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The purpose of this study was to examine the involvement of early childhood pre-service students (PSSs) in children's constructive play and highlight how this involvement supported children's play skills towards advanced play behaviours as seen by previous literature. Drawing from the conceptual framework of the Zone of Proximal Development, as proposed by Vygotsky, and supporting adult involvement in children's learning, we specifically examine PSSs involvement in constructive play. Participants were four out of 26 PSSs participating in their school experience program phase III and 17 children of the ages 5-6 years. Data was collected through videos, 12 in total, of approximately 20 minutes each, during which the PSSs interacted with children while participating in constructive play. Also, data was collected through reflective journals reported after each video. Data analysis highlighted the different ways the PSSs employed to get involved in children's play, these being either using direct or indirect involvement. This study suggests that early childhood teachers' reflection can create a Zone of Proximal Action which refers to good fit direct and indirect involvement supporting children's mature constructive play behaviours.

Economical production of lignin-based jet fuel (LJF) can improve the sustainability of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) as well as can reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions. However, the challenge lies in converting technical lignin polymer from biorefinery directly to jet fuel in a continuous operation. In this work, we demonstrate a simultaneous depolymerization and hydrodeoxygenation (SDHDO) process to produce lignin-based jet fuel from the alkali corn stover lignin (ACSL) using engineered Ru-HY-60-MI catalyst in a continuous flow reactor, for the first time. The maximum carbon yield of LJF of 17.9 wt% was obtained, and it comprised of 60.2 wt% monocycloalkanes, and 21.6 wt% polycycloalkanes. Catalyst characterization of Ru-HY-60-MI suggested there was no significant change in HY zeolite structure and its crystallinity after catalyst engineering. Catalyst characterizations performed post the SDHDO experiments indicate presence of carbon and K content in the catalyst. K content presence in the spent catalyst was due to K+ ion was exchanged between lignin solution and HY-60 while carbon presence validated the SDHDO chemistry on the catalyst surface. Tier α fuel property testing indicates that LJF production using SDHDO chemistry can produce SAF with high compatibility, good sealing properties, low emissions, and high energy density for aircraft.

Salmonella spp. are one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis worldwide. Salmonella Heidelberg is an emergent pathogen associated with multidrug resistant outbreaks linked to poultry products. Its high persistence in the environment may be associated with its ability to adhere to different surfaces and to form biofilms. Owing to the increased antimicrobial resistance worldwide, researches have investigated the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as biological control of pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of LABs for the control of S. Heidelberg biofilms on polystyrene surfaces. The antibiofilm activity of nine LAB, all belonging to Lactobacillus genera, in the inhibition of biofilm produced by S. Heidelberg was evaluated in vitro. Biofilm formation occurred only when LAB1 (Lactobacillus salivaris) was used. All other treatments have demonstrated antibiofilm activity. However, LAB were not capable to reduce bacterial count. Our results show that LAB is capable to avoid or to delay biofilm formation by S. Heidelberg on polystyrene surface and may be used for in vivo studies as a potential alternative to help in the control of this pathogen in the food industry.

Aims: We aimed to evaluate lesson learnt from a pilot project in Mozambique focused on point-of-care (POC) HbA1c testing for diabetes management in primary health care facilities. Methods: Over a three-year period, several health centers were equipped with POC HbA1c testing machines. The evaluation involved 12 months of data collection, interviews with patients and staff, and regular supervision visits. Results: The project screened over 22,000 individuals and provided HbA1c testing to 2362 diabetes patients. Among the analyzed results, 65.7 % had HbA1c levels below 7 %, 10.9 % between 7 % and 8.5 %, and 23.4 % above 8.5 %. POC testing showed advantages such as reduced costs and improved workload management. Conclusions: Limited access to HbA1c testing remains a challenge in African countries. The pilot project demonstrated the feasibility of POC HbA1c testing and highlighted the need for increased efforts to make it more widely available, leading to improved diabetes management and patient outcomes.

