Activity In Cultures Research Articles

Postharvest wounding treatment influences flavone production and biological activities of the hairy root cultures of Scutellaria baicalensis

BackgroundScutellaria baicalensis roots contain root-specific flavones (baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin) exhibiting strong biological effects. Hence, this plant is considered the best plant material for hairy root system applications.ResultsIn this study, we obtained hairy roots, which are considered natural genetically modified organisms, from S. baicalensis leaves in vitro using wild Agrobacterium rhizogenes (A. rhizogenes) R1000 and investigated the effects of postharvest wounding treatment on their flavone production and in vitro antimicrobial properties. Hairy roots were exposed to wounding stress, and the levels of baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We found that the levels of these flavones in S. baicalensis hairy roots increased after 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure in a time-dependent manner. In particular, the highest production of three flavones was reported after exposure to 96 h of wounding stress. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes involved in root-specific flavone pathways (SbPAL1, SbPAL2, SbPAL3, SbCCL7, SbCHS2, SbCHI, SbFNS2-2, SbCYP82D1.1, and SbF8H) were determined at two time points (control and after 96 h of exposure). Expression levels of SbPAL1, SbCHS2, SbCHI, and SbCYP82D1.1 were significantly increased following exposure to wounding stress. Antimicrobials were observed with seven normal pathogens, two multidrug-resistant pathogens, and one pathogenic yeast. Moreover, the inhibition zone sizes of these bacteria were larger in the wounded S. baicalensis hairy roots with higher levels of baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin than in those with lower levels of these flavones. In addition to antimicrobial activities, the wounded hairy roots exhibited stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities than the controls.ConclusionsOur results indicate that postharvest wounding treatment is a good strategy to increase flavone production and enhance the antibacterial activity of S. baicalensis hairy root cultures.Graphic

Comparison of different freezing rates on post-thaw viability, proliferation, and stemness of sheep spermatogonial stem cells.

The application of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) will be more effective and feasible following the successful cryopreservation and transfer of SSCs in livestock. Like other cells, SSCs are also sensitive to cryoinjury; hence composition of the cryomedia and freezing protocols need to be optimized. The present study aims to optimising the best freezing rates by minimising the ice crystallization and dehydration effect in order to maximize the post-thaw SSCs survivability and stemness characteristics. Three different freezing protocols with varied cooling profiles, cooling profile 1 (isopropanol based freezing): 1°C/min from 0°C to -10°C, 0.5°C/min upto -40°C, further reduced to 0.25°C/min upto -50°C and 0.1°C/min to -60°C, cooling profile 2 (using programmable freezer): 1°C/min up to 4°C, 0.3°C/min up to -8°C, and cooled at 0.5°C/min to -50°C, further decrease to -90°C (8°C/min) and cooling profile 3 (uncontrolled rapid freezing): 3.3°C/min from 0°C to -10°C, 5°C/min upto -40°C, 2°C/min to -50°C and 1.2°C/min upto -60°C, were compared for cryopreservation efficiency. The overall viability (91.41 ± 2.00% Vs 74.59 ± 2.34%), stemness activity (1.34 ± 0.095 OD units Vs 0.356 ± 0.026 OD units), and proliferation rate (0.849 ± 0.019 OD units Vs 0.749 ± 0.015 OD units) of post-thaw SSC culture irrespective of the freezing regimes was significantly decreased when compared to pre-freeze SSC culture characteristics. The post-thaw viability was significantly greater in cooling profile 1 (79.64 ± 4.1%) when compared to cooling profile 2 (69.72 ± 2.4%) and cooling profile 3 (75.43 ± 4.8%). Also, cooling profile 1 yielded greater (p<0.05) post-thaw stemness activity (0.456±0.044 OD units) when compared to other methods. The study suggests that the cooling profile 1 using isopropanol based freezing can be recommended for preservation of viability and stemness characteristics of SSCs.

