bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond language: Motivators and barriers to breast cancer screening among Korean‐speaking women in Sydney Metropolitan, Australia
Authors: Kim Su Kyung
Published: June 2021

Background

There are persistent disparities in breast screening participation rates between Australian‐born women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Cancer Institute NSW statistics from 2015 show Korean speaking women had the second lowest breast screening participation rates when compared across all language groups.

Objective

The study aimed to gain a better understanding of the motivators and barriers associated with participation in breast cancer screening among women from a Korean background living in the Sydney metropolitan area.

Methods

Semi‐structured individual interviews (n = 32) and small focus groups (n = 28) were conducted. Data from interviews and focus group discussions were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The findings highlight the barriers to access breast screening services extend beyond language to include perception, a lack of knowledge and understanding of the services offered, unfamiliarity with the Australian healthcare system and distrust in breast screening services.

Conclusion

Supporting Korean women to understand and navigate the Australian healthcare system plays an important role in increasing breast screening participation rates. Key strategies to provide this support include the delivery of culturally sensitive health promotion and community engagement as well as the provision of translated health information.
Identification and validation of immune‐related lncRNA prognostic signatures for melanoma
Authors: Xiao Bo , Liu Liyan , Li Aoyu , Wang Pingxiao , Xiang Cheng , Li Hui , Xiao Tao
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Melanoma is a highly aggressive malignant skin tumor as well as the primary reason for skin cancer‐specific deaths. We first identified immune‐related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) prognostic signature and found potential immunotherapeutic targets for melanoma cancer.

Methods

RNA‐seq data and clinical features of melanoma samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Samples of melanoma were randomly assigned to the training and testing cohort. The immune‐related lncRNA signature was then obtained via using univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox analysis of patients in the training cohort. Eight significant immune‐related lncRNA signature was then subsequently obtained through correlation analysis between immune‐related genes and lncRNAs. The association between risk score and immune cell infiltration was finally assessed using TIMER and CIBERSORT.

Results

Three hundred and fifty‐six immune‐related lncRNAs were obtained. Among them, eight immune‐related lncRNAs were identified to build a prognostic risk signature model. The model's performance was then confirmed using the Kaplan–Meier curves, risk plots, and time‐dependent receiver‐operating characteristic curves in the training cohort. The risk score was identified and confirmed as an independent prognostic factor through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. These results were further verified in the testing and whole cohorts. CIBERSORT algorithm showed that the infiltration levels of T cells CD8, M1 macrophages, plasma cells, T cells CD4 memory activated, T cells gamma delta, and mast cells activated were significantly lower in the high‐risk group while the infiltration level of macrophages M0 was significantly lower in the low‐risk group.

Conclusion

The immune‐related lncRNA signature offers prognostic markers and potential immunotherapeutic targets for melanoma.
Muslim Online Prayer in a Sociocultural Context
Authors: Hegazy Wael
Published: June 2021

The article argues that the debate over the online prayer is not just an ordinary fatwa issued by religious scholars for the Muslim Ummah, but it rather goes through a complicated process of social, identarian, cultural, authoritative, and transnational caveats. The physicality entailed by this debate over the online prayer shows how the place of worship along with the physical presence in it while performing the prayer is considered as an identity marker, a tool for sustaining the social fiber and the culture of the Muslim community. The article concludes by situating the debate over the online prayer within a broader framework of online religion versus religion online and the impact of the virtualization of rituals on the perception of the religious experience.
Front Cover
Authors: Rodewald Marko , Bae Hyeonsoo , Huschke Sophie , Meyer‐Zedler Tobias , Schmitt Michael , Press Adrian Tibor , Schubert Stephanie , Bauer Michael , Popp Juergen
Published: June 2021

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the key cell type in the development of liver fibrosis. Despite their importance, the identification of HSCs in bulky tissue has remained challenging. Coherent anti‐ Stokes Raman scattering microscopy (CARS) can be used to identify HSCs in the liver of a living mouse. HSCs are the main target of novel nanomedical strategies in the development of a treatment for liver fibrosis. Their role in the vitamin A metabolism and the exceptionally high Raman cross section of retinyl compounds make CARS the ideal tool for this otherwise challenging task.

Further details can be found in the article by Marko Rodewald, Hyeonsoo Bae, Sophie Huschke, Tobias Meyer‐Zedler, Michael Schmitt, Adrian Tibor Press, Stephanie Schubert, Michael Bauer, and Jürgen Popp (e202100040).

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Is perfectionism always unhealthy? Examining the moderating effects of psychological flexibility and self‐compassion
Authors: Ong Clarissa W. , Lee Eric B. , Petersen Julie M. , Levin Michael E. , Twohig Michael P.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Perfectionism is generally associated with worse mental health outcomes, though evidence suggests elements of it may be helpful. In light of these findings, we examined whether psychological skills like psychological flexibility and self‐compassion moderated the relationship between perfectionism and wellbeing (i.e., quality of life, symptom impairment, and psychological distress).

Methods

Undergraduate students (N = 677) completed self‐report measures.