The impact of ethanol on the fetus is a significant concern as an estimated 2–5% of live births may be affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. This exposure can lead to various functional and structural abnormalities in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, diencephalon, and cerebellum, resulting in region-specific symptoms. The deficits relate to the motor and cognitive domains, affecting, in particular, general intelligence, attention, executive functions, language, memory, visual perception, and social skills—collectively called the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Recent studies suggest that damage to the developing cerebellum (in form of alcohol exposure) can impair the cortical targets of the cerebello-thalamo-cortical tract. This malfunction in the cerebello-cerebral loop optimization may be due to disruptions in the formation of the foundational elements of the internal model within the developing cerebellum. Alcohol exposure targets multiple nodes in the reciprocal loops between the cerebellum and cerebral cortex. Here, we examine the possibility that prenatal alcohol exposure damages the developing cerebellum and disrupts the connectivity within the cerebello-cerebral neuronal circuits, exacerbating FASD-related cortical dysfunctions. We propose that malfunctions between cerebellar internal model (critically involved in predictions) and cerebral regions contribute to the deficits observed in FASD. Given the major role of the cerebellum in motor, cognitive, and affective functions, we suggest that therapies should target these malfunctions to mitigate the burden of FASD. We discuss the concept of therapies oriented towards malfunctioning cerebello-cerebral loops (TOMCCLs), emphasizing anti-inflammatory strategies and treatments aimed at modulating cerebellar myelination to restore optimal and predictive cerebello-cerebral functions.

The use of dynamic geometry computer software (DGCS) is important in educational environment, and it is more advantageous for learning mathematics comprehensively. This study examined the importance of dynamic geometry computer software on learners' performance in geometry. A quasi experimental, non-equivalent control group was used. The instrument used in this study was geometry achievement mathematics test (GMAT) that comprised 15 multiple choices items. The GMAT was administered to 87 grade nine learners in two secondary schools in Tshwane south district, Gauteng Province South Africa. One school was used as experimental group and the second school was used as the control group. Data analysis employed the use of the statistical t-test independent sample. The result of the study shows that using DGCS is important in geometry whereby it improves the performance of learners. In addition, the results show that the software affects the female learners' mathematics performances more positively than the male learners. Hence, the results of this study showed that there is great potential in using the DGCS (GeoGebra) to teach secondary schools mathematics. The study recommends that the use of technology in teaching and learning of mathematics should be a priority in the schools.

In the past few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly used to create tools that can enhance workflow in medicine. In particular, neuro-oncology has benefited from the use of AI and especially machine learning (ML) and radiogenomics, which are subfields of AI. ML can be used to develop algorithms that dynamically learn from available medical data in order to automatically do specific tasks. On the other hand, radiogenomics can identify relationships between tumor genetics and imaging features, thus possibly giving new insights into the pathophysiology of tumors. Therefore, ML and radiogenomics could help treatment tailoring, which is crucial in personalized neuro-oncology. The aim of this review is to illustrate current and possible future applications of ML and radiomics in neuro-oncology.

The clinical category of immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias (IMCAs) is now recognized after 3 decades of clinical and experimental research. The cerebellum gathers about 60% of neurons in the brain, is enriched in numerous plasticity mechanisms, and presents a large variety of antigens at the neuroglial level: ion channels and related proteins, synaptic adhesion/organizing proteins, transmitter receptors, and glial cells. Cerebellar circuitry is especially vulnerable to immune attacks. After the loss of immune tolerance, IMCAs present in an acute or subacute manner with various combinations of a vestibulocerebellar syndrome (VCS), a cerebellar motor syndrome (CMS), and a cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome/Schmahmann’s syndrome (CCAS/SS). IMCAs include gluten ataxia (GA), post-infectious cerebellitis (PIC), Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD), opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS), anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) ataxia, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy (GFAP-A). In addition, multiple sclerosis (MS), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Behçet disease, and collagen-vascular disorders may also present with cerebellar symptoms when lesions involve cerebellar afferences/efferences. Patients whose clinical profiles do not fit with IMCAs are now gathered in the group of primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxias (PACAs). Latent auto-immune cerebellar ataxia (LACA) refers to a clinical stage with a slow progressive course and a lack of obvious auto-immune background. At a pre-symptomatic stage, patients remain asymptomatic, whereas at the prodromal stage aspecific symptoms occur, announcing the symptomatic neuronal loss. LACA corresponds to a time-window where an intervention could lead to preservation of plasticity mechanisms. Patients may evolve from LACA to PACA and typical IMCAs, highlighting a continuum. Immune ataxias represent a model to elucidate the sequence of events leading to destruction of cerebellar neuronal reserve and develop novel strategies aiming to restore plasticity mechanisms.

