bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Prebiotic Products on Decreasing Adiposity Parameters in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis
Authors: Qu Hua , Song Lei , Zhang Ying , Gao Zhu-ye , Shi Da-zhuo
Published: December 2019

Background:

Prebiotics are substrates selectively utilized by host microorganisms to confer
health benefits. The potential of prebiotics to decrease body weight in overweight/obese individuals
was suggested by some clinical and animal studies. However, these studies were based on relatively
small sample sizes and the precise effects of prebiotic products have not yet been evaluated.
Therefore, the present meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) was designed to
comprehensively assess the effects of prebiotic products on overweight and obese individuals.

Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched to identify RCT investigating the
effects of prebiotic products on overweight and obese individuals. We calculated the pooled weighted
mean difference (WMD) to assess the effects of prebiotic products on Body Mass Index (BMI), body
weight, fat mass and inflammatory biomarkers.

Results:

Twelve RCTs with a total of 535 overweight and obese individuals were enrolled. Compared
with placebo, prebiotic products decreased C reactive protein (WMD, -1.06 mg/L; 95%CI, -1.72 to -
0.40; p=0.002), tumour necrosis factor-α(WMD, -0.64 pg/mL; 95%CI, -1.11 to -0.18; p=0.006) and
other inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-1β，lipopolysaccharide (p<0.05); whereas no
reductions in BMI (WMD, -0.20 kg/m2; 95%CI, -0.58 to 0.19; p=0.32), body weight (WMD, -0.51
kg; 95%CI, -1.18 to 0.16; p=0.14) and fat mass (WMD, 0.11 kg; 95%CI, -0.04 to 0.25; p=0.15) were
observed.

Conclusion:

In the present analysis, comprehensive evidence suggested that prebiotic products did
not decrease adiposity parameters (BMI, body weight and body fat mass), but they could decrease the
levels of systemic inflammatory biomarkers, implying adherence to prebiotic products might be a
promising complementary approach to managing inflammatory states in overweight and obese individuals.
Protective Effect of Paeoniflorin on Acute Cerebral Infarction in Rats
Authors: Wu Weilin , Qiu Chenfeng , Feng Xuewen , Tao Xiaoxiao , Zhu Qian , Chen Zhengjun , Ma Xiaomin , Yang Jinwei , Bao Xianjun
Published: December 2019

Objective:

The purpose of this paper was to study the protective effect of paeoniflorin on
acute cerebral ischemia. The animal model of cerebral infarction induced by Middle Cerebral Artery
Occlusion (MCAO) was blocked by the suture method. Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into the
shame group, MCAO group, paeoniflorin (60, 120, 240 mg/kg, respectively) and Nimodipine (NMDP)
group (n = 10 per group).

Methods:

The rats were intragastrically administered immediately after the operation. After 7 days of
gavage, the brains were decapitated at 24 h. Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining was used to observe
the degree of cell damage in the cerebral cortex of rats. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect silver
plating and to observe changes in nerve cells. Rats in the model group showed obvious symptoms
of neurological deficits, such as the ischemic morphological changed, the Malondialdehyde (MDA),
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) content and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were significantly increased
in the ischemic brain tissue, while the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity was decreased.

Results:

The decrease in Na+-K+-ATPase activity was significantly lower than that in the sham group.
The neurological symptoms and signs of MCAO in the different doses of paeoniflorin group were improved,
and the neuronal edema in the cortical area was alleviated. The activities of SOD, LDH and
Na+-K+-ATPase were significantly increased, and the contents of MDA and LD were decreased.

Conclusion:

Therefore, paeoniflorin could alleviate the degree of tissue damage in rats with acute cerebral
infarction, inhabit the formation of free radicals in the brain tissue after ischemia, and reduce the
degree of lipid peroxidation. Thus, the degree of cell damage was reduced greatly and a protective effect
was showed on cerebral ischemia.
Development of Formulation Methods and Physical Characterization of Injectable Sodium Selenite Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Sorafenib tosylate
Authors: Moni Sivakumar S. , Alam Mohammad F. , Safhi Mohammed M. , Sultan Muhammad H. , Makeen Hafiz A. , Elmobark Mohamed E.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Sorafenib is the first oral therapeutic agent to show the activity against human
hepatocellular carcinoma. Sorafenib leads to severe toxicity due to the multiple-dose regimen. Reducing
the overall dose of sorafenib through injectable dosage form to release sustainably is of therapeutically
more important to combat drug-induced toxicity.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to formulate and evaluate the physical parameters of sorafenib-
loaded Sodium Selenite Nanoparticles (SSSNP).

Methods:

Two different methods: chemical crosslinking and solvent evaporation were applied for the
formulation of nanoparticles using various crosslinkers such as formaldehyde, magnesium sulfate,
tripolyphosphate, dextran sulfate, and aluminum hydroxide. Physical characterization was performed
with zeta potential analysis, polydispersity index, particle size and scanning electron microscopic studies
for morphological analysis for all the formulated nanoparticles developed using the chemical crosslinking
technique based ionic interaction.

