bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entanglements with offices, information systems, laptops and phones: How agile working is influencing social workers’ interactions with each other and with families
Authors: Jeyasingham Dharman
Published: May 2020

Agile working (flexibility about where and when practitioners do their work) is increasingly common across public sector social work, but there has been little research about how practitioners engage with it or its impacts on communication between social workers, their colleagues and the families with whom they work. This article presents findings from an ethnographic study of a children’s safeguarding social work team in an English local authority who were engaged in agile working. It draws on data from observations, local authority documents, semi-structured interviews, participant research diaries, participants’ photographs and the researcher’s photographs taken during fieldwork. An analytical frame drawing on Henri Lefebvre’s concept of spatial dialectics and Wanda Orlikowski’s concept of sociomateriality is used to identify how agile working involves entanglements of practitioners and families with restructured office spaces, digital information systems and mobile devices such as convertible laptop–tablet computers and mobile phones. Innovations such as these are commonly understood as promoting more effective and transparent social work practice, but the study’s data show that entanglements between workspaces, digital devices and people in practice are having multiple effects, producing new hierarchies of belonging in space, shaping what can be communicated, and the ways it can be presented and received. The article argues for critical attention to the role of material space in digital and place-based innovations in social work practice.
Transformative mindfulness: the role of mind-body practices in community-based activism
Authors: Schmid Benedikt , Taylor Aiken Gerald
Published: May 2020

This article emerges from the simple observation that community-based social and environmental activists often engage with practices of mindfulness, either personally or collectively. It draws on two case studies, a UK-based Transition initiative and a community of social entrepreneurs in Germany. On the surface, social and environmental activists, committed to change in the ‘real world’, outward facing and public, jar with practices of ‘mindfulness’: personal and interior actions –‘private’. We argue that post-foundationalist understandings of community, particularly Nancy’s being-in-common – popularised within geography as ‘community economies’ – and the philosophical and spiritual roots of mindfulness are two lines of thought that provide clues to this co-occurrence. Going beyond understandings of collectivity that build on the coming together of preformed individuals or presuppose a common substance, we set the (Westernised) Buddhist influences on mindfulness, specifically the notion of interbeing, side by side with Nancy’s being-in-common. This article argues that both the political and spiritual aspects of activism are integral parts of social change. It concludes that post-foundational and Buddhist-inspired lines of thought cross-fertilise and chart a course towards transformative mindfulness.
Political normativity and the functional autonomy of politics
Authors: Burelli Carlo
Published: May 2020

This article argues for a new interpretation of the realist claim that politics is autonomous from morality and involves specific political values. First, this article defends an original normative source: functional normativity. Second, it advocates a substantive functional standard: political institutions ought to be assessed by their capacity to select and implement collective decisions. Drawing from the ‘etiological account’ in philosophy of biology, I will argue that functions yield normative standards, which are independent from morality. For example, a ‘good heart’ is one that pumps blood well, and a good army is one that it is effective at exerting military force. I then interpret realism’s naturalistic conception of politics as an etiological function of social groups: namely making binding collective decisions under persistent disagreement. I conclude that political institutions should be evaluated realistically by how well they perform this task. Finally, I assess trade-offs between this functional political normativity and other moral values. I conclude that justice, fairness, freedom and equality remain obviously important concerns, but only once the basic political function is secured.
Sources and citizens: An essay in applied epistemology
Authors: Thomas Andrew
Published: May 2020

How should pupils use the internet to learn? This essay sets up two modes of using online sources, reading for information and reading for evidence, and evaluates their value for schools. The former is well known; pupils decide whether the source is telling the truth or not. The latter is more familiar in advanced historical investigation, namely deciding what this source’s utterance means for the question in hand. One of these simply hands pupils information. The other requires them to understand what they are reading. It is argued that an education that only involves one of these cultivates passive pupils who are unable to adjust their own attention or listen to minority reports in science. Only when pupils also investigate primary sources will they experience developing their own knowledge, and believe in education.
Effects of deep cryogenic treatment on WC-Co cutter performances in milling of superalloy GH536
Authors: Liu Dong , Gao Li , Zhou Peng
Published: May 2020

GH536 has been widely employed as one kind of high-performance materials; however, the poor machinability of GH536 especially substantial tool wear can still be considered as a problem. On the contrary, deep cryogenic treatment can be considered as an effective heat treatment to improve the milling cutter performances. Considering few studies that investigated the deep cryogenic treatment of the WC-Co cutters, this article experimentally investigated the effects of deep cryogenic treatment on WC-Co cutter performances in milling of superalloy GH536. The detailed discussion in terms of the microhardness before milling, the cutting forces during milling, and the tool wear and the machined surface quality after milling operation were performed based on the in-depth analysis of the experimental result comparison between the deep cryogenic treatment and the conventional tools. Some key findings were given in the end to conclude this work.
Experimental analysis of organic Rankine cycle power generation system with radial inflow turbine and R245fa
Authors: Li Lei , Tao Le-ren , Liu Qing-qing
Published: May 2020