The success of in vitro cultivation of plant species depends on factors associated with the induction and control of morphogenesis regarding the regeneration of shoots and roots in the organogenesis process, such as the culture medium composition. Thus, the objective of this work was to investigate whether the concentration of growth regulators in culture medium interferes with the in vitro morphogenesis of gypsophila. ‘Golan’ cultivar was subjected to three culture media (M), which constituted the study treatments: M1) Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium without addition of growth regulators; M2) MS + 1 mg L-1 of benzylaminopurine (BAP) + 0.05 mg L-1 of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); M3) MS + 0.05 mg L-1 BAP + 1 mg L-1 NAA. After 45 days, the multiplication rate, plant height and root length were evaluated. The results showed that plantlets produced in M2 medium had a higher multiplication rate. Also, plantlets produced in M1 and M3 media showed higher shoot height and root length. It is concluded that there is a difference in the in vitro morphogenesis of gypsophila according to the concentration of growth regulators in the micropropagation medium.

There are numerous forms of cerebellar disorders from sporadic to genetic diseases. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the advances and emerging techniques during these last 2 decades in the neurophysiological tests useful in cerebellar patients for clinical and research purposes. Clinically, patients exhibit various combinations of a vestibulocerebellar syndrome, a cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome and a cerebellar motor syndrome which will be discussed throughout this chapter. Cerebellar patients show abnormal Bereitschaftpotentials (BPs) and mismatch negativity. Cerebellar EEG is now being applied in cerebellar disorders to unravel impaired electrophysiological patterns associated within disorders of the cerebellar cortex. Eyeblink conditioning is significantly impaired in cerebellar disorders: the ability to acquire conditioned eyeblink responses is reduced in hereditary ataxias, in cerebellar stroke and after tumor surgery of the cerebellum. Furthermore, impaired eyeblink conditioning is an early marker of cerebellar degenerative disease. General rules of motor control suggest that optimal strategies are needed to execute voluntary movements in the complex environment of daily life. A high degree of adaptability is required for learning procedures underlying motor control as sensorimotor adaptation is essential to perform accurate goal-directed movements. Cerebellar patients show impairments during online visuomotor adaptation tasks. Cerebellum-motor cortex inhibition (CBI) is a neurophysiological biomarker showing an inverse association between cerebellothalamocortical tract integrity and ataxia severity. Ataxic gait is characterized by increased step width, reduced ankle joint range of motion, increased gait variability, lack of intra-limb inter-joint and inter-segmental coordination, impaired foot ground placement and loss of trunk control. Taken together, these techniques provide a neurophysiological framework for a better appraisal of cerebellar disorders.

Objectives: To use a novel in vitro model of three-dimensional (3D) neurosphere cultures to assess neurotoxic or neuroprotective effects with harmane as a model compound. Methods: A reproducible model of 3D spheroids was developed from embryonic mouse cortical neurons, using molded agarose micro-wells; this method seems particularly practical as it is customizable and widely available and does not require specific cell treatments or assay components different from 2D cultures, allowing for the easy transposition of routine protocols. To assess the neurotoxic effects of harmane, a resazurin assay was performed to measure cell viability, and a highly sensitive fluorometric method, based on the oxidation of dichlorodihydrofluorescein, was applied to measure eventually induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) after exposure to harmane at increasing concentrations of 50 100, and 250 μm. Results: Hydrogel microwells facilitated the assembly of spheroids containing neurons and glial cells into a complex 3D structure and prevented the agglomeration of spheroids. Exposure to harmane induced cytotoxicity in 3D neural spheroids, which was correlated with harmane concentrations, with a 27% reduction in viability at 250 μm. Harmane that did not induce significant levels of oxidative stress was detected for all tested concentrations. Conclusion: This 3D neurosphere model mimics a neuronal microenvironment, allowing a fine study of neurodegenerative disorders and the effects of chemicals on the brain. This model opens novel opportunities, not only from a pathogenetic point of view but also from a therapeutic perspective.

