Social capital and rural innovation process. The evaluation of the measure 124 \u201cCooperation for Development of New Products, Processes and Technologies in the Agriculture, Food and Forestry Sector\u201d in the Umbria Region (Italy)

The most recent theories on innovation point out the role of social networks, demonstrating how knowledge is intertwined with network communities and social capital represents an essential factor to comprehend innovation. The social network dimension of the innovation process is also acknowledged in the actual definition of an agricultural innovation system (AIS). This study attempts to assess the role played by social capital in agricultural innovation projects co-financed by the Measure 124 of the Rural Development Program (2007-2013) of the Umbria Region (Italy), based on the analysis of 5 evaluation criteria (relevance, innovation, effectiveness, sustainability, and social capital) in relation to 8 selected projects. The obtained results confirm the validity of the proposed methodology both for the purpose of internal monitoring of the project and for the assessment of the measure on the basis of tangible and intangible factors, such as social capital

O DESAFIO DA NEUTROX NO MERCADO DE HAIR CARE BRASILEIRO

Dilemma: The case presents the dilemma of Neutrox's Marketing and Innovation Manager, who needs to strengthen the relationship with a younger audience throughout Brazil, in the mission of rejuvenating the brand, without leaving aside the democratic character of the company and its knowledge and penetration in a higher age group. Educational Objective: The main objective of the Neutrox case is to encourage students to reflect on possible solutions so that the brand in question can solve its problem of growing sales through implementation in the national territory. Contextualization: The case portrays the journey and professional challenge experienced by Stephanie Lozano, Marketing and Innovation Manager at Neutrox. The protagonist faces a highly competitive market, which contains global players with very high investment capacity, but which at the same time has good opportunities for performance and profitability. Main Theme: The investigation is a theoretical reflection that uses the teaching case methodology, which creates conditions and situations that require real managerial resolutions on the part of students, to experience the difficulties and consequences of their actions when managing a business. Audience: The case can be applied to professional/technical courses, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate courses that focus on Administration, Communication and Advertising, Advertising and Marketing. Originality: The work highlights how the case provides tools for undertaking practice-based teaching that favors the improvement of the teaching-learning relationship, helping to train excellent professionals and future business leaders.Dilema: El caso presenta el dilema de la Gerente de Marketing e Innovación de Neutrox, que necesita fortalecer la relación con un público más joven en todo Brasil, en la misión de rejuvenecer la marca, sin dejar de lado el carácter democrático de la empresa y su conocimiento y penetración en un nivel superior. grupo de edad. Objetivo Educativo: El objetivo principal del caso Neutrox es incentivar a los estudiantes a reflexionar sobre posibles soluciones para que la marca en cuestión pueda solucionar su problema de crecimiento de ventas mediante la implementación en el territorio nacional. Contextualización: El caso retrata el recorrido y desafío profesional vivido por Stephanie Lozano, Gerente de Marketing e Innovación de Neutrox. El protagonista se enfrenta a un mercado altamente competitivo, que contiene actores globales con altísima capacidad de inversión, pero que al mismo tiempo tiene buenas oportunidades de rendimiento y rentabilidad. Tema Principal: La investigación es una reflexión teórica que utiliza la metodología de enseñanza del caso, la cual crea condiciones y situaciones que requieren resoluciones gerenciales reales por parte de los estudiantes, para experimentar las dificultades y consecuencias de sus acciones al administrar un negocio. Audiencia: El caso puede aplicarse a cursos profesionales/técnicos, así como a cursos de pregrado y posgrado que se enfoquen en Administración, Comunicación y Publicidad, Publicidad y Marketing. Originalidad: El trabajo destaca cómo el caso proporciona herramientas para emprender una enseñanza basada en la práctica que favorezca la mejora de la relación enseñanza-aprendizaje, ayudando a formar excelentes profesionales y futuros líderes empresariales.Dilema: O caso traz o dilema da Gerente de Marketing e Inovação da Neutrox, que precisa estreitar o relacionamento com um público mais jovem, em todo o território brasileiro, na missão de rejuvenescer a marca, sem deixar de lado o caráter democrático da empresa e seu conhecimento e transposição em uma faixa etária mais elevada. Objetivo Educacional: O caso da Neutrox tem como objetivo principal levar os estudantes a uma reflexão sobre possíveis soluções para que a marca em questão possa resolver sua problemática de ampliar as vendas através da execução no território nacional. Contextualização: O caso retrata o percurso e o desafio profissional vivido por Stephanie Lozano, Gerente de Marketing e Inovação da Neutrox. A protagonista enfrenta um mercado altamente competitivo, que contém players globais com altíssima capacidade de investimento, mas que, ao mesmo tempo, possui boas oportunidades de atuação e rentabilidade. Tema Principal: A investigação é uma reflexão teórica que utiliza a metodologia do caso de ensino, criando condições e situações que exijam resoluções gerenciais reais por parte dos estudantes para experenciarem as dificuldades e os desdobramentos de suas ações ao administrarem um negócio. Público: O caso pode ser aplicado em cursos profissionalizantes/técnicos, assim como na graduação e na pós-graduação que tenham como escopo a Administração, a Comunicação e Publicidade, a Propaganda e o Marketing. Originalidade: O trabalho evidencia como o caso proporciona ferramentas para o empreendimento de um ensino baseado na prática que favorece a melhora da relação ensino-aprendizagem, auxiliando a formação de profissionais de excelência e futuros empreendedores

