395 research outputs found
Search for SUSY in Final States with Z Bosons
A search for SUSY processes leading to final states with Z bosons is performed at a low mass point in the mSUGRA parameter space. The signature of such processes is studied using both a complete and a fast simulation. It is shown that the signal can be seen over the Standard Model background with high significance already at an integrated luminosity of 1fb^-1. The SUSY discovery potential is explored in the m_0,m_1/2 parameter space
Insulin sensitivity and Lp(α) concentrations in normoglycemic offspring of type 2 diabetic parents
BACKGROUND: Offspring of at least 1 parent with type 2 diabetes are more resistant to the insulin action, exhibit higher incidence of dyslipidemia and are more prone to cardiovascular diseases. The association between Lp(α) and coronary heart disease is well established. An association between Lp(α) concentration and insulin sensitivity was examined in this study. We investigated the serum LP(α) in 41 offspring of 41 families of type 2 diabetic subjects (group I) with normal glucose tolerance, compared to 49 offspring who their parents had no history of type 2 diabetes, matched for sex, age, BMI, WHR and blood pressure (group II). Serum Lp(α), triglycerides, insulin resistant index, HDL, LDL-cholesterol and insulin were measured. RESULTS: The offspring of type 2 diabetic subjects had higher fasting serum triglycerides (mean ± SD 199.3 ± 184.2 vs. 147.1 ± 67.9 ng/dl, p < 0.05) lower HDL-cholesterol (37.3 ± 9.0 vs. 44.6 ± 7.8, p < 0.001) and particularly higher Insulin resistance Index (HOMA-IR) (2.84 ± 1.39 vs. 1.67 ± 0.77, p < 0.001). They also had higher serum LP(α) concentration (15.4 ± 6.7 vs. 8.6 ± 6.0, p < 0.001). By simple linear analysis in the offspring of type 2 diabetic parents there was no correlation of Lp(α) concentration with insulin resistance index Homa-IR (r = 0,016 p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that serum LP(α) is significantly increased in offspring of type 2 diabetic subjects but was not related to insulin sensitivity
Inclusive early childhood education : literature review
This literature review on Early Childhood Education (ECE)/Inclusive Early Childhood
Education (IECE) is part of the âInclusive Early Childhood Educationâ project, conducted by
the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education. The projectâs overall goal
is to identify and analyse the factors that enable quality and effective pre-primary
programmes for all children in inclusive early years settings.
This review shows that international organisations and the European Union (EU) regard
high-quality ECE/IECE as an essential foundation for lifelong learning. It is indispensable
for success in modern knowledge-based economies. Participation in high-quality pre-
primary education has long-lasting positive effects on childrenâs development and the
benefits are greater for children from a disadvantaged background (Frawley, 2014). In
many cases, the early childhood stage is critical because many childrenâs different needs
are detected once they become part of the education system. Therefore, one EU
benchmark in the strategic framework for European co-operation in education and
training (ET 2020) is that at least 95% of children between the age of four and compulsory
school age should participate in ECE.
At the same time, there are concerns about the accessibility and quality of ECE/IECE
provisions. Despite its importance â especially considering the latest data about provisions
for children with special educational needs (SEN) and/or at risk of social exclusion
(e.g. due to poverty) in Europe from birth to seven years â the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD, 2004) reports that only one quarter of children
with SEN are included in mainstream early education settings.
This literature review aims to:
âą collect information about at-risk children and/or children with SEN in Europe at the
pre-primary education level;
âą describe where those children are located during the pre-primary stages;
âą explore which resources are allocated to meet their needs;
âą describe the main characteristics of the educational contexts where these children
are included.
This document summarises major research and policy documents to analyse Early
Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services and programmes implemented for at-risk
children and/or those with SEN.
Chapter 2 introduces the definitions of the concepts that are the focus of study. Chapter 3
summarises the main documents published by international organisations and reviews the
main EU policy developments related to ECE/IECE which define the context in this area.
Chapter 4 reviews the latest literature describing the benefits of ECE/IECE for at-risk
children and children with SEN. Chapters 5 to 10 describe relevant academic research,
aiming to identify the main factors that are important in early years programmes. The key research is framed within the five principles identified by the European Commissionâs
Thematic Working Group on ECEC (2014), namely:
âą Access/transition procedures
âą Workforce
âą Curriculum/content
âą Governance/funding
âą Monitoring/evaluation.peer-reviewe
Stress effects on ovine behaviour, physiology and the gastrointestinal microbiota
Studies across different species have demonstrated the presence of an interplay between the
brain, the gut and the microbiome, most commonly referred to as the gut-brain axis.