Results

A latent profile analysis identified three perfectionism groups (low, average, and high) based on four perfectionism subscales: concern over mistakes, need for approval, rumination, and striving for excellence. Generally, we found that psychological flexibility and/or self‐compassion buffered the impact of average and high perfectionism on quality of life and symptom impairment.

Conclusion

Our results support the utility of practicing psychological flexibility and/or self‐compassion for people with average and high levels of perfectionism. Limitations include using a cross‐sectional design and nonclinical sample.
Alcohol and other substance use by faculty, staff, and students in a university community during two hurricanes: Lessons for preventing risky misuse
Authors: Noel Nora E. , van Swearingen Kristen M. , Urch Melissa A. , Crews Faith S. , Espinosa‐Hernandez Graciela , McCool Matison W. , Jackson Lee A.
Published: June 2021

Communities commonly warn against heavy alcohol and other substance use during natural disasters like hurricanes, because such use may produce risk for individuals and communities, with studies showing deleterious effects persisting months or even years. Examining patterns and emotional correlates of use in the immediate presence of hurricanes may identify useful risk prevention targets. We assessed self‐reported substance use and emotions in a university community (faculty, staff, and students) having the unlucky fate of experiencing hurricanes in early September 2 years in a row. Participants (403 in 2018, 76.0% female; M age 28.82; SD = 12.36 and 292 in 2019, 72.6% female; M age 30.63; SD = 13.96) reported typical weekly substance use and emotions and then the same data during each hurricane day. Results showed elevated use of alcohol, caffeine and tobacco before and during each hurricane, but a rapid drop‐off of alcohol and caffeine (but not tobacco) use immediately after—although anxiety remained high. Findings are interpreted using both tension‐reduction and stress‐coping models and suggestions are made for future risk mitigation.
Age‐specific differences in the magnitude of malaria‐related anemia during low and high malaria seasons in rural Zambian children
Authors: Acheampong Clement O. , Barffour Maxwell A. , Schulze Kerry J. , Chileshe Justin , Kalungwana Ng'andwe , Siamusantu Ward , West Keith P. , Palmer Amanda C.
Published: June 2021

Background

Malaria causes anemia by destruction of red blood cells and inhibition of erythropoiesis.

Objective

We assessed whether the magnitude of the malaria‐specific effect on anemia differs by age, during low and high malaria seasons.

Method

In rural Zambian children participating in a pro‐vitamin A efficacy trial, we estimated differences in the prevalence of anemia (defined as hemoglobin < 110 g/L for children < 60 months. and < 115 g/L in older children) by malaria status and assessed malaria‐age interactions. Regression models (with anemia as the outcome) were used to model malaria‐age interaction in both the low and high malaria seasons, controlling for potential confounders.

Results

Average age was 68 months at baseline (n = 820 children). In the low malaria season, anemia prevalence was 29% in malaria‐negative children and 54% in malaria‐positive children (p < 0.001), with no malaria‐age interactions (p = 0.44). In the high malaria season, anemia prevalence was 41% in malaria‐negative children and 54% in malaria‐positive children (p < 0.001), with significant malaria‐age interactions (p = 0.02 for anemia). Age‐stratified prevalence of anemia in malaria positive versus negative children was 67.0% versus 37.1% (in children < 60 months); 57.0% versus 37.2% (in 60–69 months.); 46.8% versus 37.2% (in 70–79 months.); 37.0% versus 37.3% (in 80–89 months) and 28.0% versus 37.4% (in 90+ months).

Conclusions

Malarial anemia is most severe in younger children, especially when transmission is intense. Anemia control programs must prioritize this vulnerable group.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 4‐(6‐substituted quinolin‐4‐yl)‐N‐aryl thiazol‐2‐amine derivatives as potential antimicrobial agents
Authors: Thakare Prashant , Shinde Abhijit , Dakhane Sagar , Chavan Abhijit , Bobade Vivek D. , Mhaske Pravin C.
Published: June 2021

Cyclocondensation reaction of 4‐(2‐bromoacetyl)quinolin‐1‐ium bromide (4a–d) with substituted arylthiourea, (5a–g) afforded 4‐(6‐substituted quinolin‐4‐yl)‐N‐aryl/pyridyl thiazol‐2‐amine (6a‐ab). These newly synthesized derivatives were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (NCIM 2574), Proteus mirabilis (NCIM 2388) (Gram‐negative strains), Bacillus subtilis (NCIM 2063), Staphylococcus albus (NCIM 2178) (Gram‐positive strains) and in vitro antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger (ATCC 504) and Candida albicans (NCIM 3100). Compounds 6a, 6b, 6d, 6f, 6k, and 6l showed moderate to good antibacterial activity against S. albus. Ten derivatives 6c, 6q, 6r, 6s, 6t, 6v, 6w, 6x, 6y, and 6aa, showed moderate to good activity against A. niger. N‐[4‐(Quinolin‐4‐yl)‐1,3‐thiazol‐2‐yl]pyridin‐2‐amine presented comparable activity against A. niger with respect to standard drug Rouconazole.
In vitro functional analysis of four variants of human asparagine synthetase
Authors: Matsumoto Hideki , Kawashima Nana , Yamamoto Takahiro , Nakama Mina , Otsuka Hiroki , Ago Yasuhiko , Sasai Hideo , Kubota Kazuo , Ozeki Michio , Kawamoto Norio , Esaka Yukihiro , Ohnishi Hidenori
Published: June 2021

The loss‐of‐function variants of the human asparagine synthetase (ASNS) gene cause asparagine synthetase deficiency (ASNSD). Diagnosis of ASNSD requires genetic tests because a specific biochemical diagnostic for ASNSD is not available. There are a few reports describing the functional evaluation of ASNS variants. Therefore, in vitro methods are needed to evaluate the detected variants in patients. In this report, five types of human ASNS proteins (wild‐type and our reported four variants: p.Leu145Ser, p.Leu247Trp, p.Val489Asp, and p.Trp541Cysfs*5) were expressed in silkworm using a baculoviral expression system. An enzymatic activity assay of ASNS was performed, and the concentration of asparagine by ninhydrin and High Performance Liquid Chromatography methods using the purified recombinant proteins was measured. We established ASNS deficient HEK293 cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 method and evaluated the growth of cells without asparagine after transduction of ASNS variants with a lentiviral expression system. The four ASNS variants displayed significantly low enzymatic activity. The ASNS deficient HEK293 cells transduced with wild‐type ASNS grew without asparagine, whereas cells transduced with the variants did not grow or showed significantly slower growth than cells transduced with wild‐type ASNS. Herein, we established a method for evaluating the enzymatic activity of the recombinant human ASNS variants. The results of the cell‐based assay corroborated the results of the enzymatic activity. These methods should enable the evaluation of the pathogenicity of ASNS variants.
The atypical small GTPase GEM/Kir is a negative regulator of the NADPH oxidase and NETs production through macroautophagy
Authors: Johnson Jennifer L , Ramadass Mahalakshmi , Rahman Farhana , Meneses-Salas Elsa , Zgajnar Nadia R , Carvalho Gontijo Raquel , Zhang Jinzhong , Kiosses William B , Zhu Yanfang Peipei , Hedrick Catherine C , Perego Marta , Gunton Jenny E , Pestonjamasp Kersi , Napolitano Gennaro , Catz Sergio D
Published: June 2021

Despite the important function of neutrophils in the eradication of infections and induction of inflammation, the molecular mechanisms regulating the activation and termination of the neutrophil immune response is not well understood. Here, the function of the small GTPase from the RGK family, Gem, is characterized as a negative regulator of the NADPH oxidase through autophagy regulation. Gem knockout (Gem KO) neutrophils show increased NADPH oxidase activation and increased production of extracellular and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Enhanced ROS production in Gem KO neutrophils was associated with increased NADPH oxidase complex-assembly as determined by quantitative super-resolution microscopy, but normal exocytosis of gelatinase and azurophilic granules. Gem-deficiency was associated with increased basal autophagosomes and autolysosome numbers but decreased autophagic flux under phorbol ester-induced conditions. Neutrophil stimulation triggered the localization of the NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox and p47phox at LC3-positive structures suggesting that the assembled NADPH oxidase complex is recruited to autophagosomes, which was significantly increased in Gem KO neutrophils. Prevention of new autophagosome formation by treatment with SAR405 increased ROS production while induction of autophagy by Torin-1 decreased ROS production in Gem KO neutrophils, and also in wild-type neutrophils, suggesting that macroautophagy contributes to the termination of NADPH oxidase activity. Autophagy inhibition decreased NETs formation independently of enhanced ROS production. NETs production, which was significantly increased in Gem-deficient neutrophils, was decreased by inhibition of both autophagy and calmodulin, a known GEM interactor. Intracellular ROS production was increased in Gem KO neutrophils challenged with live Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Salmonella Typhimurium, but phagocytosis was not affected in Gem-deficient cells. In vivo analysis in a model of Salmonella Typhimurium infection indicates that Gem-deficiency provides a genetic advantage manifested as a moderate increased in survival to infections. Altogether, the data suggest that Gem-deficiency leads to the enhancement of the neutrophil innate immune response by increasing NADPH oxidase assembly and NETs production and that macroautophagy differentially regulates ROS and NETs in neutrophils.
Characterization of simulated extreme El Niño events and projected impacts on South American climate extremes by a set of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 global climate models
Authors: Gulizia Carla , Pirotte Martín N.
Published: June 2021

In this study the simulated extreme and moderate El Niño events (e.g., frequency of occurrence and spatial variability) are characterized and the historical teleconnections on precipitation and temperature climate extremes in South America are analysed. Future projected changes in these teleconnections under a global warming context are also addressed. For this purpose a set of 10 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) global climate models (GCMs) simulations derived from three experiments (historical, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) are considered. The study period is 1916–2100. As El Niño is seasonally phase‐locked, peaking in late austral spring and summer, the present analysis is carried out for these two seasons, as well as annually. Results indicate that extreme El Niño events are projected to double their occurrence considering RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, while a less pronounced increase is projected for moderate El Niño events. Most of these events show a similar pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies: a positive centre in the central equatorial Pacific that extends eastward to the coast of America. In a global warming context, the resemblance between these events may decrease. Overall, the spatial structure of the impacts of El Niño are expected to be similar between moderate and extreme events, although in some cases (regions and seasons), a higher intensity is observed considering the events characterized as extreme El Niños rather than moderate ones. As extreme El Niño events are expected to be more frequent in the future, the impacts on climate extremes as well as the associated socioeconomic impacts would also take place much more frequently too.
Internal atmospheric variability of net surface heat flux in reanalyses and CMIP5 AMIP simulations
Authors: Chen Hua , Schneider Edwin K. , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: June 2021

