bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified SeDaSc system for efficient data sharing in the cloud
Authors: Areed Marwa F. , Rashed Mohamed M. , Fayez Nehal , Abdelhay Ehab H.
Published: May 2021

Organizations tend to store their sensitive data on trusted cloud data storage server to protect it from outside security attacks. However, storing data on the cloud has serious security issues like data misuse from the cloud vendors themselves and attacks from outsources. In this manner, the organizations tend to encrypt their data before storing it in the cloud to protect against the misuse from the cloud vendors and other outer attacks. This article offers an enhancement to Secure Data Sharing in the Cloud (SeDaSc) system in terms of enhancing security metrics related to data privacy and disk storage handling. In the proposed system, the cryptographic server (CS) has been treated a semi‐trusted entity by not giving direct access to the data directly. The data encryption is carried at the client side. While, the keys generation and other related cryptographic operations as the access control list (ACL) management are carried at the CS. The client generates the hash of the file needed to be shared in the cloud and then sends such hash to the CS. Then, the CS uses the hash to generate the cryptographic key and sends it to the client for encryption process. Further, the proposed system achieves better disk management by only updating the ACL in case of uploading the same file more than once. The CS stores generated key hash and whenever receives a new file, the CS compares the hash of the generated key with other stored hashes. The hash computation in key generation in the proposed system makes the key generation process varies with data size in compare with the key generation process in SeDaSc that is independent on data size. Furthermore, in the case of identical hashes, the ACL will only be updated. Therefore, the identical files neither will be encrypted nor uploaded to cloud twice. The proposed system has been represented mathematically and graphically using high level petri net model and simulated by python language environment.
Structural and Electronic Influences on Rates of Tertpyridine−Amine CoIII−H Formation During Catalytic H2 Evolution in an Aqueous Environment
Authors: DiMarco Brian N. , Polyansky Dmitry E. , Grills David C. , Wang Ping , Kuwahara Yutaka , Zhao Xuan , Fujita Etsuko
Published: May 2021

In this work, the differences in catalytic performance for a series of Co hydrogen evolution catalysts with different pentadentate polypyridyl ligands (L), have been rationalized by examining elementary steps of the catalytic cycle using a combination of electrochemical and transient pulse radiolysis (PR) studies in aqueous solution. Solvolysis of the [CoII−Cl]+ species results in the formation of [CoII(κ4‐L)(OH2)]2+. Further reduction produces [CoI(κ4‐L)(OH2)]+, which undergoes a rate‐limiting structural rearrangement to [CoI(κ5‐L)]+ before being protonated to form [CoIII−H]2+. The rate of [CoIII−H]2+ formation is similar for all complexes in the series. Using E1/2 values of various Co species and pKa values of [CoIII−H]2+ estimated from PR experiments, we found that while the protonation of [CoIII−H]2+ is unfavorable, [CoII−H]+ reacts with protons to produce H2. The catalytic activity for H2 evolution tracks the hydricity of the [CoII−H]+ intermediate.
Self‐fertility and resistance to the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) in a diploid Solanum chacoense recombinant inbred line population
Authors: Kaiser Natalie R. , Billings Grant , Coombs Joseph , Buell C. Robin , Enciso‐Rodríguez Felix , Douches David S.
Published: May 2021

A diploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) recombinant inbred line population was derived from a cross between Solanum chacoense inbred line M6 and S. chacoense accession USDA8380‐1 (80‐1) to identify loci associated with self‐compatibility and Colorado potato beetle resistance. Individuals from the F4 and F5 generations were genotyped on the Illumina Infinium V3 22K Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Array and a genetic map constructed. All F5 individuals contain at least one copy of the dominant S‐locus inhibitor (Sli) haplotype; however, not all F5 individuals set fruit. Pollen tubes reached the ovaries of both self‐fruitful and self‐unfruitful plants, indicating that the presence of the dominant Sli allele is not sufficient for selfed fruit and seed production. Loci on chromosomes 3, 5, 6, and 12 were identified as novel targets for self‐fertility improvement. Evaluation of fruit and seed set upon selfing in the F4 generation over two greenhouse seasons revealed environmental influence on self‐fertility. Loci exhibiting residual heterozygosity were found on all chromosomes except chromosomes 3 and 11 in F5 inbreds, but none of the measured self‐fertility traits were correlated with the level of heterozygosity based on SNP genotyping. Four SNPs on chromosome 2 between 22,151,711 and 22,381,719 bp were associated with foliar leptine glycoalkaloid synthesis and Colorado potato beetle resistance in the recombinant inbred line population. Robust inbred lines carrying Colorado potato beetle resistance were developed without field selection during the inbreeding process and beetle resistance was introgressed into diploid breeding lines.
Eating disorder symptomatology in transgender patients: Differences across gender identity and gender affirmation
Authors: Nowaskie Dustin Z. , Filipowicz Andrew T. , Choi Yena , Fogel Janine M.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Past studies have reported high rates of eating disorder (ED) symptomatology among transgender people, yet without consideration of gender affirmation. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between gender identity, gender affirming interventions such as gender affirming hormones (GAH) and gender affirming surgeries (GAS), and ED symptomatology.