Small turbines must operate at high rotational speeds to generate adequate output power. In this study, a radial inflow turbine using R245fa as the working fluid is miniaturised and is designed to have a rotational speed of 30,000 r/min. The organic Rankine cycle system is not simplified, and a preheater and a superheater are installed. The turbine is experimentally analysed in the organic Rankine cycle system. The experimental results show that with an increase in the inlet pressure, the turbine output power and system efficiency increase; moreover, the turbine efficiency first decreases and then increases slightly after the pressure exceeds 1.5 MPa. The turbine efficiency decreases first and then increases and attains the minimum value at an inlet temperature of 100°C–105°C. When the flow rate is 0.82 m3/s, the speed reaches its maximum value of 28,000 r/min, and a maximum output power of 17.37 kW is generated. The maximum efficiency of the turbine is 0.885 and that of the system is 0.1625. The experimental data and design parameters of the turbine provide a reference for further design optimization.
Inversion prediction of back propagation neural network in collision analysis of anti-climbing device
Authors: Li Yu-Ru , Zhu Tao , Tang Zhao , Xiao Shou-Ne , Xie Jun-Ke , Liu Zhong-Bin , Xiao Shi-De
Published: May 2020

Targeting to improve the calculation efficiency of the finite element simulation, we introduce the back propagation neural network–based machine learning method to carry out the inversion prediction framework. The inversion collision model is established based on the inversion prediction framework. Then, the prediction results are compared with the finite element simulation results of the anti-climbing device to verify the feasibility of the inversion collision model. The average prediction errors of velocity, displacement, interface force, and internal energy of the anti-climbing device are 3.7%, 4.31%, 3.4%, and 1%, respectively, and the cost time of the inversion collision model is less than 5 min. The results show that the inversion collision model constructed by back propagation neural network can significantly improve the calculation efficiency and greatly reduce the calculation time under the condition of ensuring accuracy. It will provide a new evaluation method and possibility for partially replacing the required experimental and simulation results for the crashworthiness and the safety of the anti-climbing device.
A rat arteriovenous graft model using decellularized vein
Authors: Bai Hualong , Wang Zhiwei , Li Mingxing , Sun Peng , Wang Wang , Liu Weizhen , Wei Shunbo , Wang Zhiju , Xing Ying , Dardik Alan
Published: May 2020

Background

The high rate of clinical failure of prosthetic arteriovenous grafts continues to suggest the need for novel tissue-engineered vascular grafts. We tested the hypothesis that the decellularized rat jugular vein could be successfully used as a conduit and that it would support reendothelialization as well as adaptation to the arterial environment.

Materials and methods

Autologous (control) or heterologous decellularized jugular vein (1 cm length, 1 mm diameter) was sewn between the inferior vena cava and aorta as an arteriovenous graft in Wistar rats. Rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 21 for examination.

Results

All rats survived, and grafts had 100% patency in both the control and decellularized groups. Both control and decellularized jugular vein grafts showed similar rates of reendothelialization, smooth muscle cell deposition, macrophage infiltration, and cell turnover. The outflow veins distal to the grafts showed similar adaptation to the arteriovenous flow. Both CD34, CD90 and nestin positive cells, as well as M1-type and M2-type macrophages accumulated around the graft.

Conclusions

This model shows that decellularized vein can be successfully used as an arteriovenous graft between the rat aorta and the inferior vena cava. Several types of cells, including progenitor cells and macrophages, are present in the host response to these grafts in this model. This model can be used to test the application of arteriovenous grafts before conducting large animal experiments.
A condition-based preventive replacement policy with imperfect manual inspection for a two-stage deterioration process
Authors: Wang Hui-Ying , Wang Zhao-Qiang
Published: May 2020

This article proposes a novel preventive replacement policy based on condition monitoring and imperfect manual inspection for systems subject to a two-stage deterioration process, where the two-stage deterioration process is modeled by the white noise process and Brownian motion with a drift, respectively. The proposed preventive replacement policy is implemented using two thresholds: a failure threshold and a preventive threshold. Specifically, if the condition monitoring measurement is observed to cross the failure threshold, then the failure replacement will be carried out; and, if the condition monitoring measurement is observed to cross the preventive threshold while lower than the failure threshold, then the system needs to be checked by manual inspection, and the preventive replacement will be carried out once the system is found to be in the defective state. In this article, we consider that manual inspection is imperfect, namely, there is a probability that the defect will be unnoticed. By minimizing the expected cost per unit time, we obtain the optimal condition monitoring interval and preventive threshold. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed condition-based replacement policy. Comparisons are made with the existing work, which shows the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed policy.
Molecular characterisation, expression and functional feature of TRAF6 in the King pigeon (Columba livia)
Authors: Guo Yaxin , Xu Ying , Xiong Dan , Zhou Yingying , Kang Xilong , Meng Chuang , Gu Dan , Jiao Xinan , Pan Zhiming
Published: May 2020

TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is a signal transducer, which plays a pivotal role in triggering a variety of signalling cascades. Here, we cloned and identified the TRAF6 gene from the King pigeon. The open reading frame sequence of pigeon TRAF6 (piTRAF6) is 1638 bp long and encodes a 545 aa protein, including a low-complexity domain, RING finger, Zinc finger, coiled coil domain, and meprin and TRAF homology domain. The aa sequence of piTRAF6 shared a strong identity with that of other birds. PiTRAF6 transcripts were broadly expressed in all the tested tissues; piTRAF6 levels were the highest and lowest in the heart and stomach, respectively. Overexpression of piTRAF6 activated NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner and induced IFN-β expression. Upon piTRAF6 knockdown by small interfering RNAs, NF-κB activation was markedly inhibited in HEK293T cells. The expression of piTRAF6, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines and antiviral molecules, were obviously increased after TLR ligand stimulation and Newcastle disease virus or Salmonella Pullorum inoculation. These results suggest that piTRAF6 may play a key immunoregulatory role in the innate immune response against viral and bacterial infections.
Nonacosan-10-ol and n-Alkanes in Leaves of Pinus pinaster
Authors: Nikolić Biljana , Todosijević Marina , Đorđević Iris , Stanković Jovana , Mitić Zorica S. , Tešević Vele , Marin Petar D.
Published: May 2020

In leaf cuticular wax of Pinus pinaster, content of nonacosan-10-ol is high (77.1% on average). n-Alkanes ranged from C18 to C35 with the most dominant C29 (24.8%). The carbon preference index (CPItotal) ranged from 3.1 to 5.6 (4.0 on average), while the average chain length (ACLtotal) ranged from 14.0 to 17.0 (14.8 on average). Long-chain n-alkanes ( n-C25-35) strongly dominated (80.1%) over middle-chain ( n-C21-24 = 18.9%) and short-chain ( n -C18-20 = 0.9%) n-alkanes.
Improvement in Health-Related Quality of Life After Total Ankle Arthroplasty Compares Well With Other Successful Orthopaedic and Nonorthopaedic Procedures
Authors: Lachman James R. , Green Cynthia L. , Adams Samuel B. , Nunley James A. , DeOrio James K. , Easley Mark E.
Published: May 2020

Background. Ankle arthritis is a major cause of disability. Orthopaedic literature suggests improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). This has not been compared with improvements observed in successful orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic procedures, including anterior cervical discectomy/fusion (ACDF), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). We hypothesize that the effects after TAA are comparable to several successful surgical procedures. Methods. 500 consecutive TAA patients were included and grouped with 2 other large series. Short Form-36 (SF36) were collected at standardized intervals. A systematic literature review identified studies comparing preoperative and postoperative SF36 physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Using meta-analyses, we pooled the data for each procedure to compare with the TAA group. Results. Patients in all cohorts had preoperative SF36 MCS and PCS scores that were significantly lower than that in the general population. Improvements in HRQOL after TAA were not statistically different from improvements reported in PCS and MCS after ACDF, TKA, and OLT. However, improvement in PCS after TAA was better than that observed after CABG. Conclusions. Disability with ankle arthritis is severe. Disability associated with cervical disc disease, knee arthrosis, coronary artery disease, and liver failure is also severe, with surgical intervention providing major improvements in HRQOL postoperatively. The improvement in HRQOL after TAA did not differ statistically from ACDF, TKA, CABG, and OLT. Our investigation suggests that the HRQOL benefits of TAA meet benchmarks set by some of modern medicine’s best.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Systematic review
Decolonizing religion and the practice of peace: Two case studies from the postcolonial world
Authors: Omer Atalia
Published: May 2020

Based on extensive field work focused on interreligious peacebuilding practices in Kenya and the Philippines, this article argues that decolonial accounts of peacebuilding, in line with decolonial interventions in the study of religion, remain captive to the task of epistemological undoing and thus insufficiently relevant to the precarious lives of many invisibalized people in the global South. The question is whether decolonial thinking in the study of religion and theology should concern itself with such pertinence. I first examine the colonial legacy of “peace” and key features of decolonial interventions in the modernist, civilizational, and developmentalist discourses within which “peace” is embedded. Next, I analyze how interreligious peacebuilding practices both entrench coloniality while improving the lives of people who engage in such practices and how such practices rely on thin or “sticky notes” religiosity, deeply inconsistent with decolonial theologies and religiosity. Finally, I show how, on the ground, mere existence and overcoming hate reside along a spectrum of decolonial politics.
Liraglutide accelerates colonic transit in people with type 1 diabetes and polyneuropathy: A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Langmach Wegeberg Anne‐Marie , Hansen Christian Stevns , Farmer Adam D , Karmisholt Jesper Scott , Drewes Asbjorn M , Jakobsen Poul Erik , Brock Birgitte , Brock Christina
Published: May 2020

Background

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide, reduce hyperglycaemia and induce weight loss and are used as a treatment in diabetes. However, common adverse effects include nausea, loss of appetite and prolonged gastric emptying. It is not known whether these changes are centrally generated or if liraglutide alters the enteric motility.

Objective

To investigate the effects of liraglutide on gastrointestinal function and symptoms.

