Showing papers by "Başkent University published in 2019"

When Children Are Not Read to at Home: The Million Word Gap.

Abstract: :Objective:In the United States, there are numerous ongoing efforts to remedy the Word Gap: massive differences in heardvocabulary for poor versus advantaged children during the first 5 years of life. One potentially important resource for vocabulary exposure is children's book reading sessi

A highly efficient and faithful MDS patient-derived xenotransplantation model for pre-clinical studies.

Abstract: Comprehensive preclinical studies of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) have been elusive due to limited ability of MDS stem cells to engraft current immunodeficient murine hosts. Here we report a MDS patient-derived xenotransplantation model in cytokine-humanized immunodeficient "MISTRG" mice that provides efficient and faithful disease representation across all MDS subtypes. MISTRG MDS patient-derived xenografts (PDX) reproduce patients' dysplastic morphology with multi-lineage representation, including erythro- and megakaryopoiesis. MISTRG MDS-PDX replicate the original sample's genetic complexity and can be propagated via serial transplantation. MISTRG MDS-PDX demonstrate the cytotoxic and differentiation potential of targeted therapeutics providing superior readouts of drug mechanism of action and therapeutic efficacy. Physiologic humanization of the hematopoietic stem cell niche proves critical to MDS stem cell propagation and function in vivo. The MISTRG MDS-PDX model opens novel avenues of research and long-awaited opportunities in MDS research.

Selective targeting of antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins in cancer.

Abstract: Circumvention of apoptotic machinery is one of the distinctive properties of carcinogenesis. Extensively established key effectors of such apoptotic bypass mechanisms, the antiapoptotic BCL-2 (apoptosis regulator BCL-2) proteins, determine the response of cancer cells to chemotherapeutics. Within this background, research and development of antiapoptotic BCL-2 inhibitors were considered to have a tremendous amount of potential toward the discovery of novel pharmacological modulators in cancer. In this review, milestone achievements in the development of selective antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins inhibitors for BCL-2, BCL-XL (BCL-2-like protein 1), and MCL-1 (induced myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein MCL-1) were summarized and their future implications were discussed. In the first section, the design and development of BCL-2/BCL-XL dual inhibitor navitoclax, as well as the recent advances and clinical experience with selective BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, were synopsized. Preclinical data from selective BCL-XL inhibitors, which are currently undergoing extensive testing as a single agent or in combination with other therapeutic agents, were further summarized. In the second section, MCL-1 inhibitors developed as potential anticancer agents were reviewed regarding their specificity toward MCL-1. Explicitly, studies leading to the identification of MCL-1, nonselective and selective targeting of MCL-1, and recently initiated clinical trials were compiled in chronological order. Based on these concepts, future directions were further discussed for increasing selectivity in the design of prosurvival BCL-2 member inhibitors.

The efficacy of ultrasound-guided type-I and type-II pectoral nerve blocks for postoperative analgesia after breast augmentation: A prospective, randomised study.

Abstract: Purpose The present study was planned to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided Pecs I and II blocks for postoperative analgesia after sub-pectoral breast augmentation. Methods Fifty-four adult female patients undergoing breast augmentation were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (Group C, n = 27) who were not subjected to block treatment and Pecs group (Group P, n = 27) who received Pecs I (bupivacain 0.25%, 10 mL) and Pecs II (bupivacain 0.25%, 20 mL) block. Patient-controlled fentanyl analgesia was used for postoperative pain relief in both groups, and the patients were observed for the presence of any block-related complications. Results The 24-h fentanyl consumption was smaller in Group P [mean ± SD, 378.7 ± 54.0 μg and 115.7 ± 98.1 μg, respectively; P Conclusions Combine used of Pecs I and II blocks provide superior postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing breast augmentation and shortens hospital stay.

