bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Researching ECEC Professional Development: Using Kelly's Repertory Grid to Examine Changes in Educators' Constructs about Curriculum Design in Early Childhood Settings
Authors: Nailon Di
Published: March 2019

THIS PAPER REPORTS ON how educators from child care, community-based kindergarten, preschool and lower primary settings changed their tightly held constructs about curriculum design after undertaking an in-service professional development (PD) program. Kelly's personal construct psychology (PCP) provided the framework for the PD and for identifying and analysing the educators' constructs and the changes that occurred. Initially teachers from all settings mainly focused on children as objects of their curriculum decision making. After the PD program the focus on children's input changed to a more negotiated approach to curriculum design—especially by teachers in childcare and kindergarten settings. Differences between cohorts were also found in changes to thinking about parents' and administrators' input into curriculum decisions which related to their ECEC contexts. Outcomes from the study can be used to demonstrate ways of analysing changes in thinking about curriculum design after engaging in PD, and the effects of educational context on these changes.
A Cultural-Historical Construction of Safety Education Programs for Preschool Children: Findings from SeeMore Safety, the Pilot Study
Authors: O'Neill Susie , Fleer Marilyn , Agbenyega Joseph , Ozanne-Smith Joan , Urlichs Megan
Published: March 2019

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH HAS BEEN dealing with the problem and prevention of unintentional injury in children for some time, yet injury rates continue to increase in some areas. This paper reports on the outcomes of a study of children from seven preschools in a rural region of Australia, who were engaged in a cultural-historically designed safety education program. The study sought to examine the relations between safety knowledge and perceived action gained as a result of participation in a program called ‘SeeMore Safety’. SeeMore Safety combines preschool and home-based education for children aged four to six years, their parents and teachers. Using a mixed-method research approach, the study examined how the program contributed to knowledge of injury prevention in young children. The findings demonstrated that it had a positive effect on preschool children's behaviour and reasoning about safety. The paper concludes with an argument about the need for further research into this important area of early childhood education.
Our Language is like Food: Can Children Feed on Home Languages to Thrive, Belong and Achieve in Early Childhood Education and Care?
Authors: Harvey Nola , Myint Htwe Htwe
Published: March 2019

An action plan for vulnerable children to ensure each one thrives, belongs and achieves is the focus in Aotearoa/New Zealand. UNICEF NZ challenged the Government, educators and community agencies to identify ‘what is working well’ for vulnerable children. By way of response this paper draws on a qualitative study that examined the ways in which five bilingual teachers used their languages in early childhood education settings where English is the medium of instruction (English-medium). The rich narratives of a Burmese bilingual teacher working with children from refugee backgrounds, generated through spiral discourse ‘conversations’, exemplify ways home language use can nourish trusting relationships, restore safe spaces and affirm bilingual identities for teachers and children from refugee backgrounds. The paper argues that a linguistically responsive pedagogy can counter deficit discourses regarding the use of home languages for learning; part of ‘what is working well’ for children with refugee backgrounds to thrive, belong and achieve in any early childhood education settings.
Meeting the Australian National Quality Standards: A Case Study of the Professional Learning Needs of Early Childhood Educators
Authors: Barber Hannah , Cohrssen Caroline , Church Amelia
Published: March 2019

THE NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS (NQS) now mandate the implementation of a recognised learning framework in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings across Australia. The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia is one such framework. This case study was conducted in a local government area of the city of Melbourne. It explored the extent to which professional development opportunities equip educators to implement programs for young children that meet Quality Area 1 of the NQS: Educational program and practice. This study found that neither the professional development opportunities available to educators nor the delivery of the content met educators' reported professional learning needs. This paper advocates for more participative, evidence-based approaches to professional learning. In addition, participants' response rate is indicative of the need for a systematic means of tracking and supporting the particular professional learning needs of ECEC educators.
What Makes People Sick?: The Drawing Method and Children's Conceptualisation of Health and Illness
Authors: Liamputtong Pranee , Fernandes Sydel
Published: March 2019

IN THIS PAPER, WE DISCUSS the use of the drawing method to examine the perceptions of health and illness among refugee children, their health knowledge and ways they regain their health when ill. In-depth interviewing and drawing methods were employed. Twelve Burmese refugee children, aged between eight and 12 years, took part in the drawing method as well as being interviewed individually. We found that the drawing method is an appropriate method for use in research with refugee children. This method helps to foster the possibility of implementing health education programs targeted at young refugees that aim to ‘fill the gaps’ of their health knowledge. We recommend that it is worthwhile for teachers and researchers in early childhood to use the drawing method for health education/promotion programs and future research with children and other vulnerable participants.
Parents' and Children's Emotion Regulation Strategies in Emotionally Situated Zones: A Cultural-Historical Perspective
Authors: Chen Feiyan
Published: March 2019

