bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Indian Ocean Dipole response to external forcing in the coupled model intercomparison project phase 5 simulations of the last millennium
Authors: Le Thanh , Bae Deg-Hyo
Published: January 2021

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a major mode of interannual climate variability, but its response to external climate forcings (i.e. solar forcing, volcanic radiative forcing (VRF) and greenhouse gas (GHG) radiative forcing) remains elusive. To improve our understanding of the variability of the IOD, it is necessary to investigate the IOD’s response to external forcings through multi-model simulations. Here a Granger causality test is used to examine the impact of external forcings on the IOD from past 1000 years simulations (850–1850 Common Era) derived from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. The results show significant causal effects of VRF on the IOD in preindustrial times of the past 1000 years from the MPI-ESM-P, MRI-CGCM3, GISS-E2-R and CCSM4 models and uncertainties in the IOD’s responses to volcanic eruptions from other six models. Additionally, the phase responses (i.e. positive or negative) of the IOD to large volcanic eruptions remain unclear even from models showing significant causal impacts of VRF on the IOD. This result shows that the IOD exhibits a more complex response to volcanic forcing than the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. The causal impact of solar forcing on the IOD is more likely to be weak in most models. The IOD’s response to GHG variations is not significant across all the models due to minor fluctuations in GHGs occurring during preindustrial times of the past 1000 years. Further analyses based on new, improved and higher resolution models might further our understanding of the IOD’s responses to external forcing.
The effect of smoking on cumulative damage in systemic lupus erythematosus: An incident cohort study
Authors: McKown Trevor , Schletzbaum Maria , Unnithan Rachna , Wang Xing , Ezeh Nnenna , Bartels Christie M
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between smoking history and pack-year exposure on the rate of end-organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

The SLE incident cohort included patients who met American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 or SLE International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) 2012 SLE criteria and had rheumatology encounters at a US academic institution (2008–16). The primary outcome was median time to SLICC/ACR damage index (SLICC/ACR-DI) increase or death. Main explanatory variables were smoking status and pack-years. Covariates included age, sex, race, ethnicity, receipt of Medicaid, neighborhood area deprivation index, and baseline SLE damage. Damage increase-free survival was evaluated by smoking status and pack-years using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards methods.

Results

Patients of Black race and Medicaid recipients were more commonly current smokers ( p’s < 0.05). Former smokers were older and more likely to have late-onset SLE (54% versus 33% of never and 29% of current smokers, p = 0.001). Median time to SLICC/ACR-DI increase or death was earlier in current or former compared to never smokers (4.5 and 3.4 versus 9.0 yrs; p = 0.002). In multivariable models, the rate of damage accumulation was twice as fast in current smokers (HR 2.18; 1.33, 3.57) and smokers with a >10 pack-year history (HR 2.35; 1.15, 3.64) versus never smokers.

Conclusions

In this incident SLE cohort, past or current smoking predicted new SLE damage 4-5 years earlier. After adjustment, current smokers and patients with a pack-year history of >10 years accumulated damage at twice the rate of never smokers.
Autonomy and Decision-making Ability among Gujjar Women of Kashmir: A Study of Khan Sahib Tehsil in District Budgam
Authors: Hamid Wasia , Khan Tanveer Ahmad , Jahangir Mohmad Saleem
Published: January 2021

The present study investigates the level of empowerment among tribal women in terms of their participation in the decision-making process and to identify the factors that affect their level of participation. Fifty women from the Gujjar community of Kashmir Valley were selected through a purposive sampling technique. The interview and case study methods were employed for collecting data from the potential participants. The study revealed that tribal women’s right to make decisions was confined to minor household issues only. A significant positive correlation was also noted between family size, type of family, age, level of education, employment status and participation of the tribal women in decision-making.
The Family in Four Shakespearean Plays: A Short Analysis
Authors: Verma Kripashankar
Published: January 2021

Gender study is one of the most select areas of modern research in nearly all branches of knowledge, that is, politics, history, sociology and of course literature. Feminist criticism has been phenomenal in closely studying works of literature. The modern era, which tries to usher in a world of equality for all, is highly concerned with the political, economic and social equality and freedom of women. In this article, four plays ( Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, The Winter’s Tale and Cymbeline) of William Shakespeare have been selected for the purpose of gender analysis. The article tries to explore the family in Shakespeare’s times, the status of women and the social hierarchy in Elizabethan times. Shakespeare’s plays highlight many more issues of gender and identity that are of universal importance. This article also explores how gender roles were predetermined in the Elizabethan society and how a woman was expected to behave accordingly.
COVID-19 and the Indian Textiles Sector: Issues, Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Kanupriya
Published: January 2021

