Separate Cultures Research Articles

Microfabricated dynamic brain organoid cocultures to assess the effects of surface geometry on assembloid formation.

Organoids have emerged as valuable tools for the study of development and disease. Assembloids are formed by integrating multiple organoid types to create more complex models. However, the process by which organoids integrate to form assembloids remains unclear and may play an important role in the resulting organoid structure. Here, a microfluidic platform is developed that allows separate culture of distinct organoid types and provides the capacity to partially control the geometry of the resulting organoid surfaces. Removal of a microfabricated barrier then allows the shaped and positioned organoids to interact and form an assembloid. When midbrain and unguided brain organoids were allowed to assemble with a defined spacing between them, axonal projections from midbrain organoids and cell migration out of unguided organoids were observed and quantitatively measured as the two types of organoids fused together. Axonal projection directions were statistically biased toward other midbrain organoids, and unguided organoid surface geometry was found to affect cell invasion. This platform provides a tool to observe cellular interactions between organoid surfaces that are spaced apart in a controlled manner, and may ultimately have value in exploring neuronal migration, axon targeting, and assembloid formation mechanisms.

Diagnosis of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Laboratory Techniques

Hospitalized patients on mechanical ventilation are at high-risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), making early and accurate diagnosis essential for the best possible treatment outcomes. This review examined various laboratory techniques, such as aerobic cultures, Gram’s stain, and molecular techniques, to assess how well they diagnose VAP. We have done search strategies using Google Scholar, Medline Complete, and PubMed. Extensive statistical tools were utilized to examine studies and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of laboratory results. Multiplex PCR was superior to Gram’s stain and culture methods in terms of sensitivity (92%) and specificity (86%). On the other hand, Gram’s stain showed the highest specificity (78.9%) and the lowest sensitivity (74.6%). The results of semi-quantitative, quantitative, enrichment culture showed a lower specificity (75.97%) but a moderate sensitivity (78.5%). The most accurate diagnostic approach for VAP, according to a meta-analysis, was multiplex PCR-based testing, closely followed by culture methods. Beyond separate tests, multiplex PCR, culture, and Gram’s stain combination increased sensitivity. Prompt and precise VAP diagnosis is essential for efficient treatment. With possible improvements through combination diagnostic techniques, multiplex PCR remains the most accurate diagnostic tool. However, more investigation is necessary to improve and certify VAP diagnostic instruments.

An unusual presentation of subacute Haemophilus parainfluenzae endocarditis in a low-risk woman treated by minimally invasive mitral valve repair: a case report

BackgroundHACEK endocarditis is usually insidious and can often be difficult to diagnose due to the slow-growing nature of the organisms. This report presents our experience in treating a patient with Haemophilus parainfluenzae endocarditis.Case presentationWe describe the case of a previously fit and well 23 year-old woman who presented to her local emergency department with a four-week history of persistent febrile illness. She had associated nausea, vomiting, and lethargy. This was preceded by an episode of mucopurulent rhinorrhoea. She was treated empirically with oral amoxicillin for a putative diagnosis of rhinosinusitis. Initially, her symptoms abated, however, she was readmitted with high fevers and a new pansystolic murmur. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large, mobile, echogenic mass, tethered to the posterior mitral valve leaflet (PMVL) and mild mitral regurgitation (MR). On examination, she had multiple non-tender, erythematous macules on the plantar surface of her feet, consistent with Janeway lesions. Two separate blood cultures grew H. parainfluenzae. Infectious diseases recommended a four-week course of intravenous ceftriaxone. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a perforation within the P3 segment of the PMVL. Subsequently, the patient underwent mitral valve repair surgery with an uneventful recovery.ConclusionsOur case highlights the importance of promptly diagnosing HACEK endocarditis. A prolonged course of antibiotic therapy can be lifesaving, and surgery is often necessary to address complications such as perforation within the mitral valve leaflets. In our patient, we were able to perform a sliding P2 leaflet plasty for good quality repair of the mitral valve, through a minimally invasive right anterior thoracotomy.