The internal atmospheric variability (IAV) of the net surface heat flux (NHF) in the observed 20th/21st century atmosphere is estimated as the residual after removing the sea surface temperature (SST) and externally forced atmospheric response derived from the four atmospheric models of the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) simulations under phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The mean NHF of four atmospheric reanalysis datasets is an estimate of the observed NHF. Although the AMIP models are forced with the same SST and external forcing, the forced responses differ significantly among AMIP models, suggestive of uncertainty in the models. Besides, the uncertainty of IAV in the reanalyses could also arise from the uncertainty in reanalyses as observations contain errors and reanalysis includes interpolation by models. It is concluded that: (a) The SST/NHF and SST/forced NHF correlations are significantly negative over most of world ocean in the AMIP models, indicating damping of the SST anomalies by the NHF. (b) The IAV of the AMIP models is not correlated with SST, while the positive IAV/SST correlations in the reanalyses suggests the role of IAV in forcing the SST variability in the extra‐tropics. (c) The standard deviation (STD) of the IAV of AMIP models is indistinguishable from that of the mean reanalysis over a majority of world ocean, and the STD of the NHF of the AMIP models is larger than that of the mean reanalysis in the subtropics and midlatitudes. (d) The IAV in the mean reanalysis plays a role in forcing the SST variability in the extra‐tropics (e.g., Atlantic Multidecadal Variability), while it may not be an important forcing in the tropical oceans (e.g., ENSO).
Comparing the efficacy of adipose‐derived and bone marrow‐derived cells in a rat model of posterolateral lumbar fusion
Authors: Holmes Christina , Ishida Wataru , Perdomo‐Pantoja Alexander , Elder Benjamin D. , Cottrill Ethan , Locke John , Witham Timothy F.
Published: June 2021

Although bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMCs) have been widely used in spinal fusion procedures, adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) offer a number of advantages as an alternative clinical cell source. This study directly compares the efficacy of ASCs and BMCs from the same donor animals to achieve successful fusion when combined with a clinical‐grade bone graft substitute in a rat lumbar fusion model. ASCs and BMCs were isolated from the same Lewis donor rats and grown to passage 2 (P2). Single‐level bilateral posterolateral intertransverse process lumbar fusion surgery was performed on syngeneic rats divided into three experimental groups: clinical‐grade bone graft substitute alone (CBGS); CBGS+ rat ASCs (rASC); and, CBGS+ rat BMCs (rBMC). Eight weeks postoperatively, fusion was evaluated via micro‐CT, manual palpation and histology. In vitro analysis of the osteogenic capacity of rBMCs and rASCs was also performed. Results indicated that the average fusion volume in the rASC group was the largest and was significantly larger than the CBGS group. Although the rASC group displayed the highest fusion rates via micro‐CT and manual palpation, this difference was not statistically significant. Cell‐seeded grafts showed more histological bone formation than cell‐free grafts. P2 rASCs and rBMCs displayed similar in vitro osteogenic differentiation capacities. Overall, this study showed that, when combined with a clinical‐grade bone graft substitute in a rat model, rASCs cells yielded the largest fusion masses and comparable fusion results to rBMCs. These results add to growing evidence that ASCs provide an attractive alternative to BMCs for spinal fusion procedures.
Sex differences in systemic bone and muscle loss following femur fracture in mice
Authors: Osipov Benjamin , Paralkar Manali P. , Emami Armaun J. , Cunningham Hailey C. , Tjandra Priscilla M. , Pathak Suraj , Langer Henning T. , Baar Keith , Christiansen Blaine A.
Published: June 2021