Effects of the microfluidic chip technique in sperm selection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection for unexplained infertility: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: The new-generation spermatozoon selection method, microfluidic technique called Fertile Chip® gives the chance to select spermatozoa with lower DNA fragmentation indexes. We aimed to determine the effect of microfluidic techniques for spermatozoon selection in ICSI treatment in patients with unexplained infertility. This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted at a university hospital. One hundred twenty-two couples with unexplained infertility were included, in which 61 of them were treated with conventional swim-up techniques (control group) and another 61 with the microfluidic technique (study group) for spermatozoon selection in IVF treatment. The fertilization rates and the quality of embryos were the primary outcomes, and clinical pregnancy (CPR) and live birth rates (LBR) were the secondary outcomes of our study. CPR in the study group and control group were 48.3% and 44.8% (p = 0.35) and LBR were 38.3% and 36.2% (p = 0.48), respectively. The fertilization rates were similar (63.6% and 57.4%, p = 0.098). A total number of grade 1 embryos were significantly higher in microfluidic technique group than in control group (1.45 ± 1.62 vs. 0.83 ± 1.03, p = 0.01). There were more surplus top quality embryos leftover to freeze in the study group (0.71 ± 1.48 vs. 0.22 ± 0.69, p = 0.02). Our study showed that the microfluidic technique does not change fertilization, CPR, and LBR during IVF treatment for couples with unexplained infertility. Despite the fact that the total number of grade 1 embryos after ICSI treatment and the surplus number of grade 1 embryos after embryo transfer were higher in the microfluidic technique group, the study was not powered to detect this difference. NCT02488434

Open abdomen and entero-atmospheric fistulae: An interim analysis from the International Register of Open Abdomen (IROA)

Abstract: Introduction No definitive data describing associations between cases of Open Abdomen (OA) and Entero-atmospheric fistulae (EAF) exist. The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the Panamerican Trauma Society (PTS) thus analyzed the International Register of Open Abdomen (IROA) to assess this question. Material and methods A prospective analysis of adult patients enrolled in the IROA. Results Among 649 adult patients with OA 58 (8.9%) developed EAF. Indications for OA were peritonitis (51.2%) and traumatic-injury (16.8%). The most frequently utilized temporary abdominal closure techniques were Commercial-NPWT (46.8%) and Bogota-bag (21.9%). Mean OA days were 7.9 ± 18.22. Overall mortality rate was 29.7%, with EAF having no impact on mortality. Multivariate analysis associated cancer (p = 0.018), days of OA (p = 0.003) and time to provision-of-nutrition (p = 0.016) with EAF occurrence. Conclusion Entero-atmospheric fistulas are influenced by the duration of open abdomen treatment and by the nutritional status of the patient. Peritonitis, intestinal anastomosis, negative pressure and oral or enteral nutrition were not risk factors for EAF during OA treatment.

Online students' LMS activities and their effect on engagement, information literacy and academic performance

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine online students’ LMS activities and the effect on their engagement, information literacy, and academic performance. The participants of the study we...

Effect of acute kidney injury on long-term mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention in a high-volume tertiary center

Abstract: OBJECTIVE Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a reflection of both renal and cardiac reserve in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but there is a lack of evidence related to the effect of AKI on long-term mortality in patients with STEMI. This study was an investigation of the prognostic value of AKI for long-term mortality in patients with STEMI complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). METHODS This retrospective analysis evaluated the long-term prognostic impact of AKI on 492 patients with STEMI complicated by CS who were treated with PPCI. AKI was defined as ≥0.3mg/dL increase in serum creatinine within 48 hours or a ≥50% increase in serum creatinine in 7 days, or a reduction in urine output (documented oliguria of less than 0.5mL/kg per hour >6 hours. Patients were grouped according to the incidence of AKI and long-term mortality was compared. Cox regression analysis was used to determine independent prognostic factors of long-term mortality. RESULTS In Cox regression analysis, the age- and sex- adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were higher for all-cause mortality in patients with AKI. [HR: 4.556; 95% confidence interval: (CI) 2.370-8.759]. After adjustment for confounding variables, the relative risk was greater for patients with AKI in comparison with patients without AKI (HR: 2.207; 95% CI: 1.150-4.739). Age (HR: 1.060, 95% CI: 1.027-1.094; p<0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (HR: 0.952, 95% CI: 0.916-0.989; p=0.012), blood urea nitrogen level (HR: 1.019, 95% CI: 1.005-1.034; p=0.010), and AKI (HR: 2.244, 95% CI: 1.077-4.676; p=0.031) were found to be independent factors to determine long-term mortality. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrated that AKI was an independent prognostic factor for long-term mortality among patients with STEMI complicated by CS and treated with PPCI.

