bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent vs sequential chemoradiotherapy for patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Xiao Wei , Hong Mei
Published: March 2021

Background:

Chemotherapy in combination with thoracic radiotherapy yields significant results in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with thoracic radiotherapy alone. However, whether concurrent or sequential delivery of chemotherapy combined with thoracic radiotherapy is optimal remains unclear. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of concurrent vs sequential chemoradiotherapy in patients with NSCLC.

Methods:

PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for RCTs focusing on concurrent and sequential chemoradiotherapy for patients with NSCLC. The pooled-effect estimate was calculated using the random-effects model. Sensitivity, subgroup, and publication biases were also evaluated. A total of 14 RCTs (2634 patients with NSCLC) were selected for the final meta-analysis.

Results:

Compared with sequential chemoradiotherapy, concurrent chemoradiotherapy did not increase the 1-year survival rates; however, concurrent chemoradiotherapy significantly increased the 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival rates. Moreover, although there were no significant differences between concurrent and sequential chemoradiotherapy in terms of distant relapse and locoregional plus distant relapse, concurrent chemoradiotherapy significantly reduced the risk of locoregional relapse. Furthermore, concurrent chemoradiotherapy yielded positive results with respect to overall response rates. Unfortunately, concurrent chemoradiotherapy could result in esophagitis, nausea/vomiting, and reduced leukocyte and platelet counts in patients with NSCLC.

Conclusion:

Compared with sequential chemoradiotherapy, concurrent chemoradiotherapy may be significantly beneficial in terms of long-term survival and locoregional relapse, although it increases the risk of grade 3 (or greater) adverse events.
Impaction of factors associated with oxidative stress on the pathogenesis of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia
Authors: Qiu Dongmei , Wu Jufei , Li Min , Wang Li , Zhu Xianggan , Chen Youguo
Published: March 2021

We aimed to investigate the effect of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Keap1/Nrf2) pathway on the biological function of trophoblast cells in oxidative stress model at the cellular level, and analyzed the expression level and clinical significance of Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and related antioxidant factors in placental tissues of Preeclampsia (PE) patients at clinical level. In present study, we found that under hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions, the activity of oxidative stress-related enzymes (CAT, GSH-Px, SOD) in HTR8/SVneo cells was significantly lower than that before treatment (P < .01). The activities of CAT, GSH-Px and SOD in HTR8/SVneo cells in SiRNA+H/R group decreased significantly (P < .01), indicating the important defense effect of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway in oxidative stress. As a control group of Nrf2 SiRNA+H/R group, Si-NC+H/R group had CAT, GSH-Px and SOD activities decreasing, which was similar to that in H/R group. Moreover, the activities of oxidative stress-related active enzymes in patients with PE were further confirmed by detecting and comparing the activities of CAT, GSH-Px and SOD in placental tissues. The results showed that the activity of SOD (P < .001), GSH-Px (P < .01) and CAT (P < .01) in placental tissues of patients with PE were significant different from those of normal placental tissues. The expression level of Keap1 in placenta of patients with PE was slightly lower than that of normal placenta. While the expression of Nrf2 in placenta of patients with PE was significantly higher than that of normal placenta. HO-1 expression in placenta of patients with PE was significantly higher than that of normal placenta. These results implicate the importance of Keap-1/Nrf2 pathway in PE.
Neurological deterioration as a result of improper neck position detected by intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in a cervical stenosis patient
Authors: Yu Tong , Wu Jiu-Ping , He Tao , Ruan Yao-Kuan , Liu Qin-Yi
Published: March 2021

Rationale:

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is widely used in spinal surgeries to prevent iatrogenic spinal cord injury (SCI). Most surgeons focus on avoiding neurological compromise intraoperatively, while ignoring the possibility of nerve damage preoperatively, such as neck positioning. Thus, this study aims to report a case with transient neurological deterioration due to improper neck position detected by IONM during cervical surgery.

Patient concerns:

A 63-year-old male patient had been suffering from hypoesthesia of the upper and lower extremities for three years.

Diagnoses:

Severe cervical stenosis (C5-C7) and cervical ossification of a posterior longitudinal ligament.

Interventions:

The cervical stenosis patient underwent an anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion (ACDF) surgery with the assistance of IONM. When the lesion segment was exposed, the SSEP and MEP suddenly elicited difficulty indicating that the patient may have developed SCI. All the technical causes of IONM events were eliminated, and the surgeon suspended operation immediately and suspected that the IONM alerts were caused by cervical SCI due to the improper position of the neck. Subsequently, the surgeon repositioned the neck of the patient by using a thinner shoulders pad.

Outcomes:

At the end of the operation, the MEP and SSEP signals gradually returned to 75% and 80% of the baseline, respectively. Postoperatively, the muscle strength of bilateral biceps decreased from grade IV to grade III. Besides, the sensory disturbance of both upper extremities aggravated. However, the muscle power and hypoesthesia were significantly improved after three months of neurotrophic therapy and rehabilitation training, and no complications of nerve injury were found at the last follow-up visit.

