Collaborative Learning in Context: The Problem with Peer Tutoring

Describes the effects that institutionalization of peer tutoring is having on the teaching-learning relationship.

Periodontitis and Gingivitis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND: The oral cavity is frequently affected in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Periodontitis is thought to influence systemic autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. We aimed to analyze the relationship of periodontitis and gingivitis markers with specific disease characteristics in patients with IBD and to compare these data with healthy controls. METHODS: In a prospective 8-month study, systematic oral examinations were performed in 113 patients with IBD, including 69 patients with CD and 44 patients with ulcerative colitis. For all patients, a structured personal history was taken. One hundred thirteen healthy volunteers served as a control group. Oral examination focussed on established oral health markers for periodontitis (bleeding on probing, loss of attachment, and periodontal pocket depth) and gingivitis (papilla bleeding index). Additionally, visible oral lesions were documented. RESULTS: Both gingivitis and periodontitis markers were higher in patients with IBD than in healthy control. In univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis, perianal disease was a risk factor for periodontitis. Nonsmoking decreased the risk of having periodontitis. No clear association was found between clinical activity and periodontitis in IBD. In only the CD subgroup, high clinical activity (Harvey-Bradshaw index > 10) was associated with 1 periodontitis marker, the loss of attachment at sites of maximal periodontal pocket depth. Oral lesions besides periodontitis and gingivitis were not common, but nevertheless observed in about 10% of patients with IBD. CONCLUSIONS: IBD, and especially perianal disease in CD, is associated with periodontitis. Optimal therapeutic strategies should probably focus on treating both local oral and systemic inflammation.

Serum ficolin-2 correlates worse than fecal calprotectin and CRP with endoscopic Crohn's disease activity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ficolin-2 is an acute phase reactant produced by the liver and targeted to recognize N-acetyl-glucosamine which is present in bacterial and fungal cell walls. We recently showed that ficolin-2 serum levels were significantly higher in CD patients compared to healthy controls. We aimed to evaluate serum ficolin-2 concentrations in CD patients regarding their correlation with endoscopic severity and to compare them with clinical activity, fecal calprotectin, and CRP. METHODS Patients provided fecal and blood samples before undergoing ileo-colonoscopy. Disease activity was scored clinically according to the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) and endoscopically according to the simplified endoscopic score for CD (SES-CD). Ficolin-2 serum levels and fecal calprotectin levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS A total of 136 CD patients were prospectively included (mean age at inclusion 41.5±15.4 years, 37.5% females). Median HBI was 3 [2-6] points, median SES-CD was 5 [2-8], median fecal calprotectin was 301 [120-703] μg/g, and median serum ficolin-2 was 2.69 [2.02-3.83] μg/mL. SES-CD correlated significantly with calprotectin (R=0.676, P<0.001), CRP (R=0.458, P<0.001), HBI (R=0.385, P<0.001), and serum ficolin-2 levels (R=0.171, P=0.047). Ficolin-2 levels were higher in CD patients with mild endoscopic disease compared to patients in endoscopic remission (P=0.015) but no difference was found between patients with mild, moderate, and severe endoscopic disease. CONCLUSIONS Ficolin-2 serum levels correlate worse with endoscopic CD activity when compared to fecal calprotectin or CRP.

A meta-analysis of trabecular bone score in fracture risk prediction and its relationship to FRAX

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a grey-level textural index of bone microarchitecture derived from lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images. TBS is a BMD-independent predictor of fracture risk. The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether TBS predicted fracture risk independently of FRAX probability and to examine their combined performance by adjusting the FRAX probability for TBS. We utilized individual level data from 17,809 men and women in 14 prospective population-based cohorts. Baseline evaluation included TBS and the FRAX risk variables and outcomes during follow up (mean 6.7 years) comprised major osteoporotic fractures. The association between TBS, FRAX probabilities and the risk of fracture was examined using an extension of the Poisson regression model in each cohort and for each sex and expressed as the gradient of risk (GR; hazard ratio per 1SD change in risk variable in direction of increased risk). FRAX probabilities were adjusted for TBS using an adjustment factor derived from an independent cohort (the Manitoba Bone Density Cohort). Overall, the GR of TBS for major osteoporotic fracture was 1.44 (95% CI: 1.35-1.53) when adjusted for age and time since baseline and was similar in men and women (p > 0.10). When additionally adjusted for FRAX 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture, TBS remained a significant, independent predictor for fracture (GR 1.32, 95%CI: 1.24-1.41). The adjustment of FRAX probability for TBS resulted in a small increase in the GR (1.76, 95%CI: 1.65, 1.87 vs. 1.70, 95%CI: 1.60-1.81). A smaller change in GR for hip fracture was observed (FRAX hip fracture probability GR 2.25 vs. 2.22). TBS is a significant predictor of fracture risk independently of FRAX. The findings support the use of TBS as a potential adjustment for FRAX probability, though the impact of the adjustment remains to be determined in the context of clinical assessment guidelines. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 80 - Korrespondenzen u.a. mit Marjorie Fiske Lissance (p. II 11, 1-52)

