bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Popular’ Imagery in the Late Ottoman Periphery: The Wall Paintings in Village Mosques of Denizli Province
Authors: Değirmenci Tülün
Published: December 2019

Among the spaces conveying rich information on Anatolian social structure, mosques occupy a special place. In pre-modern societies, village and small-town mosques were not only places of worship, but served as foci of education and sociability, hosting visitors or travellers on occasion. While the architecture of village mosques is usually very simple, the furnishings can be elaborate, turning these modest structures into mirrors reflecting village culture, and thereby the culture of the Ottoman periphery.

The present article focuses on eighteenth- and nineteenth-century painted mosques in the Turkish province of Denizli and environs, which display a remarkable unity of style and iconography. In the secondary literature, these works of art usually appear as products of so-called ‘Westernization’. By contrast, this study argues that they are outputs of Ottoman popular culture. Tangible from the seventeenth century onwards, the sociocultural dynamics and life practices specific to the Ottoman periphery have given this artwork its peculiar form. Thus, this study encourages researchers to rethink Anatolian conservatism, as it demonstrates that in the pre-modern era, mosques were not the well-protected spaces, distant from everyday life that they are today. Rather, in the period under study, village mosques could be ‘ambiguous’ spaces seamlessly joining varying spheres of life and belief.
Effect of Board Diversity, Promoter’s Presence and Multiple Directorships on Firm Performance
Authors: Limbasiya Nailesh , Shukla Hitesh
Published: December 2019

Purpose: This article analyses the effect of board diversity on the financial performance of non-financial firms listed in the Nifty Index. Specifically, it examines the mediation effect of the promoter’s presence and multiple directorships on the financial performance of the firm, that is, return on net worth (RONW), return on equity (ROE) and its sales growth.

Methodology: The article uses the hierarchical regression model to analyse the effect of board diversity on financial performance. The presence of the promoters on the board and multiple directorships are taken as the control variables.

Findings: Empirical results show the significant effect of the promoter’s presence on the board on the firm’s earnings and a significant positive effect of firm age, board size, age diversity and experience diversity on the financial performance. However, we do not find any statistically significant relationship between firm size and financial performance in any model. The results also show that the age and experience of the female directors are significantly less compared to the male directors. However, the age and experience of the non-executive directors and independent directors are found to be higher among the other positions held by the directors. We also find a negative relationship between multiple directorships in other firms and the financial performance of the firm.

Value: The article proposes that there should be a greater number of independent directors in a firm that has its promoter on the board. One recommendation for the board is to reduce the number of directorships held in other boards to ensure more constructive contribution towards the firm’s financial performance. The article studies the effect of the promoter’s presence on the board and multiple directorships held by board members on the financial performance of the firm.
Lillian Gilbreth and Amelia Earhart: How an Eye Toward Diversity Brought Two Pioneers Together
Authors: Chong Isis , Proctor Robert W.
Published: December 2019

Amelia Earhart and Lillian Gilbreth are well-known for their accomplishments during the 20th century in aviation and industrial management, respectively. Both were outspoken advocates of women having professional careers during a time when that was uncommon. For these reasons, in 1935, Edward C. Elliott, then president of Purdue University, hired Earhart and Gilbreth. Earhart served as counselor on careers for women and consultant for aeronautics until her death in 1937 and Gilbreth as counselor and professor of management until 1948. Their contributions provide a beacon for the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society in its continual striving for diversity and equality for all members.
Active control of functionally graded carbon nanotube–reinforced composite plates with piezoelectric layers subjected to impact loading
Authors: Selim Belal Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed , Liu Zishun , Liew Kim Meow
Published: December 2019

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt in the open literature to study the active control of the dynamic response of functionally graded carbon nanotube–reinforced composite plates with piezoelectric layers, as target composite plates, subjected to impact loading. The theoretical formulation of the composite plates with piezoelectric layers is developed using the element-free improved moving least-squares Ritz model and the higher-order shear deformation theory. The effective material properties of the carbon nanotube–reinforced composite layer are estimated by the Mori–Tanaka method. The modified nonlinear Hertz contact law is used to identify the contact force between the target composite plates and the spherical impactor. The Newmark time integration method is utilized to calculate the resulting dynamic response. A constant velocity feedback controller is efficiently used for the active control of the dynamic response of the target plates subjected to impact loading. The results revealed that the current model can successfully reduce and suppress the resulting displacement caused by impact loading. Additionally, the effects of some passive configurations on the target plates’ dynamic response are presented. The effect of altering both active and passive control configurations together on the target plates’ dynamic response is discussed as well.
Vibrations of a nonlinear stochastic system with a varying mass under near resonant excitation
Authors: Sorokin Vladislav S
Published: December 2019

