bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Advances in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization and the Potential Role of Notch2 Blockade
Authors: Albakri Marwah , Tashkandi Hammad , Zhou Lan
Published: August 2020

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation can be a potential cure for hematological malignancies and some nonhematologic diseases. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) collected from peripheral blood after mobilization are the primary source to provide HSC transplantation. In most of the cases, mobilization by the cytokine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor with chemotherapy, and in some settings, with the CXC chemokine receptor type 4 antagonist plerixafor, can achieve high yield of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). However, adequate mobilization is not always successful in a significant portion of donors. Research is going on to find new agents or strategies to increase HSC mobilization. Here, we briefly review the history of HSC transplantation, current mobilization regimens, some of the novel agents that are under investigation for clinical practice, and our recent findings from animal studies regarding Notch and ligand interaction as potential targets for HSPC mobilization.
Performance of Odisha State Co-operative Bank: An ARDL Approach
Authors: Nayak Ranjan Kumar
Published: August 2020

This article tries to analyse the financial performance of Odisha State Co-operative Bank (OSCB) for the period of 1949–1950 to 2014–2015. The methodology employed for the empirical analysis on this study involves autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test and Phillips–Perron (PP). Statistical significant of the coefficient of the lagged error-correction term shows about 44 per cent correction in short-run dynamics to the long-run equilibrium. Using the ARDL approach, the study finds that owned fund, borrowing, advance and working capital, share capital and reserve are statistically significant in the short run; and deposits, share capital and reserve are statistically significant in the long run. The empirical results suggest that deposits and advances impact the profits of OSCB positively while cost of management, capital and reserves lead to lower profits. Hence, the study proposes the OSCB to follow a proactive management of capital with higher deposit generation and larger advances strategy to become a strong bank and grow steadily.

JEL: C01, C1
Research on dynamic behavior of torsional absorber in powertrain system considering nonlinear factors
Authors: Long Chen , Shi Wenku , Chen Zhiyong
Published: August 2020

The influence of nonlinear factors on the dynamic behavior of the powertrain torsional damper is studied by using the average method. First, the structure and working principle of dual mass flywheel are analyzed, and the nonlinear dynamic model of dual mass flywheel is established. Then the frequency response curve is obtained by the average method, and the accuracy of the solution is verified by the RK4 method. Finally, the effect of the parameters of dual mass flywheel on the amplitude–frequency characteristics is studied. The results show that the average method is suitable for the nonlinear vibration analysis of the dual mass flywheel, and the amplitude–frequency characteristic curve of the system has the characteristics of turning to the high frequency at the segment. Reducing the excitation amplitude, increasing the viscous damping, or increasing the Coulomb friction damping can effectively reduce the resonance peak value of the dual mass flywheel, and increasing the angular clearance is beneficial to further reduce the resonance frequency of the dual mass flywheel.
Multi-center observational study on the adherence, quality of life, and adverse events in lung cancer patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Rosentreter Jelena , Alt Jürgen , Fried Marius , Chakupurakal Geothy , Stratmann Jan , Krämer Irene
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Cancer patients tend to prefer oral instead of parenteral chemotherapy. To date, there is little evidence on the medication adherence in cancer patients. We investigated medication adherence to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer.

Methods

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor adherence was measured electronically by MEMS® (medication event monitoring system) over at least six months. Adherence rates were calculated in terms of Dosing Compliance, Timing Compliance, Taking Compliance, and Drug Holidays. Patients were dichotomized as adherent when Dosing Compliance and Timing Compliance were ≥80%, Taking Compliance ranged between 90 and 110%, and <1 Drug Holiday was registered. Quality of life was assessed by two questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0, EORTC QLQ-LC13) at three time points. Adverse drug events were reported via patient diaries.

Results

Out of 32 patients enrolled, data from 23 patients were evaluable. Median Dosing Compliance, Taking Compliance, and Timing Compliance adherence rates of tyrosine kinase inhibitor intake amounted to 100%, 98%, and 99%, respectively; Drug Holidays were observed in three patients. Four patients were dichotomized as non-adherent. Three of them had a twice-daily tyrosine kinase inhibitor regimen. Median quality of life scores amounted to 67 (max. 100) and remained unchanged over the study period. Fatigue and rash were the most frequently reported adverse drug events.

Conclusion

Medication adherence of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors was extraordinarily high and is likely to support the effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment and a good quality of life over a long period of time. Adherence facilitating information and education is especially relevant for patients taking tyrosine kinase inhibitors in a twice-daily regimen.
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications in aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Selemon Nicolas A , Gu Alex , Malahias Michael-Alexander , Fassihi Safa Cyrus , Chen Aaron Z , Adriani Marco , Sculco Thomas P , Liu Jiabin , Cross Michael B , Sculco Peter K
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is becoming a more common procedure due to the increasing volume of primary total hip arthroplasty. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently projected to affect 4.4% of the global population by 2030. Diabetes has been associated with poor outcomes for a variety of surgical interventions. However, the impact of insulin dependence has yet to be fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of insulin dependence on acute postoperative complications following rTHA.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program database. All patients who underwent rTHA between 2006 and 2016 were identified and recorded as having non-insulin-dependent DM (NIDDM), insulin-dependent DM (IDDM) or no DM. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the incidence of multiple adverse events within 30 days after rTHA.

