Maastricht University - Open Journals
Not a member yet
451 research outputs found
Sort by
An explorative study on factors associated with sustainable food consumption among students
Get PDFIn order to maintain a liveable world, sustainable food consumption becomes of greater importance as the world population keeps growing and natural resources become depleted. This study aims to explore behaviors and factors associated with sustainable food consumption. The study is based on a qualitative study design, which is given sense to by means of 14 in-depth interviews among students. The questionnaire consisted of open questions focused on factors associated with organic food consumption, questions on background variables and a behavior checklist. Several types of behavior were identified, being the consumption of tap water, limiting waste, freezing food, storing products in optimal conditions, cooking for more people and/or days, and eating less meat. Factors associated with sustainable food consumption as identified in this study are positive and negative beliefs, barriers and abilities, the role of social pressure, emotions, moral considerations, parental consumption, past behavior, values, means, knowledge and perceived urgency. The results of this study indicate that the framework on factors associated with organic food consumption is not comprehensive enough, and needs some expansion in order to be of predictive value for sustainable food consumption as well
The Supply of Telecommunication and Electronic Services via Interfaces and Portals
Get PDFOn 1st of January 2015 a change in legislation of the EU VAT system will amend the place of supply rules with regard to B2C supplies of services of telecommunication operators, broadcasters and other electronic service providers established within the EU. The new rules shift the place of supply from the country where the supplier is located to the country where the consumer is located as is already applicable for eservice providers established outside the EU. With the new place of supply rules the EU responds to the existing distortion of competition between EU and non-EU service providers and creates a level playing field between them. The new rules are the result of the ‘VAT Package’ adopted in 2008 intended to bring the treatment of electronic services in line with one of the main principles of VAT, namely that consumption taxes are effectively charged where consumption actually takes place, which is also in line with the OECD principles on the taxation of ecommerce
The Association Between Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-Products and Cardiovascular Dysfunction Explained by Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; A 7-year Follow-up of the CODAM Study
Get PDFBackground. The risk for cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death in diabetic patients is twice as high compared to non-diabetic controls. Glucose-lowering therapy aimed at relieving these complications have led to minimally altered cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, implicating that other pathways may be involved in microand macrovascular diseases in diabetic patients. Experimental studies suggest that interaction of ligands and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs) play an important role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Associations between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and CVD have been reported previously. Moreover, RAGE-dependent inflammation in steatotic livers may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Thus, we hypothesize that signaling via RAGE contributes to the initiation and progression of cardiovascular dysfunction and disease, and this relation is partly the result of and effects of RAGE signaling on the development of NAFLD. Objective. We investigated the association between the soluble form of RAGE (sRAGE) and (incidence of) cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore we investigated whether NAFLD may be an intermediate step to causing CVD. Methods. In the current analysis, we used data from 574 Caucasian participants from the Cohort on Diabetes and Atherosclerosis Maastricht (CODAM) study. Plasma biomarkers for endothelial dysfunction and liver enzyme markers were measured. These biomarkers were subsequently converted into averaged standardized scores, ultimately creating one integrated measure for the liver function, i.e the LE score and for endothelial dysfunction, i.e the ED score. Liver fat percentage was estimated using a validated equation. CVD and cardiovascular events (CVE) were also identified. Atherosclerosis was identified using measures of carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and ankle-arm-index (AAIx). For continuous outcomes multiple linear regression was performed, whereas for dichotomous outcomes binomial logistic regression analysis was performed. All analysis included adjustments for age, gender, glucose metabolism status, smoking, energy intake, alcohol consumption, physical activity, use of medication, and waist circumference. Results. Higher plasma sRAGE levels were associated with a higher score for endothelial dysfunction, However, no cross-sectional association was found with markers of atherosclerosis (cIMT, AAIx) or prevalence of CVD. NAFLD was positively associated with endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and