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As students in K-12 classrooms reflect the increasing racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of the United States as a whole, understanding diverse worldviews and inclusion of diverse students are important skills for classroom teachers. However, the pedagogical practices for training teacher education students with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach their racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse students range greatly. This study explores the potential of one teacher training strategy, cross-border community-based learning, and the impact of this strategy on teacher education students' understanding of diversity and commitment to future actions in their classrooms. The research employs a comparative case study of two sections of a diversity and multicultural education course for undergraduate education students: one section participated in community-based learning at an Indigenous school in Guatemala, and one section participated in traditional classroom learning. The mixed-methods analysis of pre/post survey data, student journals, and student presentations suggests that community-based learning, which centers Indigenous Knowledges and assets, holds the potential to motivate teacher education students to include diverse students in their future classrooms and challenge colonial systems of education in their future teaching. This research contributes five main recommendations to inform teacher education and community-based learning curriculum, including important differences between learning for teacher education Students of Color and White students on one particular survey scale.

Acid sulfate soils pose significant challenges to rice production due to their negative impact on root development and nutrient uptake, reducing rice yield and quality. The excessive use of fungicides by farmers to control rice diseases has exacerbated the issue, as it contributes to environmental pollution and poses health risks. Our study aimed to isolate indigenous bacteria from rice grown in acid sulfate soils with potential biocontrol activity against common fungal pathogens in Vietnam. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, a total of 91 bacterial strains were identified up to the genus level. Bacillaceae were predominant on healthy rice plants, whereas Pseudomonas spp. also occurred on plants infested with the rice blast pathogen Pyricularia oryzae. Genome sequencing, protein orthology, and multilocus sequence analyses revealed the presence of six taxonomic groups of Bacillaceae: Rossellomorea marisflavi (basionym: Bacillus marisflavi), Priestia megaterium (basionym: Bacillus megaterium), Priestia koreensis (basionym: Bacillus koreensis), Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus altitudinis, and Bacillus siamensis. Dual-culture assays showed that most strains had antifungal activity against Pyricularia oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani AG2-1, and Bipolaris oryzae, whereas only B. siamensis and two B. thuringiensis strains were active against Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA. R. marisflavi strains were in general inactive. Genome mining identified various biosynthetic gene clusters associated with specialized metabolite production, some of which were linked to potential antimicrobial activity. Production of these metabolites was confirmed by chemical analysis. These results suggest that indigenous Bacillaceae strains from acid sulfate soils could be used as biocontrol agents for the sustainable management of rice diseases under acidic conditions.

Abstract Background Malaria, a tropical neglected disease, imposes a significant burden on global health, leading to the loss of thousands of lives annually. Its gold standard treatment is a combination therapy of lumefantrine (LUM) and artemether (ART). Nanotechnology holds significant potential for improving drug bioavailability and potency while reducing adverse effects. Objectives This study aimed to develop lipid-core nanocapsules containing ART and LUM and evaluate their effects in an experimental cerebral malaria model (ECM). Methods The polymeric interfacial deposition method was used to develop lipid-core nanocapsules (LNCs) containing ART and LUM (LNCARTLUM) and were characterized using micrometric and nanometric scales. Male C57BL/6 mice were infected with Plasmodium (P.) berghei ANKA (PbA, 1 × 105 PbA-parasitized red blood cells, intraperitoneally). On day 5 post-infection, PbA-infected mice were orally administered with ART + LUM, LNCARTLUM, blank nanocapsules (LNCBL), or ethanol as a control. Parasitemia, clinical scores, and survival rates were monitored throughout the experiment. Organ-to-body weight ratios, cytokine quantification, and intravital microscopy analyses were conducted on day 7 post-infection. Results LNCs were successfully developed and characterized. The treatment with LNCARTLUM in ECM resulted in complete clearance of parasitemia at 10 dpi, decreased clinical scores, and maintained 100% survival rates. Thereated mice exhibited splenomegaly and reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP1 levels in the brain. Furthermore, the LNCARTLUM treatment protected the brain microvasculature, reducing the number of cells in the rolling process and adherent to the microvasculature endothelium. Conclusion Nanoformulations can potentially improve the efficacy of antimalarial drugs and be considered a promising approach to treat malaria.

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is linked to chronic NF-κB activity in myeloma cells, but this activity is generally considered a cell-autonomous property of the cancer cells. The precise extent of NF-κB activation and the contributions of the physical microenvironment and of cell-to-cell communications remain largely unknown. By quantitative immunofluorescence, we found that NF-κB is mildly and heterogeneously activated in a fraction of MM cells in human BMs, while only a minority of MM cells shows a strong activation. To gain quantitative insights on NF-κB activation in living MM cells, we combined advanced live imaging of endogenous p65 Venus-knocked-in in MM.1S and HS-5 cell lines to model MM and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), cell co-cultures, microfluidics and custom microbioreactors to mimic the 3D-interactions within the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. We found that i) reciprocal MM-MSC paracrine crosstalk and cell-to-scaffold interactions shape the inflammatory response in the BM; ii) the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, abundant in MM patients’ plasma, activates MSCs, whose paracrine signals are responsible for strong NF-κB activation in a minority of MM cells; iii) IL-1β, but not TNF-α, activates NF-κB in vivo in BM-engrafted MM cells, while its receptor inhibitor Anakinra reduces the global NF-κB activation. We propose that NF-κB activation in the BM of MM patients is mild, restricted to a minority of cells and modulated by the interplay of restraining physical microenvironmental cues and activating IL-1β-dependent stroma-to-MM crosstalk.

James Gwartney, who died in January, left an indelible mark on the world through his intellectual prowess, innovative contributions, relentless pursuit of knowledge, and advocacy of economic freedom. In this [...]

RESUMO Organizamos grupos de discussão com estudantes de nível superior, beneficiários de políticas para permanência em um Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia, buscando compreender os motivos que podem levar ao abandono ou contribuir para a permanência na perspectiva desses estudantes. Utilizamos a epistemologia qualitativa e a metodologia construtivo-interpretativa, orientadas ao estudo da subjetividade em uma perspectiva cultural-histórica. Verificamos como o fenômeno do abandono assume um caráter contraditório: ao mesmo tempo em que aparece como um problema a ser superado, vai sendo naturalizado enquanto uma qualidade inerente às áreas tecnológicas e às instituições federais de ensino. Os auxílios financeiros voltados à permanência assumem um lugar secundário, enquanto as estratégias que possibilitam a identificação e o pertencimento vão sendo enfatizadas. Discutimos como esses aspectos relacionam-se com a subjetividade social da instituição, seus discursos e práticas. Os resultados permitiram a construção de novos sistemas de ação profissional orientados a outros segmentos da comunidade acadêmica.

O Brasil tem implementado estratégias robustas para combater a lavagem de dinheiro, integrando a atuação dos registros de imóveis, o Conselho de Controle de Atividades Financeiras (COAF) e a atividade notarial. A recente promulgação do Provimento n. 161/2024 pelo Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ) visa aprimorar o processo de comunicação de operações financeiras suspeitas, reduzindo a frequência de comunicações obrigatórias e aumentando a qualidade das informações reportadas. Este provimento destaca a necessidade de documentação detalhada dos meios de pagamento em transações imobiliárias e a identificação das partes envolvidas, como pessoas politicamente expostas. O papel dos cartórios é fulcral: é um meio de controle da garantia da transparência e da integridade das transações imobiliárias, consentâneo com o princípio da solidariedade. Este princípio permeia o espírito destas reformas, refletindo um compromisso com a promoção de um ambiente econômico transparente, justo e seguro. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Lavagem de Dinheiro. Provimento n. 161/2024. Registro de Imóveis. COAF. Solidariedade.

Abstract Background In this study, we used targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) to investigate the genetic basis of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in a 19-year-old Tunisian man who presented with severe hypothyroidism and goiter. Case presentation The propositus reported the appearance of goiter when he was 18. Importantly, he did not show signs of mental retardation, and his growth was proportionate. A partial organification defect was detected through the perchlorate-induced iodide discharge test. NGS identified a novel homozygous mutation in exon 18 of the SLC26A7 gene (P628Qfs*11), which encodes for a new iodide transporter. This variant is predicted to result in a truncated protein. Notably, the patient's euthyroid brother was heterozygous for the same mutation. No renal acid–base abnormalities were found and the administration of 1 mg of iodine failed to correct hypothyroidism. Conclusions We described the first case of goitrous CH due to a homozygous mutation of the SLC26A7 gene diagnosed during late adolescence.

