Explication of the Methodological Difficulties of Modern Axiology

The authors focus on the group of methodological difficulties of axiology, due to its specific multifaceted subject. One of the major difficulties in the study of values is that there is no unity in the understanding of the essence of value in science. Axiological theories that exist within different philosophical and cultural philosophy of teachings represent a diversity of opinions, conclusions, decisions and methodological approaches. There are several different approaches of consideration of the category of "value", covering different spheres of social life in axiology, in values the elements of the sub-categories and subcategories are distinguished. Methodological pluralism in interpretation and typology of values are analyzing. Theoretical foundations of axiology are formed as a response to two major challenges: existential status of values and their relationship to the facts of reality. The response to these challenges in axiology was pluralization of ways of philosophizing, which is expressed in the generation of a variety of axiologically oriented traditions, based on its own research methodology and leading to the existence of a number of methodological inconsistencies. According to the results of the analysis, the authors concluded that the difficulties of methodological nature, reflecting the diversity of its subject matter, are manifested in the increasing expansion of the research field of axiology, in the unresolved range of the fundamental problems in the axiology in the existing diversity of theories, values and definitions of the concept of "value" itself and etc., this methodological situation requires a rethinking of the methodology and axiology. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s1p47

Digital technologies in modern higher educational space: analysis of risks and threats

At present, Russia faces a strategic task related to building a course aimed at a breakthrough in the scientific, technological and socio-economic development of the country. This development is inextricably linked with the digital economy, which, in turn, is impossible without the digitalization of education. The essence of digitalization of education is to achieve high performance in the educational process using digital technologies. It is noted, that within the framework of the digital transformation of education, the content of education, methods, forms of educational work, forms of assessing the results achieved by students are changing. On the one hand, this process is aimed at developing a digital educational environment in order to improve the educational results of each student, but on the other hand, when using digital technologies in the higher educational space, the following risks arise: the risk of dehumanization, the risk of spiritual lumpenization, the threat to the fundamental component of traditional education caused by the promotion of “educational services”, the risk of loss of cognitive competencies, the risk of technologization and robotization, the deepening crisis of intellectual culture, the threat to the creative development of the individual, the risk of social exclusion

Differences in the Formation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Their Cytotoxicity between Thiols Combined with Aqua- and Cyanocobalamins

Cobalamin is an essential nutrient required for the normal functioning of cells. Its deficiency can lead to various pathological states. Hydroxocobalamin (HOCbl) and cyanocobalamin (CNCbl) are the forms of vitamin B12 that are most commonly used for supplementation. There is substantial evidence indicating that cobalamins can both suppress and promote oxidative stress; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. Here, it was shown that the oxidation of thiols catalyzed by HOCbl and CNCbl is accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induces, under certain conditions, oxidative stress and cell death. The form of vitamin B12 and the structure of thiol play a decisive role in these processes. It was found that the mechanisms and kinetics of thiol oxidation catalyzed by HOCbl and CNCbl differ substantially. HOCbl increased the rate of oxidation of thiols to a greater extent than CNCbl, but quenched ROS in combination with certain thiols. Oxidation catalyzed by CNCbl was generally slower. Yet, the absence of ROS quenching resulted in their higher accumulation. The aforementioned results might explain a more pronounced cytotoxicity induced by combinations of thiols with CNCbl. On the whole, the data obtained provide a new insight into the redox processes in which cobalamins are involved. Our results might also be helpful in developing new approaches to the treatment of some cobalamin-responsive disorders in which oxidative stress is an important component

Effect of phenolic acids of microbial origin on production of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria and neutrophils

Abstract Background Several low-molecular-weight phenolic acids are present in the blood of septic patients at high levels. The microbial origin of the most of phenolic acids in the human body was shown previously, but pathophysiological role of the phenolic acids is not clear. Sepsis is associated with the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in both the circulation and the affected organs. In this work the influence of phenolic acids on ROS production in mitochondria and neutrophils was investigated. Methods ROS production in mitochondria and neutrophils was determined by MCLA- and luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. The rate of oxygen consumption by mitochondria was determined polarographically. The difference of electric potentials on the inner mitochondrial membrane was registered using a TPP+-selective electrode. The formation of phenolic metabolites in monocultures by the members of the main groups of the anaerobic human microflora and aerobic pathogenic bacteria was investigated by the method of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results All phenolic acids had impact on mitochondria and neutrophils, the main producers of ROS in tissues and circulation. Phenolic acids (benzoic and cinnamic acids) producing the pro-oxidant effect on mitochondria inhibited ROS formation in neutrophils. Their effect on mitochondria was abolished by dithiothreitol (DTT). Phenyllactate and p-hydroxyphenyllactate decreased ROS production in both mitochondria and neutrophils. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli produced in vitro considerable amounts of phenyllactic and p-hydroxyphenyllactic acids, Clostridia s. produced great quantities of phenylpropionic and p-hydroxyphenylpropionic acids, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid was produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumanii; and benzoic acid, by Serratia marcescens. Conclusions The most potent activators of ROS production in mitochondria are phenolic acids whose effect is mediated via the interaction with thiol groups. Among these are benzoic and cinnamic acids. Some phenolic acids, in particular phenyllactate and p-hydroxyphenyllactate, which decrease ROS production in mitochondria and neutrophils, can play a role of natural antioxidants. The results indicate that low-molecular weight phenolic acids of microbial origin participate in the regulation of the ROS production in both the circulation and tissues, thereby affecting the level of oxidative stress in sepsis.</p