Methods

A total of 48 adults with type 1 diabetes and confirmed distal symmetric polyneuropathy were randomised to receive liraglutide 1.8 mg/day or placebo for 26 weeks. Regional transit times and motility indexes were assessed with a wireless motility capsule, whereas symptoms were evaluated using the validated gastroparesis cardinal symptom index.

Results

Liraglutide treatment reduced large bowel transit time (31.7%, p  = 0.04) and decreased motility index (6.1%, p  = 0.04) compared to placebo, whereas the groups did not differ in gastric emptying or small‐bowel transit times. Liraglutide increased postprandial fullness with 29% (p  = 0.01). Increased small bowel transit time was associated with decreased bloating (p  = 0.008).

Conclusion

Liraglutide accelerates large bowel transit and decreases motility index, which may indicate better coordination of propulsive motility. This potentially improves the function of the enteric nervous system, leading to normalised colonic function and positive effects in type 1 diabetes.
Placial Justice: Restoring Rehabilitation and Correctional Legitimacy Through Architectural Design
Authors: St. John Victor J.
Published: May 2020

Efforts to reduce the correction population have taken many forms across the United States, with the redesign of correctional edifices being met with mixed support from stakeholders. Building from the advances of the new-generation facility design, this piece outlines how the “next” generation of facility design can serve as one of many strategies to reduce the United States’s heavy reliance on the carceral system. Specifically, the redesign of facilities should include considerations of placial justice. That is, how the architectural construction of a correctional facility can promote the experience and perception of just and fair treatment for inmates and staff alike. This article proposes the tenants of an open, transparent, and inclusive (OTI) design to enhance placial justice in correctional buildings and with it increase correctional legitimacy and fortify the rehabilitative function of the institution. Discussions also include how the redesign of correctional facilities fit within the larger discourse on correctional humanism.
Measuring Mental Health of Caregivers of Special Children: A Case of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Talib , Hussain Shahid , Hussain Sadiq , Jabeen Naila , Nurunnabi Mohammad
Published: May 2020

The objective of this study was to assess the mental health of caregivers of special children in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan. The sample of 100 caregivers (50 special and 50 normal) was recruited. Mental Health Inventory was used to assess parents’ mental health, and demographic information was collected using demographic sheet. The results of the study showed that caregivers of special children reported a lower level of mental health ( t = 2.25, p = .02), psychological well-being ( t = 2.89, p = .00), general positive affect ( t = 2.52, p = .01), emotional ties ( t = 2.54, p = .01), and life satisfaction ( t = 2.54, p = .01) and higher level of depression ( t = 1.96, p = .05) and loss of emotional/behavioral control ( t = 2.28, p = .02) as compared with caregivers of normal children. However, insignificant differences were found in psychological distress ( t = 1.64, p = .10) and anxiety ( t = .59, p = .55) between both groups. Caregivers’ gender was found as a significant risk factor for their mental health. Likewise, in other areas, caregivers of special children in GB were also vulnerable to mental health problems, particularly females, so that it is essential to address their mental health problems. The results of the study revealed significant and valuable recommendations for mental health professionals.
“Grow Old Along With Me”: Robert Browning’s Conception of Jewish Old Age
Authors: Manor Gal
Published: May 2020

Robert Browning often explored the concepts of old age and dying in his poems, and surprisingly enough, some of these most striking poems use Hebraic sources as intertexts. This article will explore Robert Browning’s idea of old age as it is conveyed in “Rabbi Ben Ezra,” “Pisgah Sights,” and “Jochanan Hakkadosh,” three poems in which Browning turns to Hebrew sources to explore philosophical and mystical narratives of aging. Written against the emerging Victorian conception of the elderly subject, these poems merge two forms of Victorian Otherness—Judaism and old age—so as to create an alternative and celebratory vision of the last stage of life. These representations of old age also reflect Robert Browning’s biographical old age, which introduced long-awaited popularity and critical acclaim, and the evolution of his favorite form, the dramatic monologue.
Unstable Jobs Harm Performance: The Importance of Psychological Safety and Organizational Commitment in Employees
Authors: Kim Byung-Jik
Published: May 2020

Although previous research has examined the influence of job insecurity on perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of employees, the literature has paid insufficient attention to the impact of job insecurity on organizational performance and the underlying mechanisms of this association. Organizational performance is one of the most critical outcomes in an organization, and studies are needed to examine the influence of job insecurity on organizational performance together with its intermediating processes. Accordingly, this study investigates the intermediating mechanisms between job insecurity and perceived organizational performance with a sequential mediation model. Specifically, this article hypothesizes that levels of employees’ psychological safety and organizational commitment sequentially mediate the job insecurity–perceived organizational performance link. Using three-wave time-lagged data from 321 employees in South Korea, this study found that psychological safety and organizational commitment were sequential mediators in the link. This finding suggests that levels of psychological safety and organizational commitment in employees function as underlying processes in explaining the job insecurity–perceived organizational performance link.
Ulnar-sided wrist pain due to radial bifurcation of the extensor digiti minimi tendon: A case report and literature review
Authors: Sasaki Ryo , Yano Koichi , Kaneshiro Yasunori , Hyun Seungho , Sakanaka Hideki
Published: May 2020

