The Case For Animal Protection Curricula in Schools in Hong Kong

In a city like Hong Kong where animal protection laws replicate outdated British legislation from the early 1900s, extensive educational measures must be taken to raise students’ collective awareness of animal welfare and rights, in order to meet the pressing environmental, social, and moral demands of a rapidly developing society. This article argues that the study of animal protection in Hong Kong school curricula is essential to raising future generations of responsible and empathetic community leaders and members. Not only can such curricula encourage students to make well-informed, healthy, and environmentally-conscious choices as consumers, it also challenges the speciesist “hidden curricula” perpetuated in schools, developing students’ critical and independent thinking skills and empowering them to regain ownership over and accountability for their decisions. It instils empathy in students towards animals, as well as vulnerable groups in society that share a similar narrative of oppression and exploitation, such as women and ethnic minorities. This article refutes the critique of animal protection curricula being a form of indoctrination by challenging the notion that any education system can be truly value-free

Measuring Law Students’ Attitudes Towards and Experiences of Clinical Legal Education at The University of Hong Kong

As law schools in Hong Kong begin to integrate experiential learning into their educational models, clinical legal education (CLE) has symbiotically gained traction as an effective way for students to apply their legal knowledge in a skills-based and client-centered environment. This empirical study is the first of its kind to evaluate the impacts of CLE at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) over the past ten years, by analyzing the survey responses provided by 125 law students regarding their attitudes towards and experiences of CLE. The article traces the birth and development of CLE at HKU, turning first to its theoretical basis to make the case for its importance, and placing emphasis on the ability of CLE’s teaching-service pedagogy to alleviate the public interest law deficit and supplement passive learning as an engaging instructional method in the Hong Kong context. The survey results are then discussed in light of the doctrinal analysis to illustrate that clinic and non-clinic students alike are generally satisfied that HKU’s CLE program has achieved its skills, cognitive, and civic aims, and notably, that clinic students had a statistically significant higher intention to participate in pro bono work after graduation than non-clinic students or students engaged in volunteering.        

Alcohol consumption and stress in second year nursing students

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar el consumo de alcohol y el estrés académico en estudiantes de enfermería. Se trata de una investigación descriptiva, transversal, que se realizó en el año de 2005. En este estudio los cuestionarios Inventario de Estrés Académico y el AUDIT fueron aplicados en 82 estudiantes de una Universidad privada en Lima, Perú. Los resultados mostraron que los estudiantes tenían edad promedio 20,4 años, siendo 92.7% solteras, 69.5% no trabajan, 91.5% no tenían hijos y 86.6% vivían con sus padres. La sobrecarga académica representó el estresor de mayor prevalencia, y en relación al consumo de alcohol, 48% consumieron 1-2 vasos en un día; 56.1% una vez al mes y 51.2% más de tres vasos en un día cualquiera; 11.0% dejaron de cumplir con sus obligaciones. Un tercio relató fumar, beber o comer demasiado. Se concluyó que todas las situaciones generan diversos niveles de estrés, relacionados al factor actividad/tiempo; siendo la preocupación, la mayor respuesta frente al estrés.O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o consumo de álcool e o estresse acadêmico em estudantes de Enfermagem. Como método, usou-se a investigação descritiva, transversal, realizada no ano 2005. Neste estudo, os questionários Inventário de Estresse Acadêmico e AUDIT foram aplicados em 82 estudantes de uma universidade privada em Lima, Peru. Os resultados mostram que os estudantes apresentaram idade média de 20,4 anos, sendo que 92,7% eram solteiros, 69,5% não trabalhavam, 91,5% não tinham filhos e 86,6% viviam com seus pais. A sobrecarga acadêmica representou o estressor de maior prevalência e, em relação ao consumo de álcool, 48% consumiam 1-2 copos por dia, 56,1% uma vez ao mês e 51,2% mais de três copos em um dia qualquer, e 11% deixaram de cumprir com suas obrigações. Um terço relatou fumar, beber ou comer demasiadamente. Conclui-se que todas as situações geraram diversos níveis de estresse, relacionados ao fator atividade/tempo, sendo a preocupação a maior resposta frente ao estresse.The aim of this study was to identify the consumption of alcohol and academic stress in nursing students. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, performed in 2005. The questionnaires Academic Stress Inventory and AUDIT were applied to 82 students of a private University in Lima, Peru. The students had a mean age of 20.4 years, 92.7% were single, 69.5% did not work, 91.5% had no children and 86.6% lived with their parents. The academic overload represented the stressor of highest prevalence. Regarding the consumption of alcohol, 56.1% consumed alcohol once a month, 48.0% consumed 1-2 glasses a day, and 51.2% more than three glasses during a normal day; 11.0% failed to comply with their obligations. One third reported smoking, drinking or eating in excess. All situations, related to the factor activity/time, generated various levels of stress, with worry reported as the main response to stress