Characterization of Diabetic Intramuscular Adipose Tissue and its Impact on Skeletal Muscle

Obesity and type 2 Diabetes exhibit a muscle pathology called fatty infiltration where adipocytes develop between muscle fibers in the intramuscular space. This is associated with reduced contractile strength and physical function in these populations. However, the mechanisms governing this phenomenon are not well understood. In this study, we aim to characterize intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) in both healthy and diabetic patients and explore its impact on muscle regeneration. We hypothesized that diabetes would alter the secretory profile of IMAT and hinder muscle regeneration. Finally, we treated IMAT-derived progenitor cells with a browning agent to determine whether this intervention could modulate IMAT-muscle cross-talk. We collected human IMAT from the abductor hallucis muscle and subcutaneous fat from patients during elective below-knee amputation, both with and without type 2 Diabetes. All participants gave informed consent to participate in this study. Samples were divided and processed for RNA sequencing and adipose progenitor cell (APC) isolation. Following sequencing, we identified top differentially expressed genes (DEGs) encoding secretory proteins that differed between IMAT and subcutaneous fat across participants, including WNT2, BMP5, OSTN. Additionally, IPA analysis revealed that the Wound Healing Signaling pathway is more activated in IMAT under diabetic conditions. We then screened these target genes using a co-culture system in vitro. In this system, APCs were cultured under different conditions and then used to condition media which was applied to separate cultures of isolated human muscle myoblasts. Cultured ASCs were additionally collected for qPCR analysis and a sample of the media was collected for screening. The impact of the conditioned media on myogenesis was assayed by Myosin Heavy Chain (MHC) immunostaining. Myogenesis was not affected by treatment with any conditioned media, including that from Diabetic IMAT. Furthermore, no improvement of myogenesis was observed by treating the APCs with a browning agent. We were able to confirm that WNT2 is differentially expressed in IMAT APCs treated with a browning agent, compared with SQ (p=0.0406, n=4, FC=0.47) and diabetic conditions (p=0.1581, n=5), in line with our intact tissue RNAseq. This study highlights the distinct transcriptional profile of IMAT compared to subcutaneous fat, with WNT2 identified as a potential mediator between adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. The failure to observe decreased myogenesis implies the crosstalk between muscle and muscle-associated fat might involve a more complex cell-cell network than a simple ASC-myoblast interaction. 1R01AR075773-01. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Engineering Interconnected Open-Porous Particles via Microfluidics Using Bijel Droplets as Structural Templates.

Designing porous structures is key in materials science, particularly for separation, catalysis, and cell culture systems. Bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels represent a unique class of soft matter formed by kinetically arresting the separation of the spinodal decomposition phase, which is stabilized by colloidal particles with neutral wetting. This study introduces a microfluidic technique to create highly interconnected open-porous particles using bijel droplets stabilized with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified silica particles. Monodisperse droplets comprising a hydrophobic monomer, water, ethanol, silica particles, and CTAB were initially formed in the microfluidic device. The diffusion of ethanol from these droplets into the continuous cyclohexane phase triggered spinodal decomposition within the droplets. The phase-separated structure within the droplets was stabilized by the CTAB-modified silica particles, and subsequent photopolymerization yielded microparticles with highly interconnected, open pores. Moreover, the influence of the ratio of the CTAB and silica particles, fluid composition, and microchannel direction on the final structure of the microparticles was explored. Our findings indicated that the phase-separated structure of the particles transitioned from oil-in-water to water-in-oil as the CTAB/silica ratio was increased. At intermediate CTAB/silica ratios, microparticles with bicontinuous structures were formed. Regardless of the fluid composition, the pore size of the particles increased with time after phase separation. However, this coarsening was arrested 15 s after droplet formation in the CTAB-modified silica particles, accompanied by a change in the particle shape from spherical to ellipsoidal. In situ observations of the bijel droplet formation revealed that the particle shape deformation is caused by the rolling of elastic bijel droplets at the bottom of the microchannel. As such, the channel setup was altered from horizontal to vertical to prevent the deformation of bijel droplets, resulting in spherical particles with open pores.

Designing for identity: how and when brand visual aesthetics enable consumer diasporic identity

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how and when visual referents in brand visual aesthetics (i.e. colours, shapes, patterns and materials) serve as design applications that enable consumer diasporic identity. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses an innovative methodology that triangulates 58 in-depth interviews with diasporic consumers, 9 interviews with brand managers and designers and a visual analysis of brands (food retailer, spices and nuts, skincare, hair and cosmetics, ice cream and wine) to provide a view of the phenomenon from multiple perspectives. Findings This study illustrates how and when particular applications and compositions of product and design referents support diasporic identity for Middle Eastern consumers living outside the Middle East. Specifically, it illustrates how the design applications of harmonising (applying separate ancestral homeland and culture of living product and design referents simultaneously), homaging (departing from the culture of living product and design referents with a subtle tribute to ancestral homeland culture) and heritaging (departing from the ancestral homeland culture product and design referents with slight updates to a culture of living style) can enable diasporic identity in particular social situations. Research limitations/implications Although applied to the Middle Eastern diaspora, this research opens up interesting avenues for future research that assesses diasporic consumers’ responses to brands seeking to use visual design to engage with this market. Moreover, future research should explore these design applications in relation to issues of cultural appreciation and appropriation. Practical implications The hybrid design compositions identified in this study can provide brand managers with practical tools for navigating the design process when targeting a diasporic segment. The design applications and their consequences are discussed while visually demonstrating how they can be crafted. Originality/value While previous research mainly focused on how consumption from the ancestral homeland occurred, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine how hybrid design compositions that combine a diaspora’s ancestral homeland culture and their culture of living simultaneously and to varying degrees resonate with diasporic consumers.

Bioethanol production from organosolv treated beech wood chips obtained at pilot scale

Second generation bioethanol represents an important biofuel, but innovations on biomass pre-treatment and fermentation are needed to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in its production. In this work, beech wood chips were treated using an acetone-based organosolv fractionation process at pilot scale, resulting in the isolation of lignin, a high-purity cellulosic pulp and a liquid stream containing hemicellulose sugars. The hemicellulose stream (C5 stream) contained xylose as major sugar and also contained fermentation inhibitors such as furanics, organic acids and phenolics. The cellulosic pulp was enzymatically hydrolysed producing a glucose-rich stream (C6 stream). These streams were used as fermentation substrates by the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Spathaspora passalidarum, in separate cultures. Addition of ammonium phosphate or of yeast extract and peptone (YP) as nitrogen sources improved yeast growth. The C6 stream was readily fermentable. When at a sugar concentration of 192 g L−1 and supplemented with YP, the ethanol titre reached 91 g L−1, with a yield of 0.49 g ethanol per g consumed sugars. The C5 stream required detoxification to achieve fermentability. In detoxified C5 stream, S. passalidarum produced 0.46 g ethanol per gram consumed sugars. Fermentation of the resulting streams at 10-L scale confirmed the results obtained at laboratory scale. As alternative approach, sequential fermentation of the C5 stream by S. passalidarum followed by C6 stream addition and inoculation with S. cerevisiae resulted in almost complete sugar utilization and an ethanol yield of 0.41 g per gram consumed sugar albeit with a lower ethanol productivity.