CVD [β: 0.338; 95% CI: 0.251; 0.424], [β: 0.017; 95% CI: 0.001; 0.033], and [OR: 1.442; 95% CI: 1.023; 2.032]. Mediation analysis suggests that FLD accounts for 2.4% of the coefficient in the association between sRAGE and endothelial dysfunction. Next, prospective analysis indicated no association between sRAGE and CVD, CVE, or endothelial function. Furthermore, the prospective analysis indicated a strong association between LE markers and changes in endothelial dysfunction [β: -0.079; 95% CI: -0.116; -0.043], but not with CVD or CVE. Conclusion. These data suggest that cross-sectionally sRAGE can potentially contribute to progression of CVD, through its action on endothelial function. Additionally, the mediating role of NAFLD between sRAGE and endothelial dysfunction is negligible. However, prospective analysis indicated that only NAFLD, but not sRAGE, contributes to cardiovascular complications after 7 year follow-u
Detection of Human Papilloma Virus by means of Chromogen in situ hybridization (CISH)
Get PDFIntroduction. The human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause infections in humans, although most women will be infected with HPV at some time in their life only a few cases will progress into invasive disease. Of all the HPV types only the ‘high-risk’ viruses are associated with cervical carcinomas. In order to prevent cervical cancer, multiple countries have implemented a cervical cancer screening programme. The detection mechanism in these screening programmes are commonly based on the Papanicolaou test, colposcopic analysis and PCR. However the sensitivity of such tests have several limitations. Another detection tool is HPV in situ hybridization either with fluorescence (FISH) or with an enzyme reaction (CISH). The use of FISH ensures high sensitivity with low endogenous background. Furthermore, this method will result in high resolution and the possibility to quantify the signal intensity. However, the fluorescent signal fades after light exposure, and samples might have auto-fluorescence. Thus in a setting where routine analysis has to be carried out the CISH procedure is more convenient, as only a standard bright-field microscope is needed for the detection procedure. The aim of this thesis is to determine if there are enzymatic substrates that have stronger reaction products in comparison to the control substrate DAB. Secondly this thesis aims to determine which conjugate detection system results in the best localisation and least background. Finally, the main aim is to investigate the possibilities of developing such an CISH that the end staining is comparable or better than the detection with FISH. Materials & Methods. Seven horseradish peroxidase substrates and six alkaline phosphatase substrates have been tested on CasKi cells with the centromere 1 and 1p36 probes as targets for the in situ hybridization reaction to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the substrates. The selected substrates were further tested with the HPV16 probe as target on SiHa cells and on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections to determine the best conjugate detection system. The DAB DAKO substrate and the FISH with FITC were used as controls. The selected substrate in combination with the selected conjugate detection system was then tested on a series of eighteen clinical samples. Results. The horseradish peroxidase substrates Vina Green and Seramun Grün resulted in superior precipitates in comparison to the DAB DAKO control. These substrates show very high sensitivity as the spots visible for 1p36 were similar in size as the spots for 1C of the control staining. The substrates Vulcan Fast Red and Ferangi Blue are the selected substrates for the alkaline phosphatase enzyme reaction. Both these substrates have good localised sensitive reaction products with, respectively, clear red and blue precipitate products. The Av-PO system in combination with the Vina Green substrate lead to the best results in comparison to the fluorescent control. All clinical samples tested with the Av-PO system tested positive for HPV infection and had the same sensitivity and specificity as the fluorescent samples. Discussion and Conclussion. The Av-PO system results in the same specificity and sensitivity on clinical samples as the FISH. However, the ease of localizing the infected area when only the integrated pattern is present is much better with FISH. In conclusion we can say that the Vina Green substrate in combination with the Av-PO systems targeting HPV in clinical samples gives similar results as FISH. For this reason we developed a CISH method which could be used in the routine setting for histopathological diagnosis
The relationship between Dispositional Optimism, Pain Experience and Pain anticipation
Get PDFBackground: Dispositional optimism is an individual difference variable that reflects the extent to which people hold generalized favorable expectancies for their future. It has been suggested to be a protective factor for pain. This study investigates the relationship between dispositional optimism and pain experience, and what role pain anticipation plays in this relationship. A positive impact of dispositional optimism on pain experience is expected. Furthermore, it is expected that pain anticipation has a negative association with both dispositional optimism and pain experience, but also may be a mediator in the relationship between dispositional optimism and pain experience. Methods: The study has a cross-sectional design and was performed on 36 bachelor students of Maastricht University. The study population has an age ranged from 18 to 24 years old (mean= 20,75 years; SD= 1,84). Experimental pain was induced by means of the Medoc Pathway Advanced Thermal Stimulator (ATS; MEDOC). Pain experience was separated in pain threshold and pain tolerance measurements. Dispositional optimism was measured with the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R). Pain anticipation was separated in three items; expected pain, expected unpleasantness, and expected fear, which were measured on a visual analogue scale before the start of the pain stimulus. Results: For pain anticipation and pain experience only expected pain shows a significant correlation with pain experience’s measurement pain tolerance. There is no significant link between dispositional optimism and pain experience; therefore, pain anticipation is not tested as a mediator. In the correlation between pain anticipation and dispositional optimism, the link between expected pain and the total LOT-R score is significant. Furthermore, the links between expected pain, expected unpleasantness and expected fear and the negative subscale of the LOT-R score are significant. Conclusion: This study did not confirm the suggested relationship between dispositional optimism and pain experience, although it does confirm a significant correlation between pain anticipation and dispositional optimism
DNA methylation in the hippocampus in rodent and primate models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease
Get PDFWith the aging of the world’s population, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing problem. It is caused by pathological hallmarks including amyloid β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. DNA methylation, the binding of a methyl group to cytosine in the DNA, has been suggested to play a role in the development of AD. It is catalyzed by the enzyme DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and creases a 5-methylcytosine (5mC), which generally represses gene expression. 5mC can be converted into 5hmC by ten eleven translocation (TET) enzymes and this is believed to increase gene expression. DNA methylation, DNA hydroxymethylation and DNMT3A, a member of the DNMT family involved in de novo DNA methylation, are suggested to influence cognitive functions, but their exact role in the onset and development of AD remains unknown. In this study, possible changes in these epigenetic markers in the hippocampal sub-regions (cornu ammonis 1, 2 and 3 (CA1, 2 and 3) and dentate gyrus (DG)) of several animal models for AD are examined. 5mC levels in the DG of J20 were shown to decrease with aging and Dnmt3a levels in the CA1-2 of these mice showed an age-related increase. In contrast to the J20 mice, 3xTgAD mice showed an increase in 5mC in the DG as well as an increase in Dnmt3a levels. In both the APP/PS1 mouse model and the vervets, no significant increases or decreases were detected. These results show that there are major differences in DNA methylation in hippocampal sub-regions between different animal models for AD
The impact of science-based knowledge on attitudes towards sex offenders
Get PDFBackground. The general public often holds negative attitudes towards sex offenders, which could result in an exclusion of sex offenders from society. Since lack of social support is a known risk factor for relapse, it is highly desirable that interventions target to reduce the negativity of attitudes against sex offenders. Therefore, the current study aims at exploring the effectiveness of an intervention based on the provision of in-depth scientific knowledge on existing attitudes and degree of dehumanization towards sex offenders in undergraduates that are expected to work with sex offenders in their future careers. Methods. A non-randomized experimental study was conducted, involving an experimental group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 5). In a pre- and posttest measurement participants’ attitudes and degree of dehumanization towards sex offenders were measured. During the interval, the experimental group took a four-week course about sex offending, wherein in-depth scientific knowledge was provided, whereas the control group received no scientific information. Comparisons were made between the attitudes towards sex offenders, and between the degree of dehumanization towards sex offenders, between the pre- and post-test measurement within and between the participant groups. Results. A significant difference was found for attitudes between the pre- and post-test measurement within the experimental group. The degree of dehumanization towards sex offenders has not decreased during the intervention within both participant groups. Conclusion. This study suggests that in-depth scientific knowledge has a positive influence on attitudes towards sex offenders, but not on the degree of dehumanization in future professionals within the field of forensics and psychology. However, the study’s small sample size suggests for more extensive research on the subject. Nevertheless, the present findings provide a method for the improvement of treatment and rehabilitation of sex offenders by influencing impeding, negative attitudes