Dynamics of a nonlinear second order system with a stochastically varying mass is considered in the article. The system is under an external time-harmonic loading, which is assumed to be near resonant. Damping, excitation strength, nonlinearity, and mass variations are considered to be of the same order of smallness. Under these assumptions, an explicit approximate solution of the problem is obtained using the multiple scales perturbation method. The leading (zero) order component of the solution is not affected by noise, whereas the first order component is stochastic and is energetically unstable because of mass variations. This implies that the considered oscillator will not vibrate in the near resonant regime because of mass variations. Instead, its vibrations will feature a considerable, but limited in amplitude, stochastic component. These vibrations will be stable, which illustrates a qualitative difference of the phenomenon from the motion instability described previously for linear stochastic oscillators for lower values of damping. The presence of the nonlinearity does not considerably affect the stability. To avoid the phenomenon, damping in the system should be increased so as to be much larger than mass variations. The obtained results were validated by a series of numerical experiments. The oscillator can be considered as a simplified model of machines used for processing of granular materials, such as vibrating screens, and the results are relevant for various applications, including mining industry.
When obsolete technology meets convergence culture: The case of VHS videocassettes
Authors: Aharoni Matan
Published: December 2019

Technological developments have led to a rethinking of how obsolete media should be treated when it becomes relatively inaccessible. This article focuses on Video Home System (VHS) videocassettes in digital culture. Using semi-structured interviews undertaken with people who converted their videocassettes into a digital format, this study explores the notion of participatory and convergence culture. It shows how media innovation results in emergent roles and functions for videocassettes, attributing new experiences and meanings to both digital and VHS formats. Specifically, divergence helps videocassette owners control and manage family memories, strengthening ties between family members and relations between friends. This culminates in the creation of an inherited object of memory. The findings indicate a lack of confidence in technology, especially in its ability to preserve family memories. In addition, it was found that a sort of spiritual power is attributed to videocassettes, which prevents their owners from throwing them away. This study offers a model of the divergence process and a set of terms relying on research into religion transformations and human–technology relations. These frameworks can be applied to participatory culture, more accurately accounting for old versus new media user behaviors.
Life satisfaction and participation among community-dwelling older adults: Data from the FIBRA study
Authors: Bertelli-Costa Taiguara , Neri Anita Liberalesso
Published: December 2019

This study investigates the association between participation in four domains of physical activity, social activities, and global life satisfaction among 2344 community-dwelling older adults (72.3 ± 5.5 years; 65.6% female) in Brazil. Comparison analyses were performed on the frequencies, and statistical analysis also included univariate and hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Of all the physical activity domains analyzed, only leisure-time physical activity was found to be associated with global life satisfaction. There was also a positive association between global life satisfaction and social activity participation. We conclude that the specific domain in which activity is performed interferes with one’s perception of his or her life.
Effect of Apatinib on Serum CD4+CD25+ T cells, NK Cells, and T Cells Subgroup in Malignant Tumor
Authors: Luo Hui-Qin , He Yi-Fu , Chen Wen-Ju , Yan Ying , Wu Shu-Sheng , Hu Xiao-Xiu , Ke Li-Hong , Niu Jia-Yu , Li Hui-Min , Xu Hui-jun
Published: December 2019

Objective:

The immune makers including CD4+CD25+ T cells, natural killer cells, and T cells subgroup were retrospectively analyzed to find the relationship between apatinib and the immune system in the patients treated with apatinib.

Method:

Forty-two patients with advanced malignant tumors orally took apatinib as treatment and 16 patients with the same situation did not take apatinib as a control group. These patients were all included in the study, and they orally received apatinib 500 mg daily as monotherapy or combination. The treatment was continued until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. CD4+CD25+ T cells, natural killer cells, and T cells subgroup were detected before and 1 month after therapy for all the patients. The relationship between the changing number of immune cells and progression-free survival was analyzed in this study.

Result:

For the apatinib group, the rate of CD4+CD25+ T cells significantly increased ( P = .048). The median progression-free survival was 3.25 months for the 42 patients. The median progression-free survival in the patients with the rate of CD4+CD25+ T cells increased and decreased was 5.8 months and 2.9 months, respectively ( P = .012). Multivariate analysis found the increased rate of CD4+CD25+ T cells was an independent prognostic factor for a longer progression-free survival. The rate of natural killer cells and T cells subgroup did not change much after apatinib therapy, and they were not independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival.

Conclusion:

The rate of CD4+CD25+ T cells is very important in patients with apatinib treatment. The changing number of CD4+CD25+ T cells may be a good indicator for apatinib prognosis. Natural killer cells and T cells subgroup did not change much after apatinib, and they were not independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival.
Placement of Students with Severe Disabilities Who Have Complex Health Care Needs in General Education Classes
Authors: Lehr Donna H.
Published: December 2019

Data reveal that insufficient progress has been made in increasing the number of students with severe disabilities who are educated in general education classes. Agran et al. asked why this is happening and discussed determinants that may be affecting placement decisions that serve to segregate students from their peers. This article is a review of the circumstances that have facilitated the movement of students with both severe disabilities and complex health care needs from hospitals and homes, and into school buildings. It also extends Agran et al.’s discussion to placement decisions that may be affecting this specific group of students.
Feasibility study on the reuse of waste alkali from rayon manufacturing process for cotton fabric pretreatment
Authors: Wang Weiming , Yu Bo , Dong Aixue
Published: December 2019