Iron oxide nanoparticles and light intensity modulate biomass, antioxidant capacity and anti-leishmanial activity in callus cultures of Artemisia scoparia

Iron oxide nanoparticles and light intensity modulate biomass, antioxidant capacity and anti-leishmanial activity in callus cultures of Artemisia scoparia

V-ATPase in glioma stem cells: a novel metabolic vulnerability

BackgroundGlioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal brain tumor characterized by the glioma stem cell (GSC) niche. The V-ATPase proton pump has been described as a crucial factor in sustaining GSC viability and tumorigenicity. Here we studied how patients-derived GSCs rely on V-ATPase activity to sustain mitochondrial bioenergetics and cell growth.MethodsV-ATPase activity in GSC cultures was modulated using Bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) and cell viability and metabolic traits were analyzed using live assays. The GBM patients-derived orthotopic xenografts were used as in vivo models of disease. Cell extracts, proximity-ligation assay and advanced microscopy was used to analyze subcellular presence of proteins. A metabolomic screening was performed using Biocrates p180 kit, whereas transcriptomic analysis was performed using Nanostring panels.ResultsPerturbation of V-ATPase activity reduces GSC growth in vitro and in vivo. In GSC there is a pool of V-ATPase that localize in mitochondria. At the functional level, V-ATPase inhibition in GSC induces ROS production, mitochondrial damage, while hindering mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and reducing protein synthesis. This metabolic rewiring is accompanied by a higher glycolytic rate and intracellular lactate accumulation, which is not exploited by GSCs for biosynthetic or survival purposes.ConclusionsV-ATPase activity in GSC is critical for mitochondrial metabolism and cell growth. Targeting V-ATPase activity may be a novel potential vulnerability for glioblastoma treatment.

Associations of behavioral, motivational, and socioeconomic factors with BMI among children and adolescents.

Higher weight represents a significant health concern in youth and may be influenced by socioeconomic and behavioral factors. We investigated the relationship between BMI and parental education, nutritional health, eating culture, organized and non-organized physical activity (PA), motives for PA (weight loss/maintenance, enjoyment), and screen-time in children and adolescents. 677 2- to 11-year-olds (young-age-group) and 464 12- to 20-year-olds (old-age-group) from Leipzig, a city in Germany, participated. We applied multivariate linear regression analyses to assess associations. BMI-SDS was negatively associated with parental education (young-age-group: b = -0.25, p < 0.001, old-age-group: b = -0.27, p = 0.02), non-organized PA (young-age-group: b = -0.23, p = 0.029), and PA enjoyment (young-age-group: b = -0.05, p = 0.01, old-age-group: b = -0.05, p = 0.038), but negatively with media use during dinner (old-age-group: b = 0.53, p < 0.001), PA for weight loss/maintenance (young-age-group: b = 0.15, p < 0.001, old-age-group: b = 0.12, p < 0.001), and screen-time (young-age-group: b = 0.11, p = 0.009, old-age-group: b = 0.09, p = 0.001). Significant interactions with age, sex and parental education were observed. A lower BMI in children is associated with high parental education, screen-free eating, higher participation in non-organized PA and lower screen-time. While measures of motivation were limited and thus findings should be interpreted with caution, intrinsic motivation for PA is associated with lower BMI whereas extrinsic motivation for PA is associated with higher BMI. In a German cohort of children and adolescents, lower BMI is associated with high parental education, less screen time, more participation in non-organized physical activity and less media use during dinner. Intrinsic and extrinsic motives for physical activity are directly linked to the weight status of children and adolescents. These associations are particularly strong in families with low/medium formal education.

Temperature Sensing in Agarose/Silk Fibroin Translucent Hydrogels: Preparation of an Environment for Long-Term Observation.

Environmental changes, such as applied medication, nutrient depletion, and accumulation of metabolic residues, affect cell culture activity. The combination of these factors reflects on the local temperature distribution and local oxygen concentration towards the cell culture scaffold. However, determining the temporal variation of local temperature, independent of local oxygen concentration changes in biological specimens, remains a significant technological challenge. The process of triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC), performed in a nanoconfined environment with a continuous aqueous phase, appears to be a possible solution to these severe sensing problems. This process generates two optical signals (delayed emitter fluorescence (dF) and residual sensitizer phosphorescence (rPh)) in response to a single external stimulus (local temperature), allowing the application of the ratiometric-type sensing procedure. The ability to incorporate large amounts of sacrificial singlet oxygen scavenging materials, without altering the temperature sensitivity, allows long-term protection against photo-oxidative damage to the sensing moieties. Translucent agarose/silk fibroin hydrogels embedding non-ionic micellar systems containing energetically optimized annihilation couples simultaneously fulfill two critical functions: first, to serve as mechanical support (for further application as a cell culture scaffold); second, to allow tuning of the material response window to achieve a maximum temperature sensitivity better than 0.5 K for the physiologically important region around 36 °C.

