FOSTERING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE VERBAL, ALGEBRAIC, AND GEOMETRIC REPRESENTATIONS OF BASIC PLANAR CURVES FOR STUDENT’S SUCCESS IN THE STUDY OF MATHEMATICS

We discuss the significance of making connections between the verbal, algebraic, and geometric representations of basic mathematical objects for students’ understanding of mathematical instructions. Our survey of 499 students enrolled in a precalculus university course reveals that such connections are not always present, even if the objects themselves are familiar to the students. We stress that the ability of making these connections needs to be specifically addressed in teaching mathematics at various levels. A proper attention to the matter contributes to the formation of students’ mathematical background, which makes a difference for their success in study of calculus, in particular

Melanoma Cellular Signaling Transduction Pathways Targeted by Polyphenols Action Mechanisms

Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. Although different anti-melanoma treatments are available, their efficacy is still improvable, and the number of deaths continues to increase worldwide. A promising source of antitumor agents could be presented by polyphenols—natural plant-based compounds. Over the past decades, many studies have described multiple anticancer effects of polyphenols in melanoma, presenting their potential interactions with targeted molecules from different signaling pathways. However, to our knowledge, there is no comprehensive review on polyphenols-regulated mechanisms in melanoma cells available in the literature. To fulfill this gap, this article aims to summarize the current knowledge of molecular mechanisms of action regulated by polyphenols involved in melanoma initiation and progression. Here, we focus on in vitro and in vivo effects of polyphenol treatments on tumor-essential cellular pathways, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Moreover, emerging studies regarding the well-marked role of polyphenols in the regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), highlighting their contribution to melanoma development, are also epitomized. Finally, we hope this review will provide a firm basis for developing polyphenol-based therapeutic agents in melanoma treatment