Method

Transgender patients at a primary care outpatient gender health program in the United States completed a survey consisting of demographics, medical history, and clinical variables, including the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q). Multivariate analyses of covariance were conducted to compare EDE‐Q scores across gender identity and gender affirmation.

Results

Compared to transgender men (n = 79), transgender women (n = 87) reported higher EDE‐Q scores and significantly higher Eating Concern. Compared to hormone/surgery‐naïve and hormone‐experienced/surgery‐naïve patients, hormone/surgery‐experienced patients had lower EDE‐Q scores. Hormone/surgery‐experienced patients reported significantly lower Shape Concern and marginally lower Global Score and Weight Concern than hormone‐experienced/surgery‐naïve patients. There were no differences in EDE‐Q scores between hormone/surgery‐naïve and hormone‐experienced/surgery‐naïve patients.

Discussion

Transgender patients report high levels of ED symptomatology. There are subtle, yet important, differences in ED between gender identities and gender affirmations. High ED prevalence may result from the dual pathways of sociocultural pressures as well as gender dysphoria. Both GAH and GAS may be effective interventions to support gender affirmation and thereby alleviate ED symptomatology. While the potential positive benefits of GAS on ED are more apparent, the effects of GAH are less clear.
Shining a light on ideas worth researching in the field of eating disorders: Introduction to a Virtual Issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders
Authors: Weissman Ruth Striegel
Published: May 2021

In celebration of the 2021 International Conference on Eating Disorders, this Virtual Issue showcases Spotlight articles published since 2019 in the International Journal of Eating Disorders. Spotlight articles identify gaps in the literature and propose novel “ideas worth researching” to improve understanding, etiology, epidemiology, impacts, and prevention or treatment of eating disorders. Nine such articles are presented and are grouped thematically into: exploring mechanisms underlying distinct eating disorder symptoms (severe food restriction; driven exercise; sleep disturbance); comparing cost‐effectiveness of two commonly employed treatment formats (intensive day treatment vs. outpatient treatment); harnessing technology to improve screening and treatment; and improving the reach and impact of eating disorders research. This sample of Spotlight articles illustrates the breadth and diversity of research interests in the field. We hope the Virtual Issue inspires conference delegates to generate yet further ideas worth researching so that, collectively, we make progress toward the goal of reducing the burden of suffering from eating disorders.
Volatilome of Aleppo Pine litter over decomposition process
Authors: Viros Justine , Santonja Mathieu , Temime‐Roussel Brice , Wortham Henri , Fernandez Catherine , Ormeño Elena
Published: May 2021

Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOC) are largely accepted to contribute to both atmospheric chemistry and ecosystem functioning. While the forest canopy is recognized as a major source of BVOC, emissions from plant litter have scarcely been explored with just a couple of studies being focused on emission patterns over litter decomposition process. The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively characterize BVOC emissions (C1–C15) from Pinus halepensis litter, one of the major Mediterranean conifer species, over a 15‐month litter decomposition experiment. Senescent needles of P. halepensis were collected and placed in 42 litterbags where they underwent in situ decomposition. Litterbags were collected every 3 months and litter BVOC emissions were studied in vitro using both online (PTR‐ToF‐MS) and offline analyses (GC‐MS). Results showed a large diversity of BVOC (58 compounds detected), with a strong variation over time. Maximum total BVOC emissions were observed after 3 months of decomposition with 9.18 µg gDM−1 hr−1 mainly composed by terpene emissions (e.g., α‐pinene, terpinolene, β‐caryophyllene). At this stage, methanol, acetone, and acetic acid were the most important nonterpenic volatiles representing, respectively, up to 26%, 10%, and 26% of total emissions. This study gives an overview of the evolution of BVOC emissions from litter along with decomposition process and will thus contribute to better understand the dynamics and sources of BVOC emission in Mediterranean pine forests.
A population‐adjusted indirect comparison of cardiovascular benefits of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide and dulaglutide in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes, with or without established cardiovascular disease
Authors: Evans Lyndon Marc , Mellbin Linda , Johansen Pierre , Lawson Jack , Paine Abby , Sandberg Anna
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Cardiovascular (CV) effects of once‐weekly subcutaneous (s.c.) semaglutide 0.5 and 1 mg and dulaglutide 1.5 mg are reported in their respective placebo‐controlled cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs), SUSTAIN 6 and REWIND. There is no head‐to‐head CVOT comparing these treatments and heterogeneity between their CVOTs renders conventional indirect comparison inappropriate. Therefore, a matching‐adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) was performed to compare the effects of s.c. semaglutide and dulaglutide on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with and without established cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

Individual patient data from SUSTAIN 6 were matched with aggregate data from REWIND, using a propensity score method to balance baseline effect‐modifying patient characteristics. Hazard ratios (HRs) for three‐point (3P) MACE (CV death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke), anchored via placebo, were then indirectly compared between balanced populations. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the main analysis.