Training for awareness of one's own spirituality: A key factor in overcoming barriers to the provision of spiritual care to advanced cancer patients by doctors and nurses.

Abstract: ObjectiveWhen patients feel spiritually supported by staff, we find increased use of hospice and reduced use of aggressive treatments at end of life, yet substantial barriers to staff spiritual care provision still exist. We aimed to study these barriers in a new cultural context and analyzed a new subgroup with “unrealized potential” for improved spiritual care provision: those who are positively inclined toward spiritual care yet do not themselves provide it.MethodWe distributed the Religion and Spirituality in Cancer Care Study via the Middle East Cancer Consortium to physicians and nurses caring for advanced cancer patients. Survey items included how often spiritual care should be provided, how often respondents themselves provide it, and perceived barriers to spiritual care provision.ResultWe had 770 respondents (40% physicians, 60% nurses) from 14 Middle Eastern countries. The results showed that 82% of respondents think staff should provide spiritual care at least occasionally, but 44% provide spiritual care less often than they think they should. In multivariable analysis of respondents who valued spiritual care yet did not themselves provide it to their most recent patients, predictors included low personal sense of being spiritual (p < 0.001) and not having received training (p = 0.02; only 22% received training). How “developed” a country is negatively predicted spiritual care provision (p < 0.001). Self-perceived barriers were quite similar across cultures.Significance of resultsDespite relatively high levels of spiritual care provision, we see a gap between desirability and actual provision. Seeing oneself as not spiritual or only slightly spiritual is a key factor demonstrably associated with not providing spiritual care. Efforts to increase spiritual care provision should target those in favor of spiritual care provision, promoting training that helps participants consider their own spirituality and the role that it plays in their personal and professional lives.

Precision medicine for metastatic colorectal cancer: an evolving era.

Abstract: Introduction: Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a dilemma for cancer researchers with an increasing incidence in the younger patient population. Until the last decade, limited therapeutic options were available for metastatic CRC patients leading to relatively poor clinical outcomes.Areas covered: With advances in genome sequencing technology and reductions in the cost of next-generation sequencing, molecular profiling has become more accessible for cancer researchers and clinical investigators, which has furthered our understanding of the molecular behavior of CRC. This progress has recently translated into significant advances in molecular-based therapeutics and led to the development of new target-specific agents in metastatic CRC patients. In this review article, we extensively elaborate on genomic alterations seen in CRC patients including, but not limited to, EGFR, MMR, BRAF, HER2, NTRKs, FGFR, BRCA1/2, PALB2, POLE, and POLD1 genes, all of which are potentially actionable by either an FDA-approved agent or in a clinical trial setting.Expert opinion: We strongly recommend molecular profiling in metastatic CRC patients during the early course of their disease, as this may provide therapeutic and prognostic information that can guide clinicians to practice precision medicine. Patients with potentially actionable genes should be considered for targeting agents based on molecular alterations.

Behçet's disease as a causative factor of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: subgroup analysis of data from the VENOST study.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE This study was performed to determine the rate of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) among cases of Behcet's disease (BD) included in a multicentre study of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (VENOST). METHODS VENOST was a retrospective and prospective national multicentre observational study that included 1144 patients with CVST. The patients were classified according to aetiologic factors, time of CVST symptom onset, sinus involvement, treatment approach and prognosis. RESULTS BD was shown to be a causative factor of CVST in 108 (9.4%) of 1144 patients. The mean age of patients in the BD group was 35.27 years and 68.5% were men, whereas in the non-BD CVST group, the mean age was 40.57 years and 28.3% were men (P < 0.001). Among the aetiologic factors for patients aged 18-36 years, BD was predominant for men, and puerperium was predominant for women. The onset of symptoms in the BD group was consistent with the subacute form. The transverse sinuses were the most common sites of thrombosis, followed by the superior sagittal sinuses. The most common symptom was headache (96.2%), followed by visual field defects (38%). CONCLUSIONS BD was found in 9.4% of patients in our VENOST series. Patients with BD were younger and showed a male predominance. The functional outcome of CVST in patients with BD was good; only 12% of patients presenting with cranial nerve involvement and altered consciousness at the beginning had a poor outcome (modified Rankin Score ⩾2).

