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Background: The LGBTQI+ population makes up at least 7.6% of the US population. LGBTQI+ populations are at increased risk of experiencing LGBTQI+‐related discrimination and cis‐heteronormativity in healthcare leading to poorer health outcomes throughout the cancer care continuum. We aimed to explore LGBTQI+ cancer survivors' perspectives of how cancer has changed their perceptions of self and relationships using data from OUT: The National Cancer Survey. Methods: We conducted an inductive qualitative content analysis of responses to four open‐ended questions from OUT: The National Cancer Survey. Data were collected from September 2020 to April 2021. Eligible participants were 18 years of age or older at time of survey, had been previously diagnosed with cancer, identified as LGBTQI+, and currently lived in the US. Open‐ended survey questions asked about the impact of cancer on LGBTQI+ cancer survivors' perceptions of self and relationships. To maximize inter‐rater reliability, 20% of the survey responses were double coded. Chi‐squared tests assessed differences in changes across the life‐course. Results: Of the participants in the OUT survey (N = 2382), 86.9% (N = 2069) provided responses to at least one of the four open‐ended questions. The content analysis sample participants were primarily aged 40–59 (39.3%) and 60–79 (49.4%), gay (54.7%), cisgender men (59.4), White (89.7%), and not on active treatment (77.4%). A total of 5179 codes were applied to the 2069 responses. A total of 5 overarching categories and 18 sub‐categories were identified. Themes included: (1) changes in perceptions of self; (2) changes to relationships; (3) changes to health and (4) LGBTQI+ specific unmet needs. The most commonly reported categories were changes in perceptions of self (77%, n = 1593) and changes to health (47%, n = 972). Most cancer‐related changes were more frequently reported by young adult survivors. Conclusions: This content analysis illuminates the unique challenges that the LGBTQI+ population faces while navigating through the cancer care continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To use an artificial intelligence (AI)‐powered large language model (LLM) to improve readability of patient handouts. Study Design: Review of online material modified by AI. Setting: Academic center. Methods: Five handout materials obtained from the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery websites were assessed using validated readability metrics. The handouts were inputted into OpenAI's ChatGPT‐4 after prompting: "Rewrite the following at a 6th‐grade reading level." The understandability and actionability of both native and LLM‐revised versions were evaluated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Results were compared using Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests. Results: The mean readability scores of the standard (ARS, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery) materials corresponded to "difficult," with reading categories ranging between high school and university grade levels. Conversely, the LLM‐revised handouts had an average seventh‐grade reading level. LLM‐revised handouts had better readability in nearly all metrics tested: Flesch‐Kincaid Reading Ease (70.8 vs 43.9; P <.05), Gunning Fog Score (10.2 vs 14.42; P <.05), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (9.9 vs 13.1; P <.05), Coleman‐Liau (8.8 vs 12.6; P <.05), and Automated Readability Index (8.2 vs 10.7; P =.06). PEMAT scores were significantly higher in the LLM‐revised handouts for understandability (91 vs 74%; P <.05) with similar actionability (42 vs 34%; P =.15) when compared to the standard materials. Conclusion: Patient‐facing handouts can be augmented by ChatGPT with simple prompting to tailor information with improved readability. This study demonstrates the utility of LLMs to aid in rewriting patient handouts and may serve as a tool to help optimize education materials. Level of Evidence: Level VI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid receptor‐sensor for anions originating from the merging of positively charged ammonium moieties for electrostatic attraction/stronger binding of azacrowns with directionality of calixpyrrole hydrogen bond donors for selectivity is investigated. As demonstrated this hybrid receptor‐sensor shows a remarkable selectivity for orthophosphate even in the presence of other phosphates and anions found in cellular materials (Kassoc H2PO4−>H2P2O72−>AMP−≫ADP2− or ATP3− over halides, nitrate, or hydrogen sulfate; all Na+ salts in water) but also cellular polyphosphate or phospholipids. This selectivity is harnessed in a real‐time monitoring of cell lysis by lysozyme, which releases orthophosphate and other phosphates and anions from the cells. This sensitive (LOD 0.4 μM) fluorescence‐based microscale method compares favorably with the state‐of‐the‐art techniques but can easily be practiced in a high‐throughput screening (HTS) manner. The anion binding and selectivity in aqueous solutions were investigated by NMR and put in context with phosphate binding of the parent calix[4]pyrrole. The microscopic understanding of anion binding by the hybrid receptor was then obtained from a combination of density functional theory (DFT), classical molecular dynamics (MD) with explicit water solvation, and ab initio MD (AIMD) simulations. Correlating the NMR and fluorescence binding data with studies of solvation of the receptor, phosphate anion, and the resulting complex confirms the binding is largely driven by entropic component (TΔS) associated with receptor and anion desolvation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Methods: In the United States, blacklegged Ixodes spp. ticks are the primary vector of Lyme disease. Minnesota is among the states with the highest reported incidence of Lyme disease, having an average of 1857 cases reported annually during 2011–2019. In contrast to the Northeast and mid‐Atlantic United States where exposure to ticks predominately occurs around the home, the circumstances regarding risk for exposure to blacklegged ticks in Minnesota are not well understood, and risk is thought to be highest in rural areas where people often participate in recreational activities (e.g. hiking, visiting cabins). We analysed enhanced surveillance data collected by the Minnesota Department of Health during 2011–2019 to describe epidemiologic and tick exposure characteristics among people with reported Lyme disease. Results: We found that younger age, male gender, residence in a county with lower Lyme disease risk, residence in the Minneapolis‐St. Paul metropolitan area, and an illness onset date later in the year were independently associated with higher odds of reporting tick exposures away from the home. We also describe the range of activities associated with tick exposure away from the home, including both recreational and occupational activities. Conclusions: These findings refine our understanding of Lyme disease risk in Minnesota and highlight the need for heterogeneous public health prevention messaging, including an increased focus on peridomestic prevention measures among older individuals living in high‐risk rural areas and recreational and occupational prevention measures among younger individuals living in the Minneapolis‐St. Paul metropolitan area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccolithophores fix organic carbon and produce calcite plates (coccoliths) that ballast organic matter and facilitate carbon export. Photosynthesis consumes carbon dioxide, while calcification produces it, raising questions about whether coccolithophores are a net sink or source of carbon. We characterized the physiology of calcified and noncalcified ("naked") phenotypes of Emiliania huxleyi (CCMP374) and investigated the relationship between calcification and photosynthesis across a gradient of light (25–2000 μmol photons m−2 s−1) spanning the euphotic zone. Growth and photophysiological parameters increased with light until reaching a mid‐light (150 μmol photons m−2 s−1) maximum for both phenotypes. Calcified cells were characterized by enhanced photophysiology and less photoinhibition. Further, enhanced bicarbonate transport in calcified cells led to higher rates of particulate organic carbon fixation and growth compared to naked cells at mid‐light to high light (150–2000 μmol photons m−2 s−1). Coccolith production was similarly high at mid and high light, but the rate of coccolith shedding was >3‐fold lower at high‐light (1.2 vs. 0.35 coccoliths cell−1 h−1). The cellular mechanims(s) of this differential shedding remain unknown and underly light‐related controls on coccosphere maintenance. Our data suggest coccoliths shade cells