bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kushenin Combined with Adefovir Dipivoxil or Entecavir for Chronic Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liao Qingying , Wen Jianxia , Jiang Kunxiu , Zhao Yanling , Ma Xiao
Published: February 2021

Kushenin (KS) has become a traditional Chinese medicine preparation that plays an important role in treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Many clinical studies have discussed its curative effect and safety in combination with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) or entecavir (ETV) for treating CHB, but there is still a lack of a systematic analysis. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy and safety of KS through a meta-analysis to better guide clinical treatment. Seven databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning KS combined with ADV or ETV for treating CHB. The primary outcomes included serum viral indices and adverse events, and the secondary outcomes were liver function indices. The risk of bias of the included RCTs was appraised by Cochrane software. STATA 15.1 and Review Manager 5.3 software were used for the meta-analysis. Thirty-two RCTs recruiting 3343 patients with CHB were collected for this meta-analysis. KS combined with ETV or ADV led to an amelioration of the CHB index to various degrees. In short, the meta-analysis indicated that the combination group, compared to the single group, showed great improvement in HBeAg seroconversion, frequency of undetectable HBV-DNA levels, loss of serum HBeAg, and loss of serum HBsAg. The combination treatment also decreased serum HBV-DNA levels when compared to the levels after the single treatment. However, KS combined with ADV or ETV displayed no remarkable difference in the incidence of adverse events or in serum ALT levels. Current evidence showed that, compared with the use of either drug alone, KS combined with ADV or ETV can improve the clinical efficacy of CHB treatment.
Antitumor Activity of NLG207 (Formerly CRLX101) in Combination with Enzalutamide in Preclinical Prostate Cancer Models
Authors: Schmidt Keith T. , Chau Cindy H. , Strope Jonathan D. , Huitema Alwin D.R. , Sissung Tristan M. , Price Douglas K. , Figg William D.
Published: February 2021

Effective treatments for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer following disease progression on enzalutamide are currently an unmet clinical need. Simultaneous inhibition of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and androgen receptor (AR) pathways has been previously shown to overcome enzalutamide resistance in vitro. Combination treatment with NLG207, a nanoparticle–drug conjugate of camptothecin and inhibitor of HIF-1α, and enzalutamide was evaluated in preclinical prostate cancer models of enzalutamide resistance. The effect of NLG207 and enzalutamide on average tumor volume and tumor re-growth after 3 weeks of treatment was evaluated in vivo using the subcutaneous 22Rv1 xenograft and castrated subcutaneous VCaP xenograft models. Correlative assessments of antitumor activity were evaluated in vitro using cell proliferation and qPCR assays. NLG207 8 mg/kg alone and in combination with enzalutamide reduced average tumor volume by 93% after 3 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05) in comparison with vehicle control in the subcutaneous 22Rv1 xenograft model. Notably, the addition of NLG207 also enhanced the efficacy of enzalutamide alone in the castrated subcutaneous VCaP xenograft model, decreasing the median rate of tumor growth by 51% (P = 0.0001) in comparison with enzalutamide alone. In vitro assessments of cell proliferation and gene expression further demonstrated antitumor activity via AR–HIF-1α crosstalk inhibition. Combination treatment with NLG207 and enzalutamide was shown to be effective in preclinical prostate cancer models of enzalutamide resistance. Clinical investigation of this treatment combination is ongoing (NCT03531827).
Racial Diversity and Measuring Merit: Evidence from Boston's Exam School Admissions
Authors: Rucinski Melanie , Goodman Joshua
Published: February 2021

The impact of admissions process design on the racial diversity of schools and colleges has sparked heated debates. We study the pipeline into Boston's three public exam schools to understand racial gaps in enrollment. Admission to these schools has historically been based on a combination of grade point average (GPA) and a score on an optional test from a private developer. We document racial gaps in test-taking rates, test scores, GPAs, preferences for the most selective school, and ultimate admission rates to all three schools. These gaps persist even among students with similarly high baseline achievement as measured by the state's mandatory standardized test. Substantial numbers of high-achieving Black and Hispanic students do not apply to the exam schools and to the most selective school in particular. The choice of standardized test used to measure academic merit strongly affects who is admitted.
India’s Anti-Satellite Test: from the Perspective of International Space Law and the Law of Armed Conflict
Authors: Ahmad Shakeel
Published: February 2021

To enhance their strategic position, some spacefaring States are engaged in exploiting legal lacunae of international space treaties. Consequently, there is an increase of militarization of outer space. As an instance of such activities, an anti-satellite (asat) test by India represents a strategic move to enhance its deterrence capability rather than earnestly adhering to international space law. Such actions can potentially increase the element of uncertainty in international law, particularly the international space law. The pursuit of military strategic interests in space has increased the possibility of an arms race in space. This article argues that asat tests not only violate certain principles of international law but also undermine the efforts for arms control and disarmament in the outer space. In this regard, an effective role of the international community is required to curb the arms race imperative for a safe and sustainable outer space environment.
A new species of Burmacader Heiss & Guilbert, 2013 from Cretaceous Burmese amber (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae)

Authors: HEISS ERNST , GUILBERT ERIC
Published: February 2021

From Cretaceous Burmese amber, six genera with 12 species are described to date from the plant bug family Tingidae: Burmacader Heiss & Guilbert, 2013 (2 species); Cucullitingis Du & Yao, 2018 (1 species); Paraphatnomacader Guilbert & Heiss, 2018 (1 species); Spinitingis Heiss & Guilbert, 2018 (1 species); Tingiometra Heiss, Golub & Popov, 2015 (4 species); Tingiphatnoma Guilbert & Heiss, 2019 (3 species). (Du & Yao, 2018; Golub & Heiss, 2020; Guilbert & Heiss, 2018; Heiss, Golub & Popov, 2015; Heiss & Guilbert 2013, 2018, 2019; Maksoud, Azar & Huang, 2019; Ross, 2019).
A new species of Sinoalidae from the topmost Late Jurassic Daohugou Bed (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha)

Authors: FU YAN-ZHE , HUANG DI-YING
Published: February 2021

The extinct froghopper family Sinoalidae Wang & Szwedo, 2012 is one of the early representatives of Cercopoidea (Wang et al., 2012). Sinoalidae is rich and diverse taxonomically and morphologically, comprising eighteen valid genera, thereby being the most diverse member at generic level among three Mesozoic families of Cercopoidea. It has been reported in the late Middle to early Late Jurassic Daohugou biota from northeastern China (temperate zone) and the mid-Cretaceous amber biota from northern Myanmar (near-equatorial region) (Hong, 1983; Wang et al., 2012; Chen et al., 2018), indicated that they could adapt to a variety of paleoclimatic environment.
Descriptions of the first females of Embolemus (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea) from Kachin (Myanmar) amber

Authors: OLMI MASSIMO , GUGLIELMINO ADALGISA , MÜLLER PATRICK , CAPRADOSSI LEONARDO , PERKOVSKY EVGENY E.
Published: February 2021

Embolemus brachypterus sp. nov. and E. micropterus sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea: Embolemidae) are described from Kachin (Myanmar) amber. They are the first females of Embolemus known from Kachin amber. The new species are characterized by the reduced wings. A key to the females of Embolemus from Kachin amber is presented.
Seesawing of Winter Temperature Extremes between East Asia and North America
Authors: Sung Mi-Kyung , Son Seok-Woo , Yoo Changhyun , Hwang Jaeyoung , An Soon-Il
Published: February 2021

In recent winters, there have been repeated observations of extreme warm and cold spells in the midlatitude countries. This has evoked questions regarding how winter temperature extremes are induced. In this study, we demonstrate that abnormally warm winter weather in East Asia can drive the onset of extremely cold weather in North America approximately one week forward. These seesawing extremes across the basin are mediated by the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO), one of the recurrent atmospheric patterns over the North Pacific. Budget analysis of the quasigeostrophic geopotential tendency equation shows that intense thermal advection over East Asia is able to trigger the growth of the NPO. Vorticity fluxes associated with the upper-level stationary trough then strengthen and maintain the NPO against thermal damping following the onset of the NPO. Differential diabatic heating accompanied by changes in circulation also positively contribute to the growth and maintenance of the NPO. These results imply that recurrent cold extremes, seemingly contrary to global warming, may be an inherent feature resulting from strengthening warm extremes.
Management of Pediatric Nasoorbitoethmoid Complex Fractures at a Level 1 Trauma Center
Authors: Luthringer Margaret M. , Oleck Nicholas C. , Mukherjee Thayer J. , Halsey Jordan N. , Granick Mark S.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

A universally accepted treatment algorithm for rare pediatric nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE) fractures has yet to be established. In this study, the authors examine how severity of pediatric NOE fractures interplays with patient characteristics, management choices, and complications from injury and surgical intervention at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for all cases of pediatric NOE fracture at a level 1 trauma center (University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey) between 2002 and 2014.

Results

Fifteen of 1922 patients met our inclusion criteria. Ten (66.7%) demonstrated Markowitz type I injuries, 2 (13.3%) had type II NOEs, and 3 (20%) sustained type III fractures. Five (33.3%) of our patients were only monitored. Six (40.0%) were treated with plate fixation. One patient (6.7%) required enucleation alone, while 1 (6.7%) warranted enucleation with medial canthoplasty and plate fixation. Transnasal canthopexy was performed for 1 patient (6.7%). Zero patients managed without surgery had complications at 1-year follow-up. Surgical intervention was associated with complications in 4 of 15 patients. Both nonoperative treatment and plate fixation were associated with a higher rate of complications from initial injury or subsequent therapy when than other mentioned forms of treatment ( P = .004).