The Indian textiles sector has been one of the worst hit sectors due to the COVID-19 crisis. In the context of its socio-economic primacy for the Indian economy, which is second only to agriculture, the industry must be given sufficient attention in academic and policy circles. This perspective is an earnest attempt at filling the void in scholarship on the issue of linkages between the Indian textiles sector and the COVID-19 crisis. The unprecedented crisis in the form of COVID-19 flu pandemic has threatened to derail the socio-economic life of people globally. In the current context, this article discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the globalized Indian textiles sector, given the primacy of the same with regard to social and economic realms of the country. The study employs the method of assessing the impact of crisis from both demand and supply sides, which in turn generates a combined impact. It is found that the crisis has manifold implications for this vital industry. Be it from the angle of consumer demand or production networks, the calamity has made its presence felt across different processes of the sector. Given the multiplicity and depth of these influences, it becomes imperative for the stakeholders, namely government, industry and the citizens to evolve innovative and valuable measures to contain the negative fallout from the crisis on this vital business. Failure to do so could imperil scores of jobs and livelihoods and impede economic growth. While the exact impact and combative strategies may be dynamic and evolutionary as and when the crisis unfolds, the study pieces together diverse aspects of the fallout of COVID-19. The analysis emphasizes on the need to think ‘out of the box’ for tackling this unprecedented crisis. Some of the probable solutions to tackle the crisis could be relaxation of tax compliance deadlines and rules, especially for the lower economic strata, so that consumer demand conditions do not deteriorate precipitously. Also, a more comprehensive financial package than the ones already announced (read: Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan), factoring in labour and export-intensive sectors of the likes of textiles, could be announced to stem the negative fallout of the pandemic on the sector. The other major step could be concessions to exporters against the Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products scheme so that they are reimbursed for the hitherto unpaid duties and taxes.
Science Coverage: What Does the Audience Want and Really Need? Exploring Media Consumption in Ukraine
Authors: Harmatiy Olha
Published: January 2021

In today’s world, effective science communication enhances the ability of a society to develop, seek breakthroughs and innovate; it consolidates the nation and unites people and science. Such kind of communication through the media has the potential to influence the public understanding of scientific and technological development, explore the ways to overcome challenges, increase the life quality and achieve improvement and prosperity. Mass media is an important source of science content and the main translator of social stereotypes concerning the image of science and scientists. Based on data from a survey of a wide age range of media consumers, the study reveals a social request for saturation of the Ukraine’s media with science content. Yet the research findings suggest that the current status of science does not fully meet the needs of Ukrainian audience and does not promote the critical thinking among media consumers. Besides, it was found out that people would prefer expanding the range of thematic coverage of science and reporting topics that are socially relevant and beneficial to the public. Finally, the study indicates that Ukraine needs qualified science journalism, including maintaining professional norms, preventing the pseudoscience spread and supporting public demands, for quality science coverage.
India and Britain’s First Application to Join the European Community, 1961–1963
Authors: Jain Rajendra K.
Published: January 2021

The first British application to join the European Economic Community (EEC) in July 1961 came at a time when India confronted an acute foreign exchange crisis and chronic trade deficits and when it was heavily dependent on the UK as a major market. Unlike the widely held belief, this article argues that India engaged Community institutions in a proactive and calibrated manner from the outset till de Gaulle vetoed British membership in January 1963. It highlights the crucial role of the Indian Mission in Brussels and its first ambassador to EEC in efforts to seek redressal of Indian concerns and secure a viable trade arrangement with the Community.
The entangled state: How state-business relations shaped the German corporate tax regime
Authors: Rademacher Inga
Published: January 2021

Contemporary tax research is split into two camps: comparative approaches emphasize continuity and cross-country differences, while the globalization literature stresses similar changes across countries. Counter the continuity thesis, this paper finds that neoliberal dynamics were at play in a case considered largely resilient to such dynamics: German governments implemented a series of corporate tax reforms which radically curbed business taxes and added a short-term and cost-cutting component to investments and corporate finance. While these changes point towards neoliberal change, they were distinct from the trends we see in other economies: crucially, the German reforms did not follow the common trend of reducing taxes for individuals and entailed a particular emphasis on enhancing multinational’s access to international capital – but did not liberate financial incomes from tax in general. Based on archival documents from the Bundestagsarchiv, this paper traces the process of German tax reforms and finds that neoliberal dynamics were at play but received a local (export-oriented) colour through processes specific to the German polity. Because consensual institutions granted power to a specific business coalition, radical change was long blocked. Reforms could only be implemented once the state forged a new coalition. Making sense of the mediation of neoliberal dynamics through state institutions can contribute to a better understanding of the variegated nature of neoliberalism.
Characterization of epididymal and testicular histologic lesions and use of immunohistochemistry and PCR on formalin-fixed tissues to detect Brucella canis in male dogs
Authors: Camargo-Castañeda Andrea M. , Stranahan Lauren W. , Edwards John F. , Garcia-Gonzalez Daniel G. , Roa Leonardo , Avila-Granados Lisa M. , Hensel Martha E. , Arenas-Gamboa Angela M.
Published: January 2021

