Large Group Research Articles

Development of Speed Training Equipment and Dollyo Chagi's Taekwondo Kick Speed Endurance Using Pyongyo

The purpose of the study. The context of this research is that coaches and trainers must be able to adapt to competition as a result of the continuously changing technological landscape in the coaching process . Staying focused throughout training is the trainer's responsibility. This is important because, in addition to monitoring training progress, the trainer's role during sessions also requires the ability to evaluate programme results. To train the speed and endurance of kicks for taekwondo players , this research aims to design a speed and endurance training tool for Dollyo kicks. Chagi uses sensors, LEDs and digital accounting. Materials and methods. The following processes form a research methodology called research and development, which include: potential and problems; data collection; product design; design validation; design revision; product trials; product revision; and mass production. Results. Based on research, 93% of Taekwondo I experts are good at stage I, and 95% are very good at stage II. The assessment for stage I was 75% good, while stage II was 95% very good, according to Taekwondo II experts. Electrical expert I gave a good rating of 74% for stage I and a very good score of 95% for stage II. The Phase I assessment for Electrical Expert II was 90% very good, and the Phase II assessment was 95% very good. Conclusions. In small group testing, 71% of trainer evaluation methods were considered very good; large group testing was 89.37%; and product testing was 89.37%.

Thermo-optic epsilon-near-zero effects

Nonlinear epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) nanodevices featuring vanishing permittivity and CMOS-compatibility are attractive solutions for large-scale-integrated systems-on-chips. Such confined systems with unavoidable heat generation impose critical challenges for semiconductor-based ENZ performances. While their optical properties are temperature-sensitive, there is no systematic analysis on such crucial dependence. Here, we experimentally report the linear and nonlinear thermo-optic ENZ effects in indium tin oxide. We characterize its temperature-dependent optical properties with ENZ frequencies covering the telecommunication O-band, C-band, and 2-μm-band. Depending on the ENZ frequency, it exhibits an unprecedented 70–93-THz-broadband 660–955% enhancement over the conventional thermo-optic effect. The ENZ-induced fast-varying large group velocity dispersion up to 0.03–0.18 fs2nm−1 and its temperature dependence are also observed for the first time. Remarkably, the thermo-optic nonlinearity demonstrates a 1113–2866% enhancement, on par with its reported ENZ-enhanced Kerr nonlinearity. Our work provides references for packaged ENZ-enabled photonic integrated circuit designs, as well as a new platform for nonlinear photonic applications and emulations.

Likelihood of Young Adult Engagement in Protective Behavioral Strategies for Alcohol Use across Drinking Contexts: Implications for Adaptive Interventions

Objective This study examined how young adults’ likelihood to engage in protective behavioral strategies (PBS) to reduce alcohol harms varies across physical and social contexts for drinking. Method We conducted an online survey with 514 heavy drinking young adults (Mage = 22.4 years, 52% women, 30% Hispanic/Latin(x), 40% non-White). Participants were asked to rate their likelihood to engage in 26 PBS generally, and specifically in six physical contexts (e.g., bar/club), and six social contexts (e.g., in a large group). We conducted regression analyses to examine the overall effect of context on the likelihood to engage in each PBS and post-hoc Tukey tests to assess pairwise comparisons of the differences in likelihood to engage in each PBS across response options for physical and social context. Analyses were conducted using the full sample, and for men and women separately. Results There were significant differences in six strategies across physical contexts; likelihood to engage in PBS varied across public and private spaces for different strategies. We also found significant differences in five strategies across social contexts; participants were more likely to engage in PBS among larger numbers of people and those who are intoxicated. There were numerous differences in pairwise comparisons of PBS engagement across physical and social contexts for women, while men demonstrated only two differences in PBS across physical context. Conclusions Results suggest that alcohol interventions for young adults that include PBS should consider tailoring strategies to the individual and the specific context of the drinking event.

Characterization of immigration in the Chilean Pension and Unemployment Insurance Systems

The levels of immigration recorded in Chile over the last few decades are unprecedented. Despite the magnitude of this phenomenon, the literature on immigration in Chile is scarce. Even though it is expected immigration has important effects on the Chilean labour market, there is not much historical neither systematic evidence available for a better understanding of the phenomenon. This can be mainly explained by the fact that related sources of information are limited and infrequent.This paper aims at describing the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the immigrants’ formal working population in Chile (i.e. individuals working in the formal sector who by law contribute to the social security system), using administrative records of the Pension Systems and the Unemployment Insurance System, in addition to information provided by the Civil Registry and Identification Service on their nationality and country of origin.The results obtained show an exponential increase in new foreigners to the social security system over the last few years. Haitians and Venezuelans are the largest groups, representing 70% of the total number of new foreign affiliates to the Pension System in 2018. The average wage difference between Chileans and foreigners increased by over 600% during the 2010-2018 period, differing by almost USD 300 in 2018 in favor of Chileans. This difference deepens with higher wages. Finally, there is an important gender gap both for Chileans and foreigners (around 10% in 2018). The gender gap for foreigners has importantly decreased during the last decade reaching the relatively more stable, but still important, Chilean gender gap of around 10%. However, foreign women are in a much weaker relative situation than Chilean women when age, cohort and time effects are obtained.

The evolutionary history and distribution of cactus germplasm resources, as well as potential domestication under a changing climate

AbstractThe angiosperm family Cactaceae, a member of the Caryophyllales, is a large and diverse group of stem succulents comprising 1,438–1,870 species within approximately 130 genera predominantly distributed from northern Canada to Patagonia. Four centers of diversity from Central and North America (Chihuahua, Puebla‐Oaxaca, Sonora‐Sinaloan, and Jalisco) and three centers of diversity from South America (Southern Central Andes, Caatinga, and Mara Atlantica) have played a pivotal role in disbursing cacti around the globe. Mexico is considered the richest area in cacti species with close to 563 species grouped into 50 genera. Approximately 118 species have been domesticated by Mesoamerican people as food crops and for ornamental purposes. Cacti inhabit a wide range of ecosystems and climate regions, ranging from tropical to subtropical and from arid to semiarid regions. Species belonging to the genus Opuntia are the major food crop producers in the family. Cacti have derived characteristics from familial synapomorphies within the Caryophyllales. Reproduction occurs through pollination facilitated by birds, bats, bees, and other insects. Climate variability, whether natural or human‐induced threatens global crop production including high temperatures, salinity, drought, flood, changes in soil pH, and urbanization. Cacti have several adaptations that are important for coping with abiotic stresses, such as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM photosynthesis), as well as modifications to root and stem physiological pathways. This review aims to provide a comprehensive view of the fruit crops in Cactaceae, including their evolution, worldwide distribution, and the environmental factors impacting cultivation.

Striking gold: navigating the education massification maze for work readiness

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of large-scale teaching in higher education on students’ preparedness for the workforce within the context of evolving labour market demands, the expansion of higher education and the application of high-impact teaching strategies. It synthesizes perspectives on employer work readiness, the challenges and opportunities of large-scale teaching and strategies for fostering a dynamic academia-industry feedback loop. This multifaceted approach ensures the relevance of curricula and graduates’ preparedness while addressing the skills gap through practical recommendations for aligning teaching methodologies with employer expectations.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodically examines the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in large-scale teaching. It focuses on sustaining student engagement, maintaining educational quality, personalizing learning experiences and cultivating essential soft skills in extensive student cohorts.FindingsThis study highlights the critical role of transversal skills in work readiness. It also uncovers that despite its challenges, large-scale teaching presents unique opportunities. The diversity of large student groups mirrors modern workplace complexities, and technological tools aid in personalizing learning experiences. Approaches like peer networking, innovative teaching methods, real-world simulations and collaborative resource utilization enrich education. The importance of experiential learning for augmenting large-scale teaching in honing soft skills is emphasized.Originality/valueThis manuscript contributes to the discourse on large-scale teaching, aligning it with employer expectations and the dynamic requirements of the job market. It offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities this educational approach presents, providing insights for crafting engaging and effective learning experiences in large cohorts. The study uniquely integrates experiential learning, co-creation in education and industry-academia feedback loops, underscoring their importance in enhancing student work readiness in large-scale teaching.