We recently demonstrated a repurposing beneficial effect of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a potassium channel blocker, on functional recovery and muscle atrophy after sciatic nerve crush injury in rodents. However, this effect of 4-AP is unknown in nerve transection, gap, and grafting models. To evaluate and compare the functional recovery, nerve morphology, and muscle atrophy, we used a novel stepwise nerve transection with gluing (STG), as well as 7-mm irreparable nerve gap (G-7/0) and 7-mm isografting in 5-mm gap (G-5/7) models in the absence and presence of 4-AP treatment. Following surgery, sciatic functional index was determined weekly to evaluate the direct in vivo global motor functional recovery. After 12 weeks, nerves were processed for whole-mount immunofluorescence imaging, and tibialis anterior muscles were harvested for wet weight and quantitative histomorphological analyses for muscle fiber cross-sectional area and minimal Feret’s diameter. Average post-injury sciatic functional index values in STG and G-5/7 models were significantly greater than those in the G-7/0 model. 4-AP did not affect the sciatic functional index recovery in any model. Compared to STG, nerve imaging revealed more misdirected axons and distorted nerve architecture with isografting. While muscle weight, cross-sectional area, and minimal Feret’s diameter were significantly smaller in G-7/0 model compared with STG and G-5/7, 4-AP treatment significantly increased right TA muscle mass, cross-sectional area, and minimal Feret’s diameter in G-7/0 model. These findings demonstrate that functional recovery and muscle atrophy after peripheral nerve injury are directly related to the intervening nerve gap, and 4-AP exerts differential effects on functional recovery and muscle atrophy.

Abstract Bullying is a major problem for teenagers that becomes a barrier to achieving the SDGs, bullying has a negative impact on both victims and perpetrators. The effects of bullying include psychological, social problems, decreased academic performance, and even suicide. The development of technology does not only have a positive impact, but also a negative impact. One of them is the increasing incidence of online bullying or cyberbullying. UNICEF (2016), victims of cyberbullying in Indonesia reached 41-50%. Almost every day 80% of Indonesian teenagers are reported to be victims of cyberbullying. The aimed of this study was to determine the relationship between a history of traditional bullying and the incidence of cyberbullying in college students. An analytical survey method with a cross sectional survey design was conducted among 196 respondents. Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Survey questionnaires was used to measure the cyberbullying. The relationship between the history of traditional bullying and the incidence of cyberbullying in student was analyzed using chi square test. The results of the statistical test show p value < 0.05. The conclusion of this study, there was a significant relationship between the history of traditional bullying and the incidence of cyberbullying in students. The experience of bullying that still occurs among children needs to be further improved in providing support to victims and perpetrators so that there are no health problems, both physical and psychological, even causing the influence of social relations with peers. Keywords: Adolescence, Bullying, Cyberbullying, History

The development of technology not only has a positive impact but also has a negative impact. One of them is the shift in bullying trends, from traditional bullying to cyberbullying. Based on a report, as many as 210.3 million internet users aged 13-17 years ranked third in using social media. Cyberbullying victims in Indonesia reach 41-50% and 80% of teenagers become victims of cyberbullying. This study aims to determine the incidence of cyberbullying in students. Using an analytical survey research method with a cross-sectional survey design. Data collection through Cyberbullying and Online Aggression Survey questionnaires and data processing is presented in the form of a frequency distribution. The results showed that 125 respondents (75%) who experienced cyberbullying with types of cyberbullying included flaming 32,14%; exclusion 62,75%; harassment 47,44%; flooding 50%; masquerade log in 42,34%; trolling 25,52%; denigration 19,89%; outing 25%; dan sexual harassment 15,3%. The incidence of cyberbullying in adolescents is still high and all types of cyberbullying have been experienced by adolescents.