Results:

A total of 7685 patients were evaluated (No DM = 6651, NIDDM = 700, IDDM = 334). Univariate analysis revealed that all patients with DM had significantly higher incidences of postoperative complications (NIDDM: p < 0.001; IDDM: p < 0.001) and extended hospital length of stay (NIDDM: p = 0.015; IDDM: p < 0.0001). NIDDM was associated with increased rates of superficial surgical site infection (SSI) ( p = 0.001), deep SSI ( p = 0.038), and stroke ( p = 0.013), while IDDM was associated with increased rates of pneumonia ( p < 0.001), renal failure ( p < 0.001), and postoperative transfusion ( p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, insulin-dependence was determined to be an independent risk factor for extended hospital length of stay (OR 1.905; 95% CI, 1.410–2.577; p < 0.001), pneumonia (OR 4.016; 95% CI, 1.799–8.929; p = 0.001), renal failure (OR 7.143; 95% CI, 2.203–23.256; p = 0.001) and postoperative transfusion (OR 1.366; 95% CI, 1.076–1.733; p = 0.01).

Conclusions:

Insulin dependence is an independent risk factor for numerous short-term postoperative complications following rTHA. When assessing risk and planning perioperative management, surgeons should consider insulin-dependent diabetics as a sub-cohort within the diabetic population.
Access to Improved Water Sources and Sanitation in Minority Ethnic People in Vietnam and Some Sociodemographic Associations: A 2019 National Survey
Authors: Huong Le Thi Thanh , Tuyet-Hanh Tran Thi , Minh Hoang Van , Ha Bui Thi Thu , Anh Nguyen Quynh , Huong Nguyen Thi , Trang Phan Thi Thu , Long Khuong Quynh , Ha Nguyen Thanh , Trang Nguyen Thi Thu , Quang Cao Huu , Oanh Luu Thi Kim , Thuy Tran Thi Thu
Published: August 2020

Background:

Achieving access to clean water and basic sanitation remains as major challenges in Vietnam, especially for vulnerable groups such as minority people, despite all the progress made by the Millennium Development Goal number 7.C.

Objectives:

The study aimed to describe the access to improved water sources and sanitation of the ethnic minority people in Vietnam based on a national survey and to identify associated factors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 with a sample size of 1385 ethnic minority households in 12 provinces in Vietnam. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to examine the probability of having access to improved water sources and sanitation and sociodemographic status at a significance level of P < .05.

Results:

The access to improved water sources and sanitation was unequal among the ethnic minority people in Vietnam, with the lowest access rate in the northern midland and mountainous and Central Highland areas and the highest access rate in the Mekong Delta region. Some sociodemographic variables that were likely to increase the ethnic minority people’s access to improved water sources and/or sanitation included older age, female household heads, household heads with high educational levels, religious households, and households in not poor status.

Conclusion and recommendations:

The study suggested more emphasis on religion for improving the ethnic minority’s access to improved water sources and sanitation. Besides, persons of poor and near-poor status and with low educational levels should be of focus in future water and sanitation intervention programs.
Analyzing online search patterns of music festival tourists
Authors: Montoro-Pons Juan D , Cuadrado-García Manuel
Published: August 2020

Music festivals, as cultural events that induce tourism flows, intermediate both the cultural and travel experience. The present study analyzes online search behavior of potential attenders to a music festival. We hypothesize that the search process reveals latent patterns of behavior of cultural tourists planning to attend music festivals. To this end, information from Google Trends on queries related to three popular music festivals is used to build a network of search topics. Based on it, alternative exponential random graph model specifications are estimated. Findings support the general result of mediated information flows: music festivals induce planning and traveling queries. However, differences relating to the specificities of the cultural event are also found, in particular those regarding what nodes or queries supply the network with more useful information.
Barriers and facilitators to inclusion in integrated physical education: Adapted physical educators’ perspectives
Authors: Haegele Justin A , Wilson Wesley J , Zhu Xihe , Bueche Justin J , Brady Ellie , Li Chunxiao
Published: August 2020

