Reviewing mixed methods approaches using Social Network Analysis for learning and education

Across the globe researchers are using social network analysis (SNA) to better understand the visible and invisible relations between people. While substantial progress has been made in the last 20 years in terms of quantitative modelling and processing techniques of SNA, there is an increased call for SNA researchers to embrace and mix methods developed in qualitative research to understand the what, how, and why questions of social network relations. In this chapter, we will reflect on our experiences with our latest edited book called “Mixed Methods Approaches to Social Network Analysis for Learning and Education”, which contained contributions from 20+ authors. We will first review the empirical literature of Mixed Methods Social Network Analysis (MMSNA) by conducting a systematic literature review. Secondly, by using two case-studies from our own practice we will critically reflect on how we have used MMSNA approaches. Finally, we will discuss the potential limitations of MMSNA approaches, in particular given the complexities of mastering two ontologically different methods

Molecular Markers in the Study of Nonmodel Vertebrates: Their Significant Contributions to the Current Knowledge of Tetrapod Glial Cells and Fish Olfactory Neurons

The knowledge of the morphological and functional aspects of mammalian glial cells has greatly increased in the last few decades. Glial cells represent the most diffused cell type in the central nervous system, and they play a critical role in the development and function of the brain. Glial cell dysfunction has recently been shown to contribute to various neurological disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, pain, and neurodegeneration. For this reason, glia constitutes an interesting area of research because of its clinical, diagnostic, and pharmacological relapses. In this chapter, we present and discuss the cytoarchitecture of glial cells in tetrapods from an evolutive perspective. GFAP and vimentin are main components of the intermediate filaments of glial cells and are used as cytoskeletal molecular markers because of their high degree of conservation in the various vertebrate groups. In the anamniotic tetrapods and their progenitors, Rhipidistia (Dipnoi are the only extant rhipidistian fish), the cytoskeletal markers show a model based exclusively on radial glial cells. In the transition from primitive vertebrates to successively evolved forms, the emergence of a new model has been observed which is believed to support the most complex functional aspects of the nervous system in the vertebrates. In reptiles, radial glial cells are prevalent, but star-shaped astrocytes begin to appear in the midbrain. In endothermic amniotes (birds and mammals), star-shaped astrocytes are predominant. In glial cells, vimentin is indicative of immature cells, while GFAP indicates mature ones. Olfactory receptor neurons undergo continuous turnover, so they are an easy model for neurogenesis studies. Moreover, they are useful in neurotoxicity studies because of the exposed position of their apical pole to the external environment. Among vertebrates, fish represent a valid biological model in this field. In particular, zebrafish, already used in laboratories for embryological, neurobiological, genetic, and pathophysiological studies, is the reference organism in olfactory system research. Smell plays an important role in the reproductive behavior of fish, with direct influences also on the numerical consistency of their populations. Taking into account that a lot of species have considerable economic importance, it is necessary to verify if the model of zebrafish olfactory organ is also directly applicable to other fish. In this chapter, we focus on crypt cells, a morphological type of olfactory cells specific of fish. We describe hypothetical function (probably related with social behavior) and evolutive position of these cells (prior to the appearance of the vomeronasal organ in tetrapods).We also offer the first comparison of the molecular characteristics of these receptors between zebrafish and the guppy. Interestingly, the immunohistochemical expression patterns of known crypt cell markers are not overlapping in the two species

Profilaxia antimicrobiana em cirurgia vascular periférica: cefalosporina ainda é o padrão-ouro? Antimicrobial prophylaxis in peripheral vascular surgery: is cephalosporin still the gold standard?

Nas cirurgias vasculares periféricas, as cefalosporinas têm seu uso consagrado como agente antimicrobiano profilático de escolha. Recentemente, observamos uma mudança nos padrões de colonização, prevalência de patógenos e suscetibilidade geral aos antimicrobianos. Os patógenos multirresistentes vêm se tornando cada vez mais freqüentes nas infecções de ferida cirúrgica vascular, demonstrando variações regionais e locais quanto à suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos profiláticos utilizados na rotina cirúrgica. Os dados e a literatura disponível até o momento demonstram que não existe evidência suficiente para uma mudança na rotina profilática perioperatória. Entretanto, devemos levar em consideração os padrões regionais e institucionais de prevalência de patógenos resistentes e padrões de suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos para estabelecer guias e orientações específicas para a utilização de antimicrobianos profiláticos alternativos.<br>In peripheral vascular surgery, cephalosporins are nowadays regarded as the first choice for operative antibiotic prophylaxis. We have recently observed changes in colonizing patterns, pathogen prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility to antimicrobials. Multiresistant pathogens are becoming more frequent in vascular surgical wound infections, showing regional and local variations as to prophylactic antibiotic susceptibility. Data from the available literature so far have shown no strong evidence for a change in routine surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. We must consider regional and institutional prevalence of pathogen resistance and patterns of antibiotic susceptibility to establish specific guidelines for the use of alternative antibiotics