Furthermore, it has been well documented that stress can affect neuroendocrinological and
immunological systems, resulting in altered behaviours, as well as physiological
dysregulations. In the past few decades, the effects of stress on the microbiome and the
implications of the microbial community structure for the host have been the focus of many
studies, aiming to shed light on this intricate and multi-pathway relationship.
Despite this, most studies have been conducted on humans and rodents, with very few on farm
animals, particularly ruminants. In ruminants, as in monogastrics, the gut accommodates high
microbial concentrations and facilitates host-microbial interactions. What differentiates
ruminants is the presence of the rumen, which hosts an equally important microbial
community. This organ acts as a primary location for fermentation of feed and plays a pivotal
role in animal metabolism, immunity and overall homeostasis. The effects of stress
susceptibility, and more specifically psychological or behavioural stress, have been poorly
explored in ruminants, despite their well-recognised and important effects on other aspects of
animal health and welfare.
This project therefore aimed to explore: 1) the effect of genetic predisposition to stress; 2) the
long-term effect of prenatal and early life stressful events; and 3) effects of repeated and
unpredictable management stress on the ovine gastrointestinal microbiome in conjunction with
various physiology and behavioural aspects.
The first experiment investigated genetic differences in gut and rumen microbial community
structure and blood cortisol concentrations in 58 adult Romane ewes, previously selected on
the basis of divergent reactivity to stress (30 ewes with high reactivity; 28 ewes with low
reactivity). The two groups differed in their behavioural reactivity towards a temporary
separation from congeners based on bouts of high bleats. Despite extensive analyses of the
microbiota at the phylum, order and genus level, there were only small significant differences
in the rumen and faecal microbiota, even when including cortisol levels in the analyses. For
example, higher levels of cortisol were positively correlated with Ruminococcus abundance in
faecal samples and Lactobacillus in the rumen, while Rikenellaceae abundance was positively
correlated with reactive EBV scores in faecal samples.
The second experiment investigated long-term effects of three prenatal stress treatments
(Control, Negative and Alternative) and the effect of two early-life treatments (Isolation or
Ewe Recognition tests) on the rumen microbial community structure of 35 8-month-old
Scottish Mule lambs, at a stage when the rumen microbiome had assumed a relative stable and
mature form. Sex and diet effects were confounded, while Prenatal Treatment did not appear
to have an effect. Neonatal Treatment had an effect on relative abundances at the phylum level.
The abundance of several bacterial species was correlated with higher or lower cortisol levels,
such as Lactobacillus in Isolated females and Proteobacteria in Isolated males; these
significant negative correlations suggested long-lasting effects of early life events.
Finally, in the third experiment, we explored the effect of a 6-week mild unpredictable Chronic
Stress paradigm on various behavioural (i.e., time budgets, reactions to a suddenness test) and
physiology aspects (i.e. hormonal levels, heart rate and VFAs), as well as the rumen and gut
microbiota structure. Forty-eight female Romane lambs were separated into two treatments:
Non-Treated (NT, n = 24) and Mild Chronically Stressed Animals (MCS, n = 24). Amongst
the most interesting results, indicating a treatment effect, were differences in synchronisation
of animals resting and sleeping, duration of resting time, and reactions to novelty, as expressed
by latency to approach the ball and contact time with the ball in the suddenness test. Microbiota
diversity indices, particularly for the non-treated group, indicated a different development of
the microbial community. In MCS animals, cortisol and serotonin levels indicated that several
bacteria proliferate in the presence/absence of these hormones, but correlation scores were
generally non-significant.
In conclusion, it appears that the microbiota community structure in the rumen is not
significantly affected by management stress or stress susceptibility, although the
communication pathways between rumen bacteria and host behaviour warrant further
exploration
Inclusive early childhood education : an analysis of 32 European examples
This report is part of the three-year Inclusive Early Childhood Education (IECE)
project run by the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education (the
Agency) from 2015 to 2017. The project aims to identify, analyse and subsequently
promote the main characteristics of quality inclusive pre-primary education for all
children from three years of age to the start of primary education.
This report presents the results of a qualitative analysis of 32 descriptions of
examples of IECE provisions across Europe. The descriptions were submitted to the
project in August 2015. The findings represent European practitionersâ perceptions
of and practices for IECE.