Lessons:

IONM, consisting of SSEP and MEP, should be applied throughout ACDF surgery from the neck positioning to suture incisions. Besides, in the ward 1to 2 days before operation, it is necessary for conscious patients with severe cervical stenosis to simulate the intraoperative neck position. If the conscious patients present signs of nerve damage, they can adjust the neck position immediately until the neurological symptoms relieve. Therefore, intraoperatively, the unconscious patient can be placed in a neck position that was confirmed preoperatively to prevent SCI.
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 and -DQ8 haplotypes in celiac, celiac with type 1 diabetic, and celiac suspected pediatric cases
Authors: Siddiqui Komal , Uqaili Arsalan Ahmed , Rafiq Muhammad , Bhutto Muhammad Aqeel
Published: March 2021

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy triggered by ingestion of gluten present in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten along with environmental trigger starts an inflammatory reaction which results in damage to small intestine. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQA1∗05, -DQB1∗02, and -DQB1∗03:02 are the known risk alleles of CD. The diagnostic method for CD involves serological or intestinal biopsy, but genetic test could be implemented. HLA typing precludes the need for further diagnosis and it has high negative predictive value. The aim of this study was to make aware of HLA molecular typing for celiac disease among local laboratories and healthcare professionals. The prevalence and frequency distribution of HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8 haplotypes in 175 pediatric unrelated healthy controls, celiac patients, and CD with concurrent diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) was evaluated. The most common haplotype was DQ2 followed by DQ8. In control group only DQ2 was observed with frequency of 8.5%. In celiac patients 85.7% were DQ2, 11.4% were DQ8, and rest were DQ2/DQ8 (2.8%), and all had CD. In the group of CD with DM1, 31.4% had DQ2, 25% had DQ8, and 34% having both the haplotypes; while only 9 of these patients were suffering from CD. It was concluded that Celiac disease is frequently unrecognized by physicians, in part because of its variable clinical presentation and symptoms. Thus genetic testing for celiac disease could be an additive tool for diagnosis to exclude ambiguity.
Positive estrogen receptor status is a poor prognostic factor in node-negative breast cancer
Authors: Jung Eun Jung , Kim Ju-Yeon , Kim Jae-Myung , Lee Han Shin , Kwag Seung-Jin , Park Ji-Ho , Park Taejin , Jeong Sang-Ho , Jeong Chi-Young , Ju Young-Tae , Lee Young-Joon , Hong Soon-Chang
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the outcomes and prognostic factors for breast cancer according to initial lymph node (LN) status. Among patients with LN-negative breast cancer, we also focused on the prognostic value of estrogen receptor (ER) status.

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 715 patients who underwent curative surgery for breast cancer between January 2005 and December 2015 at a single Korean institution. We evaluated factors that were associated with metastasis-free survival (MFS) according to LN status.

Among the 715 patients (age: 28–87 years), 458 patients (64.1%) did not have axillary LN metastasis. Relative to patients without LN metastasis, patients with LN metastasis had larger tumor sizes and higher histological grades. Among patients with no LN metastasis, ER positivity was associated with non-significantly poorer MFS than ER negativity (mean survival: 138.90 months vs. 146.99 months, p = .17), and patients with LN-negative ER-positive disease had MFS rates of 91.7% at 5 years and 74.5% at 10 years. Among patients with LN-negative ER-positive disease, a poor prognosis was significantly associated with larger tumor size (≥2 cm, P = .03) and older age (≥50 years, P = .03).

These results indicate that the risk of metastasis increases over time for patients with LN-negative ER-positive breast cancer, and especially for older patients or patients with larger tumors.
Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation associated with swallowing-related muscle training for post-stroke dysphagia
Authors: Du Bosong , Li Yan , Zhang Bingran , Zhao Wenjun , Zhou Li
Published: March 2021

Background:

Swallowing dysfunction is a common dysfunction after stroke, and its incidence exceeds 50%. Aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition induced by dysphagia not only cause psychological shock to patients after stroke, but also burden the medical payment. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation, which stimulates the cortex and cortical bulb pathways to improve swallowing function, has been one of the emerging treatments for the post-stroke deglutition disorder. These therapy operators require the proficiency in professional knowledge, limiting clinical large sample studies, so there is an absence of evidence-based medicine. The research is to evaluate the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulations combined with swallowing-related muscle training to treat swallowing dysfunction after stroke.