Visual and Auditory Data Fusion for Energy-Efficient and Improved Object Recognition in Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks

Abstract: Automatic threat classification without human intervention is a popular research topic in wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) especially within the context of surveillance applications. This paper explores the effect of fusing audio-visual multimedia and scalar data collected by the sensor nodes in a WMSN for the purpose of energy-efficient and accurate object detection and classification. In order to do that, we implemented a wireless multimedia sensor node with video and audio capturing and processing capabilities in addition to traditional/ordinary scalar sensors. The multimedia sensors are kept in sleep mode in order to save energy until they are activated by the scalar sensors which are always active. The object recognition results obtained from video and audio applications are fused to increase the object recognition performance of the sensor node. Final results are forwarded to the sink in text format, and this greatly reduces the size of data transmitted in network. Performance test results of the implemented prototype system show that the fusing audio data with visual data improves automatic object recognition capability of a sensor node significantly. Since auditory data requires less processing power compared to visual data, the overhead of processing the auditory data is not high, and it helps to extend network lifetime of WMSNs.

Understanding Protestant and Islamic Work Ethic Studies: A Content Analysis of Articles

Abstract: This study focuses on two main arguments about the secularization of Protestant work ethic (PWE) and the uniqueness of Islamic work ethic (IWE). By adopting a linguistic point of view, this study aims to grasp a common understanding of PWE and IWE in the field of work ethic research. For this purpose, 109 articles using the keywords PWE and IWE in their titles were analyzed using content analysis. The findings support the argument that emphasizes universally shared values of PWE. In addition, the findings reveal that IWE provides a unique perspective on how to improve organizational performance, but at the same time differs in work orientation and commitment across cultures.

Impaired telomere integrity and rRNA biogenesis in PARN-deficient patients and knock-out models.

Abstract: PARN, poly(A)-specific ribonuclease, regulates the turnover of mRNAs and the maturation and stabilization of the hTR RNA component of telomerase. Biallelic PARN mutations were associated with Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson (HH) syndrome, a rare telomere biology disorder that, because of its severity, is likely not exclusively due to hTR down-regulation. Whether PARN deficiency was affecting the expression of telomere-related genes was still unclear. Using cells from two unrelated HH individuals carrying novel PARN mutations and a human PARN knock-out (KO) cell line with inducible PARN complementation, we found that PARN deficiency affects both telomere length and stability and down-regulates the expression of TRF1, TRF2, TPP1, RAP1, and POT1 shelterin transcripts. Down-regulation of dyskerin-encoding DKC1 mRNA was also observed and found to result from p53 activation in PARN-deficient cells. We further showed that PARN deficiency compromises ribosomal RNA biogenesis in patients' fibroblasts and cells from heterozygous Parn KO mice. Homozygous Parn KO however resulted in early embryonic lethality that was not overcome by p53 KO. Our results refine our knowledge on the pleiotropic cellular consequences of PARN deficiency.

Fixed Orthodontic Retainers: A Review.

Abstract: Orthodontic retention is defined as maintaining teeth in optimal aesthetic and functional position after treatment. Despite the necessity of retention phase and the factors influencing the stability of the teeth after orthodontic treatment was discussed by the orthodontist for a long time, it is accepted that a retention phase is essential for stability of orthodontic treatment results nowadays. Therefore, the application of a suitable retention method is important both for prevention of relapse after orthodontic treatment and for increasing patient satisfaction. Removable appliances had been used for many years for retention purposes. Later, fixed retainers were introduced to prevent relapse as having a number of advantages, such as better aesthetics, no need for patient cooperation, effectiveness, and suitability for lifelong retention. However, their need for precise bonding technique, fragility, and tendency to cause periodontal problems by weakening oral hygiene are some of their disadvantages.

Evaluation of quality of life after implantation of a new trifocal intraocular lens