An inductive thematic data analysis method was used, in that themes or issues were
initially derived from reading the descriptions. This inductive process was, however,
also intertwined with relevant theory, particularly the Agencyâs âultimate vision for
inclusive education systemsâ that:
... ensure that all learners of any age are provided with meaningful, highâquality
educational opportunities in their local community, alongside their friends and
peers(European Agency, 2015, p. 1).
In total, 25 subthemes were identified. These were organised into a new Ecosystem
Model of Inclusive Early Childhood Education, which is also presented in a
comprehensive diagram (Figure 1). Two major perspectives previously used in
describing the quality of ECE settings inspired this new model. These are the
Outcome-Process-Structure model and the Ecological Systems model. The
subthemes were subsequently grouped into five main themes:
âą Theme 1: The first main and central theme is âChild belongingness, engagement
and learningâ, often generally understood as active participation. This
participation is regarded as both the main outcome and process of IECE.
âą Theme 2: Five major processesinvolving the childâs direct experience in the IECE
setting enable this central outcome and process. These processes are:
â Positive interaction with adults and peers
â Involvement in play and other daily activities
â A child-centred approach
â Personalised assessment for learning
â Accommodations, adaptations and support.
âą Theme 3: These processes are in turn supported by structural factors, consisting
of the physical, social, cultural and educational environment. These factors may operate at different ecological levels. Some operate within the ECE setting and
include:
â A warm welcome for every child and family
â Family involvement within the ECE setting.
â A holistic curriculum designed for all childrenâs needs
â An environment designed for all children
â Staff who are appropriately qualified for IECE
â A culturally-responsive social and physical environment
â Inclusive leadership committed to respect and engagement for all
individuals
â Collaboration and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
âą Theme 4: Inclusive processes experienced by the child are also influenced by
more distant structural factors in the community surrounding the ECE setting.
These include:
â Collaboration between the ECE setting and the childrenâs families
â Relevant in-service training for ECE staff
â Wider community commitment and support for serving all children
â Inter-disciplinary and inter-agency co-operation of services from outside
the ECE setting that serve the children in the pre-school
â Organising smooth transitions between home and the ECE setting.
âą Theme 5: Finally, the analysis found a number of structural factors operating at
the macro-system level. These factors were not in direct contact with the ECE
setting. However, they still influenced inclusive processes in the setting. They
are:
â A rights-based approach to ECE
â Provision of mainstream ECE access for all
â Setting up regional/national standards for a holistic IECE curriculum
â Availability of initial education for teachers and other staff for IECE
â Good governance and funding systems for IECE
â Procedures for regular monitoring and evaluation.
This overview of the ecosystem of outcomes, processes and structures for IECE is
presented in the Results chapter. Five evidence-based chapters, dedicated to each of the five main themes, follow this. Each chapter presents a brief description of
each of the outcome, process or structural factors within each main theme. These
are accompanied by one to five quotations from each of the 32 example
descriptions. The quotations illustrate and provide concrete evidence of what
constitutes quality outcomes, processes and structures that are prevalent across
Europe.
The quotations were chosen both to reflect the different types of IECE concepts and
practices, and to reflect the variety of countries and cultures where they occur. They
are intended to stimulate inclusive developments in research, policy and practice in
Europe and internationally.
Finally, the Conclusion highlights the added value that this analysis contributes to
IECE research, policy and practice. Four new insights are addressed:
1. The development of the new Ecosystem Model of IECE, inspired by two
previous major models, should clarify the understanding of the issues related
to quality ECE.
2. The analysis shows how, within an inclusive perspective, IECEâs primary goal is
best conceived as that of ensuring quality outcomes for all children in terms of
participation. This is described here as belongingness, engagement and
learning.
3. The analysis shines a new light on the major processes in which children are
directly involved and which mostinfluence each childâs participation and
learning. These need to be a major focus of any intervention to improve ECE
quality.
4. The analysis clarifies the structural factors needed to support the development
of more inclusive ECE settings. It also shows how these factors are related to
local and national policies and practices. Situating the structures at the ECE
setting, community and regional/national levels isimportant in levering them
to bring about the changes needed to enable each child to participate and
learn.peer-reviewe
Inclusive early childhood education new insights and tools â contributions from a European study
Quality in early childhood education is a prominent concern for policy-makers, and has
recently become a priority concern for many international and European organisations.
These include the OECD, UNESCO, UNICEF, the European Commission, Eurydice and the
European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, among others.
Over the past three years (2015â2017), the European Agency for Special Needs and
Inclusive Education (the Agency) has examined the latest policy documents and relevant
research in this field. This has been a springboard for exploring the main characteristics of
quality inclusive early childhood education (IECE) for all children from three years of age to
the start of primary education.