Results

After matching, included effect modifiers were balanced. In the main analysis, s.c. semaglutide was associated with a statistically significant 35% reduction in 3P MACE versus placebo (HR, 0.65 [95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.48, 0.87]) and nonsignificantly greater reduction (26%) versus dulaglutide (HR, 0.74 [95% CI; 0.54, 1.01]). Results were supported by all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a statistically significant lower risk of 3P MACE for s.c. semaglutide versus placebo, in a population with lower prevalence of pre‐existing CVD than that in the pre‐specified primary analysis in SUSTAIN 6. Reduction in 3P MACE with s.c. semaglutide was greater than with dulaglutide, although not statistically significant.
Simultaneous Electrochemical Sensing of Ceftriaxone and Piroxicam Using Zeolite Modified Electrode for Medical Applications
Authors: Khosravi‐Hamoleh Amir , Abrishamkar Maryam , Cheraghizade Mohsen
Published: May 2021

The simultaneous sensing of Ceftriaxone (Cef) and Piroxicam (Pir) was presented in detail through the electrochemical method in which carbon paste electrode (CPE) was modified by meso‐structured Zeolite for medical application. The results indicated a polycrystalline Zeolite phase with a relatively high surface contact for charge transportation in the sensing process. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) plots also showed better charge transportation parameters for the modified electrode. The effect of analytes concentration, in both individual and simultaneous states, on the electrochemical sensor quality parameters was investigated by different methods and the obtained results were thoroughly discussed.
Development of a 3D‐printed single‐use separation chamber for use in mRNA‐based vaccine production with magnetic microparticles
Authors: Wommer Lars , Meiers Patrick , Kockler Isabelle , Ulber Roland , Kampeis Percy
Published: May 2021

Laboratory protocols using magnetic beads have gained importance in the purification of mRNA for vaccines. Here, the produced mRNA hybridizes specifically to oligo(dT)‐functionalized magnetic beads after cell lysis. The mRNA‐loaded magnetic beads can be selectively separated using a magnet. Subsequently, impurities are removed by washing steps and the mRNA is eluted. Magnetic separation is utilized in each step, using different buffers such as the lysis/binding buffer. To reduce the time required for purification of larger amounts of mRNA vaccine for clinical trials, high‐gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) is suitable. Thereby, magnetic beads are selectively retained in a flow‐through separation chamber. To meet the requirements of biopharmaceutical production, a disposable HGMS separation chamber with a certified material (United States Pharmacopeia Class VI) was developed which can be manufactured using 3D printing. Due to the special design, the filter matrix itself is not in contact with the product. The separation chamber was tested with suspensions of oligo(dT)‐functionalized Dynabeads MyOne loaded with synthetic mRNA. At a concentration of cB = 1.6–2.1 g·L–1 in lysis/binding buffer, these 1 μm magnetic particles are retained to more than 99.39% at volumetric flows of up to 150 mL·min–1 with the developed SU‐HGMS separation chamber. When using the separation chamber with volumetric flow rates below 50 mL·min–1, the retained particle mass is even more than 99.99%.
Potential Analysis of Enhanced Oil Recovery by Superheated Steam during Steam‐Assisted Gravity Drainage
Authors: Yuan Rui , Yang Zhengda , Guo Bin , Wang Xinwei , Zhang Liqiang , Lin Riyi
Published: May 2021

Superheated steam‐enhanced steam‐assisted gravity drainage (SSE‐SAGD) is a promising enhanced oil recovery method. However, the existence of aquathermolysis reactions makes the development process more complex. In this paper, the application potential of SSE‐SAGD in an oilfield was analyzed based on the estimated oil recovery and the production cost. A numerical model with aquathermolysis reactions was established, and after the model validation, the effects of steam superheats on the steam chamber's expansion were analyzed by taking the heat loss into account. Subsequently, the cumulative enthalpy‐oil ratio (cEOR) was introduced to characterize the production cost. The results show that as the superheat degree increased, the recovery factor was improved, but the cEOR increased simultaneously. Comparing with saturated steam, the superheated steam with a superheat of 50 ° led to a 16.42% increase in oil production and a 7.11% increase in cEOR. We proposed a new development scheme with a step increasing in superheat to weaken the impact of aquathermolysis reactions. The scheme achieved a 12.82% increase in oil production at a 3.93% increase in cEOR over saturated steam injection. Our findings could provide new insights in the use of superheated steam to enhance SAGD.
An improved meshfree scheme based on radial basis functions for solving incompressible Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Xie Yulin , Zhao Xizeng , Rubinato Matteo , Yu Yuemin
Published: May 2021