ALTHOUGH THERE IS A vast amount of literature on emotion regulation strategies, few studies have examined the direct relation between parents' and children's emotion regulation strategies. Those studies, however, are mainly laboratory based. Little attention has been paid to parents' and children's emotion regulation strategies in a naturalistic context. In drawing upon a cultural-historical perspective, this study investigates how parents' and children's emotion regulation strategies are related in everyday family life. A total of 61 hours of video data were collected from four families in Australia. New context-specific emotion regulation strategies and five emotionally situated zones were found. Similarities in emotion regulation strategies used by parents and children were also found. It is argued that children's acquisition of emotion regulation strategies has its origin in parents' everyday use of their own emotion regulation strategies. This study contributes to our understandings of children's development of emotion regulation in the naturalistic contexts of family life. Pedagogical suggestions and future research directions are provided.
‘Better Beginnings has made me make reading part of our everyday routine’: Mothers' Perceptions of a Family Literacy Program Over Four Years
Authors: Barratt-Pugh Caroline , Rohl Mary
Published: March 2019

THIS PAPER EXPLORES THE Better Beginnings family literacy program over a period of four years through the eyes of mothers of young children from four diverse communities. It focuses on their reported perceptions of the program and related practices. Better Beginnings, which involves strong cooperation between health professionals, local government and public libraries, was developed by the State Library of Western Australia to encourage parents to share books, songs and rhymes with their babies and young children. The mothers responded to four annual surveys, in which they were asked about their perceptions of the program and its influence on literacy practices and beliefs. Overall, results showed that these mothers reported that they were highly positive about the program; were confident in and valued book-sharing activities; shared books on a regular basis, as did some other family members; and that their child was actively involved in book sharing and related activities. Of particular interest were the mothers' reports of their changing practices as their child matured over the four years of the study and also their child's language- and literacy-related behaviours. Many mothers attributed these changes in practices and behaviours to the Better Beginnings program and gave valuable evaluative feedback for modifications to the program, which has informed its further development.
The Influence of a School Readiness Program on the Language and Phonological Awareness Skills of Preschool Children in Rural Areas of South Africa
Authors: de Witt Marike , Lessing Ansie
Published: March 2019

MANY CHILDREN IN DEVELOPING countries are exposed to multiple risks for poor development due to poverty and associated poor health and nutrition. These factors, as well as insufficient knowledge of the prerequisites for emergent literacy and school readiness on the side of parents and practitioners, may contribute to the weak reading achievement of learners. The question underlying this research was formulated as follows: Will the phonological awareness of preschool children improve after the application of an intervention program to empower practitioners to support the preschoolers? A program, ‘Growing to Read’, was developed and conducted in a number of workshops. The aim of this article is to reflect on the results of the application of the program. Findings indicate an improvement in the language and phonological awareness skills of the children who participated in the program when compared to children who did not follow the program.
Young children’s thinking about bullying: Personal, social-conventional and moral reasoning perspectives
Authors: Ey Lesley-Anne , Walker Sue , Spears Barbara
Published: March 2019

Research into young children’s understanding of bullying in the early years of schooling is limited. The current study examined young children’s understanding, explanations and reasoning behind whether behaviours represented in cartoon scenarios depicted bullying or non-bullying incidents. Seventy-seven children aged 4–8 years from one kindergarten and three schools in metropolitan South Australia participated in single, age-appropriate interviews with an early childhood educator/researcher. All children described each cartoon ( N = 77) explaining their reasons why they considered each one as bullying or not ( N = 76). Consistent with previous research which employed cartoon methodology with young children, findings indicated that children confused bullying with aggressive-only behaviour, resulting in over-labelling incidents as bullying. Examination of their thinking about bullying revealed that children in this study drew on moral reasoning perspectives and their understanding of relevant behavioural and social expectations and conventions.
Online programs build confidence and improve healthy eating messages in Early Years services
Authors: Devine Amanda , Wallace Ruth , Lo Johnny , Miller Margaret , Sambell Ros , Costello Leesa , Lombardi Karen , Veurink Samantha
Published: March 2019

Building on the success of the SNAC (Supporting Nutrition Australian Childcare) community, a comprehensive online programme SNAC Plus provided professional development (PD) and resources to embed nutrition curriculum and supportive food environments in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services. Process and impact evaluation were conducted to determine the effectiveness of this intervention programme. Participants were recruited from nine long-day-care (LDC) centres and the current SNAC membership list. Resource access was monitored using web analytics. Changes in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and food environment were measured using baseline (comparator group, n=100) and post-intervention surveys (intervention group, n=80), contextualised through open-ended questions. The majority of comparator participants perceived nutritious food provision as important yet lacked confidence about estimating serve sizes. Adjusting for years of experience, the intervention significantly influenced educators’ confidence about servings of grains ( p=0.034), dairy ( p=0.015), low fat meat ( p=0.014) and food group servings estimation knowledge ( p<0.001). Intervention participants accessed credible websites and health professionals for nutrition knowledge; reported SNAC Plus positively influenced changes to food service and role-modelling; and knowledge, attitudes and behaviours improved at organisational and individual levels. SNAC Plus provides online nutrition curriculum resources that positively impacted knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of ECEC staff and influenced systematic changes in food environments. Practice and policy implementation that includes all systems within the early years setting will help initiate and maintain healthy food environments.
T-Cadinol Nerolidol Ether from Schisandra Chinensis
Authors: Patel Asmita V. , Blunden Gerald , Cary Peter D. , Opletal Lubomír , Beránkova Markéta , Karu Kersti , Thurston David E. , Pour Milan
Published: March 2019

From the ethanol extract of the cauloms of Schisandra chinensis, a novel T-cadinol nerolidol ether has been isolated. Its structure was determined from mass spectrometric and NMR spectroscopic data.
Variation of Major Limonoids in Azadirachta Indica Fruits at Different Ripening Stages and Toxicity against Aedes Aegypti
Authors: Siddiqui Bina Shaheen , Ali Syed Kashif , Ali Syed Tariq , Naqvi Syed Naeem ul Hassan , Tariq Rajput Muhammad
Published: March 2019

The azadirachtin, salannin, nimbin, deacetylnimbin, azadiradione and epoxyazadiradione contents were determined by HPLC in the fractions prepared from the kernel of neem fruits ( Azadirachta indica) collected at different ripening stages. The fully mature fruit (yellow fruits) kernels contained the highest concentration of azadirachtin, nimbin and salannin, whereas the concentration of azadiradione (NC) and epoxyazadiradione (NL) was high in the unripe green berries. The toxicity of the fractions (KEA-1 to KEA-5) obtained from the kernels collected at successive intervals, as well as of the pure limonoids referred to above was evaluated against 3rd instar larvae of Aedes aegypti L. (wild strain). It was observed that the toxicity of these fractions increased with the maturity of the fruits. An interesting observation was that the toxicities of KEA-3 to KEA-5 are comparable and the concentration of all the major limonoids is optimum in KEA-3, which suggested that these exert a joint effect against Aedes aegypt.
Essential Oil Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Ballota nigra L. ssp Foetida
Authors: Fraternale Daniele , Bucchini Anahi , Giamperi Laura , Ricci Donata
Published: March 2019

The chemical composition of the essential oil of Ballota nigra L. ssp foetida obtained from the flowering aerial parts was analyzed by GC/MS. From the 37 identified constituents of the oil, β-caryophyllene (20.0%), germacrene D (18.0%) and caryophyllene oxide (15.0%) were the major components. The oil was active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as against three Candida species.
Structure Elucidation of Acylsucrose Derivatives from Atractylodes lanceae Rhizome and Atractylodes Rhizome
Authors: Tanaka Ken , Ina Atsutoshi
Published: March 2019

The mass chromatographic fingerprints of the water extracts of Atractylodes rhizome and Atractylodes lancea rhizome were analyzed by LC-MS. Three new acylsucrose derivatives [2,6,3′,6′-tetra(3-methylbutanoyl)sucrose (1), 2,4,3′,6′-tetra(3-methylbutanoyl)sucrose (2), and a mixture of 3′,4′,6′-tris(3-methylbutanoyl)-1′-(2-methylbutanoyl)sucrose and 1′,3′,4′,6′-tetra(3-methylbutanoyl)sucrose (6)), along with three known acylsucroses (2,6,3′,4′-tetra(3-methylbutanoyl)sucrose (3), 2,4,3′,4′-tetra(3-methylbutanoyl)sucrose (4) and a mixture of 2,3′,6′-tris(3-methylbutanoyl)-1′-(2-methylbutanoyl)sucrose and 2,1′,3′,6′-tetra(3-methylbutanoyl)sucrose (5)] were isolated as the marker compounds of Atractylodes rhizome and Atractylodes lancea rhizome. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by MS/MS analyses and NMR experiments.
The Effect of Eurycoma longifolia on Sperm Quality of Male Rats
Authors: Chan Kit-Lam , Low Bin-Seng , Teh Chin-Hoe , Das Prashanta K.
Published: March 2019

The present study investigated the effects of a standardized methanol extract of E. longifolia Jack containing the major quassinoid constituents of 13α(21)-epoxyeurycomanone (1), eurycomanone (2), 13α,21-dihydroeurycomanone (3) and eurycomanol (4) on the epididymal spermatozoa profile of normal and Andrographis paniculata induced infertile rats. The standardized MeOH extract at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, the EtOAc fraction (70 mg/kg), and standardized MeOH extract at 200 mg/kg co-administered with the EtOAc fraction of A. paniculata at 70 mg/kg were each given orally to male Sprague-Dawley albino rats for 48 consecutive days. The spermatozoa count, morphology, motility, plasma testosterone level and Leydig cell count of the animals were statistically analyzed by ANOVA with a post-hoc Tukey HSD test. The results showed that the sperm count of rats given the standardized MeOH extract alone at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg were increased by 78.9, 94.3 and 99.2 %, respectively when compared with that of control (p < 0.01). The low count, poor motility and abnormal morphology of the spermatozoa induced by the A. paniculata fraction were significantly reversed by the standardized MeOH extract of E. longifolia (p < 0.001). The plasma testosterone level of the rats treated with the standardized MeOH extract at 200 mg/kg was significantly increased (p < 0.01) when compared with that of the control and infertile animals. The spermatocytes in the seminiferous tubules and the Leydig cells appeared normal. Testosterone level was significantly higher in the testes (p < 0.01) than in the plasma after 30 days of oral treatment with the standardized MeOH extract. Interestingly, eurycomanone (2) alone was detected in the rat testis homogenates by HPLC-UV and confirmed by LC/MS, and may have contributed towards the improvement of sperm quality. Thus, the plant may potentially be suitable for the management of male infertility.
Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Composition of Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii Seed
Authors: Shi Haiming , Wang Huandi , Wang Mengyue , Li Xiaobo
Published: March 2019

Torreya grandis cv. Merrillii is an endemic tree species in China, seeds of which are used as a popular snack, possessing beneficial effects on preventing angiosclerosis and coronary heart diseases. In this study, antioxidant activity and chemical constituents of T. grandis cv. Merrillii seed (TGMS) were investigated. The antioxidant activity of different fractions and the ethanol extract was evaluated using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation assays. The oil, CH2Cl2 and n-BuOH fractions, and ethanol extract of TGMS all showed antioxidant activities in these models, especially the DPPH one. By GC-MS analysis, twenty-seven constituents were identified from the oil fraction of TGMS. The total content of phenolic compounds in the CH2Cl2 and n-BuOH fractions and ethanol extract was also determined by the Folin-Ciocalteau method as 17.6, 21.6 and 12.9 μg/mg, respectively. In addition, analysis of the CH2Cl2 fraction yielded four phenolic compounds: 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-methoxy pyrocatechol, coniferyl aldehyde, 4-hydroxy cinnamaldehyde, and two steroids, β-sitosterol and daucosterol. These results provide scientific support for the empirical use of TGMS as a medicinal food for cardiovascular diseases.
Short and Regiospecific Synthesis of Echinamine A – the Pigment of Sea Urchin Scaphechinus mirabilis
Authors: Polonik Nikita S. , Anufriev Viktor Ph. , Polonik Sergey G.
Published: March 2019

New convenient two-step synthesis of natural pigment echinamine A by the condensation of 2,3-dichloro-6-ethyl-7-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone with sodium nitrite and subsequent reduction of intermediate 7-ethyl-2,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-3-nitro-1,4-naphthoquinone has been developed.
Eight New Clerodane Diterpenoids from the Bark of Ptychopetalum olacoides
Authors: Tang Wanxia , Harada Kenichi , Kubo Miwa , Hioki Hideaki , Fukuyama Yoshiyasu
Published: March 2019

Eight new clerodane type diterpenoids, named 7-oxo-kolavelool (1), 7α-hydroxykolavelool (2), 6α,7α-dihydroxykolavenol (3), 12-oxo-hardwickiic acid (4), ptycholide I (5), ptycholide II (6), ptycholide III (7), and ptycholide IV (8) were isolated from the MeOH extract of the bark of a Brazilian medicinal plant, Ptychopetalum olacoides. The structures of 1–8 were elucidated by analyzing spectroscopic data and by comparing their NMR data with those of the previously reported compounds kolavelool (1a), kolavenol (3a), hardwickiic acid (4a), and ptychonolide (5a). Compounds 5 and 6 existed as a 1:1 mixture of inseparable epimers at C-15.
Cytotoxic Cardenolide and Sterols from Calotropis Gigantea
Authors: Jacinto Sonia D. , Chun Eunice Alexis C. , Montuno Anthony Sebastian , Shen Chien-Chang , Espineli Dinah L. , Ragasa Consolacion Y.
Published: March 2019

The dichloromethane extract from the leaves of Calotropis gigantea Linn. was strongly cytotoxic against non-small cell lung carcinoma (A549), colon carcinoma (HCT 116) and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2), and non toxic to Chinese hamster ovary (AA8). The extract afforded uscharin (1), 3,5,8-trihydroxy-24-methylcholest-6,22-diene (2), a mixture of (24R)-3β-hydroxy-24-ethylcholest-5-en-7-one (3a) and 6β-hydroxy-24-ethylcholest-4,22-dien-3-one (3b), and another mixture of (24R)-24-ethylcholest-4-en-3-one (4a) and (24S)-24-ethylcholest-4,22-dien-3-one (4b). Cardenolide 1 exhibited extreme toxicity to A549, HCT 116 and Hep G2 with IC50 values of 0.003 μg/mL, 0.013 μg/mL, and 0.018 μg/mL, respectively, while sample 3 exhibited an IC50 of 1.35 μg/mL, 4.46 μg/mL, and 3.83 μg/mL, respectively.
New Phenylalkanoids from Zingiber Officinale
Authors: Chen Chung-Yi , Yeh Yu-Ting , Yang Woei-Ling
Published: March 2019

Two new phenylalkanoids, 3-hydroxy-1-(4′-hydroxy-3′-methoxy-phenyl)-hexan-5-one (1) and 3-hydroxy-1-(3′, 5′-dimethoxy-4′-hydroxy-phenyl)-hexan-5-one (2) were isolated from the rhizomes of Chinese ginger ( Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae)). The structures of two new phenylalkanoids were elucidated by chemical and physical evidence.
Biosynthesis, Characterization and Biological Evalutation of Fe(III) and Cu(II) Complexes of Neoaspergillic Acid, a Hydroxamate Siderophore Produced by Co-cultures of two Marine-derived Mangrove Epiphytic Fungi
Authors: Zhu Feng , Wu Jingshu , Chen Guangying , Lu Weihong , Pan Jiahui
Published: March 2019