The project data from across Europe has provided an opportunity to closely examine how,
within the inclusion perspective, early childhood education provisions are addressing the
quality principles set out by the European Commission and the OECD.
Sixty-four inclusive early childhood education experts from across Europe contributed to
the project. They participated in data collection and analysis through descriptions of
example provisions, as well as observations and discussions during field work and case
study visits.
This report first sets out the main policy and practice developments towards inclusive
early childhood education, with particular reference to European policy issues
(Chapters 2â3).
It then presents the projectâs three new contributions towards improving quality inclusive
early childhood education (Chapters 4â6). These are:
1. A clear rationale for and an analysis of the implications of adopting an inclusive
vision and goals as the main standards of inclusive early childhood policy and
provision. The project found that high-quality services that benefited all children
were guided by an inclusive vision and worked towards inclusive goals. As their
primary outcome, they sought to ensure each childâs belongingness, engagement
and learning. This reflects the changes in early childhood intervention in recent decades. The focus has shifted from âworking with the childâ towards a holistic
approach that creates an inclusive environment for all childrenâs engagement and
learning. The report thus refers to quality early childhood education (ECE) as
âinclusive early childhood educationâ (IECE). It only uses the terms âearly childhood
educationâ (ECE) or âearly childhood education and careâ (ECEC) when referring to
the literature.
2. A new Self-Reflection Tool for improving inclusive early childhood education
settings. This enables practitioners to review their serviceâs quality in terms of the
inclusiveness of the physical, social and other learning environments it offers to
children and families. The tool has been validated by project experts and additional
ecological studies. It is ready for use by practitioners in inclusive early childhood
education settings in different education systems and countries across Europe and
beyond.
3. A new Ecosystem Model of Inclusive Early Childhood Education for policy-makers
and other stakeholders wishing to collaborate towards effective action in this field.
This model can support policy-makers and practitioners to collaborate in planning,
reviewing and improving quality IECE services. The model is founded on the project
data. It is inspired by three major frameworks for quality IECE, namely:
(1) The structure-process-outcome framework used by European and international
policy-makers (European Commission, 2014; OECD, 2015; European Agency,
2009)
(2) The ecological systems framework (Bronfenbrenner and Morris, 2006)
(3) The inclusive education perspective (European Agency, 2015).
It incorporates all the principles of the EU and OECD frameworks for quality early
childhood education. However, it enhances their applicability by locating them at
different ecological levels (inclusive early childhood education setting,
home/community and regional/national levels).
Finally, the report gives an account of the lessons learned during the three-year project
and the resulting recommendations (Chapter 7). These are presented within the
framework of the new Ecosystem Model of IECE. They are mainly directed at policy-
makers, but they also point to the implications for practitioners. Indeed, they are
formulated in terms of how policy-makers can support practitioners to ensure quality
provisions.peer-reviewe
Knowledge of medical students about Hepatitis B
The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge level of graduate medical students about Hepatitis B. The material of this study was 109 questionnaires, answered by an equal number of students. According to the results, the knowledge of graduate medical students on Hepatitis B was in quite satisfactory level concerning most of the topics
Hepatic Fgf21 Expression Is Repressed after Simvastatin Treatment in Mice.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (Fgf21) is a hormone with emerging beneficial roles in glucose and lipid homeostasis. The interest in Fgf21 as a potential antidiabetic drug and the factors that regulate its production and secretion is growing. Statins are the most widely prescribed drug for the treatment of dyslipidemia. However, the function of statins is not limited to the lowering of cholesterol as they are associated with pleiotropic actions such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects. The recently described effect of statins on mitochondrial function and the induction of Fgf21 by mitochondrial stress prompted us to investigate the effect of statin treatment on Fgf21 expression in the liver. To this end, C57BL6J male mice and primary mouse hepatocytes were treated with simvastatin, and Fgf21 expression was subsequently assessed by immunoblotting and quantitative real-time PCR. Hepatic Fgf21 protein and mRNA and circulating levels of FGF21significantly decreased in mice that had received simvastatin in their food (0.1% w/w) for 1 week. This effect was also observed with simvastatin doses as low as 0.01% w/w for 1 week or following 2 intraperitoneal injections within a single day. The reduction in Fgf21 mRNA levels was further verified in primary mouse hepatocytes, indicating that the effect of simvastatin is cell autonomous. In conclusion, simvastatin treatment reduced the circulating and hepatic Fgf21 levels and this effect warrants further investigation with reference to its role in metabolism
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