In this paper, an improved meshfree scheme based on radial basis functions (RBFs) is provided for solving the incompressible viscous Navier–Stokes equations and two enhancements are proposed to mitigate the typical numerical oscillations. The first one is the combination of the RBFs‐based finite difference (RBF‐FD) method with the semi‐Lagrangian RBFs (SLM‐RBF), with the former being used for the viscous diffusion term and pressure Poisson equation and the latter being used for the advection term. The second enhancement is a regularization term that constructs smooth constraints for RBFs interpolations instead of clipping operations. The capability of the proposed scheme in mitigating numerical fluctuations is demonstrated by validating it against the one‐dimensional (1‐D) advection problem and the advection–diffusion problem with step field functions. The overall performance of the proposed scheme is also validated by the lid‐driven cavity flow and laminar flow around a circular cylinder, showing good agreement with the existing results, indicating that the proposed scheme has good stability in both temporal and spatial domains.
Elevated fibroblast growth factor‐inducible 14 expression transforms proneural‐like gliomas into more aggressive and lethal brain cancer
Authors: Connolly Nina P. , Galisteo Rebeca , Xu Su , Bar Eli E. , Peng Sen , Tran Nhan L. , Ames Heather M. , Kim Anthony J. , Woodworth Graeme F. , Winkles Jeffrey A.
Published: May 2021

High‐grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive, treatment‐resistant, and often fatal human brain cancers. The TNF‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)/fibroblast growth factor‐inducible 14 (Fn14) signaling axis is involved in tissue repair after injury and constitutive signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous solid cancers. The Fn14 gene is expressed at low levels in the normal, uninjured brain but is highly expressed in primary isocitrate dehydrogenase wild‐type and recurrent HGGs. Fn14 signaling is implicated in numerous aspects of glioma biology including brain invasion and chemotherapy resistance, but whether Fn14 overexpression can directly promote tumor malignancy has not been reported. Here, we used the replication‐competent avian sarcoma‐leukosis virus/tumor virus A system to examine the impact of Fn14 expression on glioma development and pathobiology. We found that the sole addition of Fn14 to an established oncogenic cocktail previously shown to generate proneural‐like gliomas led to the development of highly invasive and lethal brain cancer with striking biological features including extensive pseudopalisading necrosis, constitutive canonical and noncanonical NF‐κB pathway signaling, and high plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) expression. Analyses of HGG patient datasets revealed that high human PAI‐1 gene (SERPINE1) expression correlates with shorter patient survival, and that the SERPINE1 and Fn14 (TNFRSF12A) genes are frequently co‐expressed in bulk tumor tissues, in tumor subregions, and in malignant cells residing in the tumor microenvironment. These findings provide new insights into the potential importance of Fn14 in human HGG pathobiology and designate both the NF‐κB signaling node and PAI‐1 as potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Main Points

This work demonstrates that elevated levels of the TWEAK receptor Fn14 in tumor‐initiating, neural progenitor cells leads to the transformation of proneural‐like gliomas into more aggressive and lethal tumors that exhibit constitutive NF‐κB pathway activation and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 overexpression.
BACON: A tool for reverse inference in brain activation and alteration
Authors: Costa Tommaso , Manuello Jordi , Ferraro Mario , Liloia Donato , Nani Andrea , Fox Peter T. , Lancaster Jack , Cauda Franco
Published: May 2021

Over the past decades, powerful MRI‐based methods have been developed, which yield both voxel‐based maps of the brain activity and anatomical variation related to different conditions. With regard to functional or structural MRI data, forward inferences try to determine which areas are involved given a mental function or a brain disorder. A major drawback of forward inference is its lack of specificity, as it suggests the involvement of brain areas that are not specific for the process/condition under investigation. Therefore, a different approach is needed to determine to what extent a given pattern of cerebral activation or alteration is specifically associated with a mental function or brain pathology. In this study, we present a new tool called BACON (Bayes fACtor mOdeliNg) for performing reverse inference both with functional and structural neuroimaging data. BACON implements the Bayes' factor and uses the activation likelihood estimation derived‐maps to obtain posterior probability distributions on the evidence of specificity with regard to a particular mental function or brain pathology.
Coronary artery disease and its impact on the pulsatile brain: A functional NIRS study
Authors: Mohammadi Hanieh , Vincent Thomas , Peng Ke , Nigam Anil , Gayda Mathieu , Fraser Sarah , Joanette Yves , Lesage Frédéric , Bherer Louis
Published: May 2021

Recent studies have reported that optical indices of cerebral pulsatility are associated with cerebrovascular health in older adults. Such indices, including cerebral pulse amplitude and the pulse relaxation function (PRF), have been previously applied to quantify global and regional cerebral pulsatility. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these indices are modulated by cardiovascular status and whether they differ between individuals with low or high cardiovascular risk factors (LCVRF and HCVRF) and coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 60 older adults aged 57–79 were enrolled in the study. Participants were grouped as LCVRF, HCVRF, and CAD. Participants were asked to walk freely on a gym track while a near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device recorded hemodynamics data. Low‐intensity, short‐duration walking was used to test whether a brief cardiovascular challenge could increase the difference of pulsatility indices with respect to cardiovascular status. Results indicated that CAD individuals have higher global cerebral pulse amplitude compared with the other groups. Walking reduced global cerebral pulse amplitude and PRF in all groups but did not increase the difference across the groups. Instead, walking extended the spatial distribution of cerebral pulse amplitude to the anterior prefrontal cortex when CAD was compared to the CVRF groups. Further research is needed to determine whether cerebral pulse amplitude extracted from data acquired with NIRS, which is a noninvasive, inexpensive method, can provide an index to characterize the cerebrovascular status associated with CAD.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation alters multivoxel patterns in the absence of overall activity changes
Authors: Rafiei Farshad , Safrin Martin , Wokke Martijn E. , Lau Hakwan , Rahnev Dobromir
Published: May 2021

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has become one of the major tools for establishing the causal role of specific brain regions in perceptual, motor, and cognitive processes. Nevertheless, a persistent limitation of the technique is the lack of clarity regarding its precise effects on neural activity. Here, we examined the effects of TMS intensity and frequency on concurrently recorded blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signals at the site of stimulation. In two experiments, we delivered TMS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in human subjects of both sexes. In Experiment 1, we delivered a series of pulses at high (100% of motor threshold) or low (50% of motor threshold) intensity, whereas, in Experiment 2, we always used high intensity but delivered stimulation at four different frequencies (5, 8.33, 12.5, and 25 Hz). We found that the TMS intensity and frequency could be reliably decoded using multivariate analysis techniques even though TMS had no effect on the overall BOLD activity at the site of stimulation in either experiment. These results provide important insight into the mechanisms through which TMS influences neural activity.
The preoperative C‐reactive protein–lymphocyte ratio and the prognosis of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ko Chien‐An , Fang Ku‐Hao , Hsu Cheng‐Ming , Lee Yi‐Chan , Chang Geng‐He , Huang Ethan I. , Tsai Ming‐Shao , Tsai Yao‐Te
Published: May 2021

Background

We aimed to investigate the preoperative C‐reactive protein (CRP)–lymphocyte ratio (CLR) as a prognostic biomarker in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Three hundred and sixteen patients with OSCC treated with curative surgery were retrospectively assessed and the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the discriminative ability of inflammatory markers. The prognostic value of CLR was investigated with Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results

The CLR cutoff of 3.88 (p < 0.001) demonstrated optimal prognostic performance compared with other inflammatory combinations. A higher preoperative CLR (≥3.88) was significantly associated with clinicopathological aggressiveness and predicted unfavorable overall survival and disease‐free survival (hazard ratios = 3.498 and 1.994, respectively; both p < 0.001). The CLR‐based nomogram provided accurate survival prediction (concordance index: 0.803).

Conclusions

Preoperative CLR is a feasible prognostic biomarker in patients with OSCC, and the CLR‐based nomogram might serve as prognostic tool in era of personalized medicine.
Does the national competency standards framework for pharmacists in Australia support the provision of behaviour change interventions?
Authors: Singh Harjit K , Kennedy Gerard A. , Stupans Ieva
Published: May 2021

Issue addressed

Australian pharmacists are increasingly moving towards the provision of patient‐centred professional pharmacy services for chronic disease management. Some of these services are targeted towards improving patients’ health and wellbeing through the facilitation of patient‐driven health behaviour change. This paper investigates whether the provision of behaviour change interventions by Australian pharmacists is adequately underpinned by the current competency framework.

Methods

The foundation and behaviour change competences within each of the domains in the generic health behaviour change competency framework (GHBC‐CF), was mapped to the Australian pharmacist competency framework.

Results

Although the Australian competency framework underpins most of the foundation and behaviour change competences of the GHB‐CF required to undertake low‐intensity interventions, for medium to high‐intensity interventions four specific task‐related competences need to be addressed. These are F12 ‘Ability to recognise barriers to and facilitators of implementing interventions’, BC4 ‘ability to agree on goals for the intervention’, BC5 ‘capacity to implement behaviour change models in a flexible but coherent manner’ and BC6 ‘capacity to select and skilfully apply most appropriate intervention method’.

Conclusion

Additional training is necessary if pharmacists aspire to provide behaviour change interventions for chronic disease management, in particular those that are complex as they involve changes to multiple health behaviours.

So what?