While movement toward the education of students with disabilities in integrated physical education has now become common internationally, it is not without concerns. Notably, scholars have questioned whether instruction in integrated physical education settings provides inclusive experiences for students with disabilities. The purpose of this exploratory study was to explore certified adapted physical educators’ (CAPEs’) perspectives on barriers and facilitators to students with disabilities experiencing inclusion in integrated physical education. A sample of 99 CAPEs (74.7% female) across the United States provided valid responses to an online survey form. Guided by the established two-step coding protocol, two independent reviewers coded the responses to open-ended questions. In total, 460 barriers and 473 facilitators that fell into seven categories were identified. Among these, both teacher-related barriers and facilitators were more commonly reported than other factors, such as environmental and policy barriers/facilitators. As such, it appears that the participants placed onus on ensuring the inclusiveness of integrated physical education classes largely on the shoulders of the teachers. In addition, codes related to programmatic or equipment-related factors were underreported, suggesting that even in integrated physical education classes where adapted equipment (i.e. equipment facilitator) and personnel support (i.e. programmatic facilitator) are available, inclusive experience may not be. These findings suggest inclusiveness of integrated physical education is complex and influenced by numerous factors.
The interplay between binge eating risk factors: Toward an integrated model
Authors: Kukk Katrin , Akkermann Kirsti
Published: August 2020

We aimed to assess the interplay between dietary restraint and emotion regulation (ER) difficulties as well as other well-known risk factors of binge eating in a community sample of women. Altogether 96 women (mean age 21.5 years; mean BMI 21.7) participated in the study using ecological momentary assessment. Structural equation modeling indicated that restraint and ER pathways are related yet operate independently in predicting binge eating in a unified model. ER difficulties moderated the effect of negative affect and fluctuations in negative affect in predicting binge eating while Neuroticism and preoccupation with body weight predicted binge eating indirectly.
Hearing the voices of looked-after children: Considering the challenges of obtaining feedback on healthcare services
Authors: Bromley Debbie , Sampson Liz , Brettle-West Jo , O’Reilly Michelle
Published: August 2020

The voices of looked-after children (LAC) are rarely heard in health services or research. Obtaining feedback on services from children and adolescents and involving them in decision-making is important; yet communicating with vulnerable groups, like LAC, is not straightforward. Improving communication practices and ways of gaining feedback can facilitate quality improvement across healthcare. Using focus groups with 49 LAC aged 5–17 years, we identified three core themes. First, feedback tools need to be child-centred and LAC-friendly; second, tools should be gender-neutral and developmentally appropriate; and third, the current UK feedback tool was not fit for purpose. If feedback tools for children and adolescents are unfit for purpose, then any quality improvement and changes to services made are not sufficiently paying attention to this important population.
Journalists’ creative process in newswork: A Grounded theory study from the Philippines
Authors: Tuazon Jhoana Paula L , Arcalas Jasper Emmanuel Y , Soliman Janine Marie D , Opiniano Jeremaiah M
Published: August 2020

Creativity in journalism has always been a challenging concept. Journalism has not often been seen as creative due to its structured conventions. In response, a few journalism scholars claim there is creativity in journalism. However, no studies reveal a creative process in journalistic writing. This grounded theory research from the Philippines revealed a creative process of journalists ( n = 20): A Bicycle Wheel of Journalists’ Creative Process in Newswork. This model sees journalists undergo the phases of cognizance, cultivation, captivation, and introspection in their efforts to be creative. Motivation and experience, plus their work environments, even contextualize these creativity-related efforts of journalists. Understanding this journalistic creative process will help practitioners and editors aspire for high journalistic standards and write engaging stories that are of public interest, and that are also relevant and significant.
Care needs, social support and meaning in life in patients after acute heart failure hospitalisation: a longitudinal study
Authors: Liu Min-Hui , Wang Chao-Hung , Tung Tao-Hsin , Lee Chii-Ming , Chiou Ai-Fu
Published: August 2020

Background

Meaning in life serves as a protective mechanism for coping with persistent, often distressful symptoms in patients with heart failure. However, meaning in life and its associated factors are not adequately explored in patients after acute hospitalisation for heart failure.

Aims

To explore the associated factors of meaning in life in patients with heart failure from acute hospitalisation to 3 months post-discharge.

Methods

A total of 103 hospitalised patients with heart failure in Northern Taiwan were recruited using a longitudinal study design and interviewed with structured questionnaires including meaning in life, symptom distress, care needs, and social support at hospitalisation, 1 month and 3 months post-discharge.

Results

A total of 83 patients completed the 3 months follow-up. The presence of meaning in life significantly increased from hospitalisation to 3 months post-discharge. Decreases in care needs (B = −0.10, P = 0.020) and social support (B = −0.18, P = 0.016) from hospitalisation to 3 months post-discharge were significantly associated with an increase in the presence of meaning in life, while a decrease in social support was associated with an increase in the search for meaning in life (B = −0.17, P = 0.034).