Abstract Richter’s syndrome (RS) is the transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) into a high-grade B-cell malignancy. Molecular and functional studies have pointed out that CLL cells are close to the apoptotic threshold and dependent on BCL-2 for survival. However, it remains undefined how evasion from apoptosis evolves during disease transformation. Here, we employed functional and static approaches to compare the regulation of mitochondrial apoptosis in CLL and RS. BH3 profiling of 17 CLL and 9 RS samples demonstrated that RS cells had reduced apoptotic priming and lower BCL-2 dependence than CLL cells. While a subset of RS was dependent on alternative anti-apoptotic proteins and was sensitive to specific BH3 mimetics, other RS cases harbored no specific anti-apoptotic addiction. Transcriptomics of paired CLL/RS samples revealed downregulation of pro-apoptotic sensitizers during disease transformation. Albeit expressed, effector and activator members were less likely to colocalize with mitochondria in RS compared to CLL. Electron microscopy highlighted reduced cristae width in RS mitochondria, a condition further promoting apoptosis resistance. Collectively, our data suggest that RS cells evolve multiple mechanisms that lower the apoptotic priming and shift the anti-apoptotic dependencies away from BCL-2, making direct targeting of mitochondrial apoptosis more challenging after disease transformation.

Fine needle puncture (FNP) is a widespread technique used to collect cellular samples. Its efficiency can be enhanced by the use of ultrasonography to guide the procedure. Ultrasound-guided FNP is therefore an operator-dependent exam. For this reason, it demands the acquisition of psychomotor skill, ability to recognize structures, and dexterity during the needle puncture. This study describes the development of an artisanal simulator made with gelatin to replace the use of live animals during practical classes in veterinary or medical sciences education. The experimental set consisted of three phases in which the student performed different tasks such as recognition of the target structure with ultrasound and injection of ink (phase 1) or aspiration (phase 2) of its content and evaluation of a parenchymatous organ (liver) and puncture of its surface (phase 3). A survey on the acceptance of the model was carried out, and students filled out a questionnaire elaborated with the visual analog scale system. Participants considered the artisanal model a strong method to teach ultrasound-guided FNP. Other attractive advantages of this simulator are the low manufacturing costs (compared with expensive high-technology devices) and the possibility to replace the use of live animals in practical classes.

Resumo As disputas pela terra e a luta pelo direito ao trabalho e à vida digna de trabalhadores rurais vêm de longa data no Brasil, reconfiguradas na atualidade pelas formas renovadas de exclusão que caracterizam o “novo rural”. A inovação social rural (ISR) compõe um processo amplo de mudanças sociais, capaz de contribuir para o enfrentamento de desafios e simultaneamente promover inclusão social e superação de desigualdades. Este artigo visa compreender o potencial transformador das ISRs desenvolvidas na Cooperativa de Produção Agropecuária Cascata Ltda. (Cooptar), um coletivo decorrente de um dos assentamentos agrários formados na ocupação da Fazenda Annoni, no Rio Grande do Sul, pelo Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST). O estudo de caso se valeu de pesquisa documental, observação, 24 entrevistas semiestruturadas com as famílias cooperativadas e com técnicos externos, bem como de análise de conteúdo. Os achados evidenciaram que, mediante processos de formação permanente e de protagonismo dos membros do coletivo, a Cooptar existe e segue se renovando há 33 anos em suas relações interpessoais e familiares (enfrentamento do individualismo e da desigualdade de gênero), práticas de economia solidária (propriedade coletiva e autogestão) e diversificações nos processos produtivos, constituindo uma verdadeira cultura de inovação social transformadora e solidária.

This study aimed to establish reference values for vertebral heart size (VHS) and manubrium heart score (MHS) in healthy adult Border Collies. The study utilized 12 dogs, both male and female, aged between 1 and 9 years. All dogs exhibited normal results on B- and M-mode echocardiography. Thoracic radiographs were taken in left lateral (LL), right lateral (RL), and ventrodorsal (VD) recumbency. Both subjective and objective analyses were conducted by two evaluators. The reproducibility of the objective radiographic measurements was excellent (P < 0.001), with the following mean values and standard deviations: VHS LL = 9.95 ± 0.47; VHS RL = 10.10 ± 0.51; VHS VD = 10.84 ± 0.61; Short-MHS RL = 2.10 ± 0.17; Long-MHS RL = 2.57 ± 0.19; Overall MHS RL = 4.65 ± 0.33; Short-MHS VD = 2.13 ± 0.22; Long-MHS VD = 2.94 ± 0.26, and Overall MHS VD = 5.03 ± 0.42. This study contributes to the standardization of VHS and MHS measurements, thereby aiding in the evaluation of the cardiac silhouette of Border Collies.

Abstract Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an incurable B-cell malignancy characterized by a high clinical variability. Therefore, there is a critical need to define parameters that identify high-risk patients for aggressive disease and therapy resistance. B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling is crucial for MCL initiation and progression and is a target for therapeutic intervention. We interrogated BCR signaling proteins (SYK, LCK, BTK, PLCγ2, p38, AKT, NF-κB p65, and STAT5) in 30 primary MCL samples using phospho-specific flow cytometry. Anti-IgM modulation induced heterogeneous BCR signaling responses among samples allowing the identification of two clusters with differential responses. The cluster with higher response was associated with shorter progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Moreover, higher constitutive AKT activity was predictive of inferior response to the Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) ibrutinib. Time-to-event analyses showed that MCL international prognostic index (MIPI) high-risk category and higher STAT5 response were predictors of shorter PFS and OS whilst MIPI high-risk category and high SYK response predicted shorter OS. In conclusion, we identified BCR signaling properties associated with poor clinical outcome and resistance to ibrutinib, thus highlighting the prognostic and predictive significance of BCR activity and advancing our understanding of signaling heterogeneity underlying clinical behavior of MCL.

Abstract QUIN database integrates and organizes structural-geological information from published and unpublished sources to constrain deformation in seismotectonic studies. The initial release, QUIN1.0, comprised 3,339 Fault Striation Pairs, mapped on 445 sites exposed along the Quaternary faults of central Italy. The present Data Descriptor introduces the QUIN 2.0 release, which includes 4,297 Fault Striation Pairs on 738 Structural Sites from southern Italy. The newly investigated faults span ~500 km along the Apennines chain, with strikes transitioning from ~SE to ~SW and comprehensively details Fault Striation Pairs’ location, attitude, kinematics, and deformation axes. Additionally, it offers a shapefile of the fault traces hosting the data. The QUIN 2.0 release offers a significant geographic extension to the QUIN 1.0, with comprehensive description of local geometric-kinematic complexities of the regional pattern. The QUIN data may be especially relevant for constraining intra-Apennine potential seismogenic deformation patterns, where earthquake data only offer scattered or incomplete information. QUIN’s data will support studies aimed at enhancing geological understanding, hazard assessment and comprehension of fault rupture propagation and barriers.

Nanodroplets have demonstrated potential for the range detection of hadron radiotherapies. Our formulation uses superheated perfluorobutane (C4F10) stabilized by a poly(vinyl-alcohol) shell. High-LET (linear energy transfer) particles vaporize the nanodroplets into echogenic microbubbles. Tailored ultrasound imaging translates the generated echo-contrast into a dose distribution map, enabling beam range retrieval. This work evaluates the response of size-sorted nanodroplets to carbon-ion radiation. We studied how thesize of nanodroplets affects their sensitivity at various beam-doses and energies, as a function of concentration and shell cross-linking. First, we show the physicochemical characterization of size-isolated nanodroplets by differential centrifugation. Then, we report on the irradiations of the nanodroplet samples in tissue-mimicking phantoms. We compared the response of large (≈900 nm) and small (≈400 nm) nanodroplets to different carbon-ions energies and evaluated their dose linearity and concentration detection thresholds by ultrasound imaging. Additionally, we verified the beam range detection accuracy for the nanodroplets samples. All nanodroplets exhibited sensitivity to carbon-ions with high range verification precision. However, smaller nanodroplets required a higher concentration sensitivity threshold. The vaporization yield depends on the carbon-ions energy and dose, which are both related to particle count/spot. These findings confirm the potential of nanodroplets for range detection, with performance depending on nanodroplets’ properties and beam parameters.