bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Augmented Reality with Management Information Systems for Enhanced Data Visualization in Retail
Authors: Asta Ngr. Putu Raka Novandra , Setiawan Setiawan , Saputra Memed , Najmuddin Najmuddin , Bedra Kddour Guettaoi
Published: August 2024

Background. Effective data management and visualization are essential for fast and informed decision-making in the retail industry. However, traditional data visualization methods are often less interactive and need help comprehensively conveying information. Augmented Reality (AR) offers great potential to improve visualizing data, allowing users to interact with data more intuitively and dynamically.
Purpose. This research aims to integrate Augmented Reality technology with Management Information Systems (MIS) in retail, focusing on improving data visualization. The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of AR in presenting complex data more clearly and interactively to enhance the quality of decision-making in retail management.
Method. The research method used is application development and testing. First, an AR application integrated with MIS is developed using an iterative software development approach. Once the application is created, testing is done in a retail environment. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through observations, interviews, and surveys to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of this technology.
Results. Research results show that integrating AR with MIS significantly improves how retail managers visualize and understand data. AR applications enable more interactive and easy-to-understand data visualization, which helps managers analyze trends and make better decisions. Users report improvements in decision-making efficiency and accuracy after using this app.
Conclusion. Integration of Augmented Reality with Management Information Systems in retail has proven effective in improving data visualization. This technology not only makes data more accessible and understandable but also enhances user interaction with the data, leading to more informed decision-making. This research suggests a more comprehensive application of AR technology in the retail industry to support better and more efficient management.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Techniques in Educational Settings: A New Approach to Enhance Mental Health and Learning
Authors: Nur’aini Nur’aini , Patry Him
Published: August 2024

Background. Student mental health has become a significant concern in education, especially given the increasing academic and social pressures they face. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques effectively reduce stress and improve mental well-being in various populations. However, their application in educational settings is still relatively new and requires further research to understand their impact.
Purpose. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of MBSR techniques in improving students’ mental health and learning ability in educational environments. A key focus was to measure changes in stress levels, emotional well-being, and academic performance before and after the MBSR intervention.
Method. This study used an experimental design with a control group. The study sample consisted of 100 high school students divided into two groups: an intervention group that received MBSR sessions for eight weeks and a control group that did not receive an intervention. Data were collected using stress scale questionnaires, emotional well-being scales, and academic performance records before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistical techniques and independent t-tests to compare results between the two groups.
Results. The results showed that students who attended the MBSR program experienced a significant reduction in stress levels and improved emotional well-being compared to the control group. In addition, the student’s academic performance in the intervention group also showed better improvement than the control group, although this improvement was not statistically significant.
Conclusion. This study concludes that MBSR techniques effectively reduce stress and improve students’ emotional well-being in educational settings. Although the improvement in academic performance was not statistically significant, these findings point to the potential of MBSR as a beneficial approach to improving students’ mental health and learning ability. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of MBSR and the optimization of its application in educational contexts.
The Role of Al-Mumtaz Application in Increasing Student’ Arabic Learning Motivation in State Madrasah Tsanawiyah of Padang Panjang City
Authors: Hidayat Rahmat , Hasaniyah Nur , Al Anshory Abdul Muntaqim
Published: August 2024

Background. Learning motivation is an important factor in educational success, including in learning Arabic at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri Kota Padang Panjang. The Al-Mumtaz app has been designed to support the learning process by offering interactive and engaging methods. However, the effectiveness of this application in increasing student learning motivation has not been studied much.
Purpose. This study aims to examine the role of the Al-Mumtaz application in increasing students' motivation to learn Arabic at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri Kota Padang Panjang. The main focus of this study was to find out the extent to which such applications can affect student learning motivation.
Method. This research uses quantitative methods with experimental design. The research sample consisted of 60 students of Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri Kota Padang Panjang who were divided into two groups: an experimental group using the Al-Mumtaz application and a control group using conventional learning methods. Data were collected through learning motivation questionnaires before and after the intervention, as well as in-depth interviews to support quantitative data.
Results. The results showed that there was a significant increase in student motivation in the experimental group compared to the control group. Students who use the Al-Mumtaz app show higher levels of motivation in terms of interest, activeness, and commitment to Arabic language learning.
Conclusion. Al-Mumtaz application significantly increases students' motivation to learn Arabic at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri Kota Padang Panjang
EL IMPACTO DE LAS TICS EN LA EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR EN MÉXICO: AVANCES Y DESAFÍOS EN 2023
Authors: Mendez Quiroga Jorge Samuel
Published: August 2024

El presente artículo revisa el impacto de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TICs) en la educación superior en México, centrándose en los avances y desafíos observados en el año 2023. A través de una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva, se analizan estudios y reportes relacionados con la integración y el uso de TICs en cuatro universidades destacadas del país: la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), el Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) y la Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG). Se examinan los diferentes enfoques y estrategias implementadas por estas instituciones para incorporar las TICs en sus procesos educativos, así como los resultados obtenidos y las barreras encontradas. Los hallazgos destacan la mejora en la accesibilidad y calidad de la educación a través del uso de plataformas digitales, herramientas de aprendizaje en línea y recursos tecnológicos. Sin embargo, también se identifican desafíos significativos, como la desigualdad en el acceso a la tecnología, la necesidad de formación continua para docentes y estudiantes, y la brecha digital que persiste en diversas regiones del país. Este estudio proporciona una visión integral del estado actual de las TICs en la educación superior en México, ofreciendo recomendaciones para futuras investigaciones y políticas educativas que promuevan una integración más equitativa y efectiva de las TICs en el ámbito académico
Diseño y fabricación del vehículo trimoto TRIDIO
Authors: Gutiérrez Corani Helmer , Quispe Coca Raúl Alfredo
Published: August 2024