Conclusion

Care needs and social support were pivotal factors for developing meaning in life for patients with heart failure. Assessments of care needs and social support might help strengthen their meaning in life.
Knowledge of child development: Associations among pre-service teachers’ level of education and work experience
Authors: Beisly Amber H , Lake Vickie E
Published: August 2020

Historically, in the USA context child development content knowledge has been one of the main emphases of early childhood teacher education programs, as it is theorized that teachers need strong content knowledge if they are to teach well. Teachers gain knowledge as they move through the degree ladder, from Child Development Associate to Associates to Bachelor’s. The purpose of this study was to examine whether knowledge of child development increased as teachers gained more education. Participants in this study ( n = 98) are part of a larger dataset of an early childhood longitudinal research collaboration between a community college and a university bachelor’s completion program. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire including items on their gender, age, race/ethnicity, highest degree earned, as well as current employment and whether ongoing work was related to the field of early childhood education. Participants also completed the Knowledge of Child Development Inventory, which consists of 56 multiple-choice items of knowledge relating to child development from birth to age 3. The items in the Knowledge of Child Development Inventory are grouped into four significant areas of development: emotional, cognitive, physical, and social. In the Knowledge of Child Development Inventory, each developmental domain group consisted of 14 items with the resulting possible range of scores for each section being 0–14. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted that examined the effect of education level on knowledge of child development. There was a statistically significant main effect for education level on child development. Post hoc tests revealed that the participants with bachelor’s degree scored significantly higher than the participants with both a Child Development Associate and Associates. These results indicate that as students move up through the education ladder, they gain more knowledge of child development.
A Comparison of Teacher and Student Ratings in a Self-Monitoring Intervention
Authors: Bruhn Allison , Barron Sheila , Copeland Bailey , Estrapala Sara , Rila Ashley , Wehby Joseph
Published: August 2020

Self-monitoring interventions for students with challenging behavior are often teacher-managed rather than self-managed. Teachers direct these interventions by completing parallel monitoring procedures, providing feedback, and delivering contingent reinforcement to students when they monitor accurately. However, within self-monitoring interventions, the degree to which teachers and students agree in their assessment of students’ behavior is unknown. In this study, a self-monitoring intervention in which both teachers and students rated the students’ behavior, we analyzed 249 fixed interval ratings of behavior from 19 student/teacher pairs to determine the relationship between ratings within and across teacher/student pairs. We found a strong correlation overall ( r =.91), although variability existed within individual pairs and student ratings tended to be higher than teacher ratings. We discuss implications for practice, limitations, and future directions.
Psychometric analysis of a Malay language version of the Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale
Authors: Thien Lei Mee
Published: August 2020

The extent to which the Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale (PIMRS) is sensitive and appropriate to be used in different cultural contexts remains underexplored in the literature. To address this research gap, this study attempts to validate a Malay language version of PIMRS by assessing convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity from a hierarchical perspective. Data were collected from 375 primary school teachers from 30 selected schools in Penang and Kedah, Malaysia. Data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling approach with SmartPLS 3.2.9 software. Findings revealed that four items had to be excluded to ensure the construct validity of the third-, second-, and first-order constructs. Convergent validity and discriminant validity were established for all the second- and first-order constructs with the statistic estimates exceeding the respective threshold. Redundancy analysis confirmed the establishment of the convergent validity of instructional leadership as a formative third-order construct. Criterion validity was established with the significant and positive effect of instructional leadership on collective teacher efficacy (CTE) ( β = 0.578, t = 14.206). Local and international educational researchers could replicate the current validation approach in future psychometric PIMRS validation studies in a different research context.
The Afterlife as Emotional Utopia in Coco
Authors: Crosthwait George
Published: August 2020

This article situates the Pixar computer animation Coco (dir. Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, 2017) within a recent selection of afterlife fictions and questions why such narratives might appeal to our contemporary moment. The author’s response is structured around the idea of utopia. In Coco, he identifies several conceptions of utopic space and ideals. The afterlife fiction places characters and viewers in a reflexive location which affords them the opportunity to examine their lives as lived (rather than in death). Transplanting Richard Dyer’s work on classic Hollywood musicals as entertainment utopia to a contemporary animated musical, the article proposes that such a film can be seen as adhering to a kind of ‘new cinematic sincerity’. Coco’s particular depiction of The Day of the Dead fiesta and the Land of the Dead has its roots in the Mexican writer Octavio Paz’s poetic and romantic treatise The Labyrinth of Solitude (1950). A comparison between these two texts suggests that willing encounters with death can be connected to an openness to transitional states of being. Through close readings of key musical sequences in Coco, the author demonstrates how the properties of the musical are combined with animation aesthetics (baby schemata, virtual camera) to lead viewers into their own utopian space of heightened emotions and transition.
‘Tones from Out of Nowhere’ and Other Non-sensedness: Re-membering the Synthetic Sound Films of Oskar Fischinger and Làszló Moholy-Nagy
Authors: Egan Kelly FW
Published: August 2020