Conclusion

Nonoperative management for nondisplaced fractures is associated with zero complications at 1-year follow-up in our data; plate fixation and watchful waiting yield significantly fewer postoperative complications and injury sequelae than surgical intervention for medial canthal tendon and globe injuries.
World Literature, the opaque archive, and the untranslatable: J. M. Coetzee and some others
Authors: van der Vlies Andrew
Published: February 2021

A key concern of recent theoretical orientations in the development of “World Literature” as a discipline has been the question of accessibility to literatures in minor languages, which is to say of literal and metaphorical translatability, even transparency. This essay explores the challenge posed by the occlusion of the possible intertextual influence of works in such languages that are evident only as a trace in texts that now seem indisputably part of a canon of World Literature. What happens when the engagement of writers in this canon with cultural production in languages adjacent to those in which they themselves principally operate is not evident to an increasingly global community of scholars, and perhaps not even evidenced in an author’s archive (whether this is understood to be a material collection or indeed a virtual space conceptualized as the literary ecosystem in which an author has developed)? This essay addresses these questions with reference to the work of South African-born Nobel Prize-winning writer J. M. Coetzee, and to the problem posed by some of his work’s (and his archive’s) others, here specifically Afrikaners and the work of Afrikaans-language writers. This consideration has implications not only for the current shape of Coetzee studies, but for that of World Literature more broadly, presenting something of a limit-case for the translation metaphor that directs some of its formulations as disciplinary field.
Why Parents Misuse Prescription Drugs to Enhance the Cognitive Performance of Healthy Children: The Influence of Peers and Social Media
Authors: Sattler Sebastian , Mehlkop Guido , Bahr Vanessa , Betsch Cornelia
Published: February 2021

The mechanisms affecting parents’ misuse of prescription stimulant drugs to boost healthy children’s school performance are hardly unknown. Using four web-based factorial vignette surveys (2×2 between-subjects design experiment), we investigated the willingness of U.S. parents with school-aged children to medicate a fictitious 13-year-old child whose grades had declined. We examined mechanisms of informational and normative social influence on their decision-making: others’ behavior ( NExperiment 1 = 359), others’ definitions ( NExperiment 2 = 326), social control ( NExperiment 3 = 325), and others’ experience ( NExperiment 4 = 313). In addition, we explored the moderating role of influential sources (close friends vs. social media). Parents were more willing to engage in said behavior when others reported engagement in this behavior or positive drug experiences, especially if both influences were transmitted via social media. Others’ definitions and social control had no effect. Thus, social media might be a channel for the prevention of pharmacological cognitive enhancement.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Screening and Referral Outcomes among Transgender Patients in a Primary Care Setting
Authors: Das Kirsten J. H. , Peitzmeier Sarah , Berrahou Iman K. , Potter Jennifer
Published: February 2021

Transgender patients are at elevated risk of intimate partner violence (IPV), but national guidelines do not recommend routine screening for this population. This paper explores the feasibility and effectiveness of routine IPV screening of transgender patients in a primary care setting by describing an existing screening program and identifying factors associated with referral and engagement in IPV-related care for transgender patients. An IPV “referral cascade” was created for 1,947 transgender primary care patients at an urban community health center who were screened for IPV between January 1, 2014 to May 31, 2016: (a) Of those screening positive, how many were referred? (b) Of those referred, how many engaged in IPV-specific care within 3 months? Logistic regression identified demographic correlates of referral and engagement. Of the 1,947 transgender patients screened for IPV, 227 screened positive. 110/227 (48.5%) were referred to either internal or external IPV-related services. Of those referred to on-site services, 65/103 (63.1%) had an IPV-related appointment within 3 months of a positive screen. IPV referral was associated with being assigned male at birth (AMAB) versus assigned female at birth (AFAB) (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI 1.52, 4.75) and with nonbinary, rather than binary, gender identity (AOR = 2.07, 95%CI 1.09, 3.73). Engagement in IPV-related services was not associated with any measured demographic characteristics. Similar to published rates for cisgender women, half of transgender patients with positive IPV screens received referrals and two-thirds of those referred engaged in IPV-specific care. These findings support routine IPV screening and referral for transgender patients in primary care settings. Provider training should focus on how to ensure referrals are made for all transgender patients who screen positive for IPV, regardless of gender identity, to ensure the benefits of screening accrue equally for all patients.
A Meta-Analytic Review of Interventions That Promote Meaning in Life
Authors: Manco Nicholas , Hamby Sherry
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Increasing meaning in life (MiL) among people experiencing disease or adversity may improve coping and resilience. The purpose of this review is to characterize the effects of MiL interventions.

Data Source:

A systematic search of PubMed, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar was conducted encompassing the following parameters: meaning in life, purpose in life, or sense of purpose with randomized controlled trials.

Study Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions with at least one outcome that measured improvement in MiL and were published in English between January 2000 and January 2020.

Data Extraction & Synthesis:

33 randomized controlled trials ( k = 35) were identified. Data were coded by authors and a research assistant for intervention type, control group type, and risk of bias. The random effects model of Review Manager 5.3 was used to produce SMD and evaluate heterogeneity.

