bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOBRE TEMPORALIDADE E PLANEJAMENTO DE RECURSOS DIDÁTICOS NO SUBPROJETO DE QUÍMICA - VOLTA REDONDA DO PIBID-UFF
Authors: Silva Alceu Junior Paz da , Bertagnolli Denise De Castro
Published: March 2018

As distintas transformações que caracterizam a sociedade no capitalismo tardio têm sido refletidas em função da noção de tempo. Nesse contexto, a problematização da ideia de tempo nas práticas de planejamento de recursos didáticos em Química, no âmbito do Pibid, apareceram como objeto de investigação. Utilizando aproximações com a teoria Histórico- Cultural procuramos orientar a produção organização de materiais para o ensino de Química por meio da reflexão sobre suas implicações temporais. Como resultado criamos uma artefato mobilizador de ideias (esqueleto de peixe) para a construção de propostas pedagógicas temáticas em Química, voltadas ao Ensino Médio.
FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES DE GEOGRAFIA E O PROGRAMA INSTITUCIONAL DE BOLSAS DE INICIAÇÃO À DOCÊNCIA: REFLEXÕES SOBRE AS EXPERIÊNCIAS COM AS TÉCNICAS DE ENSINO NO ENSINO MÉDIO
Authors: Fortuna Denizart Silva , Nascimento Juliana
Published: March 2018

O presente trabalho foi desenvolvido a partir do Subprojeto de Geografia (Niterói) da Universidade Federal Fluminense, vinculado ao Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (Pibid) da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). Adotamos como temática central os desafios que atravessam as práticas curriculares no ensino de geografia e a formação inicial docente. Buscamos trazer reflexões e alguns dos resultados de trabalho em torno das técnicas de ensino, sua importância nas práticas docentes cotidianas, e, sobretudo, as que vêm sendo desenvolvidas no âmbito desse Projeto. Articulamos essas reflexões à relação ensino-aprendizagem e à relação teoria e prática na formação inicial docente. Esse foi o ponto central de nosso trabalho na unidade escolar Colégio Estadual Manuel de Abreu, situado no bairro Icaraí, no município de Niterói (RJ), no decorrer dos anos letivos de 2014 e de 2015. A nossa investigação acerca das técnicas de ensino desenvolvidas nas aulas de geografia do 2º e 3º ano e do Ensino Médio desdobra-se nas seguintes indagações: quais os resultados trazidos para a formação inicial docente e quais as representações que os bolsistas licenciandos envolvidos apreendem sobre tais técnicas e o seu “fazer docente”? Este estudo está baseado em alguns pressupostos, dentre eles as considerações acerca da (1) organização de um curso de geografia escolar; (2) a relação entre teoria e prática na formação inicial docente; e, (3) o papel da abordagem filosófica no desenvolvimento dos objetos/conceitos que dêem sentidos à transformação social essencialmente “positiva”.
PIBID E EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA – TENSÕES DE UMA FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE QUE SE CONSTITUI NO ESCOLAR
Authors: Terra Dinah Vasconcellos , Carvalho Rosa Malena
Published: March 2018

Participar de produção coletiva, aproximando o que a educação física realiza no PIBID, destacando a formação inicial e continuada de professores, é tarefa que requer diversos esforços. Especialmente quando ideias hegemônicas naturalizam a vida e, com isso, as práticas corporais são percebidas como expressão máxima dessa ideia. Por isso, caracterizamos essa prática pedagógica pela perspectiva da cultura corporal e, como esse paradigma vem oportunizando organizar seus conteúdos no escolar. No movimento de pensar sua invenção em um conjunto de tensões, apresentamos os compromissos e intenções que fizeram o Instituto de Educação Física da Universidade Federal Fluminense compor, desde 2011, um programa que proporciona perceber a escola como eixo articulador da formação docente.
EDUCAÇÃO ÉTNICO-RACIAL E INTERCULTURALIDADE CRÍTICA NA ESCOLA: FORMAÇÃO INICIAL DE PROFESSORES POR MEIO DO PIBID
Authors: Souza Maria Elena Viana , Fetzner Andrea Rosana
Published: March 2018

Este trabalho discute as relações raciais no cotidiano escolar e a formação inicial de professores de forma concomitante à prática de ensino nas escolas. Trata-se de experiência desenvolvida no ensino superior, em Curso de Pedagogia, por meio do Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência – PIBID/UNIRIO. São descritas possibilidades e problematizações do processo formativo. Analisa tais descrições por meio da interculturalidade crítica que vê os conhecimentos escolares como suspeitos de servirem a interesses específicos. Percebe-se que, além de dar uma atenção especial aos currículos dos cursos de formação de professores, é preciso se preocupar com a possibilidade de potencializar o pensar crítico na formação dos professores que já estão vivenciando o magistério.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Pellegrini Raphael Pelosi , De Souza Rafael , Sanches Carmen
Published: March 2018

Editorial
SEXUALIDADE, BRINCADEIRA E ESCOLA NO PROCESSO DE NORMALIZAÇÃO DA INFÂNCIA
Authors: Cassal Luan Carpes Barros , Chiaradia Cristiana De França
Published: March 2018