A DIY Bioreactor for in Situ Metabolic Tracking in 3D Cell Models via Hyperpolarized 13C NMR Spectroscopy.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool limited by low sensitivity due to low nuclear spin polarization. Hyperpolarization techniques, such as dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization, significantly enhance sensitivity, enabling real-time tracking of cellular metabolism. However, traditional high-field NMR systems and bioreactor platforms pose challenges, including the need for specialized equipment and fixed sample volumes. This study introduces a scalable, 3D-printed bioreactor platform compatible with low-field NMR spectrometers, designed to accommodate bioengineered 3D cell models. The bioreactor is fabricated using biocompatible materials and features a microfluidic system for media recirculation, ensuring optimal culture conditions during NMR acquisition and cell maintenance. We characterized the NMR compatibility of the bioreactor components and confirmed minimal signal distortion. The bioreactor's efficacy was validated using HeLa and HepG2 cells, demonstrating prolonged cell viability and enhanced metabolic activity in 3D cultures compared to 2D cultures. Hyperpolarized [1-13C] pyruvate experiments revealed distinct metabolic profiles for the two cell types, highlighting the bioreactor's ability to discern metabolic profiles among samples. Our results indicate that the bioreactor platform supports the maintenance and analysis of 3D cell models in NMR studies, offering a versatile and accessible tool for metabolic and biochemical research in tissue engineering. This platform bridges the gap between advanced cellular models and NMR spectroscopy, providing a robust framework for future applications in nonspecialized laboratories. The design files for the 3D printed components are shared within the text for easy download and customization, promoting their use and adaptation for further applications.

In vitro biochemical features of cold plasma application in MCF-7 experimental breast cancer cells

Introduction. Low-temperature plasma is currently used in medicine, including cancer therapy. Plasma-activated biological solutions have already been proposed as potential reagents for cancer treatment. However, the biological effects in cells induced by exposure to cold plasma still remain unexplored. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms of the effects of cold plasma on cells is of great clinical importance for its clinical application. the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of cold plasma exposure on apoptosis, catalase activity, and malonic dialdehyde content in MCF-7 breast cancer cell cultures compared to 3T3 normal fibroblast cells. Material and Methods. MCF-7 mammary epithelial cells were used as research objects, and NIH/3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells were used as controls. Cell suspensions were treated using low-temperature atmospheric discharge plasma with escaping electrons. Annexin V and propidium iodide were used to quantify cell line apoptosis. The content of malonic dialdehyde was determined by the developing coloration of its solution with 2-thiobarbituric acid at high temperature in acidic medium. The activity of catalase was estimated by the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide for a certain time of incubation of the mixture. Results. It was found that irradiation of MCF-7 cell culture with plasma led to an increase in the content of malondialdehyde, the main product of lipid peroxidation. the increase in this parameter is an indicator of cell membrane damage and oxidative stress induced by irradiation. In addition, under the same irradiation regime, cold plasma showed a stimulating effect on the culture of 3T3 cells, while on the MCF-7 culture, on the contrary, it stimulated the activation of apoptosis and cell death. Conclusion. In the present study, we found that exposure of tumor and normal cells to cold plasma promotes apoptosis activation. Catalase and MDA activity have been shown to be significant markers capable of assessing the intensity of oxidative stress.

Occurrence of Some Spoilage Microorganisms in Cheese Highlighting The Impact of Salt and Starter Culture Activity on The Viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans

Occurrence of Some Spoilage Microorganisms in Cheese Highlighting The Impact of Salt and Starter Culture Activity on The Viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans

7‐(Het)aryl‐6‐benzyloxycarbonyl Substituted Dihydro(azolo)Pyrimidines Exhibiting Activity Against Influenza A/H1N1 Virus

AbstractA series of 7‐(het)aryl‐6‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐substituted dihydro(azolo)pyrimidines were synthesized by exploiting the multicomponent Biginelli reaction between benzyl acetoacetate, various aldehydes, aminoazoles (3‐aminopyrazole, 5‐aminotetrazole, and 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole) or urea. The compounds obtained were assessed for their cytotoxicity and the antiviral activity in MDCK cell culture against the influenza virus strain A/California/04/2009 (H1N1)v (subtype A/H1N1pdm09) in comparison with the known anti‐influenza drugs rimantadine, oseltamivir, and triazide. In addition, using molecular docking, the free energies for binding of the polymerase proteins PA (polymerase acidic) and PB2 (polymerase basic) of the internal ribonucleoprotein (RNP) of influenza virus (IV) A/California/04/2009 (H1N1)v with dihydro(azolo)pyrimidines. Compounds 1a and 11 were found to be the most active against this strain of influenza virus, but the value of binding free energies of the PB2 protein for compound 11 was higher (12.55 µg/mL).