Strategic alliances and their influence on healthcare quality throughout Europe: a quantitative study
Get PDFThis study examines the involvement of European countries in strategic alliances and the impact this involvement has on their national healthcare quality. The strategic alliances are categorized based on geographical differences: inter-country, cross-Europe and crossworld. Results show no significant influence of inter-country, cross-Europe nor crossworld alliances on healthcare quality. Thus, policy makers should focus on other forms of collaboration
Pre-test e-learning module Goedkoop Gezonde Voeding
Get PDFIntroductie. Voeding is een belangrijk aspect voor de gezondheid en kwaliteit van leven van mensen. Echter hebben mensen met een lage sociaaleconomische status vaker een ongezond voedingspatroon, wat kan leiden tot verschillende leefstijl gerelateerde aandoeningen. Door middel van de interventie Goedkoop Gezonde Voeding wordt hier geprobeerd op in te spelen. Deze interventie wordt gegeven door diëtisten, die op voorhand een e-learning module moeten volgen. Om het effect van de e-learning te vergroten en daarmee de gegeven trainingen van de interventie te verbeteren, kan gebruik gemaakt worden van een pre-test, het op voorhand testen zodat aanpassingen nog mogelijk zijn voordat geïmplementeerd wordt. Methoden. In totaal werden zeven interviews met diëtisten gehouden terwijl de e-learning werd doorlopen door de diëtiste. Om te garanderen dat ieder onderdeel (achtergrondinformatie, filmpjes, werkbladen en toepassingsopdrachten) werd geëvalueerd door ten minste twee diëtisten, werd een verdeling gemaakt van de onderdelen over de diëtisten. Bij ieder onderdeel van de e-learning werden vragen vooraf, tijdens en na doorlopen van het desbetreffende onderdeel gesteld. Van de audio-opnamen werden transcripten gemaakt en deze werden geanalyseerd met behulp van Nvivo. Resultaten. De e-learning en de vormgeving hiervan worden goed gewaardeerd. Door de meerderheid van de diëtisten werd aangegeven dat de e-learning toepasbaar is op de huidige werkwijze van de diëtiste, voornamelijk voor diëtisten met een eigen praktijk. Onderdelen die minder goed gewaardeerd werden, waren de filmpjes en de onderwerpen die tot de basiskennis behoren. Daarnaast moet volgens diëtisten multiculturaliteit meer geïntegreerd worden binnen de e-learning. Conclusie. Over het algemeen wordt de e-learning module Goedkoop Gezonde Voeding goed gewaardeerd door diëtisten. Implicaties zijn om onderwerpen te verwijderen of te verminderen die tot de basiskennis van een diëtiste behoren. De e-learning kan online worden gezet na een aantal kleine aanpassingen. Hierdoor zal de e-learning beter aansluiten bij de doelgroep en zal later gebruik geoptimaliseerd worden. Dit zal de resultaten van de daadwerkelijke interventie Goedkoop Gezonde Voeding ten goede komen
Virtual child pornography as potential remedy against child sexual abuse
Get PDFThis study focusses on the potential effects of virtual child pornography on the sexual abuse of children, which is a widespread problem. Recent news items about child sexual abusers have brought the issue of pedophilia into the public eye. The media uses these two terms interchangeably. However, there is an essential difference between pedosexuals (those who sexually abuse children) and pedophiles (those who are sexually attracted to children). It is important to notice that not all pedophiles abuse children and not all pedosexuals feel sexually attracted to children. The research question is if virtual child pornography can prevent pedophiles from converting their fantasies into sexual acts. Literature retrieved by a search using PubMed. Sixty-four articles dealing with child sexual abuse, pedophilia, possible treatments for pedophilia and the effects of (virtual) child pornography were analyzed. Furthermore, information on treatment in the Netherlands was requested from the Hotline Child Pornography and an interview was arranged with Jules Mulder, therapist of pedosexuals and pedophiles at forensic psychiatric center De Waag in Utrecht, The Netherlands.Pedophilia is manifested mostly in downloading child pornography. The amount of child pornographic material available has increased dramatically. Earlier research on the characteristics of child pornography downloaders showed that there is great diversity among them; pedophiles are present in all layers of society. Despite that not all pedophiles act on their feelings there is still an elevated risk of abusing young children sexually. Therefore, preventive treatment is very important. Unfortunately, there is limited research performed on treatment for pedophilia. Experts suggest that impulse control is the highest achievable and pedophilia cannot be cured. Child pornography can be used for impulse control. Research performed in various countries showed that when downloading child pornography was allowed, the number of sexually abused children decreased. Child pornography can provide pedophiles in their sexual needs and may prevent that they will abuse young children in the future. However, the provision of child pornography as part of a treatment gives rise to an ethical dilemma, because it indirectly maintains sexual child abuse. Therefore virtual child pornography could be a solution. Further research is needed on the effects of virtual child pornography, taking into account the heterogeneity among pedophiles