Mutational spectrum of DNA damage and mismatch repair genes in prostate cancer

Over the past few years, a number of studies have revealed that a significant number of men with prostate cancer had genetic defects in the DNA damage repair gene response and mismatch repair genes. Certain of these modifications, notably gene alterations known as homologous recombination (HRR) genes; PALB2, CHEK2 BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, and genes for DNA mismatch repair (MMR); MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 are connected to a higher risk of prostate cancer and more severe types of the disease. The DNA damage repair (DDR) is essential for constructing and diversifying the antigen receptor genes required for T and B cell development. But this DDR imbalance results in stress on DNA replication and transcription, accumulation of mutations, and even cell death, which compromises tissue homeostasis. Due to these impacts of DDR anomalies, tumor immunity may be impacted, which may encourage the growth of tumors, the release of inflammatory cytokines, and aberrant immune reactions. In a similar vein, people who have altered MMR gene may benefit greatly from immunotherapy. Therefore, for these treatments, mutational genetic testing is indicated. Mismatch repair gene (MMR) defects are also more prevalent than previously thought, especially in patients with metastatic disease, high Gleason scores, and diverse histologies. This review summarizes the current information on the mutation spectrum and clinical significance of DDR mechanisms, such as HRR and MMR abnormalities in prostate cancer, and explains how patient management is evolving as a result of this understanding

The Impact of Peer Collaboration in Enhancing Mathematics Teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Skills : Lessons from Tanzania

タンザニア政府の数学教員の教授学的知識と技術を向上させるための現職教員研修は大きな課題を抱えているとされている．今回確率分野を事例としてO レベル数学教員６名と１２学年生徒１３０名を対象に，観察，聞き取り調査および学生に対するテストを行い，数学教員支援恊働（COSMAT）プログラムの評価を行った．その結果，数学教員はプログラムを通じ，恊働するようになり，教授学的知識と技術を向上させている．また活動中心の確率の授業を受講することで学生の成績も前後で向上している．従ってプログラムが正の影響を与えていることがわかった．It is reported that the Tanzania government is facing a big challenge of organising in-service education programmes that would have impact on mathematics teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge and skills (PCK&S), which ultimately improve students’ performance in the subject. By using development research approach, a study was designed to evaluate the impact of peer collaboration with the use exemplary materials in probability. The investigation involved 6 ordinary level (junior secondary) mathematics teachers and 130 Form 4 (12th Graders) mathematics students. In data collection, the study used triangulation process that involved observation of collaborative activities, interviews, and student test. Findings from this study revealed that teachers had adopted the collaborative activities that were promoted through the programme for the purpose of enhancing their PCK&S. Moreover, they were also stimulated to conduct other collaborative activities. Findings from students’ test results showed that there was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores, demonstrating that students gained knowledge as a result of activity-based probability lessons. Combining the results from teachers’ experiences with peer collaboration and students’ learning, it can be concluded that the COllaboration to Support MAthematics Teachers (COSMAT) programme had yielded a positive impact on teachers’ PCK&S and teacher collaboration