A hydroxamate siderophore, neoaspergillic acid (1), and a red pigment, ferrineoaspergillin (2) which is an Fe(III) complex of 1, were produced by co-cultures of two epiphytic fungi from a rotten fruit of the mangrove Avicennia marina from the South China Sea, and a new Cu(II) complex of 1, designated as cuprineoaspergillin (3), was also prepared by treatment of 1 with cupric acetate. All the compounds (1–3) were characterized by physical and chemical techniques, including 1H NMR, ESIMS, and photoelectron energy spectra. In the bioassays, compounds 1–3 showed significant inhibitory activities against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and compound 1 also exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against human cancer cell lines SPC-A-1, BEL-7402, SGC-7901 and K562.
Analysis of Car-3-en-5-hydroperoxide
Authors: Lehnert Nicole , Krings Ulrich , Berger Ralf G.
Published: March 2019

HRGC-MS, using split/splitless injection (230°C), showed that a dioxygenase from Pleurotus sapidus regio-selectively transformed (+)-car-3-ene to car-3-en-5-one as the major volatile product to minor amounts of the corresponding alcohol, and to some other volatiles. Thus, the reaction was assumed to be radical mediated and similar to the lipoxygenase catalyzed peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, but the expected car-3-ene-hydroperoxides were not detected. TLC of the reaction products, followed by hydroperoxide specific staining, visually indicated the presence of hydroperoxides. TLC spots were eluted and re-analyzed using cool on-column injection, but only tailing peaks showing a mixed mass spectrum of car-3-en-5-ol/one were obtained. An unequivocal identification of car-3-en-5-hydroperoxides was achieved only after using APCI+-LC-MS. Upon structural confirmation, the car-3-en-5-hydroperoxide was accumulated by preparative HPLC, re-injected cool on-column, and the continuing degradation of the hydroperoxide to monoterpene ketone and alcohol during chromatography was verified. It was concluded that terpene hydroperoxides may occur in essential oils more frequently than anticipated, but are not recognized due to the principal blindness of capillary gas chromatography techniques and UV/vis LC-detectors.
Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Polyisoprenylated Benzophenones and Xanthones from Rheedia acuminata
Authors: Almanza Giovanna R. , Quispe Raúl , Mollinedo Patricia , Rodrigo Gloria , Fukushima Odette , Villagomez Rodrigo , Akesson Bjorn , Sterner Olov
Published: March 2019

Dichloromethane extract of the stem bark of Rheedia acuminata yielded three benzophenones with antioxidant activity, the new one named acuminophenone A (1), guttiferone K (2) and isoxanthochymol (3), along with the known xanthones formoxanthone C (4) and macluraxanthone (5). The structures were established through interpretation of their spectroscopic data, the stereochemistry of compounds (1) and (2) were resolved by experimental and computational experiments and their antioxidant activities were measured using the DPPH, ABTS and TEAC assays. The antioxidant results showed that metabolites 1, 4 and 5 had a better antioxidant activity than the reference compound quercetin.

In addition, we evaluate the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of the CH2Cl2 extract as well as of the free radical scavenger compounds 1, 4 and 5 by the AMES Salmonella/microsomal test. No mutagenicity was found in the CH2Cl2 extract using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA102, TA1537 and TA1538, with or without S9 metabolic activation. The pure compounds neither showed mutagenicity in TA 102 strain and the most important result was the strong reduction of mutagenic effect induced by hydrogen peroxide in S. typhimurium TA 102, with or without S9, showed by the compounds 1 (more than 93%) and 4 (more than 88%) at 0.02 μg/plate.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of the Volatile Extracts of Achillea millefolium
Authors: Falconieri Danilo , Piras Alessandra , Porcedda Silvia , Marongiu Bruno , Gonçalves Maria J. , Cabral Célia , Cavaleiro Carlos , Salgueiro Ligia
Published: March 2019

In this study, flowering aerial parts of wild Achillea millefolium growing on the Mediterranean coast (Sardinia Island, Italy) and on the Atlantic coast (Portugal- Serra de Montemuro) were used as a matrix for supercritical extraction of volatile oil with CO2 (SFE). The collected extracts were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS methods and their composition were compared with that of the essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation. A strong chemical variability in essential oils depending on the origin of the samples was observed. The results showed the presence of two type oils. The Italian volatile extracts (SFE and essential oil) are predominantly composed by α-asarone (25.6-33.3%, in the SFE extract and in the HD oil, respectively), β-bisabolene (27.3-16.6%) and α-pinene (10.0-17.0%); whereas the main components of the Portuguese extracts are trans-thujone (31.4-29.0%), trans-crhysanthenyl acetate (19.8-15.8%) and β-pinene (1.2-11.1%).

The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal lethal concentration (MLC) were used to evaluate the antifungal activity of the oils against Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. guillermondii, C. parapsilosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, T. mentagrophytes var. interdigitale, T. verrucosum, Microsporum canis, M. gypseum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Aspergillus niger, A. fumigatus and A. flavus. The oils showed the highest activity against dermatophyte strains, with MIC values ranging from 0.32-1.25 μL mL−1.
A high prevalence of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with cystic fibrosis is detected using tools already validated in other GI disorders
Authors: Hayee Bu’Hussain , Watson Kerry-Lee , Campbell Sanchika , Simpson Anna , Farrell Emma , Hutchings Penelope , Macedo Patricia , Perrin Felicity , Whelan Kevin , Elston Caroline
Published: March 2019

Background

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) report a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, independent of pancreatic enzyme insufficiency (PEI), reminiscent of other chronic GI disorders. There are currently no accepted or validated assessment tools and neither the range, frequency nor severity of GI symptoms has been systematically described in CF. We present results of a cross‐sectional study using established tools and compare them to current measures of quality of life (QOL).

Methods

Consecutive patients attending specialist CF appointments were asked to complete questionnaires including the GI Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS); Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Score (IBS‐SSS) and Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire (CFQ‐R). Questionnaire terminology was altered to replace references to ‘IBS’ with ‘GI symptoms’.

Results

In total, 107 patients were recruited (mean age, 27.8 ± 9.6 years; 60 female), and 94 (88%) had PEI. Body mass index was 22.1 ± 3.6 kg/m2, forced expiratory volume in one second was 59 + 27.7% predicted. Fifty‐three (49.5%) were p.Phe508del homozygous. Overall 69/107 (65%) reported significant GI symptoms independent of PEI or adherence to pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), with the four most frequent being attributable to the lower GI tract: bloating/distension, flatulence, abdominal pain and borborygmi (gurgling). There was no numerical correlation between any CFQ‐R domain (particularly Digestion domain) and GSRS or SSS.

Conclusion

This is the first systematic study measuring GI symptoms in CF using validated GI tools. Symptoms are not related to PERT or genotype and appear to be captured well by the GSRS. Further research will study longitudinal changes with treatment, and therapeutic trials in CF may use these tools to demonstrate a positive impact on ‘non‐respiratory’ symptoms and QOL.
Cortical Bone Trajectory Screws for Fixation Across the Cervicothoracic Junction: Surgical Technique and Outcomes
Authors: Obeidat Mohammad , Tan Zachary , Finkelstein Joel A.
Published: March 2019

Study Design:

Clinical case series describing a novel surgical technique.

Objective:

Stabilization across the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) poses technical difficulties which make this procedure challenging. The transition from cervical lordosis to thoracic kyphosis and the orientation of the lateral masses of the cervical spine compared with the pedicles of the thoracic spine create the need to accommodate for 2 planes of alignment when placing instrumentation. A novel surgical technique for instrumentation across the cervicothoracic junction is described.

Methods:

The use of cortical bone trajectory (CBT) technique for pedicle fixation in the upper thoracic spine is described in combination with cervical lateral mass or pedicle screws. The application in our first 12 patients for stabilization across the CTJ is described. Two case presentations illustrate the technique.

Results:

All the patients had rod screw constructs without the need to skip levels, there was no requirement for transverse connectors and only 1 plane of contouring was required.

Conclusions:

The use of CBT technique has not been described for the upper thoracic spine. This technique avoids many technical problems associated with posterior instrumentation of the CTJ. The facility of their use in this application arises from the similar coronal plane entry points as the cervical lateral mass screws compared with the more lateral starting point of traditional thoracic pedicle screws. The technique has clinical equipoise to traditional thoracic pedicle screw insertion but with the benefits of an easier ability to perform the instrumentation and saving levels of fusion.
FNI: In Search of Relevance for an Irrelevant Product
Authors: Verma Harsh V. , Duggal Ekta
Published: March 2019

India being an old civilization had been home to several forms of arts and crafts. Cultural and ethnic diversity contributed immensely to their evolution and prosperity. These arts flourished under the patronage of ruling class and wealthy people. With the onset of urbanization and diffusion of new means of entertainment, the communities of artists performing magic, dance, mime, puppetry, circus and theatre have been economically marginalized. Similar is the fate of craftsmen who are engaged in pottery, wood carving, carpet weaving and stonework. Saanya as the head of the Forum for New Initiative (FNI), a social think tank, was uncomfortable with the plight of these communities. Performative arts are not in a position to compete with new methods of engagement and entertainment in urban areas. The market for the entertainment has not declined but these performative arts ceased to have market. The case explores the options to revive the traditional form of performative arts which are on the verge of extinction.
Defined conditions for propagation and manipulation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Mulas Carla , Kalkan Tüzer , von Meyenn Ferdinand , Leitch Harry G. , Nichols Jennifer , Smith Austin
Published: March 2019

The power of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to colonise the developing embryo has revolutionised mammalian developmental genetics and stem cell research. This power is vulnerable, however, to the cell culture environment, deficiencies in which can lead to cellular heterogeneity, adaptive phenotypes, epigenetic aberrations and genetic abnormalities. Here, we provide detailed methodologies for derivation, propagation, genetic modification and primary differentiation of ES cells in 2i or 2i+LIF media without serum or undefined serum substitutes. Implemented diligently, these procedures minimise variability and deviation, thereby improving the efficiency, reproducibility and biological validity of ES cell experimentation.
Multiparametric MRI-guided dose boost to dominant intraprostatic lesions in CT-based High-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Wang Tonghe , Press Robert H. , Giles Matt , Jani Ashesh B. , Rossi Peter , Lei Yang , Curran Walter J. , Patel Pretesh , Liu Tian , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: March 2019

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dosimetric feasibility of delivering focal dose to multiparametric (mp) MRI-defined DILs in CT-based high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy with MR/CT registration and estimate its clinical benefit.