4 Briefe zwischen Frederick Lilge und Max Horkheimer, 1948; 15 Briefe zwischen Marjorie Fiske Lissance und Max Horkheimer, 1947-1948; 2 Brief und Beilage von Max Horkheimer an Harvey J. Locke, 1948; 3 Briefe zwischen Walter Lichtblau-Lohner und Max Horkheimer, 1940-1944; 2 Briefe zwischen Anton Lourie und Max Horkheimer, 17.08.1945, 1.09.1945 sowie 1 Memorandum von Max Horkheimer über ein Gespräch mit Anton Lourie 26.09.1945; 1 Brief von G. L. an George A. Lundberg, 1948; 6 Briefe zwischen Zvi Lurie und Max Horkheimer, 1949; 3 Briefe zwischen Georg Lukács und Max Horkheimer, 07.07.1948, 1948-1949; 1 Brief von Helen Lynd an Max Horkheimer, 1945;

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 551 - Korrespondenzen mit Leo Löwenthal (p. VI 21, 1-253)

143 Briefe zwschen Leo Löwenthal und Max Horkheimer, Mai - Dezember 1947; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Else Brunswik, 29.08.1947; 6 Briefe zwischen Max Horkheimer und Samuel H. Flowerman; 4 Briefe zwischen Samuel H. Flowerman und Leo Löwenthal; 3 Briefe von Max Horkheimer an Paul Lazarsfeld; 1 Brief von Leo Löwenthal an Frederick Pollock, 08.08.1947; 1 Brief von Harvey J. Locke an Leo Löwenthal, 01.08.1947; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Harvey J. Locke, 01.08.1947; 1 Brief von Max Horkheimer an Paul Massing, 23.07.1947; 7 Briefe zwischen John Slawson und Max Horkheimer; 1 Brief von dem American Jewish Committee an Leo Löwenthal, 01.10.1947;

Regulation of chromatin structure, Smad binding and AFP expression by the Forkhead box transcription factor: Foxa1

Transcription factors must be able to access their DNA binding sites to either activate or repress transcription. However, DNA wrapping and compaction into chromatin occludes most binding sites from ready access by proteins. Pioneer transcription factors are capable of binding their DNA elements within a condensed chromatin context and then reducing the level of nucleosome occupancy so that the chromatin structure is more accessible. This altered accessibility increases the probability of other transcription factors binding to their own DNA binding elements. My hypothesis is that Foxa1, a ‘pioneer’ transcription factor, activates alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression by binding DNA in a chromatinized environment, reducing the nucleosome occupancy and facilitating binding of additional transcription factors.^ Using retinoic-acid differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells, we illustrate a mechanism for activation of the tumor marker AFP by the pioneer transcription factor Foxa1 and TGF-β downstream effector transcription factors Smad2 and Smad4. In differentiating embryonic stem cells, binding of the Foxa1 forkhead box transcription factor to chromatin reduces nucleosome occupancy and levels of linker histone H1 at the AFP distal promoter. The more accessible DNA is subsequently bound by the Smad2 and Smad4 transcription factors, concurrent with activation of transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses combined with siRNA-mediated knockdown indicate that Smad protein binding and the reduction of nucleosome occupancy at the AFP distal promoter is dependent on Foxa1. In addition to facilitating transcription factor binding, Foxa1 is also associated with histone modifications related to active gene expression. Acetylation of lysine 9 on histone H3, a mark that is associated active transcription, is dependent on Foxa1, while methylation of H3K4, also associated with active transcription, is independent of Foxa1. I propose that Foxa1 potentiates a region of chromatin to respond to Smad proteins, leading to active expression of AFP.^ These studies demonstrate one mechanism whereby a transcription factor can alter the accessibility of additional transcription factors to chromatin, by altering nucleosome positions. Specifically, Foxa1 exposes DNA so that Smad4 can bind to its regulatory element and activate transcription of the tumor-marker gene AFP.^

Impact of environmental regulations on lead concentrations in Texas ambient air and water: 1970--1990