The feasibility of reuse waste alkali solution from rayon manufacturing process to replace solid sodium hydroxide for cotton fabric one-bath-one-step pretreatment had been investigated. Under alkaline condition, hydrogen peroxide decomposition rate could be accelerated by a little amount of cobalt chloride. To obtain a similar decomposition value of hydrogen peroxide, the required temperature for waste alkali solution was lower than that of solid sodium hydroxide, and the lower value is about 10°C. The pretreatment temperature could be reduced by 15°C when waste alkali solution was used as alkali agent to replace solid sodium hydroxide, while the treatment conditions should be strictly controlled to diminish fiber damage. According to the demands of dyeing and printing products, a desired pretreated cotton fabric could be successfully prepared when the alkali waste from rayon manufacturing process was used as substitute for solid sodium hydroxide in one-bath-one-step pretreatment of cotton fabric.
Investigation of flow separation in a centrifugal pump impeller based on improved delayed detached eddy simulation method
Authors: Ren Yun , Zhu Zuchao , Wu Denghao , Li Xiaojun , Jiang Lanfang
Published: December 2019

The mechanism of flow separation in the impeller of a centrifugal pump with a low specific speed was explored by experimental, numerical, and theoretical methods. A novel delayed Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes/large eddy simulation hybrid algorithm combined with a rotation and curvature correction method was developed to calculate the inner flow field of the original pump for the large friction loss in the centrifugal impeller, high adverse pressure gradient, and large blade curvature. Boundary vorticity flux theory was introduced for internal flow diagnosis, and the relative velocity vector near the surface of the blade and the distribution of the dimensionless pressure coefficient was analyzed. The validity of the numerical method was verified, and the location of the backflow area and its flow features were determined. Finally, based on flow diagnosis, the geometric parameters influencing the flow state of the impeller were specifically adjusted to obtain a new design impeller. The results showed that the distribution of the boundary vorticity flux peak values, the skin friction streamline, and near-wall relative velocities improved significantly after the design change. In addition, the flow separation was delayed, the force applied on the blade was improved, the head under the part-load condition was improved, and the hydraulic efficiency was improved over the global flow ranges. It was demonstrated that the delayed Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes/large eddy simulation hybrid algorithm was capable to capture the separation flow in a centrifugal pump, and the boundary vorticity flux theory was suitable for the internal flow diagnosis of centrifugal pump.
Fire detection with infrared images using cascaded neural network
Authors: Deng Li , Chen Qian , He Yuanhua , Sui Xiubao , Liu Quanyi , Hu Lin
Published: December 2019

The existing equipment of civil aircraft cargo fire detection mainly uses photoelectric smoke detectors, which has a high false alarm rate. According to Federal Aviation Agency’s (FAA) statistics, the false alarm rate is as high as 99%. 1 In the cargo of civil aircraft, the traditional photoelectric detection technology cannot effectively distinguish interference particles from smoke particles. Since the video smoke detection technology has proven to be reliable in many large scenarios, a deep learning method of image processing for fire detection is proposed. The proposed convolutional neural network is constructed of front end network and back end network cascaded with the capsule network and the circularity computation for the dynamic infrared fire image texture extraction. In order to accurately identify whether there is a fire in the area and give the kind of burning substances, a series of fuels are selected, such as n-heptane, cyclohexane, and carton for combustion reaction, and infrared camera is used to take infrared images of all fuel combustion. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively detect fire at the early stage of fire which is applicable for fire detection in civil aircraft cargoes.
Meaning-based leadership
Authors: van Knippenberg Daan
Published: December 2019

The core role of leadership in organizations is to motivate the pursuit of the organization’s purpose (i.e., the reason the organization exists and does what it does). Yet, there currently is no leadership theory that revolves around this notion of purpose pursuit. Addressing this issue, I propose the concept of meaning-based leadership, defined as leader advocacy of an understanding of organizational purpose and why this purpose is meaningful in an appeal to motivate members to contribute to the pursuit of that purpose. I advance a model of the core process through which meaning-based leadership motivates purpose pursuit and the contingencies of this process. I identify key implications for the empirical study of this model as well as directions for the further conceptual and empirical development of important implications of the model.
“There’s something compelling about real life”: Technologies of security and acceleration on Chaturbate
Authors: Hernández Antonia
Published: December 2019

Adult webcam platforms, or sexcams, can be considered platforms for the laboring of affect: machines that exploit, accelerate, and capitalize on it. As expected, the primary source of value is the broadcast of sexual performances. However, this article argues, the extraction of value on sexcam platforms relies as well on some of the early established conventions of webcamming, such as the perception of real-time and real-life. The location and quality of the shows are relevant for these reasons, along with the various sorts of personal interactions between the audience and performers. While some of these interactions resemble personal or human ones, the characteristics and scale of exchange that the platform enables, with thousands of viewers connected at the same time demanding the attention of one performer, require new technologies of assistance that involve humans and software—and some entanglements in between. Those technologies are located in the tension of generating value by accelerating exchanges while preserving the attributes that give them value in the first place. This article identifies some of the actors involved and investigates how they contribute to this double articulation.
French early release: McProcedures and McRe-entry
Authors: Herzog-Evans Martine
Published: December 2019

Before 2009, the main rationales of the French early release system were reinsertion and resocialisation; the prevention of reoffending, the interests of society; and the rights of victims. With the chronic prison overcrowding and the cost for public finances a radical change occurred with three law reforms (2009, 2014, 2019). The new main – if not unique – objective is to free as many prisoners as possible, this, as quickly as possible, without through the gate programmes that address prisoners’ release needs. As a research conducted from 2014 to 2016 shows ‘bad fast’ procedures are rejected by both reentry judges (they lack ‘moral alignment’) and with prisoners (they are perceived as unfair and unsupportive). This article will deal with these subjects by drawing upon theories of innovation diffusion and legitimacy of justice.
Utility of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the Evaluation of Uncomplicated Abdominal Pain in Children
Authors: Reedy Rachel A. , Filipp Stephanie L. , Gurka Matthew J. , Shenoy Archana , Davis Michael K.
Published: December 2019

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is commonly performed for abdominal pain in children, and in the presence of alarm symptoms, the diagnostic yield of this procedure is high. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of EGD when performed for uncomplicated abdominal pain in children in the absence of alarm symptoms. Charts of all children less than 18 years of age who underwent EGD at the University of Florida between January 2016 and October 2018 were reviewed. Of 1478 children who underwent EGD for any indication, 287 patients (male-to-female = 123:164) were discovered to have undergone EGD, in the absence of colonoscopy, for uncomplicated acute or chronic abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, and/or dyspepsia, with no alarm symptoms. A significant change in clinical management was noted in 20 (7.0%) children. The findings of this procedure changed clinical management in a minority of our study participants.
Providing trauma-informed pediatric care for underserved populations: Reflections on a teaching intervention
Authors: Jee Sandra H. , Conn Anne-Marie , Milne-Wenderlich Andrea , Krafft Catherine , Chen Michael , Steen Mackenzie , Manly Jody Todd
Published: December 2019

National organizations call for providing trauma-informed care (TIC) to those who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and to the population as a whole. All providers and staff are at risk for experiencing stress and burnout when they care for patients with multiple complex needs and insufficient resources. All are at risk but not all develop burnout. This study shares findings from a pilot project to implement training on ACEs and toxic stress in a busy urban pediatric primary care practice. Using a mixed-methods approach, we assessed pre and post self-reported knowledge and attitudes via surveys ( n = 52), baseline in-depth interviews ( n = 16), focus groups (three groups, n = 36), and follow-up interviews ( n = 13). After training, staff reported a marginally significant increase in rating the office as doing a good job meeting the needs of families around childhood trauma (72% vs. 46%, p = 0.057). Key themes from baseline in-depth interviews and focus groups identified the following: (1) pervasiveness of trauma and adversity among families in the practice, (2) empathy for families with significant social needs, (3) feelings of frustration to alleviate stressors identified during visits, (4) need for social support and coping mechanisms to alleviate workplace stress, and (5) receptiveness to enhance knowledge and understanding. Key themes from follow-up interviews and focus groups highlighted the impact of compassion fatigue and strategies to promote self-care. We discuss these findings and challenges in relation to providing TIC and professional development.
Sociocultural and Legal Aspects of Violence Against Men
Authors: Deshpande Sanjay
Published: December 2019

Domestic violence is always discussed in relation to women. Man is always considered as the perpetrator. However, because of the socioeconomic changes affecting the family structure in recent times, domestic violence is not limited to women only. Men also are abused verbally, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and sexually. Men do not report these abusive behaviors and are silent victims of the consequences. As the laws in our society favors women as victims of violence, these hapless men do not get justice for their pitiable condition in the family and society. This article attempts to explore the extent of this problem and highlights its causes and effects. There is a need for gender neutral laws for domestic violence. Domestic violence should be considered as spousal violence.
Post-sepsis syndrome – an evolving entity that afflicts survivors of sepsis
Authors: Mostel Zachary , Perl Abraham , Marck Matthew , Mehdi Syed F. , Lowell Barbara , Bathija Sagar , Santosh Ramchandani , Pavlov Valentin A. , Chavan Sangeeta S. , Roth Jesse
Published: December 2019

Background

The sequelae of sepsis were once thought to be independent of sepsis itself and assumed to be either comorbid to sick patients or complications of critical illness. Recent studies have reported consistent patterns of functional disabilities in sepsis survivors that can last from months to years after symptoms of active sepsis had resolved.