Results:

Tripolyphosphate was selected as an ideal crosslinker and used for nanoparticle formulation
with the solvent evaporation technique. Based on the physical characterization, SSSNP was formulated
successfully with the solvent evaporation technique using tripolyphosphate as a cross-linker. The zeta
potential of SSSNP was -37.5 mV, PDI was approximately 0.3 to 0.4, and the observed size (diameter)
was in the range of 208 nm to 0.2 μm. Furthermore, the particles were smooth in morphology and appeared
as crystals.

Conclusion:

The novel injectable sorafenib loaded sodium selenite nanoparticle dosage form will
serve better than conventional oral dosage form to elicit a safe therapeutic effect.
Computational Studies on Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: From Biochemistry to Chemistry
Authors: Bagri Kiran , Kumar Ashwani , Manisha  , Kumar Parvin
Published: December 2019

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are the most promising therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease
treatment as these prevent the loss of acetylcholine and slows the progression of the disease. The drugs
approved for the management of Alzheimer’s disease by the FDA are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
but are associated with side effects. Consistent and stringent efforts by the researchers with the help of
computational methods opened new ways of developing novel molecules with good acetylcholinesterase
inhibitory activity. In this manuscript, we reviewed the studies that identified the essential structural
features of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors at the molecular level as well as the techniques like molecular
docking, molecular dynamics, quantitative structure-activity relationship, virtual screening, and
pharmacophore modelling that were used in designing these inhibitors.
Monogenic Diabetes: Genetics and Relevance on Diabetes Mellitus Personalized Medicine
Authors: Sousa Madalena , Bruges-Armas Jácome
Published: December 2019

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease with significant impression in today's world. Aside from the most common types recognized over the years, such as type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), recent studies have emphasized the crucial role of genetics in DM, allowing the distinction of monogenic diabetes.

Methods:

Authors did a literature search with the purpose of highlighting and clarifying the subtypes of monogenic diabetes, as well as the accredited genetic entities responsible for such phenotypes.

Results:

The following subtypes were included in this literature review: maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD). So far, 14 subtypes of MODY have been identified, while three subtypes have been identified in NDM - transient, permanent, and syndromic.

Discussion:

Despite being estimated to affect approximately 2% of all the T2DM patients in Europe, the exact prevalence of MODY is still unknown, accentuating the need for research focused on biomarkers. Consequently, due to its impact in the course of treatment, follow-up of associated complications, and genetic implications for siblings and offspring of affected individuals, it is imperative to diagnose the monogenic forms of DM accurately.

Conclusion:

Currently, advances in the genetics field allowed the recognition of new DM subtypes, which until now, were considered slight variations of the typical forms. Thus, it is imperative to act in the close interaction between genetics and clinical manifestations, to facilitate diagnosis and individualize treatment.
Detection of Cold Stress in Plants using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM)
Authors: Peng Owen , Akers Walter , Berezin Mikhail Y.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Cold stress injury to plants is a highly complex process and a significant
cost to agricultural food production. This stress adversely affects metabolism, growth and productivity
of plants. Timely visualization of plants’ cold stress is important for identifying injury to the plants
and for predicting a plant's survival. While there is a developed understanding of physiology and biology
associated with this condition, early detection and assessment of the injury remain difficult. A
rapid, remote method for quantitatively measuring cold stress in situ will aid producers in selecting
cold-tolerant plants for breeding and for identifying appropriate remedies.

Methods:

Standard methods such as electrolyte leakage assays correctly and quantitatively evaluate
the damage. However, these methods are laborious and costly, not applicable for non-invasive highthroughput
screening of plants in the field. To address this problem, we have evaluated a new sensitive
method based on the fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) that can be used for injury assessment.

Results:

Standard methods such as electrolyte leakage assays correctly and quantitatively evaluate
the damage. However, these methods are laborious and costly, not applicable for non-invasive highthroughput
screening of plants in the field. To address this problem, we have evaluated a new sensitive
method based on the fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) that can be used for injury assessment.
We have demonstrated that the fluorescence lifetime of chlorophyll’s autofluorescence in intact
leaves from Periwinkle (Vinca Minor) plants is correlated with the degree of injury. Nonlinear
regression identifies the long-lifetime component of the fluorescence decay, showing a high sensitivity
for detecting injury mere minutes after plant exposure to -20°C, while no gross visual differences
could be distinguished. Moreover, conventional color imaging, reflection, or and steady-state
fluorescence intensity showed lower sensitivity in detecting cold stress.

Conclusion:

FLIM was shown to be more sensitive than visual or camera-based inspection and can
be potentially used for rapid and remote monitoring of the health of individual plants and crops in the
field and will aid in the selection of cold-tolerant crop variants.
Recent Advancements in High-Performance Solid Electrolytes for Li-ion Batteries: Towards a Solid Future
Authors: Murtaza Imran , Ali Muhammad Umair , Yu Hongtao , Yang Huai , Saeed Chani Muhammad Tariq , Karimov Khasan S. , Meng Hong , Huang Wei , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: December 2019