In the last two decades, the significance of lead has been addressed in a number of environmental regulations at the national and state levels. This project investigated the environmental regulations (Clean Air Act and Amendments, 1970-1990 and Clean Water Act of 1977) and their cumulative effects on lead in ambient air and water in the state of Texas. For this purpose, historical records from the Texas Water Development Board, Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission, and the United States Geological Survey have been assembled and analyzed for temporal and spatial trends. These trends might correspond to the phase out of lead in gasoline and other regulations.^ This study concluded that there is a significant correlation (p $\leq$.001) between environmental regulations of lead in gasoline and the concentration of lead in ambient air. Lead concentrations in ambient air have been reduced by over 90 percent in the past twenty years. An overall significant difference (p $\leq$.001) was found in mean (94, 15 respectively) lead concentrations in surface water between two time periods, one at the beginning of the twenty year period and one at the end of the study period. There has been an overall reduction of lead concentrations in surface water in Texas of approximately 84 percent. However, this reduction cannot be statistically associated with any one regulation. Groundwater data could not be analyzed for lead concentrations because of limitations of reporting data as "less than". Approximately two percent of the groundwater data was analyzed by Oneway ANOVA and no significant difference was found between the means (18, 19 respectively) of two time periods, 1977-1979 and 1988-1990. This data is consistent with the regulations having a contributory affect on declining concentrations, but other factors cannot be ruled out as having added to these declines. This study can also serve as a starting point for a more in-depth study of environmental regulations and their impact on the environment. ^

The Colic Clinic---a comprehensive program evaluation

Child abuse correlated with excessive infant crying affects millions of families each year, with consequences of the abuse lasting a lifetime. The University Of Texas School Of Medicine's Colic Clinic is currently in the early stages of testing Dr. Harvey Karp's combinatorial soothing technique for infants called "The Happiest Baby on the Block". In order to gauge the program's potential effectiveness, the Colic Clinic Protocol was examined in order to assess the applicability of the intervention to known causal factors of child abuse associated with excessive infant crying. ^ This evaluation also carried out an anticipated cost-benefit breakout analysis for the implementation of the intervention for 100 children and compared the cost of the program implementation to the cost associated with a single instance of child abuse. The analysis revealed that while accounting for materials, advertising, salaried personnel and other overhead expenses, the cost to implement the intervention was less than half the cost of the medical treatment associated with a single victim of whiplash-shaken infant syndrome. ^ Although the program is still in its early evaluative phase, the future implications of this work are extensive. If this intervention is revealed to be relevant and cost effective, it will precipitate sweeping changes in medical education and training, public health detection and prevention programs, and law enforcement.^

Representaciones y prácticas, entre demandantes y gestores, en torno a los programas de transferencia de ingresos. 16H333