GALECTINS -4 AND -8 IN HUMAN INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DEGENERATION

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is responsible for severe clinical symptoms including chronic back pain. Galectins are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins, some of which can induce functional disease markers in IVD cells and other musculoskeletal diseases. Galectins −4 and −8 were shown to trigger disease-promoting activity in chondrocytes but their effects on IVD cells have not been investigated yet. This study elucidates the role of galectin-4 and −8 in IVD degeneration.Immunohistochemical evidence for the presence of galectin-4 and −8 in the IVD was comparatively provided in specimens of 36 patients with spondylochondrosis, spondylolisthesis, or spinal deformity. Confocal microscopy revealed co-localization of galectin-4 and −8 in chondrocyte clusters of degenerated cartilage. The immunohistochemical presence of galectin-4 correlated with histopathological and clinical degeneration scores of patients, whereas galectin-8 did not show significant correlations. The specimens were separated into annulus fibrosus (AF), nucleus pulposus (NP) and endplate, which was confirmed histologically. Separate cell cultures of AF and NP (n=20) were established and characterized using cell type-specific markers. Potential binding sites for galectins including sialylated N-glycans and LacdiNAc structures were determined in AF and NP cells using LC/ESI-MS-MS. To assess galectin functions, cell cultures were treated with recombinant galectin-4 or −8, in comparison to IL-1β, and analyzed using RT-qPCR and In-cell Western blot. In vitro, both galectins triggered the induction of functional disease markers (CXCL8 and MMP3) on mRNA level and activated the nuclear factor-kB pathway. NP cells were significantly more responsive to galectin-8 and Il-1β than AF cells. Phosphorylation of p-65 was time-dependently induced by both galectins in both cell types to a comparable extent.Taken together, this study provides evidence for a functional role of glycobiological processes in IVD degeneration and highlights galectin-4 and −8 as regulators of pro-inflammatory and degrative processes in AF and NP cells.

ON DEFINING BRITISH AND AMERICAN NATIONAL IDENTITY THROUGH HUMOR

This article dwells on diverse expressions of humor in British and American cultures. It highlights humor as an important means of interaction between different social groups and reveals their national peculiarities, which are vividly reflected in various expressions of humor. Over time, both nations have developed their own unique form of humor based on their national identity and historical experience. Humor is a vital means that serves to express positive or negative feelings through language. A humorous view of life is very important. Britain and the USA are two separate cultures with their own characteristics, histories, and mentalities. Both nations use diverse methods of expressing humor. The purpose of the study is to show the variety of English and American humor. The material for research comprises different examples of American and English jokes on various topics. The relevance of this study is determined by the growing impact of humor as a means of communication and socialization that promotes mutual understanding, tolerance, and hence respect among members of society and different nations. The novelty of the article is the material studied in the paper. In the research, we have employed the methods of data comparison and analysis.

Cultural Crossroads and Subaltern Realities in Diasporic Discourse: Exploring the Sense of Belonging in Lahiri and Mistry’s Narratives

This study examines the theme of cultural navigation and the sense of belonging in Jhumpa Lahiri's novel The Namesake and Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance. Focusing on the Indian diaspora, the study meticulously explores the multifaceted dimensions of subalternity embedded in the characters' experiences of cultural displacement, identity negotiation, and socio-economic adversities. This research paper aims to elucidate the complex dynamics of belonging in a diverse and interconnected global community by conducting a comparative analysis of the many ways in which these narratives portray the journeys of people bridging many cultures. In navigating the complex fabric of two separate cultures, this paper explores the challenges, triumphs, and transformations of the protagonists. It investigates the literary techniques employed by Lahiri and Mistry to portray the psychological and emotional aspects of cultural adaptation, illuminating the characters' changing self-perceptions. It also examines how society and family dynamics shape the identities of the characters, highlighting the conflict between the desire for integration and clinging to one's traditional origins. Through a thematic analysis, this study seeks to uncover the authors' perspectives on cultural hybridity, shedding light on the broader implications for individuals striving to reconcile their heritage with the demands of contemporary life. The study also looks at how the characters' sense of place affects their sense of belonging, examining how the writers employ location as a narrative device to highlight the contrasts between cultures. This comparative approach aims to provide various insights into the ways in which Lahiri and Mistry articulate the multifaceted nature of cultural identity and how it changes over time and contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between culture, identity, and belonging in contemporary literature.

Sociological Research and Teaching in the Context of Medical Faculties - An Autobiographical Report

With the introduction of medical psychology and medical sociology as examination subjects in the medical curriculum, as enacted by the year 1970 in Germany, medical faculties established professorships and departments for these disciplines. This raised the concern of how the two separate scientific cultures of the social and behavioural sciences and of medicine, rooted in basic sciences, could reconcile their teaching and research activities in a constructive way. It turned out that the quality and the thematic affinity of new research aligning with core medical interests were important preconditions of successful integration of the new disciplines. This paper exemplifies a respective success in case of a scientific development in medical sociology. Based on a theoretical model, a longstanding, internationally collaborating research program analysing social determinants of stress-related disorders resulted in a series of innovative insights. Furthermore, the paper illustrates close links between biographical luck and structural opportunities and constraints, and it emphasizes the important role of committed inter-disciplinary scientific collaboration.

Prototype Model Of Intercultural Teaching Materials For Drama Subjects To Support The Completeness Of Educator Administration In The Learning Process

Despite their lack of confidence, the professors still need self-help materials to help them learn English as a Foreign Language. They need these materials to understand the cultural gap between English and students. This project aims to develop instructional handouts based on an intercultural learning model applicable to the Drama discipline. The research design used the ADDIE model, which stands for Analysis, Design and Development, in addition to Interviews, Questionnaires and Observations. This method employed R&D methods to create intercultural learning materials like handouts. It also utilized a questionnaire, interview and checklist to gather data. Students and lecturers need to use intercultural learning materials to combine the similarities and differences between English and Malay cultures. This is because these separate cultures make it difficult for students and teachers to perform drama in the classroom. With suitable material, students and teachers can more easily bridge this cultural gap, namely the existence of intercultural teaching materials for drama subjects that are reliable, practical, effective and support the completeness of educator administration in teaching.

Septic macrophages induce T cells immunosuppression in a cell-cell contact manner with the involvement of CR3

BackgroundIn addition to excessive inflammation, immunosuppression has been recognized as a contributing factor to poor prognosis of sepsis. Although it has been reported that T cells can become functionally impaired during sepsis, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which macrophages induce immunosuppression in T cells. MethodsIn an in vivo setting, C57BL-6J mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) with or without depletion of macrophages, and the functions of T cells were assessed. In vitro experiments involved direct co-culture or separate culture of T cells and septic macrophages using a transwell system, followed by analysis of T cell immunity. Additionally, a siRNA targeting CD18 on macrophages was utilized to investigate the role of complement receptor 3 (CR3). ResultsBoth macrophages and T cells exhibited immunosuppression during sepsis. In the in vivo experiments, the absence of macrophages partially alleviated T cell immunosuppression, as evidenced by restored vitality, increased production of TNF-α and IFN-γ, elevated CD8+ T cell levels, and decreased CD25+ T cell levels. In the in vitro experiments, direct co-culture of T cells with septic macrophages resulted in diminished T cell immunity, which was improved when T cells and macrophages were separated by a chamber wall. The expression of CR3 (CD11b/CD18) was upregulated on septic macrophages, and silencing of CD18 led to decreased TNF-α production by T cells, reduced CD4+ T cell numbers, and increased CD25+ T cell numbers. ConclusionIn sepsis, macrophages induce immunosuppression in T cells through direct cell-cell contact, with the involvement of CR3.

Utilization of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Performance of Blood Cultures

Sepsis is a leading cause of death and morbidity. A precise microbiologic diagnosis in these patients reduces mortality, morbidity, hospital length of stay and costs. Current blood culture technology is woefully inadequate in the detection of circulating bacteria, with detection rates in the range of only 32 to 71%. Platelets play a key role in innate immunity. Platelets interact directly with innate immune cells, exert important immunomodulatory effects, and promote leucocyte migration to sites of infection. During active bacterial infection, platelets release platelet factor -4 which binds onto a variety of bacterial surfaces, thus rendering bacteria more susceptible to opsonization by leucocytes. Platelet surface Toll-like receptors play a key role in regulating bacterial phagocytosis by leucocytes. FcgammaRllA mediates immune complex mediated platelet activation for killing of opsonized bacteria. Platelets also have been observed to “corral” circulating bacteria by forming hollow spheres around them. For these reasons, we performed a prospective pilot study involving 100 patients with suspected sepsis testing the hypothesis that BC performed with PRP is superior to traditional BC performed with whole blood in detecting circulating bacteria. PRP was prepared via centrifugation of blood contained in 3 cc CBC tubes containing EDTA obtained upon admission. PRP and whole blood were injected into separate and identical culture media bottles and cultures were incubated identically in our state-of-the art microbiology laboratory. PRP culture technique detected two patients with circulating bacteria in whom traditional blood cultures were negative: Enterobacter faecalis in an elderly woman with bilateral pneumonia and Burkolderia capecia in an immunocompromised elderly man with pneumonia. In two patients with urosepsis culture results were concordant with identification of E. coli in both techniques. In eight patients, traditional BC technique detected circulating bacteria, wherein PRP-generated cultures were negative: three with Klebsiella pneumoniae, two with Enterococcus faecalis, two with E. Coli, and one with anaerobic Bacteroides Theta-iota group. Three positive cultures generated by traditional methodology were deemed contaminants by I.D. consultation. No contaminants or false positives were detected by the PRP-generated technique. Thus, in this pilot study, evaluating the utility of blood cultures prepared from platelet-rich-plasma, two patients were detected to harbor pathogenic circulating bacteria which was undetected by standard state-of-the-art blood culture techniques. Two distinct disadvantages of BC prepared from PRP relative to traditional BC technique in this study were the time delay in preparing PRP from the patient's CBC tube: these had been stored in the lab for typically 4 to 48 hours before centrifugation and subsequent inoculation, and the dramatic difference in volume represented by PRP vs. traditional BC: typically .5 to 1.1 cc vs. 32 to 40 cc, respectively. An additional disadvantage was the presence of EDTA in CBC tubes, which is confirmed to exert antibacterial properties. The results of this pilot study are intriguing. Further studies comparing PRP-generated BC and traditional BC in the detection of circulating bacteria with emerging identification techniques such as metrogenomic analysis in detecting bacterial DNA, RNA or peptide signatures would be interesting.

Cultural Potential and Creativity of Modern Communicative and Event Practices

The purpose of the article is to investigate the cultural potential and creativity of modern communicative practices and event practices, which have common manifestations in the field of cultural and project activities in the field of creative industries. The research methodology is based on the application of interdisciplinary and systemic approaches, as well as a set of methods: analytical, synthetic, cultural, which allow a comprehensive consideration of the given problem and formulate reasonable conclusions. The scientific novelty consists in the systematisation of the consideration of cultural creation and creativity as integral qualities and characteristics of communicative practices and event practices, which are a component of modern creative industries and are aimed at producing a high-quality cultural product. Conclusions. As a result of the research, it was established that new cultural phenomena and artefacts appear at the border of the intersection of the technical-informational and social-cultural environments, which are constantly updated by everyday practical human activity. In this context, one of such phenomena is communication mediated by the Internet network, which is a type of visual works and verbal messages that simultaneously act as means of communication and objects of culture with new meanings and connotations. Modern communicative practices, mediated by the Internet network, have most contributed to the formation of a separate Internet culture, and especially to the formation of its new forms, and are the result of both individual and collective creativity, based on creative ideas and their dissemination among the general public. Accordingly, not only new types of social interactions are formed, but also old ones are preserved / updated, which ensures stability and regularity of everyday life, allowing it to remain one of the fundamental components of social life. Modern communicative practices increasingly affect the socio-cultural environment, the sphere of creative industries and event practices, directly determining the formats of interaction with the audience in the process of retransmission of ideas, meanings and values in cultural and project activities, allowing a person to satisfy the needs for information, communication, and creative activity. Communicative practices in the environment of creative industries and event practices are characterised by a characteristic creation, which actually appears as the newest culture creation of the modern socio-cultural space, mediated by informational and technological components. Keywords: cultural creativity, cultural potential, communicative practices, event practices, creative industries, cultural design, cultural product.

