Learning and teaching histology: traditional and computational methods

The traditional methodology used in histology laboratory instruction of histology is based primarily on the use of photonic microscopes and histological slides, which did not allow the simultaneous observation by several people, prevents an interactive discussion, making the laboratory teaching-learning process less motivating and advantageous. The use of various computer-based technologies (including virtual microscopy and virtual slides), as well as video projection, using digital cameras attached to the microscope in histology laboratory instruction is an interesting alternative method to offset the disadvantages inherent to the conventional methodology. Advances in computer sciences allow us to play a considerable amount of images and transfer them to monitor students' computers, resulting in its comfortable and objective viewing, thus facilitating the recognition of tissues and structures and their histomorphometric study through computer programs. In addition), the use of platforms for distance learning (e.g. Moodle), also allows the study of histology to be undertaken outside the classroom. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of traditional methods of histological sections visualization in photonic microscope, and the use of computer resources in teaching animal histology

Assessment of the medicinal potentials of the methanol extracts of the leaves and stems of Buddleja saligna

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Buddleja saligna </it>Willd (Loganiaceae) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree; trunk short, often gnarled and crooked; crown dense, rounded or domed-shaped; foliage greyish green. The wild olives are traditionally used to lower blood pressures in many parts of the world. In southern Africa, bark and leaf decoctions are used to treat colic, coughs, colds, sore eyes, urinary problems and as purgatives.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The antibacterial, antioxidant activities and phenolic contents of the methanol extracts of the leaves and stems of <it>Buddleja saligna </it>were evaluated using <it>in vitro </it>standard methods. Spectrophotometry was the basis for the determinations of total phenol, total flavonoids, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins. Tannins, quercetin and catechin equivalents were used for these parameters. The antioxidant activities of the leaves and stem extracts of <it>Buddleja saligna </it>were determined by ABTS, DPPH, and ferrous reducing antioxidant property (FRAP) methods. Laboratory isolates of 10 bacteria species which included five Gram-positive and five Gram-negative strains were used to assay for antibacterial activity of this plant.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The antioxidant activities of the leaves as determined by the ABTS and DPPH were similar to that of the stem. The flavonoids and the flavonols contents of the leaves were higher than that of the stem but the total phenols, proanthocyanidins and FRAP activities were higher in the methanol extracts of the stem. The extracts did show activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. For instance, while the methanol extract of the leaves showed good activities on all the organisms except <it>Serratia marcescens </it>and <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>at MICs of between 2.5 and 5.0 mg/ml, the extract of the stem only showed activities on <it>Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyrogens </it>and <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>at the same concentration.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The results from this study indicate that the leaves and stem extracts of <it>Buddleja saligna </it>possess antioxidant properties and could serve as free radical inhibitors or scavenger or, acting possibly as primary antioxidants. Although, the antibacterial properties of <it>Buddleja saligna </it>are not as effective as the standard drugs-Chloramphenicol and Streptomycin, they still possess some activity against bacterial strains used in this study. <it>Buddleja saligna </it>may therefore be a good candidate for functional foods as well as pharmaceutical plant-based products.</p

Las bases de datos de adn y derechos fundamentales : la respuesta desde el derecho portugués

A problemática das bases de dados de ADN pressupõe uma análise face às alterações legislativas aprovadas na União Europeia a 27 de Abril de 2016 respeitante à proteção de pessoas singulares quanto ao tratamento de dados pessoais e à livre circulação desses dados, dada a remissão das leisde bases de dados de ADN em geral para as leis de proteção de dados pessoais dos respetivos países.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio