrant blood supply from the right renal artery in the absence of any risk factors for extrahepatic circulation. He successfully underwent transarterial chemoembolization. There was no evidence of residual disease on repeat imaging.
Dissecting the metabolic reprogramming of maize root under nitrogen-deficient stress conditions
Authors: Chowdhury Niaz Bahar , Schroeder Wheaton L , Sarkar Debolina , Amiour Nardjis , Quilleré Isabelle , Hirel Bertrand , Maranas Costas D , Saha Rajib
Published: September 2021

The growth and development of maize (Zea mays L.) largely depends on its nutrient uptake through the root. Hence, studying its growth, response, and associated metabolic reprogramming to stress conditions is becoming an important research direction. A genome-scale metabolic model (GSM) for the maize root was developed to study its metabolic reprogramming under nitrogen stress conditions. The model was reconstructed based on the available information from KEGG, UniProt, and MaizeCyc. Transcriptomics data derived from the roots of hydroponically grown maize plants were used to incorporate regulatory constraints in the model and simulate nitrogen-non-limiting (N+) and nitrogen-deficient (N−) condition. Model-predicted flux-sum variability analysis achieved 70% accuracy compared with the experimental change of metabolite levels. In addition to predicting important metabolic reprogramming in central carbon, fatty acid, amino acid, and other secondary metabolism, maize root GSM predicted several metabolites (l-methionine, l-asparagine, l-lysine, cholesterol, and l-pipecolate) playing a regulatory role in the root biomass growth. Furthermore, this study revealed eight phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol metabolites which, even though not coupled with biomass production, played a key role in the increased biomass production under N-deficient conditions. Overall, the omics-integrated GSM provides a promising tool to facilitate stress condition analysis for maize root and engineer better stress-tolerant maize genotypes.
Impact of massive binary star and cosmic evolution on gravitational wave observations I: black hole–neutron star mergers
Authors: Broekgaarden Floor S , Berger Edo , Neijssel Coenraad J , Vigna-Gómez Alejandro , Chattopadhyay Debatri , Stevenson Simon , Chruslinska Martyna , Justham Stephen , de Mink Selma E , Mandel Ilya
Published: September 2021

Mergers of black hole–neutron star (BHNS) binaries have now been observed by gravitational wave (GW) detectors with the recent announcement of GW200105 and GW200115. Such observations not only provide confirmation that these systems exist but will also give unique insights into the death of massive stars, the evolution of binary systems and their possible association with gamma-ray bursts, r-process enrichment, and kilonovae. Here, we perform binary population synthesis of isolated BHNS systems in order to present their merger rate and characteristics for ground-based GW observatories. We present the results for 420 different model permutations that explore key uncertainties in our assumptions about massive binary star evolution (e.g. mass transfer, common-envelope evolution, supernovae), and the metallicity-specific star formation rate density, and characterize their relative impacts on our predictions. We find intrinsic local BHNS merger rates spanning $\mathcal {R}_{\rm {m}}^0 \approx$ 4–830 $\, \rm {Gpc}^{-3}$$\, \rm {yr}^{-1}$ for our full range of assumptions. This encompasses the rate inferred from recent BHNS GW detections and would yield detection rates of $\mathcal {R}_{\rm {det}} \approx 1$–180$\, \rm {yr}^{-1}$ for a GW network consisting of LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA at design sensitivity. We find that the binary evolution and metallicity-specific star formation rate density each impacts the predicted merger rates by order $\mathcal {O}(10)$. We also present predictions for the GW-detected BHNS merger properties and find that all 420 model variations predict that $\lesssim 5{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the BHNS mergers have BH masses $m_{\rm {BH}} \gtrsim 18\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$, total masses $m_{\rm {tot}} \gtrsim 20\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$, chirp masses ${\mathcal {M}}_{\rm {c}} \gtrsim 5.5\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$, and mass ratios qf ≳ 12 or qf ≲ 2. Moreover, we find that massive NSs with $m_{\rm {NS}} \gt 2\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$ are expected to be commonly detected in BHNS mergers in almost all our model variations. Finally, a wide range of $\sim 0{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ to $70{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the BHNS mergers are predicted to eject mass during the merger. Our results highlight the importance of considering variations in binary evolution and cosmological models when predicting, and eventually evaluating, populations of BHNS mergers.
Gravitational wave observatories may be able to detect hyperbolic encounters of black holes
Authors: Mukherjee Sajal , Mitra Sanjit , Chatterjee Sourav
Published: September 2021