Results:

The effect size for studies with a passive control group was SMD = 0.85 (95% CI 0.54 to 1.17) and for studies with an active control group was SMD = .032 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.55). Mindfulness programs produced the largest effect size (1.57) compared to passive controls, while narrative programs produced the largest effect relative to active controls (0.61). There was considerable heterogeneity in most estimates.

Conclusion:

Several interventions increase MiL, including some that are relatively brief and do not require licensed professionals.
Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Following COVID-19 Public Health Measures on People Living With Dementia and Carers
Authors: Hanna Kerry , Giebel Clarissa , Tetlow Hilary , Ward Kym , Shenton Justine , Cannon Jacqueline , Komuravelli Aravind , Gaughan Anna , Eley Ruth , Rogers Carol , Rajagopal Manoj , Limbert Stan , Callaghan Steve , Whittington Rosie , Butchard Sarah , Shaw Lisa , Gabbay Mark
Published: February 2021

Background:

To date, there appears to be no evidence on the longer-term impacts caused by COVID-19 and its related public health restrictions on some of the most vulnerable in our societies. The aim of this research was to explore the change in impact of COVID-19 public health measures on the mental wellbeing of people living with dementia (PLWD) and unpaid carers.

Method:

Semi-structured, follow-up telephone interviews were conducted with PLWD and unpaid carers between June and July 2020. Participants were asked about their experiences of accessing social support services during the pandemic, and the impact of restrictions on their daily lives.

Results:

20 interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed, which produced 3 primary themes concerning emotional responses and impact to mental health and wellbeing during the course of the pandemic: 1) Impact on mental health during lockdown, 2) Changes to mental health following easing of public health, and 3) The long-term effect of public health measures.

Conclusions:

The findings from this research shed light on the longer-term psychological impacts of the UK Government’s public health measures on PLWD and their carers. The loss of social support services was key in impacting this cohort mentally and emotionally, displaying a need for better psychological support, for both carers and PLWD.
Dynamic Capabilities and Organizational Resilience of Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Akpan Ekom Etim , Johnny Eluka , Sylva Waribugo
Published: February 2021

The study examined the relationship between dynamic capabilities and organizational resilience of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The dynamic capability was decomposed into sensing capability and reconfiguration capability, while organizational resilience had adaptability and agility as it measures. A cross-sectional survey research design was followed, while primary data was collected via the administration of a structured questionnaire. Copies of the questionnaire were randomly handed over to 86 respondents, comprising foremen, supervisors and managers in 11 manufacturing firms that are clustered around Trans Amadi Industrial Area, Port Harcourt. Two research objectives with a corresponding number of research questions and research hypotheses were formulated. Descriptive statistics were analysed with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0, while the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was deployed to test the hypothesized relationships via SmartPLS 3.2.7. The results of the analyses affirmed the alternate hypotheses, which stated that dynamic capabilities are positively correlated with the measures of organizational resilience. This shows that dynamic capabilities amplify the manufacturing firms’ resilience. It was recommended that managers of the firms should encourage quick response to environmental changes, by enhancing their employees’ capability to detect, monitor and respond to environmental volatilities. Likewise, management of the manufacturing firms should strategically position the firms to be among the first to identify and acquire external knowledge about their market trends, technology and industry. This will help the firm to adapt quickly to disturbances from the environment and be more resilient. It was suggested that similar studies be conducted in other sectors of the economy.
Customer Relationship Management Research from 2000 to 2020: An Academic Literature Review and Classification
Authors: Meena Priyanka , Sahu Praveen
Published: February 2021

This article aims to review the literature on customer relationship management (CRM) research. This review article analyses the trends in CRM research, popular research topics and tools used in studies. This study presents how CRM research developed over 21 years in terms of critical areas, type of studies, sources of papers, the origin of articles (country-wise distribution), type of data used, under-researched areas and popular researched areas. The study provides a broad classification and summarizes the last 21 years of CRM research in an organized way. For this review article, research papers were taken from January 2000 to June 2020, that is, 21 years. A total of 104 papers were selected from different journals and conferences. Findings show that most of the articles were published in the year 2009. A total of 95% of articles were published in journals, and 5% were conference papers—most of the CRM research done in the USA and the United Kingdom. Empirical papers were maximum in number, whereas case studies were least. Primary studies were more than secondary studies. In review papers, the maximum times CRM and electronic customer relationship management (E-CRM) were taken as a basis for reviewing. The further article has classifications within primary studies and review papers. It also presents the most frequently used keywords and variables in literature. The study will be useful for researchers, practitioners and academicians for further CRM research. This study also provides the classification within primary studies based on data collection tools used, sampling technique used, sampling country, industry, statistical tests and methods and software used, also it gives a brief view of keywords and variables used in a total of 104 papers. This article provides the first such review on keywords and variables, thus presenting the classification on a different basis, which none of the published research has presented.
Enhancing the contribution of clinical psychology: an under-utilised workforce in public mental health services
Authors: Jackson Henry , Hunt Caroline , Hulbert Carol
Published: February 2021

Objective:

Clinical psychologists are practitioners with expertise in mental health, who apply advanced psychological theory and knowledge to their practice in order to assess and treat complex psychological disorders. Given their robust specialised mental health training, clinical psychology is an integral component of the Australian mental health workforce, but is under-utilised. Recent reviews have identified significant problems with Australia’s mental health system, including unequal access to clinical psychology services and fragmentation of service delivery, including convoluted pathways to care.