The identification of these gaps is critical and can potentially be addressed in postgraduate training programs and as pharmacy curricula are updated.
The Colorado East River Community Observatory Data Collection
Authors: Kakalia Zarine , Varadharajan Charuleka , Alper Erek , Brodie Eoin L. , Burrus Madison , Carroll Rosemary W. H. , Christianson Danielle S. , Dong Wenming , Hendrix Valerie C. , Henderson Matthew , Hubbard Susan S. , Johnson Douglas , Versteeg Roelof , Williams Kenneth H. , Agarwal Deborah A.
Published: May 2021

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Colorado East River Community Observatory (ER) in the Upper Colorado River Basin was established in 2015 as a representative mountainous, snow‐dominated watershed to study hydrobiogeochemical responses to hydrological perturbations in headwater systems. The ER is characterized by steep elevation, geologic, hydrologic and vegetation gradients along floodplain, montane, subalpine, and alpine life zones, which makes it an ideal location for researchers to understand how different mountain subsystems contribute to overall watershed behaviour. The ER has both long‐term and spatially‐extensive observations and experimental campaigns carried out by the Watershed Function Scientific Focus Area (SFA), led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and researchers from over 30 organizations who conduct cross‐disciplinary process‐based investigations and modelling of watershed behaviour. The heterogeneous data generated at the ER include hydrological, genomic, biogeochemical, climate, vegetation, geological, and remote sensing data, which combined with model inputs and outputs comprise a collection of datasets and value‐added products within a mountainous watershed that span multiple spatiotemporal scales, compartments, and life zones. Within 5 years of collection, these datasets have revealed insights into numerous aspects of watershed function such as factors influencing snow accumulation and melt timing, water balance partitioning, and impacts of floodplain biogeochemistry and hillslope ecohydrology on riverine geochemical exports. Data generated by the SFA are managed and curated through its Data Management Framework. The SFA has an open data policy, and over 70 ER datasets are publicly available through relevant data repositories. A public interactive map of data collection sites run by the SFA is available to inform the broader community about SFA field activities. Here, we describe the ER and the SFA measurement network, present the public data collection generated by the SFA and partner institutions, and highlight the value of collecting multidisciplinary multiscale measurements in representative catchment observatories.
The advantage of real objects over matched pictures in infants' processing of the familiar size of objects
Authors: Sensoy Özlem , Culham Jody C. , Schwarzer Gudrun
Published: May 2021

We investigate when infants exhibit knowledge of the familiar size of well‐known objects and whether this knowledge is affected by stimulus format, that is, whether the stimuli are presented as real objects or matched pictures. Infants (130 7‐ and 12‐month‐olds) saw everyday objects such as sippy cups and pacifiers in their familiar size and novel sizes (larger or smaller than the familiar size) placed pairwise within infants' reach. We used a preferential‐looking paradigm to investigate whether infants are able to discriminate familiar from novel sizes. Although, infants of both age groups looked longer toward real objects that were smaller or larger than the familiar size, there were no looking preferences for the pictures. These results suggest that although 7‐ and 12‐month‐olds demonstrate familiar size knowledge for real objects, this understanding does not generalize to pictorial representations of those objects.
Spatiotemporal patterns and driving factors of carbon dynamics in forest ecosystems: A case study from Turkey
Authors: Kucuker Derya M. , Tuyoglu Ozden
Published: May 2021

Evaluating the spatiotemporal patterns of carbon dynamics is critical for both understanding the role of forest ecosystems in the carbon cycle and developing effective forest policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This study analyzes the effects of spatiotemporal changes on carbon dynamics based on landscape structure for the Hisar Planning Unit, Turkey, using forest inventory data between 1973 and 2015. The total carbon stock increased from 1434.49 Gg in 1973 to 1919.37 Gg in 2015, an increase of 33.8%. The mean annual carbon storage was 11.54 Gg · year−1, including 4.28 Gg · year−1 in biomass and 7.26 Gg · year−1 in soil over four decades. The most significant carbon pool in the total carbon stock was from the soil, with 71.6%, 70.7%, and 69.4% of the total carbon storage in 1973, 1998, and 2015, respectively. Pure pine stands, overmature development stages, fully covered stands, and older forests were the prevailing factors affecting carbon density. The conversion from degraded (1442.47 ha, 14.85%), coppice (157.04 ha, 3.9%), and non-forest lands (1412.91 ha, 5.2%) to productive forests with afforestation or restoration activities significantly boosted the total carbon storage. Furthermore, increasing awareness and stewardship in forest management coupled with improved economic well-being reduced the pressure on the forests, leading to an increase in the quality of forest structure. These changes in landscape structure resulted in the heterogeneous distribution of carbon dynamics. In conclusion, understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of carbon dynamics is crucial for both forest managers and policy-makers in developing sustainable forest management practices and climate mitigation strategies for ecological sustainability and climate-smart forestry. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:209–223. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Land use and land cover changes largely affect C storage and its spatial distribution. Improvement of forest structure for C storage is critical in mitigating climate change. The spatial distribution of C is a vital decision-support tool for foresters in the development of sound and practical strategies for afforestation and rehabilitation. It was clear that depopulation in rural areas, decrease in forest crime, and increase in local income levels are essential indicators of rural developments including social awareness and sensitivity to the environment.
Occurrence of major organic UV filters in aquatic environments and their endocrine disruption potentials: A mini-review
Authors: Kwon Bareum , Choi Kyungho
Published: May 2021