Synthetic sound film, a genre in which sound is directly animated onto the soundtrack of a filmstrip, is an avant-garde practice which remains seldom theorized and too often neglected. Expanding on Thomas Y Levin’s canonical work on the genre, ‘“Tones from out of Nowhere”: Rudolph Pfenninger and the archaeology of synthetic sound’ (2003), this article argues that there is a fundamental divide amongst the artistic approaches to synthetic sound film between filmmakers seeking to create specific aural objects through a new form of visual representation, and filmmakers focused on the graphic object and its direct translation into a new/unknown form of aural representation. Concentrating on the latter group which begins with Oskar Fischinger and Làszló Moholy-Nagy, through a materialist framework, this article shows how their produced sounds re-member the objects from which they emerge and, as such, are bound to a material encounter defined by this sensorial return to objectness.
The relationship between the height dimension and numerical processing
Authors: Goldfarb Liat , Naaman Ram , Balanero-Madmon Tal
Published: August 2020

It is well documented that the ability to perceive numbers depends on perception of size. However, size consists of two different dimensions: height and width. In previous size-congruency experiments, the changes in the size dimension were confounded by changes in both the height and width dimensions. Hence, it is not clear if two digits that are equal in size but with different width and height produce a congruency effect and if so, which dimension (height or width) will be associated with quantity more prominently. In fact, different theories might predict different outcomes for the association of height versus width with numbers. To resolve this issue, this study included two experiments in which two equal-size digits that differed from each other in the height and width dimensions were presented and participants were asked to decide which digit is numerically larger. The results revealed a novel congruency effect in which larger numbers are associated more prominently with the height dimension when compared with the width dimension. This effect has important implications for understanding the relationship between number processing and the spatial perception system.
A Preliminary Study of Combined Detection of COMP, TIMP-1, and MMP-3 in Synovial Fluid: Potential Indicators of Osteoarthritis Progression
Authors: Plsikova Matejova Jana , Spakova Timea , Harvanova Denisa , Lacko Marek , Filip Vladimir , Sepitka Rastislav , Mitro Istvan , Rosocha Jan
Published: August 2020

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) commonly affects weight-bearing joints and is characterized by articular cartilage breakdown combined with osteophyte formation at the joint margins and chronic nonspecific inflammation of synovium. Understanding the profile of inflammation in a patient population is an essential starting point to predict or prevent OA progression. The aim of this study was to identify the profile of selected biomolecules in synovial fluid (SF) and investigate the correlation according to gender, age, and severity of the disease within patients from among the general knee OA population.

Design

In our study SF samples were aspirated from the knees of 65 OA patients (46 patients with early knee OA and 19 patients with end-stage knee OA according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale). The concentration of interleukins (IL-6, IL-8), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13), MMPs inhibitors (TIMP-1, TIMP-2), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and adiponectin was analyzed using a multiplex ELISA-based approach.

Conclusions

Our results indicate significant linear correlation of MMP-13 and COMP concentration with age ( P < 0.05), but not with OA severity. In fact, 3 of the examined biomolecules, MMP-3 ( P < 0.01), TIMP-1 ( P < 0.01), and COMP ( P < 0.05) significantly correlate with the grade of knee OA and might be associated with OA severity.
Oriented inner fabrication of bi-layer biomimetic tendon sheath for anti-adhesion and tendon healing
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Jingwen , Yao Zhixiao , Liu Jiazhi , Shi Zhongmin , Li Yusheng , Zou Jian , Ruan Hongjiang
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Synthetic fibrous membranes unveil a promising field in anti-adhesion of tendons. Meanwhile, oriented nanofiber structures have been widely studied and used in the application of biomedical engineering, particularly in repairing and strengthening effects.

Methods:

In this study, a bi-layer poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) electrospun membrane was fabricated, in which the inner oriented fibrous layer was designed to promote tendon healing while outer random aligned layer was designed to prevent peritendinous adhesion.

Results:

It was found that fibroblasts were aligned along the oriented fiber of membranes in vitro and in a Leghorn chicken model. In biomechanical tests of repaired tendons, no significant difference was found between oriented fibrous membrane and blank control in maximum tensile strength; both oriented fibrous membranes and random fibrous membranes showed lower work of flexion than blank control, which was consistent with gross assessment.

Conclusion:

It was practicable to promote tendon healing while preventing adhesion via bi-layer PLLA membranes with an inner-oriented-fiber fabricated structure.
Surgical management of an enchondroma of the proximal phalanx of the foot: An illustrative case report
Authors: Edwards Steven R , Kingsford Andrew C
Published: August 2020

Enchondromas are benign tumours that may become symptomatic due to expansive pressure on the surrounding bone. In this case, a 27-year-old male developed a symptomatic enchondroma within the proximal phalanx of his left fourth toe. Resection and insertion of a bone graft were considered optimal management. Histopathology testing confirmed the diagnosis of an isolated enchondroma. The patient was monitored closely for 3 months postoperatively and reported full satisfaction at his 12-month review. Enchondroma resection and insertion of a tibial bone graft may provide an effective long-term solution for a symptomatic enchondroma of the toe.
India’s Strategic Interests and Partnership with Island States of Africa in the Western Indian Ocean Region
Authors: Kumar Raghvendra
Published: August 2020