Fracture induces systemic bone loss in mice and humans, and a first (index) fracture increases the risk of future fracture at any skeletal site more in men than women. The etiology of this sex difference is unknown, but fracture may induces a greater systemic bone loss response in men. Also sex differences in systemic muscle loss after fracture have not been examined. We investigated sex differences in systemic bone and muscle loss after transverse femur fracture in 3‐month‐old male and female C57BL/6 J mice. Whole‐body and regional bone mineral content and density (BMC and BMD), trabecular and cortical bone microstructure, muscle contractile force, muscle mass, and muscle fiber size were quantified at multiple time points postfracture. Serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) were measured 1‐day postfracture. One day postfracture, IL‐6 and Il‐1B were elevated in fracture mice of both sexes, but TNF‐α was only elevated in male fracture mice. Fracture reduced BMC, BMD, and trabecular bone microstructural properties in both sexes 2 weeks postfracture, but declines were greater in males. Muscle contractile force, mass, and fiber size decreased primarily in the fractured limb at 2 weeks postfracture and females showed a trend toward greater muscle loss. Bone and muscle properties recovered by 6 weeks postfracture. Overall, postfracture systemic bone loss is greater in men, which may contribute to sex differences in subsequent fracture risk. In both sexes, muscle loss is primarily confined to the injured limb and fracture may induce greater inflammation in males.
Synergistic effects of biochar and biostimulants on nutrient and toxic element uptake by pepper in contaminated soils
Authors: Antón‐Herrero Rafael , Vega‐Jara Liliana , García‐Delgado Carlos , Mayans Begoña , Camacho‐Arévalo Raquel , Moreno‐Jiménez Eduardo , Plaza César , Eymar Enrique
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Nowadays a significant amount of land contaminated with toxic elements is being used for agriculture, posing a serious risk of crop contamination and toxicity. Several methodologies are being used to remediate soil contamination, including the use of amendments such as biochar. This work evaluated the effects of biochar combined with different fertirrigations (water, a conventional fertilizer solution, or a fertilizer solution with a commercial biostimulant derived from leonardite) on the availability of toxic elements and nutrients for pepper cultivated in a soil contaminated with As, Cd, Pb, and Zn.

RESULTS

Irrigation with fertilizer solutions improved plant growth regardless of the biochar amendment. Biochar decreased the bioavailability of Cu and Pb in soil and the Cu content in pepper leaves. Combined with fertilization, biochar also decreased plant As and Pb content. Biochar combined with biostimulant decreased the bioavailable content of Cd in soil and its uptake by pepper plants.

CONCLUSION

The use of biochar and biostimulant presented advantages for plant production in a non‐suitable scenario of nutrient scarcity and contamination. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Physicochemical and functional properties of Alcalase‐extracted protein hydrolysate from oil palm leaves
Authors: Hau Eng Huan , Teh Soek Sin , Yeo Siok Koon , Mah Siau Hui
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The oil palm tree produces 90% of wastes and the limited usage of these wastes causes a major disposal problem in the mills. Nevertheless, these by‐products have a large amount of nutritional components. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the physicochemical and functional properties of protein hydrolysates (PH) from oil palm leaves (OPL) extracted using different concentrations of Alcalase (0–10%) at 2 h of hydrolysis time.

RESULTS

Fourier transform infrared spectral analyses showed that the enzymatic hydrolysis altered functional groups of OPL where a secondary amine was present in the PH. Changes were also observed in the thermal stability where the enthalpy heat obtained for PH (933.93–1142.57 J g−1) was much lower than OPL (7854.11 J g−1). The results showed that the PH extracted by 8% Alcalase exhibited absolute zeta potential, as well as a high emulsifying activity index (70.64 m2 g−1 of protein) and emulsion stability index (60.58 min). Furthermore, this PH showed higher solubility (96.32%) and emulsifying properties compared to other PHs. It is also comparable with commercial plant proteins, indicating that 8% Alcalase is an optimum concentration for hydrolysis.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the physicochemical and functional properties of PH extracted from OPL showed good functional properties, suggesting that it can be used as an alternative plant protein in food industries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multielement authentication of apples from the cold highlands in southwest China
Authors: Zhang Jianyi , Nie Jiyun , Zhang Liangbin , Xu Guofeng , Zheng Haidong , Shen Youming , Kuang Lixue , Gao Xiaoqin , Zhang Hui
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Half of all apple production worldwide comes from China. However, the geographic authentication of Chinese apples has not been well studied. We highlight the multi‐element‐based geographical discrimination of apples from the southwest cold highlands (SCH) of China. 565 samples from the SCH (138) and others (427) were obtained, and the content of fifteen elements were applied to construct models for discrimination.

RESULTS

The SCH apples from 2017 to 2019 had higher concentrations of Mn, Zn, Cr, Cd, Se, Pb, and Fe, but lower concentrations of Na, B, Ni, and P. With sufficient training, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) discriminated the SCH, and the testing accuracy averaged 92.5% and 92.2%. Nonlinear discrimination models were more suitable than the linear models. Optimized random forest analysis was the model with the best fit, and with averaged training and testing it obtained a level of accuracy of 98.2% and 98.5%.

CONCLUSION

The multielement‐based discrimination of SCH apples could aid further studies of geographical origins. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Efficiently evaluating the effect of color gamut and spectral bandwidth on observer metamerism in high dynamic range displays
Authors: Park Yongmin , Murdoch Michael J.
Published: June 2021