Methods:

We retrospectively investigated a total of 17 patients with mp-MRI and CT images acquired pre-treatment and treated by HDR prostate brachytherapy. 21 dominant intraprostatic lesions (DILs) were contoured on mp-MRI and propagated to CT images using a deformable image registration method. A boost plan was created for each patient and optimized on the original needle pattern. In addition, separate plans were generated using a virtually implanted needle around the DIL to mimic mp-MRI guided needle placement. DIL dose coverage and organ-at-rick (OAR) sparing were compared with original plan results. Tumor control probability (TCP) was estimated to further evaluate the clinical impact on the boost plans.

Results:

Overall, optimized boost plans significantly escalated dose to DILs while meeting OAR constraints. The addition of mp-MRI guided virtual needles facilitate increased coverage of DIL volumes, achieving a V150 > 90% in 85 % of DILs compared with 57 % of boost plan without an additional needle. Compared with original plan, TCP models estimated improvement in DIL control by 28 % for patients with external-beam treatment and by 8 % for monotherapy patients.

Conclusion:

With MR/CT registration, the proposed mp-MRI guided DIL boost in CT-based HDR brachytherapy is feasible without violating OAR constraints, and indicates significant clinical benefit in improving TCP of DIL. It may represent a strategy to personalize treatment delivery and improve tumor control.

Advances in knowledge:

This study investigated the feasibility of mp-MRI guided DIL boost in HDR prostate brachytherapy with CT-based treatment planning, and estimated its clinical impact by TCP and NTCP estimation.
Catheter directed hepatic artery thrombolysis following liver transplantation. Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Carrillo-Martínez Miguel Ángel , Rodríguez-Montalvo Carlos , Flores-Villaba Eduardo , Tijerina-Gómez Lucas , Puente-Gallegos Francisco Edgardo , Kettenhofen Samuel Eugene , Garza-García German Alfonso
Published: March 2019

Hepatic artery thrombosis is the most frequent vascular complication following orthotopic liver transplantation, and often results in biliary complications, early graft loss and death. Surgical revascularization and retransplantation are considered the mainstay of treatment. However, intraarterial endovascular therapy is an alternative that has shown low morbidity and mortality, thereby avoiding the need for retransplantation. We describe a case of orthotopic liver transplantation complicated with hepatic artery thrombosis that was successfully treated with endovascular therapy.
Demonstration of protein cooperativity mediated by RNA structure using the human protein PUM2
Authors: Becker Winston R. , Jarmoskaite Inga , Vaidyanathan Pavanapuresan P. , Greenleaf William J. , Herschlag Daniel
Published: March 2019

Posttranslational gene regulation requires a complex network of RNA–protein interactions. Cooperativity, which tunes response sensitivities, originates from protein–protein interactions in many systems. For RNA-binding proteins, cooperativity can also be mediated through RNA structure. RNA structural cooperativity (RSC) arises when binding of one protein induces a redistribution of RNA conformational states that enhance access (positive cooperativity) or block access (negative cooperativity) to additional binding sites. As RSC does not require direct protein–protein interactions, it allows cooperativity to be tuned for individual RNAs, via alterations in sequence that alter structural stability. Given the potential importance of this mechanism of control and our desire to quantitatively dissect features that underlie physiological regulation, we developed a statistical mechanical framework for RSC and tested this model by performing equilibrium binding measurements of the human PUF family protein PUM2. Using 68 RNAs that contain two to five PUM2-binding sites and RNA structures of varying stabilities, we observed a range of structure-dependent cooperative behaviors. To test our ability to account for this cooperativity with known physical constants, we used PUM2 affinity and nearest-neighbor RNA secondary structure predictions. Our model gave qualitative agreement for our disparate set of 68 RNAs across two temperatures, but quantitative deviations arise from overestimation of RNA structural stability. Our results demonstrate cooperativity mediated by RNA structure and underscore the power of quantitative stepwise experimental evaluation of mechanisms and computational tools.
Case Report: Paradoxical acrodermatitis of Hallopeau-like eruption following anti-IL-17 therapy
Authors: Tadiotto Cicogna Giulia , Messina Francesco , Nalotto Linda , Szekely Serena , Alaibac Mauro
Published: March 2019

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Up to 40% of patients with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis.  Currently, interleukin (IL)-17/IL-23 pathways are identified as key factors in the immunopathogenesis of both conditions. Here we describe the case of a patient who developed psoriasiform skin lesions 10 months after the initiation of anti-IL17 therapy for psoriatic arthritis. The underlying disease had responded well to the therapy, but the patient developed a striking pustular eruption at the fingers with nail involvement, onycholysis, yellow discoloration, and subungual keratosis. Clinical and histological findings were consistent with an acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau-like eruption. Skin lesions subsided after discontinuation of the responsible anti-IL17 agent. The interpretation of this paradoxical side effect of biological therapies remains unclear but may relate to an unbalanced inflammatory cytokine response induced by the inhibition of TNF activity. It is likely that patients, who are genetically prone, may respond exaggeratedly to a cytokine imbalance. The identification of this kind of patient, in the future, could be useful in order to choose the correct therapy.
É POSSÍVEL DECOLONIZAR A HISTÓRIA DA PEDAGOGIA? APRENDIZAGENS A PARTIR DA FILOSOFIA DA EDUCAÇÅO MAIA
Authors: Muraca Maria Teresa
Published: March 2019