In male dogs, Brucella canis frequently causes epididymitis, ultimately resulting in testicular atrophy and infertility. Although B. canis predominantly affects the epididymis, the misleading term “orchitis” is still commonly used by clinicians. Of additional concern, diagnosis in dogs remains challenging because of variable sensitivity and specificity of serologic assays and fluctuations in bacteremia levels in infected dogs, reducing the sensitivity of blood culture. We describe here the histologic lesions in the scrotal contents of 8 dogs suspected of being infected with B. canis and clinically diagnosed with orchitis. We explored the possibility of using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time PCR (rtPCR) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues to detect the presence of B. canis. Epididymitis of variable chronicity was identified in all 8 dogs, with only 3 also exhibiting orchitis. Using rtPCR, the presence of B. canis was identified in 4 of 8 dogs, with 3 of these 4 dogs also positive by IHC. These results suggest that rtPCR and IHC are promising techniques that can be used in FFPE tissues to detect B. canis when other detection techniques are unavailable. Additionally, accurate recognition of epididymitis rather than orchitis in suspect cases could aid in accurate diagnosis.
Morphologic Severity of Craniosynostosis: Implications for Speech and Neurodevelopment
Authors: Tandon Damini , Skolnick Gary B. , Naidoo Sybill D. , Grames Lynn Marty , Cradock Mary Michaeleen , Smyth Matthew D. , Patel Kamlesh B.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Single-suture craniosynostosis (SSC) can be associated with neurodevelopmental deficits. We examined the correlation between morphologic severity and incidence of speech-language or psychological concerns.

Methods:

In 62 patients (33 sagittal, 17 metopic, and 12 unicoronal), morphologic severity was determined via preoperative computed tomography (CT). Severity metrics for sagittal, metopic, and unicoronal synostosis were adjusted cephalic index (aCI), interfrontal angle (IFA), and anterior cranial fossa area ratio (ACFR), respectively. Speech-language and psychological concerns were assessed at age ≥4.5 years and defined as recommendation for therapy or monitoring.

Results:

Mean assessment age was 5.7 years; 32% had a speech-language concern and 44% had a psychological concern; 44% had neither. Sagittal: Mean aCI of those with a speech-language concern (0.62) and those without (0.62) were equivalent ( P = .580), as were mean aCI of those with a psychological concern (0.62) and those without (0.62; P = .572). Metopic: Mean IFA with (117.9) and without (125.2) a speech-language concern were equivalent ( P = .326), as were mean IFA with (120.2) and without (123.2) a psychological concern ( P = .711). Unicoronal: Mean ACFR with (0.65) and without (0.69) a psychological concern ( P = .423) were equivalent. However, mean ACFR with (0.74) and without (0.63) a speech-language concern were not ( P = .022*). Bivariate rank correlation showed significant association between morphologic severity and speech-language score only for unicoronal synostosis (ρ = .722; P = .008*).

Conclusion:

A significant portion of patients with SSC had speech-language or psychological concerns. We found no correlation between morphologic severity and incidence of speech-language or psychological concerns for patients with sagittal or metopic synostosis. Morphological severity did correlate with speech concerns in patients with unicoronal synostosis.
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Among Sudanese Children Treated for Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Ali Mecheala Abbas , Nasir Alwaleed Fadul , Abass Shaza K.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

This study compared the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among children with a cleft lip with or without a cleft palate (CL±P) and a group of their peers. The reliability of the Arabic version of the Child Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire (COHIP) was also assessed.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Settings:

Cleft clinic in a private dental college in Omdurman City, Sudan.

Patients:

In all, 75 children (mean age 11.3 ± 2.5 years) with a history of CL±P and a group of 150 school children without CL±P (mean age 11.4 ± 2.6 years).

Main Outcome Measures:

Overall and subscale scores on the Arabic version of the COHIP.

Results:

Test–retest reliability of COHIP in Arabic was high with an interclass correlation coefficient >0.8. Cronbach α value internal consistency was 0.8 for the total scale and between 0.7 and 0.8 for the subscales. The COHIP score was 89.41 ± 19.97 in children with CL±P and 122.82 ± 9.45 for the control group. Children with CL±P had significantly lower scores on the overall and all subscales when compared to children without CL±P ( P ≤ .001). Among the children with CL±P, there were no statistically significant differences on the COHIP based on age and/or gender ( P ≥ .05).