Body

Post-sepsis syndrome is an emerging pathological entity that has garnered significant interest amongst clinicians and researchers over the last two decades. It is marked by a significantly increased risk of death and a poor health-related quality of life associated with a constellation of long-term effects that persist following the patient’s bout with sepsis. These include neurocognitive impairment, functional disability, psychological deficits, and worsening medical conditions.

Conclusion

This “post-sepsis syndrome” has been the subject of active preclinical and clinical research providing new mechanistic insights and approaches linked to survivor well-being. Here we review important aspects of these research efforts and goals of care for patients who survive sepsis.
Pathogenetic approach to the treatment of functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and their intersection: results of the Russian observation retrospective program COMFORT
Authors: Ivashkin Vladimir T. , Poluektova Elena A. , Glazunov Alexey B. , Putilovskiy Mikhail A. , Epstein Oleg I.
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the novel complex drug, consisting of released-active form of antibodies to S-100 protein, tumor necrosis factor-α and histamine, (Kolofort) under outpatient conditions in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and FD-IBS overlap.

Methods

The subjects of the observational noninterventional retrospective program were the data of 14,362 outpatient records of patients with diagnosed FD, IBS, and/or overlap, who were observed by gastroenterologists from November 01, 2017, through March 30, 2018, who received the drug Kolofort in monotherapy for 12 weeks, 2 tablets twice a day. To assess the presence and severity of symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), the “7*7” questionnaire developed by a working group from the Russian Gastroenterological Association was used. The evaluated parameters included the proportion of patients: who had a 50% or more reduction in the total score; who have switched to the less severe category of the condition; who have switched to the “healthy” or “borderline ill” severity categories; and the change in the score in domains 1–7.

Results

The final efficacy analysis included data from 9254 patients. A decrease in the total score by 50% or more was observed in 80.45% of patients with FD, 79.02% of patients with IBS, and in 83% of patients with both IBS and FD. Switch to a lower severity category of the condition at the end of therapy was noted in 93.35% of patients with FD, in 93.80% of cases in patients with IBS, and in 96.17% of cases in patients with a combination of IBS and FD. A total of 94 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 80 patients (0.65%).

Conclusion

The COMFORT program has demonstrated the positive effect of treatment in the majority of patients with IBS and FD and their combination in real clinical practice.
An update on hepatitis C virus genotype distribution in Jordan: a 12-year retrospective study from a tertiary care teaching hospital in Amman
Authors: Sallam Malik , Batarseh Rawan , Natsheh Anas , Abbadi Jumana , Al-Fraihat Esraa , Yaseen Alaa’ , Kaddomi Doaa , Khamees Nadia , Mahafzah Azmi , Şahin Gülşen Özkaya
Published: December 2019

Background

Nucleic acid hybridization (NAH) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a practical and reliable tool for virus genotyping. Genotype assignment is an important factor in the prediction of treatment success in chronic hepatitis C patients. The aim of this study was to determine the genotype distribution among HCV clinical isolates in Jordan between 2007 and 2018.

Methods

Electronic and paper-based clinical data registry records from 2007 to 2018 at the Jordan University Hospital (JUH) were retrospectively examined for individuals with HCV genotype, HCV viral load, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing results. Genotype determination was based on NAH technique using the HCV 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) with 386 requests available from 342 unique individuals.

Results

A total of 263 out of 342 unique individuals (76.9%) had genotyping results available for final analysis with 259 individuals each having a single genotyping result. The most common HCV genotypes in the study were: genotype 4 (n = 142, 54.0%), genotype 1 (n = 87, 33.1%), genotype 3 (n = 16, 6.1%), genotype 2 (n = 9, 3.4%), other undetermined genotypes (n = 5, 1.9%) and mixed infections (n = 4, 1.5%). Sub-genotyping results were available for 46 individuals as follows: sub-genotype 4c/d (n = 13, 28.3%), sub-genotype 1a (n = 11, 23.9%), sub-genotype 1b (n = 10, 21.7%), sub-genotype 4a (n = 8, 17.4%), sub-genotype 3a (n = 2, 4.3%), sub-genotypes 2a/c and 4 h (n = 1, 2.2% for both). Individuals infected with genotype 1 showed higher viral load when compared to those infected with genotype 4 (p = 0.048, t-test). Younger HCV-infected individuals (< 52 years) had higher ALT levels compared to older individuals (p = 0.036, t-test). Self-reported risk factors for HCV acquisition included: history of previous surgery, invasive dental procedures, and blood transfusion, delivery at home, circumcision at home and wet cupping therapy (hijama).