With the emergence of non-conventional energy resources and development of energy storage devices, serious efforts on lithium (Li) based rechargeable solid electrolyte batteries (Li- SEBs) are attaining momentum due to their potential as a safe candidate to replace state-of-the-art conventionally existing flammable organic liquid electrolyte-based Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, Li-ion conduction in solid electrolytes (SEs) has been one of the major bottlenecks in large scale commercialization of next-generation Li-SEBs. Here, in this review, various challenges in the realization of high-performance Li-SEBs are discussed and recent strategies employed for the development of efficient SEs are reviewed. In addition, special focus is laid on the ionic conductivity enhancement techniques for inorganic (including ceramics, glasses, and glass-ceramics) and polymersbased SEs. The development of novel fabrication routes with controlled parameters and highperformance temperature optimized SEs with stable electrolyte-electrode interfaces are proposed to realize highly efficient Li-SEBs.
An Effort to Making a Colorimitric Nano-Biosensor for Vibrio cholera Detection
Authors: Mahheidari Naimeh , Rashidiani Jamal , Kooshki Hamid , Eskandari Khadijeh
Published: December 2019

Background:

Today, nanoparticles hold great promise in biomedical researches and applications including bacteria detection. The rapid and sensitive outcomes of bacteria detection strategies using nanoparticle conjugates become determinative, especially in bacterial outbreaks. In the current research, we focused on detecting V. cholera bacteria and its toxin using a thiocyanate/Au nanoparticle. Thiocyanate adsorbed strongly on the surface of gold nanoparticles and changed the surface by enhancing surface plasmon resonance of gold nanoparticles.

Objective:

This method is tried to introduce a simple and fast procedure to assay vibrio cholera. So, it is observed by the naked eyes as well.

Methods:

We used two antibodies (Ab) for V. cholera detection: a) a primary antibody conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for trapping V. cholera bacterial cells, and b) a secondary Abconjugated thiocyanate-GNPs as a colorimetric detector. Then, an immuno-magnetic separation system connected to a colorimetric assay was designed based on the GNPs. The results were measured by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy.

Results:

The results showed that gold nanoparticles are an appropriate optical assay for detecting biological samples in a minimum concentration and also it can be easily seen by the naked eyes. The linear range of this biosensor is 3.2×104 to 28×104 cells per ml.

Conclusion:

In this research, a colorimetric immune assay based on gold nanoparticles was designed to improve the sensitivity of V. cholera detection. Also, this method can be used for the detection of other biological agents.
The first Report of Faustula keksooni from Tenualosa ilisha in Karun River, Southwest of Iran
Authors: Foroutan Masoud , Dalimi Abdolhossein , Ghaffari Ali Dalir
Published: December 2019

Background:

enualosa ilisha (ilish, hilsa, hilsa herring, or hilsa shad) is a species of
migratory fish in the herring family (Clupeidae), and is considered as a popular food fish in the
southwest of Iran.

Objective:

Due to the high consumption of T. ilisha fish in Khuzestan province (especially in
Abadan and Khorramshahr cities) and lack of any reports about the intestinal trematode of this
fish; the current study was aimed to investigate the trematode parasites of T. ilisha.

Methods:

For this purpose, a total of 50 T. ilisha fishes were collected from the Karun River during
Feb-Mar 2017. The fishes were transferred to the Department of Medical Parasitology of Tarbiat
Modares University and dissected to obtain the intestine. The intestines were extensively
searched for the presence of trematode and after parasites recovering, they were preserved in 70%
alcohol. Moreover, the helminths were stained by acetic carmine. The parasites were identified
with the aid of reliable sources.

Results:

Forty-one out of 50 (82%) fishes were found to be positive for trematode. The recovered
trematode belonged to Faustula keksooni.

Conclusions:

The present study showed a high burden of infection in T. ilisha. It should be noted
that we reported F. keksooni for the first time in Iran.
Formulation and in vitro Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Tablets of Febuxostat Using Co-Processed Excipients
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Mittal Amit , Gulati Monica , Sharma Deepika , Kumar Rajesh
Published: December 2019

Background:

Febuxostat is a novel, orally-administered, powerful, non-purine, xanthine
oxidase inhibitor used for treating gout and ceaseless tophaceous gout. The drug exhibits low bioavailability
(about 49%) which is ascribed to its dissolution rate-limited absorption.

Objective:

The current work is aimed to provide a novel strategy to improve the dissolution profile and
thus, the bioavailability of Febuxostat.

Methods:

Formulation of Fast Dissolving Tablets (FDT) is anticipated to provide immediate release of
the drug, which in turn, will improve its dissolution profile to provide the initial surge in plasma concentration
required in an acute gout attack. Incorporation of co-processed excipients in a tablet is
known to improve the compressibility and disintegration characteristics of the tablets, which, in turn,
result in enhanced in vitro drug release and improved bioavailability. A combination of crospovidone
(it rapidly wicks saliva into the tablet to create the volume development and hydrostatic weight important
to give quick disintegration) and microcrystalline cellulose (a highly compressible ingredient with
good wicking and absorbing capacity) was, therefore, used as co-processed excipients.

Results:

The tablets were prepared by direct compression technique with the application of a 32 randomized
full factorial design. The prepared tablets were able to release more than 80% of the drug
within 10 minutes of the start of dissolution testing and were able to show a better drug release profile
in comparison to available marketed formulation.