Organic UV filters are frequently used in daily life, and hence are ubiquitously detected in the aquatic environment worldwide. Most monitoring efforts and toxicological studies are, however, limited to a few chemicals like benzophenone-3 (BP-3). In the present study, we chose other major organic UV filters, such as avobenzone (AVB), homosalate (HS), octisalate (OS), and octocrylene (OC), and reviewed information on their use, environmental occurrences, and endocrine disruption effects, available to date. Organic UV filters are used in high volume in many consumer applications, not only in sunscreen products but also in cosmetics, personal care products, home products, and food packaging. Environmental monitoring worldwide reveals that recreational coastal waters are among the hot spots of their contamination. An increasing number of experimental studies indicate that organic UV filters such as octinoxate (OMC), AVB, and HS may cause disruptions in sex hormones. Avobenzene and OMC can also influence thyroid function in experimental models. Observations in human population are rarely made, but OMC and OC have been associated with decreased androgenicity and increase of polycystic ovary syndrome, respectively. Further investigations are warranted to fill the knowledge gaps identified in the present study, to help develop relevant safety screening measures for organic UV filters. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:940–950. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Many organic UV filters are frequently used in increasing amounts in daily life, and hence are found in aquatic environments. We focused on five major organic UV filters and synthesized currently available information on their uses, environmental occurrences, and effects on the endocrine system in vitro and in vivo. This review will help identify priority UV filters that require immediate research efforts and develop appropriate safety screening measures for this group of chemicals.
Identification and classification of commercially relevant per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Authors: Buck Robert C. , Korzeniowski Stephen H. , Laganis Evan , Adamsky Frank
Published: May 2021

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a universe of fluorinated organic substances with very different physical, chemical, and biological properties including polymers and non-polymers; solids, liquids, and gases. Commercial PFAS-based products have been used in a wide variety of industrial and consumer applications because they have unique performance properties of significant socioeconomic value. The PFAS definition has evolved and expanded over the years. Numerous lists of PFAS, some with thousands of entries, have been compiled, but none have clearly identified which of the substances are commercially relevant. This study is the first to use a bona-fide “bottom up” approach to identify how many of the 4730 PFAS substances listed in a 2018 OECD/UNEP Report are directly connected to commercial products based on input from three major global producers. This study provides new and valuable insight into the 2018 OECD/UNEP Report list of PFAS substances. The results show that 256, less than 6%, of the 4730 PFAS substances presented in the 2018 OECD/UNEP Report are commercially relevant globally. This study suggests that grouping and categorizing PFAS using fundamental classification criteria based on composition and structure can be used to identify appropriate groups of PFAS substances for risk assessment, thereby dispelling assertions that there are too many PFAS chemistries to conduct proper regulatory risk assessments for the commercially relevant substances. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1045–1055. © 2021 The Chemours Company, Beach Edge Consulting, LLC, AGC Chemicals Americas Inc., Daikin America Inc. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

This study is the first to use a bona-fide “bottom up” approach to identify how many of the 4730 PFAS substances listed in a 2018 OECD/UNEP Report are directly connected to commercial products based on input from three major global producers. The study results show that 256, less than 6%, of the 4730 PFAS substances presented in the 2018 OECD/UNEP Report are commercially relevant globally. This study suggests that grouping and categorizing PFAS using fundamental classification criteria based on composition and structure can be used to identify appropriate groups of PFAS substances for risk assessment.
Exploring the interactions between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and other risk factors of gastric cancer: A pooled analysis in the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project
Authors: Collatuzzo Giulia , Pelucchi Claudio , Negri Eva , López‐Carrillo Lizbeth , Tsugane Shoichiro , Hidaka Akihisa , Shigueaki Hamada Gerson , Hernández‐Ramírez Raúl Ulises , López‐Cervantes Malaquias , Malekzadeh Reza , Pourfarzi Farhad , Mu Lina , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , Lunet Nuno , La Vecchia Carlo , Boffetta Paolo
Published: May 2021

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is crucial in gastric carcinogenesis, but infection alone is not a sufficient cause, and the interaction between Hp infection and other risk factors has not been adequately studied. We conducted a pooled analysis of seven case‐control studies from the Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project, comprising 1377 cases and 2470 controls, to explore the interaction among Hp infection and tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, socioeconomic status (SES) and dietary salt intake on the risk of gastric cancer. We estimated summary odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by multivariate unconditional logistic regression. The analysis showed no consistent interaction between Hp infection and cigarette smoking, while interaction was more than multiplicative for alcohol drinking (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.07‐1.77, P‐interaction 0.02) and high intake of salt (OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.88‐3.65, P‐interaction = 0.04). The interaction with SES followed the multiplicative model (P = 0.49), resulting in a weakening among infected individuals of the protective effect of high SES among observed Hp‐negative individuals. The interactions found were more pronounced in subjects with history of peptic ulcer. The interactions with Hp infection were stronger for cigarette smoking and dietary salt in the case of noncardia cancer, and for alcohol and SES in the case of cardia cancer. No differences were found when stratifying for histologic type. This large‐scale study aimed to quantify the interaction between Hp infection and other modifiable risk factors of gastric cancer revealed that the benefit of combined Hp eradication and lifestyle modification on gastric cancer prevention may be larger than commonly appreciated.
Can breast cancer be stopped? Modifiable risk factors of breast cancer among women with a prior benign or premalignant lesion
Authors: Lilleborge Marie , Falk Ragnhild S , Sørlie Therese , Ursin Giske , Hofvind Solveig
Published: May 2021

