bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quel est le rôle des petites et moyennes universités dans le développement de leurs territoires d’accueil ? Le cas de l’Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale
Authors: Bou Abdo Étienne , Carrard Michel
Published: January 2025

Cet article détaille l’impact socio-économique de l’Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (ULCO) aux échelles locale et nationale, mettant en lumière l’évolution vers une mission universitaire tripartie : enseignement, recherche et valorisation. Cette dernière – axée sur l’engagement régional et la valorisation de la recherche – devient essentielle dans un paysage compétitif et évolutif. Cette recherche emploie une méthodologie mixte combinant analyse quantitative de données financières et 18 entretiens pour examiner les interactions entre le cas d’étude, le secteur industriel et les instances gouvernementales. Les résultats soulignent l’impact relativement significatif de cette université régionale sur l’économie, en révélant les défis méthodologiques inhérents à l’évaluation des différents effets. L’article apporte ainsi une contribution à la compréhension du rôle des universités de petite ou de moyenne taille dans le développement économique et social régional.
La representación visual de la sillería Gebrüder Thonet: una firma “sin rival” en los espacios de ocio y sociabilidad europeos
Authors: Martínez Fernández Javier
Published: January 2025

El presente trabajo académico evidencia a través de fuentes pictóricas y fotográficas la importancia que obtuvieron determinados modelos de sillería de la firma Gebrüder Thonet durante el periodo decimonónico y las primeras décadas del siglo XX en los diferentes espacios de ocio y sociabilidad de las principales ciudades europeas. El estudio demuestra una notable presencia de sillas funcionales que se emplearon para renovar el mobiliario acorde a los nuevos tiempos y que los artistas documentaron a través de sus obras gráficas. El foco de la investigación se centra en determinadas tipologías elaboradas mediante la técnica de la madera curvada, cuyo éxito sin precedentes se presenció tanto en la pintura como en la publicidad de la prensa española.
La dislalia funcional: rutinas musicales para su intervención en Educación Infantil
Authors: López Izquierdo María , Ruiz Palomo MªEsther
Published: January 2025

El lenguaje es una habilidad comunicativa fundamental que se desarrolla a lo largo de la vida. Durante la primera infancia se experimentan logros fundamentales dentro de este ámbito. Sin embargo, algunos estudios indican que en este periodo una quinta parte de los educandos presenta errores en el lenguaje siendo en su mayoría dislalias funcionales. Por las repercusiones físicas, sociales y emocionales que pueden producir se hace necesaria su prevención e intervención indirecta desde las aulas, especialmente en la etapa de Educación Infantil. De esta forma, se propone para el aula de esta etapa un programa de intervención indirecta de dislalias funcionales que parte de la música por la relación existente entre este arte y el lenguaje. Ésta se ha diseñado en forma de rutinas grupales por los beneficios que ofrecen dichas situaciones de aprendizaje y por su facilidad para introducirlas en la jornada lectiva. Se comprobó su eficacia mediante un estudio cuasi-experimental de cuatro educandos que mostraban la posibilidad de presentar dislalias funcionales. Se les aplicó la Prueba de Articulación de Fonemas (PAF) de forma previa y posterior a la intervención en gran grupo concluyendo que dichas rutinas mejoraron en estos educandos los elementos que intervienen en la lengua hablada y, por lo tanto, se produjo un desarrollo de su lenguaje.
Utilización de la plataforma digital educativa Snappet para mejorar la comprensión lectora en catalán
Authors: Buendia Barberà Marina , Holgado Garcia Josep
Published: January 2025

En esta investigación, hemos estudiado la relación entre la aplicación de la plataforma digital educativa Snappet en actividades de lengua catalana y la mejora del nivel de comprensión lectora de los sujetos. El estudio se ha realizado en los grupos de 3º, 4º, 5º y 6º de educación primaria de la escuela La Floresta, los cuales han sido agrupados según su nivel de aprendizaje, obviando el curso que estaban realizando por su edad biológica. Esta se ha enmarcado dentro del paradigma positivista, con el pretexto de explicar los fenómenos de una realidad concreta, escogiendo la metodología cuantitativa, concretamente el método cuasi-experimental. Se ha utilizado el documento la Evaluación de la Comprensión Lectora (ACL)1 como prueba pre-test y post-test. Los resultados demuestran que dos tercios del alumnado mejoró de uno a cuatro grados su nivel de comprensión lectora, y las medias grupales alcanzaron resultados positivos llegando al grado de normalidad. Se puede concluir que la plataforma digital educativa Snappet y las Tecnologías del Aprendizaje y el Conocimiento (TAC) son un recurso educativo donde el donde el profesor pone la tecnología al servicio del alumnado.1 https://bit.ly/36GN1z6https://bit.ly/3wy8uFs
Observatori d'igualtat educativa d’àmbit municipal.
Authors: Obiol-Francés Sandra , Villar-Aguilés Alícia , Hernàndez Dobon Francesc J.
Published: January 2025

Presentem una eina metodològica per a dur endavant observatoris de la realitat educativa a l’àmbit municipal. Un observatori, en aquest cas educatiu, és una plataforma permanent que s’organitza al voltant d’una disciplina i consisteix en l’arreplegada, sistematització i difusió de la informació. En el nostre cas suposa recollir i organitzar informació sobre l’educació i la formació professional i contínua, al servei de la ciutadania i de les persones responsables de les institucions educatives i polítiques a l’àmbit municipal.
En aquest text volem proporcionar la base fonamental per a que diferents agents locals puguen implementar de manera autònoma el seu propi observatori.
Iniciación al Lenguaje Musical ¿Cómo y cuándo?
Authors: Bárcena María Delia
Published: January 2025

Resúmen
Este trabajo analiza el proceso de aprendizaje de la lecto-escritura aplicada a la práctica musical, enfocándose en cómo la notación musical, como código y sistema de representación, se convierte en una herramienta esencial para el desarrollo de la comprensión musical.
A lo largo de la historia, la notación ha sido crucial para transmitir y preservar composiciones musicales, pero su enseñanza sigue siendo un desafío, tanto para los estudiantes como para los educadores.
Existen diversos enfoques pedagógicos para facilitar el aprendizaje de la notación musical. Algunos se centran en la notación como un sistema formal de símbolos que los estudiantes deben aprender a leer y escribir, mientras que otros la consideran una representación más fluida y flexible, vinculada a la interpretación y expresión musical.
Este estudio tiene implicancias importantes para la educación musical, especialmente para el desarrollo de enfoques que consideren al proceso de adquisición de la notación musical desde la perspectiva del estudiante, permitiendo un aprendizaje más natural y efectivo.
En el trabajo llevado a cabo en la Escuela Argentina Modelo de Buenos Aires, se investigaron las posibilidades de la práctica musical de alumnos que ya estaban familiarizados con la notación musical desde una edad temprana, comenzando en el nivel preescolar y continuando hasta la secundaria. Los resultados evidenciaron que los niños y jóvenes, que cursan la enseñanza obligatoria, al encontrarse con un sistema de representación altamente naturalizado pueden interactuar con la partitura de manera natural como lo hacen con la lectura de un libro de texto.
Palabras clave: Educación musical; notación musical; lectura musical; partitura; representaciones musicales.
Reseña del Libro: González Alcaide, Gregorio (2024). 1 d. C. (después de ChatGPT): Inteligencia artificial generativa en la educación superior. Universitat de València.
Authors: Gómez-Ferri Javier
Published: January 2025

Hay conocimientos, inventos e innovaciones tecnológicas que marcan época. El libro 1. d. C. (después de ChatGPT): Inteligencia artificial generativa en la educación superior, publicado por Gregorio González Alcaide, nos adentra en el vertiginoso tiempo, todavía indefinido e incierto, ante el que nos deja la reciente aparición y aplicación de la inteligencia artificial generativa. El autor de dicho trabajo plantea, ya desde su propio título, que la irrupción y la extensión generalizada del uso de las aplicaciones de inteligencia artificial generativa ha marcado el inicio de una nueva era, tanto en relación con las actividades formativas y de aprendizaje como para las actividades de investigación.
Crònica d´ una celebració.
Authors: Ariño Villarroya Antonio , Beltrán Llavador José
Published: January 2025

El 3 d'octubre de 2024, a les 19h, va tindre lloc en la Facultat de Ciències Socials un acte de reconeixement col·lectiu a la trajectòria acadèmica, cívica, cultural i sindical de Francesc J. Hernàndez, professor del Departament de Sociologia i Antropologia Social, jubilat a la fi de 2023.
Una nota sobre l'aprenentatge i l’amistat
Authors: Hernàndez Dobon Francesc J.
Published: January 2025

Fa dos mil cinc-cents anys, tant a les riberes de la Mediterrània com a l’Orient llunyà esdevingué allò que Karl Jaspers anomenà l’època axial: el sorgiment de sistemes ﬁlosòﬁcs, val a dir, d’argumentacions centrades en l’amor a la saviesa. L’última gran obra de Jürgen Habermas, Encara una història de la ﬁlosoﬁa, es pot entendre com una magna revisió de la tesi de Jaspers. Doncs bé, aquest amor a la saviesa està inscrit al cor simbòlic de la Universitat de València: el Paranimf està presidit per la inscripció: «Ameu saviesa e bon saber aprés déu», manllevada del llibre dotzé de Lo Crestià, una magna enciclopèdia redactada per Francesc Eiximenis en el segle XIV. La cita del Paranimf continua elogiant els mestres i els llibres, coses que no tenen preu, segons el frare franciscà, i on està tancat tot el tresor i riquea i noblesa d’aquest món (llib. XII, cap. XIV). Doncs bé, en el marc de les possibles reﬂexions sobre l’amor i el saber, a continuació hi ha algunes reﬂexions sobre un assumpte més limitat: la relació entre l’aprenentatge i l’amistat.
Sobre el discurs pedagògic.
Authors: Hernàndez Dobon Francesc J.
Published: January 2025

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¿Andamiaje o PCK colectivo? Configuración del conocimiento para la enseñanza de genética a estudiantes Sordos
Authors: Cuartas Cuartas Astrid Eliana , Angulo Delgado Fanny , Soto Lombana Carlos Arturo
Published: January 2025

Este estudio examina la integración del Conocimiento Pedagógico del Contenido (PCK) en la enseñanza de genética a estudiantes Sordos de secundaria, a través del caso de una profesora que sigue el modelo bilingüe bicultural en Colombia, con el apoyo de una persona Sorda (modelo lingüístico) y una intérprete. Se utilizan métodos como videoscopía, entrevistas biográficas y representación de contenido. El análisis revela la construcción de un PCK colectivo, donde la intérprete y la persona Sorda desempeñan roles más complejos, sugiriendo la posibilidad de que posean un PCK propio. Este hallazgo desafía la noción de que el PCK es exclusivamente individual, según el modelo de consenso refinado.
Uso de imágenes e ilustraciones para la enseñanza de la energía en libros de texto de Educación Primaria
Authors: Escoto-Castro Lucía , García-Carmona Antonio
Published: January 2025

Las imágenes e ilustraciones son esenciales en la enseñanza de las ciencias y se usan frecuentemente en libros de texto. Aunque hay estudios sobre el uso didáctico de imágenes en libros de ciencias, son escasos, especialmente para el caso de Educación Primaria. Este estudio cualitativo analiza el uso de imágenes en libros de texto de Conocimiento del Medio de las editoriales Anaya y Santillana, centrado en el tema de la energía. Se comparan los libros de ambas editoriales para diferentes cursos de Primaria. Las imágenes se analizan mediante un protocolo, de corte descriptivo-interpretativo, elaborado a partir de un marco teórico y validado mediante un método interjueces por parte de los autores. Los resultados muestran diferencias entre las editoriales en cuanto a la funcionalidad de las imágenes, su iconicidad y el tipo de saber al que se refieren.
Los verbos ser y estar ante las clases de comparación
Authors: Ynduráin Pardo de Santayana Carlos , Aragües y Oroz Ignacio
Published: January 2025

Los verbos copulativos ser y estar suponen en sí mismos un problema recurrente en la didáctica del ELE. El presente artículo se centra en abordar un caso concreto: aquel en el que la alternancia entre estos verbos se da ante predicados nominales que presentan adjetivos de tipo subsectivo (Pablito es/está alto). Mostraremos que este contexto particular puede ser analizado de forma efectiva recurriendo a una serie de conceptos clave que, desde nuestra perspectiva, son los elementos teóricos que subyacen a los cambios semánticos que implica la selección de uno u otro verbo. Señalaremos, además, las ventajas que implica esta aproximación dentro del contexto ELE. En la parte final del trabajo, recogeremos una propuesta didáctica para B2 basada en los conceptos teóricos presentados previamente. El objetivo final es que, mediante la inducción de una serie reglas sencillas, el estudiante pueda manejarse con enunciados en los que se dé la alternancia analizada.
Novelas para aprender español: un paseo literario por Valencia
Authors: Roselló Verdeguer Jorge
Published: January 2025

En el momento actual, ya casi nadie parece poner en duda la utilidad de los textos literarios en la enseñanza y aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera. En el presente artículo, utilizamos un conjunto de textos literarios situados en la ciudad de Valencia (España), con lo cuales proponemos al alumnado actividades que mejoren, por un lado, sus destrezas lingüísticas y, por otro, les ayuden a apreciar las características del texto literario.
Sources of the Nazi racial ideology
Authors: Pauer-Studer Herlinde
Published: January 2025

This is an extract from Pauer-Studer, H. (2020). Justifying injustice. Legal theory in Nazi Germany. (Cambridge University Press, 2020, pp. 117–124). The author analyses the adaptation of German law to the political goals of National Socialism.
Introduction: Science, race and Nazism
Authors: Teruel Pedro Jesús
Published: January 2025

«We cannot put our lives right in retrospect; we must go on living with the past. We can put ourselves right, however». This sentence by Reiner Kunze opens a powerful testimony: that of Traudl Junge, Adolf Hitler’s very young secretary from December 1942 until the dictator’s death on 30 April 1945. In her book Bis zur letzten Stunde (published in English as Until the final hour: Hitler’s last secretary), Junge recounts how she gained access to the intimate circle of a man who – she would later realise – had committed monstrous acts beyond any known measure of inhumanity.
Di codice in codice: i manoscritti delle Operette morali nella Biblioteca Digitale Leopardiana
Authors: Marozzi Gioele
Published: January 2025

L’attualità delle Operette morali di Giacomo Leopardi si realizza sia nei contenuti veicolati dal libro – nuovo, sfidante, in costante dialogo con ogni epoca –, sia nel modo in cui lettrici e lettori contemporanei possono avvicinarsi al testo. Il presente contributo intende indagare questo secondo punto di vista, proponendo le Operette morali come case study del trattamento digitale degli scritti del Recanatese entro la Biblioteca Digitale Leopardiana. Nella prima parte, verranno presentati rapidamente i presupposti del progetto, illustrandone lo stato dell’arte e il processo evolutivo. Nella seconda parte, invece, si procederà alla discussione di scelte valutate per la codifica testuale del Dialogo di Torquato Tasso e del suo Genio familiare, allo scopo di mostrare come la metadatazione possa favorire diverse forme di fruizione dell’opera leopardiana all’interno della piattaforma digitale (descrizione dell’autografo, digitalizzazione, accesso ai testi).
La dissimulazione (del sentimento) nelle Operette morali
Authors: Del Gatto Antonella
Published: January 2025

Leopardi elegge a principio compositivo, ed estetico, la dissimulazione: una dissimulazione filosofica, strutturale, mimetica, che mescola le carte, evita le conclusioni, apre a mondi possibili, elude le certezze e la logica apparente. Le Operette morali sono infatti progettate e composte all’insegna della destabilizzazione rispetto all’attesa; e in molte di esse la dichiarata rinuncia alla dissimulazione dell’infelicità esistenziale coincide con la dissimulazione effettiva del sentimento, in particolare dell’amore e dell’amicizia. Il che ne fa un testo di evidente attualità, in quanto interamente impostato in un’ottica spiazzante, a tratti distopica.
La comunidad de los vivientes
Authors: Hoxhvogli Idolo
Published: January 2025

La comunidad de los vivientes, libro de Idolo Hoxhvogli, propone una reflexión sobre la condición humana a partir de temas como la alienación, el control y la falta de sentido de la vida contemporánea. El viaje no es solo físico, sino simbólico, consciente de lo invisible y del misterio. El sujeto, nómada y necesitado de trascendencia, es asfixiado por la tecnocracia. El hombre se remodela para estar supeditado al poder. La libertad individual y los derechos naturales se comprimen. La civilización adquiere el aspecto de una distopía en la que la vida social se desvincula de la naturaleza, la belleza, la identidad personal y la memoria histórica. En una sociedad así, el hombre encuentra un espacio para sí mismo en la soledad. El redescubrimiento de la espiritualidad alimenta la esperanza. La cruz de Cristo, a pesar de su fragilidad, abre una puerta a la redención.
An Anatomical and Physiological Basis for Flexible Coincidence Detection in the Auditory System
Authors: Kreeger Lauren J , Honnuraiah Suraj , Maeker Sydney , Shea Siobhan , Fishell Gord , Goodrich Lisa V
Published: January 2025

Animals navigate the auditory world by recognizing complex sounds, from the rustle of a predator to the call of a potential mate. This ability depends in part on the octopus cells of the auditory brainstem, which respond to multiple frequencies that change over time, as occurs in natural stimuli. Unlike the average neuron, which integrates inputs over time on the order of tens of milliseconds, octopus cells must detect momentary coincidence of excitatory inputs from the cochlea during an ongoing sound on both the millisecond and submillisecond time scale. Here, we show that octopus cells receive inhibitory inputs on their dendrites that enhance opportunities for coincidence detection in the cell body, thereby allowing for responses both to rapid onsets at the beginning of a sound and to frequency modulations during the sound. This mechanism is crucial for the fundamental process of integrating the synchronized frequencies of natural auditory signals over time.
CCR5 antagonists as neuroprotective and stroke recovery enhancing agents: a preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sharif Ayni , Jeffers Matthew S , Fergusson Dean A , Bapuji Raj , Nicholls Stuart G , Humphrey John , Johnston Warren , Mitchell Ed , Speirs Mary-Ann , Stronghill Laura , Vuckovic Michele , Wulf Susan , Shorr Risa , Dowlatshahi Dar , Corbett Dale , Lalu Manoj M
Published: January 2025

C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) antagonists may improve both acute stroke outcome and long-term recovery. Despite their evaluation in ongoing clinical trials, gaps remain in the evidence supporting their use.With a panel of patients with lived experiences of stroke, we performed a systematic review of animal models of stroke that administered a CCR5 antagonist and assessed infarct size or behavioral outcomes. MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase were searched. Article screening and data extraction were completed in duplicate. We pooled outcomes using random effects meta-analyses. We assessed risk of bias using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool and alignment with the Stroke Treatment Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) and Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable (SRRR) recommendations.Five studies representing 10 experiments were included. CCR5 antagonists reduced infarct volume (standard mean difference −1.02; 95% confidence interval −1.58 to −0.46) when compared to stroke-only controls. Varied timing of CCR5 administration (pre- or post-stroke induction) produced similar benefit. CCR5 antagonists significantly improved 11 of 16 behavioral outcomes reported. High risk of bias was present in all studies and critical knowledge gaps in the preclinical evidence were identified using STAIR/SRRR.CCR5 antagonists demonstrate promise; however, rigorously designed preclinical studies that better align with STAIR/SRRR recommendations and downstream clinical trials are warranted.Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42023393438)
Dissociation of the nuclear basket triggers chromosome loss in aging yeast
Authors: Mirkovic Mihailo , McCarthy Jordan , Meinema Anne Cornelis , Parenteau Julie , Lee Sung Sik , Elela Sherif Abou , Barral Yves
Published: January 2025

In many organisms, aging is a clear risk factor for increased rates of chromosome mis-segregation, the main source of aneuploidy. Here, we report that old yeast mother cells lose chromosomes by partitioning them asymmetrically to their daughter cells together with the pre-existing (old) Sindle Pole Body (centrosome equivalent in yeast). Strikingly, remodelling of the NPC and the displacement of its nuclear basket triggered these asymmetric segregation events. Concomitantly, basket displacement also caused unspliced pre-mRNAs to leak to the cytoplasm. We show that removing the introns of three genes involved in chromosome segregation was sufficient to fully suppress chromosome loss in old cells. Furthermore, promoting pre-mRNA leakage in young cells also caused asymmetric chromosome partition and loss through the same three introns. Therefore, we propose that basket displacement from NPCs and its ensuing effects on pre-mRNA quality control are a key trigger of aging phenotypes such as aneuploidy.
Binding of LncDACH1 to dystrophin impairs the membrane trafficking of Nav1.5 protein and increases ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility
Authors: Xue Genlong , Yang Jiming , Zhang Yang , Yang Ying , Zhang Ruixin , Li Desheng , Tian Tao , Li Jialiang , Zhang Xiaofang , Li Changzhu , Li Xingda , Yang Jiqin , Shen Kewei , Guo Yang , Liu Xuening , Yang Guohui , Xuan Lina , Shan Hongli , Lu Yanjie , Baofeng Yang , Pan Zhenwei
Published: January 2025

Dystrophin is a critical interacting protein of Nav1.5 that determines its membrane anchoring in cardiomyocytes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of cardiac ion channels, while their influence on sodium channels remains unexplored. Our preliminary data showed that lncRNA-Dachshund homolog 1 (lncDach1) can bind to dystrophin, which drove us to investigate if lncDach1 can regulate sodium channels by interfering with dystrophin. Western blot and immunofluorescent staining showed that cardiomyocyte-specific transgenic overexpression of lncDach1 (lncDach1-TG) reduced the membrane distribution of dystrophin and Nav1.5 in cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, peak INa was reduced in the hearts of lncDach1-TG mice than wild-type (WT) controls. The opposite data of western blot, immunofluorescent staining and patch clamp were collected from lncDach1 cardiomyocyte conditional knockout (lncDach1-cKO) mice. Moreover, increased ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility was observed in lncDach1-TG mice in vivo and ex vivo. The conservative fragment of lncDach1 inhibited membrane distribution of dystrophin and Nav1.5, and promoted the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmia. Strikingly, activation of Dystrophin transcription by dCas9-SAM system in lncDach1-TG mice rescued the impaired membrane distribution of dystrophin and Nav1.5, and prevented the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmia. Furthermore, lncDach1 was increased in transaortic constriction (TAC) induced failing hearts, which promoted the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmia. And the expression of lncDach1 is regulated by hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase subunit beta (hadhb), which binds to lncDach1 and decreases its stability. The human homologue of lncDACH1 inhibited the membrane distribution of Nav1.5 in human iPS-differentiated cardiomyocytes. The findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of Nav1.5 membrane targeting and the development of ventricular arrhythmias.
Movies reveal the fine-grained organization of infant visual cortex
Authors: Ellis Cameron T , Yates Tristan S , Arcaro Michael J , Turk-Browne Nicholas B
Published: January 2025

Studying infant minds with movies is a promising way to increase engagement relative to traditional tasks. However, the spatial specificity and functional significance of movie-evoked activity in infants remains unclear. Here we investigated what movies can reveal about the organization of the infant visual system. We collected fMRI data from 15 awake infants and toddlers aged 5–23 months who attentively watched a movie. The activity evoked by the movie reflected the functional profile of visual areas. Namely, homotopic areas from the two hemispheres responded similarly to the movie, whereas distinct areas responded dissimilarly, especially across dorsal and ventral visual cortex. Moreover, visual maps that typically require time-intensive and complicated retinotopic mapping could be predicted, albeit imprecisely, from movie-evoked activity in both data-driven analyses (i.e., independent components analysis) at the individual level and by using functional alignment into a common low-dimensional embedding to generalize across participants. These results suggest that the infant visual system is already structured to process dynamic, naturalistic information and that fine-grained cortical organization can be discovered from movie data.
Partial rejuvenation of the spermatogonial stem cell niche after gender-affirming hormone therapy in trans women
Authors: Delgouffe Emily , Silva Samuel Madureira , Chalmel Frédéric , Cools Wilfried , Raets Camille , Tilleman Kelly , T'Sjoen Guy , Baert Yoni , Goossens Ellen
Published: January 2025

Although the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on spermatogenesis in trans women has already been studied, data on its precise effects on the testicular environment is poor. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize, through histological and transcriptomic analysis, the spermatogonial stem cell niche of 106 trans women who underwent standardized GAHT, comprising estrogens and cyproterone acetate. A partial dedifferentiation of Sertoli cells was observed, marked by the co-expression of androgen receptor and anti-Müllerian hormone which mirrors the situation in peripubertal boys. The Leydig cells also exhibited a distribution analogous to peripubertal tissue, accompanied by a reduced insulin-like factor 3 expression. Although most peritubular myoid cells expressed alpha-smooth muscle actin 2, the expression pattern was disturbed. Besides this, fibrosis was particularly evident in the tubular wall and the lumen was collapsing in most participants. A spermatogenic arrest was also observed in all participants. The transcriptomic profile of transgender tissue confirmed a loss of mature characteristics - a partial rejuvenation - of the spermatogonial stem cell niche and, in addition, detected inflammation processes occurring in the samples. The present study shows that GAHT changes the spermatogonial stem cell niche by partially rejuvenating the somatic cells and inducing fibrotic processes. These findings are important to further understand how estrogens and testosterone suppression affect the testis environment, and in the case of orchidectomized testes as medical waste material, their potential use in research.
Spatial localization of hippocampal replay requires dopamine signaling
Authors: Kleinman Matthew R , Foster David J
Published: January 2025

Sequenced reactivations of hippocampal neurons called replays, concomitant with sharp-wave ripples in the local field potential, are critical for the consolidation of episodic memory, but whether replays depend on the brain’s reward or novelty signals is unknown. Here we combined chemogenetic silencing of dopamine neurons in ventral tegmental area (VTA) and simultaneous electrophysiological recordings in dorsal hippocampal CA1, in freely behaving male rats experiencing changes to reward magnitude and environmental novelty. Surprisingly, VTA silencing did not prevent ripple increases where reward was increased, but caused dramatic, aberrant ripple increases where reward was unchanged. These increases were associated with increased reverse-ordered replays. On familiar tracks this effect disappeared, and ripples tracked reward prediction error, indicating that non-VTA reward signals were sufficient to direct replay. Our results reveal a novel dependence of hippocampal replay on dopamine, and a role for a VTA-independent reward prediction error signal that is reliable only in familiar environments.
Reproductive strategies in loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta: polyandry and polygyny in a Southwest Atlantic rookery
Authors: Amorim Laís , Chieza Lara , Lasala Jake A. , de Souza Alves Teodoro Sarah , Colombo Wesley D. , Barcelos Ana Carolina , Guimarães Paula Rodrigues Lopes , Guedes da Fonseca João Luiz , Marcondes Ana Claudia Jorge , Santos Alexsandro , Vargas Sarah
Published: January 2025

Sea turtles are highly migratory and predominantly inhabit oceanic environments, which poses significant challenges to the study of their life cycles. Research has traditionally focused on nesting females, utilizing nest counts and mark-recapture methods, while male behavior remains understudied. To address this gap, previous studies have analyzed the genotypes of females and hatchlings to indirectly infer male genotypes and evaluate the extent of multiple paternity within populations. Our research aimed to investigate the presence of multiple paternity in loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests for the first time in Brazil. We analyzed 534 hatchlings from 43 nests associated with 42 females during the 2017/18 to 2019/20 nesting seasons, using four highly polymorphic, species-specific microsatellite markers (nDNA). Parentage tests were conducted to reconstruct paternal genotypes and determine the rates of multiple paternity within clutches. Our results revealed that 72.09% of clutches were sired by multiple males, with contributions ranging from one to six males per clutch. Additionally, seven out of 88 males (7.95%) were found to have sired clutches from multiple females, with some males contributing to more than one clutch within and across breeding seasons. The breeding sex ratio (BSR) was calculated to be 2.09 males per female. While multiple paternity is a common phenomenon among sea turtles, this study is the first to document polyandry in loggerheads in Brazil and the first to provide evidence of polygyny in this species globally. This research establishes a crucial database for future studies in Brazil, with a focus on the BSR of the Southwest Atlantic subpopulation, offering essential insights for developing effective management strategies for this vulnerable population.
Pericardial Effusion as a First Symptom Section of Thymoma: A Case Report
Authors: Malali Suprit , Acharya Sourya , Shukla Samarth , Kumar Sunil , Mishra Priti
Published: January 2025

Thymomas, which account for 25% of all mediastinal tumours, primarily originate from the anterior mediastinum and tend to grow slowly, often being incidentally discovered during radiographic investigations. The clinical spectrum of thymoma ranges from asymptomatic incidental findings to the development of paraneoplastic syndromes and symptoms caused by local or metastatic involvement. Myasthenia Gravis symptoms may also be present, and in some cases, manifestations can arise due to pressure on adjacent structures. However, pericardial effusion as an initial and early presenting feature of thymoma remains extremely rare. In advanced and disseminated cases, pericardial and pleural effusions may occur. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the possibility of a concealed cardiac silhouette mimicking pericardial effusion in asymptomatic patients, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation. The current report represents a case study of a 56-year-old female patient with a history of subacute and progressive dyspnoea. Despite no significant positive clinical findings upon general and systemic examination, the diagnostic work-up revealed a modest pericardial effusion attributed to an unexpected thymoma. The present case highlights the unusual clinical manifestation, emphasises the diagnostic challenges involved, and underscores the importance of considering thymoma in the differential diagnosis of pericardial effusions.
Management of Grahani Roga (Acute Pancreatitis) by Ayurvedic Modalities: A Case Report
Authors: Sahane Sonali Balu , Rathi Renu Bharat , Navkarkar Pavan , Jaishwal Shrish
Published: January 2025

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most critical health conditions in the paediatric age group. A one-to-one correlation of pancreatitis is not found in Ayurveda classics; however, it can be considered under Grahani Roga. Hereby, the authors present a case report of a five-year-old male patient complaining of recurring pain in the epigastric and left hypochondriac regions, referred to the back, along with nausea and severe projectile vomiting. The patient was diagnosed just five days ago with Grahani Roga (acute pancreatitis) using ultrasonography and laboratory findings, and he approached the Kaumarbhritya (Paediatric) Outpatient Department (OPD) for management. Considering the severity of the disease and the condition of the patient, Ayurvedic Shamana and Shodhana Chikitsa were initiated. Grahani Roga (acute pancreatitis) is classified as a Pittaj Vikara. Virechana is the best treatment modality for Pittaj Vikara; hence, in this patient, Mridu Virechana (mild purgation) using Avipattikar Churna was administered. Due to the extreme pain in the patient, which is associated with Vata Dosha vitiation, Matra Basti with Til Taila was started. Alongside this, Shamana Aushadhi was initiated, which included Sankh Vati, Aamlaki Churna, and Yashtimadhu Churna as Rasayana drugs. After eight days of treatment, improvement was observed in symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. Shamana and Shodhana Chikitsa were continued for 21 days, resulting in significant improvement in overall symptoms. No recurrence had been observed until the sixth month of follow-up.
Microtrabeculectomy versus Conventional Trabeculectomy in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Mudhol Rekha Ramesh , Shirin Ameena
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Glaucoma is a group of multifactorial, irreversible, progressive optic neuropathies characterised by the loss of retinal ganglion cells. Trabeculectomy has been widely accepted as the gold-standard intervention for glaucoma for more than 30 years. A newer technique, microtrabeculectomy, was introduced to overcome the ocular complications encountered with Conventional Trabeculectomy (CT).

Aim: To compare the efficacy of microtrabeculectomy with CT in treating Primary Open-angle Glaucoma (POAG).

Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology at Shri BM Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (tertiary care centre), BLDE (DU), Vijayapura, North Karnataka, India, from June 2023 to August 2024. The study included 16 cases diagnosed with POAG, divided into two groups of eight patients each: Group-I- Microtrabeculectomy and Group-II- CT. Preoperative baseline characteristics were documented for all cases. They were followed-up for a three-month period to check for Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and any complications.

Results: The mean preoperative and three-month postoperative IOP in Group-I was 30.75±6.04 and 13.87±2.80 mmHg, respectively, whereas in Group-II, it was 30.0±7.27 and 14.12±2.80 mmHg, respectively. The difference was statistically significant between the two groups (p<0.001). However, the differences in postoperative IOP values at the follow-ups and the differences in preoperative IOP values between both groups were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed more frequently in Group-II compared to Group-I.

Conclusion: Microtrabeculectomy is a safe procedure with efficacy comparable to CT for reducing IOP, while producing good filtering blebs with fewer complications.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Triggered by Tetanus Vaccination during Pregnancy: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Dhadwad Jagannath , Yadav Prince , Modi Kunal , Reddy Bana , Dash Chandan Kumar
Published: January 2025

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following tetanus immunisation during pregnancy is an extremely rare occurrence. GBS is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system targets peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness and in extreme cases, paralysis. GBS after vaccination, especially after the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, is extremely rare. Here, a case of 21-year-old woman (G2A1, gravida 2, abortion 1) with acute onset of bilateral symmetrical ascending paralysis with areflexia in both upper and lower limbs, with a prior history of Tetanus vaccination 15 days back is described. The patient was examined thoroughly and all other causes were ruled out. Management of this patient was challenging, as it required treating the GBS along with ensuring the wellbeing of the foetus. The aetiological diagnosis also posed a challenge, as there was no clear history of any incriminating cause. Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IVIG) and physiotherapy were given which led to an improvement in the patient's condition. Although the routine practices followed in pregnancy, like vaccination, is vital, this case highlights the potential complications of the same. Reporting such cases is essential to enhance understanding of vaccine safety and guide future recommendations. The clinical implications enforce the need for early diagnosis and prompt management to ensure favourable outcomes for both the mother and foetus.
Posterior Quadratus Lumborum Block versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block with Bupivacaine and Dexmedetomidine for Postoperative Analgesia following Caesarean Delivery: A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Kodali V Rajesh Kumar , Rajah Kiran Muthu , Thiagarajan Varun Karuppaiah
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Pain management after caesarean delivery is vital for the early recovery of the mother. In the absence of longacting opioids, fascial plane blocks such as the Quadratus Lumborum Block (QLB) and Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block significantly prolong the duration of analgesia and increase maternal comfort.

Aim: To compare the number of rescue analgesic boluses required in the 24-hour postoperative period between the QLB and TAP block groups.

Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective, singleblind, randomised clinical trail conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at a teritary care teaching Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu from March 2021 to March 2022 on 94 patients (47 in each group) scheduled for elective Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) and were randomised into two groups: Group T and Group Q. Patients in Group T received a TAP block, while patients in Group Q received a QLB. The primary outcome assessed was the number of rescue analgesic boluses used in 24 hours. Secondary outcomes assessed included the time to initial onset of pain, time to the first request for analgesia, total amount of rescue analgesic consumption for 24 hours, and postoperative pain scores. The Chi-square test and Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact test were utilised to compare the categorical variables.

Results: Mean rescue bolus doses were significantly lower in Group Q (1.0±0.6 doses) compared to Group T (2.5±0.6 doses) (p<0.01). Total rescue analgesic consumption in Group Q (51 mg) was significantly lower than in Group T (127 mg) (p<0.01). The time to the initial onset of pain and time to the first rescue analgesia were significantly longer in Group Q (17.9 hours and 18.2 hours, respectively) than in Group T (11.9 hours and 12.2 hours, respectively) (p<0.01). Lower pain scores were noted from 12 hours to 24 hours in Group Q compared to Group T.

Conclusion: The QLB with dexmedetomidine reduces the number of rescue boluses in 24 hours and decreases rescue analgesic consumption. The QLB also prolongs the initial onset of pain and the time to the first rescue analgesic, with lower pain scores from 12 to 24 hours compared to the TAP block group.
Comparative Performance of Thirteen Grain Corn Commercial Hybrid Varieties in the Serdang Environment
Authors: D. Z. Ainon, , B. A. G. Mohamad, , M. B. Umikalsum,
Published: January 2025

Selecting and evaluating hybrid varieties based on environmental suitability could enhance both growth performance and yield of grain corn cultivation, thereby improving the profitability of grain corn economic gains. This study aimed to compare the performance of thirteen commercial grain corn hybrid varieties from local and foreign sources in the MARDI Serdang, Malaysia environment. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with three replications for two planting seasons (July-November 2020 and February-June 2021). Seven agronomic and yield parameters were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA and DMRT analysis. The  results revealed a significant interaction between planting seasons and hybrids for  days to 50% pollen shed, plant height and Cut Cutting Test (CCT) yield. Season 2 produced higher component yield traits but not significantly different for CCT yield. Considering overall individual performance, the best performing varieties were DK9979C, GWG5005, and P4554,   which showed the best yield and were consistent over seasons, especially in fluctuated environment factors. In contrast, the varieties GWG888 and DK9950C produced the least, with yields of 4279.2 kg/ha and 4051.2 kg/ha, respectively, marking a decline of over 50.0% in the second season compared to the first season. This result shows that season influenced the yield and performance of some tested hybrids. This study provides useful information for grain corn farmers and breeders in selecting good adaptability hybrid varieties suitable for the Serdang environment.
A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Traditional Knowledge of Pearl Millet Utilization between the Tonk District of Rajasthan and the Mainpuri District of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Yadav Reetu , Chakraborty Dipjyoti
Published: January 2025

Aims: This study compares the use of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, looking at cultural differences and potential future implications for genotype evolution in these areas.
Study Design:  This study was based on semi-structured interviews.
Place and Duration of Study: Bioscience and Biotechnology Department, Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk, Niwai, Rajasthan, 2020–2023.
Methodology: To investigate the cultural and sociological elements promoting pearl millet adaptation, the study carried out a comparative ethnobotanical inquiry in the districts of Tonk, Rajasthan, and Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh. From August 2020 to April 2023, 206 participants from each state participated in field surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. Data analysis was done to evaluate the applications, benefits, and growing practices of pearl millet.
Results: Pearl millet is an essential staple grain and livestock feed in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In both the districts nearly everyone consumes chapati made of millet flour. Pearl millet is a common livestock feed in both states, and people in Rajasthan use it specifically for feeding camels. Pearl millet has nutritional advantages, especially in heart disease and lowering cholesterol.
Conclusion: The study offers insightful information about the methods used in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to grow pearl millet and its uses, and can be used to recommend policy changes and agricultural extension initiatives to improve productivity, food security, and farmers' livelihoods sustainably.
Adsorption of the Textile Dye RED 6 on Activated Carbons Derived from Neem Bark (Azadirachta indica)
Authors: Ouedraogo Carine Emilienne , Meité Ladji , Yaya Coulibaly , Traore Sory Karim , Mamadou Koné
Published: January 2025

The elimination of dyes is a major challenge in our developing countries. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the effectiveness of activated carbon from local biomass in eliminating the textile dye RED 6 using adsorption. The activated carbons were prepared chemically using phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as the activating agent. RED 6 was prepared by dissolving the powdered dye in distilled water. To eliminate the RED 6 dye, a series of adsorption tests were carried out. The influences of contact time, dye concentration, mass, pH and temperature were determined and expressed as adsorption rate and adsorbed quantity. The preparation yielded activated carbons CA 30 and CA 60. The dye solution RED 6 with a concentration of 1 g/L was obtained. The optimum adsorption mass is 15 g for CA 60 carbon and 24 g for CA 30 carbon. The RED 6 dye is adsorbed in large quantities throughout the chosen pH range. These results show that the optimum concentration for both carbons is 100 mg/L. The influence of contact time indicates that the best adsorption occurs at 40 and 60 min for carbons CA 60 and CA 30 respectively. The results of the temperature study show better adsorption of the RED 6 dye, with an adsorbed quantity of 4.13 mg/g for temperatures of 30 and 35°C. All these results show that CA 60 and CA 30 carbons produced from neem bark adsorb the RED 6 dye effectively and can be used to eliminate coloured effluents.
Performance Analysis of Desiccant Dehumidifier with an Expanded Regeneration Section
Authors: Sunita Thongam , Kaukab Shaghaf , Kotwaliwale Nachiket , Bidyalakshmi Thingujam , Bembem Khwairakpam
Published: January 2025

Temperature and humidity are critical parameters for maintaining the storage conditions and ensuring the post-harvest quality and shelf life of agricultural products. This study evaluates the performance of a desiccant dehumidifier under varying conditions to optimize storage environments. The relative humidity of the process air ranges from 60% to 90%, while the regeneration air temperature varies from 60°C to 80°C. The flow rates of process air and regeneration air are fixed at 350 m³/h and 760 m³/h, respectively. The relative humidity of the process air is reduced from 61%–91% at the inlet to 33.5%–48.75% at the outlet. During the experiment, the process air inlet temperature varies between 27.75°C and 36°C, while the regeneration air outlet temperature ranges from 37.75°C to 57.5°C. Performance parameters such as dehumidification effectiveness (η), moisture removal capacity (MRC), coefficient of performance (COP), and sensible energy ratio (SER) were analyzed. At 90% relative humidity and 80°C regeneration air temperature, a maximum dehumidification of 13.35 g/kg was achieved, whereas the lowest dehumidification of 5.5 g/kg was observed at 60% relative humidity and 60°C regeneration air temperature. These findings demonstrate the potential of the desiccant dehumidifier to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels for prolonged shelf life and reduced post-harvest losses.