Competenze di mediazione interculturale per educare alla cittadinanza in contesti plurali

Intercultural competences to educate for citizenship in plural contexts In the present age, the difference imposes itself on each level of the local and global life not only as "problem" of democratic coexistence but also ─ and in particular ─ as "challenge". It is a “challenge” to the human ability to trace possible "meeting points", from which it makes possible for each person (at different levels of the collective society) to collaborate with others in the construction of social and cultural contexts “positives”, namely, which allow to each one to be, to grow and to participate. Putting itself in this direction, the paper follows a epistemology both dialogical, phenomenological-hermeneutic and constructivist which, although from different angles, recognizes that the relationship is the dimension both existential, ontological and axiological of subject-person. Hence, it aims to focus on the concept of intercultural mediation. In particular, it seeks to highlight the "areas" ─ both existential and relational ─ along which it is called on to act in a perspective both pedagogy and educational, today. After having highlighted the "lights" and the "shadows" that the national and international studies detect on the device of linguistic and/or cultural mediation until today practiced, the paper recognizes the opportunity to "stay on mediation" by means of a process of critical-constructive reflection. Therefore, collecting the instance to distinguish the practice of mediation between "specific profession" and "professional competence" (which is both located and distributed among those who work in different contexts both educational, social-cultural, and health), the paper intends to: ‒ reiterate that the mediation represents one of the key concepts around which the italian pedagogical proposal (both in general pedagogy and intercultural pedagogy) articulates; ‒ emphasize such as it represents a "professional style" that the operators ─ and especially educational operators ─ are called upon to assume. Specifically, the paper aims at highlighting the competences of intercultural mediation that, putting themselves along the planes both anthropological, ethical and social-cultural, allow each operator to: - act in sense both educational and training on the concepts of belonging, citizenship, inclusion, justice and democratic participation; - promote, between the various actors involved, real interactive processes of social cohesion and human. Therefore, by opening up to different levels of reflection (pedagogical, educational, ethical and political), the paper can be the subject of interest for teachers, consultants and scholars/experts

Concentration-Dependent Effects of N-3 Long-Chain Fatty Acids on Na,K-ATPase Activity in Human Endothelial Cells

N-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) seem to prevent endothelial dysfunction, a crucial step in atherogenesis, by modulating the levels of vasoactive molecules and by influencing Na,K-ATPase activity of vascular myocytes. The activity of endothelial Na,K-ATPase controls the ionic homeostasis of the neighboring cells, as well as cell function. However, controversy exists with respect to the vascular protective effect of EPA and DHA. We argue that this dispute might be due to the use of different concentrations of EPA and DHA in different studies. Therefore, this study was designed to define an optimal concentration of EPA and DHA to investigate endothelial function. For this purpose, human endothelial cells were exposed for 24 h to different concentrations of DHA or EPA (0\u201320 \u3bcM) to study membrane fluidity, peroxidation potential and Na,K-ATPase activity. EPA and DHA were linearly incorporated and this incorporation was mirrored by the linear increase of unsaturation index, membrane fluidity, and peroxidation potential. Na,K-ATPase activity peaked at 3.75 \u3bcM of EPA and DHA and then gradually decreased. It is noteworthy that DHA effects were always more pronounced than EPA. Concluding, low concentrations of EPA and DHA minimize peroxidation sensitivity and optimize Na,K-ATPase activity

Absence of increased genomic variants in the cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis exposed to Mars‐like conditions outside the space station

Despite the increasing interest in using microbial‐based technologies to support human space exploration, many unknowns remain not only on bioprocesses but also on microbial survivability and genetic stability under non‐Earth conditions. Here the desert cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 was investigated for robustness of the repair capability of DNA lesions accumulated under Mars‐like conditions (UV radiation and atmosphere) simulated in low Earth orbit using the EXPOSE‐R2 facility installed outside the International Space Station. Genomic alterations were determined in a space‐derivate of Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 obtained upon reactivation on Earth of the space‐exposed cells. Comparative analysis of whole‐genome sequences showed no increased variant numbers in the space‐derivate compared to triplicates of the reference strain maintained on the ground. This result advanced cyanobacteria‐based technologies to support human space exploration

Use of prostaglandin F2a as ovulatory stimulus for synchronizing dairy cattle.