Apuntes sobre el arbitraje en China y el reconocimiento de laudos

This paper is about the arbitration in China ant he recognition of the foreign arbitral awards in China and Peru. The author indicates how the arbitration and the dispute settlement were in China, also he says that the Chinese commercial opening produced that China adopted inside its legal system the commercial arbitration. Above this line, he says that the main instrument regarding the recognition and enforcement of the foreign arbitral awards in China and Peru is the New York Convention. About the proceeding of this recognition and enforcement of the foreign arbitral awards it is said how it is performed in the Chinese and Peruvian Law. The author ads that China and Peru should have a mutual awareness proceeding of the dispute settlement to ensure the mutual investments.El presente trabajo versa sobre el arbitraje en China y el reconocimiento de los laudos arbitrales extranjeros en China y Perú. El autor indica cómo era el arbitraje y la solución de controversias en China, también señala que la apertura comercial china generó que acoja dentro de su ordenamiento jurídico al arbitraje comercial. Sobre esa línea, señala que el principal instrumento sobre el reconocimiento y ejecución de los laudos extranjeros en China y Perú es la Convención de Nueva York. Sobre el procedimiento del reconocimiento y ejecución de los laudos extranjeros se dice cómo se realiza en el derecho chino y en el peruano. El autor añade que China y Perú deberían tener un proceso de conocimiento mutuo de solución de controversias para asegurar las inversiones mutuas

Matrix Remodeling and Hyaluronan Production by Myofibroblasts and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in 3D Collagen Matrices

The tumor microenvironment is a key modulator in cancer progression and has become a novel target in cancer therapy. An increase in hyaluronan (HA) accumulation and metabolism can be found in advancing tumor progression and are often associated with aggressive malignancy, drug resistance and poor prognosis. Wound-healing related myofibroblasts or activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are assumed to be the major sources of HA. Both cell types are capable to synthesize new matrix components as well as reorganize the extracellular matrix. However, to which extent myofibroblasts and CAF perform these actions are still unclear. In this work, we investigated the matrix remodeling and HA production potential in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHFB) and CAF in the absence and presence of transforming growth factor beta -1 (TGF-β1), with TGF-β1 being a major factor of regulating fibroblast differentiation. Three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrix was utilized to mimic the extracellular matrix of the tumor microenvironment. We found that CAF appeared to response insensitively towards TGF-β1 in terms of cell proliferation and matrix remodeling when compared to NHFB. In regards of HA production, we found that both cell types were capable to produce matrix bound HA, rather than a soluble counterpart, in response to TGF-β1. However, activated CAF demonstrated higher HA production when compared to myofibroblasts. The average molecular weight of produced HA was found in the range of 480 kDa for both cells. By analyzing gene expression of HA metabolizing enzymes, namely hyaluronan synthase (HAS1-3) and hyaluronidase (HYAL1-3) isoforms, we found expression of specific isoforms in dependence of TGF-β1 present in both cells. In addition, HAS2 and HYAL1 are highly expressed in CAF, which might contribute to a higher production and degradation of HA in CAF matrix. Overall, our results suggested a distinct behavior of NHFB and CAF in 3D collagen matrices in the presence of TGF-β1 in terms of matrix remodeling and HA production pointing to a specific impact on tumor modulation

