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In the 21st century, the significance of competencies is increasing in our everyday lives and in the labor market. Such complex competencies like critical and creative thinking is a topic that are becoming more and more relevant. In the past, researchers have shown a direct link between creative thinking and teaching methods. The project will apply a STEM research method throughout the study and comparing SSCS learning. The study focuses on the critical examination of specific assignments and students' critical and creative thinking. In this study, researchers used prisms and pyramids as stimuli for 125 students to evaluate their imagination. This study uses a quasi-experimental design to explore a different hypothesis about the link between STEM and SSCS on student creativity and critical thinking. To determine whether or not the data collection technique can assist students in improving their critical and creative thinking, it has been put through its paces. MANOVA has been shown to be effective in testing hypotheses in several studies. Compared to the SSCS learning model, the STEM-based K-13 curriculum positively impacts critical and creative thinking. It can be concluded that the STEM approach, as opposed to the SSCS model, can be used as an alternative solution for learning in the industrial era 4.0. En el siglo XXI, la importancia de las competencias está aumentando en nuestra vida cotidiana y en el mercado laboral. Competencias tan complejas como el pensamiento crítico y creativo es un tema que se está volviendo cada vez más relevante. En el pasado, los investigadores han demostrado un vínculo directo entre el pensamiento creativo y los métodos de enseñanza. El proyecto aplicará un método de investigación STEM a lo largo del estudio y comparará el aprendizaje de SSCS. El estudio se centra en el examen crítico de tareas específicas y el pensamiento crítico y creativo de los estudiantes. En este estudio, los investigadores utilizaron prismas y pirámides como estímulos para que 125 estudiantes evaluaran su imaginación. Este estudio utiliza un diseño cuasi-experimental para explorar una hipótesis diferente sobre el vínculo entre STEM y SSCS en la creatividad y el pensamiento crítico de los estudiantes. Para determinar si la técnica de recopilación de datos puede o no ayudar a los estudiantes a mejorar su pensamiento crítico y creativo, se ha puesto a prueba. Se ha demostrado que MANOVA es efectivo para probar hipótesis en varios estudios. En comparación con el modelo de aprendizaje SSCS, el plan de estudios K-13 basado en STEM tiene un impacto positivo en el pensamiento crítico y creativo. Se puede concluir que el enfoque STEM, a diferencia del modelo SSCS, puede utilizarse como una solución alternativa para el aprendizaje en la era industrial 4.0.

Climate change is urgent world issue that should be face critically by student. This article tries to illustrate one effort to improve student critical thinking skill toward climate change topics through developing Android-based learning module. By employing design and development research (DDR) approach this research using Search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) learning model on producing the module. In the end of the process the module is ready for use because the comparison between experimental class and control class indicates that there is an increasing of student critical thinking skills when they use the module. Therefore, Android and others technological product should be recognize as having huge potential to encourage student awareness and critical thinking toward climate change issues. Abstrak Perubahan iklim adalah masalah dunia yang mendesak yang harus dihadapi secara kritis oleh siswa. Artikel ini menggambarkan satu upaya meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa terhadap topik-topik perubahan iklim dalam mata pelajaran di sekolah melalui pengembangan modul pembelajaran berbasis Android. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan Design & Development Research (DDR) penelitian ini menggunakan model pembelajaran Search, Solve, Create, dan Share (SSCS) dalam pengembangan modulnya. Pada akhir proses, modul siap digunakan karena perbandingan antara kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol menunjukkan bahwa ada peningkatan keterampilan berpikir kritis siswa ketika mereka menggunakan modul tersebut. Dengan demikian, Android dan produk teknologi lainnya harus diakui memiliki potensi besar untuk mendorong kesadaran dan daya kritis siswa terhadap masalah perubahan iklim.

Summary The production of germ cells in vitro would open important new avenues for stem biology and human medicine, but the mechanisms of germ cell differentiation are not well understood. The chicken, as a great model for embryology and development, was used in this study to help us explore its regulatory mechanisms. In this study, we reported a comprehensive genome-wide DNA methylation landscape in chicken germ cells, and transcriptomic dynamics was also presented. By uncovering DNA methylation patterns on individual genes, some genes accurately modulated by DNA methylation were found to be associated with cancers and virus infection, e.g., AKT1 and CTNNB1. Chicken-unique markers were also discovered for identifying male germ cells. Importantly, integrated epigenetic mechanisms were explored during male germ cell differentiation, which provides deep insight into the epigenetic processes associated with male germ cell differentiation and possibly improves treatment options to male infertility in animals and humans., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • The mechanisms of stem cell differentiation were explored using the chick embryo model • The orchestrated stem cell differentiation involves multiple epigenetic events • The unique markers in chick embryo were discovered for identifying male germ cells, In this article, Song, Li, and their colleagues reported a comprehensive genome-wide DNA methylation landscape in chicken germ cells. The integrated epigenetic mechanisms were explored, specifically, germ cell differentiation experiences through a highly orchestrated process that involves multiple epigenetic events, which would give a clue for curing male infertility in animals and humans.

This research was carried out to analyze the effectiveness of the Search Solve Create and Share learning integrated with metakognitive strategy [SSCS + MS] on the creative thinking ability of low academic students. A quasi experimental design has been used to compare the effect of traditional learning, SSCS, and SCCS + MS learning on the creative thinking ability of tenth grade students in Kupang, Indonesia, conducted in three schools. The research data were analyzed by ANCOVA and Least Significant Different test. The results of the research showed that the SSCS + MS learning improved the creative thinking ability of the low academic students ability as much as 36.18% higher than that of the high academic students. These findings also showed that the SSCS + MS learning had the potential in improving the creative thinking ability of the low academic students, as well as the potential to equalize the low academic students and those of high academic ability. Teachers need to implement SSCS + MS learning because this learning can improve the student creative thinking ability especially of those of low academic ability. SSCS + MS learning uses problem solving so has the potential to empower student confident attitude

Background High temperature has a very adverse effect on mammalian spermatogenesis and eventually leads to sub- or infertility through either apoptosis or DNA damage. However, the direct effects of heat stress on the development of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are still unknown because SSCs are rare in the testes. Methods In the present study, we first used in vitro-cultured SSCs to study the effect of heat shock treatment on SSC development. Then, we used RNA-Seq analysis to identify new genes or signalling pathways implicated in the heat stress response. Results We found that 45 min of 43 °C heat shock treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of SSCs 2 h after treatment but did not lead to apoptosis. In total, 17,822 genes were identified by RNA-Seq after SSC heat shock treatment. Among these genes, we found that 200 of them had significantly changed expression, with 173 upregulated and 27 downregulated genes. The number of differentially expressed genes in environmental information processing pathways was 37, which was the largest number. We screened the candidate JAK-STAT signalling pathway on the basis of inhibition of cell cycle progression and found that the JAK-STAT pathway was inhibited after heat shock treatment. The flow cytometry results further confirmed that heat stress caused S phase cycle arrest of SSCs. Conclusion Our results showed that heat shock treatment at 43 °C for 45 min significantly inhibited SSC self-renewal through S phase cell cycle arrest but not apoptosis.

Problem solving ability is a very important ability possessed by students in solving school mathematics problems. The purpose of this study is to determine the mathematical problem solving ability of students who use the Search, Solve, Create and Share (SSCS) learning model and the students who study with conventional learning. This research was a quasi-experimental study with a non equivalent control group design. The subjects in this study were all Kampar Junior High School students. The analysis technique used was the One-Way Anova Test and Two-Way Anova Test. The results showed the mathematical problem solving ability of students who learned to use the SSCS model was better than students who learned to use conventional learning models. However, there is no interaction observed between SSCS learning model and students mathematical problem solving ability (KPMM) level on students' mathematical problem solving abilities in Kampar Regency

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. MicroRNAs (miRs) are key regulators of gene expression involved in self-renewal, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, the function and mechanisms of individual miR in regulating self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs remain unclear. Here, we report for the first time that miR-322 regulates self-renewal of SSCs. Functional assays revealed that miR-322 was essential for SSC self-renewal. Mechanistically, miR-322 promoted SSC self-renewal by targeting RASSF8 (ras association domain family 8). Moreover, the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in the miR-322-mediated regulation. Furthermore, miR-322 overexpression increased GFRα1, ETV5 and PLZF expression but decreased STRA8, C-KIT and BCL6 expression. Our study provides not only a novel insight into molecular mechanisms regulating SSC self-renewal but also a basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of male infertility.

Background Extensive research is ongoing to empower cancer survivors to have biological parenthood. For this, sperm are cryopreserved prior to therapy and in younger children testicular biopsies are cryopreserved with a hope to mature the germ cells into sperm later on for assisted reproduction. In addition, lot of hope was bestowed on pluripotent embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into sperm and oocytes. However, obtaining functional gametes from pluripotent stem cells still remains a distant dream and major bottle-neck appears to be their inefficient differentiation into primordial germ cells (PGCs). There exists yet another population of pluripotent stem cells termed very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) in adult body organs including gonads. We have earlier reported that busulphan (25 mg/Kg) treatment to 4 weeks old mice destroys actively dividing cells and sperm but VSELs survive and differentiate into sperm when a healthy niche is provided in vivo. Methods Mouse testicular VSELs that survived busulphan treatment were cultured for 3 weeks. A mix of surviving cells in seminiferous tubules (VSELs, possibly few spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells) were cultured using Sertoli cells conditioned medium containing fetal bovine serum, follicle stimulating hormone and with no additional growth factors. Results Stem cells underwent proliferation and clonal expansion in culture and spontaneously differentiated into sperm whereas Sertoli cells attached and provided a somatic support. Transcripts specific for various stages of spermatogenesis were up-regulated by qRT-PCR studies on day 7 suggesting VSELs (Sca1) and SSCs (Gfra) proliferate (Pcna), undergo spermatogenesis (spermatocyte specific marker prohibitin), meiosis (Scp3) and differentiate into sperm (post-meiotic marker protamine). Conclusions Process of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis was replicated in vitro starting with testicular cells that survived busulphan treatment. We have earlier reported similar ability of ovarian VSELs enriched in the ovary surface epithelial cells to form oocyte-like structures in vitro. This striking potential of spontaneous differentiation of primitive testicular cells including VSELs that survive chemotherapy is being described for the first time in the present study. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12958-015-0031-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objective: To determine the pattern and extent of stainless steel crown (SSC) reuse following try-in and the methods employed for their decontamination among Indian pediatric dentists. Study Design: Questionnaires were delivered personally to 100 pediatric dentists selected randomly across India. Questionnaire was divided into three subsections. The first section assessed demographics to determine the sample population characteristics. The second section dealt with the pattern of SSCs use and reuse following size determination. The third section inquired into general cross infection control procedures including cleaning, sterilization, and training to assess the general level of compliance. Data analysis involved descriptive analysis using SPSS 16.0 software. Results: The majority of respondents (98.92%) routinely reused the crowns after they had been tried in the patient. Only one respondent (1.08%) discarded the crowns after try-in. Autoclave (25%) was the most common method employed for the decontamination of tried-in SSCs among the respondents. Conclusion: The majority of the participating pediatric dentists are reusing SSCs following try-in during crown selection. However, great diversity exists in the methods employed for the decontamination of the same. This demands for more research to provide guidelines into the most effective method of decontamination.

Objective(s): Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs) maintain spermatogenesis throughout the life of the male. Because of the small number of SSCs in adult, enriching and culturing them is a crucial step prior to differentiation or transplantation. Maintenance of SSCs and transplantation or induction of in vitro spermio-genesis may provide a therapeutic strategy to treat male infertility. This study investigated the enrichment and proliferation of SSCs co-cultured with STO cells in the presence or absence of growth factors. Materials and Methods: Spermatogonial populations were enriched from the testis of 4-6 week-old male mice by MACS according to the expression of a specific marker, Thy-1. Isolated SSCs were cultured in the presence or absence of growth factors (GDNF, GFRα1 and EGF) on STO or gelatin-coated dishes for a week. Subsequently, the authors evaluated the effects of growth factors and STO on SSCs colonization by alkaline phosphates (AP) activity and flow cytometery of α6 and β1 integrins. Results: SSCs co-cultured with STO cells and growth factors developed colonization and AP activity as well as expression of α6 and β1 integrins (P≤0/05). Conclusion: Our present SSC-STO co-culture provides conditions that may allow efficient maintenance and proliferation of SSCs for the treatment of male infertility.

The complex process of spermatogenesis is regulated by various factors. Studies on spermatogonial stem cells (SCCs) have provided very important tool to improve herd genetic and different field. 0.2 to 0.3 percent of total cells of seminiferous tubules is consist of spermatogonial stem cells. To investigate and biomanipulation of these cells, proliferation and viability rate of cells should be increased in vitro, at first. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) has been suggested to play a determinant role in the survival of germ cells in addition to increasing spermatogonial proliferation. In this study, the in vitro effects of FSH on spermatogonial cell colony formation were investigated. Sertoli and spermatogonial cells were isolated from 3-5 months old calves. The identity of the Sertoli cells and spermatogonial stem cells were confirmed through immunocytochemistry and colony morphology, respectively. Co-cultured Sertoli and spermatogonial cells were treated with FSH in different dose of 10, 20 and 40 IU mL(-1) FSH, before colony assay. Results indicated that, FSH increased in vitro colonization of spermatogonial cells in comparison with control group. In conclusion, using FSH provided proper bovine spermatogonial stem cell culture medium for in vitro study of these cells.