Nos últimos anos, questões sobre infância, escola, sexualidade e gênero estão na mira de variadas proposições do Estado. Assim, este artigo propõe colocar em análise o processo de normalização das subjetividades na infância através da regulação da masturbação no espaço escolar.  A construção da sexualidade das crianças, através de brincadeiras e regras, está atrelada a uma relação de gênero tradicional. Além disso, a masturbação é negada como um ato lúdico de prazer para a criança conhecer seu corpo, principalmente na escola. Porém, a tentativa de proibição de assuntos e práticas de construção do corpo e do prazer, mais do que reprimir, insiste em criar modos normalizados de existência. Assim, ao investigarmos relações entre sexualidade, infância e escola, propomos colocar em análise as proibições estabelecidas entre tais termos e a masturbação.
GÊNERO, MÍDIA E EDUCAÇÃO: DIÁLOGOS NA INFÂNCIA E NA PRÉ-ADOLESCÊNCIA
Authors: Oliveira Tuany De Menezes , Araujo Paula Teixeira , Piassi Luís Paulo De Carvalho
Published: March 2018

Neste artigo, refletimos sobre a utilização de produtos midiáticos como porta de entrada para o diálogo sobre relações de gênero com crianças e pré-adolescentes, a partir dos resultados de atividades realizadas em escolas públicas de São Paulo. As intervenções foram formuladas e realizadas pelo grupo E.M.M.A. (Estudos sobre a Mulher e as Minorias na Arte-Ciência), do projeto Banca da Ciência. Após reflexões teóricas e intervenções, pudemos concluir que, é possível utilizar produtos midiáticos como porta de entrada para o diálogo sobre relações de gênero e que, a partir das representações das identidades femininas que estão presentes nessas mídias, é possível discutir diversos temas relacionados à questão do sexo, do gênero, da orientação sexual e das identidades de forma didática e lúdica.
“APESAR DE TUDO NÓS ESTAMOS AQUI PRA FAZER A DIFERENÇA”: GÊNERO, SEXUALIDADE E MOVIMENTAÇÃO ESTUDANTIL
Authors: Reis Neilton
Published: March 2018

Neste artigo, apresento reflexões inseridas no campo do gênero e da sexualidade estabelecendo uma relação com as movimentações de estudantes secundaristas. Destaco essas movimentações como espaços privilegiados para a socialização e para a (re)construção de sentidos, identidade e saberes sobre diferença e diversidade. Parto de narrativas produzidas por jovens estudantes do Ensino Médio do estado do Rio de Janeiro em uma entrevista e em uma roda de conversa realizada em uma escola pública ocupada por estudantes no mesmo estado. Proponho pensar a construção realizada no espaço escolar e nesses movimentos acerca dos saberes sobre identidades, diferenças e realidades discentes, debatendo uma ação questionadora dos posicionamentos assumidos.
MULHERES DE ATITUDE, MULHERES QUE OCUPAM: RELATO E PROBLEMATIZAÇÕES DE UMA EXPERIÊNCIA ARTÍSTICA
Authors: Veloso Juliana De Lima
Published: March 2018

O presente relato se baseia em expor um pouco do processo do projeto Mulheres de atitude, mulheres que ocupam, que foi realizado entre os meses de Outubro de 2016 a Fevereiro de 2017 e que por finalização teve como resultado uma ocupação artística nas dependência da Universidade Federal do ABC. Escrito como um Escrito de Artista o relato desta experiência vem agregar juntamente com algumas questões pertinentes ao campo das artes visuais e educação, um relato de caráter poético artístico. Partindo da ideia de “tornar-se” uma experiência artística entre artista e modelos o projeto vigente trouxe oportunidade à comunidade de mulheres de se aproximar das artes. O mesmo teve como objetivo o intuito de desmistificar os conceitos de modelo vivo, modelo como musa e corpo nu. Produzindo reflexões dentro do campo das artes visuais, sobre o corpo da mulher, a idealização da beleza e dos padrões estéticos vigentes em nossa sociedade. A experiência intencionou promover a compreensão de que todo e qualquer tipo de corpo pode e deve ser visto, posando ou não, o corpo da mulher deve ser valorizado. Já dentro do campo da educação a experiência do projeto veio agregar indagações acerca dos poderes das imagens e as possíveis pedagogias visuais que as mesmas carregam. Como artista visual e professora de artes meus pensamentos e minhas práticas aqui presentes neste relato não poderiam deixar de estar amarrados às questões da arte e da educação. É na linha foucaultiana que sigo escrevendo e pensando meus fazeres.
Using a modified Delphi methodology to gain consensus on the use of dressings in chronic wounds management
Authors: Russell David , Atkin Leanne , Betts April , Dowsett Caroline , Fatoye Francis , Gardner Sarah , Green Julie , Manu Chris , McKenzie Tracey , Meally Helena , Mitchell Louise , Mullings Julie , Odeyemi Isaac , Sharpe Andrew , Yeowell Gillian , Devlin Nancy
Published: March 2018

Objective:

Managing chronic wounds is associated with a burden to patients, caregivers, health services and society and there is a lack of clarity regarding the role of dressings in improving outcomes. This study aimed to provide understanding on a range of topics, including: the definition of chronicity in wounds, the burden of illness, clinical outcomes of reducing healing time and the impact of early interventions on clinical and economic outcomes and the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in wound healing.

Method:

A systematic review of the literature was carried out on the role of dressings in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), and venous leg ulcer (VLU) management strategies, their effectiveness, associated resource use/cost, and quality of life (QoL) impact on patients. From this evidence-base statements were written regarding chronicity in wounds, burden of illness, healing time, and the role of MMPs, early interventions and dressings. A modified Delphi methodology involving two iterations of email questionnaires followed by a face-to-face meeting was used to validate the statements, in order to arrive at a consensus for each. Clinical experts were selected, representing nurses, surgeons, podiatrists, academics, and policy experts.