The aim of this study was to evaluate if prostaglandin F2α (PGF) can be used to induce ovulation in a GnRHprogesterone based protocol. In Experiment 1 crossbred dairy cows (n = 32) were synchronized with a progesterone-GnRH based protocol for seven days, where the luteolytic dose of 150 μg PGF was given 24 h prior progesterone device removal (CIDR). On Day 8 cows were separated into two groups to receive: 1) 2 mL of Saline (Control Group, n = 15) or 2) 150 μg of PGF (PGF Group, n = 17). Ovulation rate was higher in the PGF than Control group (100% vs 53.3%, P = 0.001, Odds ratio = 30.88). The percentage of cows that ovulated synchronously tended to be higher in the PGF than Control group (P = 0.1, Odds ratio = 9.6). Experiment 2 was performed in a cross-over (3 × 3) design. Crossbred dairy cows (n = 25) received a CIDR for seven days and GnRH on Day 0. Seven days later 150 μg of PGF was given and the progesterone device was removed, and 24 h later cows were distributed into three groups to receive: 1) 2 mL of Saline (Control Group, n = 25), 2) 150 μg of PGF (PGF Group, n = 25) or 3) 1 mg of ECP (ECP Group, n = 23). Diameter of ovulatory follicle was larger in the PGF and Control than ECP Group (P = 0.002, Effect size > 4.0). Synchronized ovulation rate (between 72 and 96 h after CIDR removal) tended to be higher in PGF group in Control group (P = 0.1, Odds ratio = 0.35). Results suggest that PGF is equally efficient to ECP to induce synchronized ovulation in dairy cows subjected to progesterone-GnRH based protocols

Dissecting the effect of soil on plant phenology and berry transcriptional plasticity in two Italian grapevine varieties (Vitis vinifera L.)

Grapevine embodies a fascinating species as regards phenotypic plasticity and genotype-per-environment interactions. The terroir, namely the set of agri-environmental factors to which a variety is subjected, can influence the phenotype at the physiological, molecular, and biochemical level, representing an important phenomenon connected to the typicality of productions. We investigated the determinants of plasticity by conducting a field-experiment where all terroir variables, except soil, were kept as constant as possible. We isolated the effect of soils collected from different areas, on phenology, physiology, and transcriptional responses of skin and flesh of a red and a white variety of great economic value: Corvina and Glera. Molecular results, together with physio-phenological parameters, suggest a specific effect of soil on grapevine plastic response, highlighting a higher transcriptional plasticity of Glera in respect to Corvina and a marked response of skin compared to flesh. Using a novel statistical approach, we identified clusters of plastic genes subjected to the specific influence of soil. These findings could represent an issue of applicative value, posing the basis for targeted agricultural practices to enhance the desired characteristics for any soil/cultivar combination, to improve vineyards management for a better resource usage and to valorize vineyards uniqueness maximizing the terroir-effect

THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT POSTURAL POSITIONS AND VISUAL INPUT ON RECRUITMENT OF MASTICATORY MUSCLES: A FEASIBILITY STUDY

reserved9mixedRozin Kleiner, Ana Francisca; Pimenta Ferreira, Cláudia Lucia; Cestaro, Giovana; Fosatto Luiz, Regiani Elvira; da Silva, Vania Daniela Ramos; Nanussi, Alessandro; Zago, Matteo; Sforza, Chiarella; Galli, ManuelaRozin Kleiner, Ana Francisca; Pimenta Ferreira, Cláudia Lucia; Cestaro, Giovana; Fosatto Luiz, Regiani Elvira; da Silva, Vania Daniela Ramos; Nanussi, Alessandro; Zago, Matteo; Sforza, Chiarella; Galli, Manuel

Weight Loss Improves Cardio-Metabolic and Inflammatory State in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition characterized by a constellation of reversible major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). While it has been widely demonstrated that weight reduction by 5\u201310% decreases CVD and T2DM risk factors, including atherogenic dyslipidemia, on the other hand, its effects on comprehensive serum cytokine profile and endotoxemia are less investigated. Furthermore, the impact of weight loss on these parameters was studied especially in subjects with morbid obesity, often after bariatric surgery; while the studies on the effects of a physiological weight reduction with a balanced hypocaloric diet in overweight and moderately obese subjects showed contradictory results