Conclusions

High genetic diversity of HCV was found in Jordan, with genotypes 4 and 1 as the most prevalent genotypes co-circulating in the country. Potential impact of virus genotype on disease markers (viral load, ALT) was detected and needs further assessment. The study can be helpful to plan for future prevention and management of HCV infection in Jordan.
Effect of pregnancy induced hypertension on adverse perinatal outcomes in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Berhe Abadi Kidanemariam , Ilesanmi Abiodun O. , Aimakhu Christopher O. , Mulugeta Afework
Published: December 2019

Background

The prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension in Ethiopia ranges from 2.2 to 18.3%. However, so far little is known about the adverse perinatal outcomes of pregnancy-induced hypertension in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of pregnancy-induced hypertension on adverse perinatal outcomes in Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia.

Methods

a prospective cohort study was conducted on a total sample of 782 pregnant women attending antenatal care in hospitals of Tigray regional state, Ethiopia. Pregnant mothers diagnosed with PIH during the data collection period in the selected hospitals were included as exposed group and normotensive women were also enrolled as a control group. This study addresses women diagnosed with preeclampsia, eclampsia and gestational hypertension between 28 and 35 weeks of gestation. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and review of their medical records from February 2018, to February 2019. The adverse perinatal outcome event includes low birth weight, birth asphyxia, small for gestational age, preterm delivery, admission to neonatal intensive care unit and perinatal death. A modified Poisson regression model with robust standard errors was used to analyze relative risk.

Results

In this study, the overall incidence of adverse perinatal outcome was higher among women with pregnancy-induced hypertension than normotensive women (66.4% vs 22.2%). After adjusted for confounders women with pregnancy-induced hypertension were born babies with a higher risk of low birth weight (adjusted RR (95%CI) = 5.1(3.4,7.8)), birth asphyxia (aRR = 2.6(1.9,3.8)), small for gestational age (aRR = 3.3(2.3,4.6)), preterm delivery (aRR = 5.2(3.4,7.9)), stillbirth (aRR = 3.46(1.40,8.54)), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (aRR = 5.1(3.1,8.4)) and perinatal death (aRR = 3.6(1.8,7.4)) compared to normotensive pregnant women.

Conclusions

Higher incidences of adverse perinatal outcomes occurred among women pregnancy-induced hypertension in Tigray regional state, Ethiopia. Hence, health care providers should strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and prompt management of pregnancy-induced hypertension to reduce adverse perinatal outcomes of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Significant influencing factors and practical solutions in improvement of clinical nursing services: a Delphi study
Authors: Poortaghi Sarieh , Ebadi Abbas , Salsali Mahvash , Raiesifar Afsaneh , Davoudi Nayyereh , Pourgholamamiji Nima
Published: December 2019

Background

Clinical services evaluation with specific indicators are very helpful to identify improvable points. This study was conducted to analyze the factors affecting the quality of clinical nursing services and offer practical solutions for accreditation of clinical nursing services.

Methods

The present study was conducted using Delphi method with two rounds. At the beginning of the study a questionnaire was prepared using results of another project (clinical nursing services audit). This questionnaire was sent to 47 nursing and accreditation professionals. After the first round, causes and solutions were categorized. Then participants were asked to comment on the significance of each strategy on the prepared questionnaire.

Results

In the first round of Delphi in response to the question about the main causes and solutions of low quality of nursing clinical services, 394 causes and 212 solutions were mentioned by the participants. In the second round, considering moralists and specialization in the selection of nursing managers, staffing according to workload and attendance in comprehensive exam after graduation and before entering clinical fields attained the most importance.

Conclusion

Mismatch of human resources with workload and lack of clarity with regard to duties have maximum correlation with poor quality of care. Organizational structure and communication program categories gained the highest and lowest importance respectively. This information could be used by nursing managers and policy makers to plan programs in order to improve the quality of clinical nursing services.
scRNA-seq assessment of the human lung, spleen, and esophagus tissue stability after cold preservation
Authors: Madissoon E. , Wilbrey-Clark A. , Miragaia R. J. , Saeb-Parsy K. , Mahbubani K. T. , Georgakopoulos N. , Harding P. , Polanski K. , Huang N. , Nowicki-Osuch K. , Fitzgerald R. C. , Loudon K. W. , Ferdinand J. R. , Clatworthy M. R. , Tsingene A. , van Dongen S. , Dabrowska M. , Patel M. , Stubbington M. J. T. , Teichmann S. A. , Stegle O. , Meyer K. B.
Published: December 2019

Background

The Human Cell Atlas is a large international collaborative effort to map all cell types of the human body. Single-cell RNA sequencing can generate high-quality data for the delivery of such an atlas. However, delays between fresh sample collection and processing may lead to poor data and difficulties in experimental design.

Results

This study assesses the effect of cold storage on fresh healthy spleen, esophagus, and lung from ≥ 5 donors over 72 h. We collect 240,000 high-quality single-cell transcriptomes with detailed cell type annotations and whole genome sequences of donors, enabling future eQTL studies. Our data provide a valuable resource for the study of these 3 organs and will allow cross-organ comparison of cell types.