Results:

In the first round, 38/47 statements reached or exceeded the consensus threshold of 80% and none were rejected. According to the protocol, any statement not confirmed or rejected had to be modified using the comments from participants and resubmitted. In the second round, 5/9 remaining statements were confirmed and none rejected, leaving 4 to discuss at the meeting. All final statements were confirmed with at least 80% consensus.

Conclusion:

This modified Delphi panel sought to gain clarity from clinical experts surrounding the use of dressings in the management of chronic wounds. A full consensus statement was developed to help clinicians and policy makers improve the management of patients with these conditions.
Flexible intramedullary nailing versus nonoperative treatment for paediatric displaced midshaft clavicle fractures
Authors: Mukhtar I. A. , Yaghmour K. M. , Ahmed A. F. , Ibrahim T.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in children remains controversial. The purpose of our study was to compare the outcome of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in children who were managed operatively by flexible intramedullary nailing (FIN) with nonoperative treatment. Methods A prospective review of 31 children (mean age 10.5 years) with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated either by FIN or nonoperatively and with at least a six-month follow-up was undertaken. In all, 24 children underwent FIN and seven underwent nonoperative treatment. The patient outcomes included the Constant-Murley score, Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8), numeric pain rating scale, time to union and time to return to activity. Surgical complications were recorded. Results The two groups were comparable with regards to age, gender and mechanism of injury. At six months of follow-up, the Constant-Murley (97.8 versus 94.7, p < 0.001) and CSQ-8 (29.1 versus 19.1, p < 0.001) scores were higher in the FIN group. Time to union and return to activity were significantly shorter in the FIN group (7.3 and 9.2 weeks versus 10.4 and 16.6 weeks respectively, p < 0.01). The only surgical complication was a FIN exchange for skin irritation due to nail prominence. Conclusion FIN is a minimally invasive procedure for children with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures associated with shorter time to union, quicker return to activity and higher Constant-Murley and CSQ-8 scores when compared with nonoperative treatment. However, the difference in Constant-Murley scores was not clinically significant. Furthermore, the advantages of FIN are at the expense of an increased complication rate of 12.5% (upper 95% confidence interval 33.3%). Level of Evidence Therapeutic, II
Financialisation and Economic Policy: The Issue of Capital Control in the Developing Countries
Authors: Kalim Siddiqui
Published: March 2018

In analysing the availability and performance of the foreign capital in developing countries, too much attention has been given to the availability of capital and current account while far too little has been given to long-term investment, job creation and economic sovereignty. The current study centres on a critical review of available literature and a contribution to the substantive topics indicated in the title. The objective is to examine relevant empirical and theoretical studies. The study argues that following the adoption of capital liberalisation and neoliberalism, the economies of most developing countries have become more vulnerable. If China is excluded, we find that most developing economies have been unable to expand employment opportunities or reduce levels of poverty due to fear of capital flight. In recent years, capital liberalisation policy has encouraged capital flight from their economies. After 2008, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) publicly express support for capital controls as a result of the global financial crisis and as the vulnerabilities associated with capital flows.
Western nightmares: Manifest Destiny and the representation of genocide in weird fiction
Authors: Manea Dragoş
Published: March 2018

This article focuses on the representation of genocide in Manifest Destiny (Dingess 2013–present), a comic book series loosely based on the 1804–06 Lewis and Clark expedition, replete with fantastical creatures, strange habitats and superhuman acts of heroism. The graphic narrative, published by Skybound/Image Comics, with art by Matthew Roberts and Owen Gieni, tells the story of the Corps of Discovery as they explore a quasi-mythical uncharted land, on the orders of President Jefferson. Their mission is to map and tame the newly purchased Louisiana Territory and prepare it for American settlers by killing the myriad monsters that still populate the strange land (including buffalotaurs, gigantic frogs, sentient anthropomorphic birds and a plant that infects humans and animals, turning their insides to plant-like material and robbing them of their will). By analysing it as a work of weird fiction, I explore how the presence of monstrous creatures creates a number of effects, from the horrific to the unsettling, outlines the killers’ awareness of the moral ambiguity of their actions and encourages readers’ identification with genocide perpetrators. The series, I argue, is grounded upon a formal realism that makes it highly effective in depicting scenes of weird fiction, whose defamiliarizing effect can rely on combining conventional, highly realistic settings, characters or tableaux with strange elements that pervert and yet do not render them unrecognizable. In conversation with critics and writers such as Ian Dawe, Darja Malcolm-Clarke, Simon Spiegel and Ann and Jeff VanderMeer, I attempt to explore the formal strategies adopted by the series in order to create scenes of weird fiction and their ethical implications.
Estructuras transmatriarcales: Emancipación y empoderamiento feminista a través de la práctica artística.
Authors: Martínez Sánchez Cuautli Exal
Published: March 2018

Los trabajos participativos y colaborativos emergen como prácticas micropolíticas y emancipatorias que visibilizan nuevas funciones sociales en la práctica artística. Son exploraciones colaborativas y transfeministas que enfocan nuevamente las inquietudes del arte en la construcción política, la creación colectiva, el trabajo en red, la cohesión social, etc. poniendo en valor aquello que es intangible como la comunicación, las dinámicas grupales, los procesos colaborativos, o el ejercicio de la política. Generando nuevas formas comunitarias de producción, nuevos lenguajes creativos, nuevas vías de diseminación de trabajo artístico así como nuevos objetivos estéticos, ligados al quehacer social y político. En este artículo analizamos las prácticas artísticas participativas y colaborativas como estructuras de relación social híbridas e interdisciplinares que promueven la flexibilización y feminización del espacio público, del que hacer político y la producción cultural e identitaria. Estableciendo nuevos universos simbólicos y metodológicos que transforman la función social del arte y el artista.
La evolución peculiar del arte y la evolución cultural
Authors: Martínez Gorrirán Carlos
Published: March 2018

