bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of low-temperature plasma discharge on mycotoxin content in barley and malt
Authors: Havelka Zbyněk , Běláková Sylvie , Bohatá Andrea , Hartman Ivo , Kábelová Hana , Kříž Pavel , Benešová Karolína , Dienstbier Miroslav , Bartoš Petr , Špatenka Petr
Published: October 2019

This work deals with the possibility of elimination of common occuring mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and its plant metabolite deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (D3G) from malting barley and malt by treatment of low-temperature plasma discharge. Barley seed was treated with a fungicide, entomopathogenic and mycoparasitic fungi and the low-temperature plasma discharge of Gliding Arc type, or their combination. Samples of harvested barley were treated with plasma discharge and analyzed for presence of mycotoxins. Only low DON and D3G concentration levels were detected (maximal values were 48.2 µg/kg and 30.2 µg/kg for DON and D3G, resp.), after plasma treatment mycotoxin content decreased onto the levels near limit of quantification. The results suggest that low-temperature Gliding Arc plasma discharge may contribute to reduction of the content of the mycotoxins in harvested barley grains.
Intimate Partner Violence: The Lived Experiences of Economic and Financial Violence of Rural Women in Ghana
Authors: Baffoe-Whyte Harriet , Sossou Marie-Antoinette
Published: October 2019

Economic violence (EV) or financial violence (FV) is one form of intimate partner violence (IPV), which has received less attention from scholars, policymakers, and social work practitioners. This study explores and describes the lived experiences of 24 rural Ghanaian women with economic violence within intimate partner relationships as wives, mothers, co-wives, and girlfriends. A qualitative methodology utilized a purposeful sample of 24 self-identified female victims as participants aged 20–50 years from three different rural communities in the southeastern region of Ghana. Data collected through individual semi-structured in-depth face-to-face interviews and data analysis utilized a qualitative thematic content analysis approach using Miles, Huberman, and Saldana (2014)'s thematic process. Data analysis identifies four main themes namely: (1) Exploitation of family resources; (2) Refusal of spouse/partner to support economic activities; (3) Not benefiting from commonly acquired marital properties; and 4) Inadequate reward for contributions. The article discusses policy implications, mental health interventions and suggestions for the provision of professional services and programs to increase the socioeconomic development of rural communities in Ghana.
The Appropriateness of the Duluth Model for Intimate Partner Violence and Child-to-Parent Violence: A Conceptual Review
Authors: Papamichail Alexandra , Bates Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2019

Research demonstrates that child-to-parent violence (CPV), an under researched form of family violence, is associated with intimate partner violence (IPV). The aim of this article is to critically explore the influence of the Duluth model of IPV on the overarching conceptual frameworks used to explain CPV. Although gender socialization could indeed be a factor implicated in CPV, the prefixed assumptions of the Duluth model about gender as the ultimate etiological factor, have shaped and dominated the discourses of CPV resulting in devaluation of a range of other factors pertinent for understanding this type of violence. It has been established that violence, and more specifically family violence, is a highly complex phenomenon that has history and continuity; as such contextual, multi-modal explanations are favored (Asen & Fonagy, 2017). This article discusses the tenets of the theory and consequently, its influence on discourses around etiology and maintenance of this narrative. Future recommendations include ecological, lifespan approaches based upon tailored, evidence-based interventions.
Rewriting a History of Open Universities
Authors: Lee Kyungmee
Published: October 2019

This article reports eight distance teachers’ stories about teaching at two open universities over the past two decades with a focus on their perceptions and feelings about the changes in their teaching practice. This qualitative study employed a methodological approach called the autoethnographic interview, aiming to document more realistic histories of the open universities and to imagine a better future for those universities. As a result, the paper presents autobiographical narratives of distance teachers that dissent from the general historical accounts of open universities. These narratives are categorized into three interrelated themes: a) openness: excessive openness and a lost sense of mission; b) technological innovation: moving online and long-lasting resistance, and c) teaching: transactional interactions and feelings of loneliness. The paper then presents a discussion of useful implications for open universities, which can serve as a starting point for more meaningful discussions among distance educators in a time of change.
Characterizing UNAM’s Open Education System Using the OOFAT Model
Authors: Cervantes-Perez Francisco , Vadillo Guadalupe , Bucio Jackeline , Herrera Alma
Published: October 2019

Mexico’s national university (UNAM) is a public mega university with a 46-year history in open education. This article presents an analysis based on the open, online, flexible provision of technology-enhanced higher education (OOFAT) model, developed by Orr and his colleagues (2018). The aim of this analysis was to characterize UNAM’s open and distance education system in terms of openness, flexibility, and its business model, in three distinct time periods. According to this analysis, the system has evolved in all areas, and at present has a content-focused approach in terms of flexibility and openness, which differs from the OOFAT at the center approach that is desired. The study also characterized the UNAM system’s business model as a prospector-like approach, which highlights the possibilities for instilling innovation through the schools that comprise this system. The analysis allowed for mapping the current situation and thus sheds light on defining the steps necessary for creating an integrally open system.
Open Universities: Innovative Past, Challenging Present, and Prospective Future
Authors: Guri-Rosenblit Sarah
Published: October 2019

This article examines the innovative past of the large-scale, single-mode open universities that follow the model of the UK Open University (UKOU), analyzes the main challenges which they are currently facing in the digital era, and concludes with highlighting leading prospects for their future operation.