Conclusions:

Clinical psychology is well placed to contribute meaningfully to public mental health services (PMHS). We describe what clinical psychologists currently contribute to team-based care in PMHS, how we could further contribute and the barriers to making more extensive contributions. We identify significant historical and organisational factors that have limited the contribution made by clinical psychologists and provide suggestions for cultural change to PMHS.
Confronting the Business Models of Modern Slavery
Authors: Crane Andrew , LeBaron Genevieve , Phung Kam , Behbahani Laya , Allain Jean
Published: February 2021

Despite growing attention from companies and regulators looking to eradicate modern slavery, we know little about how slavery works from a business perspective. We address this gap by empirically examining innovations in the business models of modern slavery, focusing on how the business models of slavery in advanced economies have evolved since slavery was legally abolished. While continuities exist, novel business models have emerged based on new actors, activities, and linkages. We categorize these as four innovative models per actors involved (producer/intermediary) and how value is created and captured (revenue generation/cost reduction), and discuss implications for research, policy, and practice.
Determinants of Rejected Mail Ballots in Georgia’s 2018 General Election
Authors: Shino Enrijeta , Suttmann-Lea Mara , Smith Daniel A.
Published: February 2021

Because of the COVID-19 threat to in-person voting in the November 2020 election, state and local election officials have pivoted to mail-in voting as a potential solution. This method of voting—while safe from a public health standpoint—comes with its own set of problems, as increased use of mail voting risks amplifying existing discrepancies in rejected mail ballots. While some mail ballot rejections are to be expected, a lack of uniformity in whose ballots get rejected among subgroups of voters—whether for mistakes on a ballot return envelope (BRE) or lateness—raise concerns about equal representation. We draw on official statewide voter file and mail-in ballot data from the 2018 midterm election in Georgia, a state that until the pandemic did not have widespread use of mail voting, to test whether some voters are more likely to cast a mail ballot that does not count. Most importantly, we distinguish between ballots rejected for lateness and those rejected for a mistake on the return envelope. We find that newly registered, young, and minority voters have higher rejection rates compared with their counterparts.
Effects of hydrogen peroxide solution on the biomechanics of porcine cornea
Authors: Pang Zuoxiang , Wang Lijun , Zhang Chunxiao , Wang Jia , Gao Zhipeng , Li Zhiwei , Hao Jiangdong , Mu Guoying
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

To determine the biomechanical changes of porcine corneas after the application of hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) solution.

Methods:

Fifty-five porcine eyeballs with similar sizes were divided into 11 groups based on the H2O2 application. The eyeballs were treated with the following concentrations of H2O2 solution: 1 mol/L, 500 mmol/L, 250 mmol/L, 125 mmol/L, 62.5 mmol/L, 31.25 mmol/L, 15.63 mmol/L, 7.81 mmol/L, 3.91 mmol/L, 0.9% saline, or blank. The eyeballs were immersed into the solution for 30 min. The biomechanics of each cornea in the different groups was determined soon after the indentation and tensile tests. We calculated the average Young’s modulus of the different groups to determine the effects of H2O2 solution on porcine corneas. The comparison between the groups was conducted using ANOVA analysis. Moreover, the safety of each concentration of H2O2 solution on the corneal tissues was determined by histopathological examination.

Results:

The Young’s modulus was significantly different among all the groups ( p = 0.003). The modulus was the highest in the group treated with 3.91 mmol/L H2O2 and it was significantly different from that in the group treated with 0.9% saline or the blank group, for both the indentation and tensile tests. Histopathological examination showed that H2O2 at a concentration of ⩾62.5 mmol/L damaged the epithelium, stroma, or both, while H2O2 at a concentration ⩽31.25 mmol/L did not change the morphology of the epithelium or stroma.