Observer metamerism (OM), which likely causes potential issues in high dynamic range (HDR) displays due to those formidable peak luminance and color gamut required, is examined in this work using simulations. The simulations focus on investigating how OM in HDR displays would vary with chromaticity gamut and peak luminance level changes, proposing a new OM index, OMM. The effects of additional factors noteworthy on OM, such as reference white level, age, and spectral characteristics, are discussed. Finally, a simple metric capable of predicting observer metamerism between displays with less computational complexity, OMMN, is introduced. The simulation results showed that observer metamerism magnitudes between displays tend to depend on the similarity in spectral bandwidth between paired displays, in addition to the fact that narrow‐band primary displays generally cause larger metameric failures. Besides, the effect of changes in peak luminance on observer metamerism was found to be relatively small, increasing OMM by 7%–8% when peak luminance doubles. Notably, the proposed efficient metric OMMN outperforms metrics based on spectral similarity by also factoring in inter‐observer variability. In addition, the proposed metric's performance with 10 categorical observers, OMMN, 10, is nearly as good as that with thousands more computations. OMMN, 10 is recommended as a reliable and efficient metric to evaluate OM between HDR displays.
Modified dispersive solid‐phase extraction and cleanup followed by GC‐MS/MS analysis to quantify ultraviolet filters and synthetic musk compounds in soil samples
Authors: Ramos Sara , Homem Vera , Santos Lúcia
Published: June 2021

A simple method for the analysis of 13 synthetic musk compounds and six ultraviolet filters in soil samples was developed using a modified dispersive solid‐phase methodology known as “Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe,” followed by gas chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The methodology was validated by assessing linearity ranges, detection limits, precision, and accuracy. The method detection limit ranged between 0.01 and 10.00 ng/g dry weight and accuracy from 81 to 122%. A good precision was achieved, with relative standard deviation <10%. The applicability of the methodology was tested using different types of soils. Both synthetic musks and ultraviolet filters were detected in all soil samples. The most frequently detected compounds were benzophenone, octocrylene, 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐dimethylaminobenzoate, 2‐ethylhexyl 4–methoxycinnamate, and galaxolide. Higher levels were detected for benzophenone (maximum value of 158 ng/g dry weight) and octocrylene (137 ng/g dry weight). In comparison with conventional techniques, this method uses lower amounts of solvents and sorbents, producing less waste (“greener” technique) and comparable performances. In addition, it presents as main advantages the simplicity, speed (short extraction/cleaning time), low cost, and minimum handling of extracts, which can minimize the possibility of samples cross‐contamination.
Imaging Characteristics of the Proximal Lateral Collateral Ligament of the Knee: Findings on Ultrasound and MRI With Histologic Correlation
Authors: Falkowski Anna L. , Jacobson Jon A. , Gandikota Girish , Lucas David R. , Magerkurth Olaf , Zaottini Federico
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Determine prevalence of increased signal intensity of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the knee on MRI and decreased echogenicity on ultrasound, and compare with cadaveric histologic evaluation.

Methods

After IRB approval of this prospective study with informed consent, patients having knee MRI were additionally evaluated with ultrasound. Signal intensities of LCL on MRI (low, intermediate, high), echogenicity at ultrasound (hyperechoic, hypoechoic, anechoic), and extent of findings were assessed. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed ranked test, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. Two cadaveric knees were imaged with MRI and ultrasound, including histologic LCL evaluation.

Results

Seventy‐three subjects were included (39 males, 34 females; mean age 48 ± 14 years) with 77 knee examinations. On MRI, low, intermediate, and high signals were present in 21% (16/77), 75% (58/77), and 4% (3/77), respectively. On ultrasound, echogenicity was assessed as hyperechoic, hypoechoic, and anechoic in 62% (48/77), 38% (29/77), and 0% (0/77), respectively. Mean length of increased signal was 8.6 mm (±4.9) on MRI, and 6.5 mm (±4.8) on ultrasound. The ICC showed a good to excellent intermodality reliability (0.735–0.899) without statistically significant difference for interreader measurements (P = .163–.795). Histology evaluation showed transition of ligament fibers to fibrocartilage at its insertion with increased connective tissue mucin corresponding to MRI and ultrasound findings.

Conclusions

Increased signal intensity of the proximal LCL on ultrasound and MRI is common and corresponds to normal connective tissue mucin.
Toward ICP‐SIFT mass spectrometry and atomic cation ligation as a probe of relativistic effects—A personal journey
Authors: Bohme Diethard K.
Published: June 2021

The ICP–SIFT mass spectrometer at York University, a derivative of flowing afterglow (FA) and selected‐ion flow tube (SIFT) mass spectrometers, has provided a powerful technique to measure the chemistry and kinetics of atomic cation–molecule reactions. Here, I focus on periodic trends in the kinetics of ligation reactions of atomic ions with small molecules. I examine trends in ammonia ligation kinetics across the first two rows of the atomic transition metal cations and their correlation with ligand bond enthalpies and ligand field stabilization energies. Also explored are trends down Groups 1 and 2 in the kinetics of noncovalent electrostatic ligand bonding and the tendency for s electron solvation of the atomic alkaline‐earth cations with ammonia. Finally, I briefly review trends observed with 12 different ligands in the ligation rate down the periodic table with Group 9–12 transition atomic metal cations. These trends provide a compelling probe for the presence of relativistic effects that influence the strengths of the metal‐ion ligand bonds that are formed. There is a clear third‐row rate enhancement with Ir+, Pt+, Au+, and Hg+, the extent of which depends on the nature of the ligand. This large set of kinetic data provides an unprecedented broad perspective of relativistic effects in ligand bonding. With CS2 as a ligand, the third‐row relativistic effect is apparent in the formation of both the first and the second ligand bond with the Groups 10 and 11 atomic cations as predicted by our quantum chemical calculations of ligation energies.
MHA announces 2021 awards in innovation, youth, advocacy
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2021