Consequences of nano and microplastic exposure in rodent models: the known and unknown

The ubiquitous nature of micro- (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) is a growing environmental concern. However, their potential impact on human health remains unknown. Research increasingly focused on using rodent models to understand the effects of exposure to individual plastic polymers. In vivo data showed critical exposure effects depending on particle size, polymer, shape, charge, concentration, and exposure routes. Those effects included local inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disruption, leading to gastrointestinal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, reproduction disorders, and neurotoxic effects. This review distillates the current knowledge regarding rodent models exposed to MP and NP with different experimental designs assessing biodistribution, bioaccumulation, and biological responses. Rodents exposed to MP and NP showed particle accumulation in several tissues. Critical responses included local inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to microbiota dysbiosis, metabolic, hepatic, and reproductive disorders, and diseases exacerbation. Most studies used MP and NP commercially provided and doses higher than found in environmental exposure. Hence, standardized sampling techniques and improved characterization of environmental MP and NP are needed and may help in toxicity assessments of relevant particle mixtures, filling knowledge gaps in the literature

De estagiário à psicoterapeuta : sobre a descoberta de um novo lugar

O presente artigo surge a partir de dificuldades, descobertas e reflexões acerca da prática clínica como estagiária de psicologia. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo de natureza exploratória, sustentado teoricamente a partir da psicanálise e teve como objetivo principal compreender como os estagiários de psicologia vivenciam o lugar de psicoterapeutas ao realizar intervenções clínicas. Participaram da pesquisa seis estagiárias de psicologia. O método utilizado para análise de dados foi a análise de conteúdo. Os resultados apontam que o lugar de psicoterapeuta é acompanhado de diferentes sentimentos e construções subjetivas sobre a apropriação desse lugar. Identificaram-se a utilização do tripé psicanalítico (supervisão de casos clínicos, tratamento pessoal e seminários teóricos) e de outros elementos da psicanálise durante as intervenções. A experiência vivenciada com a prática, ao longo do tempo, e a supervisão foram consideradas importantes para o estagiário, enquanto que o desgaste emocional e a infraestrutura do serviço-escola relacionam-se a aspectos que dificultaram a ocupação do lugar de psicoterapeutas.This paper emerges from challenges, discoveries and reflections about the clinical practice throughout my psychology internship. It presents an exploratory qualitative study supported by psychoanalytic theory, and focuses on understanding how the Psychology interns experience the psychotherapists' place during clinical interventions. Six interns of the second and third semesters participated on the survey. The methodology used was the content analysis. The results show the psychotherapists' place comes with different feelings and subjective constructions about the appropriation of this place. It was identified the use of the psychoanalytic tripod (supervision of clinical cases, personal treatment and theoretical seminars) and others elements of the psychoanalysis during the interventions. Experience with practice over time and supervision are considered key aspects to the intern meanwhile emotional distress and local infrastructure are related to difficult aspects to occupy the psychotherapist's place