The establishment of the UKOU in 1969 marked a new era in distance higher education. It gave distance education a new legitimacy and opened up new prospects for populations that for a variety of reasons were unable to attend a campus-based university. Many of the new open universities were heralded as a conspicuous development in higher education, with innovative features such as: open access, reaching out to part-time adult students, providing academic faculty the opportunity to work in teams to prepare study materials, modular credit accumulation, teaching huge numbers of students, and harnessing innovative technologies into their teaching/learning processes.

In the last three decades, many of these innovative characteristics pioneered by open universities have been adopted by campus universities. This has eroded the unique status of open universities in many national jurisdictions. Furthermore, the emergence of digital technologies has challenged the underlying premises of the industrial model of many open universities, as well as their logistic operation. Present challenges facing open universities emerge from: blurred boundaries between distance and campus universities; the changing of initial target populations; the need to restructure the technological and logistic infrastructure of open universities; the changing roles of the academic faculty; and the growing competition for both students and funds. In order to find success and keep being relevant in the future, open universities should take into consideration: future target populations; the use of MOOCs and OER; support systems for both students and professors; collaboration with other higher education institutions; collaboration with the corporate and work worlds; and enhancing the academic status of open universities.
Facebook out of control? A technically-mediated autonomous technology
Authors: Jurno Amanda Chevtchouk
Published: October 2019

On the controversy triggered by the influence of the so-called “fake news” that circulated on Facebook in the 2016 United States presidential elections, we notice the emergence of an idea of “control of technology”, both in the platform’s official publications and steps announced after the event, and in the specialized media demands. In order to refute the idea of total control of technology and defend the recognition of the action of nonhuman elements, thus contributing to a better understanding of the platform’s actions, we use the concepts of “autonomous technology”, by Langdon Winner (1977), and “technical mediation”, by Bruno Latour (1994). Methodologically, we were inspired by the Cartography of Controversies (VENTURINI, 2010) and worked with content collected through the platform’s official pages and media vehicles that covered the event from July 2016 to July 2018.
Fatores associados à adesão e à descontinuidade ao programa “Cestas Verdes”, vertente do Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) em Limeira, SP
Authors: Grilo Mariana Fagundes , Frizo Bárbara Lellis de Sá , Oliveira Julicristie Machado de
Published: October 2019

Com o intuito de assegurar o Direito Humano à Alimentação Adequada (DHAA), o governo federal brasileiro instituiu o Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA). Em Limeira, SP, a política teve uma gestão específica com o programa “Cestas Verdes”, que fornecia alimentos produzidos localmente a famílias em risco social. O presente estudo teve como objetivoinvestigar os fatores associados à adesão e descontinuidade dos beneficiários, diagnosticar prevalência de (In)Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (IAN/SAN), e entender o papel do programa em assegurar o DHAA. Para isso, 68 beneficiários responderam um questionário com dimensões de IAN/SAN e informações específicas do programa, como motivos que condicionaram a adesão e descontinuidade e impacto dos alimentos nos hábitos alimentares. Os dados foram analisados com o auxílio do software EpiData. Entre os domicílios beneficiados, 94,1% encontravam-se classificados em algum grau de IAN. Mais de 95% dos beneficiáriosreferiram que os alimentos recebidos tornavam a alimentação mais saudável, evidenciando impactos nos hábitos alimentares. Quanto à frequência de recebimento, 64% não receberam a cesta durante toda a vigência do programa, o que foi explicado por fatores de âmbito individual dos beneficiários - condições de saúde - e da gestão da política – cadastramento tardio, horário de entrega, viés e mudança nos critérios de seleção. Assim, as “Cestas Verdes” mostraram-se como contribuidoras na garantia do DHAA de populações em risco social. Em relação à descontinuidade, essa se deu por fatores relacionados tanto às condições de vida dos beneficiários quanto às características da gestão municipal.
Efeito da lei do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar na qualidade nutricional dos cardápios escolares
Authors: Bicalho Daniela , Villar Betzabeth Slater
Published: October 2019

Avaliar o efeito da implementação do artigo 14 da Lei Federal 11.947/09 na qualidade nutricional dos cardápios do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. Trata-se de estudo transversal, com base na tríade de avaliação Estrutura – Processo – Resultado e elaboração de matriz avaliativa, conduzido no ano de 2013. Trinta e oito municípios do estado de São Paulo foram divididos em dois grupos: os que adquirem gêneros da agricultura familiar e os que não adquirem. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio dos cardápios escolares e de um questionário estruturado com nutricionistas. Os alimentos dos cardápios foram analisados segundo critérios da Nova e a qualidade nutricional foi avaliada conforme os parâmetros da legislação vigente. Foram utilizadas estatística descritiva e teste exato de Fischer para análise de associação. Vinte e cinco municípios adquiriam alimentos da agricultura familiar e 18 não implementaram as compras. Os municípios que compraram alimentos dos agricultores familiares tiveram maior prevalência de cozinheiros escolares em número suficiente e realizaram ações de apoio com os agricultores familiares da região (p >0,05). A maioria das cidades atenderam a legislação vigente quanto a oferta mínima de frutas ou hortaliças e máxima de doces, embora a participação média de alimentos ultraprocessados seja elevada em ambos os grupos. O marco legal apresenta lacunas quanto a definição dos alimentos que devem compor os cardápios escolares, sendo permissivo quanto ao uso de alimentos de maior nível de processamento. As fragilidades da legislação para a aquisição de alimentos da agricultura familiar devem ser exploradas para promover cardápios escolares de melhor qualidade nutricional.
1º plano municipal de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional de São Paulo/SP (PLAMSAN)
Authors: Ribeiro Silvana Maria , Bógus Cláudia Maria , Lins Jaqueline Dourado
Published: October 2019

A elaboração e publicação do 1º Plano Municipal de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional de São Paulo, o PLAMSAN 2016-2020, evidencia avanços da Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional no cenário municipal. O presente estudo apoiou-se na triangulação de métodos, envolvendo as seguintes técnicas: observação participante, entrevista com informante-chave, constructo de um modelo lógico. A metodologia regeu-se por critérios de validade da pesquisa participativa em saúde. Verificou-se que a participação social foi um dos mecanismos utilizados para envolver governo e população, a partir do estabelecimento de compromissos voltados à consolidação desta política pública, destacando os conselhos municipais como protagonistas do processo analisado. A intersetorialidade ocorreu devido à composição da Câmara Intersecretarial de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (CAISAN Municipal), envolvendo sete secretarias municipais, e aos esforços de quem liderou o processo, como os conselheiros municipais. Conclui-se que a descentralização das ações permitiu que as propostas locais fossem contempladas no plano. A participação social e a intersetorialidade, princípios da Promoção da Saúde, foram esteio do processo contribuindo para o êxito da experiência, a qual demonstrou viabilidade para ser replicada em outros municípios de qualquer cidade no mundo.
Assessing the Impact of Man–Made Ponds on Soil Erosion and Sediment Transport in Limnological Basins
Authors: Al Sayah Mario J. , Nedjai Rachid , Kaffas Konstantinos , Abdallah Chadi , Khouri Michel
Published: October 2019

The impact of ponds on basins has recently started to receive its well–deserved scientific attention. In this study, pond–induced impacts on soil erosion and sediment transport were investigated at the scale of the French Claise basin. In order to determine erosion and sediment transport patterns under current conditions, the CORINE erosion and SWAT models were used. The impact of ponds on the studied processes was revealed by means of land cover change scenarios, using ponded versus pondless inputs. Results show that under current conditions (pond presence), 12.48% of the basin corresponds to no–erosion risk zones (attributed to the dense pond network), while 65.66% corresponds to low–erosion risk, 21.68% to moderate–erosion risk and only 0.18% to high–erosion risk zones. The SWAT model revealed that ponded sub–basins correspond to low sediment yields areas, in contrast to the pondless sub–basins, which yield appreciably higher erosion rates. Under the alternative scenario, erosion risks shifted to 1.12%, 0.52%, 76.8% and 21.56% for no, low, moderate and high–erosion risks, respectively, while the sediment transport pattern of the Claise completely shifted to higher sediment yield zones. This approach solidifies ponds as powerful man–induced modifications to hydro/sedimentary processes.
Logit-Probit Modeli Yardımıyla Türkiye’de Cari Açık Kaynaklı Kriz Riskini Etkileyen Faktörlerin Belirlenmesi
Authors: USLU Hüseyin
Published: October 2019

Bu
çalışmada, Türkiye’deki cari işlemler açığı kaynaklı kriz riskini etkileyen
faktörleri belirleyebilmek amacıyla, Türkiye’nin 1974-2018 dönemi cari işlemler
açığı, ekonomik büyüme, sermaye hareketleri, dış borç stoku ve petrol fiyatları
verileri kullanılmıştır. Serilerin durağanlığı ADF ve PP birim kök testleri ile
sınanmış ve dış borç stoku haricindeki serilerin I(0), dış borç stoku serisinin
ise I(1) olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Logit ve Probit analizleri sonucunda
Türkiye’deki cari işlemler açığı kaynaklı kriz riskini; dış ticaret açığı,
sermaye hareketleri ve dış borç stokundaki değişimlerin pozitif ve
istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde etkilediği tespit edilmiştir. Logit ve
Probit analizleri sonrasında gerçekleştirilen marjinal analiz sonuçları
istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunamamıştır.
Differences in Efficiency of Innovation Performance among Middle Income Countries: An Empirical Approach
Authors: ÜNLÜ Fatma
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this paper is to determine empirically the differences in the
efficiency of innovation performance in middle-income countries. To achieve
this aim, it was used cluster analysis which is one of the multivariate
statistical techniques. Ward’s agglomerative hierarchical method was employed
for cluster analysis. In determining efficiency of innovation performance, it
was followed process suggested by Kula and Ünlü (2019). So, cluster analysis
was performed separately for inputs and outputs indicators. Secondly,
discriminant analysis was used to identify factors that lead to differences in
the efficiency. According to the World Bank's income classification, it was
included a total of
54 countries, including 23 lower-middle
income and 31 upper-middle income. The data used in the analysis was obtained from Global Innovation Index. The
findings confirm the existence of the inefficiency problem in terms of innovation
performance in the middle income countries.
TÜRK ŞİRKETLERİNİN KURUMSAL SOSYAL SORUMLULUK SÖYLEMLERİNİN KURUMSAL İTİBARLARI ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİ: BRAND FINANCE-100 ŞİRKETLERİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: SARI AYTEKİN Selcen , SİS ATABAY Elif , OKAN Tarhan , AYTEKİN Erdoğdu Sabri
Published: October 2019

