80 research outputs found
GIS in Schools
No full textMarsha Alibrandi (with A. Thompson and R. Hagevik) is a contributing author, Remaking History with Interdisciplinary GIS .https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/education-books/1038/thumbnail.jp
Possible A2E Mutagenic Effects on RPE Mitochondrial DNA from Innovative RNA-Seq Bioinformatics Pipeline
No full textMitochondria are subject to continuous oxidative stress stimuli that, over time, can impair their genome and lead to several pathologies, like retinal degenerations. Our main purpose was the identification of mtDNA variants that might be induced by intense oxidative stress determined by N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E), together with molecular pathways involving the genes carrying them, possibly linked to retinal degeneration. We performed a variant analysis comparison between transcriptome profiles of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells exposed to A2E and untreated ones, hypothesizing that it might act as a mutagenic compound towards mtDNA. To optimize analysis, we proposed an integrated approach that foresaw the complementary use of the most recent algorithms applied to mtDNA data, characterized by a mixed output coming from several tools and databases. An increased number of variants emerged following treatment. Variants mainly occurred within mtDNA coding sequences, corresponding with either the polypeptide-encoding genes or the RNA. Time-dependent impairments foresaw the involvement of all oxidative phosphorylation complexes, suggesting a serious damage to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) biosynthesis, that can result in cell death. The obtained results could be incorporated into clinical diagnostic settings, as they are hypothesized to modulate the phenotypic expression of mtDNA pathogenic variants, drastically improving the field of precision molecular medicine
Teaching green: The high school years
No full textMarsha Alibrandi is a contributing author, Thinking Spatially: GIS in the high school classroom .
Book description: This resource is ideal for anyone working with young people in grades 9-12, whether in schools or in non-formal educational settings. Richly illustrated, it offers 50 teaching strategies that promote learning about natural systems and foster critical thinking about environmental issues, both local and global. It contains new approaches to learning, strategies for living sustainably, and numerous activities that promote interdisciplinary learning. In addition, the book provides suggestions for how best to green individual subject areas, develop integrated learning programs or replicate exemplary programs created by innovative schools and communities.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/education-books/1035/thumbnail.jp
Effect of quadrantwise versus full-mouth subgingival instrumentation on clinical and microbiological parameters in periodontitis patients: A randomized clinical trial
No full textAim: This study evaluated the efficacy of quadrantwise subgingival instrumentation (Q-SI) versus one-stage full-mouth subgingival instrumentation (FM-SI) on probing depth and periodontal pathogen reduction over a 6-month follow-up period, as well as whether baseline periodontal pathogens influenced the impact of periodontal treatment protocols on outcomes. Methods: Patients with periodontitis were randomized to receive Q-SI (n = 43) or FM-SI (n = 45). Patients were instructed and motivated to maintain optimal oral hygiene during the treatment sessions. Clinical (probing pocket depth [PPD], clinical attachment loss [CAL], and bleeding on probing [BOP]) and periodontal pathogens were assessed at baseline and after 30, 90, and 180 days. Total bacterial load and periodontal pathogens were analysed via real-time PCR. Results: At the 6-month follow-up, the median PPD decreased from 4.8 mm (interquartile range [IQR]: 4.3-5.2) to 2.6 mm (IQR: 2.3-2.9) in FM-SI patients and from 4.7 mm (IQR: 4.1-5.2) to 3.2 mm (IQR: 2.4-3.5) in Q-SI patients (p < .001). At 6 months, FM-SI was more effective at reducing the median proportions of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinocomyctemcomitans, and Tannerella forsythia (Tf) (p < .001 for each value). Multilevel linear regression analysis demonstrated that high baseline PPD (p = .029), Pg (p = .014), and Tf (p < .001) levels and the FM-SI protocol (p < .001) were statistically significant predictors of PPD reduction at 6 months. Furthermore, PPD reduction was significantly greater in the FM-SI group when lower baseline Pg levels were detected. Conclusion: The FM-SI was more effective than the Q-SI in reducing the mean PPD and number of periodontal pathogens in periodontitis patients over a 6-month follow-up period. Higher baseline PPD and Pg levels had a negative impact on PPD reduction at 6 months after FM-SI
Teaching Green: The middle years
No full textMarsha Alibrandi (with L. Laffitte, C. Oakes and S. Anderson) is a contributing author, If Trees Could Talk: An Environmental history curriculum .