Conclusion:

So, it can be concluded that the developed fast release formulation was found to exhibit
convincing in vitro results and may prove a boon in the treatment of acute gout attack after establishing
in vivo potential.
18F-FDG PET/CT in Restaging and Evaluation of Response to Therapy in Lung Cancer: State of the Art
Authors: Castello Angelo , Rossi Sabrina , Lopci Egesta
Published: December 2019

Background:

Metabolic information provided by 18F-FDG PET/CT are useful for initial
staging, therapy planning, response evaluation, and to a lesser extent for the follow-up of non-small
cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To date, there are no established clinical guidelines in treatment response
and early detection of recurrence.

Objective:

To provide an overview of 18F-FDG PET/CT in NSCLC and in particular, to discuss its
utility in treatment response evaluation and restaging of lung cancer.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was used based on PubMed results. From all studies published in
English those that explored the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the treatment response scenario were
selected.

Results:

Several studies have demonstrated that modifications in metabolic activity, expressed by
changes in SUV both in the primary tumor as well as in regional lymph nodes, are associated with
tumor response and survival. Beside SUV, other metabolic parameters (i.e. MTV, TLG, and percentage
changes) are emerging to be helpful for predicting clinical outcomes.

Conclusion:

18F-FDG parameters appear to be promising factors for evaluating treatment response
and for detecting recurrences, although larger prospective trials are needed to confirm these evidences
and to determine optimal cut-off values.
APRESENTAÇÃO
Authors: Fialho Lívia , Castaño Ricardo
Published: December 2019

O que significa “educar”? Muitos autores do campo da Educação e da Antropologia têm se aplicado, de diferentes maneiras, na compreensão dos diversos processos que envolvem a aprendizagem, o ensino, a transmissão, a socialização. Sabemos que a educação não se dá apenas na escola – instituição que segue um certo tipo de comunicação e de relação com a autoridade (escolar) preocupada com as possibilidades de progressão linear de estudantes (de uma classe para outra). Novas experiências na forma de aprender-e-ensinar, experiências pluridirecionais de transmissão (não apenas professor-aluno), incorporação de outros saberes ao currículo, dinâmicas contemporâneas de processos educativos são alguns temas que têm mobilizado pesquisas nos dois campos. Este dossiê, dedicado ao tema “Educação e Antropologia: questões de método e e epistemologia”, se organiza em torno de reflexões acerca do fazer científico e da relação entre dois campos de conhecimento, a Educação e a Antropologia. Os artigos aqui reunidos fazem pensar sobre o lugar que assume o método e os pressupostos epistemológicos na produção das questões que envolvem objetos que tocam aos dois campos do saber, tanto na perspectiva da interação/aproximação, quanto na perspectiva das fronteiras teórico-conceituais e uso do método etnográfico. Discutem, em diferentes perspectivas, como a Antropologia e a abordagem etnográfica constituem importantes aportes teóricos e metodológicos para a produção de conhecimento fundado na transformação de formas de investigação e de outras possibilidades de enunciação. As experiências de campo – pesquisas originais desenvolvidas em diferentes países – sobre processos educativos/culturais diversos, nos convida a refletir sobre o que o conhecimento “aproximado” da realidade pode nos revelar sobre o Outro e sobre Nós mesmos.
Coseismic Displacement Accumulation Between 1996 and 2019 Using A Global Empirical Law on Indonesia Continuously Operating Reference Station (InaCORS)
Authors: Pratama Cecep , Susanta Febrian Fitryanik , Ilahi Ridho , Khomaini Alian Fathira , Abdillah Hadi Wijaya Kusuma
Published: December 2019

Indonesia archipelago is one of the most populated country with active and complex tectonic zone in the world. Plate boundaries were assembled by four major plate which made the region not only vulnerable to earth-hazard but also prone to semi-dynamic reference frame. However, influence of transient deformation such as coseismic displacement due to large amount of small to intermediate earthquakes (< Mw 6) on the geodetic networks is remain poorly understood. Geospatial Information Agency occupied permanent and continuous GPS networks since 1996 but rapidly increase in 2010. Based on simulated empirical law of coseismic crustal deformation, we estimate the cumulative displacement due to coseismic step on Indonesia Continuous Operating Reference Stations (InaCORS). We utilize the position of the observation network and earthquake hypocentral with estimated moment magnitude. Our result suggesting small to intermediate earthquakes are indispensable for estimating secular motion and potentially contribute the cumulative offset associated with the transient postseismic deformation.
Cooling-Off Periods among Serial Killers
Authors: Edelstein Arnon
Published: December 2019

Theory and empirical research in criminology have paid less attention to intermittency in offending, that is, the brief lapses and sporadic episodes of crime that occur at sometimes unpredictable intervals (Piquero, 2004). This is mainly due to the problem of defining this phenomenon in a common operational way that can be tested empirically. This has thus led to its abandonment in most contemporary definitions of serial murder (Osborn & Salfati, 2014). Most up-to-date definitions have recognized the fact that serial murders are committed as discrete events (Adjorlolo & Chan, 2014). While psychological, sociological, and geographical theories of serial murder can be used to explain cooling-off periods, none of these theories have, thus far, been used in an empirical study. This article examines the phenomenon of cooling-off periods in relation to serial murder. Although definitions of serial murder have changed over the years, there is a consensus that between every two murders there must be a cooling-off period (Homant & Kennedy, 2014; Morton & McNamara, 2005). Unlike previous research, our study, which is based on the Encyclopedia of Serial Killers (Newton, 2005) found that the longest cooling-off period is between the first and the third murders (i.e., a series). We offer some theoretical psychological explanations for this pattern, although we were unable to study it empirically. We conclude that it is less important how different scholars define cooling-off periods; the important thing is that this phenomenon exists and has meaning for understanding, profiling, and even forecasting the time of the next murder.
Kinematic characteristics of two-phase flows in waterjet cutting
Authors: Aleshkov Mikhail V. , Volgina Lyudmila V.
Published: December 2019