The Indian Ocean has turned into the new geographical centre of power, where global power dynamics is being revealed. It has been transformed into a geostrategic heartland, forecasting new challenges and opportunities, and at the core of this is an emerging power, India, which, being located at a strategic juncture in the Indian Ocean, shapes much of this geostrategic transformation. Therefore, sustaining and improving security and continuing economic expansion, with an increased strategic presence in the region to safeguard its national, regional and global interests are some of the elements which greatly influence India’s involvement with the strategic island states of Africa in the Western Indian Ocean Region. In this backdrop, this article has tried to contextualise the ‘Western Indian Ocean Region’ and ‘situate the actors’ to explore the various contours of geostrategic engagements the region is witnessing. Further, the article examines India’s strategic interests in the Western Indian Ocean, which are critical for its global power aspirations. It discusses the linkages between India and the Western Indian Ocean island states of Africa, which would become the precursor for newer strategies and help in harnessing the potential of mutually beneficial cooperation. Lastly, the article seeks to re-engage with the island states of Africa to help forge a deeper cultural and strategic bond, which would be crucial in balancing the power equation in the region.
Sino-Vietnamese initials reflected in the phonetic components of 15th-century Nôm characters
Authors: Shimizu Masaaki
Published: August 2020

The Chữ Nôm (CN) characters contained in the Sino-Vietnamese (SV) version of the apocryphal scripture Phật Thuyết Đại Báo Phu ̣Mẫu Ân Trọng Kinh 佛説大報父母恩重經 are quite unique in that they show obvious evidence of the ancient sesqui-syllabicity of the Vietnamese language. This study aims to point out their utility in the study of Vietnamese and SV history and to conduct a tentative reconstruction of 15th-century SV initials through comparisons of the CN readings and the SV readings of their phonetic components.
‘As dead as a dodo’: Extinction narratives and multispecies justice in the museum
Authors: Guasco Anna
Published: August 2020

This article unites recent writing in extinction studies with work in political ecology, justice theory and museum studies to explore qualitative, cultural approaches to extinction. I examine the role of storytelling and the power of narratives in addressing nonhuman extinction. Analysing the case study of a permanent gallery on extinction, evolution and biodiversity loss – the Survival Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland – I utilise a more-than-textual approach to narrative analysis. This paper explores the diverse ways in which the gallery relates stories of ‘natural’ extinction to the contemporary anthropogenic ‘Sixth Mass Extinction’. The Survival Gallery narrates a remarkably complex compilation of extinction stories, but the gallery’s narrative avoids areas of conflict or controversy, obscures justice concerns and ultimately presents a problematic depiction of a universalised humanity. Using this analysis of museum extinction storytelling, the paper contributes to emerging conceptualisations of multispecies justice frameworks. The article explores the possibilities and challenges of museum storytelling in grappling with complicated pasts and envisioning potential futures of survival, coexistence and flourishing. The paper concludes by considering how a multispecies justice approach to narrating extinction (and other entangled ecological-social phenomena) might flourish within and beyond museums.
Comprehensive analyses of B-cell compartments across the human body reveal novel subsets and a gut-resident memory phenotype
Authors: Weisel Nadine M. , Weisel Florian J. , Farber Donna L. , Borghesi Lisa A. , Shen Yufeng , Ma Wenji , Luning Prak Eline T. , Shlomchik Mark J.
Published: August 2020

Although human B cells have been extensively studied, most reports have used peripheral blood as a source. Here, we used a unique tissue resource derived from healthy organ donors to deeply characterize human B-cell compartments across multiple tissues and donors. These datasets revealed that B cells in the blood are not in homeostasis with compartments in other tissues. We found striking donor-to-donor variability in the frequencies and isotype of CD27+ memory B cells (MBCs). A comprehensive antibody-based screen revealed markers of MBC and allowed identification of novel MBC subsets with distinct functions defined according to surface expression of CD69 and CD45RB. We defined a tissue-resident MBC phenotype that was predominant in the gut but absent in blood. RNA-sequencing of MBC subsets from multiple tissues revealed a tissue-resident MBC gene signature as well as gut- and spleen-specific signatures. Overall, these studies provide novel insights into the nature and function of human B-cell compartments across multiple tissues.
Identification of occult cerebral microbleeds in adults with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Cooper Nichola , Morrison Melanie A. , Vladescu Camelia , Hart Alice C. J. , Paul Deena , Malik Amna , Young Thomas , Luqmani Asad , Atta Maria , Sharp David J. , Bussel James B. , Waldman Adam D.
Published: August 2020