Conclusions:

Treatment with 3.91 mmol/L H2O2 solution can safely and effectively increase the biomechanical strength of the cornea.
Ethnography as thrownness and the face of the sufferer
Authors: Sabry Tarik
Published: February 2021

This article provides a self-reflexive account of ethnographic research conducted on the outskirts of Burj Al Brajneh, a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, run by Hezbollah. It focuses on ethnographic research conducted with a Syrian refugee family including the mother, father and three children. The research is well captured, in hindsight, by Sarah Pink’s definition of ethnography as a ‘reflexive and experiential process through which academic and applied understanding, knowing and knowledge are produced’. The article demonstrates how the ethnographer’s experience with the refugee children was marked, regardless of long and diligent preparations, by several dislocations: methodological, sensorial and epistemic. The ethnographer pursued a non-media-centric approach allowing him to explore both the refugee family’s media uses as well as the lived, everyday conditions that marked their media uses. The primary aim of the article is three-pronged: (a) to provide an ethnographic description and analysis of the media worlds in a Hizbullah area in South Beirut, (b) to analyse media uses and aesthetics of violence in the context of war/refugees’ lives and (c) to theorise using the Heideggerian concept of thrownness, the entangled and affective regime that emerges during the ethnographic encounter.
The Function of Casual Sex Action and Inaction Regret: A Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Kennair Leif Edward Ottesen , Grøntvedt Trond Viggo , Bendixen Mons
Published: February 2021

In several recent papers the sex difference in regret predicted by sexual strategies theory has been supported: men more than women report regret passing up short-term sexual opportunities (inaction regret), while women regret having had sexual encounters (action regret). However, the adaptive function of regret, to improve future behavioral choices, has not been tested. In this first longitudinal test of behavioral change following regret, we consider whether regret actually results in adaptive shifts of behavior: will men who regret passing up sex engage in more short-term sex following regret? Will women who regret short-term encounters either choose better quality partners, reduce number of one-night stands or shift their strategy to long-term relationships? Across two waves (NT1 = 399, 65.4% women and NT2 = 222, 66.2% women) students responded to questions about casual sex action regret and inaction regret, along with possible outcomes, intrapersonal traits, and concurrent contextual predictors. There was no clear evidence for the proposed functional shifts in sexual behavior. Casual sex regret was associated with respondent sex and stable individual differences, such as sociosexual attitudes, regret processing and metacognitions, but the effect of these predictors were not consistent across the two waves. Among the tested concurrent contextual predictors, sexual disgust was the most consistent across waves. Regret is considered a gauge of the value and quality of the short-term sexual encounter. However, tentatively we conclude that after this first test of function using longitudinal data, we find no evidence of a mating strategy shifting effect following sexual regret.
Intelligent vehicle modeling design based on image processing
Authors: Zhang Guangchao , Liu Junrong
Published: February 2021

With the urgent demand of consumers for diversified automobile modeling, simple, efficient, and intelligent automobile modeling analysis and modeling method is an urgent problem to be solved in current automobile modeling design. The purpose of this article is to analyze the modeling preference and trend of the current automobile market in time, which can assist the modeling design of new models of automobile main engine factories and strengthen their branding family. Intelligent rapid modeling shortens the current modeling design cycle, so that the product rapid iteration is to occupy an active position in the automotive market. In this article, aiming at the family analysis of automobile front face, the image database of automobile front face modeling analysis was created. The database included two data sets of vehicle signs and no vehicle signs, and the image data of vehicle front face modeling of most models of 22 domestic mainstream brands were collected. Then, this article adopts the image classification processing method in computer vision to conduct car brand classification training on the database. Based on ResNet-8 and other model architectures, it trains and classifies the intelligent vehicle brand classification database with and without vehicle label. Finally, based on the shape coefficient, a 3D wireframe model and a curved surface model are obtained. The experimental results show that the 3D curve model can be obtained based on a single image from any angle, which greatly shortens the modeling period by 92%.
Electrical resistivity of Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu solder joint with the incorporation of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ismail Norliza , Jalar Azman , Afdzaluddin Atiqah , Bakar Maria Abu
Published: February 2021

The main objective of this study is to investigate the electrical properties of Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu solder joint with the incorporation of carbon nanotube instead of solder bulk. Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu solder paste with the incorporation of carbon nanotube up to 0.04 wt% was fabricated by using mechanical mixing method. Fabricated solder pastes were then soldered on printed circuit board via reflow soldering at 260°C peak temperature. Electrical resistivity of Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu-carbon nanotube solder joints was measured by the four-point probe method at room temperature. Microstructure properties were observed by optical microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope. Electrical resistivity of Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu solder joint was found to increase with the incorporation carbon nanotube up to 0.03 wt% and slightly decrease at 0.04 wt%. Incorporation of carbon nanotube in the solder matrix apparently changes the microstructure of Sn–Ag–Cu solder alloys. Microstructural observation found that electrical resistivity correlated with the distribution area of eutectic phase in the solder matrix due to the existence of carbon nanotube. It was revealed that eutectic phase area increases with the increasing of carbon nanotube wt% up to 0.03 and then slightly decreases at the incorporation of 0.04 wt% carbon nanotube as parallel with the trend of electrical resistivity values.
Salvage therapy of bleeding esophageal tumor by fully covered self-expandable metallic stent: A case report
Authors: Bilal Sundus , Saeed Saad Muhammad , Siddique Muhammad Zeeshan , Saqib Muhammad , Mehmood Shafqat , Yusuf Muhammed Aasim
Published: February 2021