Introduction. In waterjet cutting, a two-phase flow consisting of water and abrasive solid particles moves at a high average speed. Destruction of hard materials and alloys requires a large force and, therefore, a high flow rate. Such flows differ utterly from natural and well-studied flows in hydraulic transport and hydroprocessing. Determination of kinematic characteristics in the waterjet cutting is an independent task. Materials and methods. The results of field studies to determine the essential kinematic characteristics of the two-phase flow are presented. The conditions of transporting the solid particles, the efficiency of their application in cutting as well as the assessment of energy losses. The revelation of features of the two-phase flows and differences from water flows is a part of engineering calculations aimed at the effectiveness of their use in various fields of activity, including firefighting. Results. The calculations of the two-phase flow heterogranularity, the weighted average density of the particles constituting the solid phase, the flow volume density, and actual flow density were carried out. Calculations of the two-phase flow density were performed by а volume-weight method and by integrating the solid particle density distribution in depth. Conclusions. The paper showed that in waterjet cutting the actual density exceeds the flow volume density by 8.5 % what is lower than the values recommended for hydraulic transport. All the engineering calculations must be conducted using the values of the actual flow density. The kinematic characteristics obtained in this work are the basis for the calculation of additional head losses per 1 meter of a firefighting unit hose during transportation.
Introducción del Editor
Authors: Suárez-Ruíz E. Joaquín
Published: December 2019

Guest Editor’s Introduction to "Current Perspectives in Philosophy of Biology"
What’s In a Norm? Foucault’s Conceptualisation and Genealogy of the Norm
Authors: Kelly Mark
Published: December 2019

In this article I survey Foucault’s remarks on norms and normalisation from across his oeuvre, with a view to reconstructing his genealogy of norms, leaning at points – following Foucault himself – on Georges Canguilhem’s seminal work on the topic. I also survey in tandem the existing secondary scholarship on this question, maintaining – pace other schol-ars – that Foucault’s position has not been adequately explicated despite sophisticated attempts. I argue that Foucault’s idiosyncratic conception of the norm, overlooked or mis-understood by other readers, is consistently of an ideal model guiding human action in any particular sphere. This concept is a relatively modern one that may be contrasted to the older form of restricting human behaviour according to binary discriminations that may be called ‘laws’ or ‘rules’. Foucault traces the form of the norm specifically to medieval pro-cesses for dealing with the plague, which later become highly generalised and diffused to produce a normalising society. I conclude with a more speculative discussion of how this society of the norm continues to utilise binarising rules, arguing that norms are typically used in order to ground binarising condemnations of abnormal cases, but that the nebu-lousness of norms ultimately allows any particular case to be condemned by such stand-ards.
Sirens in the Panopticon: Intersections Between Ainslean Picoeconomics and Foucault`s Discipline Theory
Authors: Osiievskyi Yevhenii , Yakovlyev Maksym
Published: December 2019

In this article, we attempt to synthesize the findings of the branch of behavioral economics known as “picoeconomics” (developed by George Ainslie) with insights from Foucauldian thought in order to demonstrate that a richer and more nuanced understanding of strategies for self-managing human irrationality can be achieved when both approaches are mobilized. Picoeconomic games can be modeled as an intrapsychic exercise of the disciplinary power thereby suggesting an important contributing factor to the formation of effective Ainslean will. On the other hand, picoenomic descriptions of the functioning of mind do not only align with Foucault’s concept of the “techniques of the self” but also point to the possibility of the transformation of disciplinary practices into modes of subjectivation once the former are fully internalized. On the basis of these findings, we propose an empirically testable hypothesis about the biographical correlates of strong Ainslean will and a prospective area of subjectivity research in the vein of Foucauldian studies.
AS TRANSFORMAÇÕES E AS PERMANÊNCIAS DE CONHECIMENTOS SOBRE ATIVIDADES EXPERIMENTAIS EM UM CONTEXTO DE FORMAÇÃO INICIAL DE PROFESSORES DE QUÍMICA
Authors: Gonçalves Fábio Peres , Biagini Beatriz , Guaita Renata Isabelle
Published: December 2019