Consumo de álcool e estresse em estudantes do segundo ano de enfermagem

The aim of this study was to identify the consumption of alcohol and academic stress in nursing students. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, performed in 2005. The questionnaires Academic Stress Inventory and AUDIT were applied to 82 students of a private University in Lima, Peru. The students had a mean age of 20.4 years, 92.7% were single, 69.5% did not work, 91.5% had no children and 86.6% lived with their parents. The academic overload represented the stressor of highest prevalence. Regarding the consumption of alcohol, 56.1% consumed alcohol once a month, 48.0% consumed 1-2 glasses a day, and 51.2% more than three glasses during a normal day; 11.0% failed to comply with their obligations. One third reported smoking, drinking or eating in excess. All situations, related to the factor activity/time, generated various levels of stress, with worry reported as the main response to stress.El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar el consumo de alcohol y el estrés académico en estudiantes de enfermería. Se trata de una investigación descriptiva, transversal, que se realizó en el año de 2005. En este estudio los cuestionarios Inventario de Estrés Académico y el AUDIT fueron aplicados en 82 estudiantes de una Universidad privada en Lima, Perú. Los resultados mostraron que los estudiantes tenían edad promedio 20,4 años, siendo 92.7% solteras, 69.5% no trabajan, 91.5% no tenían hijos y 86.6% vivían con sus padres. La sobrecarga académica representó el estresor de mayor prevalencia, y en relación al consumo de alcohol, 48% consumieron 1-2 vasos en un día; 56.1% una vez al mes y 51.2% más de tres vasos en un día cualquiera; 11.0% dejaron de cumplir con sus obligaciones. Un tercio relató fumar, beber o comer demasiado. Se concluyó que todas las situaciones generan diversos niveles de estrés, relacionados al factor actividad/tiempo; siendo la preocupación, la mayor respuesta frente al estrés.O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o consumo de álcool e o estresse acadêmico em estudantes de Enfermagem. Como método, usou-se a investigação descritiva, transversal, realizada no ano 2005. Neste estudo, os questionários Inventário de Estresse Acadêmico e AUDIT foram aplicados em 82 estudantes de uma universidade privada em Lima, Peru. Os resultados mostram que os estudantes apresentaram idade média de 20,4 anos, sendo que 92,7% eram solteiros, 69,5% não trabalhavam, 91,5% não tinham filhos e 86,6% viviam com seus pais. A sobrecarga acadêmica representou o estressor de maior prevalência e, em relação ao consumo de álcool, 48% consumiam 1-2 copos por dia, 56,1% uma vez ao mês e 51,2% mais de três copos em um dia qualquer, e 11% deixaram de cumprir com suas obrigações. Um terço relatou fumar, beber ou comer demasiadamente. Conclui-se que todas as situações geraram diversos níveis de estresse, relacionados ao fator atividade/tempo, sendo a preocupação a maior resposta frente ao estresse

Mental health problems among medical students in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To provide a comprehensive picture of mental health problems (MHPs) in Brazilian medical students by documenting their prevalence and association with co-factors. Methods: We systematically searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases for cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of MHPs among medical students in Brazil published before September 29, 2016. We pooled prevalences using a random-effects meta-analysis, and summarized factors associated with MHP. Results: We included 59 studies in the analysis. For meta-analyses, we identified the summary prevalence of different MHPs, including depression (25 studies, prevalence 30.6%), common mental disorders (13 studies, prevalence 31.5%), burnout (three studies, prevalence 13.1%), problematic alcohol use (three studies, prevalence 32.9%), stress (six studies, prevalence 49.9%), low sleep quality (four studies, prevalence 51.5%), excessive daytime sleepiness (four studies, prevalence 46.1%), and anxiety (six studies, prevalence 32.9%). Signs of lack of motivation, emotional support, and academic overload correlated with MHPs. Conclusion: Several MHPs are highly prevalent among future physicians in Brazil. Evidence-based interventions and psychosocial support are needed to promote mental health among Brazilian medical students.Escola Super Ciencias Santa Casa Misericordia Vit, Fac Med, Vitoria, ES, BrazilNatl Univ Singapore, Yong Loo Lin Sch Med, Alice Lee Ctr Nursing Studies, Singapore, SingaporeUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Cardiol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Cardiol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Arf6 controls beta-amyloid production by regulating macropinocytosis of the Amyloid Precursor Protein to lysosomes

Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD) is characterized by the deposition of Beta-Amyloid (Aβ) peptides in the brain. Aβ peptides are generated by cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) by the β - and γ - secretase enzymes. Although this process is tightly linked to the internalization of cell surface APP, the compartments responsible are not well defined. We have found that APP can be rapidly internalized from the cell surface to lysosomes, bypassing early and late endosomes. Here we show by confocal microscopy and electron microscopy that this pathway is mediated by macropinocytosis. APP internalization is enhanced by antibody binding/crosslinking of APP suggesting that APP may function as a receptor. Furthermore, a dominant negative mutant of Arf6 blocks direct transport of APP to lysosomes, but does not affect classical endocytosis to endosomes. Arf6 expression increases through the hippocampus with the development of Alzheimer\u27s disease, being expressed mostly in the CA1 and CA2 regions in normal individuals but spreading through the CA3 and CA4 regions in individuals with pathologically diagnosed AD. Disruption of lysosomal transport of APP reduces both Aβ40 and Aβ42 production by more than 30 %. Our findings suggest that the lysosome is an important site for Aβ production and that altering APP trafficking represents a viable strategy to reduce Aβ production

Implication of Genetic Variants Near TCF7L2, SLC30A8, HHEX, CDKAL1, CDKN2A/B, IGF2BP2, and FTO in Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity in 6,719 Asians

OBJECTIVE— Recent genome-wide association studies have identified six novel genes for type 2 diabetes and obesity and confirmed TCF7L2 as the major type 2 diabetes gene to date in Europeans. However, the implications of these genes in Asians are unclear