P734 Super-responders in patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease treated with subcutaneous infliximab maintenance therapy: A post hoc analysis of the LIBERTY-CD study

Abstract Background The LIBERTY-CD study demonstrated a broad level of benefit for subcutaneous (SC) infliximab (IFX) maintenance therapy compared with placebo in patients (pts) with moderate-to-severe active Crohn’s disease (CD) who responded to intravenous IFX induction. Characterising subgroups of pts with different levels of response could help to better position SC IFX therapy. Methods This was a post hoc analysis of 231 pts from the CT-P13 SC arm of the randomised, parallel-group, placebo-controlled LIBERTY-CD study (NCT03945019). Unsupervised group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM) was conducted to deconvolute cohort-level data into response trajectories. Longitudinal patient reported outcomes (PRO-2: abdominal pain and stool frequency) were used to investigate whether pts who received SC IFX maintenance therapy cluster into response trajectories. Efficacy endpoints (clinical remission, endoscopic response and remission, corticosteroid-free remission and comprehensive disease control [CDC] rate) were analysed and compared between different trajectories. Trough levels of IFX (TLI) were evaluated by trajectory throughout the treatment period. Baseline characteristics were analysed in a descriptive manner to explore predictors for super-response. Results Four distinct trajectories were clearly separated and stabilised around Week (W) 10–14 (Figure): rapid and sustained improvement (super-responders, n=61), rapid, but slightly less drastic than super-responders, then sustained improvement (fast responders, n=56), gradual then sustained improvement (slow responders, n=63) and partial improvement during the maintenance phase (limited responders, n=51). Super-responders had the highest rates of W54 clinical remission (73.8%; p=0.002), endoscopic response (63.9%; p=0.009), corticosteroid-free remission (63.6%; p=0.007), endoscopic remission (42.6%; p=0.094) and CDC (37.7%; p=0.013) among trajectories (Table). Super-responders also maintained the highest TLI from W10 throughout the maintenance period. Super-responders showed a trend towards lower baseline body weight, body mass index and oral corticosteroid use, but higher Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score and prior biologic/Janus kinase inhibitor use compared to other trajectories. Conclusion Distinct subpopulations with different levels of responses were detected by GBTM using data from a large group of pts with moderate-to-severe active CD who were treated with SC IFX for 1 year. Super-responders with rapid and sustained improvements during SC IFX therapy had a higher likelihood of achieving desirable long-term outcomes, with substantial individual benefit (CDC). Baseline characteristics and TLI were associated with super-response.

P1234 The gut microbiome as a reporter of health, and its associations with different exposures

Abstract Background The prevalence of metabolic and immune-mediated diseases has increased in the last century, with many of these diseases showing alterations in the gut microbial composition. We previously reported (PMID:35197084) that a large group of bacteria shows constant differential abundance (increase and decrease) across multiple diseases and can therefore provide a general indication of the host's health. We aimed to utilize a “health index” based on these bacteria to compare how different exposures are associated with this index as potential contributors to general health. Methods The gut microbial composition was derived using fecal 16S sequencing (V4), and the per-participant microbial health index was calculated. Exposures, diseases, and laboratory results were recorded at sample collection. Results 372 participants (62% males, median age 57y, Table 1) were included (the study is ongoing). Median BMI was 25 (IQR 23-28), with 9% smokers. Participants are relatively fit: only 22% reported performing physical activity less than once weekly, and the median average steps (for the 55% that reported their daily average) is 6000 steps/day (IQR 4500-8000). Subjects performing more frequent physical activity (>3 times/week) had a higher gut microbial health index (p=0.009) in comparison to less than once weekly. Subjects having no documented disease (22%) had higher indexes, and the number of diseases negatively correlated with the health index (rho=-0.19, p=0.004). A higher microbial health index (Figure 1) was found in subjects drinking >=4 coffee cups/day vs. less or no coffee (p=0.002). Interestingly, a higher percentage of eosinophils was positively correlated with a higher index (p=0.002). Lower health index was recorded in subjects who reported dietary supplements intake (p=0.01), those with above-normal levels of uric acid (p=0.02), with primary hypertension or fatty liver (p=0.02), and those taking beta-blockers (p=0.009) or glucose-lowering medications (p=0.003). The microbial health index positively correlated with Faith alpha diversity (rho=0.47). Still, in some cases, each factor was linked with different features suggesting that these microbial-based factors (diversity and health index) captured a complementary epiphenomenon of the microbiome. For example, only higher alpha diversity (but not health index) was linked with the daily bowel movement frequency (p=0.0008). Conclusion Using the gut microbial health index, we developed a methodology to assess correlations between different lifestyles, diets, and health. This approach may highlight personal modifiable factors that can be translated into risk prevention strategies for improving general health reported by microbial composition.

The intra-uterine effects of phenobarbital on fetal growth and development in albino rats (Rattus Norvegicus)

The intrauterine developmental consequences of phenobarbital, when administered in varied doses, on foetal growth and development remain poorly understood. This study is therefore set to evaluate the intrauterine effects of phenobarbital at differing doses when administered at different incubation periods in albino rats. In carrying out this study, a post-test only control experimental study design was adopted, and a sample size of 30 Albino rats was used. These rats were obtained from the Small Animal Facility for Research and Innovation in the School of Biomedical Sciences at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. They were arbitrarily allocated into two large study groups of 3 control rats and 27 experimental rats. The 27 rats in the experimental group were further subdivided into three study groups of 9 rats, each with low, medium, and high phenobarbital doses. On gestation day 20, all the rats were humanely sacrificed, and three fetuses from each rat were selected. The parameters evaluated in this study included the foetal weight, bi-parietal diameters, and crown lump length. The data was collected using a structured checklist, then entered into the computer using an Excel spreadsheet. The data was then exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Scientist (SPSS). To determine the causal effects, the statistical significance was determined by using Tukey’s post hoc multiple comparison tests, and all values with a p value less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. This research discovered that there was a reduction in all foetal parameters, which was statistically significant (P<0.05), especially during trimesters one and two. The effects of phenobarbital administered on foetal parameters depended on the time of exposure and dose administered. Phenobarbital, administered prenatally, had dose- and time-dependent effects on foetal parameters. Therefore, more studies need to be done on higher primates to ascertain their teratogenic safety in pregnancy.

Роль норм маскулинности в формировании школьного буллинга

<p><em>The article presents an analytical review of domestic and foreign publications highlighting the problem of school bullying in the context of adolescents’ adherence to the norms of traditional masculinity. It is necessary to consider school bullying through the prism of how gender stereotypes become dangerous for those boys who do not feel a sense of belonging to this large social group due to the fact that they do not fully comply with normative male behavior. Such children will be subject to ridicule and attempts to adjust their behavior to the appropriate norm both from the peers and, probably, from the teachers. Recent studies in several countries show that school bullying affects up to 35% of children. Most often, boys are involved in bullying and practices of physical abuse. Traditional norms of masculinity prescribe them and encourage aggressive, active behavior, competition and the avoidance of weakness and passivity. These standards prohibit boys from being tender, crying, and provoking aggression in response to an attack. Those boys who cannot fight back are bullied by other boys.</em></p>

In Vitro Antimalarial Activity of Trichothecenes against Liver and Blood Stages of Plasmodium Species.

Trichothecenes (TCNs) are a large group of tricyclic sesquiterpenoid mycotoxins that have intriguing structural features and remarkable biological activities. Herein, we focused on three TCNs (anguidine, verrucarin A, and verrucarol) and their ability to target both the blood and liver stages of Plasmodium species, the parasite responsible for malaria. Anguidine and verrucarin A were found to be highly effective against the blood and liver stages of malaria, while verrucarol had no effect at the highest concentration tested. However, these compounds were also found to be cytotoxic and, thus, not selective, making them unsuitable for drug development. Nonetheless, they could be useful as chemical probes for protein synthesis inhibitors due to their direct impact on parasite synthesis processes.

The Influence of College Employment Guidance on the Employment Ability of College Students in Conghua District, Guangzhou

The main purpose of this study is to understand the current situation and problems of college students' employability, analyze their influencing factors, and propose corresponding strategies to enhance their employability from the perspective of college students, in order to achieve the ultimate goal of helping college students improve their employability. This study adopts quantitative research methods such as literature review, questionnaire survey, and statistical analysis to study the content of the article. The research subjects are students and graduates from nine major universities in Conghua District, Guangzhou. This article mainly collects data through SoJump's online distribution of survey questionnaires. Through statistical analysis of the survey data, we understand the current situation of college students' employability, compare it with their training goals, and identify gaps and problems. Based on the research results of the employment ability model in the industry, combined with the training goals of professional talents, and referring to the employment standards and competency model of a large group enterprise for fresh graduates, a college student employment ability evaluation scale was constructed. The sample data was analyzed and processed using SPSS and structural equation modeling. As a supplementary study, this study has made significant contributions to the study of the impact of college students' employability, and has pioneered the use of structural equation models to verify the above hypotheses, filling the gap in many such studies that have not been validated using structural equation models.

Genetic Changes in Mastocytes and Their Significance in Mast Cell Tumor Prognosis and Treatment.

Mast cell tumors are a large group of diseases occurring in dogs, cats, mice, as well as in humans. Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a disease involving the accumulation of mast cells in organs. KIT gene mutations are very often seen in abnormal mast cells. In SM, high KIT/CD117 expression is observed; however, there are usually no KIT gene mutations present. Mastocytoma (MCT)-a form of cutaneous neoplasm-is common in animals but quite rare in humans. KIT/CD117 receptor mutations were studied as the typical changes for human mastocytosis. In 80% of human cases, the KIT gene substitution p.D816H was present. In about 25% of MCTs, metastasis was observed. Changes in the gene expression of certain genes, such as overexpression of the DNAJ3A3 gene, promote metastasis. In contrast, the SNORD93 gene blocks the expression of metastasis genes. The panel of miR-21-5p, miR-379, and miR-885 has a good efficiency in discriminating healthy and MCT-affected dogs, as well as MCT-affected dogs with and without nodal metastasis. Further studies on the pathobiology of mast cells can lead to clinical improvements, such as better MCT diagnosis and treatment. Our paper reviews studies on the topic of mast cells, which have been carried out over the past few years.

Significance of depression and androgen deficiency in development of myocardial infarction in young males

In the recent years, close attention has been paid to the study of depression in general medical practice, in particular, among patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Two large groups of factors, which presumably cause such a relationship, are discussed. The first group includes direct pathophysiological factors, the second – indirect, "behavioral" reactions modifying other risk factors for coronary artery disease and reduce patient adherence to prescribed therapy. The age of patients in the observed populations, as well as the predominant type of MI in patients, may have a certain influence on the results of studies. Besides, today, no unambiguous view has been formed on the question of the relationship between the androgenic status of men and the development of coronary artery disease. Among the articles analyzing the effect of androgen levels on the course of coronary heart disease, most of the studies are devoted to androgen content in the blood serum among men with stable angina, while there are relatively few studies evaluating androgen status in acute myocardial infarction and postinfarction cardiosclerosis. On the one hand, it is assumed that age-related androgen deficiency in middle-aged men with coronary heart disease may be a compensatory response to a severe general disease and can contribute to better long-term results of myocardial revascularization in them. On the other hand, it was found that men with coronary heart disease and age-related hypogonadism are characterized by more pronounced manifestations of myocardial ischemia, dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, and more severe atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. A review of the latest evidence is presented, summarizing clinical data on the impact of depression and androgen deficiency in the development of myocardial infarction in young men.

Genarchopsisdasus and Camallanus anabantis parasites of Channa punctatus from Dinajpur Region of Bangladesh

This study was conducted to identify seasonal infestations of parasites in Channa punctatus of Dinajpur, Bangladesh. Sampling was carried out frequently over a year in selected cultural and natural sources. A total of 120 fish was examined among them 32 fishes were infested and collected parasites were 72. Two parasites were recorded, Genarchopsisdasus and Camallanusanabantis. The prevalence was found 26.67 % and mean intensity 2.41. The maximum prevalence was found in August (50 %) and the lowest in December, January, February (10 %). The maximum mean intensity was January (8) and the lowest was December and June (1). The highest prevalence (40 %) was observed in winter and the lowest (10 %) was in the rainy season. The maximum prevalence (50 %) was recorded in male fish in summer and autumn. However, the mean intensity (6.5), index of infection (3.71), and abundance (1.85) were highest in female fishes. The prevalence (30.23 %), abundance (0.74), and index of infection (0.68) were observed maximum in smaller size group and the lowest in large size group (24.44 %, 0.38 %, and 4.16 respectively). There was a variation of infestation of fish according to length, sex, season, and sources. Vol. 10, No. 3, December 2023: 367-376

Clinical and prognostic characteristics of early onset metastatic pancreatic cancer.