Stenosing tenosynovitis of the extensor digiti minimi (EDM) without trauma is very rare. We report a 21-year-old woman who presented with dorsoulnar wrist pain during palmar wrist flexion and soft tissue mass at the site of pain. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a round mass radial to the EDM tendon. Conservative treatment for 3 months failed to improve the patient’s pain levels. Intraoperative findings revealed smaller radial slip of the EDM tendon, and bifurcation of these was under the distal portion of the extensor retinaculum (ER). Surgical release of the ER, resection of the smaller slip of the EDM tendon, and tenosynovectomy were performed. Histological examination showed tenosynovitis. At the final follow-up 1 year postoperatively, she was asymptomatic. A literature review suggested that stenosing tenosynovitis of the EDM tendon might be caused by frequent use of the hand with a background history of bifurcation of the EDM tendon.
Understanding commuting patterns and changes: Counterfactual analysis in a planning support framework
Authors: Yang Tianren
Published: May 2020

In order to contain commuting distance growth and relieve traffic burden in mega-city regions, it is essential to understand journey-to-work patterns and changes in those patterns. This research develops a planning support model that integrates increasingly available mobile phone data and conventional statistics into a theoretical urban economic framework to reveal and explain commuting changes. Base-year calibration and cross-year validation were conducted first to test the model’s predictive ability. Counterfactual simulations were then applied to help local planners and policymakers understand which factors lead to differences in commuting patterns and how different policies influence various categorical zones (i.e. centre, near suburbs, sub-centres and far suburbs). The case study of Shanghai shows that jobs–housing co-location results in shorter commutes and that policymakers should be more cautious when determining workplace locations as they play a more significant role in mitigating excessive commutes and redistributing travel demand. Furthermore, land use and transport developments should be coordinated across spatial scales to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for both the city centre and the suburbs. Coupled with empirical evidence explaining commuting changes over time, the proposed model can deliver timely and situation-cogent messages regarding the success or failure of planned policy initiatives.
Indian Society of Agribusiness Professionals: Helping Agripreneurs Innovate
Authors: Brahma Mita , S. Tripathi Shiv
Published: May 2020

The Indian Society of Agribusiness Professionals (ISAP) was a non-government, non-profit organization that had been working for sustainable livelihood in rural India. Indian farmers had several challenges: Poverty, illiteracy, small land holdings, inadequate access to clean water and hygiene, lack of quality seeds and fertilizers, inefficient marketing channels and corrupt middle-men, and little exposure to modern methods of farming, technology and communication. ISAP created a network of agricultural scientists, farmers, producers and government agencies, to facilitate an exchange of knowledge and resources. It ran skill development programs, entrepreneurship programs and used mobile apps, community radio to generate awareness in the farmers and provide them the necessary support through its network to help the agripreneurs in their innovations. The case showcases some innovations by these agripreneurs and how ISAP helped them achieve their objectives.
An evolutionarily ancient mechanism for regulation of hemoglobin expression in vertebrate red cells
Authors: Miyata Masato , Gillemans Nynke , Hockman Dorit , Demmers Jeroen A. A. , Cheng Jan-Fang , Hou Jun , Salminen Matti , Fisher Christopher A. , Taylor Stephen , Gibbons Richard J. , Ganis Jared J. , Zon Leonard I. , Grosveld Frank , Mulugeta Eskeatnaf , Sauka-Spengler Tatjana , Higgs Douglas R. , Philipsen Sjaak
Published: May 2020

The oxygen transport function of hemoglobin (HB) is thought to have arisen ∼500 million years ago, roughly coinciding with the divergence between jawless (Agnatha) and jawed (Gnathostomata) vertebrates. Intriguingly, extant HBs of jawless and jawed vertebrates were shown to have evolved twice, and independently, from different ancestral globin proteins. This raises the question of whether erythroid-specific expression of HB also evolved twice independently. In all jawed vertebrates studied to date, one of the HB gene clusters is linked to the widely expressed NPRL3 gene. Here we show that the nprl3-linked hb locus of a jawless vertebrate, the river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), shares a range of structural and functional properties with the equivalent jawed vertebrate HB locus. Functional analysis demonstrates that an erythroid-specific enhancer is located in intron 7 of lamprey nprl3, which corresponds to the NPRL3 intron 7 MCS-R1 enhancer of jawed vertebrates. Collectively, our findings signify the presence of an nprl3-linked multiglobin gene locus, which contains a remote enhancer that drives globin expression in erythroid cells, before the divergence of jawless and jawed vertebrates. Different globin genes from this ancestral cluster evolved in the current NPRL3-linked HB genes in jawless and jawed vertebrates. This provides an explanation of the enigma of how, in different species, globin genes linked to the same adjacent gene could undergo convergent evolution.
Comparing transplant outcomes in ALL patients after haploidentical with PTCy or matched unrelated donor transplantation
Authors: Al Malki Monzr M. , Yang Dongyun , Labopin Myriam , Afanasyev Boris , Angelucci Emanuele , Bashey Asad , Socié Gérard , Karduss-Urueta Amado , Helbig Grzegorz , Bornhauser Martin , Niittyvuopio Riitta , Ganser Arnold , Ciceri Fabio , Brecht Arne , Koc Yener , Bejanyan Nelli , Ferraro Francesca , Kebriaei Partow , Mokhtari Sally , Ghobadi Armin , Nakamura Ryotaro , Forman Stephen J. , Champlin Richard , Mohty Mohamad , Ciurea Stefan O. , Nagler Arnon
Published: May 2020

