Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Women with Gynecological Cancer:A Systematic Review

Although some types of gynecological cancer have a poor prognosis and high recurrence rate,less is known about the fear of cancer recurrence(FCR)in gynecological cancer patients than in other cancer populations.Psychosocial problems may be experienced more in gender-specific cancers.In order to prevent future health problems related to FCR,it is critical to identify the factors affecting FCR in different subgroups and to develop various interventions.The aim of this study was to review the literature on the factors affecting the FCR in women diagnosed with gynecological cancer and interventions to reduce the FCR.The protocol of this review was registered with PROSPERO(Registration number:CRD42023452570).A total of 18 studies from 10 different countries were included in the systematic review by searching on the PubMed,ScienceDirect,Ovid,Sage,Scopus,Taylor&Francis,Web of Science,CINAHL Complete,and Cochrane databases were searched in English between July-August 2023 without year limitation to identify studies on FCR in women with gynecological cancer.Data from eligible articles were extracted and appraised for quality by two independent reviewers.In addition,bibliometric analysis method was used to visually map the studies on FCR in women with gynecological cancer according to the most frequently repeated keyword,number of citations,most cited author and publication year.Thefindings of the study are categorized and interpreted under two headings,“Interventions affecting FCR”and“Factors influencing FCR”.Sociodemographic characteristics such as age,economic status,social support,family history of cancer,psychological characteristics,quality of life and symptoms affect FCR.Deterioration in mental health and emotional weakness predict higher FCR,increase in positive emotional expression reduces FCR.The negative effects of cancer on sexuality and relationships,concerns about future treatments and emotional problems,and anxiety about not being able to fulfill their roles at home/work are the underlying reasons for the FCR.Therefore,professional psychosocial support should be provided to cancer survivors.Further studies are needed to identify the factors that trigger FCR and to plan interventions accordingly.This study is expected to encourage health professionals to plan interventions and research for gynecological cancer survivors.

Inhibition of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma growth by melatonin:Studies with micro-CT

Melatonin is a versatile indolamine synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland in response to the photoperiodic information received by the retinohypothalamic signaling pathway.Melatonin has many benefits,such as organizing circadian rhythms and acting as a powerful hormone.We aimed to show the antitumor effects of melatonin in both in vivo and in vitro models through the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway and the Argyrophilic Nucleolar Regulatory Region(AgNOR),using the Microcomputed Tomography(Micro CT).Ehrlich ascites carcinoma(EAC)cells were administered into the mice by subcutaneous injection.Animals with solid tumors were injected intraperitoneally with 50 and 100 mg/kg melatonin for 14 days.Volumetric measurements for the taken tumors were made with micro-CT imaging,immunohistochemistry(IHC),real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and AgNOR.Statistically,the tumor tissue volume in the Tumor+100 mg/kg melatonin group was significantly lower than that in the other groups in the data obtained from micro-CT images.In the IHC analysis,the groups treated with Tumor+100 mg/kg melatonin were compared when the mTOR signaling pathway and factor 8(F8)expression were compared with the control group.It was determined that there was a significant decrease(p<0.05).Significant differences were found in the total AgNOR area/nuclear area(TAA/NA)ratio in the treatment groups(p<0.05).Furthermore,there were significant differences between the amount of mTOR mRNA for the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase(PKB/AKT)genes(p<0.05).Cell apoptosis was evaluated with Annexin V in an in vitro study with different doses of melatonin;It was observed that 100µg/mL melatonin dose caused an increase in the apoptotic cell death.In this study,we have reported anti-tumor effects of melatonin in cell culture studies as well as in mice models.Comprehensive characterization of the melatonin-mediated cancer inhibitory effects will be valuable in advancing our fundamental molecular understanding and translatability of pre-clinical findings to earlier phases of clinical trials.

Knowledge regarding celiac disease among healthcare professionals,patients and their caregivers in Turkey

BACKGROUND Celiac disease(CD)is one of the most prevalent chronic disorders.The clinical manifestations of CD are diverse and may present with gastrointestinal findings,extra-intestinal findings or no symptoms.Although there has been a marked increase in the prevalence of CD in the past 30 years,up to 95%of patients with CD remain undiagnosed.As most cases have atypical signs or no symptoms,the diagnosis of CD is either missed or delayed.In addition,one of the most important reasons for the delay in diagnosis may be the poor knowledge of healthcare professionals(HCPs)regarding CD.AIM To evaluate the knowledge of HCPs,patients and their caregivers(parents)regarding CD.METHODS The current study was carried out between June 2021 and February 2022 prospectively,as part of the Focus IN CD project.Patients with CD and their caregivers participated in the study from 6 different cities in Turkey.General practitioners,pediatricians,pediatricians with other subspecialities and pediatric gastroenterologists from different cities participated in the study.RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 348 HCPs,34 patients with CD,and 102 mothers and 34 fathers of patients with CD.Most of the participants were general practitioners(37.07%).There were 89(25.57%)pediatricians and 72(20.69%)pediatric gastroenterologists in the study.The highest score in all categories was achieved by pediatric gastroenterologists.There were significant differences between the four groups of HCPs in terms of the subsections of overall mean score,epidemiology and clinical presentation,treatment and follow-up.No significant difference was found between the groups(patients with CD,mothers of patients with CD and fathers of patients with CD)in terms of the questionnaire subsections.CONCLUSION The level of knowledge on CD among HCPs,patients and their caregivers was unsatisfactory.We consider that it is necessary to increase awareness and to develop e-learning activities on CD among HCPs,patients and their caregivers.Consequently,they may benefit from e-learning programs similar to the one created as part of the EU-funded project Focus IN CD(https://www.celiacfacts.eu/focusincd-en).

The effect of risk perception and COVID‑19 anxiety in pregnancy on decision‑making via the Internet and prenatal care quality:A cross‑sectional multivariate analysis

Background:Risk perception and COVID‑19 anxiety in pregnant women restrict access to health services,cause pregnant women to resort to alternative channels such as the Internet,and affect prenatal care quality(PCQ)negatively.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of risk perception and COVID‑19 anxiety in pregnancy on decision‑making via the Internet(DMI)and PCQ with multivariate analysis.Materials and Methods:This cross‑sectional study was conducted with 406 pregnant women selected using the convenience sampling method in a training and research hospital,in Turkey.The data were collected using the information form,the perception of pregnancy risk questionnaire,the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale,the DMI Scale,and the PCQ Scale.The data obtained were subject to descriptive analysis and the multivariate analysis of variance.Results:Approximately 24.9%of the pregnant women were found to have a high perception of risk and 18%had symptoms of COVID‑19 anxiety.Pregnant women with high COVID‑19 anxiety and a higher perception of risk perceived the Internet as less influential for decision‑making(P<0.05).Pregnant women with a high‑risk perception had lower PCQ(P<0.05).Conclusion:The findings can be used to enhance mental health and resilience in pregnant women and to formulate appropriate intervention strategies.

Resveratrol Attenuates Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Dysfunctions,Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Pancreatic Beta-Cells

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems for people all over the world today. According to international diabetes federation reports, diabetes affects 382 million people worldwide. Environmental pollutants have deleterious effects on glucose metabolism and cause insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the effects of the environmental pollutants benzo(a)pyrene, and the therapeutic potential of resveratrol. Methods: 20 μM of benzo(a)pyrene was administered after 48 h of resveratrol (80 μM) application for 24 h in INS-1 (832/13) insulinoma cells. The cells were treated with 20 μM benzo(a)pyrene for 24 hours after 48 hours initial preconditions with 10 μM resveratrol. Oxidative stress status, insulin secretion and apoptosis were analyzed by molecular techniques. Results: Though resveratrol increased the antioxidant status which was decreased by benzo(a)pyrene, interestingly, it increased the oxidative status. Resveratrol increased benzo(a)pyrene-depleted reduced glutathione levels to the control level. The mRNA expression levels of beta-cell functions associated with genes insulin-1, insulin-2 and sirtuin-1 were upregulated by resveratrol. Resveratrol treatment elevated the insulin concentration of culture medium, and the mRNA expression of forkhead box protein-1 gene. Resveratrol upregulated benzo(a)pyrene-downregulated p53 gene expression. On the other hand, benzo(a)pyrene-downregulated mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 was induced by resveratrol treatment. Conclusion: The data showed that resveratrol could reverse the oxidative alterations, functional impairments and the carcinogenetic effects of benzo(a)pyrene in pancreas beta-cells.

Examination of Turkish YouTube videos concerning COVID-19 vaccine

The first COVID-19 vaccine was administered in Turkey on January 13,2021 after an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was granted emergency approval[1].Currently,two types of COVID-19 vaccines,one mRNA and one inactivated,are administered in Turkey[1].Turkey ranks sixth in the world according to the cumulative total number of COVID-19 cases as of December 18,2021[2],therefore,protection measures,including vaccination,are of great importance for Turkey.

Effects of Ocular Parameters on Medial Rectus Faden Operation with Recession for Esotropia

Background: In the treatment of infantile and accommodative esotopia medial rectus (MR) recession combined posterior fixation suture (Faden operation) can be used. But, there is very limited literature on effect of ocular parameters (axial length, medial rectus width and the distance of medial rectus insertion to limbus) to this operation. Objective: To evaluate effects of ocular parameters on medial rectus Faden operations with recession for esotropia. Material and Methods: In this retrospective study, 38 patients (57 eyes) who underwent Faden operation with unilateral or bilateral recession (4 - 4.5 mm) on medial rectus were divided into three groups according to axial length, medial rectus width and the distance of medial rectus insertion to limbus. Preoperative and postoperative deviations compared. Results: 11 cases were infantile esotropia, 46 cases were acquired esotropia. Female/male rate was 19/19. The mean preoperative amount of esotropia at near was 49.95 ± 17.36 prism diopters (PD) and postoperative 1 week 11.77 ± 11.14 PD, 1 month 12.02 ± 11.52 PD and 6 months 9.46 ± 10.19 PD. The mean preoperative amount of esotropia at distance was 38.84 ± 19.03 PD and postoperative 1 week 7.25 ± 11.29 PD, 1 month 6.54 ± 10.52 PD and 6 months 4.40 ± 9.08 PD. Due to axial length, in shorter eyes, the decrease in mean post-operative deviation was statistically significant. Due to medial rectus width and the distance of medial rectus insertion, there was no statistically significant difference. Conclusions: Axial length has an effect on medial rectus Faden operations with recession but medial rectus width and medial rectus insertion distance from limbus do not.