Conclusions:

Children with CL±P had a relatively high OHRQoL, which was lower than that of their peers without CL±P in both the overall scale and all subscales. Gender and age differences had no significant impact on the OHRQoL. The COHIP Arabic version showed appropriate reliability.
Gender-Based Mass Shootings: An Examination of Attacks Motivated by Grievances Against Women
Authors: Silva Jason R. , Capellan Joel A. , Schmuhl Margaret A. , Mills Colleen E.
Published: January 2021

This study provides a quantitative examination of gender-based mass shootings in America from 1966–2018. Gender-based mass shootings refer to attacks motivated by grievances against women, divided into four categories based on a specific woman or women in general, as well as whether they directly target the source of their grievances. Findings indicate that specific woman–targeted shooters were the most common and significantly different from their counterparts in their domestic violence history, racial diversity, and engagement in spree attacks. When comparing all gender-based attacks against other mass shootings, significant differences include relationship status, children, domestic violence history, substance abuse history, and suicide. This investigation provides implications for gender and mass shooting scholars, as well as practitioners developing strategies for intervention and prevention.
Adverse reactions and adherence to capecitabine: A prospective study in patients with gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Visacri Marília B , Duarte Natalia C , Lima Tácio de M , de Souza Rafael N , Cobaxo Thiago S , Teixeira João CC , Barbosa Cristina R , Dias Lara P , Tavares Mariane GR , Pincinato Eder de C , Lima Carmen SP , Moriel Patricia
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Capecitabine is an oral anticancer drug which can cause some adverse reactions and the great challenge for its use is to ensure the medication adherence. The aim of this study was to analyze adverse reactions and adherence to capecitabine in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods

A prospective study was performed in a tertiary teaching hospital in Brazil. Outpatients undergoing capecitabine treatment for colorectal or gastric cancer were followed for three cycles of treatment. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics data were collected. Adverse reactions were analyzed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.4. Adherence to capecitabine were evaluated using Morisky-Green and MedTake tests. Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi‐square, Fisher's exact and McNemer tests.

Results

One hundred and four patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean age was 58.5 ± 10.9 years; 51.0% were men and 51.0% Caucasian. Nausea and diarrhea were the most frequently reported adverse reactions (82.7% and 62.5%, respectively), followed by vomiting (54.8%), fatigue (54.8%), and hand-foot syndrome (53.9%). Nausea and diarrhea were also the most severe adverse reactions. Most patients were adherent to capecitabine in all cycles of treatment using the Morisky-Green test. Adherence increased significantly between cycle 1 and cycle 2 by MedTake test (p < 0.001). Some demographic and clinical characteristics were associated with adverse reactions (e.g., age and nausea, gender and nausea and vomiting) and capecitabine adherence (e.g., marital status and educational level) as well as some adverse reactions were associated with capecitabine adherence (hand-foot syndrome and nausea).

Conclusions

Clinical oncology pharmacists must provide patient information on the correct use of capecitabine, manage adverse reactions, and monitor adherence to treatment. Strategies to prevent non-adherence to capecitabine must be adopted to ensure the success of pharmacotherapy.
A Case of Dubin-Johnson Syndrome Presenting as Neonatal Cholestasis With Paucity of Interlobular Bile Ducts
Authors: Chan Kara L , Varughese Natasha , Jones Patricia M , Zwick David L , Rajaram Veena , Lee Michael , Ramirez Charina M
Published: January 2021

Dubin-Johnson syndrome (DJS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that typically manifests in young adulthood as jaundice with conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. We report a case presenting as neonatal cholestasis with the unexpected histologic finding of paucity of interlobular bile ducts, a feature that is not typically seen in DJS. The diagnosis was confirmed by absent canalicular multidrug-resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) immunohistochemical staining on liver biopsy tissue and molecular genetic testing that demonstrated heterozygous mutations in the ATP-Binding Cassette Subfamily C Member 2 ( ABCC2) gene, including a novel missense mutation. This report describes a case of DJS with atypical clinicopathologic findings and suggests that DJS should be considered in patients with neonatal cholestasis and bile duct paucity.
Applying an AHP Technique for Developing A Website Model of Third-Party Booking System
Authors: Tseng Timmy H. , Wang Yi-Shun , Tsai Yung-Chien
Published: January 2021

This study develops a model for selecting between third-party booking systems from a consumer perspective based on previous information/e-commerce systems success models and a hospitality website quality evaluation model. Factors influencing consumers’ selection of third-party booking systems are identified and the relative importance of each is revealed through the analytic hierarchy process technique. Data is collected from two waves of online surveys and analyzed with the Expert Choice software package. The results reveal the following priorities of factors: security oriented, information quality, service quality, system quality, and marketing oriented. Similarities and differences between these findings and those of past studies are discussed. Based on the analytic hierarchy process results, a practitioner guide on how to design a successful third-party booking system is presented. The developed model is different from hotel selection models and displays more theoretical completeness.
The Factor Structure of Medical Tourist Satisfaction: Exploring Key Drivers of Choice, Delight, and Frustration
Authors: Mikulić Josip , Krešić Damir , Šerić Maja
Published: January 2021