Management of symptoms and prevention of life-threatening hemorrhage in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) must be balanced against adverse effects of therapies. Because current treatment guidelines based on platelet count are confounded by variable bleeding phenotypes, there is a need to identify new objective markers of disease severity for treatment stratification. In this cross-sectional prospective study of 49 patients with ITP and nadir platelet counts <30 × 109/L and 18 aged-matched healthy controls, we used susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging to detect cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) as a marker of occult hemorrhage. CMBs were detected using a semiautomated method and correlated with clinical metadata using multivariate regression analysis. No CMBs were detected in health controls. In contrast, lobar CMBs were identified in 43% (21 of 49) of patients with ITP; prevalence increased with decreasing nadir platelet count (0/4, ≥15 × 109/L; 2/9, 10-14 × 109/L; 4/11, 5-9 × 109/L; 15/25 <5 × 109/L) and was associated with longer disease duration (P = 7 × 10−6), lower nadir platelet count (P = .005), lower platelet count at time of neuroimaging (P = .029), and higher organ bleeding scores (P = .028). Mucosal and skin bleeding scores, number of previous treatments, age, and sex were not associated with CMBs. Occult cerebral microhemorrhage is common in patients with moderate to severe ITP. Strong associations with ITP duration may reflect CMB accrual over time or more refractory disease. Further longitudinal studies in children and adults will allow greater understanding of the natural history and clinical and prognostic significance of CMBs.
Bone marrow–derived myeloid progenitors as driver mutation carriers in high- and low-risk Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Xiao Yanling , van Halteren Astrid G. S. , Lei Xin , Borst Jelske , Steenwijk Eline , de Wit Tom , Grabowska Joanna , Voogd Rhianne , Kemps Paul , Picarsic Jennifer , van den Bos Cor , Borst Jannie
Published: August 2020

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a myeloid neoplasia, driven by sporadic activating mutations in the MAPK pathway. The misguided myeloid dendritic cell (DC) model proposes that high-risk, multisystem, risk-organ–positive (MS-RO+) LCH results from driver mutation in a bone marrow (BM)-resident multipotent hematopoietic progenitor, while low-risk, MS-RO− and single-system LCH would result from driver mutation in a circulating or tissue-resident, DC-committed precursor. We have examined the CD34+c-Kit+Flt3+ myeloid progenitor population as potential mutation carrier in all LCH disease manifestations. This population contains oligopotent progenitors of monocytes (Mo’s)/macrophages (MΦs), osteoclasts (OCs), and DCs. CD34+c-Kit+Flt3+ cells from BM of MS-RO+ LCH patients produced Langerhans cell (LC)-like cells in vitro. Both LC-like and DC offspring from this progenitor carried the BRAF mutation, confirming their common origin. In both high- and low-risk LCH patients, CD34+c-Kit+Flt3+ progenitor frequency in blood was higher than in healthy donors. In one MS-RO+ LCH patient, CD34+c-Kit+Flt3+ cell frequency in blood and its BRAF-mutated offspring reported response to chemotherapy. CD34+c-Kit+Flt3+ progenitors from blood of both high- and low-risk LCH patients gave rise to DCs and LC-like cells in vitro, but the driver mutation was not easily detectable, likely due to low frequency of mutated progenitors. Mutant BRAF alleles were found in Mo’s /MΦs, DCs, LC-like cells, and/or OC-like cells in lesions and/or Mo and DCs in blood of multiple low-risk patients. We therefore hypothesize that in both high- and low-risk LCH, the driver mutation is present in a BM-resident myeloid progenitor that can be mobilized to the blood.
Multiple cereblon genetic changes are associated with acquired resistance to lenalidomide or pomalidomide in multiple myeloma
Authors: Gooding Sarah , Ansari-Pour Naser , Towfic Fadi , Ortiz Estévez María , Chamberlain Philip P. , Tsai Kao-Tai , Flynt Erin , Hirst Marissa , Rozelle Dan , Dhiman Paula , Neri Paola , Ramasamy Karthik , Bahlis Nizar , Vyas Paresh , Thakurta Anjan
Published: August 2020