Bu araştırmanın amacı, Türkiye’de faaliyet gösteren
işletmelerin kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk (KSS) söylemlerinin, işletmelerin kurumsal
itibarları üzerindeki etkisini ortaya koymaktır. Araştırma, Brand Finance
Kurumu tarafından yayınlanan “Turkey 100-2017: Türkiye’nin En Değerli
Markalarının Yıllık Raporu” kapsamında yer alan işletmelerden kasıtlı örnekleme
yöntemi ile seçilen 65 işletme üzerinde yürütülmüştür. Araştırma bulguları,
işletmelerin çevre ve sosyal alanlarda yapılan kurumsal sosyal sorumluluk
faaliyetlerine dair söylemlerinin toplamını ifade eden toplam KSS skorlarının,
marka değeri skorları üzerinden ölçümlenen kurumsal itibarları üzerinde anlamlı
ve pozitif yönlü bir etkiye sahip olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Kontrol
değişkenleri olarak modele dâhil edilen, sektör ve finansal performans değişkenlerinin
kurumsal itibar üzerinde anlamlı bir etkisi gözlenemezken, öz sermaye tutarı
üzerinden ölçümlenen işletme büyüklüğü kurumsal itibar üzerinde pozitif yönlü
bir etkiye sahiptir.
Türkiye’de Bölgesel Enflasyon Yakınsaması: Panel Birim Kök Testlerinden Kanıtlar
Authors: BELKE Murat , AL İbrahim
Published: October 2019

Parasal birlikte yer alan ülkelerde veya bir ülkedeki bölgeler arasında enflasyonun yakınsaması, uygulanan iktisat politikalasının başarısını etkiler. Bu çalışmanın amacı, 2004:M1-2019:M6 döneminde Türkiye’nin 26 alt bölgesi arasında enflasyon yakınsaması olup olmadığını araştırmaktır. Çalışmada, yatay kesit bağımlılığını dikkate alan ikinci nesil panel birim kök testlerinin yanı sıra, yapısal değişimleri de dikkate alan Panel KPSS ve Fourier Panel KPSS testleri kullanılmıştır. Bulgular, hem enflasyon hem de enflasyondan sapma serisi için yakınsama sürecinin bölgeye göre farklılaştığını göstermektedir. Bu sonuç, bölgesel farklılıkları dikkate alan iktisat politikası uygulanması gerekliliğini ortaya koymaktadır.
Fracture of the Supracondylar Process in a Child
Authors: Gamble James G. , Krygier Jeffrey E.
Published: October 2019

Case:

A 5-year-9-month-old boy sustained a fracture of the supracondylar process of the distal humerus. The fracture healed with cast immobilization and with no neurovascular complications. Magnetic resonance imaging showed the medial nerve and the brachial artery to be located under the ligament of Struthers that extended from the supracondylar process to the medial epicondyle.

Conclusions:

Fracture of the supracondylar process of the humerus in children is rare and easy to misdiagnose, but once discovered, the fracture can be treated successfully with cast immobilization and without compromise to the neurovascular structures passing under the ligament of Struthers.
Prevalence and determinants of test anxiety among medical students in Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Authors: Girmay Light Tsegaye , Shumet Shegaye , Damene Woynabeba , Gebreegzihabhier Gebrselassie , Ayano Getinet
Published: October 2019

Background
Worldwide, problematic test anxiety is a common health problem among medical students. The magnitude of problematic test anxiety ranges from 25 to 40% in undergraduate medical students and has a detrimental effect on academic achievement and success of students. However, data on the prevalence of test anxiety among medical students is limited. Thus, the study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of test anxiety among medical students.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, a stratified random sampling technique was used to select the participants. The level of test anxiety was determined by the Westside Test Anxiety Inventory (WTAI). We utilized logistic regression to explore the association between test anxiety and the potential sociodemographic/student-related characteristics among medical students.
Results
The study included 423 medical students. Our study resulted the prevalence of problematic test anxiety among medical students to be 52.30% (95% CI 47.40-57.30). The prevalence of test anxiety was remarkably higher in women (79.75%) than in men (33.62%) students. Female sex [AOR=3.25, 95% CI: (1.54, 6.89)], having low grade [AOR=0.11,95% CI: (0.044,0.288)], being first year [AOR=10.55,95% CI: (1.4,76.7)], excessive course load [AOR=6.128,95% CI: (2.675,14.039)], and taking oral examination [AOR=2.89,95% CI: (1.42,5.84)] were determined as some of the predicting factors of test anxiety among medical students. Additionally, lack of systemic study plan [AOR=2.4,95% CI: (1.25,4.59)], poor social support [AOR=3.6,95% CI: (1.56,8.29)], moderate social support [AOR=3.39,95% CI: (1.56,7.4)], psychologically distressed [AOR=2.68,95% CI: (1.37,5.27)] independently predicts test anxiety among medical students.
Conclusion
Findings suggest that a substantial percentage of medical students had problematic test anxiety in Ethiopia (52.30%). This study also showed a significant association between test anxiety and female sex, having poor grade point average, being the first year, excessive course load, oral examination, lack of study plan, poor social support, moderate social support, and having psychological distress. Problematic test anxiety, which is found to be common among medical students, deserves more attention.
Development and Validation of a Brief Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale
Authors: Fung Sai-fu , Chow Esther Oi-wah , Cheung Chau-kiu
Published: October 2019

Background

This longitudinal study aimed to develop a nine-item Brief Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (BSAWS) derived from the original 40-item Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS).

Methods

The psychometric properties of the shortened scale were evaluated based on a sample of 157 older adults. The factor structure and dimensionality of the original SAWS were examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Subsequent explorative factor analysis of the BSAWS supported the construct validity of the shortened scale.

Results

The internal consistency, criterion validity and construct validity of the shortened scale were also evaluated and the results indicated that the BSAWS possesses good psychometric properties and is comparable with the full version.

Conclusions

This scale refinement may help researchers and practitioners conduct epistemological surveys or clinical research related to wisdom.
Relationships between changes in HIV risk perception and condom use in east Zimbabwe 2003-2013: Population-based longitudinal analyses
Authors: Schaefer Robin , Thomas Ranjeeta , Maswera Rufurwokuda , Kadzura Noah , Nyamukapa Constance , Gregson Simon
Published: October 2019

Background: Perceiving a personal risk for HIV infection is considered important for engaging in HIV prevention behaviour and often targeted in HIV prevention interventions. However, there is limited evidence for assumed causal relationships between risk perception and prevention behaviour and the degree to which change in behaviour is attributable to change in risk perception is poorly understood. This study examines longitudinal relationships between changes in HIV risk perception and in condom use and the public health importance of changing risk perception. Methods: Data on sexually active, HIV-negative adults (15-54 years) were taken from four surveys of a general-population open-cohort study in Manicaland, Zimbabwe (2003-2013). Increasing condom use between surveys was modelled in generalised estimating equations dependent on change in risk perception between surveys. Accounting for changes in other socio-demographic and behavioural factors, regression models examined the bi-directional relationship between risk perception and condom use, testing whether increasing risk perception is associated with increasing condom use and whether increasing condom use is associated with decreasing risk perception. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were estimated. Results: 1988 males and 3715 females participated in ≥2 surveys, contributing 8426 surveys pairs. Increasing risk perception between two surveys was associated with higher odds of increasing condom use (males: adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.85-2.28, PAF=3.39%; females: aOR=1.41 [1.06-1.88], PAF=6.59%), adjusting for changes in other socio-demographic and behavioural factors. Those who decreased risk perception were also more likely to increase condom use (males: aOR=1.76 [1.12-2.78]; females: aOR=1.23 [0.93-1.62]). Conclusions: Results on associations between changing risk perception and increasing condom use support hypothesised effects of risk perception on condom use and effects of condom use on risk perception (down-adjusting risk perception after adopting condom use). However, low proportions of change in condom use were attributable to changing risk perception, underlining the range of factors influencing HIV prevention behaviour and the need for comprehensive approaches to HIV prevention.
Genetic and clinical characterization of BRCA-associated Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in Navarra (Spain)
Authors: de Sabando Ainara Ruiz , Lafuente Edurne Urrutia , García-Amigot Fermín , Sánchez Ángel Alonso , Garofalo Lourdes Morales , Moreno Sira , Ardanaz Eva , Ramos-Arroyo Maria A
Published: October 2019