The current study intends to contribute to a better understanding of the medical tourism experience. In particular, this study uses data from a survey-based study conducted on a sample of 1,209 medical tourists in Croatia. On the one hand, this study aims to explore and shed light on the decision-making process of medical tourists, and, on the other hand, to reveal which elements of both the medical institution and the destination where it is located, have largest potentials to drive medical tourist delight and/or frustration, in accordance with the three-factor theory of customer satisfaction.
Can pictorial narration offer a solution to teacher training on the effective inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder in low-resource settings? Investigation on knowledge and stigma change
Authors: Low Hui Min , Wong Tze Peng , Lee Lay Wah , Makesavanh Somchay , Vongsouangtham Bountheing , Phannalath Vikate , Che Ahmad Aznan , Lee Ann Sien Sut
Published: January 2021

The main aim of this article is to explore whether pictorial narration could offer a solution to teacher training on the effective inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder in a low-resource context in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. For this purpose, pre- and post-training knowledge data were collected from 87 Laotian teachers who participated in teacher training using a pictorial narrative e-module called The Story of KhamdyTM. The teacher training included a half-day orientation workshop, followed by 4 weeks of online learning. Statistically significant improvement in autism spectrum disorder knowledge and reduction in autism spectrum disorder stigma was recorded for the teachers after completing the teacher training. The findings on social validity pointed to high acceptance toward the pictorial narrative method and the content designed for the purpose of this training. The teachers’ acceptance of the training method was found to have positive effects on their knowledge changes in the diagnosis and etiology aspects of autism spectrum disorder knowledge. The findings supported the use of a pictorial narration approach in imparting knowledge about inclusive education and autism spectrum disorder to teachers in a least developed country. The findings offered insights to explain the knowledge change and stigma reduction recorded.

Lay abstract

In this study, we explored whether pictorial narration could offer a solution to teacher training on effective inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. For this purpose, pre- and post-training knowledge data were collected from 87 Laotian teachers who participated in teacher training using a pictorial narrative e-module called The Story of KhamdyTM. The teachers’ knowledge test results and feedback were analyzed. The findings indicated that teachers’ acceptance toward the training method had positive effects on their knowledge changes and supported the use of a pictorial narration approach in imparting knowledge about inclusive education and autism spectrum disorder to teachers in a least developed country.
Vulnerability as a palimpsest: Practices and public policy in a Mexican hospital setting
Authors: Colmenares-Roa Tirsa , Figueroa-Perea Juan Guillermo , Pelcastre-Villafuerte Blanca , Cervantes-Molina Lugarda , Juárez-Ramirez Clara , Guadarrama Jessica , Ramirez-Hernández Nashielli , Pérez Zepeda Mario Ulises , Peláez-Ballestas Ingris
Published: January 2021

Vulnerability is a concept associated with the effects of social inequities to access health care services. On a hospital level, vulnerable populations must be identified and favored over others. The aims of this study were the analysis of the conceptions and practices of social workers regarding vulnerable patients, and the identification of theoretical elements of vulnerability given by academics. Hospital ethnography and a focus group were implemented. Social workers related vulnerability to the social needs of each patient; however, they state that they have dilemmas to identify a person in a vulnerable condition; these dilemmas are related to social differences and deservingness. Academics indicated that the vulnerability should refer to the lack of access to health services offered by the institution. Academics agree with social workers regarding the importance of considering the overlapped social and individual circumstances in each patient to recognize their vulnerable condition, regardless of belonging to any of the pre-established vulnerable groups. Finally, taking into account the way of conceptualizing vulnerability and how public policy on the identification of vulnerable patients in the hospital has been implemented, these two elements are explained using the palimpsest model, which is a figure of thought that can be applied to analyze the sociocultural significance of this complex issue, as well as other social dynamics.
Attitudes of key professionals towards people with intellectual disabilities and their inclusion in society: A qualitative study in an Indonesian context
Authors: Tri Handoyo Restu , Ali Afia , Scior Katrina , Hassiotis Angela
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to explore key professionals’ attitudes towards people with intellectual disability (ID) and inclusion of said people in the community. Eighteen participants from three professional groups, comprising health practitioners (medical doctors, psychologists), mainstream/special education teachers, and religious leaders (Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, and Buddhism) were recruited. Semistructured interviews, aided by two vignettes depicting mild and severe ID, were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Seven themes were identified exploring: perceived causes; use of terminology; attitudes towards people with ID; attitudes towards inclusion, religion and ID; family-centric support; and challenges faced by people with ID in a wider context. Perceived capabilities of persons with ID were found to influence attitudes towards people with ID and their inclusion. Availability and accessibility of good quality services were also found to influence attitudes towards the inclusion of people with ID. Cultural factors related to attitudes towards ID are discussed.
Latino Men Using Compañerismo to Navigate the Unchartered Waters of the Doctoral Program: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Flores Osly J. , Patrón Oscar E.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we present a conceptual model of the development of a relationship between first-generation Latino men while navigating the unchartered waters, or the unknown, of a doctoral program. Drawing from focus groups, we outline the various components (e.g., institutional role and support, resilience, cultural affinity) that contributed to the model of compañerismo and how this cultural phenomenon, in turn, led to the participants’ successful navigation of their graduate education. Compañerismo represents the evolvement from a surface-level friendship to a cultural, personal, and academic support system. Guided by the data, we offer practical implications for higher education stakeholders to better support Latino men and their persistence and retention in doctoral programs.
Experiences of Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Relation to Nonsupportive Significant Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Brits Bianca , Walker-Williams Hayley , Fouché Ansie
Published: January 2021