İngilizce öğretimine roman ve kısa hikayeleri katmak

Novels and short stories can be seen as motivating and authentic materials in English Language classes (Lazar, 1993). It is because novels and short stories are rich in not only language, but also, cultural aspects of the foreign language. Therefore, novels and short stories may act as great sources of language and culture in English as a foreign language classes. The language instructors’ role is important in teaching English through these sources. By the language instructors, the level and needs of the language learners need to be taken into consideration while selecting and using these literary texts. Researchers such as Byram (1989) and Brown(2007) claim that it is not any possible to separate language and culture from each other, for this reason novels and short stories can be seen as great sources both for language and for culture of the target language. Thanks to literary translation, it really is possible to be aware of other cultures of the world with the help of novels and short stories’ translations. In the following paper, it is aimed to show how using novels and short stories in EFL classes may develop students’ knowledge of English while increasing their cultural awareness. In that sense, togetherness of language and culture in language teaching, novels and short stories in the language classroom and ways to overcome cultural problems while using novels and short stories in EFL classes will be presented.

Integrating novels and short stories into English language teaching

Novels and short stories can be seen as motivating and authentic materials in English Language classes (Lazar, 1993). It is because novels and short stories are rich in not only language, but also, cultural aspects of the foreign language. Therefore, novels and short stories may act as great sources of language and culture in English as a foreign language classes. The language instructors’ role is important in teaching English through these sources. By the language instructors, the level and needs of the language learners need to be taken into consideration while selecting and using these literary texts. Researchers such as Byram (1989) and Brown(2007) claim that it is not any possible to separate language and culture from each other, for this reason novels and short stories can be seen as great sources both for language and for culture of the target language. Thanks to literary translation, it really is possible to be aware of other cultures of the world with the help of novels and short stories’ translations. In the following paper, it is aimed to show how using novels and short stories in EFL classes may develop students’ knowledge of English while increasing their cultural awareness. In that sense, togetherness of language and culture in language teaching, novels and short stories in the language classroom and ways to overcome cultural problems while using novels and short stories in EFL classes will be presented.

Effects of temperature, salinity, and light on the growth performance, survival, final biomass, and digestive enzyme activities of juvenile Sipunculus nudus

Enhancing the culture technology of Sipunculus nudus by improving the environmental conditions is a crucial means to address its scarcity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different environmental factors on the growth performance, survival, final biomass (FB), and digestive enzyme activity of juvenile S. nudus through three separate single-factor culture experiments. The period set for all experiments was 30 days. In the temperature experiment (five groups were set up: 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, and 35 °C), juvenile S. nudus obtained high growth performance in the water temperature of 25–35 °C, but the survival rate (SR) of the 35 °C group was significantly lower than those of the 25 °C and 30 °C groups (P < 0.05). The optimal water temperature for the juvenile was 27.59 °C by fitting the regression equation using FB as the evaluation index. In the salinity experiment (five groups were set up: 15‰, 20‰, 25‰, 30‰, and 35‰), the juvenile S. nudus could obtain high growth performance and lipase activity in the salinity of 15–20‰ group, but the SR, protease activity, and amylase activity of 15‰ groups were significantly lower than those of the 20‰ groups (P < 0.05). By fitting the regression equation using FB as the evaluation index, the best salinity for juveniles was 19.93‰. In the light experiment (four groups were set up: natural light, semi-shade, light, and full-shade), the growth performance, FB, and lipase activity of the juveniles in the natural light group were significantly higher than those of the three other groups (P < 0.05), whereas the SR of the full-shade group was significantly lower than those of the three other groups (P < 0.05). This study provides a theoretical basis for exploring the suitable environmental conditions for the culture of S. nudus.