Emergence of drug resistance to all available therapies is the major challenge to improving survival in myeloma. Cereblon (CRBN) is the essential binding protein of the widely used immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and novel CRBN E3 ligase modulator drugs (CELMoDs) in myeloma, as well as certain proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), in development for a range of diseases. Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from 455 patients and RNA sequencing (RNASeq) data from 655 patients, including newly diagnosed (WGS, n = 198; RNASeq, n = 437), lenalidomide (LEN)-refractory (WGS, n = 203; RNASeq, n = 176), and pomalidomide (POM)-refractory cohorts (WGS, n = 54; RNASeq, n = 42), we found incremental increases in the frequency of 3 CRBN aberrations, namely point mutations, copy losses/structural variations, and a specific variant transcript (exon 10 spliced), with progressive IMiD exposure, until almost one-third of patients had CBRN alterations by the time they were POM refractory. We found all 3 CRBN aberrations were associated with inferior outcomes to POM in those already refractory to LEN, including those with gene copy losses and structural variations, a finding not previously described. This represents the first comprehensive analysis and largest data set of CBRN alterations in myeloma patients as they progress through therapy. It will help inform patient selection for sequential therapies with CRBN-targeting drugs.
Development and validation of a universal blood donor genotyping platform: a multinational prospective study
Authors: Gleadall Nicholas S. , Veldhuisen Barbera , Gollub Jeremy , Butterworth Adam S. , Ord John , Penkett Christopher J. , Timmer Tiffany C. , Sauer Carolin M. , van der Bolt Nieke , Brown Colin , Brugger Kim , Dilthey Alexander T. , Duarte Daniel , Grimsley Shane , van den Hurk Katja , Jongerius John M. , Luken Jessie , Megy Karyn , Miflin Gail , Nelson Christopher S. , Prinsze Femmeke J. , Sambrook Jennifer , Simeoni Ilenia , Sweeting Michael , Thornton Nicole , Trompeter Sara , Tuna Salih , Varma Ram , Walker Matthew R. ,   NIHR BioResource, Danesh John , Roberts David J. , Ouwehand Willem H. , Stirrups Kathleen E. , Rendon Augusto , Westhoff Connie M. , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , van der Schoot C. Ellen , Astle William J. , Watkins Nicholas A. , Lane William J.
Published: August 2020

Each year, blood transfusions save millions of lives. However, under current blood-matching practices, sensitization to non–self-antigens is an unavoidable adverse side effect of transfusion. We describe a universal donor typing platform that could be adopted by blood services worldwide to facilitate a universal extended blood-matching policy and reduce sensitization rates. This DNA-based test is capable of simultaneously typing most clinically relevant red blood cell (RBC), human platelet (HPA), and human leukocyte (HLA) antigens. Validation was performed, using samples from 7927 European, 27 South Asian, 21 East Asian, and 9 African blood donors enrolled in 2 national biobanks. We illustrated the usefulness of the platform by analyzing antibody data from patients sensitized with multiple RBC alloantibodies. Genotyping results demonstrated concordance of 99.91%, 99.97%, and 99.03% with RBC, HPA, and HLA clinically validated typing results in 89 371, 3016, and 9289 comparisons, respectively. Genotyping increased the total number of antigen typing results available from 110 980 to >1 200 000. Dense donor typing allowed identification of 2 to 6 times more compatible donors to serve 3146 patients with multiple RBC alloantibodies, providing at least 1 match for 176 individuals for whom previously no blood could be found among the same donors. This genotyping technology is already being used to type thousands of donors taking part in national genotyping studies. Extraction of dense antigen-typing data from these cohorts provides blood supply organizations with the opportunity to implement a policy of genomics-based precision matching of blood.
Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with chromosome 1q abnormalities
Authors: Abdallah Nadine , Greipp Patricia , Kapoor Prashant , Gertz Morie A. , Dispenzieri Angela , Baughn Linda B. , Lacy Martha Q. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Buadi Francis K. , Dingli David , Go Ronald S. , Hwa Yi L. , Fonder Amie , Hobbs Miriam , Lin Yi , Leung Nelson , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Warsame Rahma , Siddiqui Mustaqeem , Lust John , Kyle Robert A. , Bergsagel Leif , Ketterling Rhett , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji K.
Published: August 2020

A gain in chromosome 1q (+1q) is among the most common cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma (MM). It is unclear whether +1q is independently associated with decreased overall survival (OS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of +1q on clinical characteristics, treatment response, and survival outcomes. We included 1376 Mayo Clinic patients diagnosed with MM from 2005 to 2018 who underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization testing at diagnosis with a panel including the +1q probe. A gain in 1q was found in 391 patients (28%) and was associated with anemia, hypercalcemia, high tumor burden, International Staging System (ISS) stage 3, high-risk (HR) translocations, and chromosome 13 abnormalities. There was no difference in overall response or deeper responses to proteasome inhibitor (PI)–, immunomodulatory drug (iMiD)–, or PI plus IMiD–based induction. Time to next treatment was shorter in patients with +1q compared with those without +1q (19.9 vs 27.7 months; P < .001). On univariate analysis, +1q was associated with increased risk of death (risk ratio [RR], 1.9; P < .001), and decreased OS was seen in all treatment groups. +1q was independently associated with decreased OS on multivariate analysis when other HR cytogenetic abnormalities, ISS stage 3, and age ≥70 years were included (RR, 1.5; P < .001). Gain of >1 copy of 1q was not associated with worse OS compared with gain of 1 copy (4.9 vs 4.3 years; P = .21). +1q was associated with high tumor burden, advanced disease stage, and HR translocations. It is independently associated with decreased OS, even in the setting of novel therapy and transplant.