Gravitational wave (GW) astronomy promises to observe different kinds of astrophysical sources. Here, we explore the possibility of detection of GWs from hyperbolic interactions of compact stars with ground-based interferometric detectors. It is believed that a bound compact cluster, such as a globular cluster, can be a primary environment for these interactions. We estimate the detection rates for such events by considering local geometry within the cluster, accounting for scattering probability of compact stars at finite distances, and assuming realistic cluster properties guided by available numerical models, their formation times, and evolution of stars inside them. We find that, even in the conservative limit, it may be possible to detect such black hole encounters in the next few years by the present network of observatories with the ongoing sensitivity upgrades and one to few events per year with the next-generation observatories. In practice, actual detection rates can significantly surpass the estimated average rates, since the chances of finding outliers in a very large population can be high. Such observations (or, no observation) may provide crucial constraints to estimate the number of isolated compact stars in the universe. These detections will be exciting discoveries on their own and will be complementary to observations of binary mergers, bringing us one step closer to address a fundamental question: How many black holes are there in the observable universe?
Formation and persistence of polyglutamine aggregates in mistranslating cells
Authors: Lant Jeremy T , Kiri Rashmi , Duennwald Martin L , O’Donoghue Patrick
Published: September 2021

In neurodegenerative diseases, including pathologies with well-known causative alleles, genetic factors that modify severity or age of onset are not entirely understood. We recently documented the unexpected prevalence of transfer RNA (tRNA) mutants in the human population, including variants that cause amino acid mis-incorporation. We hypothesized that a mistranslating tRNA will exacerbate toxicity and modify the molecular pathology of Huntington's disease-causing alleles. We characterized a tRNAPro mutant that mistranslates proline codons with alanine, and tRNASer mutants, including a tRNASerAGA G35A variant with a phenylalanine anticodon (tRNASerAAA) found in ∼2% of the population. The tRNAPro mutant caused synthetic toxicity with a deleterious huntingtin poly-glutamine (polyQ) allele in neuronal cells. The tRNASerAAA variant showed synthetic toxicity with proteasome inhibition but did not enhance toxicity of the huntingtin allele. Cells mistranslating phenylalanine or proline codons with serine had significantly reduced rates of protein synthesis. Mistranslating cells were slow but effective in forming insoluble polyQ aggregates, defective in protein and aggregate degradation, and resistant to the neuroprotective integrated stress response inhibitor (ISRIB). Our findings identify mistranslating tRNA variants as genetic factors that slow protein aggregation kinetics, inhibit aggregate clearance, and increase drug resistance in cellular models of neurodegenerative disease.
Of maps and grids
Authors: Grasso Matteo , Haun Andrew M , Tononi Giulio
Published: September 2021

Neuroscience has made remarkable advances in accounting for how the brain performs its various functions. Consciousness, too, is usually approached in functional terms: the goal is to understand how the brain represents information, accesses that information, and acts on it. While useful for prediction, this functional, information-processing approach leaves out the subjective structure of experience: it does not account for how experience feels. Here, we consider a simple model of how a “grid-like” network meant to resemble posterior cortical areas can represent spatial information and act on it to perform a simple “fixation” function. Using standard neuroscience tools, we show how the model represents topographically the retinal position of a stimulus and triggers eye muscles to fixate or follow it. Encoding, decoding, and tuning functions of model units illustrate the working of the model in a way that fully explains what the model does. However, these functional properties have nothing to say about the fact that a human fixating a stimulus would also “see” it—experience it at a location in space. Using the tools of Integrated Information Theory, we then show how the subjective properties of experienced space—its extendedness—can be accounted for in objective, neuroscientific terms by the “cause-effect structure” specified by the grid-like cortical area. By contrast, a “map-like” network without lateral connections, meant to resemble a pretectal circuit, is functionally equivalent to the grid-like system with respect to representation, action, and fixation but cannot account for the phenomenal properties of space.
SYST-05. PHASE 2 STUDY OF VAL-083 AND RADIOTHERAPY IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED MGMT-UNMETHYLATED GBM
Authors: Chen Zhong-ping , Guo Cheng-cheng , Yang Qun-ying , Li Jia-wei , Wu Shao-xiong , Bacha Jeffrey , Johnson Greg , Langlands John , Kwan Claire , Kanekal Sarath , Schwartz Richard , Brown Dennis
Published: September 2021