We compared outcomes of 1461 adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from a haploidentical (n = 487) or matched unrelated donor (MUD; n = 974) between January 2005 and June 2018. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for haploidentical, and CNI with MMF or methotrexate with/without antithymoglobulin for MUDs. Haploidentical recipients were matched (1:2 ratio) with MUD controls for sex, conditioning intensity, disease stage, Philadelphia-chromosome status, and cytogenetic risk. In the myeloablative setting, day +28 neutrophil recovery was similar between haploidentical (87%) and MUD (88%) (P = .11). Corresponding rates after reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) were 84% and 88% (P = .47). The 3-month incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD (aGVHD) and 3-year chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was similar after haploidentical compared with MUD: myeloablative conditioning, 33% vs 34% (P = .46) for aGVHD and 29% vs 31% for cGVHD (P = .58); RIC, 31% vs 30% (P = .06) for aGVHD and 24% vs 29% for cGVHD (P = .86). Among patients receiving myeloablative regimens, 3-year probabilities of overall survival were 44% and 51% with haploidentical and MUD (P = .56). Corresponding rates after RIC were 43% and 42% (P = .6). In this large multicenter case-matched retrospective analysis, despite the limitations of a registry-based study (ie, unavailability of key elements such as minimal residual disease testing), our analysis indicated that outcomes of patients with ALL undergoing HCT from a haploidentical donor were comparable with 8 of 8 MUD transplantations.
A user guide to the American Society of Hematology clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Izcovich Ariel , Cuker Adam , Kunkle Robert , Neumann Ignacio , Panepinto Julie , Pai Menaka , Seftel Matthew , Cheung Matthew C. , Lottenberg Richard , Byrne Michael , Plovnick Robert , Terrell Deirdra , Holter-Chakrabarty Jennifer L. , Djulbegovic Benjamin , Hicks Lisa K. , Wiercioch Wojtek , Nieuwlaat Robby , Schünemann Holger J.
Published: May 2020

Since November 2018, Blood Advances has published American Society of Hematology (ASH) clinical practice guidelines on venous thromboembolism, immune thrombocytopenia, and sickle cell disease. More ASH guidelines on these and other topics are forthcoming. These guidelines have been developed using consistent processes, methods, terminology, and presentation formats. In this article, we describe how patients, clinicians, policymakers, researchers, and others may use ASH guidelines and the many related derivates by describing how to interpret information and how to apply it to clinical decision-making. Also, by exploring how these documents are developed, we aim to clarify their limitations and possible inappropriate usage.
Reproduction of the endangered endemic saffron coral to the Gulf of California Porites sverdrupi (Anthozoa: Scleractinia): implications for its long-term maintenance
Authors: Martínez-Castillo Violeta , Rodríguez-Troncoso Alma Paola , Reyes-Bonilla Héctor , Aguilar-Cruz Carlos Augusto , Rangel-Dávalos Carlos
Published: May 2020

The biology of the scleractinian Porites sverdrupi, endemic to the Gulf of California, is poorly studied. In order to fill that gap, the present study documents the reproductive biology of this coral which is to date protected by the IUCN’s as “vulnerable” and listed as “in risk of extinction” in the Mexican Federal Law for species protection. Also, potential distribution models were constructed to evaluate the status of the remaining species’ populations, and the role that reproduction has in their permanence. Porites sverdrupi show a gonochoric brooding reproductive pattern, with asynchronous gamete development regulated by sea surface temperature and light. The potential distribution models suggest that this coral currently covers less than 6% of its original range of distribution. Furthermore, the results suggest that, despite the drastic decline of the species, the remaining populations have the ability to persist even under current changing ocean conditions as successful sexual reproduction was documented even during the strong 2014–2015 ENSO event producing sexual recruits to maintain themselves.
Morin inhibits Listeria monocytogenes virulence in vivo and in vitro by targeting listeriolysin O and inflammation
Authors: Li Gen , Wang Guizhen , Li Meng , Li Li , Liu Hongtao , Sun Meiyang , Wen Zhongmei
Published: May 2020

Background

Listeria monocytogenes(L. monocytogenes) is a global opportunistic intracellular pathogen that can cause many infections, including meningitis and abortion in humans and animals; thus,L. monocytogenesposes a great threat to public safety and the development of the aquaculture industry. The isolation rate ofListeria monocytogenesin fishery products has always been high. And the pore-forming toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) is one of the most important virulence factors ofL. monocytogenes. LLO can promote cytosolic bacterial proliferation and help the pathogen evade attacks from the host immune system. In addition,L. monocytogenesinfection can trigger a series of severe inflammatory reactions.