We see little effect of cold ischemic time on cell yield, total number of reads per cell, and other quality control metrics in any of the tissues within the first 24 h. However, we observe a decrease in the proportions of lung T cells at 72 h, higher percentage of mitochondrial reads, and increased contamination by background ambient RNA reads in the 72-h samples in the spleen, which is cell type specific.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we present robust protocols for tissue preservation for up to 24 h prior to scRNA-seq analysis. This greatly facilitates the logistics of sample collection for Human Cell Atlas or clinical studies since it increases the time frames for sample processing.
Distinct epigenetic features of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells in colorectal cancer patients revealed by genome-wide DNA methylation analysis
Authors: Yang Rui , Cheng Sijin , Luo Nan , Gao Ranran , Yu Kezhuo , Kang Boxi , Wang Li , Zhang Qiming , Fang Qiao , Zhang Lei , Li Chen , He Aibin , Hu Xueda , Peng Jirun , Ren Xianwen , Zhang Zemin
Published: December 2019

Background

Tumor-reactive CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) represent a subtype of T cells that can recognize and destroy tumor specifically. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells has important therapeutic implications. Yet the DNA methylation status of this T cell subtype has not been elucidated.

Results

In this study, we segregate tumor-reactive and bystander CD8+ TILs, as well as naïve and effector memory CD8+ T cell subtypes as controls from colorectal cancer patients, to compare their transcriptome and methylome characteristics. Transcriptome profiling confirms previous conclusions that tumor-reactive TILs have an exhausted tissue-resident memory signature. Whole-genome methylation profiling identifies a distinct methylome pattern of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells, with tumor-reactive markers CD39 and CD103 being specifically demethylated. In addition, dynamic changes are observed during the transition of naïve T cells into tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells. Transcription factor binding motif enrichment analysis identifies several immune-related transcription factors, including three exhaustion-related genes (NR4A1, BATF, and EGR2) and VDR, which potentially play an important regulatory role in tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells.

Conclusion

Our study supports the involvement of DNA methylation in shaping tumor-reactive and bystander CD8+ TILs, and provides a valuable resource for the development of novel DNA methylation markers and future therapeutics.
Recommendations for application of the functional evidence PS3/BS3 criterion using the ACMG/AMP sequence variant interpretation framework
Authors:   On behalf of the Clinical Genome Resource Sequence Variant Interpretation Working Group, Brnich Sarah E. , Abou Tayoun Ahmad N. , Couch Fergus J. , Cutting Garry R. , Greenblatt Marc S. , Heinen Christopher D. , Kanavy Dona M. , Luo Xi , McNulty Shannon M. , Starita Lea M. , Tavtigian Sean V. , Wright Matt W. , Harrison Steven M. , Biesecker Leslie G. , Berg Jonathan S.
Published: December 2019

Background

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)/Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) clinical variant interpretation guidelines established criteria for different types of evidence. This includes the strong evidence codes PS3 and BS3 for “well-established” functional assays demonstrating a variant has abnormal or normal gene/protein function, respectively. However, they did not provide detailed guidance on how functional evidence should be evaluated, and differences in the application of the PS3/BS3 codes are a contributor to variant interpretation discordance between laboratories. This recommendation seeks to provide a more structured approach to the assessment of functional assays for variant interpretation and guidance on the use of various levels of strength based on assay validation.

Methods

The Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) Sequence Variant Interpretation (SVI) Working Group used curated functional evidence from ClinGen Variant Curation Expert Panel-developed rule specifications and expert opinions to refine the PS3/BS3 criteria over multiple in-person and virtual meetings. We estimated the odds of pathogenicity for assays using various numbers of variant controls to determine the minimum controls required to reach moderate level evidence. Feedback from the ClinGen Steering Committee and outside experts were incorporated into the recommendations at multiple stages of development.

Results

The SVI Working Group developed recommendations for evaluators regarding the assessment of the clinical validity of functional data and a four-step provisional framework to determine the appropriate strength of evidence that can be applied in clinical variant interpretation. These steps are as follows: (1) define the disease mechanism, (2) evaluate the applicability of general classes of assays used in the field, (3) evaluate the validity of specific instances of assays, and (4) apply evidence to individual variant interpretation. We found that a minimum of 11 total pathogenic and benign variant controls are required to reach moderate-level evidence in the absence of rigorous statistical analysis.

Conclusions

The recommendations and approach to functional evidence evaluation described here should help clarify the clinical variant interpretation process for functional assays. Further, we hope that these recommendations will help develop productive partnerships with basic scientists who have developed functional assays that are useful for interrogating the function of a variety of genes.
Exome sequencing reveals a high prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 founder variants in a diverse population-based biobank
Authors:   CBIPM Genomics Team, Abul-Husn Noura S. ,   Regeneron Genetics Center, Soper Emily R. , Odgis Jacqueline A. , Cullina Sinead , Bobo Dean , Moscati Arden , Rodriguez Jessica E. , Loos Ruth J. F. , Cho Judy H. , Belbin Gillian M. , Suckiel Sabrina A. , Kenny Eimear E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) lead to increased risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers, but most variant-positive individuals in the general population are unaware of their risk, and little is known about prevalence in non-European populations. We investigated BRCA1/2 prevalence and impact in the electronic health record (EHR)-linked BioMe Biobank in New York City.