Background Genetic testing for BRCA1/2 genes is widely used as a strategy to reduce incidence and morbidity of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study is to analyse the demographic and molecular characteristics of BRCA germline mutations in Navarra, Spain, and to investigate the clinical profile of hereditary and sporadic breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) in the Community. Methods The study includes 1246 individuals assessed for BRCA1/2 genetic testing in Navarra, during 2000-2016, and a cohort of BC (n=4384) and OC (n=561) from the population-based Navarra Cancer Registry. Distribution and molecular characteristics of BRCA1/2 mutations, as well as, comparative analysis of the clinical course, pathologic features and overall survival of patients in different risk groups were investigated. Results BRCA mutation detection rate was 16%, with higher proportion (63%) of BRCA2 families. Nineteen per cent of mutations were recurrent, one of which, BRCA2 c.6024dupG, showed high association to OC. BRCA carriers had double risk (95% CI=1.04-4.33) of developing multiple malignancies than low risk families and were diagnosed at a much earlier age (16.6 and 11.7 years difference for BC and OC, respectively) when compared to the general population. For BC, BRCA carriers showed a more advanced histological stage, higher risk of bilateral neoplasms (OR=4.3; 95% CI=1.3-11.4, for BRCA2 carriers) and worse overall survival rate at 5-, 10- and 15- years, than women with sporadic tumors. For OC, over 70% of patients of all risk groups showed advanced stages at diagnosis, with the highest 91% among BRCA1 carriers (91%). Furthermore, they also had higher probability of developing bilateral tumors (OR=7.8, 95%CI=1.7-55.7) than the general population. Five-year overall survival rate was worse among women with sporadic OC than in BRCA carriers, but it levelled out over the 15-year period. Conclusions This study describes the molecular features of BRCA1/2 mutations in Navarra and defines the clinical course and outcomes of BRCA associated tumors compared with those of sporadic origin. Long term assessment of mortality and survival will be required to evaluate the impact of BRCA genetic testing program on the health of target population in our community.
Perioperative worries associated with low acceptance of day surgery among outpatients in Zhejiang Province, China: a survey research
Authors: Feng Tonghui , Li Yujia , Zhou Daipeng , Xu Peng , Lu Xing , Xia Yanfei , Wang Hongmei
Published: October 2019

Background:Day surgery, a popular medical practice in the United States, started rather late in mainland China since 2001 when day surgery was officially launched. Determining Chinese patients’ specialty and attitudes towards day surgery is important for proactive patient education to promote day surgery in China. At present, Chinese patients’ attitudes towards day surgery are blurred with only few relevent research.The goal of this study was to investigate Chinese patients’ specialty, especiallyperioperative worries,and its relationship with patients’ attitudestowardsday surgery in Zhejiang Province, China.
Methods: A total of 412 outpatients in Zhejiang Hospital were evaluated by a cross-sectional questionnaire survey between January 2019 andFebruary 2019.To evaluate outpatients’ specialtyand attitudes towardsday surgery, 420 outpatients were asked to fill out questionnaires including their characteristics, perioperative worry and acceptance of day surgery. Multinomial Logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between them.
Results:Of the 412 outpatients, 83.5% reported perioperative worries about day surgery. Outpatients who were older, less-educated, with comorbidities and lower income were more worried perioperatively and had poorer acceptance of day surgery. Outpatients worriedmost aboutpreoperative examinations not being done timely and being unable to monitor and manage complications and adverse events. Age, educated degree, comorbidities, financial status, surgery type and perioperative worry hadsignificantassociations with patient acceptance of day surgery.Outpatients with worries significantly scored lowerin acceptance of day surgery than those without worries, thus had a higher risk of refusing day surgery. Compared with less-educated patients, perioperative worries played a greater role in decreasing patient reception of day surgery in better-educated patients, reducing the possibility of acceptingday surgery.
Conclusions:Perioperative worry was identified as an independent factor in influencing patient acceptance of day surgery among outpatients in ZheJiang Province in China.Results of this study can be used to guide patient education according to patients’ characteristics in day surgery, helping promote day surgery in China.
Study on genetic polymorphisms and phenotypic frequency distribution of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 in Han Chinese population
Authors: He Li , Chen Shaojun , Li Jingao , Xie Xiaoxue , Huang Lihua , Kuang Yun , Xu Kangwei , Huang Wanxia , Zhao Yanling , Yang Guoping , Guo Chengxian
Published: October 2019

Purpose Genetic mutations and phenotypic changes of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 are vital for individual variations in clinical drug responses. Elucidating the mutating frequencies and phenotypic distributions of these genes shall facilitate the implementation of preemptive pharmacogenetic testing. We analyzed the gene polymorphisms and phenotypic frequencies of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 in Han Chinese population. Methods Tests of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 were performed in over 3200 (3276-3293) samples in Han Chinese population; furthermore, systematic review was employed for analyzing the mutation frequency and phenotypic distribution of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 in Han Chinese population. Results Among 9062 samples, the mutation frequency of CYP2C9 was 11.49% and the frequency of phenotypic changes 7.1%; in 8222 samples, the mutation frequency of CYP2C19 was 66.07% and the frequency of phenotypic changes 63.75%; among 3931 samples, the mutation frequency of CYP2D6 was 88.04% and the frequency of phenotypic changes 3.87%. Among 2690 samples, gene mutations and phenotypic distributions of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 were simultaneously examined and it was found that 96.36% samples became mutated and the frequency of phenotypic changes was 66.51%. Conclusions In Han Chinese population, the gene mutations and phenotypic changes of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 are all relatively frequent. Prior to dosing, preemptive pharmacogenetic testing of CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 is recommended.
Analysis of serum CircRNA in related to gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Gang , Su Yun , Gong HONG-XIA , Li Ling , Zhang Zhi-Yi , Wang Feng-Mei , Nie Peng , Ma Guo-Gang , Wang Xin-Hua , Li Chun-Bo , Xue Xuan , Li Ting-Ting , Liu Yong-Qi
Published: October 2019