Durante el periodo de referencia del presente informe de avance se han desarrollado las siguientes actividades: a. Construcción del marco referencial. Se revisaron por un lado, las producciones bibliográficas y documentales relacionadas a las dimensiones de análisis del objeto de estudio; en el entendimiento que los discursos son vehículos del imaginario y de las representaciones sociales y que estas a su vez tienen una intervención eficaz y efectiva en la orientación de las prácticas cotidianas; las nociones de imaginario social (BAZCKO: 1985), representaciones sociales (CHARTIER1, 1987; SPINK, 1993; GUARESCHI, 1994), prácticas y discursos (FOUCAULT, 1970; ORLANDI, 1996), representaron conceptos sustanciales en el abordaje del objeto de estudio. Asimismo, para poder hablar de discursos, representaciones y prácticas, debemos hablar de las condiciones de producción; en este sentido reconocemos los cambios paradigmáticos ocurridos en los modos de organización de la producción (HARVEY, 1992; CASTEL, 1995), con sus implicancias en el mundo del trabajo y en los sistemas de protección social. Para el caso específico de Argentina reseñamos las formas típicas de intervención sobre la cuestión social en los diferentes momentos históricos y su relación con los modelos de desarrollo (FANFANI, 1989; LO VUOLO, 1993; GRASSI, 1994; SVAMPA, 2008) y con la producción de matrices discursivas respecto de la intervención sobre lo social. Como producto de este recorrido construimos el marco referencial de la investigación (ANEXO 1). Por otra parte, también se abordaron bibliografías específicas que contribuyeron a la revisión de las herramientas metodológicas para el abordaje del objeto de estudio. b. Relevamiento, análisis de datos secundarios y primarios y producción del informe final. Para la concreción del proyecto, de carácter exploratorio, se utilizaron, principalmente métodos y técnicas cualitativas de investigación social; especial interés revistieron los estudios del campo de la semiótica, la lingüística, las teorías del discurso, de las representaciones sociales, en el sentido que aportaron herramientas teórico metodológicas para reflexionar en torno de la compleja relación entre lenguaje y sociedad, entre discursos, representaciones, narrativas, y la constitución de sujetos, subjetividades, identidades, significaciones y valores compartidos, prácticas e imaginarios. Se definió como unidad de estudio una repartición donde se gestionan los programas de transferencia de ingresos por discapacidad en Misiones, en el periodo 2011-2012. Fundamentalmente se trabajó con datos procedentes de fuentes secundarias y primarias, entre las fuentes secundarias se consideraron informaciones institucionales vinculadas a las propuestas de política social en el ámbito en el cual se dan las interacciones que interesan en el marco de este proyecto de investigación; en ese sentido se relevaron las leyes, decretos, disposiciones, folletería y distinto material informativo que permitió configurar el contexto de producción de los discursos y prácticas bajo análisis y que también se anexa al presente informe. Por otra parte, también se recurrió a los informes socio ambientales realizados por los trabajadores sociales ante la solicitud de los demandantes. Entre las fuentes de datos primarios, se realizaron entrevistas no dirigidas a profesionales del trabajo social que intervienen en la gestión de recurso, y entrevistas semi estructuradas a los demandantes del recurso. Para la delimitación de la muestra se recurrió al muestreo teórico. Para las entrevistas, tanto a demandantes como a profesionales involucrados en la gestión de los beneficios implicados en las interacciones que se dan en los programas de transferencia de ingresos, se elaboraron guías de entrevistas abiertas. La guía de entrevista a profesionales perseguía por objetivo describir las actividades que este tipo de programas le demanda a los trabajadores sociales, la tipificación que dichos profesionales realizan de los demandantes de este tipo de políticas y la relación de esas tipificaciones con la actuación profesional, entre otros objetivos. Para ello se contemplaron una serie de ejes conversacionales, tales como: la indagación sobre las razones que lo llevaron a estudiar trabajo social; trayectoria laboral, ponderando condiciones de trabajo; historia laboral en los programas que son de interés para esta investigación; descripción de actividades típicas y requerimientos que demanda ese empleo; descripción de los demandantes con los cuales les toca interactuar en el cotidiano, circuitos que deben recorrer los demandantes para tramitar y acceder a la política social; tipo de situaciones que prosperan entre los demandantes para la obtención del recurso de la política social y situaciones que no prosperan; procedimientos que ponen en juego los trabajadores sociales para recomendar o no el otorgamiento del recurso de la política social; situaciones más frecuentes en cuanto a otorgamiento del recurso; la valoración acerca de la modalidad de la política social en cuanto transferencia de ingresos; la valoración sobre las estrategias que ponen en juego los demandantes para la gestión y posterior obtención del recurso, la valoración sobre el uso del recurso que realizan los demandantes una vez que lo obtienen y sobre la utilidad de éste, entre otros ítem. En tanto la entrevista a los demandantes, perseguía por objetivo entre otros, identificar las representaciones sociales que poseen los mismos sobre destinatarios propios e impropios de los recursos que otorgan este tipo de políticas sociales; relevar información que permita describir la relación entre esas representaciones y las estrategias que se ponen en juego a la hora de gestionar el recurso. Para ello se fijaron los siguientes ejes conversacionales: caracterización socio económica del entrevistado; descripción de los modos de acceso al recurso; motivaciones implicadas en la gestión; circuitos que debe realizar en la gestión y actores con los cuales debe interactuar; valoraciones sobre modos de gestión, actores implicados y recursos gestionados, entre otros. En base a la información secundaria y primaria recabada se constituyeron diferentes corpus, que fueron analizados y triangulados en función de los objetivos del proyecto. Esto siguiendo la lógica circular del proceso de análisis de datos característico de la investigación cualitativa.

Manipulación de la crisis a través de la acumulación por desposesión en México

La acumulación por desposesión es un ejercicio de poder que se ha expresado en el devenir histórico del capitalismo, aunque la acumulación por desposesión, cobra fuerza ideológica a partir del modelo neoliberal y representa, sino la única forma, si la más importante actualmente para sostener o incrementar la acumulación de capital en la geografía glocal (lograr el establishment del sistema bancario y de las grandes corporaciones y centros de poder -BM-FMI y BCE). El rasgo económico-político que definiría dicha acumulación por desposesión, es que su instrumentación para llevarse a cabo, necesita obligatoriamente que el Estado y los dueños de capital (productivo, comercial, financiero) tengan el interés común “contubernio" de que los espacios receptores sirvan para que el capital incremente su capital; esto sólo se logra expropiando el derecho del trabajador de vivir dignamente con un empleo bien remunerado. En palabras de David Harvey (2003, 2004, 2204b, 2007a, 2007b 2007c) quien posibilita la acumulación por desposesión es la liberación de un conjunto de activos, incluida la fuerza de trabajo a un coste muy bajo y en algunos casos, nulo.