Methods

Exome sequence data from 30,223 adult BioMe participants were evaluated for pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2. Prevalence estimates were made in population groups defined by genetic ancestry and self-report. EHR data were used to evaluate clinical characteristics of variant-positive individuals.

Results

There were 218 (0.7%) individuals harboring expected pathogenic variants, resulting in an overall prevalence of 1 in 139. The highest prevalence was in individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ; 1 in 49), Filipino and other Southeast Asian (1 in 81), and non-AJ European (1 in 103) ancestry. Among 218 variant-positive individuals, 112 (51.4%) harbored known founder variants: 80 had AJ founder variants (BRCA1 c.5266dupC and c.68_69delAG, and BRCA2 c.5946delT), 8 had a Puerto Rican founder variant (BRCA2 c.3922G>T), and 24 had one of 19 other founder variants. Non-European populations were more likely to harbor BRCA1/2 variants that were not classified in ClinVar or that had uncertain or conflicting evidence for pathogenicity (uncertain/conflicting). Within mixed ancestry populations, such as Hispanic/Latinos with genetic ancestry from Africa, Europe, and the Americas, there was a strong correlation between the proportion of African genetic ancestry and the likelihood of harboring an uncertain/conflicting variant. Approximately 28% of variant-positive individuals had a personal history, and 45% had a personal or family history of BRCA1/2-associated cancers. Approximately 27% of variant-positive individuals had prior clinical genetic testing for BRCA1/2. However, individuals with AJ founder variants were twice as likely to have had a clinical test (39%) than those with other pathogenic variants (20%).

Conclusions

These findings deepen our knowledge about BRCA1/2 variants and associated cancer risk in diverse populations, indicate a gap in knowledge about potential cancer-related variants in non-European populations, and suggest that genomic screening in diverse patient populations may be an effective tool to identify at-risk individuals.
An epigenome-wide association study of sex-specific chronological ageing
Authors: McCartney Daniel L. , Zhang Futao , Hillary Robert F. , Zhang Qian , Stevenson Anna J. , Walker Rosie M. , Bermingham Mairead L. , Boutin Thibaud , Morris Stewart W. , Campbell Archie , Murray Alison D. , Whalley Heather C. , Porteous David J. , Hayward Caroline , Evans Kathryn L. , Chandra Tamir , Deary Ian J. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Yang Jian , Visscher Peter M. , McRae Allan F. , Marioni Riccardo E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Advanced age is associated with cognitive and physical decline and is a major risk factor for a multitude of disorders. There is also a gap in life expectancy between males and females. DNA methylation differences have been shown to be associated with both age and sex. Here, we investigate age-by-sex differences in blood-based DNA methylation in an unrelated cohort of 2586 individuals between the ages of 18 and 87 years, with replication in a further 4450 individuals between the ages of 18 and 93 years.

Methods

Linear regression models were applied, with stringent genome-wide significance thresholds (p < 3.6 × 10−8) used in both the discovery and replication data. A second, highly conservative mixed linear model method that better controls the false-positive rate was also applied, using the same genome-wide significance thresholds.

Results

Using the linear regression method, 52 autosomal and 597 X-linked CpG sites, mapping to 251 unique genes, replicated with concordant effect size directions in the age-by-sex interaction analysis. The site with the greatest difference mapped to GAGE10, an X-linked gene. Here, DNA methylation levels remained stable across the male adult age range (DNA methylation by age r = 0.02) but decreased across female adult age range (DNA methylation by age r = − 0.61). One site (cg23722529) with a significant age-by-sex interaction also had a quantitative trait locus (rs17321482) that is a genome-wide significant variant for prostate cancer. The mixed linear model method identified 11 CpG sites associated with the age-by-sex interaction.

Conclusion

The majority of differences in age-associated DNA methylation trajectories between sexes are present on the X chromosome. Several of these differences occur within genes that have been implicated in sexually dimorphic traits.
Digital twins to personalize medicine
Authors:   on behalf of the Swedish Digital Twin Consortium, Björnsson Bergthor , Borrebaeck Carl , Elander Nils , Gasslander Thomas , Gawel Danuta R. , Gustafsson Mika , Jörnsten Rebecka , Lee Eun Jung , Li Xinxiu , Lilja Sandra , Martínez-Enguita David , Matussek Andreas , Sandström Per , Schäfer Samuel , Stenmarker Margaretha , Sun X. F. , Sysoev Oleg , Zhang Huan , Benson Mikael
Published: December 2019

Personalized medicine requires the integration and processing of vast amounts of data. Here, we propose a solution to this challenge that is based on constructing Digital Twins. These are high-resolution models of individual patients that are computationally treated with thousands of drugs to find the drug that is optimal for the patient.