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a complex trauma with devastating long-term, negative effects on survivors. This study extended the understanding of experiences of women survivors of CSA in relation to nonsupportive significant adults documented in literature, as to date, there exists no summary in literature on this particular topic. As such, a scoping review was conducted on publications between 1980 and January 2020. A total of 26 733 were selected for analysis in accordance with the search terms. After duplicates were removed and the exclusion criteria were applied, a total of 58 articles were selected for inclusion in the review. Thematic analysis was conducted on the studies included, and three themes were developed pertaining to the experiences of women survivors of CSA in relation to nonsupportive significant adults. Theme 1 identified nonsupportive behaviors experienced before disclosure or discovery of abuse. Theme 2 identified nonsupportive behaviors experienced during or after disclosure or discovery of abuse. Theme 3 identified the long-term negative consequences of nonsupportive experiences. These three themes support the findings of Freyd’s betrayal trauma theory and Bowlby’s attachment theory, extend on the global knowledge base of this topic, and identify gaps for further exploration.
Recruitment of Low-wage Workers for a Time-sensitive Natural Experiment to Evaluate a Minimum Wage Policy: Challenges and Lessons Learned
Authors: Shanafelt Amy , Sadeghzadeh Claire , Chapman Leah , De Marco Molly , Harnack Lisa , Gust Susan , Jackson Melvin , Caspi Caitlin
Published: January 2021

Natural experiments are often used for answering research questions in which randomization is implausible. Effective recruitment strategies are well documented for observational cohort studies and clinical trials, unlike recruitment methods for time-sensitive natural experiments. In this time-sensitive study of the impact of a minimum wage policy, we aimed to recruit 900 low-wage workers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Raleigh, North Carolina. We present our recruitment strategies, challenges, and successes for participant screening and enrollment of a difficult-to-reach population.
Swineherds and Hogs on Ice: Leadership Impacts for State Chief Judges
Authors: Gray Thomas , Miller Banks
Published: January 2021

Chief judges stand as visible leaders of their courts. Analyses of the Supreme Court focus on the role of the chief justice as an institution-builder seeking out public-facing consensus to protect Court legitimacy. Studying the powers of chief judges and political leadership in general is difficult. Analyzing all 50 states over 16 years we find no evidence that the identity of chief judges explains consensus behavior any better than random chance. This is true even among the subset of chief judges with additional institutional powers like opinion assignment. We show that court structures explain consensus, while leader features do not. Being chief judge correlates with an elevated likelihood of being in the majority, particularly in cases decided by one vote. These results add to our understanding of leadership on courts and imply that the office of chief judge at the state level is more symbolic than uniquely powerful.
Convergence of human pluripotent stem cell, organoid, and genome editing technologies
Authors: Wang Lin , Ye Zhaohui , Jang Yoon-Young
Published: January 2021

The last decade has seen many exciting technological breakthroughs that greatly expanded the toolboxes for biological and biomedical research, yet few have had more impact than induced pluripotent stem cells and modern-day genome editing. These technologies are providing unprecedented opportunities to improve physiological relevance of experimental models, further our understanding of developmental processes, and develop novel therapies. One of the research areas that benefit greatly from these technological advances is the three-dimensional human organoid culture systems that resemble human tissues morphologically and physiologically. Here we summarize the development of human pluripotent stem cells and their differentiation through organoid formation. We further discuss how genetic modifications, genome editing in particular, were applied to answer basic biological and biomedical questions using organoid cultures of both somatic and pluripotent stem cell origins. Finally, we discuss the potential challenges of applying human pluripotent stem cell and organoid technologies for safety and efficiency evaluation of emerging genome editing tools.
Preoperative Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Common Hand Surgeries
Authors: Aneizi Ali , Gelmann Dominique , Ventimiglia Dominic J. , Sajak Patrick M. J. , Nadarajah Vidushan , Foster Michael J. , Weir Tristan B. , Akabudike Ngozi M. , Pensy Raymond A. , Henn R. Frank
Published: January 2021

Background:

The objectives of this study were to determine the baseline patient characteristics associated with preoperative opioid use and to establish whether preoperative opioid use is associated with baseline patient-reported outcome measures in patients undergoing common hand surgeries.

Methods:

Patients undergoing common hand surgeries from 2015 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospective orthopedic registry at a single academic institution. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether patients were opioid users versus nonusers. On enrollment in the registry, patients completed 6 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) domains (Physical Function, Pain Interference, Fatigue, Social Satisfaction, Anxiety, and Depression), the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (BMHQ), a surgical expectations questionnaire, and Numeric Pain Scale (NPS). Statistical analysis included multivariable regression to determine whether preoperative opioid use was associated with patient characteristics and preoperative scores on patient-reported outcome measures.

Results:

After controlling for covariates, an analysis of 353 patients (opioid users, n = 122; nonusers, n = 231) showed that preoperative opioid use was associated with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class (odds ratio [OR], 2.88), current smoking (OR, 1.91), and lower body mass index (OR, 0.95). Preoperative opioid use was also associated with significantly worse baseline PROMIS scores across 6 domains, lower BMHQ scores, and NPS hand scores.

Conclusions:

Preoperative opioid use is common in hand surgery patients with a rate of 35%. Preoperative opioid use is associated with multiple baseline patient characteristics and is predictive of worse baseline scores on patient-reported outcome measures. Future studies should determine whether such associations persist in the postoperative setting between opioid users and nonusers.
Usage of digital media by people with intellectual disabilities: Contrasting individuals’ and formal caregivers’ perspectives
Authors: Heitplatz Vanessa N , Bühler Christian , Hastall Matthias R
Published: January 2021

Although participation in the digital world is an important means for taking part in our society, people with intellectual disabilities are still largely excluded from the manifold possibilities of digital participation. In our study, we investigate attitudes of both formal caregivers and people with intellectual disabilities in Germany regarding their usage of digital media. Our sample consisted of 24 formal caregivers working in residential or outpatient facilities in Germany, and 50 people with intellectual disabilities living in those settings. Data were collected during semi-structured interviews with formal caregivers and focus group discussions with people with intellectual disabilities, and analyzed using inductive content analysis. The findings illustrate that the perspectives on digital media usage differ between people with intellectual disabilities and formal caregivers regarding (i) interest in accessing the Internet and digital media, (ii) interest in education programs, and (iii) the variety of applications used. The perspectives of both target groups will be discussed and contrasted.
Role of routine nephrectomy for non-functioning kidneys due to genitourinary tuberculosis: Data from an Indian subcontinent
Authors: Prakash Pradeep , Singh Prabhjot , Seth Amlesh , Nayyar Rishi , Nayak Brusabhanu
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the role of routine nephrectomy for tuberculous non-functioning kidney (TNFK) after receiving anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) by demonstrating whether live tubercle bacilli persist in nephrectomy specimens after treatment or not.

Materials and methods:

Patients with TNFK who underwent nephrectomy after completion of at least 6 months of ATT were included in this prospective cohort study. We sent tissue/pus from a nephrectomy specimen for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture to look for live bacilli. Bacilli were considered alive only if AFB culture was positive.

Results:

Twenty-four patients underwent nephrectomy for TNFK between April 2015 and October 2017 (18 laparoscopic and 6 open nephrectomy). Laparoscopic nephrectomy was associated with lower blood loss (225 ml versus 408 ml, p = 0.0003) and shorter hospital stay (3 versus 3.8 days, p = 0.06) compared with open nephrectomy; however, mean operative time and overall complications were similar. Eight specimens were AFB smear and/or tuberculosis PCR positive, out of which three showed viable bacilli upon culture. Drug sensitivity testing showed multi-drug resistant strain in all three patients who were treated with second-line ATT.

Conclusion:

It is preferable to do routine nephrectomy for TNFKs as they are more likely to harbour live bacilli and lead to disease recurrence. Viability testing for AFB must be performed on all operated specimens to identify drug resistant bacilli so that patients may be treated with second-line therapy if required.

Level of evidence:

4.
Perceived Distributive Unfairness and Mental Health: The Gender-contingent Buffering Effects of Religion
Authors: Jung Jong Hyun
Published: January 2021

Prior research has established that perceived distributive unfairness is associated with poor mental health. The purpose of this study is to examine whether religion moderates this association and whether gender conditions the moderating effects of religion. Using data from the 2012 Korean General Social Survey ( N = 1,375), the current analyses show that perceived distributive unfairness is positively associated with depression. However, each of the two indicators of religion—religious attendance and salience—weakens the positive association between perceived distributive unfairness and depression among women, but not men. These observations suggest that religion provides a stress-buffering effect against perceived distributive unfairness only for women. Thus, the findings of this study highlight the gendered ways that religion shapes the association between perceived distributive unfairness and mental health. I discuss the theoretical implications of these findings for views about the complex interrelationships among stress, coping resources, gender, and mental health.
News Repertoires and Political Information Efficacy: Focusing on the Mediating Role of Perceived News Overload
Authors: Oh Hae Jung , Lor Zhieh , Choi Jihyang
Published: January 2021

In an era of news abundance, people increasingly feel uncertain as to whether they possess adequate information to participate in politics. However, previous research has not paid attention to the issue of such efficacy. To fill the gap, this study examines (a) how different types of news repertoire are associated with political information efficacy and (b) how perceived news overload mediates the relationship. The findings show that people have three distinct types of news repertoires, such as commentary-oriented, TV, and social media news repertoires, and those who consume news via a commentary-oriented news repertoire tend to have a higher level of political information efficacy, while the use of TV and social media news repertoires does not show significant effects on political information efficacy. In addition to that, the perceived news overload negatively mediates the link between all three types of news repertoires and political information efficacy. Two-wave original survey data were used for analyses.
Penological Justifications as Sentencing Factors in Death Penalty Sentencing
Authors: Surendranath Anup , Vishwanath Neetika , Dash Preeti Pratishruti
Published: January 2021

When the Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty in Bachan Singh v. State of Punjab in 1980, it also laid down a sentencing framework for subsequent sentencing courts, guiding them in deciding between life imprisonment and the death penalty. This framework, popularly known as the ‘rarest of rare’ framework, was focused on individualised punishment. However, subsequent judgments have strayed away from Bachan Singh’s core framework, and the use of penological justifications as sentencing factors has contributed significantly to this deviation. This article argues that it is not within the mandate of sentencing judges to invoke penological theories as separate sentencing factors in individual cases when deciding between life imprisonment and the death sentence. The article begins by distinguishing between the penological justifications used to retain the death penalty in Bachan Singh and those underlying the sentencing framework developed in the judgment. It then examines subsequent judgments to trace the manner in which the capital sentencing framework was shaped to be crime-centric through the use of penological ideas like ‘collective conscience’ and deterrence. Examining the implications of penological justifications occupying a dominant place in death penalty sentencing, the article examines the broader concerns about the lack of clarity with sentencing goals. The failure in individual cases to distinguish between penological justifications as sentencing factors determining punishment, on the one hand, and viewing them as consequences arising out of an individualised sentencing process, on the other, lies at the core of the critique in this article.
ADAMS-1 and ADAMS-9, novel markers in endometriosis
Authors: Hismiogullari Adnan Adil , Guney Gurhan , Islimye Taşkın Mine , Güngörmus Berna
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

ADAMTS (A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin repeats) proteinases, which are released outside the cell (soluble) have very critical roles in damage and repair of extracellular matrix (ECM) processes. Our aim was to analyse the ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-9 which were the member of the ADAMTS gene family of metalloproteinases that might had been involved in the cytokines-mediated etiopathogenesis of endometriosis.

Methods:

A case-control study was performed in an university hospital. Thirty-four patient with endometriosis which was defined via laparoscopy and thirty-three healthy female volunteers were recruited in the present study. Serum ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-9 and IL-beta (IL-1 β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were determined by a human enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) in all subjects.

Results:

The demographic characteristics of the patients were significantly higher than healthy control group. The IL-1 β and VEGF levels were significantly higher; ADAMTS-1 and ADAMTS-9 levels were significantly lower in the endometriosis patients compared to the controls. We also found a negative correlation between ADAMTS-1, ADAMTS-9, and IL-1 β, VEGF.

Conclusion:

The results of the study might suggest that ADAMS-1 and ADAMTS-9 have a role in the pathogenesis of the endometriosis.
Creating Intersectional Subjects: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Health Science Breastfeeding Research
Authors: Carter Shannon K. , Stone Ashley , Graham Lain , Cox Jonathan M.
Published: January 2021

Reducing race disparities in breastfeeding has become a health objective in the United States, spurring research aimed to identify causes and consequences of disparate rates. This study uses critical discourse analysis to assess how Black women are constructed in 80 quantitative health science research articles on breastfeeding disparities in the United States. Our analysis is grounded in critical race and intersectionality scholarship, which argues that researchers often incorrectly treat race and its intersections as causal mechanisms. Our findings reveal two distinct representations. Most commonly, race, gender, and their intersection are portrayed as essential characteristics of individuals. Black women are portrayed as a fixed category, possessing characteristics that inhibit breastfeeding; policy implications focus on modifying Black women’s characteristics to increase breastfeeding. Less commonly, Black women are portrayed as a diverse group who occupy a social position in society resulting from similar social and material conditions, seeking to identify factors that facilitate or inhibit breastfeeding. Policy implications emphasize mitigating structural barriers that disproportionately impact some Black women. We contribute to existing knowledge by demonstrating how dominant health science approaches provide evidence for health promotion campaigns that are unlikely to reduce health disparities and may do more harm than good to Black women. We also demonstrate the existence of a problematic knowledge set about Black women’s reproductive and infant feeding practices that is both ahistorical and decontextualized.