Mental Health America announced June 2 the 2021 recipients of the Clifford W. Beers Award, the Betty Humphrey Equity Champion Award, the Innovation in Programming Award, the Media Award, the youth‐focused mPower Award, the George Goodman Brudney and Ruth P. Brudney Social Work Award and the Joseph de Raismes III Policy Award, according to a news release.
Finite‐time stability for time‐varying nonlinear impulsive systems
Authors: Wu Jie , Li Xiaodi , Xie Xiang
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the finite‐time stability (FTS) for time‐varying nonlinear impulsive systems. We provide several Lyapunov‐based theorems to ensure the FTS property, where three types of impulses including stabilizing impulses, destabilizing impulses, and multiple impulses are fully considered. The relation of the settling‐time and the impulse sequences is established. It shows that the settling‐time of the system can be shortened for the stabilizing impulses and be postponed for the destabilizing ones. In particular, under the effect of multiple impulses, the settling‐time estimation is derived via a sequence division method. Moreover, we apply the theoretical results to the control problem of coupled impulsive neural networks (CINNs) involving time‐varying uncertainties, where the control scheme is designed to guarantee the FTS of the considered systems. The effectiveness of presented results is illustrated by three simulation examples.
The effectiveness of a randomised clinical trial of PLE2NO self‐management and exercise programme for knee osteoarthritis to improve self‐efficacy
Authors: Marconcin Priscila , Yázigi Flávia , Teles Júlia , Campos Pedro , Espanha Margarida
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a 12‐weeks self‐management and exercise intervention to improve self‐efficacy in older individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA)

Design

Randomised Controlled Trial.

Setting

Four different community settings.

Subjects

Eighty individuals aged 60 years or over with clinical and radiographic knee osteoarthritis.

Intervention

The subjects were randomly assigned to (1) a combined self‐management and exercise programme (treatment group) and (2) an educational programme (control group).

Main Measures

The primary outcome was self‐efficacy and secondary outcomes were physical activity, health‐related quality of life and skill‐related physical fitness measures.

Results

Sixty‐seven participants, mean age 69.1 (5.8) years, completed the study: 32 in the control group and 35 in the treatment group. A significant group effect favourable to the treatment group was observed in the following variables: self‐efficacy (F[2,64] = 9.2, p = 0.003), physical activity (F[2,64] = 43.6, p < 0.001) and balance for most painful knee (F(2,64) = 4.87, p = 0.031) and less painful knee (F[2,64] = 6.94, p = 0.010). No improvements regarding health‐related quality of life, gait speed and agility were found. This study supports the importance of a combined self‐management and exercise intervention to improve self‐efficacy and physical activity in KOA individuals.
Offset of apparent hyperpolarized 13C lactate flux by the use of adjuvant metformin in ionizing radiation therapy in vivo
Authors: Choi Young‐Suk , Lee Joonsung , Lee Han‐Sol , Song Jae Eun , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Song Ho‐Taek
Published: June 2021

An increase in hyperpolarized (HP) [1‐13C]lactate production has been suggested as a biomarker for cancer occurrence as well as for response monitoring of cancer treatment. Recently, the use of metformin has been suggested as an anticancer or adjuvant treatment. By regulating the cytosolic NAD+/NADH redox state, metformin stimulates lactate production and increases the HP [1‐13C]lactate conversion rate in the kidney, liver, and heart. In general, increased HP [1‐13C]lactate is regarded as a sign of cancer occurrence or tumor growth. Thus, the relationship between the tumor suppression effect of metformin and the change in metabolism monitored by HP [1‐13C]pyruvate MRS in cancer treatment needs to be investigated. The present study was performed using a brain metastasis animal model with MDA‐MB‐231(BR)‐Luc breast cancer cells. HP [1‐13C]pyruvate MRS, T2‐weighted MRI, and bioluminescence imaging were performed in groups treated with metformin or adjuvant metformin and radiation therapy. Metformin treatment alone did not display a tumor suppression effect, and the HP [1‐13C]lactate conversion rate increased. In radiation therapy, the HP [1‐13C]lactate conversion rate decreased with tumor suppression, with a p‐value of 0.028. In the adjuvant metformin and radiation treatment, the tumor suppression effect increased, with a p‐value of 0.001. However, the apparent HP [1‐13C]lactate conversion rate (Kpl) was observed to be offset by two opposite effects: a decrease on radiation therapy and an increase caused by metformin treatment. Although HP [1‐13C]pyruvate MRS could not evaluate the tumor suppression effect of adjuvant metformin and radiation therapy due to the offset phenomenon, metabolic changes following only metformin pre‐treatment could be monitored. Therefore, our results indicate that the interpretation of HP [1‐13C]pyruvate MRS for response monitoring of cancer treatment should be carried out with caution when metformin is used as an adjuvant cancer therapy.
Eneolithic pile dwellers captured waterfowl in winter: Analysis of avian bone remains from two pile dwellings in Ljubljansko barje (Slovenia)
Authors: Janžekovič Franc , Klenovšek Tina , Mlíkovský Jiří , Toškan Borut , Velušček Anton
Published: June 2021

This study presents the results of an ornitho‐archaeological analysis of avian bones from Stare gmajne and Blatna Brezovica, two Eneolithic pile dwelling sites in the area of Ljubljansko barje, Slovenia. Avian bone remains, together with remnants of huts, tools, mammal bones and bones of other vertebrates, represent the material remnant of a pile dwelling culture from the second half of the fourth millennium BC.

