Methods to selectively introduce radicals into DNA : an EPR spectroscopic study

In dieser Arbeit werden Untersuchungen über die Anwendbarkeit von vier Methoden zur selektiven Einführung von Radikalen in DNA vorgestellt. Hierzu wurde die EPR-Spektroskopie (Elektronen-paramagnetische Resonanz) benutzt. Die selektive Einführung und Erzeugung von Radikalen in DNA ist nötig, um J-Kopplungen in DNA zu untersuchen. Vor dem Fernziel der Bestimmung der Austauschkopplungskonstanten J in biradikalischer DNA und deren Korrelation mit der charge-transfer-Geschwindigkeitskonstanten kCT stellen diese Untersuchungen einen wichtigen Ausgangspunkt dar. Stabile aromatische Nitroxide. Simulationen von Raumtemperatur-CW-X-Band-EPRSpektren fünf verschiedener aromatischer Nitroxide, welche potentielle DNA-Interkalatoren sind, wurden durchgeführt. Die aromatischen Nitroxide zeigen aufgelöste Hyperfeinkopplungen, welche zu dem Schluss führen, dass die Spindichte in hohem Maße delokalisiert ist, was die Verwendung dieser Verbindungen zur Messung von J-Kopplungen in biradikalischer DNA erlaubt. Transiente Guanin-Radikale. Transiente Guanin-Radikale werden in DNA selektiv durch die Flash-Quench-Technik erzeugt, bei der optisch anregbare Ruthenium-Interkalatoren verwendet werden. Transiente Thymyl-Radikale aus UV-bestrahltem 4'-Pivaloyl-Thymidin. Es werden photoinduzierte Prozesse untersucht, welche durch Bestrahlung von Thymin-Nukleosiden, die an der 4’-Position die optisch spaltbare Pivaloyl-Gruppe tragen, erzeugt werden. Dieses Nukleosid wurde speziell dafür entworfen, um Elektronenlöcher in DNA zu injizieren. In dieser Arbeit wird gezeigt, dass diese Verbindung benutzt werden kann, um selektiv eine Thymin-Base zu reduzieren. Transiente Thymyl-Radikale erzeugt durch ein neuartig modifiziertes Thymin nach UV-Bestrahlung. Photoinduzierte Prozesse, welche durch Bestrahlung eines ähnlichen Thymidin-Nukleosids erzeugt wurden, werden hier untersucht. Dieses Thymidin- Nukleosid wurde modifiziert, indem die optisch spaltbare Pivaloyl-Gruppe an eine Seitenkette angehängt wurde, welche an der C6-Position der Thymin-Base sitzt. Die Thymin-Base wurde speziell dafür entworfen, um Elektronen in DNA zu injizieren. In dieser Arbeit wurde bestätigt, dass ein Überschuss-Elektron selektiv auf eine Thymin-Base transferiert werden kann

THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL SPACE IN PRESCHOOLERS' LEARNING PROCESSES

Purpose of the study The first aim of the present article was to investigate the role of school environment as an important factor in the learning process of children attending preschools in Istria (i.e. a part of Croatia where many people speak Italian). The school space is also called “Third educator” by famous pedagogues and it is constituted by labs, corridors, materials shape of the building, colours of the walls, quality of the lightings, type of furnishings and all didactic materials. It is a specific environment where the children live, learn, experience, get in touch with other people. Methodology The method used in our research was both quantitative as qualitative analyses of pedagogical documentation, observation of the environment of preschools and interviews with the educational boards of every school. Results The results showed that the school space is mostly in accordance with the requirements of the current legislation of the Country of Croatia and also confirmed the importance of it as “Third educator”, especially when the educators themselves were able to ameliorate the richness of corners and materials made available for children, encouraging in this way the development of the child's independence, maturation of identity and development of competencies. Implications In conclusion, school environment significantly affects child's learning, both because of the influence of architectural structures as because relational contexts and stimuli offered by the environment and by the educators. It means that the Ministry of Education in any Country should pay attention to the way buildings are constructed, especially regarding the richness of corners and materials at disposal of the children and of the educators

DO WE NEED TO TRAIN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO CARE ABOUT OTHER LIVING BEINGS?