Physical inactivity, high postmenopausal body mass index, alcohol consumption and use of menopausal hormone therapy are established risk factors for breast cancer. Less is known about whether these factors influence the risk of progression of benign and premalignant breast lesions to invasive breast cancer. This registry‐based cohort study was based on women with a precancerous lesion who were followed for breast cancer. The cohort consisted of 11 270 women with a benign lesion, 972 women with hyperplasia with atypia and 2379 women with carcinoma in situ diagnosed and treated after participation in BreastScreen Norway, 2006‐2016. Information on breast cancer risk factors was collected by a questionnaire administered with the invitation letter. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the association between breast cancer and physical activity, body mass index, alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking and menopausal hormone therapy, adjusted for age. During follow‐up, 274 women with a benign lesion, 34 women with hyperplasia with atypia and 118 women with carcinoma in situ were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. We observed an increased risk of breast cancer associated with use of menopausal hormone therapy for women with a benign or premalignant lesion. Alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking showed suggestive increased risk of breast cancer among women with a benign lesion. We were only to a limited degree able to identify associations between modifiable risk factors of breast cancer and the disease among women with a precancerous lesion, and a larger study is needed to confirm or refute associations.
Umbilical metastases: Real‐world data shows abysmal outcome
Authors: Hugen Niek , Kanne Heleen , Simmer Femke , van de Water Carlijn , Voorham Quirinus J. , Ho Vincent K. , Lemmens Valery E. , Simons Michiel , Nagtegaal Iris D.
Published: May 2021

Umbilical metastases form a clinical challenge, especially when they represent the first sign of malignant disease and the primary tumor is unknown. Our study aims to generate insight into the origin and timing of umbilical metastasis, as well as patient survival, using population‐based data. A nationwide review of pathology records of patients diagnosed with an umbilical metastasis between 1979 and 2015 was performed. Data was collected from the Nationwide Network and Registry of Histopathology and Cytopathology (PALGA) and the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Kaplan‐Meier analyses and log‐rank testing were used to estimate overall survival and a Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine multivariable hazard ratios. A total of 806 patients with an umbilical metastasis were included. There were 210 male (26.1%) and 596 female (73.9%) patients. Distribution of umbilical metastases was different between male and female patients due to the high incidence of umbilical metastases originating from the ovaries in females. They most frequently originated from the ovaries in female patients (38.8%) and from the colon in male patients (43.8%). In 18% of cases no primary tumor could be identified. Prognosis after diagnosis of an umbilical metastasis was dismal with a median survival of 7.9 months (95% confidence interval 6.7‐9.1). The origin of the primary tumor was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. In conclusion, umbilical metastases relatively rare, mainly originating from intraabdominal primary tumors. Survival is dependent on the origin of the primary tumor and poor overall survival rates warrant early recognition.
Spatiotemporal assembly patterns of macroinvertebrate metacommunity structure in subtropical wetlands with different hydroperiods
Authors: Pires Mateus M. , Bieger Leandro , Boelter Thaíse , Stenert Cristina , Maltchik Leonardo
Published: May 2021

Understanding seasonal patterns of assembly mechanisms are key to comprehending the metacommunity dynamics of organisms inhabiting temporary habitats such as wetland macroinvertebrates. However, tests of the seasonal variation in assembly mechanisms of macroinvertebrates in wetlands with differing hydroperiods are rare, especially in the Neotropical region. We tested for seasonal patterns in the metacommunity assembly mechanisms of macroinvertebrates in small subtropical highland wetlands of southern Brazil with different hydroperiods. We also tested whether patterns varied between macroinvertebrate taxa with different dispersal modes. Macroinvertebrates were sampled in 12 wetlands classified into “short,” “medium,” and “long” hydroperiods (N = 4 in each category) in three seasons (fall, winter, and spring) over two full hydrological cycles (from 2012 to 2014). We assessed the role of spatial and environmental variables to metacommunity structure using distance‐based redundancy analysis and variation partitioning. Environmental and spatial variables explained macroinvertebrate metacommunity structure, although their relative influence markedly changed among seasons and hydroperiods. Environmental variables were important in fall and winter, whereas spatial variables predominated in spring. Different environmental variables influenced the metacommunity structure in each hydroperiod. Environmental variables influenced active‐dispersing macroinvertebrates, whereas the influence of environmental and spatial variables on passive‐dispersing taxa changed among seasons. We showed that the assembly mechanisms of macroinvertebrate metacommunities show a distinct temporal dynamic among wetlands with different hydroperiods. Our findings contribute to a more complete understanding of the metacommunity structure in temporary ecosystems.