La evolución de la cultura se fundamenta en la evolución natural, pero presenta importantes diferencias que la convierten en una evolución distinta. A su vez, la evolución del arte muestra una lógica peculiar, diferente a la evolución de la ciencia y la sociedad. Los cánones estéticos comienzan y acaban bruscamente tras un periodo más o menos dilatado de tiempo, sin transiciones graduales, formando una comunidad de representación. Ciertas cualidades inmanentes de lo estético, asociadas a la cognición y al funcionamiento de la mente, pueden explicar esta peculiaridad mejor que las teorías biológicas, filosóficas y sociológicas tradicionales. La creación estética es fundamental para desarrollar el pensamiento simbólico básico, sin acumular adaptaciones ni un saber normalizado en paradigmas sucesivos
Osteosarkoma pediatrikoarekiko suszeptibilitatean inplikatuta dauden aldaera genetikoak
Authors: Bilbao-Aldaiturriaga Nerea , Gutierrez-Camino Ángela , García-Orad África , Martin-Guerrero Idoia
Published: March 2018

Osteosarkoma (OS) edo sarkoma osteogenikoa gazteen artean gertatzen den hezur-minbizirik ohikoena da. Adin hain goiztiarretan sortzeak adierazten du haren jatorrian genetikak paper garrantzitsua duela. Izan ere, hainbat ikerketa-lanen arabera, sarkortasun txikiko aldaera genetikoak (SNPak, esaterako) OSaren kausa izan ohi dira. Jakina da beste minbizi mota batzuetan aldaera genetikoek gaixotasun horrekiko suszeptibilitatean eragina izaten dutela. miRNAk dira minbizien jatorri eta bilakaeran gehien aztertu diren RNA ez-kodetzaileak (ncRNA). Hori dela eta, bai gune kodetzaileetan bai ez-kodetzaileetan (miRNAk eta hauek prozesatzen dituzten geneak) zen aldakortasun genetikoa aztertu genuen. Lan honetan, OSarekiko suszeptibilitatean eragina duten aldaera genetikoen bilaketa egin genuen. Gure emaitzek CTLA4 genea eta 14q32 guneko miRNA taldeak OSarekiko suszeptibilitatearen hotspot-ak izan daitezkeela erakusten dute.
Identidades en desastres prolongados. Escenarios transnacionales desde los campamentos de refugiados Saharauis
Authors: Almenara Niebla Silvia , Ascanio Sánchez Carmen
Published: March 2018

Este artículo analiza la construcción de memorias e identidades en campamentos de refugiados de larga duración. La perpetuación de los conflictos transforma, radicalmente, la concepción temporal de estos lugares, que se convierten, según la denominación de algunos autores, en “espacios de espera”, “espacios anómalos” o “agujeros espaciotemporales”. A través del desarrollo del concepto de “cronotopo” de Bajtín argumentamos, por un lado, que lo que denominamos “cronotopo del desastre” atraviesa el paso del tiempo (generaciones) y los espacios de asentamiento (campamentos y lugares de la diáspora), insertándose en las memorias y el devenir de la identidad; y, por otro lado, que la convivencia de varias generaciones y la movilidad de personas, bienes e informaciones convierten a los campamentos de refugiados en territorios transnacionales, reconfigurando este cronotopo y las políticas de pertenencia desde lo local hacia lo global. Con foco en el caso saharaui y a través de un trabajo etnográfico (multisituado) presencial y virtual, así como de entrevistas y análisis de materiales visuales, se analizan dos etapas de construcción de la identidad: la primera asociada al exilio y al proyecto nacional; la segunda claramente atravesada por los procesos de movilidad y el impacto de las nuevas tecnologías donde emergen nuevas subjetividades.
Inmunidad, comunidad, biopolítica
Authors: Esposito Roberto
Published: March 2018

Este documento recoge la conferencia impartida por Roberto Esposito el 19 de octubre de 2011 en la Facultad de Filosofía de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid emplazada en el marco de actividades organizadas por la Asociación TALES y publicada originariamente por la revista Las Torres de Lucca en 2012. En ella, Esposito reflexiona sobre la relación entre los conceptos que han organizado buena parte de su trabajo teórico en las últimas décadas: inmunidad, comunidad y biopolítica. El autor realiza un recorrido genealógico del concepto de comunidad, verdadero centro de la tríada conceptual, que le lleva a plantear la communitas como aquello que liga a sus miembros en un empeño donativo del uno al otro y, por tanto, como aquello que abre al individuo hacia la alteridad. Si la comunidad determina la apertura de las barreras de protección de la identidad individual, la inmunidad constituye el intento de reconstruirla en una forma defensiva y ofensiva contra todo elemento externo capaz de amenazarla. Dado que los dispositivos inmunitarios se inscriben en el punto de intersección entre derecho y biología, la política que de ella resulta, en forma de acción o de reacción, estará en relación directa con la intervención activa en la vida biológica de los individuos. Es en ese sentido que el campo de acción en el que comunidad e inmunidad se entretejen no puede ser otro que el campo biopolítico.
Stress and ways of coping among first year nursing students: A Turkish perspective
Authors: Bektaş Hicran , Terkes Nurten , Özer Zeynep
Published: March 2018