A adesão a uma abordagem intercultural crítica exige o questionamento da própria constituição da pedagogia que, como as outras ciências humanas e sociais, é um produto da modernidade-colonialidade. Em particular, o que é habitualmente transmitido como História da pedagógia não é um saber neutro, mas um saber excludente, que seleciona apenas algumas tradições de pensamento designadas como origem e fontes de legitimação da civilização ocidental. Neste artigo serão exploradas algumas dimensões da filosofia da educação maia, no interior de um discurso que entretece passado e presente, indo e vindo do tempo da pre-colonialidade ao largo tempo da decolonialidade que vivenciamos hoje. Em particular, será aprofundada a concepção da interdependência cósmica, geracional e entre as espécies, com o objetivo de ampliar os horizontes epistemológicos e teóricos em favor da vida.
MAGISTÉRIO INDÍGENA GUARANI MBYA NO RIO DE JANEIRO: EM BUSCA DE UMA PERSPECTIVA DECOLONIAL DE EDUCAÇÃO DIFERENCIADA
Authors: Nobre Domingos Barros , Albuquerque Vecchia Anna Beatriz
Published: March 2019

O artigo visa apresentar reflexões teóricas acerca do processo de implantação do primeiro Curso de Ensino Médio com Habilitação em Magistério Indígena Guarani do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, iniciado em 2018. O Curso é resultado de um Acordo de Cooperação Técnica entre o IEAR – Instituto de Educação de Angra dos Reis da UFF – Universidade Federal Fluminense e a SEEDUC-RJ – Secretaria de Estado da Educação do Rio de Janeiro. A discussão busca refletir sobre os elementos ou componentes curriculares do referido Curso que apontam para a preservação e fortalecimento da cultura e língua indígena, numa perspectiva decolonial de educação diferenciada além de analisar criticamente o contexto de crise e retrocesso nas políticas públicas em educação escolar indígena no Estado do Rio de Janeiro.
Skin cytology for the veterinary nurse
Authors: Paterson Sue
Published: March 2019

Skin cytology forms an important part of any dermatological investigation and lends itself well to input from the veterinary nurse. Basic diagnostic procedures such as acetate tape impression smears, direct and indirect impression smears and fine needle aspirates can be undertaken with only a minimal amount of equipment and will produce clinical information that can contribute hugely to the successful management of the case. A knowledge of the most important types of cellular infiltrate and pathogens is needed in order to undertake meaningful interpretation of the results.
A review of the Common European Framework of Reference for Visual Literacy – Prototype (CEFR-VL)
Authors: Blaikie Fiona
Published: March 2019

In the Common European Framework of Reference for Visual Literacy (CEFR-VL) the researchers present competencies for teaching, learning and assessing art, conceptualized as visual literacy, offering constructive possibilities for modifications and implementation in Europe and potentially globally. The CEFR-VL is comparable with other international approaches to framing curriculum and assessment approaches, including the General Certificate in Secondary Education in England, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, the National Standards created by the National Art Education Association in the United States, and design and craft focused practices in Europe. Given multiple incarnations of art, design and craft making worldwide, articulating what visual literacy means, along with re-shaping and revising the framework in an ongoing way, offers a helpful infrastructure for use by the global community of art educators, creators, students and scholars who are committed to the visual and to visual sensitivity, and to situated meanings and interpretations of visual and material cultures of production and consumption.
Renaming the framework: Common European Framework of Reference for Visual Competency
Authors: Schönau Diederik , Kárpáti Andrea
Published: March 2019

When the researchers of the European Network for Visual Literacy (ENViL) decided to develop a Common European Framework of Reference for Visual Literacy, it was hoped that the concept of ‘visual literacy’ would be a neutral description of what learning in this domain is all about. However, ‘visual literacy’ is a much more faceted concept that reflects different approaches to the domain of visual perception and visual communication. In March 2018 ENViL therefore decided to rename the framework as the Common European Framework of Reference for Visual Competency (CEFR-VC), thus giving prominence to its central concept (‘competency’) and leaving space for various meanings of ‘visual literacy’. The decision to rename the framework was taken after discussions within ENViL on the conceptual confusion of the concept of ‘visual literacy’.‘Visual competency’ also better indicates the approach taken in the framework to describe the essence of learning in the visual domain in terms of competencies.
España, nación fantasmal. Plenitud y ausencia en la identidad española posmoderna.
Authors: Gil Hernández Roberto
Published: March 2019

El análisis fantológico se ha revelado como una herramienta sociológica dotada de un enorme potencial a la hora de ponderar, junto a su naturaleza simbólica, la parte afectiva de la que también se revisten las categorías sociales, especialmente si hablamos de cuanto tiene que ver con la identidad. Para dar cuenta de ello, en este artículo trato de adaptar sus principales preceptos a la situación que afecta a la España postmoderna, imbuida en una dilatada y compleja disputa en la que diferentes grupos compiten por la titularidad de lo que podría denominarse como su normalidad nacional. A través del estudio de algunos de los dispositivos culturales más populares de la última década, intento ejemplificar la manera en que los nacionalismos en España han competido por hacerse con la hegemonía, apelando a relatos y pasiones perfectamente habilitados para encarnar el deseo colectivo de su sociedad, esto es, sus inagotables representaciones de la plenitud y la ausencia. Así, concluyo afirmando que el país se encuentra ante el final de un ciclo en el que lo que está en juego es su propia complexión como nación fantasmal.