Congenital aplasia of the optic chiasm and esophageal atresia: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>The complete absence of the chiasm (chiasmal aplasia) is a rare clinical condition. Hypoplasia of the optic nerve and congenital nystagmus are almost invariably associated characteristics. Microphthalmos or anophthalmos are common features in chiasmal aplasia, while central nervous system abnormalities are less frequent. Esophageal atresia can be isolated or syndromic. In syndromic cases, it is frequently associated with cardiac, limb, renal or vertebral malformations and anal atresia. More rarely, esophageal atresia can be part of anophthalmia-esophageal-genital syndrome, which comprises anophthalmia or microphthalmia, genital abnormalities, vertebral defects and cerebral malformations. Here, a previously unreported case of chiasmal aplasia presenting without microphthalmos and associated with esophageal atresia is described.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Aplasia of the optic chiasm was identified in a Caucasian Italian 8-month-old boy with esophageal atresia. An ultrasound examination carried out at 21 weeks' gestation revealed polyhydramnios. Intrauterine growth retardation, esophageal atresia and a small atrial-septal defect were subsequently detected at 28 weeks' gestation. Repair of the esophageal atresia was carried out shortly after birth. A jejunostomy was carried out at four months to facilitate enteral feeding. The child was subsequently noted to be visually inattentive and to be neurodevelopmentally delayed. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed chiasmal aplasia. No other midline brain defects were found. His karyotype was normal.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>If achiasmia is a spectrum, our patient seems to depict the most severe form, since he appears to have an extremely severe visual impairment. This is in contrast to most of the cases described in the literature, where patients maintain good--or at least useful-- visual function. To the best of our knowledge, the association of optic nerve hypoplasia, complete chiasmal aplasia, esophageal atresia and atrial-septal defect, choanal atresia, hypertelorism and psychomotor retardation has never been described before.</p

Estudos baseados na prática para uma aprendizagem baseada em competências

F Faced with the existing gap in formal education regarding the dissonance between learning and competence development, the objective of this article is to investigate how the "Teaching Case" method corroborates Practice-Based Research, placing practice as a priority for understanding of students' learning and skills development. The study demonstrates the contribution of the Inspirational Teaching Case method to the teaching-learning process according to four categories: practical learning; theories subordinated to practice; interesting challenge and engagement. The research results indicate that the Teaching Case allows articulating the four categories and that this articulation contributes to competence-based learning.Diante da lacuna existente no ensino formal quanto à dissonância entre a aprendizagem e o desenvolvimento de competências, investigou-se como o método caso de ensino corrobora com os estudos baseados na prática, colocando a prática como prioritária para a compreensão da aprendizagem e do desenvolvimento de competências dos alunos. O estudo demonstra a contribuição do método Caso de Ensino Inspiracional para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem de acordo com quatro categorias: aprendizagem prática; teorias subordinadas à prática; desafio interessante e engajamento. Os resultados indicam que o caso de ensino permite articular as quatro categorias e que esta articulação contribui para uma aprendizagem baseada em competências

Activated macrophages promote Wnt signalling through tumour necrosis factor-α in gastric tumour cells

The activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling has an important function in gastrointestinal tumorigenesis. It has been suggested that the promotion of Wnt/β-catenin activity beyond the threshold is important for carcinogenesis. We herein investigated the role of macrophages in the promotion of Wnt/β-catenin activity in gastric tumorigenesis. We found β-catenin nuclear accumulation in macrophage-infiltrated dysplastic mucosa of the K19-Wnt1 mouse stomach. Moreover, macrophage depletion in ApcΔ716 mice resulted in the suppression of intestinal tumorigenesis. These results suggested the role of macrophages in the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, which thus leads to tumour development. Importantly, the conditioned medium of activated macrophages promoted Wnt/β-catenin signalling in gastric cancer cells, which was suppressed by the inhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Furthermore, treatment with TNF-α induced glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) phosphorylation, which resulted in the stabilization of β-catenin. We also found that Helicobacter infection in the K19-Wnt1 mouse stomach caused mucosal macrophage infiltration and nuclear β-catenin accumulation. These results suggest that macrophage-derived TNF-α promotes Wnt/β-catenin signalling through inhibition of GSK3β, which may contribute to tumour development in the gastric mucosa

Absence of Colony Stimulation Factor-1 Receptor Results in Loss of Microglia, Disrupted Brain Development and Olfactory Deficits

The brain contains numerous mononuclear phagocytes called microglia. These cells express the transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor for the macrophage growth factor colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1R). Using a CSF-1R-GFP reporter mouse strain combined with lineage defining antibody staining we show in the postnatal mouse brain that CSF-1R is expressed only in microglia and not neurons, astrocytes or glial cells. To study CSF-1R function we used mice homozygous for a null mutation in the Csflr gene. In these mice microglia are >99% depleted at embryonic day 16 and day 1 post-partum brain. At three weeks of age this microglial depletion continues in most regions of the brain although some contain clusters of rounded microglia. Despite the loss of microglia, embryonic brain development appears normal but during the post-natal period the brain architecture becomes perturbed with enlarged ventricles and regionally compressed parenchyma, phenotypes most prominent in the olfactory bulb and cortex. In the cortex there is increased neuronal density, elevated numbers of astrocytes but reduced numbers of oligodendrocytes. Csf1r nulls rarely survive to adulthood and therefore to study the role of CSF-1R in olfaction we used the viable null mutants in the Csf1 (Csf1op) gene that encodes one of the two known CSF-1R ligands. Food-finding experiments indicate that olfactory capacity is significantly impaired in the absence of CSF-1. CSF-1R is therefore required for the development of microglia, for a fully functional olfactory system and the maintenance of normal brain structure

Tratamentos para a Epilepsia: Uma Análise da Literatura Recente

The text provides a comprehensive analysis of the various therapeutic approaches to epilepsy, highlighting both significant advancements made and persistent challenges that remain in this area. While the identification of potential therapeutic targets through an understanding of epilepsy genetics has been a crucial breakthrough, current antiepileptic medications face significant limitations, such as limited long-term efficacy and adverse side effects. This underscores the urgent need for therapeutic innovation, addressing not only genetic aspects but also the pathophysiology of the disease. Diversified therapeutic alternatives, such as surgery, special diets, and neuromodulation therapies, offer hope for medication-resistant patients. Additionally, emerging approaches like chronopharmacology and the use of cannabidiol show promise, albeit requiring further research to validate their efficacy and safety. The growing understanding of the role of the intestinal microbiota in epilepsy also suggests new therapeutic possibilities, despite gaps in our understanding of underlying mechanisms. In summary, a personalized, multidisciplinary approach, coupled with collaborations between researchers, physicians, and the industry, is essential to translate scientific advancements into more effective and accessible therapies, offering hope for a better future for all epilepsy patients.O texto analisa de maneira abrangente as diferentes estratégias terapêuticas para o tratamento da epilepsia, destacando tanto os avanços significativos quanto os desafios persistentes nessa área. Apesar da identificação de potenciais alvos terapêuticos por meio da compreensão da genética da epilepsia, os medicamentos antiepilépticos atuais enfrentam limitações, como eficácia a longo prazo limitada e efeitos colaterais adversos. Isso ressalta a necessidade urgente de inovação terapêutica, considerando não apenas os aspectos genéticos, mas também a fisiopatologia da doença. Alternativas terapêuticas diversificadas, como cirurgia, dietas especiais e terapias de neuromodulação, oferecem esperança para pacientes resistentes a medicamentos. Além disso, abordagens emergentes, como a cronofarmacologia e o uso de canabidiol, mostram promessas, embora exijam mais pesquisas para validar sua eficácia e segurança. A crescente compreensão do papel da microbiota intestinal na epilepsia também sugere novas possibilidades terapêuticas, apesar de lacunas em nosso entendimento dos mecanismos subjacentes. Em suma, uma abordagem personalizada e multidisciplinar, aliada a colaborações entre pesquisadores, médicos e a indústria, é essencial para transformar avanços científicos em terapias mais eficazes e acessíveis, oferecendo esperança para um futuro melhor para todos os pacientes com epilepsia