Methods:

Computer retrieval performed in the 9 databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China Knowledge Network Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database (WanFang), and China VIP Database (VIP). Taking the published literature from the establishment of the database until December 20, 2020. Literature searching is related to neuromuscular electrical stimulation randomized controlled trials on the effect of swallowing in stroke. In addition, we will do the manual search in Baidu Academic and Google Academic database as a supplementary search. The correlative randomized controlled clinical studies retrieval time range from the establishment of the database to December 20, 2020. Two investigators will screen the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria independently, during that period they will evaluate the quality of the included studies and extract data from studies. The extracted data are dichotomous data will be represented by relative risk, continuous data will be represented by mean difference or standard mean deviation. If there exists heterogeneity and the final data summary analysis select random effect model. On the contrary, the fixed effect model is selected. Then, RevMan5.3 software was used when analyzing included literature. Meanwhile, the analysis results were illustrated by drawing.

Results:

This review will summarize available trials aimed at providing a comprehensive estimation of effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation associated with swallowing muscle training for post-stroke dysphagia.

Conclusion:

This review based on a comprehensive analysis of currently published randomized controlled trials on post-stroke dysphagia, that provide reliable evidence-based medicine evidence for the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation associated with swallowing rehabilitation training.

Registration number:

INPLASY202110009.
Progressive compressive myelopathy induced by a rare primary isolated thoracic vertebral hydatid cyst
Authors: Zhang Bei , Zhang Li , Zhou Hongli , Tian Junwei , Wang Jiping
Published: March 2021

Rationale:

Hydatid cyst is a disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus spp. The larvae often reside in the liver, lungs, and brain. Occasionally, a primary isolated thoracic vertebral hydatid cyst is reported to cause severe complications. Various diseases may lead to the development of progressive compressive myelopathy. Herein, we report a rare case of a primary isolated thoracic vertebral hydatid cyst with compressive myelopathy.

Patient concerns:

A 57-year-old female had numbness and weakness in the lower limbs for a span of 3-months.

Diagnosis:

Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that an isolated mass was observed in the T5 vertebral body, which compressed the spinal cord. The diagnosis was confirmed after surgical excision, and Echinococcus granulosus was found to be the etiologic factor.

Interventions:

The patient underwent laminectomy with no complications.

Outcomes:

After surgical decompression, the patient made slow and measurable progress. While relatively rare in the non-pastoral area, the primary isolated thoracic vertebral column hydatid cyst may be considered as a possible etiology of atypical extradural spinal compression.

Lessons:

This case illustrates the complexity of spinal echinococcosis manifestations and the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach.
Transient left bundle branch block after posture change to the prone position during general anesthesia
Authors: Ko Hyun-Cheol , Cho Yong-Hyun , Jang Won , Kim Sun-Hee , Lee Hyun-Seok , Ko Woo-Hyeong
Published: March 2021

Rationale:

The prone position is commonly used in spinal surgery. There have been many studies on hemodynamic changes in the prone position during general anesthesia. We report a rare case of transient left bundle branch block (LBBB) in a prone position.

Patient concern:

Electrocardiogram (ECG) of a 64-year-old man scheduled for spinal surgery showed normal sinus rhythm change to LBBB after posture change to the prone position.

Diagnosis:

Twelve lead ECG revealed LBBB. His coronary angio-computed tomography results showed right coronary artery with 30% to 40% stenosis and left circumflex artery with 40% to 50% stenosis. The patient was diagnosed with stable angina and second-degree atrioventricular block of Mobitz type II.

Intervention:

Nitroglycerin was administered intravenously during surgery. Adequate oxygen was supplied to the patient. After surgery, the patient was prescribed clopidogrel, statins, angiotensin II receptor blocker, and a permanent pacemaker was inserted.

Outcome:

Surgery was completed without complications. After surgery, the transient LBBB changed to a normal sinus rhythm. The patient did not complain of chest pain or dyspnea.

Lesson:

The prone position causes significant hemodynamic changes. A high risk of cardiovascular disease may cause ischemic heart disease and ECG changes. Therefore, careful management is necessary.
The Effectiveness of Serial Casting and Ankle Foot Orthoses in Treating Toe Walking in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Barkocy Marybeth , Schilz Jodi , Heimerl Sandra , Chee Madeleine , Valdez Meghan , Redmond Kelly
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

This proof of concept study examined the effectiveness of serial casting (SC) and ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) in children with autism spectrum disorder (Ch-ASD) who toe walk (TW). Data collected determined effects of SC, followed by AFO intervention on ankle dorsiflexion (A-DF) passive range of motion and kinematics, and parent-reported functional outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder who TW and have limited A-DF passive range of motion.

Summary of key points:

The 5 participants increased passive range of motion with SC, except for 1 participant's left ankle. Two of 4 participants had near typical A-DF kinematic patterns following SC. The 5 participants improved A-DF during walking following 6 months of AFO use.