Investiga-se como se caracterizam os conhecimentos sobre atividades experimentais no Ensino de Química/Ciências de licenciandos em Química, explicitados durante a participação em uma componente curricular. Analisam-se as produções textuais constituintes de portfólios da componente curricular integrante de um curso de licenciatura em Química de uma instituição pública de educação superior brasileira. O material foi examinado segundo os procedimentos da análise textual discursiva. Entre os resultados, destacam-se: a) conhecimentos relativos à valorização da participação discente durante as atividades experimentais; b) dos conhecimentos discentes concernentes à associação entre atividades experimentais e motivação; c) a explicitação de conhecimentos vinculados à necessidade de considerar, nas atividades experimentais, o respeito à integridade física dos estudantes e ao meio ambiente. Na sequência, analisam-se os conhecimentos dos licenciandos com base no referencial progressista de educação de Paulo Freire em diálogo com as categorias estrutura vertical e estrutura horizontal, de Eduardo Nicol. Desta análise depreenderam-se transformações e permanências de conhecimentos dos licenciandos, indicando a apropriação do que foi estudado, como: a possibilidade das atividades experimentais originarem questionamentos, a necessidade de favorecer a explicitação dos conhecimentos iniciais dos alunos e o respeito à integridade física dos estudantes não os submetendo a experimentos perigosos. Por outro lado, foi possível caracterizar a permanência, de forma mais pujante, de um conhecimento inicial sobre as atividades experimentais que as entende com motivadoras. Interpreta-se ainda que as transformações e as permanências de conhecimentos identificadas valorizaram, em alguma medida, a abordagem adotada no estudo sobre atividades experimentais no Ensino de Química/Ciências, na formação inicial de professores de Química.
A DISCIPLINA DE BIOLOGIA NO CURRÍCULO OFICIAL DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: De Sousa Jennifer Caroline
Published: December 2019

O Currículo Oficial do Estado de São Paulo foi produzido em um contexto de profunda renovação de documentos curriculares no Brasil. Atualmente, o cenário construído a partir da recente homologação da Base Nacional Comum Curricular imputa às unidades federadas uma nova fase de remodelamento de seus currículos. Neste trabalho se apresenta uma análise do currículo de Biologia proposto para a rede estadual de São Paulo tomando como questões centrais a relação entre os pressupostos teóricos e a definição de conteúdos e habilidades para esse componente curricular e a compatibilização entre a oferta de um núcleo comum de conhecimentos e a representação da diversidade. A análise de conteúdo realizada sobre o documento curricular base e os Cadernos do Professor permitiu inferir que o currículo de Biologia ainda atende a um perfil mais academicista com a valorização de conteúdos e habilidades que requerem o domínio de conceitos estritos da ciência de referência e não inclui de forma expressiva a representatividade cultural. Considerando o poder de legitimação dos currículos prescritivos sobre determinadas perspectivas na educação, aqui se defende a necessidade da problematização dos novos perfis curriculares em atual processo de construção com relação aos aspectos mencionados e às demandas do nosso contexto sociocultural.
OS ESPAÇOS NÃO FORMAIS AMAZÔNICOS COMO POTENCIALIZADORES DE APRENDIZAGEM PARA O ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS: UMA PERSPECTIVA A PARTIR DA TEORIA FUNDAMENTADA
Authors: Reis Andreza Rayane de Holanda , Da Silva Cirlande Cabral
Published: December 2019

Em plena Floresta Amazônica, extremamente rica em biodiversidade, alguns Espaços Não Formais (ENF) apresentam-se como locais propícios para aprendizagem, uma vez que naturalmente estimulam a criatividade, a sociabilidade, o emotivo, além de possivelmente contribuírem para a aquisição e retenção do conhecimento. Diante disso, o objetivo desse trabalho foi de compreender a aprendizagem de Ciências a partir da percepção dos alunos quando visitam esses espaços. Os dados coletados (entrevistas e observações) foram analisados através da Teoria Fundamentada, visando à elaboração de uma teoria explicativa, buscando sempre ouvir as vozes das crianças. Dessa forma percebemos que os estudantes sentem curiosidade em aprender diversos conteúdos abordados nos ENF, além de destacarem que memorizar a imagem dos animais e a aula, de um modo geral, fará com que eles obtenham êxito nas provas. Verificamos também que a aprendizagem afetiva ou apreciativa predominou nas aulas nesses espaços não formais.
Desperate times call for desperate measures: Short-term use of the common ash tree by gypsy moth larvae (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) under density and starvation stress
Authors: Milanovic Slobodan , Popovic Marija , Dobrosavljevic Jovan , Kostic Igor , Lazarevic Jelica
Published: December 2019

Gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) feeds on a large number of tree species, while ash, Fraxinus spp. (Lamiales: Oleaceae) species are considered resistant and are only sporadically eaten. To assess the conditions under which late instar gypsy moth larvae (GML) can temporarily use non-host common ash (CA) (F. excelsior L.), and to evaluate their ability to recover from ingestion of this toxic food, we determined the relative growth rate, the relative consumption rate and the amount of produced feces in different laboratory feeding trials. Our report is the first to show that under specific circumstances, the resources acquired after short-term consumption of CA leaves can be utilized for larval growth. We varied the intensity of density and starvation stress prior to feeding on CA leaves. We observed that after moderate stress a group of GML was temporarily capable of coping with CA leaves. Although observed growth and consumption were much lower on CA than on the optimal host oak, Quercus cerris L. (Fagales: Fagaceae), CA-oak-switched larvae showed the ability to recover from short-term use of a toxic non-host foliage. This suggests that feeding on CA might enable GML to survive under conditions of food shortage.
Constitutive justice and human rights
Authors: Jovanov Rastko , Velinov Marija
Published: December 2019

In order to show the validity of here proposed conception of social ontology
and its advantages over descriptive theories of social reality, which in the
analysis of the socio-ontological status of human rights find only legally
understood normativity as present in social reality, we will first (1) lay
out Searle?s interpretation of human rights. In the second step, we will (2)
introduce the methodical approach and basic concepts of our
socio-ontological position, and explain the structure of the relationship
between justice, law, morality, social institutions and collective
intentionality. At the end (3) we will show how our theory of social
ontology is better than Searle?s legal positivism in examining the
ontological status of human rights. At the end, (3) we show in what ways
such a theory of social ontology more intuitively and with wider arguments
explains the ontological status of institution of human rights than Searle?s
legal positivism.
In vitro release study of 2-aminobenzothiazole from microspheres as drug carriers
Authors: Merdoud Asma , Mouffok Meryem , Mesli Abderrezzak , Chafi Nafa , Chaib Messaoud
Published: December 2019

The aim of the present study was the preparation of 2-aminobenzothiazole- loaded microspheres based on cellulose derivatives for controlled and prolonged release. Micro-encapsulation by the simple emulsion (O/W) solvent evaporation method was performed to prepare these formulations using two cellulose derivatives as matrices: ethyl cellulose (EC) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB). Optimization of the experimental parameters, such as the polymer/ solvent ratio, the matrix type, stirring speed and the number of blades, was performed to obtain a high encapsulation efficiency of the drug. The effect of the selected parameters on microsphere characteristics, as well as the release rate was investigated. SEM images show that the obtained microparticles were spherical in shape. The effective entrapment of 2-amino-benzothiazole (2-ABZT) in the microspheres was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and XRD diffraction analysis. The encapsulation efficiency was improved when the polymer concentration increased reaching 89 %. Microspheres in the size range of 61?278 ?m with EC and close to 113 ?m with CAB were obtained by varying the process conditions. The in vitro release kinetics of the cation of 2-ABZT were established at 37 ?C in simulated gastric medium pH 1.2 and the obtained data were analyzed according to the Fick law. The results showed that the surface morphology and encapsulation efficiency of the microspheres depended strongly on the polymer/solvent ratio and the release rate could be controlled by adjusting the process conditions.
Therapeutic potential of agmatine in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Stevanovic Ivana , Ninkovic Milica , Stanojevic Jelena , Mancic Bojana , Stojanovic Ivana
Published: December 2019

Background/Aim. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a model of multiple sclerosis (MS), in which we investigated the neuroprotective effect of agmatine (AGM), known as a primary amine produced via the decarboxylation of L-arginine. Methods. Dark Agouti rats were divided into groups: control (C), Complete Freund`s Adjuvant (CFA), EAE rats decapitated on the 13th day post immunization (dpi) (EAE13) and on the 20th dpi (EAE20), EAE animals given three (EAE+AGM13) and 10 (EAE+AGM20) doses of AGM, and healthy animals ad-ministered three/10 doses of AGM (AGM). Thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), SH groups (SH), total glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx), superoxide dismutase activities (tSOD, MnSOD, CuZ-nSOD) and nitrite/nitrate concentration (NO2+NO3) were assessed in plasma and brain structures [whole encephalitic mass (WEM) and brainstem (BS)]. Results. The obtained results showed that AGM treatment successfully attenuated severe clinical deficits in EAE. Applications of AGM in EAE rats induced normalized TBARS, SH, GSH, GPx and NO in WEM. In BS, AGM expressed less prominent effects, inducing normalized TBARS, GPx and NO, but no effect on SH and GSH. In both brain structures, tSOD activity lowered and normalized at the peak and in the remission phase of the disease, post-AGM treatment. The effect of AGM on the MnSOD in EAE was expressed in WEM/BS only in the remission phase as a reduced activity. Conclusion. Milder clinical form of developed EAE in rats indicates promising therapeutic effect of AGM in MS. The activated antioxidant system and suppressed oxidative/nitrosative stress development may denote a successful blockade of neu-roinflammation initiated by EAE immunization. The study implies the capability of AGM to attenuate oxidative/nitrosative damage at the peak of EAE by modulating antioxidative defense capacity during the time-course of the disease. Thus, AGM may be considered as an agent with a beneficial effect on neuroinflammation in EAE.
The effect of cardiovascular rehabilitation on physical strain tolerance - does gender really matter?
Authors: Deljanin-Ilic Marina , Stojanovic Milovan , Ilic Stevan
Published: December 2019

Background/Aim. Gender as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases has been the subject of research in numerous studies. All of them warn of shortcomings in the diagnosis and treatment of women with a coronary artery disease. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in the effects of cardiovascular rehabilitation (CVR) on the tolerance of physical strain related to gender in examinees with the coronary artery disease. Methods. The study involved 684 patients, 506 (74.0%) men and 178 (26.0%) women. All respondents were referred to the CVR program after surviving a heart attack, percutaneous coronary intervention or surgical myocardial revascularization. During a three-week program of CVR, patients were subjected to the dosed and personalized physical training. At the beginning and at the end of rehabilitation, all patients were tested for physical strain. Results. The average strain level in men was significantly higher in the second test (t = 4.368; p < 0.001). Also, the duration of the test was significantly longer in the second test (Z = 11.836; p < 0.001). In women, the average strain level was significantly higher (t = 5.352; p < 0.001), and the duration of the test was significantly longer in the second test (Z = 7.471; p < 0.001). Conclusion. A three-week program of CVR led to an improvement in the tolerance of physical strain in both men and women. Our re-search once again proved that women have an equal benefit as men from the implementation of CVR. Nevertheless, women rarely participate in the CVR programs. It is necessary to make additional efforts in order to further educate physicians and other medical staff about the importance of sending women to the CVR program.
CD11c immunopositive cells in the human fetal vermiform appendix
Authors: Radenkovic Goran , Petrovic Vladimir , Nedin-Rankovic Gorana , Dencic Tijana , Zivkovic Vladimir , Jocic Miodrag
Published: December 2019