The aim of the present work is to show that early learning at school about animal welfare can help the future generation to respect our planet and to care about other living beings. This educational process should start at the level of primary school to create a significant imprinting in students who are very young. First of all, it would be necessary to integrate primary school guidelines with additional ones that teach students to respect our species and others. Secondly, I do hope that Croatia may become leader in teaching students the respect toward animals. It would also be desirable that the Croatian Ministry of Education presents brand new guidelines which should include: firstly teachers' training on the topic and, secondly, students' training by means of their own teachers. This is a complex project, but at the same time extremely motivatin

MANAGING A PRIMARY SCHOOL CLASS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

The main purpose of our research was to investigate how to practically manage a primary school class. In the course of the empirical section, we collected teachers' opinions about the perception of students' conduct by means of a standardized questionnaire. The results obtained are interesting: Teachers give a considerable value to collaboration among students, teachers and parents as a factor which influences the behaviour of the class in a positive way. Our results indicate that preestablished rules of correct behaviour (i.e. behaviour contract) create a more mature sense of responsibility in children that young. Finally, the results show that the teachers we tested have sometimes difficulty to manage the class and, on the contrary, use old repressing discipline.We suppose it may be caused by two reasons: the former is that teachers need to go deep into competences about managing an elementary class both theorically as practically during teacher's curriculum studiorum and training. The latter is that our pupils live during an historical period in which everything seems allowed; sometimes, families are loosing their leading role and are unable to give the young generation specific rules to behave the right way. Because of this, primary schools and teachers are often asked to be the most important point of reference for pupils. In our opinion this is an impossible demand for schools and teachers; we do suggest this problem has to be solved by a tight cooperation between school and family. The two institutions must have a leading role working together to train young generation to become responsible adults in a very near future

Reflexiones sobre la inserción de la disciplina de nutrición a la formación del enfermero

This study aimed to characterize the Nutrition discipline in six undergraduate courses in nursing regarding to the professor background, workload, content, strategies of education and evaluation from the perspective of the professor who teaches it. This is a descriptive research, carried out through semi-structured interviews, analyzed through the Thematic Analysis. It was verified that the discipline content approaches Nutrition in the vital cycle in the prevention of illnesses, as well as, in the healing aspect. the importance of the professor to be attentive to the content complexity necessary to the Nursing Education is highlighted. Nutrition knowledge favors the performance of the Nurse in a multifunctional health team. the formation of study groups with professors from Nutrition disciplines in the health area of undergraduate programs is suggested.Este estudo visa caracterizar a disciplina de Nutrição ministrada em seis cursos de graduação em enfermagem quanto à formação do docente, carga horária, conteúdos, estratégias de ensino e avaliação a partir da ótica do professor que a ministra. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, realizada por entrevistas semi-estruturadas, analisadas por meio da Análise Temática. Verifica-se que o conteúdo das disciplinas abrange tanto o aspecto da Nutrição no ciclo vital e na prevenção de doenças quanto no aspecto curativo. Salienta-se a importância do professor estar atento quanto à complexidade dos conteúdos necessários para a formação do enfermeiro. Os conhecimentos da Nutrição favorecem a atuação do enfermeiro na equipe multiprofissional em saúde. Sugere-se formação de grupos de estudo de professores das disciplinas de Nutrição em Cursos da área da saúde.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Paulista Med Sch, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Paulista Med Sch, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

La mediazione familiare nei casi di affido dei figli/e e violenza domestica: contesto legale, pratiche dei servizi ed esperienze delle donne in Italia

L’applicabilità della mediazione familiare in contesto di violenza domestica (VD) è oggetto di discussione. Scopo della ricerca è esplorare il ruolo della mediazione familiare nella gestione degli affidi dei figli in situazione di VD, analizzando le esperienze, conoscenze e significati di differenti attori sociali, quali avvocati, assistenti sociali e donne separate con figli, vittime di VD, e la documentazione inerente. I risultati mostrano che la VD viene occultata durante la mediazione. I professionisti spesso ignorano la VD e di conseguenza applicano la mediazione; ex-coniugi e genitori vengono presentati come distinti; i pattern di potere e controllo agiti dal partner violento durante la relazione continuano in queste occasioni. La mediazione, che dovrebbe essere centrata sul miglior interesse del bambino, si focalizza sul miglior interesse dei padri. I professionisti non conoscono la Convenzione di Istanbul. La sicurezza di donne e bambini/e viene messa a rischio. Le recours à la médiation familiale dans le domaine de la violence conjugale (VC) fait l’objet de débats. Cette recherche a pour but d’examiner le rôle de la médiation familiale dans les cas de garde d’enfants en situation de VC, analysant les expériences, les connaissances, les valeurs de différents acteurs sociaux (par exemple, avocats, travailleurs sociaux, femmes séparées avec enfants, victimes de VC) ainsi que des documents ad hoc. Les résultats montrent que la VC est dissimulée pendant la médiation. Les professionnels souvent ignorent la VC et par conséquent utilisent la médiation ; ex-conjoints et parents sont par ailleurs présentés sous la forme de deux entités distinctes ; les modèles de pouvoir et de contrôle appliqués par le conjoint violent dans la vie familiale continuent d’être utilisés durant ces occasions. La médiation, qui devrait protéger avant tout l'intérêt de l'enfant, s’adresse au contraire à l’intérêt des pères. Les professionnels ne connaissent pas la Convention d’Istanbul. La sécurité des femmes et de leurs enfants est mise en danger. The family mediation’s applicability in domestic violence (DV) cases is discussed. Aim of this research is to explore the role of family-mediation in the management of child custody in DV cases, analysing the experiences and knowledge of different social actors - lawyers, social workers and separated women with children, victims of DV - and legal documents. Results showed that violence against women and children was concealed. Professionals ignore DV and so apply mediation as a rule; ex-spouses and parents are presented as distinct from each other; the perpetrators’ patterns of power and control continue during mediation. Family mediation should be focused on the children’s best interest but it is focused on the fathers’ best interest. Professionals unknown the Istanbul Convention. The safety of children and women was put again at risk