Aim: The aim of this descriptive study was to assess stress and ways of coping among first year nursing students.Methods: The sample consisted of 90 nursing students from baccalaureate degree programs at a university in Turkey. The research tool consisted of demographic questions, the Pagana Clinical StressQuestionnaire  (CSQ) and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ). The data collection form was performed at the end of the first clinical practice day and the re-test was performed at the end of the last clinical practice day.Results:  The average age of the population was 19.72±1.32, 78.9% of the students were female. In the research, average point of the students’ CSQ and WCQ were calculated as 50.50±9.36 and 71.06±13.64 before the clinical practice, 52.07±9.87 and 77.63±17.03  after the clinical practice respectivelyand it was found that nursing students had significantly higher stress in their clinical practices.Conclusions: Nursing students experience varying degrees of stress across clinical practices and they consistently report that their clinical experiences are stressful.
Association analysis of calpain 10 gene variants/haplotypes with gestational diabetes mellitus among Mexican women
Authors: Castro-Martí­nez Anna Gabriela , Sánchez-Corona José , Vázquez-Vargas Adriana Patricia , Garcí­a-Zapién Alejandra Guadalupe , López-Quintero Andres , Villalpando-Velazco Héctor Javier , Flores-Martí­nez Silvia Esperanza
Published: March 2018

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolically complex disease with major genetic determinants. GDM has been associated with insulin resistance and dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells, so the GDM candidate genes are those that encode proteins modulating the function and secretion of insulin, such as that for calpain 10 (CAPN10). This study aimed to assess whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-43, SNP-44, SNP-63, and the indel-19 variant, and specific haplotypes of the CAPN10 gene were associated with gestational diabetes mellitus. We studied 116 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and 83 women with normal glucose tolerance. Measurements of anthropometric and biochemical parameters were performed. SNP-43, SNP-44, and SNP-63 were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphisms, while the indel-19 variant was detected by TaqMan qPCR assays.  The allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies of the four variants did not differ significantly between women with gestational diabetes mellitus and controls. However, in women with gestational diabetes mellitus, glucose levels were significantly higher bearing the 3R/3R genotype than in carriers of the 3R/2R genotype of the indel-19 variant (p = 0.006). In conclusion, the 3R/3R genotype of the indel-19 variant of the CAPN-10 gene influenced increased glucose levels in these Mexican women with gestational diabetes mellitus.
MicroRNA-223 is involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis by affecting histamine-N-methyltransferase
Authors: Jia Hui-Zhen , Liu Sheng-Lin , Zou Yan-Fen , Chen Xiao-Fan , Yu Lin , Wan Jun , Zhang Hong-Yu , Chen Qi , Xiong Yi , Yu Bo , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent skin diseases around the world. Excessive histamine plays a critical role as an inflammatory factor in the pathogenesis of AD. Deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) were involved in atopic dermatitis by targeting various genes. MiR-223 had been reported to play a vital role in hematopoiesis. In this study, we identified upregulated miR-223 in the whole blood cells of a large group of AD patients. What's more, we found for the first time that one of the major histamine degradation enzymes, histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT), was increased in AD patients and AD model mice. Although there was one miR-223 binding site in the 3'- untranslated region of the HNMT gene, HNMT were not inhibited by miR-223. Taken together, it suggested that miR-223 participates in AD through upregulating HNMT indirectly to degrade the excessive histamine.
CCN3, a key matricellular protein, distinctly inhibits TGFÎ²1-mediated Smad1/5/8 signalling in human podocyte culture
Authors: Madne Tarunkumar Hemraj , Dockrell Mark Edward Carl
Published: March 2018

Growth factors like TGFÎ² and CTGF (CCN2) plays a vital role in various cellular functions. TGFÎ² and CTGF are overexpressed in renal fibrosis. CTGF act as profibrotic stimuli to TGFÎ². CCN3 is a member of CCN family which also comprises CCN1 (CYR61), CCN2 (CTGF), CCN4 (WISP-1), CCN5 (WISP-2) and CCN6 (WISP-3). CCN3 has been shown to antagonise CTGF. In this study, we investigated the role of CCN3 in TGFÎ²1-mediated signalling in human podocytes culture. This study describes the novel function of CCN3 in regulation of TGFÎ²1 mediated non-canonical Smad signalling in human podocytes culture. Experiments were conducted on conditionally immortalised human podocytes incubated with TGFÎ²1 (1.25ng/ml and 2.5ng/ml) and CCN3 (360ng/ml). Western blot study was performed to study signalling proteins. RT-PCR was performed to study alternative splicing of Fibronectin (Fn). Real time PCR was performed to look for gene expression of Fn and collagen IV and collagen I. TGFÎ²1 induced the Smad1/5/8, Smad3 and p38 phosphorylation and CCN3 downregulated the TGFÎ²1 induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and did not affect Smad3 and p38 phosphorylation. In addition to this CCN3 induced alternative splicing of Extra domain A Fibronectin (EDA+Fn). CCN3 also induced collagen IV, Collagen I and Fn gene expression. This is the first evidence of downregulation of TGFÎ²-mediated activation of a Smad1/5/8 signalling pathway by CCN3 in human podocytes and in any cell type. Targeting CCN3-mediated events could provide exciting outcomes in the understanding of molecular mechanism of fibrosis.
TGFÎ²1-mediated expression and alternative splicing of Fibronectin Extra Domain A in human podocyte culture
Authors: Madne Tarunkumar Hemraj , Dockrell Mark Edward Carl
Published: March 2018

Alternative splicing is a fundamental phenomenon to build protein diversity in health and diseases. Extra Domain A+ Fibronectin (EDA+Fn) is an alternatively spliced form of fibronectin protein present in the extra cellular matrix (ECM) in renal fibrosis. Podocytes are spectacular cell type and play a key role in filtration and synthesise ECM proteins in renal physiology and pathology. TGFÎ²1 is a strong stimulator of ECM proteins in renal injury. In this study, we have investigated alternative splicing of EDA+ Fn in human podocytes in response to TGFÎ²1. We have performed western blotting and immunofluorescence to characterise the expression of the EDA+Fn protein, real-time PCR for RNA expression and RT-PCR to look for alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in conditionally immortalised human podocytes culture.We used TGFÎ²1 as a stimulator and SB431542 and SRPIN340 for inhibitory studies. In this work, for the first time we have demonstrated in human podocytes culture EDA+Fn is expressed in the basal condition and TGFÎ²1 2.5ng/ml induced the Fn mRNA and EDA+Fn protein expression demonstrated by real-time PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. TGFÎ²1 2.5ng/ml induced the alternative splicing of EDA+Fn shown by conventional RT-PCR. Studies with ALK5 inhibitor SB431542 and SRPIN340 show that TGFÎ²1 induced alternative splicing of EDA+Fn was by the ALK5 receptor and the SR proteins.  In human podocytes culture, alternative splicing of EDA+Fn occurs at basal conditions and TGFÎ²1 further induced the alternative splicing of EDA+Fn via ALK5 receptor activation and SR proteins. This is the first evidence of basal and TGFÎ²1 mediated alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in human podocytes culture.
Evaluation of anticancer, antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of Artemisia absinthium L. Extract
Authors: Koyuncu Ismail
Published: March 2018

In the treatment of cancer, which remains a fatal disease, increasingly successful treatment rates of alternative therapies using the power of plants have directed the scientific world towards natural plant resources. This study aimed to examine the anti-cancer and antioxidant properties and identify the phenolic content of the methanolic extract obtained from Artemisia absinthium L. (AR) species, which is used as folk-medicine. The antioxidant activity of the extract was investigated using total phenolics, flavonoids, ABTS and CUPRAC methods. Phenolic component analysis of the plant extract was performed by LC-MS/MS. The anti-cancer property of AR extract was investigated on human colon (DLD-1), endometrium (ECC-1) cancer cells and embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. Cytotoxic effects were defined with MTT, apoptotic activity with DNA fragmentation ELISA and AO/EB fluorescent staining, the genotoxic effect with the comet assay and the intracellular oxidative status with TAS and TOS methods. As a result of the study, it was determined that AR extract showed an antioxidant effect, and as a result of the content analysis made with LC-MS/MS, phenolic components were determined, the most abundant being chlorogenic acid, followed by quinic acid, cinnamic acid, rhoifolin and malic acide. AR extract showed cytotoxic activity on DLD-1 and ECC-1 cancer cells, while the cytotoxic effect on HEK-293 cells was determined to be low.  It was determined that by increasing the intracellular amount of free radicals on cancer cells, this led to DNA damage, which consequently led to apoptosis of the cancer cells.
Lactobacillus acidophilus NS1 attenuates diet-induced obesity and fatty liver
Authors: Park Sung-Soo , Lee Yeon-Joo , Song Sooyeon , Kim Boyong , Kang Hyuno , Oh Sejong , Kim Eungseok
Published: March 2018

Obesity is a major threat to public health, and it is strongly associated with insulin resistance and fatty liver disease. Here, we demonstrated that administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus NS1 (LNS1) significantly reduced obesity and hepatic lipid accumulation, with a concomitant improvement in insulin sensitivity, in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Furthermore, administration of LNS1 inhibited the effect of HFD feeding on the SREBP-1c and PPARα signaling pathways and reduced lipogenesis with an increase in fatty acid oxidation in ex vivo livers from HFD-fed mice. These LNS1 effects were confirmed in HepG2 cells and ex vivo livers by treatment with LNS1 culture supernatant (LNS1-CS). Interestingly, AMPK phosphorylation and activity in the liver of HFD-fed mice were increased by administration of LNS1. Consistently, chemical inhibition of AMPK with compound C, a specific inhibitor of AMPK, dramatically reduced the effect of LNS1-CS on lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells and ex vivo livers by modulating the SREBP-1c and PPARα signaling pathways. Furthermore, administration of LNS1 to HFD-fed mice signiﬁcantly improved insulin resistance and increased Akt phosphorylation in the liver, white adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Together, these data suggest that LNS1 may prevent diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders by improving lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity through an AMPK→SREBP-1c/PPARα signaling pathway.
EQUALITY FOR ANIMALS? COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT BEYOND HUMANS.
Authors: Campos Serena Olga
Published: March 2018

I will take a famous paragraph from J S. Mill as a starting point for defending the idea that moral philosophy has to take charge definitively of those who have been less fortunate in the natural lottery. This means that we must to take seriously the possibility of increasing the capacity for the well-being of nonhuman animals. The aim of the text is to show the relevance of the current ethical debate on enhancement also in the context of reflection on our obligations towards sensitive non-human animals.
The Molecular Chaperone HSP90 Promotes Notch Signaling in the Germline ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lissemore James L , Connors Elyse , Liu Ying , Qiao Li , Yang Bing , Edgley Mark L , Flibotte Stephane , Taylor Jon , Au Vinci , Moerman Donald G , Maine Eleanor M
Published: March 2018

In a genetic screen to identify genes that promote GLP-1/Notch signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans germline stem cells, we found a single mutation, om40, defining a gene called ego-3. ego-3(om40) causes several defects in the soma and the germline, including paralysis during larval development, sterility, delayed proliferation of germline stem cells, and ectopic germline stem cell proliferation. Whole genome sequencing identified om40 as an allele of hsp-90, previously known as daf-21, which encodes the C. elegans ortholog of the cytosolic form of HSP90. This protein is a molecular chaperone with a central position in the protein homeostasis network, which is responsible for proper folding, structural maintenance, and degradation of proteins. In addition to its essential role in cellular function, HSP90 plays an important role in stem cell maintenance and renewal. Complementation analysis using a deletion allele of hsp-90 confirmed that ego-3 is the same gene. hsp-90(om40) is an I→N conservative missense mutation of a highly conserved residue in the middle domain of HSP-90. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of hsp-90 expression partially phenocopied hsp-90(om40), confirming the loss-of-function nature of hsp-90(om40). Furthermore, reduced HSP-90 activity enhanced the effect of reduced function of both the GLP-1 receptor and the downstream LAG-1 transcription factor. Taken together, our results provide the first experimental evidence of an essential role for HSP90 in Notch signaling in development.
The impact of goal attainment and goal importance on satisfaction with life – a polynomial regression and response surface analysis
Authors: Tóth Ágnes , Wisse Barbara , Faragó Klára
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Most people want to be happy in their lives and actively try to achieve some degree of contentment. Previous studies have shown that pursuing goals can increase peoples’ well-being and that in order to understand the role of goals in well-being, it is important to differentiate between the importance and the attainment of both extrinsic and intrinsic goals. Yet, the issue of how the congruence between goal importance on the one hand and goal attainment on the other affects well-being has rarely been addressed.

Aims

We investigated if well-being is a function of goal pursuit, or more precisely, if the extent to which people are satisfied with their lives is a result of their success in achieving goals that are relatively important to them. We expected that goal attainment would be a stronger predictor of well-being than goal importance. We also expected that the congruence between intrinsic goal attainment and importance would be positively related to subjective well-being. In addition, we explored whether the congruence between extrinsic goal attainment and importance would be negatively or positively associated with subjective well-being.

Methods

A survey of 149 Hungarian adults was conducted (75% female). To test our hypotheses we used bivariate polynomial regression and response surface analysis. This tool is ideal to measure the joint effect of two predictor variables on a third variable, such as the goal importance and goal attainment on well-being.

Results

Intrinsic goal attainment is positively related to well-being (B = .77, p = .04), while goal importance has no such effect. We also found that the congruence between intrinsic goal importance and goal attainment is positively related to well-being (a1 = 1.29, p = .04). The polynomial regression with well-being as the dependent variable and extrinsic goal attainment and importance as the predictor variables showed that whereas extrinsic goal importance (B = –.32, p = .02) has a negative relationship with well-being, goal attainment (B = .51, p = .007) has a positive one. Moreover, we found that well-being is higher when extrinsic goal attainment is higher than extrinsic goal importance (a3 = –.84, p = .005) and that well-being increases more sharply to the extent that the degree of discrepancy increases (a4 = –.41, p = .03).

Conclusions

Based on our results it seems that the congruence between intrinsic goal attainment and goal importance enhances our well-being. While valuing extrinsic goals does not seem to increase happiness, attaining those goals does so.
Invitations from God: Accepting God’s Offer to Rest, Weep, Forgive, Wait, Remember and More by Adele Ahlbert Calhoun. InterVarsity Press, 2011. 206pp., pb. $16.00. ISBN-13: 9780830835539.
Authors: Mills Stella
Published: March 2018

Invitations from God: Accepting God’s Offer to Rest, Weep, Forgive, Wait, Remember and More by Adele Ahlbert Calhoun. InterVarsity Press, 2011. 206pp., pb. $16.00. ISBN-13: 9780830835539.
Anglicanism—Confidence, Commitment and Communion by Martyn Percy. Ashgate, 2013. 240pp., pb. £60. ISBN-13: 9781409470366.
Authors: Doe Michael
Published: March 2018

Anglicanism—Confidence, Commitment and Communion by Martyn Percy. Ashgate, 2013. 240pp., pb. £60. ISBN-13: 9781409470366.
Culture and the Death of God, by Terry Eagleton. Yale University Press, 2014. 234pp., hb. £18.99. ISBN-13: 9780300203998.
Authors: Howes Graham
Published: March 2018

Culture and the Death of God, by Terry Eagleton. Yale University Press, 2014. 234pp., hb. £18.99. ISBN-13: 9780300203998.
“Somebody Up There Likes You”
Authors: Radford Raymond
Published: March 2018

Kurt Vonnegut’s Sirens of Titan (1959) is the story of the world’s richest man caught up in the machinations of an unfeeling universe. Vonnegut discusses the place of humanity in the universe, and the problems inherent in society. This novel is used primarily to explore the way that pilgrimage functions in a real, and tangible world, primarily the way that pilgrimage is seen as freedom of choice for when and where a pilgrim will go on pilgrimage. Using Sirens of Titan this article will investigate the concept of free will, choice and determinism within both a fictional world and a real world in which all characters believe they are in control of their own destiny.  Through characters such as Malachi Constant, determinism, religion, free will, and choice shall be explored through the lens of pilgrimage with the expressed desire to find one’s self or answers they seek. Free will and determinism is explored through the usage of Sam Harris and Daniel C. Dennett whose theories about free will allow for concepts to be explored within science-fiction and that of real-life pilgrimage, and the change that these journeys bring for the pilgrim. This article shall also explore the context of the journey, be it a quest or a pilgrimage, both of which are performed for higher reasons. These higher reasons are explored as reasons why pilgrimages and quests are undertaken, and whether these journeys are undertaken freely, or has the universe indeed mandated that this is the time and place a pilgrim will undertake their journey.
Something That Cannot Be Put into Words? Intensive Care, Secularity and the Sacred
Authors: Koksvik Gitte H.
Published: March 2018

Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in intensive care units in three European countries, the aim of this article is to engage with issues of secularity and the sacred in contemporary biomedicine. Contemporary biomedicine plays well into the narrative of secularization. At the same time, faced with criticism for its one sided and reductionist scientific focus, healthcare has moved in a supposedly more holistic direction, making space for the spiritual needs of patients. I suggest however, that some of the clinical practices that at face value appear to contradict the narrative of secularization, may just as much be interpreted within this framework and not as points of challenge. A second argument concerns the creed of biomedicine itself. Here, I draw on Durkheim’s understanding of religion as a collective, moral project founded in the distinction between the sacred and the profane. These are collectively maintained categories, and the sacred according to Durkheim inspires in us a sense of deep-seated respect. It is socially determined, but its value and truth appear undeniable. Drawing on my own ethnographic experiences of being an observer in intensive care, as well as on social-scientific literature about the moral project of medicine, I suggest that contemporary biomedicine represent not only a disenchantment of human life in line with typical secularization theory. Rather, I suggest, we find in the practices and implicit moral stances of this field, evidence of what our society holds to be sacred.
The use of quality assurance instruments and methods to integrate diversity aspects into health professions study programmes
Authors: Ludwig Sabine , Roa Romero Yadira , Balz Johanna , Petzold Mandy
Published: March 2018

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. BackgroundWith the increasing diversity in our population, future medical doctors need to have adequate diversity and gender competencies in order to provide adequate and good quality of medical care. Diversity, especially sex and gender aspects, were therefore systematically integrated into the new modular medical curriculum at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The aim was to integrate diversity aspects into further study programmes of the Charité Berlin by assessing the current degree of integration and the relevance for the professional work of students and graduates and identifying suitable and effective quality assurance instruments.MethodsAfter the curriculum development of the new modular medical curriculum was completed, the gender and diversity change agent was transferred from the curriculum development team to the quality assurance section of the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. The change agent identified in cooperation with the quality assurance team the accreditation process, student evaluations and graduate surveys as suitable methods for the integration. Furthermore, the change agent provided support to the programme directors and coordinators with the integration. The impact of the measures and instruments used for the integration are measured within the reaccredition process of the programmes.ResultsDiversity aspects could be integrated into the accreditation standards admission, curricular structure, didactics, assessment and student counselling. In the student evaluations and graduate surveys gender and diversity items like migration background, number of children, caring responsibilities, disabilities and economic status could be integrated. Furthermore, students and graduates were asked to evaluate the relevance of gender and diversity competencies for their professional work and the degree of the curricular integration.Discussion and ConclusionThe impact of the integrated diversity aspects can only be evaluated within the accreditation process. In order to increase and improve the awareness of students and faculty members of diversity aspects and issues the support by a gender and diversity change agent with the integration and by lecturing on this subject is important. A gender and diversity sensitive accreditation process contributes to the reflexivity and awareness of the faculty members involved.
On Truthful Introductions
Authors: Prayson Richard , O'Toole Elizabeth E.
Published: March 2018

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. None
Historical Review of the Swiss Precious Metals Control Act Focused on Platinoids
Authors: Zaffalon Pierre-Léonard
Published: March 2018

“Make possible the loyal execution of any honest order”

Numa Droz, Member of Swiss Parliament and Federal Councillor (1877)

Precious metals are subject to great scrutiny from lawmakers because of their financial and strategic importance. Gold and silver coins have been hallmarked since ancient times but the platinum group metals (pgm) were only known from 1748, therefore their hallmarking and fineness control is more recent. This paper reviews the legal history of pgm control in Switzerland where precious metal refiners’ and fine watchmakers’ lobbying impacted Swiss regulations on precious metals trade. Platinum and palladium have been regulated since 1914 and 1995 respectively while the other pgms (rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium) are not.
Investigation of distress of a reinforced earth wall in Hong Kong
Authors: Lo Dominic O K , Cunningham Jane , Burland John B
Published: March 2018

During an intense rainstorm on 22 May 2013, severe distress occurred at a reinforced earth wall in Hong Kong. The wall was under construction and nearing completion at the time of the incident. The distress involved the dislodgement of 78 facing panels, a total soil loss of about 1300 m3 and a disturbed groundmass of some 5500 m3. The distress occurred at three localised areas along the wall, with the formation of a sinkhole within the backfilled soil mass, referred to as the backyard of the wall. The incident resulted in significant soil deposition within the surface drainage system, flooding and debris overspill onto the road carriageway below, and it caused havoc to the local community. Subsequent to the incident, a detailed investigation was conducted to establish the probable causes and mechanism of the incident. This paper highlights some salient points of the investigation, the key findings and the lessons learnt from the incident.