Conclusions:

Serial casting increased A-DF ROM and kinematics during walking. Consistent AFO use for walking training improved function and reduced toe walking. Serial casting followed by AFOs is a potential intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder who TW.
Cellular and Molecular Crosstalk of Graft Endothelial Cells During AMR: Effector Functions and Mechanisms
Authors: Charreau Béatrice
Published: March 2021

Graft endothelial cell (EC) injury is central to the pathogenesis of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). The ability of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) to bind C1q and activate the classical complement pathway is an efficient predictor of graft rejection highlighting complement-dependent cytotoxicity as a key process operating during AMR. In the past 5 y, clinical studies further established the cellular and molecular signatures of AMR revealing the key contribution of other, IgG-dependent and -independent, effector mechanisms mediated by infiltrating NK cells and macrophages. Beyond binding to alloantigens, DSA IgG can activate NK cells and mediate antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity through interacting with Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) such as FcγRIIIa (CD16a). FcRn, a nonconventional FcγR that allows IgG recycling, is highly expressed on ECs and may contribute to the long-term persistence of DSA in blood. Activation of NK cells and macrophages results in the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF and IFNγ that induce transient and reversible changes in the EC phenotype and functions promoting coagulation, inflammation, vascular permeability, leukocyte trafficking. MHC class I mismatch between transplant donor and recipient can create a situation of “missing self” allowing NK cells to kill graft ECs. Depending on the microenvironment, cellular proximity with ECs may participate in macrophage polarization toward an M1 proinflammatory or an M2 phenotype favoring inflammation or vascular repair. Monocytes/macrophages participate in the loss of endothelial specificity in the process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition involved in renal and cardiac fibrosis and AMR and may differentiate into ECs enabling vessel and graft (re)-endothelialization.
Undernutrition and Hypoleptinemia Modulate Alloimmunity and CMV-specific Viral Immunity in Transplantation
Authors: David Emeraghi , Zhu Minghua , Bennett Braden C. , Cheng Daniel , Schroder Paul , Nichols Amanda , Parker William , Kirk Allan D. , MacIver Nancie , Chambers Eileen T.
Published: March 2021

Background.

Immunological mechanisms linking undernutrition to infection and the alloimmune response are poorly understood in transplantation. We aimed to determine how undernutrition and hypoleptinemia impact T-cell allospecific and cytomegalovirus (CMV) viral-specific immunity in a murine model.

Methods.

Fed, fasted for 48 h (model of undernutrition), and fasted with leptin injections (leptin rescue), C57BL/6 mice received skin grafts from either C57BL/6 (syngeneic) or BALB/c (allogeneic) mice donors. Allograft rejection and survival were monitored. Fed, fasted, and leptin rescue C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with murine cytomegalovirus (mCMV). Mouse spleens were retrieved for T-cell flow cytometry analysis, mCMV DNA extraction, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Serum leptin levels were measured with ELISA.

Results.

Fasted mice had prolonged rejection-free and graft survival compared with fed mice (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.043). Leptin administration did not alter rejection-free survival or allograft failure. CD8+ central memory T cell and CD8+ effector T cell proportions were significantly lower in fasted mice receiving allogeneic skin transplants compared with fed mice (P = 0.0009 and P = 0.0015). Fasted mice had higher viral loads (P = 0.0028) and impaired mCMV-specific interferon-gamma-producing CD8+ T cells (P = 0.0007), which improved with leptin rescue (P = 0.032).

Conclusions.

Undernutrition and its associated hypoleptinemia correlated with impaired allospecific and viral-specific immunities. Leptin administration decreased mCMV viral burden and increased mCMV-specific T-cell immunity, however, it did not increase rejection or worsen graft survival in complete major histocompatibility complex-mismatched skin allografts. Leptin may be a potential adjunctive therapy for CMV viremia in undernourished transplant recipients.
Kaistella gelatinilytica sp. nov., a flavobacterium isolated from Antarctic soil
Authors: Ren Xingtao , Jiang Peiqiang , Liu Zuoyang , Liang Yuzi , Li Jing
Published: March 2021

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, non-motile, yellow-pigmented bacteria, designated strain G5-32T, belonging to the genus

Kaistella

was isolated from soil collected in the Antarctic. The strain was identified using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The strain grew in the presence of 0–5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1%), at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and at 4–28 °C (optimum, 20 °C). The predominant menaquinone was MK-6 (99.4%). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 (28.2%), iso-C15:0 (16.4%), summed feature 9 (comprising iso-C17:1
ω9c and/or 10-methyl C16:0; 10.6%) and iso-C16:0 (5.9%). A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain G5-32T formed a lineage within the genus

Kaistella

with the closest phylogenetic neighbours

Kaistella yonginensis

HMD1043T,

Kaistella chaponensis

DSM 23145T,

Kaistella jeonii

DSM 17048T and

Kaistella carnis

NCTC 13525T (97.9, 97.8, 97.8 and 98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). The ANI values between strain G5-32T and

K. jeonii

DSM 17048T,

K. chaponensis

DSM 23145T,

K. carnis

NCTC 13525T and

K. yonginensis

HMD1043T were 90.9, 82.6, 77.1 and 76.3%. Concurrently, digital DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain G5-32T assessed against