Abstract: Purpose To evaluate the vision-related quality of life (QOL) after implantation of a new trifocal intraocular lens (IOL), by using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-14 (VF-14 QOL questionnaire). Setting Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey. Design Prospective noncomparative case series. Methods Consecutive patients who had a new trifocal IOL (PanOptix) bilaterally implanted were included in the study. The vision-related QOL was assessed 3 months after the surgery in the second eye. The VF-14 QOL questionnaire was used, with a grading scale of 0, no difficulty; 1, a little difficulty; 2, moderate difficulty; 3, quite difficult; 4, impossible to perform. A subgroup of 14 patients, with an interval of at least 3 months between the surgery in the first eye and the surgery in the fellow eye, were also interviewed 3 months after the monocular IOL implantation. In this subgroup, the QOL with monocular and binocular implantation was compared. Results The study comprised 48 patients. Reading small print, driving at night, and doing fine handwork were the most difficult tasks to perform, with the mean values of the VF-14 QOL questionnaire being 0.94 ± 0.81 (SD), 0.89 ± 0.68, and 0.64 ± 0.67, respectively. Binocular implantation was associated with improvement in vision-related QOL when compared with monocular implantation, with significant differences in doing fine handwork such as sewing (P = .02) and using a computer (P = .03). Conclusions With mean values of 1.00 or lower for each question, the results of the VF-14 QOL questionnaire indicated that patients who have the new trifocal IOL bilaterally implanted have an overall high satisfaction rate and a high vision-related QOL.

A multi-institutional analysis of sequential versus 'sandwich' adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy for stage IIIC endometrial carcinoma.

Abstract: Objective To analyze the outcomes of sequential or sandwich chemotherapy (ChT) and radiotherapy (RT) in patients with node-positive endometrial cancer (EC). Methods Data from 4 centers were collected retrospectively for 179 patients with stage IIIC EC treated with postoperative RT and ChT (paclitaxel and carboplatin). Patients were either treated with 6 cycles of ChT followed by RT (sequential arm; 96 patients) or with 3 cycles of ChT, RT, and an additional 3 cycles of ChT (sandwich arm; 83 patients). Prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed. Results The 5-year OS and PFS rates were 64% and 59%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 41 months (range, 5-167 months). The 5-year OS rates were significantly higher in the sandwich than sequential arms (74% vs. 56%; p=0.03) and the difference for 5-year PFS rates was nearly significant (65% vs. 54%; p=0.05). In univariate analysis, treatment strategy, age, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, pathology, rate of myometrial invasion, and grade were prognostic factors for OS and PFS. In multivariate analysis, non-endometrioid histology, advanced FIGO stage, and adjuvant sequential ChT and RT were negative predictors for OS, whereas only non-endometrioid histology was a prognostic factor for PFS. Conclusion Postoperative adjuvant ChT and RT for stage IIIC EC patients, either given sequentially or sandwiched, offers excellent clinical efficacy and acceptably low toxicity. Our data support the superiority of the sandwich regimen compared to the sequential strategy in stage IIIC EC patients for OS.

A novel prediction method for lymph node involvement in endometrial cancer: machine learning

Abstract: Objective The necessity of lymphadenectomy and the prediction of lymph node involvement (LNI) in endometrial cancer (EC) have been hotly-debated questions in recent years. Machine learning is a broad field that can produce results and estimations. In this study we constructed prediction models for EC patients using the Naive Bayes machine learning algorithm for LNI prediction. Methods The study assessed 762 patients with EC. Algorithm models were based on the following histopathological factors: V1: final histology; V2: presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI); V3: grade; V4: tumor diameter; V5: depth of myometrial invasion (MI); V6: cervical glandular stromal invasion (CGSI); V7: tubal or ovarian involvement; and V8: pelvic LNI. Logistic regression analysis was also used to evaluate the independent factors affecting LNI. Results The mean age of patients was 59.1 years. LNI was detected in 102 (13.4%) patients. Para-aortic LNI (PaLNI) was detected in 54 (7.1%) patients, of which four patients had isolated PaLNI. The accuracy rate of the algorithm models was found to be between 84.2% and 88.9% and 85.0% and 97.6% for LNI and PaLNI, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the histologic type, LVSI, depth of MI, and CGSI were independently and significantly associated with LNI (p Conclusions Machine learning may have a place in the decision tree for the management of EC. This is a preliminary report about the use of a new statistical technique. Larger studies with the addition of sentinel lymph node status, laboratory findings, or imaging results with machine learning algorithms may herald a new era in the management of EC.