at high light and that enhanced bicarbonate transport associated with calcification increases internal carbon supplies available for organic carbon fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how past and current environmental conditions shape the demographic and genetic distributions of organisms facilitates our predictions of how future environmental patterns may affect populations. The Canyon Rubyspot damselfly (Odonata: Zygoptera: Hetaerina vulnerata) is an insect with a range distribution from Colombia to the arid southwestern United States, where it inhabits shaded mountain streams in the arid southwestern United States. Past spatial fragmentation of habitat and limited dispersal capacity of H. vulnerata may cause population isolation and genetic differentiation, and projected climate change may exacerbate isolation by further restricting the species' distribution. We constructed species distribution models (SDMs) based on occurrences of H. vulnerata and environmental variables characterizing the species' niche. We inferred seven current potential population clusters isolated by unsuitable habitat. Paleoclimate models indicated habitat contiguity in past conditions; projected models indicated some habitat fragmentation in future scenarios. Seventy‐eight H. vulnerata individuals from six of the current clusters were sequenced via ddRADseq and processed with Stacks. Principal components and phylogeographic analyses resolved three subpopulations; Structure resolved four subpopulations. FST values were low (<0.05) for nearby populations and >0.15 for populations separated by expanses of unsuitable habitat. Isolation by distance was an existing but weak factor in determining genomic structure; isolation by environment and the intervening landscape explained a significant proportion of genetic distance. Hetaerina vulnerata populations were shown to be isolated by a lack of tree canopy coverage, an important habitat predictor for oviposition and territoriality. Thus, H. vulnerata populations are likely separated and are genetically isolated. Integrating SDMs with landscape genetics allowed us to identify populations separated by distance and unsuitable habitat, explaining population genetic patterns and probable fates for populations under future climate scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Ocular surface reactions (OSR) have been associated with dupilumab for atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment. However, the association of dupilumab‐associated OSR (DA‐OSR) for nasal polyps (CRSwNP) treatment has not been studied. We evaluated DA‐OSR for CRSwNP treatment using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Methods: FAERS was queried for any general ocular reactions (DA‐GOR) from 2019Q1 to 2022Q4. DA‐OSR were subcategorized from DA‐GOR and compared between treatment groups (CRSwNP, asthma, AD). Logistic regression was used to predict DA‐OSR. Disproportionality analysis (DPA) of DA‐OSR was performed using OpenVigil. Results: There were 60,198 total observations, of which 5344 were treated for CRSwNP. The prevalence of DA‐GOR and DA‐OSR was greatest for AD (15.3%, 7.8%), followed by CRSwNP (12.2%, 6.7%) and asthma (9.2%, 3.5%). The most commonly reported OSRs were dry eyes (35.9%), conjunctivitis (15.7%), and increased lacrimation (11.0%). The reported odds ratio (ROR) of CRSwNP‐treated DA‐OSR was 0.84 (0.73–0.97; p = 0.015), compared to 1.29 (1.20–1.40; p < 0.001) for AD and 0.66 (0.59–0.73; p < 0.001) for asthma. For CRSwNP treatment, the DA‐OSR ROR was 0.97 (0.90–1.03; p = 0.3) for men and 0.78 (0.73–0.83, p < 0.001) for older adults (age > 50). ROR in the DPA for DA‐OSR was 12.5 (12.2–12.8; p < 0.001) for any indication and 0.58 (0.53–0.64; p < 0.001) for CRSwNP treatment only. Conclusions: While there are limitations to FAERS, this study confirms the association between dupilumab and OSR for AD treatment, and does not support an association between dupilumab and OSR for CRSwNP treatment. Younger adults experience more DA‐OSR in CRSwNP treatment without a specific predilection for sex. Level of Evidence: IV Laryngoscope, 134:2602–2608, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproduction, although absolutely essential to a species' persistence, is in itself challenging. As anthropogenic change increasingly affects every landscape on Earth, it is critical to understand how specific pressures impact the reproductive efforts of individuals, which directly contribute to the success or failure of populations. However, organisms rarely encounter a single burden at a time, and the interactions of environmental challenges can have compounding effects. Understanding environmental and physiological pressures is difficult because they are often context‐dependent and not generalizable, but long‐term monitoring across variable landscapes and weather patterns can improve our understanding of these complex interactions. We tested the effects of urbanization, climate, and individual condition on the reproductive investment of wild side‐blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana) by measuring physiological/reproductive metrics from six populations in urban and rural areas over six consecutive years of variable precipitation. We observed that reproductive stage affected body condition, corticosterone concentration, and oxidative stress. We also observed that reproductive patterns differed between urban and rural populations depending on rainfall, with rural animals increasing reproductive investment during rainier years compared to urban conspecifics, and that reproductive decisions appeared to occur early in the reproductive process. These results demonstrate the plastic nature of a generalist species optimizing lifetime fitness under varying conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emerging literature suggests that LGBTQ+ cancer survivors are more likely to experience financial burden than non‐LGBTQ+ survivors. However, LGBTQ+ cancer survivors experience with cost‐coping behaviors such as crowdfunding is understudied. Methods: We aimed to assess LGBTQ+ inequity in cancer crowdfunding by combining community‐engaged and technology‐based methods. Crowdfunding campaigns were web‐scraped from GoFundMe and classified as cancer‐related and LGBTQ+ or non‐LGBTQ+ using term dictionaries. Bivariate analyses and generalized linear models were used to assess differential effects in total goal amount raised by LGBTQ+ status. Stratified models were run by online reach and LGBTQ+ inclusivity of state policy. Results: A total of N = 188,342 active cancer‐related crowdfunding campaigns were web‐scraped from GoFundMe in November 2022, of which N = 535 were LGBTQ+ and ranged from 2014 to 2022. In multivariable models of recent campaigns (2019–2022), LGBTQ+ campaigns raised $1608 (95% CI: −2139, −1077) less than non‐LGBTQ+ campaigns. LGBTQ+ campaigns with low (26–45 donors), moderate (46–87 donors), and high (88–240 donors) online reach raised on average $1152 (95% CI: −$1589, −$716), $1050 (95% CI: −$1737, −$364), and $2655 (95% CI: −$4312, −$998) less than non‐LGBTQ+ campaigns respectively. When stratified by LGBTQ+ inclusivity of state level policy states with anti‐LGBTQ+ policy/lacking equitable policy raised on average $1910 (95% CI: −2640, −1182) less than non‐LGBTQ+ campaigns from the same states. Conclusions and Relevance: Our findings revealed LGBTQ+ inequity in cancer‐related crowdfunding, suggesting that LGBTQ+ cancer survivors may be less able to address financial burden via crowdfunding in comparison to non‐LGBTQ+ cancer survivors—potentially widening existing economic inequities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing offers reduced lead time between design and manufacturing. Fused filament fabrication, the most common form of material extrusion additive manufacturing, enables the production of custom‐made parts with complex geometry. Despite the numerous advantages of additive manufacturing, reliability, reproducibility, and achievement of isotropic bulk properties in part remains challenging. We investigated the tensile behavior of a model polycarbonate system to explore what leads to different tensile properties, including sources of ductile versus brittle fracture. We utilized a one factor at a time (OFAT) design of experiments (DOE), printed single road‐width boxes, and performed tensile tests on specimens from these boxes. Additionally, we characterized the cross‐sections of parts printed under different conditions and their subsequent fracture behavior. The results demonstrate that isotropic bulk properties are achievable by printing at high speeds, and provide mechanisms to explain why. Highlights: Printing at high speeds leads to improved mechanical properties.Printed samples