Withaferin A inhibits Chikungunya virus nsP2 protease and shows antiviral activity in the cell culture and mouse model of virus infection.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus causing fever, myalgia, and debilitating joint swelling and pain, which in many patients becomes chronic. The frequent epidemics of CHIKV across the world pose a significant public health burden necessitating the development of effective antiviral therapeutics. A cellular imaging-based high-content screening of natural compounds identified withaferin A (WFA), a steroidal lactone isolated from the plant Withania somnifera, as a potent antiviral against CHIKV. In the ERMS cells, WFA inhibited CHIKV replication early during the life cycle by binding the CHIKV non-structural protein nsP2 and inhibiting its protease activity. This inhibited the viral polyprotein processing and the minus-sense viral RNA synthesis. WFA mounted the nsP2 protease inhibitory activity through its oxidising property as the reducing agents N-acetylcysteine and Glutathione-monoethyl ester effectively reversed the WFA-mediated protease inhibition in vitro and abolished the WFA-mediated antiviral activity in cultured cells. WFA inhibited CHIKV replication in the C57BL/6 mouse model of chikungunya disease, resulting in significantly lower viremia. Importantly, CHIKV-infected mice showed significant joint swelling which was not seen in WFA-treated mice. These data demonstrate the potential of WFA as a novel CHIKV antiviral.

Novel skin defense peptides and microbiota contribute to disease resilience of the Ngäbe-Buglé leopard frog

Some of the amphibian populations in Panama are demonstrating slow recovery decades after severe declines caused by the invasion of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). However, new species remain to be described and assessed for the mechanisms of disease resilience. We identified seven skin defense peptides from a presumably novel leopard frog species in the Tabasará range, at Buäbti (Llano Tugrí), Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca, and Santa Fe, Veraguas, Panama, herein called the Ngäbe-Buglé leopard frog. Two of the peptides were previously known: brevinin-1BLb from Rana (Lithobates) blairi and a previously hypothesized “ancestral” peptide, ranatuerin-2BPa. We hypothesized that the peptides are active against Bd and shape the microbiome such that the skin bacterial communities are more similar to those of other leopard frogs than of co-occurring host species. Natural mixtures of the collected skin peptides showed a minimum inhibitory concentration against Bd of 100 μg/ml, which was similar to that of other leopard frogs that have been tested. All sampled individuals hosted high intensity of infection with Bd. We sampled nine other amphibian species in nearby habitats and found lower prevalence and intensities of Bd infection. In addition to the pathogen load, the skin microbiomes were examined using 16S rRNA gene targeted amplicon sequencing. When compared to nine co-occurring amphibians, the Ngäbe-Buglé leopard frog had similar skin bacterial richness and anti-Bd function, but the skin microbiome structure differed significantly among species. The community composition of the bacterial skin communities was strongly associated with the Bd infection load. In contrast, the skin microbiome composition of the Ngäbe-Buglé leopard frog was similar to that of five North American leopard frog populations and the sympatric and congeneric Rana (Lithobates) warszewitschii, with 29 of the 46 core bacteria all demonstrating anti-Bd activity in culture. Because of the high Bd infection load and prevalence in the Ngäbe-Buglé leopard frog, we suggest that treatment to reduce the Bd load in this species might reduce the chytridiomycosis risk in the co-occurring amphibian community, but could potentially disrupt the evolution of skin defenses that provide a mechanism for disease resilience in this species.

Exploring Motivations for Cannabis Use in Casual Leisure: a German Perspective

AbstractCannabis is a popular leisure activity in many cultures, especially in North America and Europe, where it is commonly used for socializing and entertainment. A recent German study employed the Marijuana Motives Measure to survey young adults, analyzing four motivational factors in the context of casual leisure. The research aimed to understand the reasons behind adults’ daily cannabis use, its link to consumption frequency, and situations. The findings highlight cannabis use for hedonic pleasure, relaxation, and enhancing social experiences. Individuals driven by self-focused motives, seeking relaxation and hedonic pleasure, tend to use it more frequently, while other-focused motives, such as sociable conversation, are associated with less frequent and occasional consumption. The study further revealed that people who consume cannabis for self-focused motives typically do so alone or with someone at home, whereas those who use it for other-focused motives, such as sociable conversation, tend to do so in social settings.

Preface: 6th International Conference on Advances in Social Sciences and Sustainable Development (ASSSD 2024)

We are pleased to present the proceedings of the 2024 6th International Conference on Advances in Social Sciences and Sustainable Development (ASSSD 2024). ASSSD 2024 was successfully held in Madrid, Spain during November 09-10, 2024. We sincerely hope that all participants and interested readers will benefit or find inspirations from this proceeding. The objective of ASSSD 2024 is to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, academicians, scholars, as well as professionals from all over the world to present their research results and development activities in management, humanities, law, education, economy, culture, politics, social science, and sustainable development. This conference provides opportunities for the delegates to exchange new ideas face to face, to establish business or research relations, and to find global partners for future collaboration. All received manuscripts had undergone initial screening for suitability by the editors for the scope of this conference. Suitable papers sent to at least two independent referees, and the reports from the referees are then considered by the Editor-in-Chief, who will make the final decision. The ASSSD 2024 organizing committee has made great efforts to strengthen the supervision and examination of articles and to ensure the quality of articles. With warmest regards, ASSSD Organizing Committees Madrid, Spain

IMPACT OF ASTAXANTHIN ON MANIFESTATIONS OF THE DIRECT AND RESCUE TUMOR-INDUCED BYSTANDER EFFECT.

to investigate the reciprocal impact on the genome of malignant and normal human peripheral bloodlymphocytes under their co-culture and the possibility to modify the effects by astaxanthin. Separate and joint/separate culturing of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of the chronic lymphocyticleukemia (CLL) patients (n = 6) and conditionally healthy individuals (n = 6), Comet assay method, fluorescencemicroscopy with automated software for the analysis of results, statistical methods. Both direct and rescue tumour-induced bystander effects were observed under the joint/separate culturing of blood lymphocytes of conditionally healthy individuals (the bystander cells) and blood cells from CLL patients(the inducer cells). The direct effect was characterized by the high level of comets corresponding to the S-phasecells and increased apoptotic activity in the bystander cell cultures. The rescue effect in the culture of inducer cellswas expressed by the increased frequency of cells retained in S-phase, decreased proportion of cells with a high levelof DNA damage and decreased amount of cells in apoptotic stage. Level of both S-phase cells and apoptotic cells inthe cultures of bystander cells significantly decreased under the impact of astaxanthin (p < 0.05). Effect of astaxanthin on the inducer cells was the opposite, namely an increased frequency of S-phase cells and increased apoptotic activity in cultures (p < 0.05) was observed. Possible modification of manifestations of both direct and rescue tumor-induced bystander effects bythe astaxanthin was established.

Electrochemical Detection of Carbon Steel Corrosion Induced by Fermentative Bacteria From Natural Gas Transmission Lines.

The metabolic potential and corrosive activities of a fermentative bacterial enrichment culture from a natural gas transmission line were characterised. Three metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) attributable to Cytobacillus, Lacrimispora and Staphylococcus spp. were obtained. These MAGs hosted genes involved in the fermentation of carbohydrates to organic acids, which was reflected in the acidification of the growth medium by the culture. To evaluate the corrosive activities of the culture, it was incubated in a split chamber-zero resistance ammetry (SC-ZRA) format. This involved deploying carbon steel coupons immersed in liquid medium in opposing chambers of an electrochemical cell. Measurement of current between the coupons indicated the extent and mechanism of corrosion. When the enrichment culture was added to one side of an SC-ZRA incubation with bicarbonate-buffered medium, pH change and corrosion were minimal. In bicarbonate-free medium, the culture acidified the medium, induced electron transfer from the uninoculated chamber to the inoculated chamber, and caused mass loss. These results indicate that fermenter-induced microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) is due to localised fluid acidification, inducing anodic reactions on the metal surface exposed to the microorganisms and mass loss of the non-exposed metal.

Small molecule protein assembly modulators with pan-cancer therapeutic efficacy.

Two structurally unrelated small molecule chemotypes, represented by compounds PAV-617 and PAV-951, with antiviral activity in cell culture against Mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox virus) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) respectively, were studied for anti-cancer efficacy. Each exhibited apparent pan-cancer cytotoxicity with reasonable pharmacokinetics. Non-toxicity is demonstrated in a non-cancer cell line and in mice at doses achieving drug exposure at active concentrations. Anti-tumour properties of both chemotypes were validated in mouse xenografts against A549 human lung cancer and, for one of the chemotypes, against HT-29 colorectal cancer. The targets of these compounds are unconventional: each binds to a different transient, energy-dependent multi-protein complex. Treatment with these compounds alters the target multi-protein complexes in a manner that appears to remove a block, crucial for cancer survival and progression, on a homeostatic linkage between uncontrolled proliferation and apoptosis. These compounds provide starting points for development of novel, next-generation, non-toxic, pan-cancer therapeutics.

Turning agro-food waste into resources: Exploring the antioxidant effects of bioactive compounds bioaccessibility from digested jabuticaba tree leaf extract.

The jabuticaba tree leaf, considered an agro-food by-product or waste, was evaluated as a potential unconventional ingredient of bioactive compounds. Its hydroalcoholic extracts were assessed for the phenolic chemical profile by LC-QQQ-MS and antioxidant capacity pre- and post-gastrointestinal digestion (i.e., bioaccessibility), along with determining cytotoxicity effects on cell culture, antihaemolytic and cellular antioxidant activity. A total of 9 phenolic compounds, including ellagic acid and flavonoids (hesperidin) were identified in both crude and digested samples. The bioaccessibility of these compounds was increased after digestion process, which was reflected in the erythrocytes' antioxidant activities, reducing the haemolysis, lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by more than 50%. Furthermore, the in vitro digestion diminished the cytotoxicity effect, increasing the cell viability by 71%. These findings underscore the potential of jabuticaba tree leaf extract as a rich source of antioxidant phenolics, emphasizing their potential and promising applications as a new functional ingredient.

In vitro study of dimethyl glutamate incorporated chitosan/microfibrillated cellulose based matrix in addition of H and Zr on osteoblast cells.

Tissue engineering techniques can be utilized to repair or regenerate damaged tissue by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of cells in bone regeneration. A critical component of this process is the scaffold employed, which should ideally support consistent tissue development during bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological, physicochemical, and biological characteristics of various scaffolds: S1 (C/MFC), S2 (C/H/MFC), S3 (C/MFC/Zr), S4 (C/MFC/PCL), S5 (C/H/MFC/PCL), S6 (C/PCL/MFC/Zr), and S7 (C/H/MFC/Zr), which are intended for application in bone regeneration. The scaffolds containing microfibrillated cellulose, chitosan, polycaprolactone, zirconium, and hydroxyapatite were fabricated by the freeze-drying method. Conventional methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, were used to evaluate morphological and physicochemical properties of composite scaffolds. The fabricated scaffolds (S1-S7) had spongy properties that all functional groups were present in the sponge. Biological properties for cell survival were evaluated by the MTT assay, ALP, and ARS activities, respectively. In physicochemical studies, scaffolds showed tunable water absorption, swelling studies, degradation, sustained drug release, and mechanical properties. In biological studies, the cell proliferation and attachment were shown to significantly increase in scaffolds on MG63 cells. After 7 days of cell culture, ALP and ARS activity indicated the enhancement of extracellular calcium deposition of the MG63 cells on the treated scaffolds. In summary, the scaffolds S7 (C/H/MFC/Zr) treated with dimethyl glutamate revealed favorable effects on bone tissues, implying a potential towards the treatment of bone defects and drug delivery.

Implementasi Gerakan Literasi Sekolah Melalui Pemanfaatan Majalah Dinding Digital

Reading and writing as one of the literacy activities in a positive school culture becomes boring. It is challenging to increase students' interest in literacy. To embody Ki Hadjar Dewantara's philosophy, learning notices the nature of the times, the school literacy movement must utilize technology advances. This research aims to increase students' interest in reading and writing and to determine digital media's effectiveness in increasing literacy ability. This is a qualitative research approach. The data collection techniques are through observation and interview. The research subjects are fourth to sixth-grade students. First, they make a wall magazine, next teacher uploads it to Google Sites, then other students watch by the link provided. The research result shows that students get more enthusiastic than looking for reference sources to write. When they place it on a digital media with varied digital displays, student’s reading enthusiasm increases. Google Sites use as a form of digital media is suitable as an alternative solution for increasing students’ interest in reading and writing. It is also effective in increasing literacy ability. The research benefit provides real experiences and a meaningful learning process. Digital media provides easy access everywhere and makes publication widely spread.