Reflections on the insertion of the nutrition discipline in nursing education

This study aimed to characterize the Nutrition discipline in six undergraduate courses in nursing regarding to the professor background, workload, content, strategies of education and evaluation from the perspective of the professor who teaches it. This is a descriptive research, carried out through semi-structured interviews, analyzed through the Thematic Analysis. It was verified that the discipline content approaches Nutrition in the vital cycle in the prevention of illnesses, as well as, in the healing aspect. The importance of the professor to be attentive to the content complexity necessary to the Nursing Education is highlighted. Nutrition knowledge favors the performance of the Nurse in a multifunctional health team. The formation of study groups with professors from Nutrition disciplines in the health area of undergraduate programs is suggested.El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la disciplina de Nutrición en seis cursos de la graduación en cuanto a la formación docente, carga horaria, contenidos, estrategias y evaluación a partir de la óptica del profesor que la ministra. Trátase de una investigación descriptiva, realizada a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, analizadas por medio del Análisis de Contenido Temático. Se pudo observar que el contenido de las disciplinas abarca tanto el aspecto de la Nutrición en el ciclo vital como la prevención de la enfermedad en cuanto al aspecto curativo. La importancia del profesor estar atento a la complejidad de los contenidos necesarios para la formación del enfermero fue enfatizada. Los conocimientos de la Nutrición favorecen la actuación del enfermero en el equipo multiprofesional en salud. La evaluación del aprendizaje de los alumnos es predominantemente somativa, dificultando la posibilidad de retomar sus errores. Sugiérese la formación de grupos de estudio de profesores de las disciplinas de Nutrición en Cursos del área de la salud.Este estudo visa caracterizar a disciplina de Nutrição ministrada em seis cursos de graduação em enfermagem quanto à formação do docente, carga horária, conteúdos, estratégias de ensino e avaliação a partir da ótica do professor que a ministra. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, realizada por entrevistas semi-estruturadas, analisadas por meio da Análise Temática. Verifica-se que o conteúdo das disciplinas abrange tanto o aspecto da Nutrição no ciclo vital e na prevenção de doenças quanto no aspecto curativo. Salienta-se a importância do professor estar atento quanto à complexidade dos conteúdos necessários para a formação do enfermeiro. Os conhecimentos da Nutrição favorecem a atuação do enfermeiro na equipe multiprofissional em saúde. Sugere-se formação de grupos de estudo de professores das disciplinas de Nutrição em Cursos da área da saúde

Germination and Early Seedling Growth of High Andean Native Plants under Heavy Metal Stress

The development of large-scale mining activity along the Central Andes of Argentina (CAA) has generated significant amounts of waste materials containing heavy metals. Phytoremediation is a promising eco-friendly, low-cost, and effective technology for the removal of heavy metals. The present study aimed to identify two native dominant species from the CCA, Adesmia subterranea and A. pinifolia, as metal-tolerant plant species for the first time, by evaluating the germination and early seedling growth at different concentrations (ppm) of Cd (3, 4.5 and 6), Ni (150, 225 and 300), As (20, 30 and 40), and Hg (0.8, 1.2 and 1.6) Early seedling growth was found to be more sensitive to heavy metals than germination. Ni and As exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect on both species’ germination percentages. In contrast, with Cd and Hg, no inhibitory effect was recorded. Root length, metal tolerance index, and fresh and dry weight were stimulated with Hg. However, the phytotoxic effect was greater as the concentration of Ni, As, and Cd increased. As an overall conclusion, the order of toxicity for these species can be classified as Ni > As > Cd > Hg. Therefore, Adesmia species could be considered as candidates for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with Hg and low concentrations of Cd.Fil: Parera, Victoria. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan; ArgentinaFil: Parera, Carlos. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria; ArgentinaFil: Feresin, Gabriela Egly. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan; Argentin