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract and one of the leading causes of death in patients with malignant tumors worldwide. In recent years, with the deepening of circRNA research, more and more evidence indicates that circRNA plays an important role in the occurrence and development of human malignant tumors. This study firstly conducted a retrospective analysis of the case data of gastric cancer patients who were treated at the Wuwei Cancer Hospital between 2015 and 2017. Subsequently, 18 cases of primary gastric cancer patients and 9 healthy people in Wuwei, Gansu Province were used as controls. The high-throughput microarray technology was used to screen the circRNA expression profiles of healthy and gastric cancer patients, and the expression was expressed by bioinformatics methods. Differential circRNA was used for gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis, using its enrichment to predict the relevant biological functions of the differentially expressed circRNA and its involved pathways, and predicting miRNAs interacting with differentially expressed circRNAs, and constructing circRNA-miRNA interaction network. Q-PCR, gene organization microarray and bioinformatics techniques were used to validate candidate differential circRNAs and their linear parental genes and regulatable miRNAs. The results showed that there were 137 circRNAs with significant expression differences (including up-regulation of 67 and down-regulation of 70) in gastric cancer patients, and their differential expression may be related to the occurrence and development of gastric cancer; by GO, KEGG enrichment analysis and Regulating miRNA predictive analysis, the gastric cancer-related GO classification, KEGG Pathway and circRNA-miRNA network were preliminarily obtained, suggesting that differential circRNA may participate in gastric cancer-associated GO classification and KEGG pathway by regulating the expression of parental genes and miRNAs to influence the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. Finally, by using has verified the has_circ_0000437 and its parental genes and regulatable miRNAs, it was found that has_circ_0000437 is highly expressed in gastric cancer patients, and has a certain diagnostic value for the clinical diagnosis of gastric cancer. It may regulate its linear parental gene and The expression of miRNAs affects the development, metastasis and prognosis of clinical gastric cancer.
An Epidemiology of Self-Reported Cancer among women in India: A Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Singh S.K. , Biswas Ayantika , Puri Parul
Published: October 2019

Background Cancer is a leading cause of adult deaths globally. It has a death toll of 7,84,821 people from India in 2018 alone. Huge underlying regional and sectoral (urban-rural) variations, extending to lifestyles and variations in age-specific death rates compels assessment of the geographical and social distribution is essential to frame cancer control programmes.Methods National Family Health Survey (2015-16) data (also called the Demographic Health Survey of India) has been used for this study. Results The results of the concentration indices show an overall concentration of cancer towards the richer quintiles. For the socially deprived groups, it is concentrated among the richer quintiles, while for the socially non-deprived groups, it is concentrated among the poorer quintiles. The P80/P20 ratio for cancer incidence is 0.83. The decomposition of the concentration index shows a significant contribution from women hailing from the socially deprived groups of the population.Conclusion A comprehensive strategy to combat chronic diseases like cancer includes actions minimizing exposure to risk factors at the population level, as well as reducing the risk for individuals at the higher risk level and can aid in furnishing early, medium-term and long-term effects.
Potential biomarkers of ductal carcinoma in situ progression
Authors: Dettogni Raquel Spinassé , Stur Elaine , Laus Ana Carolina , Vieira René Aloísio da Costa , Marques Márcia Maria Chiquitelli , Santana Iara Viana Vidigal , Pulido José Zago , Ribeiro Laura Fregonassi , Parmanhani Narelle de Jesus , Agostini Lidiane Pignaton , Reis Raquel Silva dos , Santos Eldamária de Vargas Wolfgramm , Alves Lyvia Neves Rebello , Garcia Fernanda Mariano , Santos Jéssica Aflávio , Ventorim Diego do Prado , Reis Rui Manuel , Louro Iúri Drumond
Published: October 2019

Background Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-obligate precursor of invasive breast carcinoma and presents a potential risk of over or undertreatment. Finding molecular biomarkers of disease progression could allow for more adequate patient’s treatment. Our aim was to identify potentially biomarkers that can predict invasiveness risk.Methods In this epithelial cell-based study archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks from six patients diagnosed with invasive lesions (pure invasive ductal carcinoma), six with in-situ lesions (pure ductal carcinoma in situ) , six with synchronous lesions (invasive ductal carcinoma with an in-situ component) and three non-neoplastic breast epithelium tissues were analyzed by gene expression profiling of 770 genes, using the nCounter® PanCancer Pathways panel of NanoString Technologies.Results The results showed that in comparison with non-neoplastic tissue the pure ductal carcinoma in situ was one with the most altered gene expression profile. Comparing pure ductal carcinoma in situ and in-situ component six differentially expressed genes were found, three of them ( FGF2 , GAS1 and SFRP1 ), play a role in cell invasiveness. Importantly, these genes were also differentially expressed between invasive and noninvasive groups and were negatively regulated in later stages of carcinogenesis.Conclusions We propose these three genes ( FGF2 , GAS1 and SFRP1 ) as potential biomarkers of ductal carcinoma in situ progression, suggesting that their downregulation may be involved in the transition of stationary to migrating invasive epithelial cells.
The hospice as a learning environment: A follow-up study of a death education intervention that involved high-school students and the community
Authors: Testoni Ines , Sblano Fabio Vito , Palazzo Lorenza , Pompele Sara , Wieser Michael Alexander
Published: October 2019

Background

The theme of death in Western society has been removed from everyday life and replaced with specialized medical language. Such censorship does not reduce the fear of death, especially among young people, and it limits the possibility to elaborate on experiences linked to death, generating negative effects, especially in cases of traumatic grief. The objective of this follow-up study was to detect how and if experiences of death education changed the relationship between the community and a local hospice in relation to the theme of death and to the elaboration and management of suicide.