VAL-083 is a novel bi-functional DNA targeting agent that induces inter-strand DNA cross-links at N7-guanine, leading to DNA double-strand breaks and cell death. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated VAL-083 circumvents MGMT-mediated chemo-resistance and differentiates it from other therapies used in the treatment of GBM, including temozolomide (TMZ). VAL-083 also acts as a radiosensitizer against GBM cancer stem cells in vitro. A Phase 2 study was conducted to evaluate the safety and tolerability of VAL-083 when administered concurrently with radiation therapy (RT) in newly diagnosed MGMT unmethylated GBM. Stage 1 was a dose-escalation phase to confirm the dose of VAL-083 in this setting. Patients received VAL-083 at 20, 30, or 40 mg/m2/day x 3 days every 21 days in combination with standard radiation treatment (RT) (2 Gy/day, 5 days/week for 6 weeks). Stage 2 was an expansion phase to enroll up to 20 additional patients at the 30 mg/m2/day of VAL-083 with RT. A total of 29 patients were enrolled in the study and completed treatment, with 25 patients receiving 30 mg/m2/day VAL-083. The median number of cycles completed by all patients was 9 (range 2-13). Consistent with our prior experience, myelosuppression was the most common adverse event. Pharmacokinetics (Cmax and AUC) of VAL-083 were broadly linear with respect to dose, and drug half-life was 0.8 hrs. In a sub-group of patients, levels of VAL-083 in CSF were found to be at least as high as those in plasma. The median progression free survival (PFS) for all patients enrolled was 9.3 (95%CI: 6.4-12.0) months. Eighteen (18/29; 62.1%) patients have died, and median overall survival for all patients enrolled was 19.6 (95%CI: 14.0-22.4) months. These results support the potential benefit of VAL-083 as a treatment alternative against GBM tumors with MGMT-mediated resistance to TMZ. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03050736.
Sexual Activity in the Context of Romantic Relationships
Authors: Olmstead Spencer B. , Anders Kristin M.
Published: September 2021

Romantic relationships and sexuality have been described as crucial developmental experiences during emerging adulthood. One key belief is that many emerging adults are delaying more traditional romantic relationships (e.g., marriage) in favor of more sexually based relationships or avoiding relationships altogether. With increased engagement in sex outside the context of committed relationships, recent research has focused more on the sexual relationships of emerging adults; however, many scholars have shown that there are a variety of diverse pathways that emerging adults take when developing romantic and sexual relationships, and these continue to be an important influence during this period. This chapter discusses current trends in both sexual and romantic relationships of emerging adults, including how these experiences are linked. It also discusses trends related to sex and commitment, stayover relationships and cohabitation, and infidelity during this period. It concludes with recommendations for future research and practice.
Who Participates?
Authors: Claxton Shannon
Published: September 2021

Casual sexual relationships and experiences (CSREs) have been the focus of numerous research studies during the past two decades. These relationships and experiences are especially prevalent and important during emerging adulthood. This chapter evaluates these CSREs within which sexuality occurs during emerging adulthood. In addition to examining historical patterns in CSRE engagement, the chapter focuses on specific individual characteristics that are related to CSRE engagement and responses to CSREs, including age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, race, socioeconomic status, educational status, nationality, religion, and alcohol/drug use. This focus on individual characteristics provides a framework for understanding who engages in CSREs during emerging adulthood.
Brief Report
Authors: Massey Sean G , Mattson Richard E. , Chen Mei-Hsiu , Hardesty Melissa , Merriwether Ann , Young Sarah R. , Parker Maggie M
Published: September 2021

This trend study analyzed 9 years (2011–2019) of cross-sectional survey responses to Klein’s Sexual Orientation Grid to explore changes in sexual orientation among emerging adult college students. Categorical regression models based on ordinal responses revealed that participants were moving away from exclusive heterosexuality on attraction, behavior, and identity subscales at a rate of approximately 6% per year. This trend augments for women after 2014, coinciding with increased advocacy efforts related to U.S. marriage equality, but attenuates for men. Participants’ race also related to variations in sexual orientation: Black participants were less likely than White participants to identify as exclusively heterosexual, whereas the pattern reversed for Asian participants relative to White participants. These findings suggest that changes in sexual orientation are occurring among emerging adults in the United States, potentially in response to changing social and political contexts, but these changes are more pronounced in women and Black emerging adults.
Method Tutorial
Authors: Yucel Ebru , Charles Danika , Angelone D. J , Joppa Meredith
Published: September 2021

This tutorial discusses ethical considerations for researchers conducting sexuality research with emerging adults. During this imperative research, participants may be asked to provide information that could be considered highly personal or intimate. This has been considered to be a potential source of distress for participants and, some have argued, a potential source of harm. This discussion is explored throughout the tutorial. This tutorial also provides a thorough review of the literature, including references to ethical codes of conduct from the National Institutes of Health and the American Psychological Association. In addition, it reviews several methods of conducting sexuality research and provides recommendations for minimizing the risk of harm. Overall, it is crucial for researchers to identify a balance between the risk of harm and their own scientific objectives.
Method Tutorial
Authors: Glover Ciara Smalls , Salazar Laura
Published: September 2021

A lack of ethnic and racial diversity in studies is often cited as a limitation of sexual behavior research and psychological research broadly. There is a need for more resources that outline how to effectively recruit diverse samples, including undervoiced, non-college-attending emerging adults. The purpose of this study was to examine effective sampling methods for a sample at the intersection of multiple demographic groups—Black and Latinx/Hispanic non-college-attending emerging adults. A total of 161 participants were recruited using web-based sampling and venue-based sampling. Participants completed an online survey that asked about ecological contexts related to sexual behavior and their life experiences. This tutorial presents a brief description of each sampling approach and key steps that supported the success of each approach. A comparison of sample characteristics across sampling methods revealed that web-based sampling is a cost-effective method for examining sexual attitudes and behaviors among an ethnically diverse sample of non-college-attending emerging adults.
Brief Report
Authors: Cassar Kacie , Garmon Lance C.
Published: September 2021

This study focuses on how social media platforms are being used by emerging adults during the development of romantic and/or sexual relationships, specifically as it relates to initiating private, individualized conversations within the application by “sliding into DMs” (direct message). A majority of the 316 college student participants reported both being familiar with the sliding into DMs (SDM) concept and having either initiated or responded to an SDM. Many also indicated that they were able to successfully achieve the type of relationship they intended when utilizing an SDM. Findings from this study are interpreted in relation to both social penetration theory and attachment theory. Overall, the results support the importance of examining social media interactions when studying the development of both romantic relationships and nonrelational sexual activity in emerging adulthood.
Effects of Adversity on Sexuality in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Connolly Jennifer , Benvenuto Katherine , Wincentak Katherine
Published: September 2021

Adverse experiences in childhood include negative events directed toward the child, including abuse, mistreatment, or neglect, as well as indirect events such as family conflict, parental distress, and community disadvantage. All these events can disrupt normative development and may lead to maladaptive sexual outcomes in emerging adulthood. This chapter explores the links between experiences of childhood adversity and maladaptive sexual outcomes in emerging adulthood, including engagement in high-risk sexual activities and negative sexual health outcomes. Underlying processes that have been theorized to account for these effects are discussed, especially the role of cumulative stress and emotion dysregulation. The implications of the research findings for promoting sexual health are considered, and future research directions are proposed.
Sexual Assault in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Ross Ryan S , Blackwell Meredith A. , Vitek Kristen N , Yeater Elizabeth A
Published: September 2021

Emerging adulthood is a period of increased risk for sexual victimization, with women being at a particularly high risk of experiencing sexual assault. Victims of sexual assault are at an increased risk for several negative consequences, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use. Social norms and differences in dating expectations among emerging adults may create environments that promote sexual aggression. Alcohol use appears to be a risk factor for victimization among both men and women, as well as a risk factor for men perpetrating sexual violence. Although sexual assault is commonly associated with negative outcomes, research on post-traumatic growth has found that sometimes individuals experience growth following a traumatic event. Prevention programs have traditionally focused on reducing sexual aggressive behavior among men and changing social norms around assault; however, behavioral programs focusing on improving women’s skills to avoid and respond to sexually risky situations have yielded reductions in assault rates.
Introduction
Authors: Vermeulen Karla
Published: September 2021

The “Introduction” chapter of Generation Disaster: Coming of Age Post-9/11 describes the book’s premise: Current emerging adults (ages 18 to 29) have faced an unprecedented level of cumulative stressors throughout their lives, including the post-9/11 wars, school shootings and other disasters, climate change, and the pandemic. These threats are compounded by societal factors like a struggling economy, political divisiveness, and the impact of social media. The chapter outlines the book’s methodology and presents the core questions that will be addressed about the developmental impact of growing up in such a complex world, including how the many stressors they face will shape the cohort as they move through emerging adult and beyond.
Meet Generation Disaster
Authors: Vermeulen Karla
Published: September 2021

The “Meet Generation Disaster” chapter describes the basic principles of cohort effects and generational labels and explains how Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model of interacting systems of developmental influence inform the book. To provide historical context, the chapter describes the society the oldest members of Generation Disaster were born into in 1989 and how subsequent societal forces—primarily but not exclusively the attacks of 9/11, the 2008 recession, and the growing influence of media—have rapidly changed U.S. culture throughout the cohort’s lives, forcing them to constantly adapt to an unstable and stressful environment throughout childhood and adolescence and as they’ve become emerging adults.
Family Expectations
Authors: Vermeulen Karla
Published: September 2021

The chapter “Family Expectations” examines how members of Generation Disaster envision their pursuit of traditional goals like finding a partner, having children, and buying a home in an era when they have more choices than ever—but each choice comes at some cost. For many, the rocky economy, their perceptions about the general safety of the world, and fears about climate change make them question whether it’s appropriate to reproduce at all. As a result of external forces and the major societal shifts around these customary but no longer automatic markers of adulthood, some are taking alternative paths around traditional approaches to family formation—whether by choice or because they feel circumstances beyond their control, like their finances, have forced them to.
Introduction
Authors: Groll Daniel
Published: September 2021

This chapter introduces what the author calls the central question: Should people who plan to conceive a child with donated sperm or eggs—aka donated gametes—use an anonymous donor or not? The chapter defines various key terms, including “known donor,” “open donor,” and “anonymous donor.” It canvasses, and then sets aside, two standard arguments for the view that people should use open donors, namely that knowing a donor’s identity is important for medical reasons and that people have a right to know who their genetic progenitors are. Instead, it introduces what the author calls the Significant Interest view which is developed and defended in the rest of the book.
The Significant Interest View
Authors: Groll Daniel
Published: September 2021

This chapter presents the Significant Interest view, which aims to show that people who intend to conceive a child with donated gametes have a weighty reason to use an open donor. According to the Significant Interest view, the fact that a donor-conceived person is likely to be very interested in acquiring genetic knowledge gives intended parents a weighty reason to use an open donor. This is because parents ought to promote their children’s well-being by helping satisfy their child’s worthwhile significant interests, and a donor-conceived person’s interest in genetic knowledge is one such interest. This chapter explains what it means for an interest to be significant and worthwhile, the role that parents can legitimately play in shaping a child’s significant interests, and what the connection is between a person’s well-being and the satisfaction of their significant interests.
Pornography as a US Public Health Problem
Authors: Rothman Emily F.
Published: September 2021

Pornography is being indicted as a public health crisis in the United States and elsewhere, but the professional public health community is not behind the recent push to address pornography as a public health threat. While pornography may not be contributing directly to mortality or acute morbidity for a substantial percentage of people, it may be influencing other public health problems, such as sexual violence, dating abuse, compulsive behavior, and sexually transmitted infections. However, the evidence to support pornography as a causal factor is mixed, and there are numerous other factors that have more strongly established associations with these outcomes of interest. Throughout history, repressive forces have inflated the charges against sexually explicit material in order to advance a morality-based agenda. Nevertheless, a public health approach and tried public health practices, such as harm reduction and coalition-building, will be instrumental to addressing the emergence of mainstream Internet pornography.
Defining Pornography
Authors: Rothman Emily F.
Published: September 2021

The concept of pornography is a relatively modern intervention. This chapter reviews the historical roots of the idea that certain sexually explicit materials should be put off limits. Anthony Comstock’s moral crusade against pornography and its implications for access to sexual and reproductive health information are highlighted. The chapter reviews landmark Supreme Court and other US legal cases that had ramifications for how we define obscenity and pornography and provides an overview of the feminist sex wars of the 1960s to 1990s. The chapter presents a social science definition of pornography and argues that the diversity of sexually explicit media complicates research on its impacts.
Pornography and Aggression
Authors: Rothman Emily F.
Published: September 2021

This chapter reviews the results of ecological time-series studies, experimental studies, case-control studies, and meta-analyses of the relationship between pornography viewing and aggression perpetration. Antisocial personality characteristics can increase the risk that a subset of pornography viewers will engage in sexually aggressive behavior subsequent to pornography exposure. Public health professionals may be invited to play a role in policy decision-making that balances the public’s right to sexually explicit material against the risk that some viewers may be activated by viewing violent-looking pornography.
Pornography and Intimate Partnerships
Authors: Rothman Emily F.
Published: September 2021

This chapter addresses the question whether pornography harms the stability of pair-bonded intimate relationships. First, the chapter explores whether pair-bonded sexual and marital relationships are necessary and important for human health in the first place. Next, it reviews the evidence that pornography is eroding the stability of such relationships and the evidence that it may have positive effects in some relationships. The chapter concludes that if pornography does influence relationship health, the influence is likely weak and varies by gender, attachment style, relationship functionality, and other factors. Existing evidence does not support the conclusion that the existence of pornography in society, or the use of pornography by adult viewers, is jeopardizing population health by virtue of a negative influence on marriages, relationships, sexual satisfaction, or women’s self-esteem.
At What Cost
Authors: Freudenberg Nicholas
Published: September 2021

Every day people decide what to eat, how to educate their children, where to find health care, and how to connect to others. For many, freely choosing a lifestyle defines the American dream. But in the 21st century, these choices are increasingly constructed by corporations and designed not to promote well-being, happiness, and planetary health, but to increase corporate profits and power. As a result, the decisions that corporations encourage individuals to make can lead to premature death, illness, or psychological distress as well as environmental pollution and social conflict. At What Cost: Modern Capitalism and the Future of Health maps the landscape of the changing role of capitalism in shaping health in America, documenting the human costs of the dominant political and economic system. It describes how globalization, financial speculation, monopoly concentration, and business control of science and technology have enhanced the ability of corporations and their allies to overwhelm influences of government, family, and community. It analyses how 21st-century capitalism structures the choices that affect the well-being of individuals, families, communities, and the planet. The book also explores how people, governments, civil society, and social movements are challenging corporate domination and forging alternative paths to a healthier, more sustainable world. While other books have explored pieces of this story, At What Cost offers a comprehensive analysis of the health consequences of modern capitalism. It provides citizens, parents, activists, scholars, and policy makers with the evidence they need to construct a better world for current and future generations.