Green Synthesis of Potential Antifungal Agents: 2-Benzyl Substituted Thiobenzoazoles

A series of benzyl-substituted thiobenzoazoles were synthesized by an environmentally friendly 18 approach, to search for new antifungal agrochemicals. Compounds were prepared starting from 2- 19 mercaptobenzoazoles, using KOH, benzyl halides and water, resulting in a simple and ecological 20 method. New antifungals were tested against a group of phytopathogenic fungi. Two compounds 21 showed an interesting activity against Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus spp.: 22 2-((4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)thio)benzo[d]thiazole, 3ac, and 2-((4- 23 methylbenzyl)thio)benzo[d]thiazole, 3al. Thus, 3ac and 3al can be considered as broad spectrum 24 antifungal agents. Furthermore, two new compounds, 2-((4-iodobenzyl)thio)benzo[d]thiazole, 3aj, 25 and 2-(benzylthio)benzo[d]oxazole, 3ba, showed better inhibitory effect against Botrytis cinerea 26 and Fusarium oxysporum when compared to the commercial fungicide Captan. Thus, 3aj and 3ba 27 can be considered reduced-spectrum antifungalsFil: Ballari, María Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Herrera Cano, Natividad Carolina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: López, Abel Gerardo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Wunderlin, Daniel Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Feresin, Gabriela Egly. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Santiago, Ana Noemi. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; Argentin

Synergistic mutual potentiation of antifungal activity of Zuccagnia punctata Cav. and Larrea nitida Cav. extracts in clinical isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata

Background: Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Fabaceae) and Larrea nitida Cav. (Zygophyllaceae) are indistinctly or jointly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of fungal-related infections. Although their dichloromethane (DCM) extract have demonstrated moderate antifungal activities when tested on their own, antifungal properties of combinations of both plants have not been assessed previously. Purpose: The aim of this study was to establish with statistical rigor whether Z. punctata (ZpE) and L. nitida DCM extract (LnE) interact synergistically against the clinically important fungi Candida albicans and Candida glabrata and to characterize the most synergistic combinations. Study design: For synergism assessment, the statistical-based Boik's design was applied. Eight ZpE–LnE fixed-ratio mixtures were prepared from four different months of 1 year and tested against Candida strains. Lϕ (Loewe index) of each mixture at different fractions affected (ϕ) allowed for the finding of the most synergistic combinations, which were characterized by HPLC fingerprint and by the quantitation of the selected marker compounds. Methods: Lϕ and confidence intervals were determined in vitro with the MixLow method, once the estimated parameters from the dose–response curves of independent extracts and mixtures, were obtained. Markers (four flavonoids for ZpE and three lignans for LnE) were quantified in each extract and their combinations, with a valid HPLC–UV method. The 3D-HPLC profiles of the most synergistic mixtures were obtained by HPLC–DAD. Results: Three over four IC50ZpE/IC50LnE fixed-ratio mixtures displayed synergistic interactions at effect levels ϕ > 0.5 against C. albicans. The dosis of the most synergistic (Lϕ = 0.62) mixture was 65.96 µg/ml (ZpE = 28%; LnE = 72%) containing 8 and 36% of flavonoids and lignans respectively. On the other hand, one over four IC50ZpE/IC50LnE mixtures displays synergistic interactions at ϕ > 0.5 against C. glabrata. The dosis of the most synergistic (Lϕ = 0.67) mixture was 168.23 µg/ml (ZpE = 27%; LnE = 73%) with 9.7 and 31.6% of flavonoids and lignans respectively. Conclusions: Studies with the statistical-based MixLow method, allowed for the finding of the most ZpE–LnE synergistic mixtures, giving support to a proper joint use of both antifungal herbs in traditional medicine.Fil: Butassi, Estefanía. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Svetaz, Laura Andrea. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Ivancovich, Juan J.. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; ArgentinaFil: Feresin, Gabriela Egly. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Tapia, Alejandro A.. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Zacchino, Susana Alicia Stella. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin