Steps towards collective sustainability in biomedical research

The optimism surrounding multistakeholder research initiatives does not match the clear view of policies that are needed to exploit the potential of these collaborations. Here we propose some action items that stem from the integration between research advancements with the perspectives of patient-advocacy organizations, academia, and industry

Setting a research agenda for progressive multiple sclerosis: The International Collaborative on Progressive MS

Despite significant progress in the development of therapies for relapsing MS, progressive MS remains comparatively disappointing. Our objective, in this paper, is to review the current challenges in developing therapies for progressive MS and identify key priority areas for research. A collaborative was convened by volunteer and staff leaders from several MS societies with the mission to expedite the development of effective disease-modifying and symptom management therapies for progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. Through a series of scientific and strategic planning meetings, the collaborative identified and developed new perspectives on five key priority areas for research: experimental models, identification and validation of targets and repurposing opportunities, proof-of-concept clinical trial strategies, clinical outcome measures, and symptom management and rehabilitation. Our conclusions, tackling the impediments in developing therapies for progressive MS will require an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to enable effective translation of research into therapies for progressive MS. Engagement of the MS research community through an international effort is needed to address and fund these research priorities with the ultimate goal of expediting the development of disease-modifying and symptom-relief treatments for progressive MS

Газификация промышленных отходов непрерывным лазерным излучением

Liposome-encapsulated corticosteroids have shown to exert strong beneficial effects in inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and cancer. To extend the clinical applicability of these potent nanomedicines, the therapeutic effect of dexamethasone phosphate loaded long-circulating liposomes (LCL-DXP) was evaluated in animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS) and Crohn's disease (CD). In mice with experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), a model for MS, treatment with LCL-DXP, but not free DXP, resulted in a decrease in disease activity when compared to PBS treated mice. In contrast, in mice with chronic DSS-induced colitis, a model for CD, treatment with LCL-DXP did not induce an improvement, but in fact worsened the fecal blood loss after treatment, indicating an aggravation of the disease. It is hypothesized that modulation of macrophage polarization towards a M2 phenotype underlies the efficacy of corticosteroid-based drug delivery systems, which is supported by the presented data. On the one hand, M1 polarized macrophages are part of the pathogenesis of MS; the modulation to M2-polarization by LCL-DXP is therefore beneficial. On the other hand, M1-polarized intestinal macrophages fulfill a protective and inflammation-suppressing role in intestinal homeostasis; changing their phenotype to M2 causes reduced protection to invading microorganisms, leading to a more severe intestinal inflammation. These findings therefore indicate that the interplay between the specific phenotype of macrophages and the specific inflammatory context of the inflammatory disease in question may be an important determining factor in the therapeutic applicability of liposomal corticosteroids in inflammatory disease

IMPLEMENTING S.T.E.A.M – ONE SCHOOL’S JOURNEY TOWARD IMPLEMENTATION

The purpose of this multiple case study, grounded theory design is to describe and document the process teachers go through when implementing a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum and program at a K-4 elementary school. Throughout this process, elementary teachers’ beliefs and perceptions of effective STEAM instruction will be analyzed to determine how teachers interpret and implement this new initiative. The goal of this investigation will be to gain a deeper understanding of teacher attitudes, beliefs, and mental models surrounding STEAM instruction as well as their comfort with implementing the new Next Generation Science Standards (“NGSS”). Prior studies have shown that elementary school teachers are limited in STEAM content knowledge (CK), pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), and confidence in teaching STEAM concepts, resulting in elementary teachers avoiding teaching STEAM subjects altogether (Epstein & Miller, 2011). The sample for this research will be 5 teachers (n=5), one from each grade level K- 4. These teachers have taught in a Title 1 funded suburban school located in Long Island, New York. Data collection and analysis will consist of a triangulation between lesson observations, lesson plan review, and a focus group interview - which will examine teachers’ perspectives regarding the overall effectiveness and implementation of the STEAM initiative. This study is significant to teacher leaders in understanding the challenges and experiences teachers might face in integrating and implementing new STEAM curriculum in an elementary school setting. The findings of the study seek to assist educators and leaders in identifying strengths and weaknesses with respect to teachers’ pedagogical knowledge, CK and PCK with respect to STEAM implementation

Gestão democrática na educação infantil : um estudo sobre a visão de uma comunidade acerca do papel da gestão de um Centro Municipal de Educação Infantil

Orientador: Profa. Dra. Andréa CordeiroMonografia (graduação) - Universidade Federal do Paraná, Setor de Educação, Curso de Graduação em PedagogiaInclui referências : p. 82-85Resumo : O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar como a comunidade escolar percebe o papel da gestão de um Centro Municipal de Educação Infantil localizado no município de Pinhais. Para tanto, discute-se o conceito de gestão democrática na Educação Infantil, identificando-se a percepção da comunidade a respeito da gestão da escola. A pesquisa é de caráter bibliográfico, documental e de campo, com abordagem qualitativa. Para tanto, foi analisado o Projeto Político Pedagógico da instituição e realizada coleta de dados junto às famílias de crianças. Foi entregue um questionário com perguntas abertas a 150 famílias de crianças, versando sobre o tema da pesquisa. Os autores que deram apoio teórico à discussão foram Lück (2011), Campos (2010), Kuhlmann (2010), Hengemuhle (2010) e Oliveira (1998), dentre outros. Os resultados da análise apontaram em relação à necessidade de a gestão melhorar em aspectos específicos como a segurança dos crianças da instituição, propondo-se uma integração entre comunidade e escola mais significativa e menos padronizad

O tédio na época da técnica planetária: um estudo a partir das contribuições de Martin Heidegger e interlocuções

O presente estudo bibliográfico tem como objetivo compreender o fenômeno do tédio na Era da técnica através de Martin Heidegger. Através de um resgate da história do ser e como este foi sendo interpretado ao longo da história da filosofia, é possível compreender as implicações do que Heidegger nomeia como Era da técnica. Além disso, as implicações dessa temporaneidade nos modos de ser do Dasein no mundo são atravessados por tramas sedimentadas de um mundo técnico e onde o tédio se coloca como uma tonalidade afetiva fundamental da contemporaneidade. Desta forma, o trabalho também busca refletir sobre a importância do desvelar desse tédio na Daseinsanalyse e suas possíveis implicações no mundo técnic