702 Background: In the last decade several studies have shown an increase in the incidence of early-onset PDAC (EO-PDAC), conventionally defined as cancer that occurs in adults between the ages of 18 and 49. Clinical and prognostic data on this setting are limited and conflicting. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical, and prognostic differences in a large group of patients with early onset mPDAC. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 368 patients affected with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, from 3 different Italian Institutions. All patients had one or more metastatic sites, and received first-line chemotherapy. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the median overall survival in EO-PDAC patients compared to late onset PDAC (LO-PDAC), while secondary endpoint was evaluations of mPFS. Statistical analysis was performed with the MedCalc package. Results: 30 (8,1%) patients were early onset and 338 (91,9%) were late onset; median age was 46 (±5) and 68 (±8), respectively. M/F ratios were 1:1 in both group. In the overall population mOS was significantly lower in EO-PDAC patients: 10,0 versus 15,0 months ( p = 0,03). Furthermore, mPFS was significantly lower in EO-PDAC patients: 5,0 versus 8,0 months ( p = 0,04). ORR obtained from 244 pts were: 11% in EO-PDAC and 24,7% in LO-PDAC. Conclusions: The results of our work, although limited by the retrospective nature of the study, showed a worse prognosis for patients with early onset PDAC compared to late onsets. Further investigations will be needed to better understand this growing group of patients from a molecular and therapeutic point of view.

Early onset metastatic colorectal cancer: Clinical-prognostic characteristics and correlation to molecular profile.

195 Background: Despite a reduction of both incidence and mortality of CRC in the elderly population, several studies published in the last decade have shown an increase in the incidence of early-onset CRC (EO-CRC). Clinical and prognostic data on this setting are limited and conflicting. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical, prognostic, and molecular differences in a large group of patients (pts) with early onset mCRC. Methods: We collected data from 589 metastatic EO-CRC from 4 different Italian Institutions. A historical control group of 316 pts > 50 year old was also included in the analysis. All pts had one or more metastatic sites, molecular profiling available (including RAS, BRAF, and MSI status), and underwent at least one line of treatment. The main objective of the study was to evaluate clinical outcome in terms of median overall survival for the global population of EO-CRC pts and in different molecular subgroups according to RAS and BRAF status. Results: In the EO-CRC group median age was 44 (±6) and 67 (±11) in the historical control group. M/F ratios were 2:1 and 1:1, respectively. In the overall population mOS was 34,1 in EO-CRC pts vs 42,0 months (mo) (p = 0,0006) in the control group. In the RAS/BRAF mutated subgroup mOS in EO-CRC pts was 28,6 vs 36,0 mo in the control group (p = 0,0065). In RAS/BRAF wild type subgroup mOS in EO-CRC pts was 44,1 vs 49 mo (p = 0,13). Finally, in the BRAF V600E mutated subgroup EO-CRC pts showed a 16 mo mOS vs 26 mo (p = 0,04). In the overall population mPFS was 12,0 in EO-CRC pts vs 10,0 mo (p = 0,02) in the control group. Furthermore, the overall response rate (ORR) was 53% in EO-CRC and 69% in LO-CRC. Conclusions: Our work including a large population of EO-CRC pts indicates a general worse prognosis for pts with early onset colorectal cancer compared to late onsets. Interestingly this seems to occur regardless of the molecular status. On the other hand findings in the RAS/BRAF wild type population might also suggest a less unfavourable impact of EO-CRC on prognosis possibly related to anti-EGFR therapy. Subsequent investigations will be needed to further understand the specific clinical and molecular characteristics of this growing group of pts to better define the more appropriate treatment strategy.