K. jeonii

DSM 17048T,

K. chaponensis

DSM 23145T,

K. carnis

NCTC 13525T and

K. yonginensis

HMD1043T were 42.3, 25.9, 21.7 and 21.3%, respectively. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, a novel species, Kaistella gelatinilytica sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is G5-32T (=CCTCC AA 2019083T=KCTC 72766T).
High Content and High Throughout Phenotypic Assay for the Hourly Resolution of the Malaria Parasite Erythrocytic Cycle
Authors: Bell Donald , Ridewood Sophie , Patel Asha P. , Hyeok Lee Sun , Chang Young-Tae , Deu Edgar
Published: March 2021

Over the last 20 years increased funding for malaria research has resulted in very significant technical advances to study the biology ofPlasmodiumspecies. High throughput phenotypic assays have been developed to screen millions of compounds and identify small molecules with antiparasitic activity. At the same time, advances in malaria genetic have greatly facilitated the generation of genetically modified parasites, and whole genome genetic screens are now feasible inPlasmodiumspecies. Finally, there has been an increased interest to study malaria parasites at the population level, in particular in the area of drug resistance. Drug resistant field isolates have been collected around the world, and drug resistant strains are routinely generated in the lab to study the mechanisms of drug resistance. As a result, one of the current bottlenecks in malaria research is our ability to quickly characterize the phenotype associated with compound treatment or genetic modification, or to quickly compare differences in intracellular development between strains. Here, we present a high content/high throughput phenotypic assay that combines highly selective RNA, DNA, and RBC membrane dyes to provide hourly resolution of the full erythrocytic cycle for bothP. falciparumandP. knowlesi. A flow cytometry assay allows the analysis of samples in a 384-well format and a quick way to determine the parasite developmental stage. On the other hand, the fluorescence microscopy format allows for a detailed visualization of parasite morphology. Finally, using open source software we have developed protocols for the automated cluster analysis of microscopy images. This assay can be applied to anyPlasmodiumspecies, requires very little amount of sample, is performed with fixed cells, and is easily scalable. Overall, we believe this assay will be a great tool for the malaria community to studyPlasmodiumspecies.
On the scientific importance of the multivibrator
Authors: Gluskin Emanuel
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present some “natural philosophy” that may be associated with multivibrator. The motivation is given by the exposition work (Mathis, 2019) of Wolfgang Mathis.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the multivibrator’s states as a realization of Boolean Logic, the author discusses the logical basics in the scope of physical realization, and Brouwer’s concern regarding the “tertium non datur” principle.

Findings

A mechanical multivibrator with Coulomb friction is treated to enrich the standard set of the traditional examples. The associated energy analysis lies on the border of Newton’s and Lagrangian’s mechanics.

Research limitations/implications

It is the author’s own work. The author is limited by his modest abilities, given to him by the Great Lord.

Practical implications

Teaching and improving engineering understanding of the oscillatory systems.

Originality/value

Together with Mathis (2019), the present paper outlines the topic of multivibrator as a field having significant heuristic and pedagogical value.
PMI-based polarity computation for SVM-NN-based sentiment classification from user-generated reviews
Authors: Padmavathy P. , Mohideen S. Pakkir , Gulzar Zameer
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to initially perform Senti-WordNet (SWN)- and point wise mutual information (PMI)-based polarity computation and based polarity updation. When the SWN polarity and polarity mismatched, the vote flipping algorithm (VFA) is employed.

Design/methodology/approach

Recently, in domains like social media(SM), healthcare, hotel, car, product data, etc., research on sentiment analysis (SA) has massively increased. In addition, there is no approach for analyzing the positive or negative orientations of every single aspect in a document (a tweet, a review, as well as a piece of news, among others). For SA as well as polarity classification, several researchers have used SWN as a lexical resource. Nevertheless, these lexicons show lower-level performance for sentiment classification (SC) than domain-specific lexicons (DSL). Likewise, in some scenarios, the same term is utilized differently between domain and general knowledge lexicons. While concerning different domains, most words have one sentiment class in SWN, and in the annotated data set, their occurrence signifies a strong inclination with the other sentiment class. Hence, this paper chiefly concentrates on the drawbacks of adapting domain-dependent sentiment lexicon (DDSL) from a collection of labeled user reviews and domain-independent lexicon (DIL) for proposing a framework centered on the information theory that could predict the correct polarity of the words (positive, neutral and negative). The proposed work initially performs SWN- and PMI-based polarity computation and based polarity updation. When the SWN polarity and polarity mismatched, the vote flipping algorithm (VFA) is employed. Finally, the predicted polarity is inputted to the mtf-idf-based SVM-NN classifier for the SC of reviews. The outcomes are examined and contrasted to the other existing techniques to verify that the proposed work has predicted the class of the reviews more effectually for different datasets.

Findings

There is no approach for analyzing the positive or negative orientations of every single aspect in a document (a tweet, a review, as well as a piece of news, among others). For SA as well as polarity classification, several researchers have used SWN as a lexical resource. Nevertheless, these lexicons show lower-level performance for sentiment classification (SC) than domain-specific lexicons (DSL). Likewise, in some scenarios, the same term is utilized differently between domain and general knowledge lexicons. While concerning different domains, most words have one sentiment class in SWN, and in the annotated data set their occurrence signifies a strong inclination with the other sentiment class.

Originality/value

The proposed work initially performs SWN- and PMI-based polarity computation, and based polarity updation. When the SWN polarity and polarity mismatched, the vote flipping algorithm (VFA) is employed.
What does corporate social advocacy signal? Evidence from boycott participation decisions
Authors: Afego Pyemo N. , Alagidede Imhotep P.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper explores how a firm's public stand on a social-political issue can be a salient signal of the firm's values, identity and reputation. In particular, it investigates how boycott participation–conceptualized as a cue of a corporation's stand on important social-political issues–may affect the stock market valuation of that corporation, as well as how corporations legitimise their stand on the issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a mixed-methods design that uses both qualitative techniques (content analysis) and quantitative methods (event study methodology) to examine a sample of US firms who participated in a boycott campaign that sought to call attention to issues of hate speech, misinformation and discriminatory content on social media platform Facebook.

Findings

Findings from the qualitative content analysis of company statements show that firms legitimise their stand on, and participation in, the boycott by expressing altruistic values and suggesting to stakeholders that their stand aligns not only with organizational values/convictions but also with the greater social good. Importantly, the event study results show that firms who publicly announced their intention to participate in the boycott, on average, earn a statistically significant positive abnormal stock return of 2.68% in the four days immediately after their announcements.

Research limitations/implications

Findings relate to a specific case of a boycott campaign. Also, the sample size is limited and restricted to US stocks. The signalling value of corporate social advocacy actions may vary across countries due to institutional and cultural differences. Market reaction may also be different for issues that are more charged than the ones examined in this study. Therefore, future research might investigate other markets, use larger sample sizes and consider a broader range of social-political issues.

Practical implications

The presence of significant stock price changes for firms that publicly announced their decision to side with activists on the issue of hate propaganda and misinformation offers potentially valuable insights on the timing of trades for investors and arbitrageurs. Insights from the study also provide a practical resource that can be used to inform organizations' decision-making about such issues.

Social implications

Taking the lead to push on social-political issues, such as hate propaganda, discrimination, among others, and communicating their stands in a way that speaks to their values and identity, could be rewarding for companies.

Originality/value

This study provides novel evidence on the impact that corporate stances on important social-political issues can have on stock market valuation of firms and therefore extends the existing related research which until now has focused on the impact on consumer purchasing intent and brand loyalty.
Women entrepreneurship and sustainable development: select case studies from the sustainable energy sector
Authors: Mahajan Ritika , Bandyopadhyay Kaushik Ranjan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it discusses the role of entrepreneurship, in general, and women entrepreneurship, in particular, in advancing the cause of sustainable development. Future research directions that emerge from the body of knowledge that the paper relied upon have been identified. Second, it presents unique cases of eight women-led enterprises in energy sector spread across three continents, namely, Asia, Africa and the USA; identifies the constraints and opportunities, analyses the business models and their impact on the quality of life pointers to demonstrate the role of women-led enterprises in sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines a schematic review of literature at the interface of entrepreneurship and sustainable development coupled with select relevant case studies addressing the interface. The real-life case studies, which are consciously chosen and compiled from secondary data sources, complement and testify the insights drawn from the schematic literature review. The framework for analyzing the case studies is designed around multidimensional drivers and factors that steer the women-led enterprises.

Findings

The paper identified the need to look at entrepreneurship through the gendered lens not only for studying entrepreneurship as a discipline, in general, but also to gauge whether the inclusion of women as entrepreneurs is actually advancing the cause of sustainable development. Besides analyzing real-life case studies of accomplished women entrepreneurs to gauge their motivations and mindsets, the process of identification of pain points, identifying differentiating and innovative features, or studying the impact on society, economy and environment, the paper eventually created a schematic framework of key enablers, constraints and strategic response of women entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

Given the dearth of adequate theoretical and empirical contributions on the study of effectuation, mindsets and drivers of how women entrepreneurship steers the process of sustainable development, the paper is an endeavour in that direction.
Evolution of cold tolerance and thermal plasticity in life history, behaviour and physiology during a poleward range expansion
Authors: Carbonell José Antonio , Wang Ying‐Jie , Stoks Robby
Published: March 2021

Many species that are moving polewards encounter novel thermal regimes to which they have to adapt. Therefore, rapid evolution of thermal tolerance and of thermal plasticity in fitness‐related traits in edge populations can be crucial for the success and speed of range expansions.

We tested for adaptation in cold tolerance and in life history, behavioural and physiological traits and their thermal plasticity during a poleward range expansion.

We reconstructed the thermal performance curves of life history (survival, growth and development rates), behaviour (food intake) and cold tolerance (chill coma recovery time) in the aquatic larval stage of the damselflyIschnura elegansthat is currently showing a poleward range expansion in northern Europe. We studied larvae from three edge and three core populations using a common‐garden experiment.

Consistent with the colder annual temperatures, larvae at the expansion front evolved an improved cold tolerance. The edge populations showed no overall (across temperatures) evolution of a faster life history that would improve their range‐shifting ability. Moreover, consistent with damselfly edge populations from colder latitudes, edge populations evolved at the highest rearing temperature (28°C) a faster development rate, likely to better exploit the rare periods with higher temperatures. This was associated with a higher food intake and a lower metabolic rate.

In conclusion, our results suggest that the edge populations rapidly evolved adaptive changes in trait means and thermal plasticity to the novel thermal conditions at the edge front. Our results highlight the importance of considering besides trait plasticity and the evolution of trait means, also the evolution of trait plasticity to improve forecasts of responses to climate change.
‘Viable but non‐culturable cells’ are dead
Authors: Song Sooyeon , Wood Thomas K.
Published: March 2021

Most bacteria lead lives of quiet desperation, so they sleep. By sleeping, bacteria survive ubiquitous stress, such as antibiotics, and can resuscitate to reconstitute infections. As for other nearly universal and highly regulated processes such as biofilm formation, in persistence, a small population of cells have an elegantly‐regulated pathway to become dormant. By inactivating their ribosomes, persister cells sleep through stress and resuscitate once (i) the stress is removed, (ii) nutrients are presented and (iii) ribosome content reaches a threshold. During stress, cells often become spheroid and die, becoming hollow, membrane‐enclosed vessels. How cellular content is lost is unclear, but it is obvious that these ‘cell shells’ are dead; i.e., ‘There's no there there’. Critically, due to their intact membranes, the shells appear with membrane‐impenetrant stains as ‘viable’ particles. Unfortunately, the microbiology field of ‘viable but non‐culturable cells’ (VBNCs), though important for demonstrating the existence of dormant bacteria as a result of myriad stress states, has often mistaken these non‐viable shells as viable particles that mysteriously may be reborn, when an appropriate incantation is made. We argue here, based on experimental data, that if resuscitation occurs, it is the persister (always‐viable) cell population that revives, rather than the cell husks, which are dead.
Rethinking family (dis)engagement with augmentative & alternative communication
Authors: Doak Lauran
Published: March 2021

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a core component of special education for many children with learning disabilities and/or autism who have minimal or no speech. Much literature focuses on implementation of AAC in the classroom or therapy setting, but less is known about how AAC is used in the family home. Few studies are authored by an AAC parent/researcher with reflection on positionality, power and the advantages conferred by ‘insider’ status. This paper addresses this gap by exploring the perspectives of five families of minimally verbal children on the place of AAC in their child’s home communication. Semi‐structured family interviews were transcribed and subjected to Thematic Analysis. Formal AAC practices such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Makaton were found to play a limited role in the children’s home communication. Findings indicate three possible explanations: the emotional and relationship‐building dimensions of family communication; the competing priorities of family life with a disabled child; and the child’s existing multimodal communication strategies including the use of household objects. These findings offer a preliminary starting point for understanding the emic perspectives of AAC families and reasons for their convergence/divergence with professional attitudes to AAC, and warrant further investigation in larger‐scale studies.
Early life investment in antlers and body growth reflects adult performance in roe deer population under supplementary feeding conditions
Authors: PELÁEZ Marta , SANUY Isabel , PERAL Juan Carlos , ESTEBAN José Luis Álvarez , LAVÍN Santiago , SERRANO Emmanuel , PEREA Ramón
Published: March 2021

Recent research has challenged the idea that cervid antlers are such costly traits, supporting the assertion early‐life antler investment is an honest signal of adult phenotypic quality. However, inferences were made based on antler measurements while growing (velvet) and thus, studies on fully‐formed clean antlers are needed to avoid possible bias caused by the inter‐individual variation in antler growth phenology. We studied a semi‐captive population of European roe deer inhabiting a sub‐Mediterranean area (Valsemana research station) and living under optimal conditions (ad libitum food supply and veterinary care). Based on repeated measurements taken from 146 individuals, we assessed whether allocation to secondary sexual traits during early life affected body mass or antler development during adulthood. Furthermore, we evaluated which body measurements better predicted future male quality. Additionally, using 488 individuals, we described age‐class‐specific variation in male body measurements and assessed the decline in antler size between adult and senescent stages (i.e. magnitude of senescence). Results agree with the assertion that there is no negative effect of a high investment in antler during early life on adult antler size or body mass, but we suggest the use of clean antlers as a more robust and reliable measure. The variables that better predicted body mass during adulthood were yearling body mass and body size at 6 months. Antler score between 10 and 18 months resulted in the best indicator of adult antler size. Finally, we support the idea that the magnitude of senescence in antler size is smaller in environments with higher resource availability during winter.
Thoracoscopic intrapericardial lingular segmentectomy for advanced lung cancer following immunotherapy
Authors: Chou Andre , Chou Shah Hwa , Liu Yu‐Wei
Published: March 2021

Very little data exists on salvage surgery in previously unresectable or metastatic disease treated with initial immunotherapy. Only a handful of case reports/series regarding surgery for advanced lung cancer after immunotherapy mention the technical challenges involved. We report the case of a 67‐year‐old female with a left lung squamous cell lung cancer revealed by computed tomography‐guided biopsy. Treatment started with chemotherapy followed by immunotherapy in which a partial response was recorded. Subsequent salvage lingulectomy with the thoracoscopic approach was performed. The patient fully recovered and shows no sign of recurrence at follow‐up 16 months on. Our case discusses the surgical tactics involved in the procedure, highlights similar findings encountered in the literature, and contributes to the few reports therein.
Localized control of opportunistic, overabundant species in protected areas: a retrospective modelling approach encompassing future scenarios
Authors: Pinto Eva , Bastos Rita , Luís António , Cabral João Alexandre
Published: March 2021

The yellow‐legged gull (Larus michahellis) is an opportunistic seabird species, whose worldwide demographic increase in the second half of the 20th century was associated to anthropogenic activities, such as the proliferation of open‐air dumps in urban coastal areas. In the small Berlengas archipelago (Peniche, Portugal), the species breeding population reached about 44,000 individuals in 1994, representing a severe ecological pressure in this Biosphere Reserve. In an attempt to control this overpopulation, management actions were implemented in the area, namely, the culling of breeding adults and later egg destruction campaigns. Although the population has been decreasing in recent years, it is unknown how much of this reduction is due to management actions since the closure of open‐air dumps in Portugal might also have influenced the yellow‐legged gull population trends. We developed a dynamic model to test pertinent explanatory hypotheses for this problem, taking into account retrospective population trends under alternative contexts of food availability and management actions. The model was also used to predict population growth patterns under future management scenarios. Our results show that, despite contributing to reduce birds local abundance, egg destruction alone would not be able to trigger the population decrease observed in the last two decades. Instead, the permanent closure of open‐air dumps in 2001 was likely the major driver for the species local decline. In the current context of restricted anthropogenic food sources, our study also suggests that the tendency of the population is to naturally decline. Thus, continuing fertility control campaigns can compromise the future viability of the yellow‐legged gull population on the Berlengas Natural Reserve. Our study highlights the interplay between model‐based research and ecological monitoring to test the effectiveness of ongoing management programmes and to anticipate the ecological consequences of future control of native species.
Proposing the inclusion of dental anatomy and trauma in the general medical curriculum
Authors: Yeng Thai , O’Sullivan Anthony J. , Shulruf Boaz
Published: March 2021

Many medical doctors are not confident in managing traumatic dental injuries (TDI). This is probably due to a lack of education and training in dental trauma. The existence of inadequate TDI knowledge by doctors should provide the catalyst to establish a dental anatomy and trauma course within the medical curriculum.
Risk factors and clinical outcomes of extrahepatic recurrence in patients with post‐hepatectomy recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Jing , Huang Liang , Liu Caifeng , Qiu Maixuan , Yan Jianjun , Yan Yiqun , Wei Shaohua
Published: March 2021

Background

Extrahepatic recurrence remains a major obstacle to an improved prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy.

Methods

From January 2001 to December 2014, we screened 1330 consecutive patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC. Patients who experienced recurrence were enrolled in this study and divided into an extrahepatic recurrence (EHR) group and a pure intrahepatic recurrence (IHR) group. Clinical data and follow‐up results were retrospectively collected and analysed.

Results

A total of 556 patients were enrolled (EHR, 52; IHR, 504). In the EHR group, the lung was the most common site of extrahepatic recurrence (53.8%), among which 67.3% had associated intrahepatic lesions. Background Hepatitis B (HR 0.282; 95% CI 0.106–0.752; P = 0.011), tumour size ≥10 cm at initial diagnosis (HR 2.679; 95% CI 1.283–5.596; P = 0.009) and blood transfusion during initial surgery (HR 2.218; 95% CI 1.132–4.346; P = 0.020) were predictive of EHR. A multidisciplinary team treated recurrent HCC. After a median follow‐up period of 46 months (range, 24–192 months), the 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates in the EHR group were 60.7%, 8.9% and 0%, respectively, after recurrence, and 78.8%, 30.2% and 8.9%, respectively, after initial surgery, which were much lower than those in the IHR group.

Conclusion

Tumour size ≥10 cm and blood transfusion during initial surgery were predictive of extrahepatic recurrence in patients with post‐hepatectomy recurrent HCC. Treatment options were limited, and long‐term survival was unsatisfactory.