The genome of a steinernematid-associated Pseudomonas piscis bacterium encodes the biosynthesis of insect toxins.

Several species of soil-dwelling Steinernema nematodes are used in the biocontrol of crop pests, due to their natural capacity to kill diverse lepidopteran species. Although this insect-killing trait is known to be augmented by the nematodes' Xenorhabdus endosymbionts, the role of other steinernematid-associated bacterial genera in the nematode lifecycle remains unclear. This genomic study aimed to determine the potential of Pseudomonas piscis to contribute to the entomopathogenicity of its Steinernema host. Insect larvae were infected with three separate Steinernema cultures. From each of the three treatments, the prevalent bacteria in the haemocoel of cadavers, four days post-infection, were isolated. These three bacterial isolates were morphologically characterised. DNA was extracted from each of the three bacterial isolates and used for long-read genome sequencing and assembly. Assemblies were used to delineate species and identify genes that encode insect toxins, antimicrobials, and confer antibiotic resistance. We assembled three complete genomes. Through digital DNA-DNA hybridisation analyses, we ascertained that the haemocoels of insect cadavers previously infected with Steinernema sp. Kalro, Steinernema sp. 75, and Steinernema sp. 97 were dominated by Xenorhabdus griffiniae Kalro, Pseudomonas piscis 75, and X. griffiniae 97, respectively. X. griffiniae Kalro and X. griffiniae 97 formed a subspecies with other X. griffiniae symbionts of steinernematids from Kenya. P. piscis 75 phylogenetically clustered with pseudomonads that are characterised by high insecticidal activity. The P. piscis 75 genome encoded the production pathway of insect toxins such as orfamides and rhizoxins, antifungals such as pyrrolnitrin and pyoluteorin, and the broad-spectrum antimicrobial 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol. The P. piscis 75 genome encoded resistance to over ten classes of antibiotics, including cationic lipopeptides. Steinernematid-associated P. piscis bacteria hence have the biosynthetic potential to contribute to nematode entomopathogenicity.

3D-Printed Microfluidic Perfusion System for Parallel Monitoring of Hydrogel-Embedded Cell Cultures.

The use of three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures has become increasingly popular in the contexts of drug discovery, disease modelling, and tissue engineering, as they aim to replicate in vivo-like conditions. To achieve this, new hydrogels are being developed to mimic the extracellular matrix. Testing the ability of these hydrogels is crucial, and the presented 3D-printed microfluidic perfusion system offers a novel solution for the parallel cultivation and evaluation of four separate 3D cell cultures. This system enables easy microscopic monitoring of the hydrogel-embedded cells and significantly reduces the required volumes of hydrogel and cell suspension. This cultivation device is comprised of two 3D-printed parts, which provide four cell-containing hydrogel chambers and the associated perfusion medium chambers. An interfacing porous membrane ensures a defined hydrogel thickness and prevents flow-induced hydrogel detachment. Integrated microfluidic channels connect the perfusion chambers to the overall perfusion system, which can be operated in a standard CO2-incubator. A 3D-printed adapter ensures the compatibility of the cultivation device with standard imaging systems. Cultivation and cell staining experiments with hydrogel-embedded murine fibroblasts confirmed that cell morphology, viability, and growth inside this cultivation device are comparable with those observed within standard 96-well plates. Due to the high degree of customization offered by additive manufacturing, this system has great potential to be used as a customizable platform for 3D cell culture applications.