Book description: Teaching Green contains over 50 of the best activities and teaching strategies contributed to Green Teacher magazine over the last 10 years by educators from across North America. Organized into \u27green teaching\u27 categories, the book offers a host of ideas for hands-on learning about biodiversity, ecology, resource consumption, green technology and the world around us. This collection will inspire educators who are seeking innovative strategies for incorporating \u27green\u27 themes into their programs.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/education-books/1036/thumbnail.jp
Teaching together: School/university collaboration to improve social studies education
No full textMarsha Alibrandi (with C. Beal, A. Wilson, A. Thompson, R. Hagevik, B. Mackie, V. Owens, and N. Sinclair) is a contributing author, Students reclaim their community’s history: Conducting interdisciplinary research with technological applications .
Book description: This book provides preservice, beginning, and experienced social studies teachers with provocative ideas for and a realistic look at the challenges of developing curriculum through collaboration between elementary/secondary teachers and university professors. The book begins with an introductory essay by the editors.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/education-books/1037/thumbnail.jp
Application of PGPB Combined with Variable N Doses Affects Growth, Yield-Related Traits, N-Fertilizer Efficiency and Nutritional Status of Lettuce Grown under Controlled Condition
No full textNitrogen (N) fertilization is a crucial agricultural practice for boosting production traits in vegetables. However, N synthetic fertilizers—commonly adopted by farmers—have several counterproductive effects on the environment and on humans. The research was performed to assess the combined influence of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) (Azospirillum brasilense DSM 1690, A. brasilense DSM 2298 and Pseudomonas sp. DSM 25356) and various N fertilization doses (0, 30, 60 or 120 kg ha−1) on growth, yield, quality and nitrogen indices of lettuce in protected cultivation. Plant height, root collar diameter, number of leaves and fresh weight were enhanced by A. brasilense DSM 2298 inoculation and N at 30 or 60 kg ha−1. Overall, soluble solids content (SSC), ascorbic acid, total phenolics, carotenoids, total chlorophyll and total sugars were augmented by the combined effect of A. brasilense strains and 30, 60 or 120 kg N ha−1. Furthermore, PGBP inoculation improved potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in leaf tissues. PGPB inoculation increased N leaf concentration; however, it hastened N indices. These results suggest that the PGPB tested can be considered an eco-friendly tool to improve lettuce yield, particularly when combined with N at 30 or 60 kg ha−1
Digital Geography: GeoSpatial Technologies in the Social Studies Classroom
No full textMarsha Alibrandi is a co-editor (with A. Milson) as well as a contributing author (with T. Baker), A brief social history of GIS in education, 1994-2006. .
Book description: The purpose of this volume is to provide a review and analysis of the theory, research, and practice related to geospatial technologies in social studies education. In the first section, the history of geospatial technologies in education, the influence of the standards movement, and the growth of an international geospatial education community are explored. The second section consists of examples and discussion of the use of geospatial technologies for teaching and learning history, geography, civics, economics, and environmental science. In the third section, theoretical perspectives are proposed that could guide research and practice in this field. This section also includes reviews and critiques of recent research relevant to geospatial technologies in education. The final section examines the theory, research, and practice associated with teacher preparation for using geospatial technologies in education.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/education-books/1031/thumbnail.jp
ROLES OF SINGLE-NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS AND DISEASE
No full textThe application of sequencing technologies has steadily increased over the past few years. This has allowed an exponential amplification of the information available in genome databases. Therefore, more accurate data are now available to perform disease association studies. This brief communication aims to highlight the roles of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the development of pathological phenotypes
ROLE OF CCR5 -2150 A>G AND Δ32 POLYMORPHISMS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN A SICILIAN POPULATION
No full textRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory joint disorder whose progression leads to destruction of cartilage and bone. Chemokines, molecules able to induce chemotaxis in inflammation, are involved in RA pathogenesis. Aim of this study was to determine whether -2150 A>G and delta32 (Δ32) polymorphisms in the chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) confer susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. Polymorphisms were assessed in 70 seropositive RA patients and 200 healthy individuals of Messina and province. About -2150 A>G polymorphism, a significant increase in AG genotype frequency was observed in controls than in patients, despite a not significant difference in allelic frequencies. Conversely, allelic and genotypic frequencies related to Δ32 polymorphism were significantly higher in controls group than in patients. Furthermore, in the patient group no individuals with Δ32/Δ32 genotype were found. These results suggest that CCR5 polymorphisms seem to play an important role in susceptibility to RA exerting a protective role in the disease
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