Effect of Polyglucosamine on Weight Loss and Metabolic Parameters in Overweight and Obesity : A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

The use of dietary supplements for weight loss has gained significant momentum. Polyglucosamine, a chitosan derivative, is a dietary supplement increasingly used for weight loss. In this meta-analysis, we systematically summarized and quantified the key findings of four randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials examining the effects of polyglucosamine supplementation and caloric restriction, and physical activity on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in subjects with overweight and obesity. The control group was set with a physical activity from 6\u20137 MET-h/week activity and up to 21 MET-h/week activity with caloric restriction. Compliance in the latter trials was reported via a follow-up questionnaire with the individual participants. The analysis included 399 subjects followed for a period ranging from 12 weeks to one year. Subjects\u2019 age ranged from 21\u201375 years, BMI from 26\u201345 kg/m2, and all were white European or Caucasian in ethnicity. The meta-analyzed mean differences for random effects showed that polyglucosamine supplementation improves weight loss by 121.78 kg [ 122.78, 120.79], BMI by 121.52 kg/m2 [ 123.58, 0.54], and improves waist circumference reduction by 121.45 cm [ 122.77, 120.12]. In conclusion, the use of polyglucosamine supplementation in conjunction with lifestyle behavioral therapies can be effective for weight reduction. Further studies are needed to examine the long-term effects of polyglucosamine supplementation on weight loss and other metabolic parameters

Effect of polyglucosamine on weight loss and metabolic parameters in overweight and obesity: A systemic review and meta-analysis

The use of dietary supplements for weight loss has gained significant momentum. Polyglucosamine, a chitosan derivative, is a dietary supplement increasingly used for weight loss. In this meta-analysis, we systematically summarized and quantified the key findings of four randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials examining the effects of polyglucosamine supplementation and caloric restriction, and physical activity on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in subjects with overweight and obesity. The control group was set with a physical activity from 6–7 MET-h/week activity and up to 21 MET-h/week activity with caloric restriction. Compliance in the latter trials was reported via a follow-up questionnaire with the individual participants. The analysis included 399 subjects followed for a period ranging from 12 weeks to one year. Subjects’ age ranged from 21–75 years, BMI from 26–45 kg/m2, and all were white European or Caucasian in ethnicity. The meta-analyzed mean differences for random effects showed that polyglucosamine supplementation improves weight loss by −1.78 kg [−2.78, −0.79], BMI by −1.52 kg/m2 [−3.58, 0.54], and improves waist circumference reduction by −1.45 cm [−2.77, −0.12]. In conclusion, the use of polyglucosamine supplementation in conjunction with lifestyle behavioral therapies can be effective for weight reduction. Further studies are needed to examine the long-term effects of polyglucosamine supplementation on weight loss and other metabolic parameters

Emergency Surgery in the Elderly: Could Laparoscopy Be Useful in Frailty? A Single-Center Prospective 2-Year Follow-Up in 120 Consecutive Patients

Background: the general population is aging across the world. Therefore, even surgical interventions in the elderly—in particular those involving emergency surgical admissions—are becoming more frequent. The elderly population is often frail (in multiple physiological systems, this is often defined as age-related cumulative decline). This study involved a 2-year follow-up evaluation of frail elderly patients treated with urgent surgical intervention at Santa Maria Regina della Misericordia Hospital, General Surgery Department, in Adria (Italy). Method: a prospective, single-center, 2-year follow-up study of 120 patients >65 years old, treated at our department for surgical abdominal emergencies. We considered co-morbidities (ASA—American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System—score), type of surgery (laparoscopy, laparotomy or converted), frailty score, mortality, and complications at 30 days and at 2 years. Conclusions: 70 (58.4%) patients had laparoscopy, 49 (40.8) had laparotomy, and in 1 (0.8%) case, surgery was converted from laparoscopy to laparotomy. Mortality strictly depends on the type of surgery (laparotomy vs. laparoscopy), complications during recovery, and a lower Fried frailty criteria score, on average. The long-term follow-up can be a useful tool to highlight a safer surgical approach, such as laparoscopy, in frail elderly patients. We consider the laparoscopic approach feasible in emergency situations, with similar or better outcomes than laparotomy, especially in frail elderly patients