Los accidentes de tránsito son un problema de salud pública con consecuencias similares a las enfermedades como el cáncer y las cardiovasculares. Cada año 1,3 millones de personas fallecen por siniestros de tránsito, según datos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). En América se producen 15,6 muertes en accidentes viales por cada 100.000 habitantes al año. En Bolivia los accidentados, atendidos por el Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes de Tránsito (SOAT), en 2019 sumaron 14.708, 40 por día, dos por hora. En la ciudad de Oruro 3235 son accidentes por motocicletas el 90 % reportan lesiones graves y el resto pierde la vida (9 por día). Finalmente, la ausencia de producción tecnológica en Bolivia y la necesidad de poseer vehículos livianos seguros ergonómicos con energía alternativa.  En este proyecto se presenta el diseño y fabricación del conjunto del chasis como de la suspensión delantera para la Feria de investigación Ciencia y Tecnología de la Universidad Técnica de Oruro, la cual consiste en diseñar una tri moto de 49cc para uso en todo terreno. El diseño del proyecto se ha realizado con el programa Autodesk Inventor. La idea fue construir un diseño prototipo sobre el cual hacer las pruebas oportunas y posteriormente realizar cambios y mejoras para futuras ediciones. Se trata de un proyecto íntegramente de diseño con la ayuda de programas de simulación que nos permitirán optimizar la idea inicial.  El chasis y estructura será conjunto lo más rígido posible, como ya veremos más adelante también tenemos que tener cierta flexión en ciertos puntos del chasis a la vez de ser lo más ligero posible. El procedimiento para fabricar la estructura del chasis de la Tri moto se realizó en tres fases: a) Fase inicial de la investigación: b) Fase de diseño de la estructura c) Fase de ejecución en esta última se destaca el montaje y unión de piezas en taller de soldadura.
Aumento da Sensibilidade Sensorial e Redução da Tolerância Social em Pessoas de Alto QI Durante Períodos de Estresse
Authors: Agrela Rodrigues Fabiano de Abreu , Avila Elodia , Dos Santos Nascimento Flávio Henrique , Do Espírito Santo Júlia Lima
Published: August 2024

Este trabalho investiga as experiências relatadas por indivíduos de alto quociente intelectual (QI) que demonstram uma sensibilidade aumentada durante períodos de estresse agudo ou crônico. A pesquisa envolveu a colaboração de 100 participantes associados ao projeto Gifted debate, que forneceram informações sobre suas reações a estímulos sensoriais e interações sociais em condições de estresse. O objetivo principal é explorar a relação entre alta inteligência e elevada sensibilidade sob tensão, buscando esclarecer os mecanismos subjacentes a essa associação. A compreensão dessas dinâmicas não só beneficia indivíduos superdotados, mas também pode oferecer informações valiosas para o suporte a pessoas neurotípicas. Além disso, este estudo contribui para a literatura sobre processamento neural e inteligência, proporcionando uma perspectiva mais profunda sobre o funcionamento cerebral em contextos de alta capacidade cognitiva.
Usos de la hoja de plátano (Musa paradisiaca L.) en la gastronomía
Authors: Morales Paredes Yesbek Rocío , Cuautle Cuatzo Karla Maritza , Diaz Blas María de Jesús , Maldonado Resendiz Jorge Ángel
Published: August 2024

Debido a su versatilidad y aportes nutrimentales, la hoja de plátano tiene diversos usos, es utilizada en la cocina mexicana, india, ecuatoriana, vietnamita entre otras, siendo su principal uso envolver los alimentos durante una cocción para después ser ingeridos, asimismo, este producto también es utilizado de forma medicinal, ayudando a problemas intestinales y cutáneos. Por medio de una revisión sistemática de literatura, el presente artículo muestra la historia, morfología, propiedades y beneficios de la hoja de plátano, logrando así el objetivo de determinar los usos de la hoja de plátano (Musa Paradisiaca L.) en la gastronomía. Dentro de los hallazgos más relevantes se estableció que esta hoja cumple la función de proteger al alimento que envuelve durante la cocción, debido a que brinda una capa protectora que impide el paso de microorganismos, la cual se forma gracias a los polifenoles presentes en la hoja, los cuales pasan al alimento ya sea por cocción o contacto directo con ella ayudando así a reducir el efecto de radicales libres, los cuales provocan envejecimiento en la piel, del mismo modo, los polifenoles previenen enfermedades cardiovasculares, osteoporosis y enfermedades degenerativas. La planta de plátano es originaria del sur de Asia, sin embargo, se usa en diferentes regiones del mundo para el consumo de su fruto, el uso de otras partes de la planta como la hoja, flores, savia y raíces, sobre todo para fines medicinales, seguido de sus usos gastronómicos y económicos.
Materiales usados en utensilios de cocina y sus posibles efectos tóxicos en la salud humana.
Authors: Cevallos Santacruz Odalis , Coral Miriam , Quilumbaqui Jazmín , Galarza Iván
Published: August 2024

El propósito de este estudio fue analizar los posibles efectos tóxicos de los utensilios de cocina para la salud humana, los objetivos fueron examinar sobre los metales utilizados en la fabricación de los materiales de utensilios de cocina, identificar cualquier efecto tóxico de estos metales en la salud humana y determinar los materiales más adecuados en distintas técnicas de cocción.
Se empleó un enfoque cualitativo utilizando una revisión sistemática para generar tablas que permitieran responder a cada objetivo, según los artículos el acero inoxidable y el hierro fundido se encuentran entre los materiales más adecuados en la cocina para diversas técnicas culinarias, mientras que el aluminio es el menos recomendado.
 Sin embargo, no se estudio acerca de la liberación de metales tóxicos a los alimentos ya que requiere de un análisis más experimental y detallado.
Este estudio ofrece información para futuras investigaciones, así como para dar a conocer a la sociedad para el momento de adquirir utensilios seguros para preparar los alimentos en sus hogares o negocios.
Investigación gastronómica en Ecuador: revisión sistemática y tendencias
Authors: Duarte-Casar Rodrigo , Rojas-Le-Fort Marlene
Published: August 2024

La gastronomía es una disciplina que no se ha comunicado por canales científicos hasta hace poco. Esto causa que haya poca información académica sobre temas de gastronomía salvo en cocinas codificadas, como la francesa. La codificación de las cocinas de país de origen es una herramienta de promoción y construcción de una identidad nacional, y la cocina y gastronomía del Ecuador está poco codificada. En este estudio se realiza una revisión sistemática de la producción científica relacionada con la gastronomía del Ecuador indexada en la base de datos Scopus mediante el protocolo SPAR-4-SLR para una caracterización preliminar y detección de vacíos de conocimiento. Se trabajó sobre 39 documentos indexados entre el 2013 y mayo de 2023, de los cuales 29 están en inglés y el resto en español. La mayor parte de la investigación trata sobre comercio, administración, turismo y servicios, mayoritariamente en la zona costera del Ecuador. Se detectan vacíos -y oportunidades- en investigación sobre otras categorías de conocimiento, productos y tradiciones que ayuden a impulsar la gastronomía del Ecuador como un campo de estudio transdisciplinar.
A Novel Therapy for Polymyalgia Rheumatica Dopaminergic Drugs
Authors: Check Jerome H , Check Diane L
Published: August 2024

Objectives: There is good anecdotal support for the concept that most chronic disorders involve increased cellular permeability allowing irritants to infuse into various organs either causing pain or physiological disruption of organ function. There is support for the concept that the large majority of these disorders, despite recalcitrance to standard therapy for that disorder, will demonstrate impressive relief of these various pathological symptoms following treatment with drugs that release dopamine from sympathetic nerve fibers, especially, but not exclusively limited to dextroamphetamine sulfate. Dopamine is known to decrease cellular permeability. The various disorders effecting almost every organ system of the human body fall under the umbrella term of the increased cellular permeability syndrome. Presented here in the first case of polymyalgia rheumatica in a male who was unable to tolerate the dosage of glucocorticoids that may have provided significant pain relief because of psychogenic side effects, who quickly responded to dextroamphetamine sulfate without any side effects.
Investigating Early HIV Infection: Utilizing Artificial Cell Membranes for Capturing Unintegrated Viral RNA
Authors: Qadri Syed Munim
Published: August 2024

The high mutation rate of HIV poses a significant challenge for research and treatment development. Obtaining unaltered viral genetic material before integration into the host cell's DNA would be a valuable tool for studying early infection stages and developing more effective therapies. This study explores the feasibility of using artificial cell membranes containing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) receptors (CD4 and co-receptor) to capture unintegrated viral RNA. We discuss the potential advantages and limitations of this approach compared to existing methods for studying HIV infection.
ОҚУШЫЛАРДЫҢ ЕРТЕ КӘСІБИ БЕЙІМДЕЛУІНЕ ЖЫЛЫЖАЙ ЖАҒДАЙЫНДАҒЫ ЗЕРТТЕУ ЖҰМЫСТАРЫН ҰЙЫМДАСТЫРУДЫҢ ТИІМДІЛІГІ
Authors: М.С. АГАДИЕВА  , А.С. БЕРКАЛИЕВА
Published: August 2024

Основной целью образования, ориентированного на мировое образовательное пространство, является не только овладение знаниями, но и формирование через знания-умения самостоятельных, любознательных, здоровых, образованных и компетентных подростков как всесторонне развитой личности. Задачи, стоящие перед сегодняшними школьниками в реализации этих целей, с каждым днем становятся все более актуальными. Ведь сегодняшние школьники-главная страница нашего будущего общества. Поэтому проводимая в школе про ориентационная работа сегодня имеет большое значение. Основными задачами общего образования являются три: обеспечение собственного общего развития, всестороннего мировоззрения ребенка и подготовка его к определенной профессии в будущем. Из этих трех задач было доказано, что по мере усложнения социального развития наиболее важной задачей является развитие ребенка с раннего возраста к будущей профессии. В настоящее время задача общего образования не только. Обеспечить общее развитие ребенка, но самое главное-установить его в соответствии с его способностями и интересами с раннего возраста. Профессиональная ориентация - деятельность, направленная на подготовку молодого поколения к осознанному анализу соответствующей профессии, которая им нравится. Осуществляя профессиональную ориентацию, необходимо знакомить учащихся с миром специальностей, их содержанием, особенностями, требованиями, предъявляемыми к человеку, обладающему свойствами, воспитывать интерес к осознанно выбранной специальности в соответствии с поставленной целью. Развитие производственно-хозяйственной отрасли и ее роль в рыночной экономике. Немаловажное значение в осознанном выборе профессии имеет и формирование способностей человека.
АСП ТЕХНОЛОГИЯСЫ АРҚЫЛЫ ҚАБАТТЫҢ МҰНАЙБЕРГІШТІГІН АРТТЫРУ
Authors: БАЛГЫНОВА А.М.  , КАЙНЕНОВА Т.С.  , САРКУЛОВА Ж.С.  , ТЕМИРХАНОВА М.М.  , ШЕРЬЯЗОВ С.К.
Published: August 2024

Учитывая постоянно растущий спрос на углеводородные продукты, сегодня ситуация в их производстве считается неблагополучной. Средний показатель коэффициента нефтеотдачи по всем государствам составляет от 25% до 40%. Поэтому с каждым днем растет интерес к инновационным технологическим решениям. В этом процессе промышленной разработки, по сравнению с традиционными вариантами, начальными запасами месторождений, запасы остаточного сырья в слое достигают в среднем 55-75%.В настоящее время большая часть нефти добывается из месторождений, открытых около четверти века назад. Окончательный коэффициент подачи нефти с этих месторождений составляет около 35%, что означает, что две трети всей нефти остается на месторождении. Исследования показывают, что если коэффициент добычи нефти сегодня увеличится как минимум на 1%, это увеличит извлекаемые запасы на 88 триллионов баррелей, что эквивалентно трехлетнему объему добычи сегодня. Также важно, чтобы старые месторождения были хорошо изучены геологически, а также имели хорошо развитую инфраструктуру, что снижает финансовые риски при внедрении новых технологий по увеличению добычи нефти.В этой статье было описано нововведение в технологии АСП. Особенностью метода АСП является снижение негативного воздействия на окружающую среду. Компоненты смеси также являются нетоксичными веществами, используемыми в химической промышленности и при очистке воды. По сравнению с традиционной перекачкой воды эффективность этого метода увеличивается в 2-3 раза.
Evaluation of implementation of models of academic advising in post graduate taught courses
Authors: Bosch Sarah
Published: August 2024

The first aim of this project was to develop evidence-informed models of academic advising for Postgraduate Taught (PGT) courses that was aligned to the institutional Academic Advising Framework, provided a consistently good experience, and yet was flexible enough to cater for diverse courses and student requirements. The second aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of these models. Three main models were created: Model 1 (out of curriculum); Model 2 (embedded approach); Model 3 (extended advising). A fourth, by permission only, student-led ‘Model X’, was also created in response to the needs of particular cohorts and departments. Following model implementation student awareness of the Academic Adviser (AA) role and of who theirs is was significantly greater. There were significant increases in the perceptions that academic advisers provided useful advice and guidance, referred to further support as appropriate, and took a personal interest in them, as well as a decrease in end of year withdrawal rates, post-model implementation compared with pre-model implementation. Comparing models, Model 2 (embedded) elicited the most positive results. A higher proportion of students experiencing Model 2 reported they had the opportunity and took up the opportunity to meet with their AA compared with any other model. Additionally, these students had significantly higher agreement that their AA takes a personal interest in them and that they provide useful advice and guidance to aid academic progress and development. Thematic analysis qualitative data, pre- and post-implementation revealed six themes: Academic, Professional, Personal, Relational, Contact and AA Model. Based on the evaluation and research conducted by the working group we have the following recommendations: 1. The importance of Academic Advising in PGT courses should not be understated. 2. Academic Advising should be embedded in curriculum (Model 2), where possible. 3. Model 3 is strongly recommended for courses with high proportions of international students.
Research-Informed Teaching Toolkit
Authors: Smith David , Shearn Katie , Lidster Joanne , Ramchandani Girish , Wheat Jonathan , Allcock Libby , Partington Lewis , Brierley Hannah , Robinson Ben , Sebok Tamas
Published: August 2024

Research-informed teaching is a term used to describe the different ways in which students are exposed to research content and activities during their time at university. Depending on your discipline this could also be called practice-informed teaching. A four-year body of research involving over 600 students from across Sheffield Hallam University has been used to draw together the following five key Curriculum Design Principles to embed research and practice into teaching:1) Embed research and practice skills at the course level and develop them through the course. Moving students from consumers of research and best practice to creators of research and best practice. 2) Academic research and practice can form the basis of taught content and be used as direct examples of applied knowledge. 3) Accessing research literature is a high-level skill and requires scaffolding. 4) Research and practice skills should be taught in context and task linked. 5) Research undertaken by the students should be co-created, with students involved in the design process. Students and University staff from Sport, Nursing, Midwifery, Biosciences and Chemistry were involved in the creation of this toolkit. This toolkit is most relevant for those looking to embed research-informed teaching in their practice. The toolkit includes an introduction to research-informed teaching, how students perceive research, the barriers and enablers for staff and students to engage with research-informed teaching, skills students develop and ideas for the integration of research-informed teaching.
Increasing the reach of the Skills Centre
Authors: Dougherty Sam
Published: August 2024

The Library Skills Centre provides centralised academic support to students across all levels and courses within the university. In the 2021/22 academic year, the Skills Centre saw 3837 unique students. While the service is inclusive, groups of students are underrepresented in attendance figures, who have also been highlighted in the university’s Access and Participation Plan. In order to address this, a small scale research project was undertaken by the Library's Skills Centre to ascertain potential barriers to learning and make suggestions about possible meaningful interventions to overcome these. Research was undertaken by Skills Centre staff alongside student researchers and findings were used to inform the co-creation of a new induction workshop with the input of Skills Partners. This report summarises the main findings from the project, insights about working and co-creating resources with students and recommendations to inform future practice.
Evaluating the impact of higher education funding aimed to address student hardship: Survey findings
Authors: Donnelly Alan
Published: August 2024

This report explores the findings of an evaluation conducted at Sheffield Hallam University to understand the impact of institutional financial support provided to students who are under-represented in higher education or who are facing hardship. This evaluation implemented the validated financial support evaluation toolkit, which is recommended by the Office for Students, as the framework for this data collection and analysis (McCaig et al., 2016). The survey tool, which was used in this current phase of the evaluation, contains closed and open-ended questions that explore what the funding has enabled its recipients to do and what might have not been possible otherwise. A total of 5,302 students received financial support from the University in 2020/21 and 347 of these responded to the survey, which is a response rate of 7%. The survey findings highlighted how respondents used other financial sources, aside from the hardship funding, to pay for their higher education, such as loans, overdrafts, earnings from work and money from friends or family. Without the financial support, its recipients reported that they would not only find it difficult to access the essential provisions of teaching and learning but also to be able to pay for basic living costs. Other key benefits reported by respondents were that the financial support enabled them to: concentrate on their university work, with the money helping many to pay for devices and IT equipment: continue with their studies; ease their anxieties and support their mental health. However, it is important to note that the low response rate limits the generalisations that can be made from the survey respondents to the wider population.
Fam49b dampens TCR signal strength to regulate survival of positively selected thymocytes and peripheral T cells
Authors: Park Chan-Su , Guan Jian , Rhee Peter , Gonzalez Federico , Lee Hee-sung , Park Ji-hyun , Coscoy Laurent , Robey Ellen A , Shastri Nilabh , Sadegh-Nasseri Scheherazade
Published: August 2024

The fate of developing T cells is determined by the strength of T cell receptor (TCR) signal they receive in the thymus. This process is finely regulated through the tuning of positive and negative regulators in thymocytes. The Family with sequence similarity 49 member B (Fam49b) protein is a newly discovered negative regulator of TCR signaling that has been shown to suppress Rac-1 activity in vitro in cultured T cell lines. However, the contribution of Fam49b to the thymic development of T cells is unknown. To investigate this important issue, we generated a novel mouse line deficient in Fam49b (Fam49b-KO). We observed that Fam49b-KO double positive (DP) thymocytes underwent excessive negative selection, whereas the positive selection stage was unaffected. Fam49b deficiency impaired the survival of single positive thymocytes and peripheral T cells. This altered development process resulted in significant reductions in CD4 and CD8 single-positive thymocytes as well as peripheral T cells. Interestingly, a large proportion of the TCRγδ+ and CD8αα+TCRαβ+ gut intraepithelial T lymphocytes were absent in Fam49b-KO mice. Our results demonstrate that Fam49b dampens thymocytes TCR signaling in order to escape negative selection during development, uncovering the function of Fam49b as a critical regulator of the selection process to ensure normal thymocyte development and peripheral T cells survival.
Arpin deficiency increases actomyosin contractility and vascular permeability
Authors: Montoya-García Armando , Guerrero-Fonseca Idaira M , Chánez-Paredes Sandra D , Hernández-Almaraz Karina B , León-Vega Iliana I , Silva-Olivares Angélica , Bentazos Abigail , Mondragón-Castelán Mónica , Mondragón-Flores Ricardo , Salinas-Lara Citlaltepetl , Vargas-Robles Hilda , Schnoor Michael
Published: August 2024

Arpin was discovered as an inhibitor of the Arp2/3 complex localized at the lamellipodial tip of fibroblasts, where it regulated migration steering. Recently, we showed that arpin stabilizes the epithelial barrier in an Arp2/3-dependent manner. However, expression and functions of arpin in endothelial cells (EC) have not yet been described. Arpin mRNA and protein are expressed in EC and downregulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Arpin depletion in HUVEC causes the formation of actomyosin stress fibers leading to increased permeability in an Arp2/3-independent manner. Instead, inhibitors of ROCK1 and ZIPK, kinases involved in the generation of stress fibers, normalize the loss-of-arpin effects on actin filaments and permeability. Arpin-deficient mice are viable but show a characteristic vascular phenotype in the lung including edema, microhemorrhage and vascular congestion, increased F-actin levels and vascular permeability. Our data show that, apart from being an Arp2/3 inhibitor, arpin is also a regulator of actomyosin contractility and endothelial barrier integrity.
Topological stress triggers persistent DNA lesions in ribosomal DNA with ensuing formation of PML-nucleolar compartment
Authors: Urbancokova Alexandra , Hornofova Terezie , Novak Josef , Salajkova Sarka Andrs , Hubackova Sona Stemberkova , Uvizl Alena , Buchtova Tereza , Mistrik Martin , McStay Brian , Hodny Zdenek , Bartek Jiri , Vasicova Pavla
Published: August 2024

PML, a multifunctional protein, is crucial for forming PML-nuclear bodies involved in stress responses. Under specific conditions, PML associates with nucleolar caps formed after RNA polymerase I (RNAPI) inhibition, leading to PML-nucleolar associations (PNAs). This study investigates these stimuli by exposing cells to various genotoxic stresses. We found that the most potent inducers of PNAs introduced topological stress and inhibited RNAPI. Doxorubicin, the most effective compound, induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the rDNA locus. PNAs co-localized with damaged rDNA, segregating it from active nucleoli. Cleaving the rDNA locus with I-PpoI confirmed rDNA damage as a genuine stimulus for PNAs. Inhibition of ATM, ATR kinases, and RAD51 reduced I-PpoI-induced PNAs, highlighting the importance of ATM/ATR-dependent nucleolar cap formation and homologous recombination (HR) in their triggering. I-PpoI-induced PNAs co-localized with rDNA DSBs positive for RPA32-pS33 but deficient in RAD51, indicating resected DNA unable to complete HR repair. Our findings suggest that PNAs form in response to persistent rDNA damage within the nucleolar cap, highlighting the interplay between PML/PNAs and rDNA alterations due to topological stress, RNAPI inhibition, and rDNA DSBs destined for HR. Cells with persistent PNAs undergo senescence, suggesting PNA’s help avoid rDNA instability, with implications for tumorigenesis and aging.
Artificially inserted strong promoter containing multiple G-quadruplexes induces long-range chromatin modification
Authors: Roy Shuvra Shekhar , Bagri Sulochana , Vinayagamurthy Soujanya , Sengupta Avik , Then Claudia Regina , Kumar Rahul , Sridharan Sriram , Chowdhury Shantanu
Published: August 2024

Although the role of G-quadruplex (G4) DNA structures has been suggested in chromosomal looping this was not tested directly. Here, to test causal function, an array of G4s, or control sequence that does not form G4s, were inserted within chromatin in cells. In vivo G4 formation of the inserted G4 sequence array, and not the control sequence, was confirmed using G4-selective antibody. Compared to the control insert, we observed a remarkable increase in the number of 3D chromatin looping interactions from the inserted G4 array. This was evident within the immediate topologically associated domain (TAD) and throughout the genome. Locally, recruitment of enhancer histone marks and the transcriptional coactivator p300/Acetylated-p300 increased in the G4-array, but not in the control insertion. Resulting promoter-enhancer interactions and gene activation were clear up to 5 Mb away from the insertion site. Together, these show the causal role of G4s in enhancer function and long-range chromatin interactions. Mechanisms of 3D topology are primarily based on DNA-bound architectural proteins that induce/stabilize long-range interactions. Involvement of the underlying intrinsic DNA sequence/structure in 3D looping shown here therefore throws new light on how long-range chromosomal interactions might be induced or maintained.
Beyond Haldane’s rule: Sex-biased hybrid dysfunction for all modes of sex determination
Authors: Cutter Asher D
Published: August 2024

Haldane’s rule occupies a special place in biology as one of the few ‘rules’ of speciation, with empirical support from hundreds of species. And yet, its classic purview is restricted taxonomically to the subset of organisms with heteromorphic sex chromosomes. I propose explicit acknowledgement of generalized hypotheses about Haldane’s rule that frame sex bias in hybrid dysfunction broadly and irrespective of the sexual system. The consensus view of classic Haldane’s rule holds that sex-biased hybrid dysfunction across taxa is a composite phenomenon that requires explanations from multiple causes. Testing of the multiple alternative hypotheses for Haldane’s rule is, in many cases, applicable to taxa with homomorphic sex chromosomes, environmental sex determination, haplodiploidy, and hermaphroditism. Integration of a variety of biological phenomena about hybrids across diverse sexual systems, beyond classic Haldane’s rule, will help to derive a more general understanding of the contributing forces and mechanisms that lead to predictable sex biases in evolutionary divergence and speciation.
Nuclear translocation of SIRT4 mediates deacetylation of U2AF2 to modulate renal fibrosis through alternative splicing-mediated upregulation of CCN2
Authors: Yang Guangyan , Xiang Jiaqing , Yang Xiaoxiao , Liu Xiaomai , Li Yanchun , Li Lixing , Kang Lin , Liang Zhen , Yang Shu
Published: August 2024

TGF-β stimulates CCN2 expression which in turn amplifies TGF-β signaling. This process promotes extracellular matrix production and accelerates the pathological progression of fibrotic diseases. Alternative splicing plays an important role in multiple disease development, while U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 2 (U2AF2) is an essential factor in the early steps of pre-mRNA splicing. However, the molecular mechanism underlying abnormal CCN2 expression upon TGF-β stimulation remains unclear. This study elucidates that SIRT4 acts as a master regulator for CCN2 expression in response to TGF-β by modulating U2AF2-mediated alternative splicing. Analyses of renal biopsy specimens from patients with CKD and mouse fibrotic kidney tissues revealed marked nuclear accumulation of SIRT4. The tubulointerstitial fibrosis was alleviated by global deletion or tubular epithelial cell (TEC)-specific knockout of Sirt4, and aggravated by adeno-associated virus-mediated SIRT4 overexpression in TECs. Furthermore, SIRT4 was found to translocate from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm through the BAX/BAK pore under TGF-β stimulation. In the cytoplasm, TGF-β activated the ERK pathway and induced the phosphorylation of SIRT4 at Ser36, which further promoted its interaction with importin α1 and subsequent nuclear translocation. In the nucleus, SIRT4 was found to deacetylate U2AF2 at K413, facilitating the splicing of CCN2 pre-mRNA to promote CCN2 protein expression. Importantly, exosomes containing anti-SIRT4 antibodies were found to effectively mitigate the UUO-induced kidney fibrosis in mice. Collectively, these findings indicated that SIRT4 plays a role in kidney fibrosis by regulating CCN2 expression via the pre-mRNA splicing.
Neural basis of cognitive control signals in anterior cingulate cortex during delay discounting
Authors: Seamans Jeremy K , White Shelby , Morningstar Mitchell , Emberly Eldon , Linsenbardt David , Ma Baofeng , Czachowski Cristine L , Lapish Christopher C
Published: August 2024

Cognitive control involves allocating cognitive effort according to internal needs and task demands and the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) is hypothesized to play a central role in this process. We investigated the neural basis of cognitive control in the ACC of rats performing an adjusting-amount delay discounting task. Decision-making in this this task can be guided by using either a lever-value tracking strategy, requiring a ‘resource-based’ form of cognitive effort or a lever-biased strategy requiring a ‘resistance-based’ form of cognitive effort. We found that ACC ensembles always tightly tracked lever value on each trial, indicative of a resource-based control signal. These signals were prevalent in the neural recordings and were influenced by the delay. A shorter delay was associated with devaluing of the immediate option and a longer delay was associated with overvaluing of the immediate option. In addition, ACC theta (6-12Hz) oscillations were observed at the choice point of rats exhibiting a resistance-based strategy. These data provide candidates of neural activity patterns in the ACC that underlie the use of ‘resource-based’ and ‘resistance-based’ cognitive effort. Furthermore, these data illustrate how strategies can be engaged under different conditions in individual subjects.
Trichoderma based formulations control the wilt disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, better when inoculated as consortia: findings from pot experiments under field conditions
Authors: Chohan Safeer A. , Akbar Muhammad , Iqbal Umer
Published: August 2024

Background

Commercial/chemical pesticides are available to control Fusarium wilt of chickpea, but these antifungals have numerous environmental and human health hazards. Amongst various organic alternatives, use of antagonistic fungi like Trichoderma, is the most promising option. Although, Trichoderma spp. are known to control Fusarium wilt in chickpea but there are no reports that indicate the biocontrol efficacy of indigenous Trichoderma spp. against the local pathogen, in relation to environmental conditions.

Methods

In the present study, biological control activity of Trichoderma species formulations viz., Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma harzianum (strain 1), and Trichoderma harzianum (strain 2), either singly or in the form of consortia, was investigated against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, the cause of Fusarium wilt in chickpea, in multiyear pot trials under open field conditions. The antagonistic effect of Trichoderma spp. was first evaluated in in vitro dual culture experiments. Then the effects of Trichoderma as well as F. oxysporum, were investigated on the morphological parameters, disease incidence (DI), and disease severity (DS) of chickpea plants grown in pots.

Results

In dual culture experiments, all the Trichoderma species effectively reduced the mycelial growth of F. oxysporum. T. asperellum, T. harzianum (strain 1), and T. harzianum(strain 2) declined the mycelial growth of F. oxysporumby 37.6%, 40%, and 42%. In open field pot trials, the infestation of F. oxysporum in chickpea plants significantly reduced the morphological growth of chickpea. However, the application of T. asperellum, T. harzianum (strain 1), and T. harzianum (strain 2), either singly or in the form of consortia, significantly overcome the deleterious effects of the pathogen, thereby resulted in lower DI (22.2% and 11.1%) and DS (86% and 92%), and ultimately improved the shoot length, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight by 69% and 72%, 67% and 73%, 68% and 75%, during the years 1 and 2, respectively, in comparison with infested control. The present study concludes the usefulness and efficacy of Trichoderma species in controlling wilt disease of chickpea plants under variable weather conditions.
Pensar el currículum: la capacidad reflexiva en la toma decisiones curriculares en Educación Parvularia.
Authors:   , Córdova Mendoza Valentina
Published: August 2024

La profesionalidad docente en Educación Parvularia implica el conocimiento profesional teórico curricular, de desarrollo infantil, de didáctica y pedagogía. Este saber es considerado esencial para el uso de la capacidad reflexiva en la toma decisiones curriculares que fomenten el aprendizaje y desarrollo infantil. Unir la teoría y la práctica considerando las características específicas del contexto en el que se desempeñan a través de esta capacidad reflexiva, sería lo que movilizaría dicho aprendizaje. Este investigación, busca analizar cómo la capacidad reflexiva docente de las educadoras de párvulos de los niveles medio mayor y prekínder en un colegio particular en Santiago de Chile utilizando una metodología cualitativa mediante un análisis de datos, realizando entrevistas semiestructuras. Los principales descubrimientos dan cuenta de cuatro categorías de análisis que corresponden a planificación, reflexión, decisiones curriculares y características del programa.
Primary Trichobezoar in Small Intestine: A Case Report
Authors: Kavin S , Sasikumar V , Kovendhan T , Vijay M
Published: August 2024

Trichobezoar is a rare surgical condition that mostly occurs in the stomach and often causes a surgical emergency when left untreated. It is often predisposed by psychiatric conditions, mental retardation, previous gastric surgery, or abnormal anatomy. Trichobezoar progresses extremely slowly and is diagnosed through imaging such as a barium series, endoscopy, or computed tomography. Surgical removal is typically required. The patient in this case was a 12-year-old girl who presented with symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and constipation. She was found to be anaemic and underweight. Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) diagnosed acute intussusception and small bowel obstruction, which were treated by emergency laparotomy. During the operation, a large primary ileal trichobezoar was found in the distal part of the ileum with hair strands extending up to the transverse colon. The absence of masses elsewhere made the diagnosis even more peculiar, as primary intestinal trichobezoar is highly uncommon. Primary closure of the enterotomy was performed as it was viable, and the postoperative period was uneventful. A history of trichophagia was elicited, and a psychiatric assessment of the patient was conducted. Behavioural therapy was initiated for the trichophagia. In conclusion, trichobezoar is a rare surgical entity with modifiable predisposing factors that require a multidisciplinary management approach.
A Case of Encysted Hydrocele of Spermatic Cord Mimicking Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia in an Adult Male
Authors: Krishnan Kailash , Vadamalai Kopperundevi , Kumar Niranjan
Published: August 2024

Encysted hydrocele of the spermatic cord occurs due to the persistence of the Cranford section, which is a segment of the patent processus vaginalis. This results in localised fluid collection, causing an encysted hydrocele. The present case reports a rare cause of groin swelling that mimics an incarcerated inguinal hernia. A 55-year-old male presented with complaints of swelling over his right groin for the past 6 months and dull-aching pain for the past 1 week. Clinically diagnosed as a case of a right incarcerated inguinal hernia. High-frequency ultrasound revealed an anechoic cystic lesion of size 8×3.8 cm in the subcutaneous plane of the right inguinal region with no bowel or omentum as content. Intraoperatively, a 9×7 cm ovoid encysted hydrocele of the cord was identified. No intraoperative findings were suggestive of an inguinal hernia. The hydrocele sac was carefully excised from cord contents. Prompt anticipation and surgical management are required for the diagnosis and management of an encysted hydrocele.
Histopathological Study of Peripheral Neuropathies on Nerve Biopsy: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Jaiswal Navya , Chakraborti Shrijeet , Tiwari Neema , Prasad Anand
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Peripheral neuropathy is common in clinical practice, with a reported prevalence of 2.4% in the general population. There are numerous aetiologies for peripheral neuropathy like diabetes, ischaemia, vasculitis, inflammatory demyelinating disorders, nutritional deficiencies, paraproteinemic disorders, paraneoplastic syndromes, toxic exposures, and hereditary neuropathies. An exhaustive haematological, biochemical, and serological work-up, cerebrospinal fluid evaluation, electrodiagnostic tests, and nerve biopsy are required when overlapping clinical features present a diagnostic challenge. Aim: To analyse the histopathological characteristics of nerve biopsies in individuals with peripheral neuropathy. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at Kasturba Medical College from January 2011 to December 2016. Nerve biopsies received in the Department of Pathology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospitals in the Ambedkar Circle and Attavar area, as well as at Government Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India were studied. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from biopsy requisition forms and patient case records from the aforementioned hospitals. Results were presented in numbers and percentages. Results: A total of 134 nerve biopsies were included in the study. The age range of all cases studied was 7-86 years, with a mean age of 51.8 years. The study population consisted of 63.4% males and 36.6% females, resulting in a male-to- female ratio of 1.7:1. Vasculitic Neuropathy (VN) accounted for 38.1% cases, followed by chronic inflammatory neuropathies (21.7%) and Diabetic Neuropathy (DN) (12.6%). Other diagnosis included ischaemic neuropathy (6.7%), Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy (HMSN) (3.7%), subacute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (3.0%), as well as two cases each of Hansen’s neuritis, amyloid neuropathy, and acute inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (1.5% each). One case of toxic neuropathy (0.7%) was identified, while 9.0% of cases displayed histological features that were either non specific or not characteristic of any specific diagnosis. Conclusion: Vasculitic neuropathy was found to be the most common aetiology of peripheral neuropathy, followed by Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and DN. The histopathological examination of nerve biopsies is a useful tool in distinguishing between diseases with overlapping clinical features, confirming or excluding vasculitis, and diagnosing hereditary conditions in settings where genetic testing is unavailable or unaffordable.