undergo a mix of ductile and brittle failure.Jagged fracture path is associated with superior adhesion.High layer times lead to worse interfacial bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and all other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) populations made up 7.1% of the US population in 2021. LGBTQ+ cancer survivors face a variety of economic and mental health disparities; however, the determinants of poor mental health among LGBTQ+ cancer survivors are understudied. Methods: This analysis utilized the OUT National Survey which consists of N = 2233 LGBTQ+ cancer survivors (complete cases). Multivariable negative binomial and logit regression models were used to generate predicted values, predicted probabilities, and average marginal effects (AME) to assess the association between COVID‐19 related employment loss and mentally unhealthy days (MUDs) and frequent mental distress among LGBTQ+ cancer survivors. Predicted values and marginal effects were generated with interaction terms (demographics interacted with employment loss) to explore the heterogeneity of the effect of employment loss among LGBTQ+ sub‐populations. Results: In bivariate analyses employment loss was associated with a higher number of MUDs (10.3, SD = 9.9 vs. 8.4, SD = 9.6; p‐value<0.001) and frequent mental distress (34% vs. 26%; p‐value = 0.001). AME from a multivariable negative binomial model revealed that employment loss was associated with 1.42 more MUDs (95%CI: 0.33–2.86). Demographic factors such as some sexual orientations, cis‐female and non‐binary gender, younger age, and a current cancer diagnosis were also associated with significant expected increases in the number of MUDs. When assessing the heterogeneity of the effect of employment loss some sub‐populations experienced changes in the number of MUDs that pushed them over the threshold of frequent mental distress while others did not. Furthermore, identifying with multiple sexual orientations (AME: 0.19, 95%CI: 0.11–0.27), cis‐female and non‐binary genders (AME: 0.07, 95%CI: 0.2–0.12; AME: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.07–0.28), American Indian and Alaska Native race (AME: 0.17, 95%CI: 0.03–0.31), and a current cancer diagnosis (AME: 0.14, 95%CI: 0.09–0.19) were associated with an increase in the probability of experiencing frequent mental distress. Conclusions: COVID‐19 related employment loss negatively impacted the mental health of LGBTQ+ cancer survivors. LGBTQ+ specific supportive services as well as equity‐based employment and income interventions are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperative behavior and orthogonal responses of two classes of coordinatively integrated photochromic molecules towards distinct external stimuli were demonstrated on the first example of a photo‐thermo‐responsive hierarchical platform. Synergetic and orthogonal responses to temperature and excitation wavelength are achieved by confining the stimuli‐responsive moieties within a metal–organic framework (MOF), leading to the preparation of a novel photo‐thermo‐responsive spiropyran‐diarylethene based material. Synergistic behavior of two photoswitches enables the study of stimuli‐responsive resonance energy transfer as well as control of the photoinduced charge transfer processes, milestones required to advance optoelectronics development. Spectroscopic studies in combination with theoretical modeling revealed a nonlinear effect on the material electronic structure arising from the coordinative integration of photoresponsive molecules with distinct photoisomerization mechanisms. Thus, the reported work covers multivariable facets of not only fundamental aspects of photoswitch cooperativity, but also provides a pathway to modulate photophysics and electronics of multidimensional functional materials exhibiting thermo‐photochromism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploratory searches involve significant cognitively demanding aiming at learning and investigation. However, users gain little support from search engines for their cognitive and metacognitive activities (e.g., discovery, synthesis, planning, transformation, monitoring, and reflection) during exploratory searches. To better support the exploratory search process, we designed a new search assistance tool called OrgBox. OrgBox allows users to drag‐and‐drop information they find during searches into "boxes" and "items" that can be created, labeled, and rearranged on a canvas. We conducted a controlled, within‐subjects user study with 24 participants to evaluate the OrgBox versus a baseline tool called the OrgDoc that supported rich‐text features. Our findings show that participants perceived the OrgBox tool to provide more support for grouping and reorganizing information, tracking thought processes, planning and monitoring search and task processes, and gaining a visual overview of the collected information. The usability test reveals users' preferences for simplicity, familiarity, and flexibility of the design of OrgBox, along with technical problems such as delay of response and restrictions of use. Our results have implications for the design of search‐assisting systems that encourage cognitive and metacognitive activities during exploratory search processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the impacts of global warming on mutualisms poses a significant challenge given the functional and life history differences that usually exist among interacting species. However, this is a critical endeavour since virtually all species on Earth depend on other species for survival and/or reproduction. The field of thermal ecology can provide physiological and mechanistic insights, as well as quantitative tools, for addressing this challenge. Here, we develop a conceptual and quantitative framework that connects thermal physiology to species' traits, species' traits to interacting mutualists' traits and interacting traits to the mutualism. We first identify the functioning of reciprocal mutualism‐relevant traits in diverse systems as the key temperature‐dependent mechanisms driving the interaction. We then develop metrics that measure the thermal performance of interacting mutualists' traits and that approximate the thermal performance of the mutualism itself. This integrated approach allows us to additionally examine how warming might interact with resource/nutrient availability and affect mutualistic species' associations across space and time. We offer this framework as a synthesis of convergent and critical issues in mutualism science in a changing world, and as a baseline to which other ecological complexities and scales might be added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ongoing controversy exists regarding terminology used to describe atypical melanocytic nevi. Efforts to standardize nomenclature, including the 1992 NIH consensus conference, have been largely unsuccessful. Significant advances have revealed an increasingly detailed genetic picture of melanocytic neoplasms, including strong evidence for the existence of those with "intermediate" behavior. Methods: We sent an electronic survey to dermatopathologists (n = 846) to assess trends in nomenclature usage and attitudes toward developing new consensus nomenclature for atypical melanocytic nevi. Results: There were 229 complete responses (27.1% response rate). The most used/preferred nomenclature was "dysplastic nevus" (43%/39%, respectively), followed by the NIH‐recommended terminology (28%/26%). Three‐tier grading systems were most heavily used/preferred (79%/63%). Dermatopathologists based in New England were most likely to use the NIH terminology; on the other hand, "dysplastic nevus" or "other" were most used elsewhere (p = 0.029). Most (76%) expressed at least "moderate" enthusiasm for developing consensus nomenclature, with 47% "very" or "extremely" enthusiastic. Conclusion: Little has changed with the wide variation in terminology for atypical melanocytic nevi. There continues to be no one dominant terminology in use. However, there is enthusiasm for standardization. A new attempt at updated consensus nomenclature may be fruitful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The interruption of vascular supply to the inner ear is one of several proposed etiologies of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The increased presence of cardiovascular risk factors may predispose patients to SSNHL through this pathway. This systematic review and meta‐analysis studies the presence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients diagnosed with SSNHL. Data Sources: Databases included PubMed/Medline, OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science. Review Methods: Inclusion criteria included studies featuring SSNHL patients presenting with 1+ cardiovascular risk factors. Exclusion criteria included case reports and studies without outcome measures. Two investigators independently reviewed all manuscripts and performed quality assessments using validated tools. Results: Of 532 identified abstracts, 27 studies met inclusion criteria (19 case‐control, 4 cohorts, 4 case series). Of these, 24 underwent meta‐analysis encompassing a total of 77,566 patients (22,620 SSNHL patients, 54,946 matched controls). The mean age was 50.43 years. SSNHL patients were more likely to have concomitant diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.61 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31, 1.99; p <.00001]) and hypertension (OR 1.5 [95% CI: 1.16, 1.94; p =.002]). An increased standard mean difference of total cholesterol of 11.09 mg/dL (95% CI; 3.51, 18.67; p =.004) was noted in the SSNHL group compared with the controls. No significant differences in smoking, high‐density lipoprotein, triglycerides, or body mass index were detected. Conclusion: Patients presenting with SSNHL have a significantly higher risk of concomitant diabetes, hypertension, and higher total cholesterol in comparison to matched controls. This may indicate a higher cardiovascular risk profile in this population. More prospective and matched cohort studies are needed to understand the role of cardiovascular risk factors in SSNHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify clinical and demographic characteristics of adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing soft tissue and orthognathic sleep surgery, assess temporal trends in surgery type and proportion of women undergoing surgery, and provide clinical perspective before wide‐spread implementation of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS). Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, adults diagnosed with OSA from 2009 to 2016 were identified in a large integrated healthcare system. Characteristics between cohort members who did and did not undergo sleep surgeries were compared. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations of different characteristics with whether surgery was performed. Results: Of 172,216 adults with OSA, 2,262 (1.3%) underwent sleep surgery during 2009–2017. The most common sleep surgery was palate surgery (56.9%), which decreased proportionately over time. In multivariable analysis, older age and obesity were associated with lower odds of undergoing surgery. Those who underwent tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy were more likely to have larger tonsils and not require additional surgery, whereas tongue reduction recipients were more likely to have severe OSA and require multiple surgery types. The proportion of women undergoing surgery increased over time (p < 0.001 from trend test). Conclusion: Clinical and demographic characteristics associated with soft tissue and orthognathic sleep surgery were identified in a large adult cohort prior to widespread implementation of HGNS. An increase in sleep surgery among women and a decrease in palate surgery over time were observed. The findings provide clinical perspective on sleep surgery performed prior to implementation of HGNS and may inform future studies examining its associations with patient characteristics. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1262–1270, 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic and environmental costs are assessed for four different plastics manufacturing processes, including cold and hot runner molding as well as stock and upgraded material extrusion three dimensional (3D) printers. A larger stock 3D printer was found to provide a melting capacity of 14.4 ml/h, while a smaller printer with an upgraded extruder had a melting capacity of 36 ml/h. 3D printing at these maximum melting capacities resulted in specific energy consumption (SEC) of 16.5 and 5.28 kWh/kg, respectively, with the latter value being less than 50% of the lowest values reported in the literature. Even so, analysis of these respective processes found them to be only 2.9% and 3.8% efficient relative to their theoretical minimum energy requirements. By comparison, cold and hot runner molding with an all‐electric machine had SEC of 1.28 and 0.929 kWh/kg, respectively, with efficiencies of 9.9% and 13.6% relative to the theoretical minima. Breakeven analysis considering the cost and carbon footprint of mold tooling found injection molding was preferable at a production quantity of around 70,000 units. Parametric analysis of model inputs indicates that the breakeven quantities are robust with respect to carbon tax incentives but highly dependent on mold costs, labor costs, and part size. Dimensional and mechanical properties of the molded and 3D printed specimens are also characterized and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confinement‐imposed photophysics was probed for novel stimuli‐responsive hydrazone‐based compounds demonstrating a conceptual difference in their behavior within 2D versus 3D porous matrices for the first time. The challenges associated with photoswitch isomerization arising from host interactions with photochromic compounds in 2D scaffolds could be overcome in 3D materials. Solution‐like photoisomerization rate constants were realized for sterically demanding hydrazone derivatives in the solid state through their coordinative immobilization in 3D scaffolds. According to steady‐state and time‐resolved photophysical measurements and theoretical modeling, this approach provides access to hydrazone‐based materials with fast photoisomerization kinetics in the solid state. Fast isomerization of integrated hydrazone derivatives allows for probing and tailoring resonance energy transfer (ET) processes as a function of excitation wavelength, providing a novel pathway for ET modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Dupilumab was the first biologic approved to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). While the risk of adverse events in phase-III clinical trials was low, dupilumab-associated adverse reactions (DAR) with real-world use is unknown and potentially under-reported. We aimed to evaluate DAR for CRSwNP treatment (CRSwNP-tx) using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Study Design: Retrospective database study. Methods: FAERS was queried for DAR from 2019Q1 to 2021Q2. Individual DAR (iDAR) were categorized and quantitatively compared between treatment groups (CRSwNP, asthma, atopic dermatitis). Zero-truncated Poisson regression was modeled to predict the number of iDAR, and logistic regression was modeled to predict serious DARs. Results: There were 15,411 DAR observations; 911 for CRSwNP-tx, of which 121 (13.3%) had serious reactions and 3 died. Common CRSwNP-tx iDAR were dermatologic (13.9%), generalized (13.3%), and injection-site (10.8%) symptoms. The number of CRSwNP-tx iDAR was 2.99 [2.81, 3.17], compared to 3.44 [3.32, 3.56] for asthma and 3.18 [3.13, 3.24] for atopic dermatitis (Kruskal-Wallis test, P < .001). For CRSwNP-tx, iDAR reported-risk-ratio was 0.84 [0.77, 0.92] among men and 1.12 [1.04, 1.22] among older adults (>50). Serious DAR reported-odds-ratio was 1.37 [0.91, 2.04] among men and 1.39 [0.93, 2.08] among older adults. Conclusions: While there are limitations with FAERS, this analysis suggests CRSwNP-tx is associated with fewer iDAR compared with other treatment indications. More iDAR are experienced among women and older adults, but men tend to have more serious DAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extended high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) genotype testing (hrHPVGT) has emerged as a new strategy to help optimize the efficiency of hrHPV triage. Methods: Women with an atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US) cervical Papanicolaou test result who underwent hrHPVGT between October 2017 and May 2021 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China, were studied. For hrHPVGT, a proprietary multiplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay was used. hrHPVGT and viral load test results in selected patients were correlated with histopathologic follow‐up findings available within 6 months. Results: In total, 17,235 women with ASC‐US cytology who had hrHPVGT results were identified in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University database. The hrHPV‐positive rate was 61.8%, and the most prevalent hrHPV genotypes were type 52 (HPV52) (16%), HPV16 (11.3%), HPV58 (10.2%), and HPV53 (8.4%). Single hrHPV genotypes were detected in 65.9% of women with hrHPV‐positive results, and multiple genotypes were detected in 34.1%. Histopathologic cervical findings within 6 months were available in 5627 hrHPV‐positive women and 2223 hrHPV‐negative women. High‐grade cervical intraepithelial lesions or cervical cancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or greater [CIN2+]) were identified in 7.5% of hrHPV‐positive women who had ASC‐US cytology and in 0.9% of hrHPV‐negative women who had ASC‐US cytology. The greatest risk for CIN2+ was in single hrHPV genotype infections with HPV16 (21.1%), HPV33 (15.2%), HPV82 (10%), and HPV18 (9.9%). hrHPVGT for genotypes HPV16, HPV33, HPV82, HPV18, HPV31, HPV45, HPV58, and HPV52 identified 95% of CIN2+ cases with 90.8% sensitivity, 53.8% specificity, a positive predictive value of 10.2%, and a negative predictive value of 99%. A significantly increased viral load was associated only with women who had HPV16‐related CIN2+. Conclusions: hrHPVGT for women who have ASC‐US cytology allows for risk stratification capable of optimizing the efficiency of triage for hrHPV‐positive women. Extended human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping reveals that HPV types 16, 33, 82, 18, 31, 45, 58, and 52 identify 95% of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with 90.8% sensitivity and 53.8% specificity. This genotyping allows for risk stratification capable of optimizing the efficiency of triage for patients who are positive for high‐risk HPV and have a finding of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new, stable, mixed finite element (FE) method for linear elastostatics of nearly incompressible solids. The method is the automatic variationally stable FE method of Calo et al., in which we consider a Petrov–Galerkin weak formulation where the stress and displacement variables are in the space H(div) and H1, respectively. This allows us to employ a fully conforming FE discretization for any elastic solid using classical FE subspaces of H(div) and H1. Hence, the resulting FE approximation yields both continuous stresses and displacements. To ensure stability of the method, we employ the philosophy of the discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin method of Demkowicz and Gopalakrishnan and use optimal test spaces. Thus, the resulting FE discretization is stable even as the Poisson's ratio ν→0.5, and the system of linear algebraic equations is symmetric and positive definite. Our method also comes with a built‐in a posteriori error estimator as well as indicators which are used to drive mesh adaptive refinements. We present several numerical verifications of our method including comparisons to existing FE technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes latent infection in long‐lived neurons. During initial infection, neurons are exposed to multiple inflammatory cytokines but the effects of immune signaling on the nature of HSV latency are unknown. We show that initial infection of primary murine neurons in the presence of type I interferon (IFN) results in a form of latency that is restricted for reactivation. We also find that the subnuclear condensates, promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML‐NBs), are absent from primary sympathetic and sensory neurons but form with type I IFN treatment and persist even when IFN signaling resolves. HSV‐1 genomes colocalize with PML‐NBs throughout a latent infection of neurons only when type I IFN is present during initial infection. Depletion of PML prior to or following infection does not impact the establishment latency; however, it does rescue the ability of HSV to reactivate from IFN‐treated neurons. This study demonstrates that viral genomes possess a memory of the IFN response during de novo infection, which results in differential subnuclear positioning and ultimately restricts the ability of genomes to reactivate. Synopsis: Latent HSV‐1 genomes in peripheral neurons possess a long‐term memory of the IFN response in primary infection. This memory is characterized by association of latent genomes with IFN‐induced PML‐NBs and ultimately restriction of viral reactivation. Primary sympathetic and sensory neurons do not have detectible PML‐NBs.PML‐ NBs form with type I IFN treatment and persist even following cessation of IFN signaling.HSV‐1 genomes become entrapped by PML‐NBs throughout latency only when type I IFN is present during initial infection.PML‐NBs are not required for latency, but latent genomes are more restricted for reactivation when they are entrapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) messenger RNA (mRNA) testing, the Food and Drug Administration–approved testing platform since 2013, has been increasing as a cervical screening alternative to hrHPV DNA testing methods. This study reports the largest routine clinical follow‐up study reported to date of hrHPV mRNA cotesting and histopathologic follow‐up results for women with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) cytology results. Methods: HSIL Papanicolaou test results for women cotested with Aptima hrHPV mRNA testing between June 2015 and November 2020 were analyzed along with recorded histopathologic follow‐up results within 6 months of screening. Results: Aptima hrHPV mRNA–positive results were reported for 95.2% of the cotested HSIL cytology cases (905 of 951). Histopathologic cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) was diagnosed on follow‐up in 538 of 701 hrHPV mRNA–positive cases (76.8%) and in 15 of 36 hrHPV mRNA–negative cases (41.7%). Additional reviews of the hrHPV mRNA–negative HSIL cases showed variable interpretations, and confirmatory blinded‐review interpretations of HSIL or atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion were more likely in cases with histopathologic CIN2+ (77.5% [93 of 120]) than those with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or negative findings (63.1% [101 of 160]; P <.01). Conclusions: This large routine‐clinical‐practice study confirms the previously reported high sensitivity of hrHPV mRNA testing for the detection of high‐grade cervical dysplasia and cervical cancers. The blinded‐review findings indicate that additional cytology review may be helpful for confirming an interpretation of HSIL in daily practice, especially for hrHPV‐negative HSIL cases. High‐risk human papillomavirus messenger RNA testing has high sensitivity for the detection of high‐grade cervical dysplasia and cervical cancers. Additional cytology review may be helpful for confirming the interpretation of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to describe young adult cancer caregivers' exposure to cancer misinformation on social media. Methods: Eligible participants were 18 to 39 years old, used social media weekly, and cared for an adult patient with cancer diagnosed 6 months to 5 years before (N = 21). Recruitment occurred from August 2017 to June 2018 in person at oncology clinics and online. Semistructured telephone interviews were recorded and analyzed with grounded theory methods through 2 rounds of coding (κ = 0.88). Results: Caregivers were on average 29.1 years old, female (76.2%), non‐Hispanic White (90.5%), college educated (57.1%), and caring for a spouse/partner (47.6%). Caregivers were exposed to a variety of cancer misinformation topics; some felt uncertain in their caregiving ability when confronted with cancer misinformation. Caregivers crosschecked online sources and consulted trusted individuals (eg, family, friends, and health care providers) to determine the quality of cancer‐related information and manage cancer misinformation. Conclusions: Cancer misinformation on social media may influence caregiving behaviors and decision making. Whether caregivers correctly and consistently identify cancer misinformation on social media is unknown. Supporting digital literacy to mitigate cancer misinformation on social media may improve young cancer caregivers' access to credible cancer information. Lay Summary: Cancer misinformation on social media affects young adult cancer caregivers' perceptions of their social support network.Caregivers differ in how they evaluate cancer information for quality and in how this information influences their health behaviors and caregiving decisions. Approximately two‐thirds of young cancer caregivers experience cancer misinformation on social media. The extent to which young caregivers correctly identify cancer misinformation is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torpor, or a regulated drop in body temperature and metabolic rate, allows animals to inhabit energetically costly environments, but among torpor‐using species, we have a poor understanding of how plasticity in torpor use relates to the experienced environment.To better understand the ecology of daily torpor, we completed the largest study to date on the intraspecific variation of daily torpor use in hummingbirds by exposing 149 individuals of two hummingbird species to ambient or experimentally cooled temperatures in a field setting.The smaller species, a latitudinal migrant, used daily torpor frequently under ambient conditions. The larger species, an elevational migrant, also used daily torpor regularly, but further increased the frequency of daily torpor use when experiencing colder temperatures and prior to migration—indicating a facultative adaptation.To place our results within a broader phylogenetic context, we combined our experimental results with a meta‐analysis, including 31 species and all major hummingbird clades, and found a broad taxonomic pattern in which smaller hummingbirds are more likely to use daily torpor than their larger counterparts. Smaller hummingbirds may be physiologically constrained, requiring nearly obligate daily torpor use, while larger hummingbirds are physiologically more flexible and can facultatively respond to changing environmental conditions.Our results reveal how physiological traits, such as the frequency and depth of daily torpor, can provide a mechanism to understand how hummingbird species have established and persisted across broad environmental gradients. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there is huge promise in monitoring physiological parameters in free‐living organisms, we also find high amounts of variability over time and space. This variation requires us to capitalize on long‐term physiological monitoring to adequately address questions of population health, conservation status, or evolutionary trends as long‐term sampling can examine ecoimmunological and endocrine interactions in wild populations while accounting for the variation that often makes ecophysiological field studies difficult to compare. In this study, we tested how immune efficacy and endocrinology interact while accounting for ecological context and environmental conditions in two snake species. Specifically, we measured bacterial killing ability, steroid hormones, and morphological characteristics in multiple populations of the Western Terrestrial Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans) and Common Gartersnake (T. sirtalis) for multiple seasons over 6 years. Leveraging this long‐term dataset, we tested how a broad immune measure and endocrine endpoints interact while accounting for individual traits, sampling date, and environmental conditions. Across both species, we found bacterial killing ability to be directly related to corticosterone (CORT) and temperature and greater overall in the spring compared to the fall. We found CORT and testosterone yielded relationships with individual sex, sampling temperature, and time of year. Wild populations can exhibit high amounts of variation in commonly collected physiological endpoints, highlighting the complexity and difficulty inherent in interpreting single endpoints without taking ecological and environmental conditions into account. Our study emphasizes the importance of reporting the environmental conditions under which the sampling occurred to allow for better contextualization and comparison between studies. Research Highlights: Immune and endocrine endpoints had a positive relationship. Long‐term sampling reveals physiological relationships while accounting for intrinsic (sex and species) and extrinsic factors (temperature and sampling date). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coincident with recent global warming, species have shifted their geographic distributions to cooler environments, generally by moving along thermal axes to higher latitudes, higher elevations or deeper waters. While these shifts allow organisms to track their thermal niche, these three thermal axes also covary with non‐climatic abiotic factors that could pose challenges to range‐shifting plants and animals. Such novel abiotic conditions also present an unappreciated pitfall for researchers – from both empirical and predictive viewpoints – who study the redistribution of species under global climate change. Climate, particularly temperature, is often assumed to be the primary abiotic factor in limiting species distributions, and decades of thermal biology research have made the correlative and mechanistic understanding of temperature the most accessible and commonly used response to any abiotic factor. Receiving far less attention, however, is that global gradients in oxygen, light, pressure, pH and water availability also covary with latitude, elevation, and/or ocean depth, and species show strong physiological and behavioral adaptations to these abiotic variables within their historic ranges. Here, we discuss how non‐climatic abiotic factors may disrupt climate‐driven range shifts, as well as the variety of adaptations species use to overcome abiotic conditions, emphasizing which taxa may be most limited in this capacity. We highlight the need for scientists to extend their research to incorporate non‐climatic, abiotic factors to create a more ecologically relevant understanding of how plants and animals interact with the environment, particularly in the face of global climate change. We demonstrate how additional abiotic gradients can be integrated into global climate change biology to better inform expectations and provide recommendations for addressing the challenge of predicting future species distributions in novel environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe how young adult cancer caregivers (YACC) use social media for social support during a cancer experience.Methods: Eligible YACC were 18 to 39 years, used Facebook and/or Instagram at least once per week, and cared for an adult cancer patient diagnosed 6 months to 5 years prior (N = 34). Recruitment of a cross-sectional sample occurred through oncology clinics in Utah and online advertising by caregiving and cancer organizations from September 2017 to June 2018. Semi-structured telephone interviews were recorded, transcribed, iteratively coded, and qualitatively analyzed, yielding four categories concerning how YACC use social media.Results: Caregivers were most commonly spouses aged 29 years on average (range 21-38); cancer patients were 37 years (range 19-76). Analysis yielded four distinct yet related categories: Category 1: Posting about cancer on social media often begins as a strategy for YACC to efficiently provide updates about the cancer patient. Category 2: Caregivers who actively post on social media experience a variety of different functional social supports to which they otherwise would not have access. Category 3: Posting about cancer online presents an opportunity for negative consequences. Category 4: Potential for negative consequences influences how some caregivers use social media.Conclusions: Supportive services, including social media-based supports, are needed for YACC in formats that are convenient for them as they balance their caretaking duties with their daily lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CM) insecticides are widely used in the United States and share the same mode of toxic action. Both classes are frequently documented in aquatic ecosystems, sometimes at levels that exceed aquatic life benchmarks. We previously identified a population of the nontarget amphipod, Hyalella azteca, thriving in an agricultural creek with high sediment levels of the OP chlorpyrifos, suggesting the population may have acquired genetic resistance to the pesticide. In the present study, we surveyed 17 populations of H. azteca in California to screen for phenotypic resistance to chlorpyrifos as well as genetic signatures of resistance in the acetylcholinesterase (ace‐1) gene. We found no phenotypic chlorpyrifos resistance in populations from areas with little or no pesticide use. However, there was ~3‐ to 1,000‐fold resistance in H. azteca populations from agricultural and/or urban areas, with resistance levels in agriculture being far higher than urban areas due to greater ongoing use of OP and CM pesticides. In every case of resistance in H. azteca, we identified a glycine‐to‐serine amino acid substitution (G119S) that has been shown to confer OP and CM resistance in mosquitoes and has been associated with resistance in other insects. We found that the G119S mutation was always present in a heterozygous state. Further, we provide tentative evidence of an ace‐1 gene duplication in H. azteca that may play a role in chlorpyrifos resistance in some populations. The detection of a genetically based, adaptive OP and CM resistance in some of the same populations of H. azteca previously shown to harbor a genetically based adaptive pyrethroid resistance indicates that these nontarget amphipod populations have become resistant to many of the insecticides now in common use. The terrestrial application of pesticides has provided strong selective pressures to drive evolution in a nontarget, aquatic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) limits lower extremity physical function. Exercise therapy may improve physical function and reduce pain in patients with hip OA.Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to measure the effect of a structured hip-specific resistance and aerobic exercise program on physical function and self-reported pain in adults with hip OA.Design: Pilot RCT.Setting: Academic medical center.Participants: Thirty one adults with radiographic hip OA.Interventions: Participants were randomly allocated in a 2:1 ratio to a 3-month structured exercise intervention (n = 21) or a 3-month waitlist control (n = 10).Main Outcome Measures: The 6-minute walk test was the primary outcome measure. Self-reported physical function was assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function subscale and pain visual analog scale (VAS). Measures of feasibility were assessed as secondary outcomes.Results: From baseline to 3 months, the median change from baseline in distance covered during the 6-minute walk test in the intervention group (49 m) was double that of the control group (22 m), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .13). Likewise, the WOMAC physical function subscale score median changes in the intervention group (5 points) were double that of the controls (2 points), although the difference was not statistically significant (P = .06). Median change in pain scores was slightly reduced in each group but not significantly different between groups (P = .53).Conclusion: Although no statistically significant between-group differences were found in this pilot RCT, improvements were seen in measures of physical function compared to controls. A larger RCT of this structured exercise program may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Biological outliers (observations that fall outside of a previously understood norm, e.g., in phenology or distribution) may indicate early stages of a transformative change that merits immediate attention. Collectors of biodiversity specimens such as plants, fungi, and animals are on the front lines of discovering outliers, yet the role collectors currently play in providing such data is unclear. Methods: We surveyed 222 collectors of a broad range of taxa, searched 47 training materials, and explored the use of 170 outlier terms in 75 million specimen records to determine the current state of outlier detection and documentation in this community. Results: Collectors reported observing outliers (e.g., about 80% of respondents observed morphological and distributional outliers at least occasionally). However, relatively few specimen records include outlier terms, and imprecision in their use and handling in data records complicates data discovery by stakeholders. This current state appears to be at least partly due to the absence of protocols: only one of the training materials addressed documenting and reporting outliers. Conclusions: We suggest next steps to mobilize this largely untapped, yet ideally suited, community for early detection of biotic change in the Anthropocene, including community activities for building relevant best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Two prominent characteristics of marine coccolithophores are their secretion of coccoliths and their susceptibility to infection by coccolithoviruses (EhVs), both of which display variation among cells in culture and in natural populations. We examined the impact of calcification on infection by challenging a variety of Emiliania huxleyi strains at different calcification states with EhVs of different virulence. Reduced cellular calcification was associated with increased infection and EhV production, even though calcified cells and associated coccoliths had significantly higher adsorption coefficients than non‐calcified (naked) cells. Sialic acid glycosphingolipids, molecules thought to mediate EhV infection, were generally more abundant in calcified cells and enriched in purified, sorted coccoliths, suggesting a biochemical link between calcification and adsorption rates. In turn, viable EhVs impacted cellular calcification absent of lysis by inducing dramatic shifts in optical side scatter signals and a massive release of detached coccoliths in a subpopulation of cells, which could be triggered by resuspension of healthy, calcified host cells in an EhV‐free, 'induced media'. Our findings show that calcification is a key component of the E. huxleyi‐EhV arms race and an aspect that is critical both to the modelling of these host–virus interactions in the ocean and interpreting their impact on the global carbon cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tonotopy is a key anatomical feature of the vertebrate auditory system, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying its development. Since date of birth of a neuron correlates with tonotopic position in the cochlea, we investigated if it also correlates with tonotopic position in the cochlear nucleus (CN). In the cochlea, spiral ganglion neurons are organized in a basal to apical progression along the length of the cochlea based on birthdates, with neurons in the base (responding to high‐frequency sounds) born early around mouse embryonic day (E) 9.5–10.5, and those in the apex (responding to low‐frequency sounds) born late around E12.5‑13.5. Using a low‐dose thymidine analog incorporation assay, we examine whether CN neurons are arranged in a spatial gradient according to their birthdates. Most CN neurons are born between E10.5 ānd E13.5, with a peak at E12.5. A second wave of neuron birth was observed in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) beginning on E14.5 and lasts until E18.5. Large excitatory neurons were born in the first wave, and small local circuit neurons were born in the second. No spatial gradient of cell birth was observed in the DCN. In contrast, neurons in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) were found to be arranged in a dorsal to ventral progression according to their birthdates, which are aligned with the tonotopic axis. Most of these AVCN neurons are endbulb‐innervated bushy cells. The correlation between birthdate and tonotopic position suggests testable mechanisms for specification of tonotopic position. We investigated whether the birthdate of neurons in the cochlear nucleus defines their tonotopic positions. We found a dorsal to ventral neurogenic gradient in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus, which is in alignment with the tonotopic axis. In contrast, no neurogenic gradient can be observed in the dorsal cochlear nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes an isolated superior gluteal nerve injection injury following a corticosteroid injection for greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Ultrasound‐guided injections may be beneficial to target multiple pain‐producing regions of the hip while avoiding nerves and tendons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilateral shoulder adhesive capsulitis may develop in association with the administration of an influenza vaccine. Vaccine administration should utilize proper technique to avoid injection into the shoulder capsule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological success of social insects is based on division of labour, not only between queens and workers, but also among workers. Whether a worker tends the brood or forages is influenced by age, fertility and nutritional status, with brood carers being younger, more fecund and more corpulent. Here, we experimentally disentangle behavioural specialization from age and fertility in Temnothorax longispinosus ant workers and analyse how these parameters are linked to whole‐body gene expression. A total of 3,644 genes were associated with behavioural specialization which is ten times more than associated with age and 50 times more than associated with fertility. Brood carers were characterized by an upregulation of three Vitellogenin (Vg) genes, one of which, Vg‐like A, was the most differentially expressed gene that was recently shown experimentally to control the switch from brood to worker care. The expression of Conventional Vg was unlinked to behavioural specialization, age or fertility, which contrasts to studies on bees and some ants. Diversity in Vg/Vg‐like copy number and expression bias across ants supports subfunctionalization of Vg genes and indicates that some regulatory mechanisms of division of labour diverged in different ant lineages. Simulations revealed that our experimental dissociation of co‐varying factors reduced transcriptomic noise, suggesting that confounding factors could potentially explain inconsistencies across transcriptomic studies of behavioural specialization in ants. Thus, our study reveals that worker gene expression is mainly linked to the worker's function for the colony and provides novel insights into the evolution of sociality in ants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1969, M.I. Mendelson published a paper in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society that introduced a proportionality constant of 1.558 for estimating the average 3D grain size from the mean 2D lineal intercept under the assumption of lognormally distributed grains. Recent simulations by the authors revealed that the lognormal parameterization in the original work actually calculates the median grain size instead of the mean. The relationship between the mean caliper diameter and mean lineal intercept was found to be 1.60 when using common parameterizations. In addition, it is demonstrated through simulations that the correct proportionality constant can range from 1.776 to below unity depending on a material's grain size dispersion, such that 1.60 should only be used as a crude approximation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: The aim was to document the outcomes of surgeons attending a cadaveric simulation course designed to provide an introduction to transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). Method: This was a prospective observational study documenting the outcomes from classroom and wet lab activities. Follow‐up questionnaires were used to monitor clinical activity after the course. Results: Outcomes of 65 delegates from 12 different countries attending seven cadaveric simulation courses are described. Median time to insert and close the rectal purse‐string was 15 min (range 7–50 min) and median time to complete the transanal mesorectal dissection was 105 min (range 60–260 min). Objective assessment of specimen quality showed that 42% of specimens were complete, 47% nearly complete and 11% were incomplete. Failure of the intraluminal rectal purse‐string was the most common difficulty encountered. Within 6 months of attending the course, nearly half (26/55; 47%) of the surgeons who responded had performed between 1 and 13 TaTMEs. Only 8/26 (31%) of the surgeons had arranged mentoring for their first case. Conclusion: This training model provides high levels of trainee satisfaction and the knowledge and technical skills to enable them to start performing TaTME. There is still work to do to provide adequate supervision and mentorship for surgeons early on their learning curve that is essential for the safe introduction of this new technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer screening in China is largely limited to occasional opportunistic screening in urban centers. The current study reports histopathologic follow-up and human papillomavirus (HPV) results in women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) Papanicolaou (Pap) tests reported at the largest academic women's hospital in China and compares these findings with those of published Western studies among frequently screened women.Methods: A retrospective cohort study documented HSIL Pap tests, patient age, HPV results, and histopathologic follow-up from 2011 through 2015 in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University (OGHFU) in Shanghai, China. Of 886,122 Pap test results, 4269 (0.48%) reported HSIL. Histopathologic follow-up was available for 2351 cases and HPV results were available for 2092 cases.Results: HSIL reporting rates increased with patient age from 0.16% at age <30 years to 0.58% at ages 30 to 49 years and 0.75% at age ≥50 years. HSIL rates were found to be significantly higher for women tested using liquid-based cytology (0.52%-0.55%) compared with conventional Pap tests (0.19%). Among 2351 cases with histopathologic follow-up, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of type 2/3 was diagnosed in 74.1% of cases and squamous cell carcinoma in 14.2% of cases. Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 22.8% of patients aged ≥50 years who underwent biopsy. HPV-positive HSIL rates using 3 different HPV tests ranged from 88.1% to 93.9%.Conclusions: At OGHFU, the finding of an increase in HSIL cytology rates with increasing patient age contrasted with a finding of decreasing HSIL rates with increasing age previously reported in regularly screened cotested patients in the United States. The increasing HSIL rates with older age and high rates of cervical cancer diagnoses noted at OGHFU appear to be best explained by the absence of consistent intraepithelial lesion ablation achievable with frequent screening and treatment. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:947-53. © 2017 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the outcome of secondary root canal treatment (retreatment) on posterior teeth in relation to the residual volume of coronal tooth structure, measured with an intraoral scanner, using periapical radiography and cone beam computed tomography ( CBCT). Methodology A total of 137 posterior teeth in 121 patients were assessed clinically and radiographically using periapical radiographs and CBCT scans at baseline and 1 year after root canal retreatment. The increase or decrease in the size of preoperative periapical radiolucencies and development of new radiolucencies were assessed by a consensus panel consisting of two pre-calibrated examiners. A clinical impression was obtained for each tooth after completion of root canal retreatment, before the placement of the temporary restoration and following cast restoration placement to produce two casts. All casts were scanned using an intraoral digital scanner and the three-dimensional volume of remaining tooth structure calculated. Teeth were also classified according to the number of remaining coronal walls before core build-up. χ2 test was used to determine the association between the outcome of root canal retreatments and the volume of remaining coronal tooth structure. Results At the 1-year recall, teeth retaining less than 30% of their original tooth structure volume had a significantly higher proportion of unfavourable outcomes (χ2, P < 0.05, odds ratio [ OR], 2.58; 95% CI, 1.026-6.487). Conclusions The loss of tooth structure volume is an objective parameter that can be used to predict the probability of success of root canal retreatments. At 1-year follow-up, the percentage of unfavourable outcomes of root canal retreated teeth was significantly higher when less than 30% of the original tooth tissue structure was present at baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the clinical presentation of a female patient diagnosed with crural MMA. Careful clinical correlation is necessary to distinguish crural MMA from other motor neuron diseases. When crural MMA is diagnosed, treatment options aim to alleviate symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Transanal total mesorectal excision (Ta TME) offers a promising alternative to the standard surgical abdominopelvic approach for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to report a two-centre experience of this technique, focusing on the short-term and oncological outcome. Method From May 2013 to May 2015, 40 selected patients with histologically proven rectal adenocarcinoma underwent Ta TME in two institutions and were prospectively entered on an online international registry. Results Forty patients (80% men, mean body mass index 27.4 kg/m2) requiring TME underwent Ta TME. Procedures included low anterior resection ( n = 31), abdominoperineal excision ( n = 7) and proctocolectomy ( n = 2). A minimally invasive approach was attempted in all cases, with three conversions. The mean operation time was 368 min and 16 patients (40%) had a synchronous abdominal and transanal approach. There was no mortality and 16 postoperative complications occurred, of which 68.8% were minor. The median length of stay was 7.5 (3-92) days. A complete or near-complete TME specimen was delivered in 39 (97.5%) cases with a mean number of 20 lymph nodes harvested. R0 resection was achieved in 38 (95%) patients. After a median follow-up of 10.7 months, there were no local recurrences and six (15%) patients had developed distant metastases. Conclusion Ta TME appears to be feasible, safe and reproducible, without compromising the oncological principles of rectal cancer surgery. It is an attractive option for patients for whom laparoscopy is likely to be particularly difficult. These encouraging results should encourage larger studies with assessment of long-term function and the oncological outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aims at motivating professional botanists to get new success as a result of public participation in their research.