The Basics of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Anatomical and Pathophysiological Considerations and Clinical Aspects

Abstract: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first node to receive the drainage directly from a tumor. Detection and pathological examination of the SLN is an important oncological procedure that minimizes morbidity related to extensive nodal dissection. SLN biopsy was first reported in 1960 but took approximately 40 years to come into general practice following reports of good outcomes in patients with melanoma. After many years of observation and research on its use in various malignancies SLN biopsy has become the standard surgical treatment in patients with malignant melanoma, breast, vulvar, and cervical cancers. Along with the introduction of new technologies, such as the fluorescent dyes indocyanine green (ICG) and near-infrared fluorescence (NIR), and pathologic ultrastaging, SLN detection rate has increased and false-negative rate has decreased. This literature review aimed to present an overview of the basic concepts and clinical aspects of SLN biopsy in the light of the current research.

Retinal vascular density evaluation of migraine patients with and without aura and association with white matter hyperintensities

Abstract: Underlying pathophysiological mechanism of migraine is not all clear; however, recent reports suggested that neurovascular system is involved. We aimed to evaluate the retinal vessel densities of migraine patients with and without aura and the associations with white matter hyperintensities (WMH), using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). We recruited 28 migraine with aura (MWA) patients, 26 migraine without aura (MWO) and age and sex-matched 34 healthy controls in our study. All participants were evaluated with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCTA for optic nerve parameters and retinal vessel densities with RTVue XR AVANTI. On macular OCTA, superficial and deeper retinal foveal vessel density (VD) were significantly lesser in MWA and MWO than controls. On optic nerve OCTA, whole optic disc, peripapillary, superior hemisphere, superior layer and temporal layer VD were significantly lesser in MWA and MWO. In group of MWA with the WMH, deeper foveal VD and superior hemisphere VD, average RNFL, superior hemisphere and superior layer were significantly lesser and also foveal avascular zone was significantly larger than the group of without WMH. Alterations of VD in patients with migraine are showed in our study. In addition, in group of MWA these alterations have associations with WMH. Supporting these findings with further reports can be useful to understand the pathophysiology of this disease.

The Fix-it face-to-face intervention increases multihazard household preparedness cross-culturally.

Abstract: Vulnerability to natural disasters is increasing globally1-3. In parallel, the responsibility for natural hazard preparedness has shifted to communities and individuals4. It is therefore crucial that households increase their preparedness, yet adoption of household preparedness measures continues to be low, even in high-risk regions5-8. In addition, few hazard-preparedness interventions have been evaluated longitudinally using observational measures. Therefore, we conducted a controlled intervention with a 12-month follow-up on adults in communities in the United States and Turkey that focused on improving household earthquake and fire preparedness. We show that this Fix-it intervention, involving evidence-based, face-to-face workshops, increased multihazard preparedness in both cultures longitudinally. Compared to baseline, the primary outcome-overall preparedness-increased significantly in the intervention groups, with more improvement in earthquake preparedness in the Turkish participants and more improvements in fire preparedness in the US participants. High baseline outcome expectancy and home ownership predicted overall preparedness change in both intervention groups longitudinally, implying that a sense of agency influences preparedness. An unintended consequence of observation is that it may increase preparedness, as even the control groups changed their behaviour. Therefore, observation of home preparatory behaviours by an external source may be a way to extend multihazard preparedness across a population.

Sketch recognition using transfer learning

Abstract: Humans have an excellent ability to recognize freehand sketch drawings despite their abstract and sparse structures. Understanding freehand sketches with automated methods is a challenging task due to the diversity and abstract structures of these sketches. In this paper, we propose an efficient freehand sketch recognition scheme, which is based on the feature-level fusion of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in the transfer learning context. Specifically, we analyse different layer performances of distinct ImageNet pretrained CNNs and combine best performing layer features within the CNN-SVM pipeline for recognition. We also employ Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to reduce the fused deep feature dimensions to ensure the efficiency of the recognition application on the limited-capacity devices. We perform evaluations on two real sketch benchmark datasets, namely the Sketchy and the TU-Berlin to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Our experimental results show that, the feature-level fusion scheme with the PCA achieves a recognition accuracy of 97.91% and 72.5% on the Sketchy and TU-Berlin datasets, respectively. This result is promising when compared with the human recognition accuracy of 73.1% on the TU-Berlin dataset. We also develop a sketch recognition application for smart devices to demonstrate the proposed scheme.