Methods

This was a qualitative research study based on semi-structured interviews with palliative care professionals and teachers of students who had taken part in a death education intervention 3 years earlier. The interviews were examined through thematic analysis.

Results

The results confirmed the efficacy of the death education intervention initiated 3 years earlier. The education initiative contributed to modifying the students’ and teachers’ perspectives of end-of-life professionals and their understanding of the structures within which palliative care is implemented. It also modified the participants’ perspectives on the representation of death and promoted a new outlook on life. The hospice staff also perceived a change in the attitudes of the community, and this change had a positive impact on their everyday work.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the usefulness of creating continuity between a hospice and the community through a school education initiative. The death education project provided an educational space in which it was possible to elaborate on experiences linked to death and to re-evaluate and appreciate the structures of end-of-life care and the professionals who work in the area.

Keywords: Hospice, Palliative care, Death education, Adolescents, Suicide.
Study on reproductive hormone disorder causing N-glycan structure change by swainsonine poisoning
Authors: Zhou Hongchao , Wang Yi , Zhao Baoyu , Wu Chenchen
Published: October 2019

Background: Glycosylation and glycan composition play an important role in the biological properties of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Swainsonine (SW) causes oligosaccharide accumulation and incomplete glycoprotein processing. Previous research has shown that SW reduces serum progesterone concentrations in pregnant livestock. However, we do not know how SW affects the secretion of reproductive hormones.
Materials: We used primary culture of mouse endometrial epithelial cells, Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), ELLSA, etc. method.
Results: In this study, we observed a significant decrease in the number of surviving fetal mice in the SW treatment group mice and a high level of carbohydrate deposition in PAS stained uterine tissue in the SW treatment group mice. Extensive vacuole degeneration can also be observed in mouse primary endometrial epithelial cell cultures in vitro after SW poisoning. MALDI-TOF-MS shows that the time of exposure to SW is prolonged, the number of di-, tri-, and tetra-complex glycosylated gradually decreases, and the number of tri- hybrid type glycosylated increases, while significantly reduced activity of glycosyltransferases and glycosidases are observed in endometrial epithelial cells. FSH and LH were significantly decreased at 7 and 15 days after pregnancy and 7 days after childbirth, the content of E2 and P4 decreased significantly at 7 days after childbirth, and the expression levels of mRNA and protein of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD-3β) and cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) also showed a significant decrease at 15 days after pregnancy and 7 days after childbirth.
Conclusions: In summary, The glycan chain structure of FSH and LH glycoprotein hormones were changed by swainsonine, which they are decreased on the expression of the limiting enzyme of steroid hormones indirectly, and ultimately lead to a decrease in the content of E2 and P4. The rate of female mice were decreased by dysfunction of the reproductive hormones.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cytokeratin-18, and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cohort study
Authors: Hu Ruofan , Xu Shaoyong , Shen Han , Jing Ce , Jia Aihua , Yu Xinwen , Xing Ying , Liang Shengru , Ming Jie , Ji Qiuhe
Published: October 2019

Background & Aims: Although many studies have shown that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), no cohort study has explored the relationship between the histopathological grade of NAFLD and the risk of T2DM in NAFLD patients. We aimed to explore whether a higher concentration of cytokeratin-18 (CK-18), as a reliable marker of hepatic fibrosis, was associated with a greater risk of T2DM in patients with NAFLD. Methods: The population-based cohort study was based on China National Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders Survey with a follow-up of five years. NAFLD was determined by ultrasonography. T2DM were diagnosed based on oral glucose tolerance test. Serum CK-8 was measured using the M30 Apoptosense ELISA kit. Results: 457 subjects were enrolled and three groups were analyzed: a non-NAFLD group (n=363), a low-CK-18 NAFLD group (n=46), and a high-CK-18 NAFLD group (n=48). 20 (3.9%) developed diabetes during follow-up. The incidence of T2DM was 2.5%, 8.7%, and 12.5% in the non-NAFLD, low-CK-18 NAFLD, and high-CK-18 NAFLD groups, respectively. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that, compared with the non-NAFLD group, the adjusted relative risks of T2DM were 3.37 (95% CI: 1.05-10.86, P =0.042) and 4.71 (95% CI: 1.71-12.99, P =0.003), respectively, in the low-CK-18 NAFLD and high-CK-18 NAFLD groups. Conclusions: Higher CK-18 level in ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD patients is associated with higher risk of T2DM. We recommend screening for NAFLD using ultrasound in the first instance, with, if possible, CK-18 assay being subsequently used to screen individuals at higher risk of diabetes.