Introduction/Aim. A vermiform appendixis an abdominal organ which contains the elements of gut-associated lymphoid tissue and carries out important immunological functions as a reservoir of intestinal microbial flora. It also has a role in the normal development of gut-associated lymphatic tissue. The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of dendritic cell marker C D11c in the human fetal vermiform appendix from the 13th to the 23rd week of development. Methods. The material in this study consisted of 28 human fetal vermiform appendixes from the 13th to the 23rd week of gestagion. The tissue samples were routinely processed to obtain paraffin blocks, and 5 ?m thick tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and with rabbit monoclonal antibody against CD11c antigen and mouse monoclonal antibody against desmin. Results. The first CD11c immunopositive cells appear in the 14th week of development. They are present in the mucosa/submucosa and are interconnected via their cytoplasmic processes. Around these cells, a small number of lymphocytes can be seen. The first lymphoid aggregations appear in the 16th week of development, and lymphocytes are organized around the network made of CD11c immunopositive cells. From the 18th week of development, the lymphoid aggregations are organized in the form of primary lymphoid follicles, containing an extensive network made of CD11c immunopositive cells. Conclusion. CD11c immunopositive cells appear first in the process of primary lymphoid follicle generation and have a role in forming a lattice which will serve as the basis for lymphocyte migration.
Vasodilatory Actions of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Are Preserved in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Microvasculature but Not in Conduit Artery in Obese Humans With Vascular Insulin Resistance
Authors: Wang Nasui , Tan Alvin W.K. , Jahn Linda A. , Hartline Lee , Patrie James T. , Lin Shaoda , Barrett Eugene J. , Aylor Kevin W. , Liu Zhenqi
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is associated with microvascular insulin resistance, which is characterized by impaired insulin-mediated microvascular recruitment. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) recruits skeletal and cardiac muscle microvasculature, and this action is preserved in insulin-resistant rodents. We aimed to examine whether GLP-1 recruits microvasculature and improves the action of insulin in obese humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fifteen obese adults received intravenous infusion of either saline or GLP-1 (1.2 pmol/kg/min) for 150 min with or without a euglycemic insulin clamp (1 mU/kg/min) superimposed over the last 120 min. Skeletal and cardiac muscle microvascular blood volume (MBV), flow velocity and blood flow, brachial artery diameter and blood flow, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were determined.

RESULTS

Insulin failed to change MBV or flow in either skeletal or cardiac muscle, confirming the presence of microvascular insulin resistance. GLP-1 infusion alone increased MBV by ∼30% and ∼40% in skeletal and cardiac muscle, respectively, with no change in flow velocity, leading to a significant increase in microvascular blood flow in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. Superimposition of insulin to GLP-1 infusion did not further increase MBV or flow in either skeletal or cardiac muscle but raised the steady-state glucose infusion rate by ∼20%. Insulin, GLP-1, and GLP-1 + insulin infusion did not alter brachial artery diameter and blood flow or PWV. The vasodilatory actions of GLP-1 are preserved in both skeletal and cardiac muscle microvasculature, which may contribute to improving metabolic insulin responses and cardiovascular outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In obese humans with microvascular insulin resistance, GLP-1’s vasodilatory actions are preserved in both skeletal and cardiac muscle microvasculature, which may contribute to improving metabolic insulin responses and cardiovascular outcomes.
Aplicaciones de dispositivos móviles como estrategia de aprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios de enfermería. Una mirada desde la fenomenología crítica
Authors: Garay Núñez Jesús Roberto
Published: December 2019

En la llamada sociedad del conocimiento o de la información, las nuevas formas de conectividad en el ámbito educativo han propiciado que los estudiantes incorporen nuevas herramientas como las aplicaciones de dispositivos móviles en sus procesos de autogestión del conocimiento. La omnipresencia de los dispositivos móviles en los espacios escolares está innovando la praxis del currículo en enfermería tanto en el aula como en el hospital y en escenarios comunitarios. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la experiencia vivida de alumnos de una licenciatura en enfermería en Culiacán, Sinaloa, con el uso de las aplicaciones en dispositivos móviles como estrategia de aprendizaje. Para ello se recurrió al método fenomenológico, el cual analiza las realidades cuya naturaleza y estructura peculiar solo pueden ser captadas desde el marco de referencia interno del sujeto que las vive y experimenta, y a la entrevista a profundidad como técnica. Como parte de los resultados surgió la conceptualización de cuatro categorías: 1) Aprendizaje centrado en las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC); 2) Aplicaciones móviles como estrategia de aprendizaje en la universidad; 3) Aplicaciones móviles como estrategia de aprendizaje en la práctica clínica, y 4) Aplicaciones móviles como estrategia de aprendizaje en la práctica comunitaria.