Management of Kaposi sarcoma after solid organ transplantation : A European retrospective study

Abstract: Background Systemic therapeutic management of post-transplant Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is mainly based on 3 axes: reduction of immunosuppression, conversion to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. Objective To obtain an overview of clinical strategies about the current treatment of KS. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study including 145 solid organ transplant recipients diagnosed with KS between 1985 and 2011 to collect data regarding first-line treatment and response at 6 months. Results Overall, 95%, 28%, and 16% of patients had reduction of immunosuppression, conversion to mTOR inhibitor, and chemotherapy, respectively. Patients treated with chemotherapy or mTOR inhibitor conversion were more likely to have visceral KS. At 6 months, 83% of patients had response, including 40% complete responses. Limitations The retrospective design of the study. Conclusion Currently available therapeutic options seem to be effective to control KS in most patients. Tapering down the immunosuppressive regimen remains the cornerstone of KS management.

MNEs’ location strategies and labor standards: The role of operating and reputational considerations across industries

Abstract: We investigate the role of local labor standards on MNEs’ location decisions across different sectors and sub-national regions within a developing country. We suggest that foreign investors adopt selective location strategies in connection with specific labor standards as a result of reputational and operating considerations. Foreign firms in more hazardous sectors prefer locations with higher occupational health and safety standards because they are more exposed to reputational risks. Those in sectors with less reversible investments prefer locations with lower degrees of unionization because their lower bargaining power increases their sensitivity to operating costs. We test our arguments across 26 sub-national Turkish regions over the period 2005–2011.

Novel Mutations in Obesity-related Genes in Turkish Children with Non-syndromic Early Onset Severe Obesity: A Multicentre Study

Abstract: Objective Non syndromic monogenic obesity is a rare cause of early onset severe obesity in the childhood period. This form may not be distinguishable from other forms of severe obesity without genetic analysis, particularly if patients do not exibit any physical abnormalities or developmental delay. The aim of this study was to screen 41 different obesity-related genes in children with non-syndromic early onset severe obesity. Methods Children with severe (body mass index-standard deviation score >3) and early onset (<7 years) obesity were screened by next-generation sequencing based, targeted DNA custom panel for 41 known-obesity-related genes and the results were confirmed by Sanger technique. Results Six novel variants were identified in five candidate genes in seven out of 105 children with severe obesity; two in SIM1 (p.W306C and p.Q36X), one in POMC (p.Y160H), one in PCSK1 (p.W130G fs Ter8), two in MC4R (p.D126E) and one in LEPR (p.Q4H). Additionally, two previously known variations in MC4R were identified in four patients (p.R165W in three, and p.V166I in one). Conclusion We identified six novel and four previously described variants in six obesity-related genes in 11 out of 105 childrens with early onset severe obesity. The prevalence of monogenic obesity was 10.4% in our cohort.

High accuracy of recognition of common forms of folliculitis by dermoscopy: An observational study.

Abstract: Background Clinical differentiation of folliculitis types is challenging. Dermoscopy supports the recognition of folliculitis etiology, but its diagnostic accuracy is not known. Objective To assess the diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy for folliculitis. Methods This observational study included patients (N = 240) with folliculitis determined on the basis of clinical and dermoscopic assessments. A dermoscopic image of the most representative lesion was acquired for each patient. Etiology was determined on the basis of cytologic examination, culture, histologic examination, or manual hair removal (when ingrowing hair was detected) by dermatologist A. Dermoscopic images were evaluated according to predefined diagnostic criteria by dermatologist B, who was blinded to the clinical findings. Dermoscopic and definitive diagnoses were compared by dermatologist C. Results Of the 240 folliculitis lesions examined, 90% were infections and 10% were noninfectious. Infectious folliculitis was caused by parasites (n = 71), fungi (n = 81), bacteria (n = 57), or 7 viruses (n = 7). Noninfectious folliculitis included pseudofolliculitis (n = 14), folliculitis decalvans (n = 7), and eosinophilic folliculitis (n = 3). The overall accuracy of dermoscopy was 73.7%. Dermoscopy showed good diagnostic accuracy for Demodex (88.1%), scabietic (89.7%), and dermatophytic folliculitis (100%), as well as for pseudofolliculitis (92.8%). Limitations The diagnostic value of dermoscopy was calculated only for common folliculitis. Diagnostic reliability could not be calculated. Conclusion Dermoscopy is a useful tool for assisting in the diagnosis of some forms of folliculitis.