Results

Here, we further confirmed that morin lacking anti-Listeriaactivity could inhibit LLO oligomerization. We also found that morin can effectively alleviate the inflammation induced byListeriain vivo and in vitro and exerted an obvious protective effect on infected cells and mice.

Conclusions

Morin does not possess anti-Listeriaactivity, neither does it interfere with secretion of LLO. However, morin inhibits oligomerisation of LLO and morin does reduce the inflammation caused duringListeriainfection.
Obtaining and managing data sets for individual participant data meta-analysis: scoping review and practical guide
Authors: Ventresca Matthew , Schünemann Holger J. , Macbeth Fergus , Clarke Mike , Thabane Lehana , Griffiths Gareth , Noble Simon , Garcia David , Marcucci Maura , Iorio Alfonso , Zhou Qi , Crowther Mark , Akl Elie A. , Lyman Gary H. , Gloy Viktoria , DiNisio Marcello , Briel Matthias
Published: May 2020

Background

Shifts in data sharing policy have increased researchers’ access to individual participant data (IPD) from clinical studies. Simultaneously the number of IPD meta-analyses (IPDMAs) is increasing. However, rates of data retrieval have not improved. Our goal was to describe the challenges of retrieving IPD for an IPDMA and provide practical guidance on obtaining and managing datasets based on a review of the literature and practical examples and observations.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, until January 2019, to identify publications focused on strategies to obtain IPD. In addition, we searched pharmaceutical websites and contacted industry organizations for supplemental information pertaining to recent advances in industry policy and practice. Finally, we documented setbacks and solutions encountered while completing a comprehensive IPDMA and drew on previous experiences related to seeking and using IPD.

Results

Our scoping review identified 16 articles directly relevant for the conduct of IPDMAs. We present short descriptions of these articles alongside overviews of IPD sharing policies and procedures of pharmaceutical companies which display certification of Principles for Responsible Clinical Trial Data Sharing via Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America or European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations websites. Advances in data sharing policy and practice affected the way in which data is requested, obtained, stored and analyzed.

For our IPDMA it took 6.5 years to collect and analyze relevant IPD and navigate additional administrative barriers. Delays in obtaining data were largely due to challenges in communication with study sponsors, frequent changes in data sharing policies of study sponsors, and the requirement for a diverse skillset related to research, administrative, statistical and legal issues.

Conclusions

Knowledge of current data sharing practices and platforms as well as anticipation of necessary tasks and potential obstacles may reduce time and resources required for obtaining and managing data for an IPDMA. Sufficient project funding and timeline flexibility are pre-requisites for successful collection and analysis of IPD. IPDMA researchers must acknowledge the additional and unexpected responsibility they are placing on corresponding study authors or data sharing administrators and should offer assistance in readying data for sharing.
A mixed methods case study investigating how randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are reported, understood and interpreted in practice
Authors: Byrne Ben E. , Rooshenas Leila , Lambert Helen S. , Blazeby Jane M.
Published: May 2020

Background

While randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide high-quality evidence to guide practice, much routine care is not based upon available RCTs. This disconnect between evidence and practice is not sufficiently well understood. This case study explores this relationship using a novel approach. Better understanding may improve trial design, conduct, reporting and implementation, helping patients benefit from the best available evidence.

Methods

We employed a case-study approach, comprising mixed methods to examine the case of interest: the primary outcome paper of a surgical RCT (the TIME trial). Letters and editorials citing the TIME trial’s primary report underwent qualitative thematic analysis, and the RCT was critically appraised using validated tools. These analyses were compared to provide insight into how the TIME trial findings were interpreted and appraised by the clinical community.

Results

23 letters and editorials were studied. Most authorship included at least one academic (20/23) and one surgeon (21/23). Authors identified wide-ranging issues including confounding variables or outcome selection. Clear descriptions of bias or generalisability were lacking. Structured appraisal identified risks of bias. Non-RCT evidence was less critically appraised. Authors reached varying conclusions about the trial without consistent justification. Authors discussed aspects of internal and external validity covered by appraisal tools but did not use these methodological terms in their articles.

Conclusions

This novel method for examining interpretation of an RCT in the clinical community showed that published responses identified limited issues with trial design. Responses did not provide coherent rationales for accepting (or not) trial results. Findings may suggest that authors lacked skills in appraisal of RCT design and conduct. Multiple case studies with cross-case analysis of other trials are needed.
Peer education for HIV prevention among high-risk groups: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Jiayu , Wang Ying , Du Zhicheng , Liao Jing , He Na , Hao Yuantao
Published: May 2020

Background

Peer education has become a strategy for health promotion among high-risk groups for HIV infection worldwide. However, the extent to which peer education could have an impact on HIV prevention or the long-term effect of this impact is still unknown. This study thus quantifies the impact of peer education over time among high-risk HIV groups globally.

Method

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis was used to assess the effects and duration of peer education. A thorough literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library was performed, and studies about peer education on high-risk HIV groups were reviewed. Pooled effects were calculated and the sources of heterogeneity were explored using meta-regression and subgroup analysis.

Results

A total of 60 articles with 96,484 subjects were identified, and peer education was associated with 36% decreased rates of HIV infection among overall high risk groups (OR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.47–0.87). Peer education can promote HIV testing (OR = 3.19; 95%CI:2.13,4.79) and condom use (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 2.11–3.36) while reduce equipment sharing (OR = 0.50; 95%CI:0.33,0.75) and unprotected sex (OR = 0.82; 95%CI: 0.72–0.94). Time trend analysis revealed that peer education had a consistent effect on behavior change for over 24 months and the different follow-up times were a source of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Our study shows that peer education is an effective tool with long-term impact for behavior change among high-risk HIV groups worldwide. Low and middle-income countries are encouraged to conduct large-scale peer education.
An unusual case of dengue shock syndrome complicated by ilio-femoral deep vein thrombosis; a case report
Authors: Ranasinghe K. M. I. U. , Dissanayaka D. , Thirumavalavan K. , Seneviratne M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Dengue fever is a hemorrhagic fever caused by flaviviruses. Hemorrhagic manifestations are well known to be associated with dengue fever, though the thrombotic events are only seldom reported. Underlying pathophysiology of thrombotic events is multifactorial and the management is challenging due to associated thrombocytopenia and bleeding tendency. We report a case of dengue shock syndrome with severe thrombocytopenia complicated by ilio-femoral deep vein thrombosis.

Case presentation

A 16 year old boy presented with dengue fever. He had dengue shock syndrome after entering the critical phase on the fifth day of the illness. With the recovery from the critical phase he developed deep vein thrombosis involving right external iliac, common femoral and superficial femoral veins. There were no provocative factors other than dengue fever itself. His platelet count was 12,000/μl at the time of diagnosis with deep vein thrombosis. Anticoagulation was started with intravenous unfractionated heparin 500 IU/hour while closely being observed for bleeding complications. 1000 IU/hour dose was commenced with the recovery of the platelet count above 50,000/μl. Thrombophilia screening was negative and he was discharged on warfarin. Venous duplex done after 6 weeks showed normal lower limb venous flow and warfarin was omitted after three months.

Conclusions

With dengue fever, complications like deep vein thrombosis can be easily missed given its rarity and that the major concern is on hemorrhagic complications. Management is challenging due to associated thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic complications.
Promoting positive maternal, newborn, and child health behaviors through a group-based health education and microfinance program: a prospective matched cohort study in western Kenya
Authors: Maldonado Lauren Y. , Songok Julia J. , Snelgrove John W. , Ochieng Christian B. , Chelagat Sheilah , Ikemeri Justus E. , Okwanyi Monica A. , Cole Donald C. , Ruhl Laura J. , Christoffersen-Deb Astrid
Published: May 2020

Background

Chamas for Change (Chamas) is a group-based health education and microfinance program for pregnant and postpartum women that aims to address inequities contributing to high rates of maternal and infant mortality in rural western Kenya. In this prospective matched cohort study, we evaluated the association between Chamas participation and facility-based delivery. We additionally explored the effect of participation on promoting other positive maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) behaviors.

Methods

We prospectively compared outcomes between a cohort of Chamas participants and controls matched for age, parity, and prenatal care location. Between October–December 2012, government-sponsored community health volunteers (CHV) recruited pregnant women attending their first antenatal care (ANC) visits at rural health facilities in Busia County to participate in Chamas. Women enrolled in Chamas agreed to attend group-based health education and microfinance sessions for one year; controls received the standard of care. We used descriptive analyses, multivariable logistic regression models, and random effect models to compare outcomes across cohorts 12 months following enrollment, with α set to 0.05.

Results

Compared to controls (n = 115), a significantly higher proportion of Chamas participants (n = 211) delivered in a health facility (84.4% vs. 50.4%, p < 0.001), attended at least four ANC visits (64.0% vs. 37.4%, p < 0·001), exclusively breastfed to six months (82.0% vs. 47.0%, p < 0·001), and received a CHV home visit within 48 h postpartum (75.8% vs. 38.3%, p < 0·001). In multivariable models, Chamas participants were over five times as likely as controls to deliver in a health facility (OR 5.49, 95% CI 3.12–9.64, p < 0.001). Though not significant, Chamas participants experienced a lower proportion of stillbirths (0.9% vs. 5.2%), miscarriages (5.2% vs. 7.8%), infant deaths (2.8% vs. 3.4%), and maternal deaths (0.9% vs. 1.7%) compared to controls.

Conclusions

Chamas participation was associated with increased odds of facility-based delivery compared to the standard of care in rural western Kenya. Larger proportions of program participants also practiced other positive MNCH behaviors. Our findings demonstrate Chamas’ potential to achieve population-level MNCH benefits; however, a larger study is needed to validate this observed effect.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03188250 (retrospectively registered 31 May 2017).