A total of 2091 avian bones or fragments thereof were excavated. The avifauna includes 682 taxonomically identified remains (NISP), assigned to 15 bird taxa. Taxonomically, species from the Anatidae group predominate (68.7% of NISP), mainlyBucephala clangula(40.3% of NISP). Also abundant isFulica atra(26.2% NISP) from the family Rallidae. In the ecological context, species inhabiting aquatic or marshy habitats prevail. Representatives of three ecomorphological groups of waterbirds were found: diving birds (Podicepssp.,Phalacrocorax carbo,Aythya fuligula,B. clangulaandMergussp.), waterbirds (Cygnussp.,Ansersp.,Anassp. andF. atra) and the marsh species group (Ardea cinerea).

The absence of medullary bone and the abundance of wintering species in the area are consistent with the hypothesis that the birds were captured during the winter season. Taphonomic evidence (burned bones) suggests that the studied assemblages were human food waste. The abundance of avian bone remains supports the hypothesis that the native peoples were skilled hunters of aquatic birds.
Patient-Reported Continuity of Care and Functional Safety Concerns After Inpatient Cancer Rehabilitation
Authors: Tennison Jegy M. , Ng Amy H. , Rianon Nahid J. , Liu Diane D. , Bruera Eduardo
Published: June 2021

Background

Patients with cancer have been noted to have inadequate continuity of care after discharge from hospital. We sought to assess patient-reported continuity of care and functional safety concerns after acute inpatient rehabilitation.

Methods

This was a prospective study that used cross-sectional surveys at a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center. All patients who were admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation from September 5, 2018, to February 7, 2020, met the inclusion criteria, and completed two surveys (assessing continuity of care and functional safety concerns) upon discharge and 1 month after discharge were included in the study.

Results

A total of 198 patients completed the study, and no major concerns were reported by the patients. The greatest concern was a lack of adequate communication management among different providers, reported by only 10 (5.0%) patients. The combined fall and near-fall rate within 1 month after discharge was (25/198) 13%. Brain metastasis, a comorbidity of depression, and a history of falls were significantly associated with a higher risk of falls or near falls within 1 month after discharge.

Conclusion

Although overall patients with cancer reported adequate continuity of care and feeling safe to function at home after acute inpatient rehabilitation, it is important to be aware that fall or near-fall events within 1 month after acute inpatient rehabilitation are associated with brain metastasis, comorbidity of depression, and a history of falls. Thus, patients with these risk factors may benefit from including more focused fall prevention education and interventions.

Implications for Practice

Patients with cancer often have extensive problems that require care from multiple health care providers simultaneously, and a high level of coordination is needed for adequate transition of care from the inpatient to the outpatient setting. This transition of care period is prone to inadequate continuity of care and, for older adults, a particular risk for falls. Assessment for risk of fall is also an important factor to consider when evaluating patients to continue oncology treatments. There is a gap in knowledge regarding patient-reported continuity of care and functional safety concerns after acute inpatient cancer rehabilitation.
Verify Water Supply Data to Ensure Accurate Water Audits
Authors: Van Arsdel John
Published: June 2021

To ensure the most accurate data and flowmeter measurements, water utilities should follow well‐established procedures for meter testing in light of specific system conditions and challenges.
A glimpse of light in darkness: Performance‐based accountability in Bangladesh public administration
Authors: Shahan Asif Mohammad , Jahan Ferdous , Khair Rizwan
Published: June 2021

In the public administration literature, several studies have been conducted to analyze the performance of the developing countries in embracing the New Public Management (NPM) principles in general. However, limited attention has been paid to explore the experiences of these countries in implementing a performance‐based accountability system, which is an integral part of the NPM movement. This paper analyzes the experience of Bangladesh, wherein 2014, the Government introduced a key performance‐based accountability initiative known as Annual Performance Agreement (APA). In this paper, based on in‐depth qualitative interviews with 42 bureaucrats at different levels and ministries of the Government, we argue that APA has improved the professional accountability of the bureaucracy. Based on this crucial finding, we try to explain why this particular initiative has succeeded whereas previous administrative reform efforts have largely failed. We argue that whereas the past reform efforts targeted broad organizational reforms, the current performance‐based initiatives like APA aimed to bring small‐scale incremental efficiency and effectiveness of bureaucrats. This change in the reform approach has played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of a performance‐based professional accountability system. The model we have developed for categorizing administrative reform efforts in this paper may be used to better understand the success and failure of administrative reform efforts in general and in developing countries in particular.