Abstract Background Traumatic peripheral nerve injury (TPNI) is a major medical problem with no universally accepted pharmacologic treatment. We hypothesized that encapsulation of pro-angiogenic erythropoietin (EPO) in amphiphilic PLGA-PEG block copolymers could serve as a local controlled-release drug delivery system to enhance neurovascular regeneration after nerve injury. Methods In this study, we synthesized an EPO-PLGA-PEG block copolymer formulation. We characterized its physiochemical and release properties and examined its effects on functional recovery, neural regeneration, and blood vessel formation after sciatic nerve crush injury in mice. Results EPO-PLGA-PEG underwent solution-to-gel transition within the physiologically relevant temperature window and released stable EPO for up to 18 days. EPO-PLGA-PEG significantly enhanced sciatic function index (SFI), grip strength, and withdrawal reflex post-sciatic nerve crush injury. Furthermore, EPO-PLGA-PEG significantly increased blood vessel density, number of junctions, and myelinated nerve fibers after injury. Conclusion This study provides promising preclinical evidence for using EPO-PLGA-PEG as a local controlled-release treatment to enhance functional outcomes and neurovascular regeneration in TPNI.

Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) has been utilized since antiquity and is considered the king of spices due to its wide use. This study aims to analyze the active compounds of white pepper through GC-MS and their pharmacological effects. Pepper seeds were extracted using 96% ethanol as solvent by the maceration method. The active compounds in the dry extract were then analyzed by GC-MS. Identification of the active compound was carried out by matching it to the Willey7 Library database. Based on the results chromatogram, is known that there are 127 components of the compound, of which there are 11 main components. Most of the main components are alkaloids and have various pharmacological effects discussed. Piperidine, Caryophyllene, and Ethyl iso-allocholate are some of active compounds in ethanol extract. Ethyl iso-allocholate acts as an anti-inflammatory with a strong affinity for the target protein and also acts as an antiviral for SARS-CoV by inhibiting the attachment of the viral genome to target proteins, namely angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and main protease (MPro).

The clinical category of immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias (IMCAs) has been established after 3 decades of clinical and experimental research. The cerebellum is particularly enriched in antigens (ion channels and related proteins, synaptic adhesion/organizing proteins, transmitter receptors, glial cells) and is vulnerable to immune attacks. IMCAs include various disorders, including gluten ataxia (GA), post-infectious cerebellitis (PIC), Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD), opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS), and anti-GAD ataxia. Other disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), Behçet disease, and collagen vascular disorders may also present with cerebellar symptoms when lesions are localized to cerebellar pathways. The triggers of autoimmunity are established in GA (gluten sensitivity), PIC and MFS (infections), PCD (malignancy), and OMS (infections or malignant tumors). Patients whose clinical profiles do not match those of classic types of IMCAs are now included in the spectrum of primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (PACA). Recent remarkable progress has clarified various characteristics of these etiologies and therapeutic strategies in terms of immunotherapies. However, it still remains to be elucidated as to how immune tolerance is broken, leading to autoimmune insults of the cerebellum, and the consecutive sequence of events occurring during cerebellar damage caused by antibody- or cell-mediated mechanisms. Antibodies may specifically target the cerebellar circuitry and impair synaptic mechanisms (synaptopathies). The present Special Issue aims to illuminate what is solved and what is unsolved in clinical practice and the pathophysiology of IMCAs. Immune ataxias now represent a genuine category of immune insults to the central nervous system (CNS).

Cerebellar reserve compensates for and restores functions lost through cerebellar damage. This is a fundamental property of cerebellar circuitry. Clinical studies suggest (1) the involvement of synaptic plasticity in the cerebellar cortex for functional compensation and restoration, and (2) that the integrity of the cerebellar reserve requires the survival and functioning of cerebellar nuclei. On the other hand, recent physiological studies have shown that the internal forward model, embedded within the cerebellum, controls motor accuracy in a predictive fashion, and that maintaining predictive control to achieve accurate motion ultimately promotes learning and compensatory processes. Furthermore, within the proposed framework of the Kalman filter, the current status is transformed into a predictive state in the cerebellar cortex (prediction step), whereas the predictive state and sensory feedback from the periphery are integrated into a filtered state at the cerebellar nuclei (filtering step). Based on the abovementioned clinical and physiological studies, we propose that the cerebellar reserve consists of two elementary mechanisms which are critical for cerebellar functions: the first is involved in updating predictions in the residual or affected cerebellar cortex, while the second acts by adjusting its updated forecasts with the current status in the cerebellar nuclei. Cerebellar cortical lesions would impair predictive behavior, whereas cerebellar nuclear lesions would impact on adjustments of neuronal commands. We postulate that the multiple forms of distributed plasticity at the cerebellar cortex and cerebellar nuclei are the neuronal events which allow the cerebellar reserve to operate in vivo. This cortico-deep cerebellar nuclei loop model attributes two complementary functions as the underpinnings behind cerebellar reserve.

Technical skills are those specialized hands-on skills and competences needed to perform specific tasks. The study investigated the potential mismatch between Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills acquired in high school and workplace skills needed by Zimbabwean school-leaver migrants in Botswana. A mixed method research design was used for the triangulation of data collection and analysis. Systematic sampling was used in the research. Questionnaires were administered to 60 school-leaver migrants and 19 responded to the semi-structured interviews. Quantitative results were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software to handle large statistical information with minimum errors. Qualitative results were summarized under each research question. The study established that most Zimbabwean school-leaver migrants had done a TVET subjects at school and were working in sectors related to the TVET subjects they had done at school, showing a relationship of TVET skills acquired in high school and the needed workplace skills in Botswana. This is supported by a positive significant Pearson correlation of 0.01. School TVET must orient learners to the use of tools and equipment and, equip learners with technical skills that can be adapted in the workplace to mitigate a possible learner skills-job mismatch. Study findings created a feedback loop for policymakers and teachers to improve the TVET system and make it more relevant to the changing skills needed in the workplace.

We report a case of a 54-year-old man suffering from sciatalgia unresponsive to medical treatment. Imaging revealed a discal cyst the level L3-L4, a rare cause of low back pain, which has characteristic imaging features. In particular, on Magnetic Resonance Imaging it appears as a cystic formation with fluid content, which usually arises from the posterior contour of the intervertebral disc and it frequently has air bubbles within it. The patient underwent surgical treatment with resolution of symptoms.

Abstract Objective Antibiotics (ABX) are widely used for life-threatening infections and also for routine surgical operations. Compelling evidence suggests that ABX-induced alterations of gut microbiota composition, termed dysbiosis, are linked with diverse disease states including neurological and neurodegenerative conditions. To combat the consequences of dysbiosis, probiotics (PBX) are widely used. ABX-induced dysbiosis is reported to impair neurological function after spinal cord injury. Traumatic peripheral nerve injury (TPNI) results in profound neurologic impairment and permanent disability. It is unknown whether ABX treatment-induced dysbiosis has any impact on TPNI-induced functional recovery, and if so, what role medical-grade PBX could have on TPNI recovery. Results In this study, ABX-induced dysbiosis and PBX-induced microbiota enrichment models were used to explore the potential role of gut microbiome in TPNI. Stool analysis with 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing confirmed ABX-induced dysbiosis and revealed that ABX-induced changes could be partially restored by PBX administration with an abundance of butyrate producing bacteria. Pre-injury ABX significantly impaired, but pre-injury PBX significantly improved post-TPNI functional recovery. Importantly, post-injury PBX protected against pre-injury ABX-induced functional impairment. These findings demonstrate that reestablishment of gut microbiota composition with butyrate producing PBX during ABX-induced dysbiosis could be a useful adjuvant therapy for TPNI.