The role of self-expandable metallic stents is gradually evolving for a diverse group of benign and malignant gastrointestinal tract problems, with luminal obstruction being by far the most common. Although its role in refractory variceal bleeding is well established, it has rarely been tried for tumor-related bleeding, with only a few case reports in this regard. We share our experience of successfully controlling esophageal tumor–related bleeding with the use of a fully covered self-expandable metallic stent. A 58-year-old woman with irresectable distal esophageal cancer, presented with hematemesis. Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy revealed an obstructing esophageal tumor with diffuse oozing of blood. This was unamenable to local injection of adrenaline and hemospray; therefore, a temporary self-expandable metallic stent was parked to create a tamponade effect. This successfully stopped bleeding and the patient remained asymptomatic till discharge. However, she was lost to follow-up, and therefore, the stent was removed after a period of 5 months instead of 2 weeks.
Cutaneous Disease as a Rare Presentation of Follicular Lymphoma Progression
Authors: Jafri Hassaan , Khan Isna , Khan Noman Ahmed Jang , Graffeo Vincent , Hawkins Jennifer , Alsharedi Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Follicular lymphoma, the third most common lymphoid malignancy, is considered indolent but incurable non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Isolated cutaneous relapse from follicular lymphoma is very uncommon, and very few cases have been reported in the literature. In this article, we present a case of an adult patient with a history of treated follicular lymphoma who presented with a skin lesion on his face and scalp. Further workup, including biopsy, led to the diagnosis of relapsed follicular lymphoma with no progression of disease elsewhere. We reviewed cases of follicular lymphoma, which relapsed with isolated cutaneous involvement. Treatment options for relapsed follicular lymphoma include observation, anti-CD 20 antibody alone, or in combination with chemotherapy, radio-immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation in selected patients. Increased awareness of disease evolution and prompt diagnosis of this form of relapse from follicular lymphoma will improve the effectiveness and outcome of its management.
Patient Suggestions to Improve Emergency Physician Empathy and Communication
Authors: Aguirre Sophia , Jogerst Kristen M , Ginsberg Zachary , Voleti Sandeep , Bhullar Puneet , Spegman Joshua , Viggiano Taylor , Monas Jessica , Rappaport Douglas
Published: February 2021

Emergency physician empathy and communication is increasingly important and influences patient satisfaction. This study investigated if there is a need for improvement in provider empathy and communication in our emergency department and what areas could be targeted for future improvement. Patients cared for by emergency physicians with the lowest satisfaction scores were surveyed within 1 week of discharge. Patients rated their emergency provider’s empathy and communication and provided feedback on the patient–provider interaction. Compared to survey responses nationally, our providers fell between the 10th and 25th percentiles for all questions, except question 5 (making a plan of action with [the patient]) which was between the 5th and 10th percentile. Areas most frequently cited for improvement were “wanting to know why” (N = 30), “time is short” (N = 15), and “listen to the patient” (N = 13). Survey percentiles and open-ended suggestions demonstrate a need for providers to give thorough explanations, spend more time with the patient, and demonstrate active listening. These themes can be used to strengthen the provider–patient relationship.
Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe: Hire Him and Let Her Go? Using Science to Reduce Hiring Bias
Authors: Nandigama Dhanisha , Shyamsunder Aarti
Published: February 2021

Despite advances in behavioural economics, industrial and organisational psychology and other fields examining the impact of bias on hiring decisions and informing organisational practices to improve the quality and fairness of such decisions, not all human resources practitioners or managers know or implement such practices. There is, therefore, an opportunity to structure talent acquisition/hiring practices and systems in ways that change the default, convenient behaviour of these decision-makers (prone to bias) and shift them towards less biased decisions. From nudging decision-makers to be more accountable, to using automated tools that minimise the element of human error, from the language used in recruiting materials to signal inclusion, to the use of structure to promote fairness and accuracy—this article describes eight evidence-based ways to reduce the impact of bias (gender bias, as an illustration) in hiring decisions.
Correction to: Associations between I/D polymorphism in the ACE gene and lung cancer: an updated systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Junjian , Sun Mao , Zhou Min , Lu Renfu
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Inflammatory, synaptic, motor, and behavioral alterations induced by gestational sepsis on the offspring at different stages of life
Authors: Granja Marcelo Gomes , Alves Letícia Pires , Leardini-Tristão Marina , Saul Michelle Edelman , Bortoni Letícia Coelho , de Moraes Flávia Maciel , Ferreira Erica Camila , de Moraes Bianca Portugal Tavares , da Silva Victória Zerboni , dos Santos Adrielle Ferreira Ribeiro , Silva Adriana Ribeiro , Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque Cassiano Felippe , Bambini-Junior Victorio , Weyrich Andrew S. , Rondina Matthew T. , Zimmerman Guy A. , de Castro-Faria-Neto Hugo Caire
Published: February 2021

Background

The term sepsis is used to designate a systemic condition of infection and inflammation associated with hemodynamic changes that result in organic dysfunction. Gestational sepsis can impair the development of the central nervous system and may promote permanent behavior alterations in the offspring. The aim of our work was to evaluate the effects of maternal sepsis on inflammatory cytokine levels and synaptic proteins in the hippocampus, neocortex, frontal cortex, and cerebellum of neonatal, young, and adult mice. Additionally, we analyzed the motor development, behavioral features, and cognitive impairments in neonatal, young and adult offspring.

Methods

Pregnant mice at the 14th embryonic day (E14) were intratracheally instilled with saline 0.9% solution (control group) or Klebsiella spp. (3 × 108 CFU) (sepsis group) and started on meropenem after 5 h. The offspring was sacrificed at postnatal day (P) 2, P8, P30, and P60 and samples of liver, lung, and brain were collected for TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 measurements by ELISA. Synaptophysin, PSD95, and β-tubulin levels were analyzed by Western blot. Motor tests were performed at all analyzed ages and behavioral assessments were performed in offspring at P30 and P60.

Results

Gestational sepsis induces a systemic pro-inflammatory response in neonates at P2 and P8 characterized by an increase in cytokine levels. Maternal sepsis induced systemic downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while in the hippocampus, neocortex, frontal cortex, and cerebellum an inflammatory response was detected. These changes in the brain immunity were accompanied by a reduction of synaptophysin and PSD95 levels in the hippocampus, neocortex, frontal cortex, and cerebellum, in all ages. Behavioral tests demonstrated motor impairment in neonates, and depressive-like behavior, fear-conditioned memory, and learning impairments in animals at P30 and P60, while spatial memory abilities were affected only at P60, indicating that gestational sepsis not only induces an inflammatory response in neonatal mouse brains, but also affects neurodevelopment, and leads to a plethora of behavioral alterations and cognitive impairments in the offspring.

Conclusion

These data suggest that maternal sepsis may be causatively related to the development of depression, learning, and memory impairments in the litter.
Spontaneous improvement of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin in PMM2-CDG without mannose observed in CDG natural history study
Authors: Witters Peter , Edmondson Andrew C. , Lam Christina , Johnsen Christin , Patterson Marc C. , Raymond Kimiyo M. , He Miao , Freeze Hudson H. , Morava Eva
Published: February 2021

A recent report on long-term dietary mannose supplementation in phosphomannomutase 2 deficiency (PMM2-CDG) claimed improved glycosylation and called for double-blind randomized study of the dietary supplement in PMM2-CDG patients. A lack of efficacy of short-term mannose supplementation in multiple prior reports challenge this study’s conclusions. Additionally, some CDG types have previously been reported to demonstrate spontaneous improvement in glycosylated biomarkers, including transferrin. We have likewise observed improvements in transferrin glycosylation without mannose supplementation. This observation questions the reliability of transferrin as a therapeutic outcome measure in clinical trials for PMM2-CDG. We are concerned that renewed focus on mannose therapy in PMM2-CDG will detract from clinical trials of more promising therapies. Approaches to increase efficiency of clinical trials and ultimately improve patients’ lives requires prospective natural history studies and identification of reliable biomarkers linked to clinical outcomes in CDG. Collaborations with patients and families are essential to identifying meaningful study outcomes.
Operational considerations for the management of non-communicable diseases in humanitarian emergencies
Authors: Bausch F. Jacquerioz , Beran D. , Hering H. , Boulle P. , Chappuis F. , Dromer C. , Saaristo P. , Perone S. Aebischer
Published: February 2021

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) represent an increasing global challenge with the majority of mortality occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Concurrently, many humanitarian crises occur in these countries and the number of displaced persons, either refugees or internally displaced, has reached the highest level in history. Until recently NCDs in humanitarian contexts were a neglected issue, but this is changing. Humanitarian actors are now increasingly integrating NCD care in their activities and recognizing the need to harmonize and enhance NCD management in humanitarian crises. However, there is a lack of a standardized response during operations as well as a lack of evidence-based NCD management guidelines in humanitarian settings. An informal working group on NCDs in humanitarian settings, formed by members of the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of the Red Cross and others, and led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, teamed up with the University of Geneva and Geneva University Hospitals to develop operational considerations for NCDs in humanitarian settings. This paper presents these considerations, aiming at ensuring appropriate planning, management and care for NCD-affected persons during the different stages of humanitarian emergencies. Key components include access to treatment, continuity of care including referral pathways, therapeutic patient education/patient self-management, community engagement and health promotion. In order to implement these components, a standardized approach will support a consistent response, and should be based on an ethical foundation to ensure that the “do no harm” principle is upheld. Advocacy supported by evidence is important to generate visibility and resource allocation for NCDs. Only a collaborative approach of all actors involved in NCD management will allow the spectrum of needs and continuum of care for persons affected by NCDs to be properly addressed in humanitarian programmes.