Designing, validation and evaluation of the expert system of “Healthy Menopause” and assessing its effect on the management of menopause symptoms: an exploratory mixed method study protocol

BackgroundMenopause is a period of women’s life that has the especial physical, psychological and social challenges. So provision of an effective, practical and affordable way for meeting women’s related needs is important. In addition, women should be able to incorporate such programs into their daily work. Considering the dearth of suitable services in this regard, this study will be conducted with the aim of designing, validating and evaluating the “Healthy Menopause” expert system on the management of menopausal symptoms.Methods/designA mixed methods exploratory design will be used to conduct this study in 3 phases. The first phase is a qualitative conventional content analysis study with purposes of exploring the women’s experience of menopausal symptoms and extracting their needs, and collecting data about their expectations from a healthy menopause expert system.. The purposive sampling (In his phase data will be gathered through interviewing menopaused women aged 40 to 60 years old and other persons that have rich information in this regard and will be continued until data saturation. The second phase includes designing a healthy menopause expert system in this stage, the needs will be extracted from the qualitative findings along with a comprehensive literature review. The extracted needs will be again confirmed by the participants. Then, through a participatory approach (Participatory Design) using nominal group or Delphi technique the experts’ opinion about the priority needs of menopaused women and related solutions will be explored based on the categories of identified needs. Such findings will be used to design a healthy menopause expert system at this stage. The third phase of study is a quantitative research in which the evaluation of the healthy menopause expert system will be done through a randomized controlled clinical trial with the aim of determining the effect of the healthy menopause expert system on the management of menopause symptoms by menopausal women themselves.DiscussionThis is the first study that uses a mixed method approach for designing, validating and evaluating of the expert system “Healthy Menopause”. This study will fill the research gap in the field of improving menopausal symptoms and designing a healthy menopause expert system based on the needs of the large group of menopause women. We hope that by applying this expert system, the menopausal women be empowered to management and improving their health with an easy and affordable manner.

Regulation of chromatin architecture by transcription factor binding.

Transcription factors (TF) bind to chromatin and regulate the expression of genes. The pair Myc:Max binds to E-box regulatory DNA elements throughout the genome to control the transcription of a large group of specific genes. We introduce an implicit modeling protocol for Myc:Max binding to mesoscale chromatin fibers at nucleosome resolution to determine TF effect on chromatin architecture and shed light into its mechanism of gene regulation. We first bind Myc:Max to different chromatin locations and show how it can direct fiber folding and formation of microdomains, and how this depends on the linker DNA length. Second, by simulating increasing concentrations of Myc:Max binding to fibers that differ in the DNA linker length, linker histone density, and acetylation levels, we assess the interplay between Myc:Max and other chromatin internal parameters. Third, we study the mechanism of gene silencing by Myc:Max binding to the Eed gene loci. Overall, our results show how chromatin architecture can be regulated by TF binding. The position of TF binding dictates the formation of microdomains that appear visible only at the ensemble level. At the same time, the level of linker histone and tail acetylation, or different linker DNA lengths, regulates the concentration-dependent effect of TF binding. Furthermore, we show how TF binding can repress gene expression by increasing fiber folding motifs that help compact and occlude the promoter region. Importantly, this effect can be reversed by increasing linker histone density. Overall, these results shed light on the epigenetic control of the genome dictated by TF binding.

Regulation of chromatin architecture by transcription factor binding

Transcription factors (TF) bind to chromatin and regulate the expression of genes. The pair Myc:Max binds to E-box regulatory DNA elements throughout the genome to control the transcription of a large group of specific genes. We introduce an implicit modeling protocol for Myc:Max binding to mesoscale chromatin fibers at nucleosome resolution to determine TF effect on chromatin architecture and shed light into its mechanism of gene regulation. We first bind Myc:Max to different chromatin locations and show how it can direct fiber folding and formation of microdomains, and how this depends on the linker DNA length. Second, by simulating increasing concentrations of Myc:Max binding to fibers that differ in the DNA linker length, linker histone density, and acetylation levels, we assess the interplay between Myc:Max and other chromatin internal parameters. Third, we study the mechanism of gene silencing by Myc:Max binding to the Eed gene loci. Overall, our results show how chromatin architecture can be regulated by TF binding. The position of TF binding dictates the formation of microdomains that appear visible only at the ensemble level. At the same time, the level of linker histone and tail acetylation, or different linker DNA lengths, regulates the concentration-dependent effect of TF binding. Furthermore, we show how TF binding can repress gene expression by increasing fiber folding motifs that help compact and occlude the promoter region. Importantly, this effect can be reversed by increasing linker histone density. Overall, these results shed light on the epigenetic control of the genome dictated by TF binding.