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Automated Microfluidic System for Suspension Cell Culture Using Lab-on-Chip Devices
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.5.1013
Microfluidic systems, known as the miniaturization of the laboratory, allow the development of experiments on a minimal scale and the automatization of the process, minimizing experiment and personnel costs and maximizing reproducibility. These systems work with Lab-on-Chip (LOC) devices, which allow the constant renewal of fresh medium making long-term experiments feasible. Despite this, working with suspension cells is complicated as they do not attach to surfaces. Therefore, this project implements a suspension cell culture in LOC devices using a pressure-driven flow-controlled microfluidic system. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Jurkat cells (T-cell line) were used as a representative of suspension cells. Two different LOC devices were tested and then the microfluidic system was validated by comparing the expansion of cells and the action of poly-L-lysine and etoposide with a 96-well plate.
Editorial Volume 11, Issue 5
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.5.1012
Dear josha-journal readers, We have once again put together a diverse selection of topics for July and August. Some contributions come from the University of Amazon in Belém, Brazil: Alaide Vitória Cardoso Garcia writes about the lack of elaboration of emotions. Person-centered therapy is an excellent tool for understanding and elaborating symptoms in the treatment of people affected by psycho-emotional disorders. In a medical study, Lenilda Souza Simas investigated the relationship between a mother's perception of pain signs in a newborn and congenital heart defects using a scale of behavioral and physiological signs - the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Ana Clara Solon Rufino and Rosngela Arajo Darwich work in a completely different field. They deal with socio-cultural aspects that are present in the photographic records of Nayara Jinknss.
Role of ZBTB18 Tumor Suppression in Glioblastoma Progression
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.6.1011
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and most malignant human brain tumor which consists of distinct subtypes characterized by their gene expression profile. The Zinc Finger and BTB Domain Containing 18 (ZBTB18) is a transcriptional repressor that plays a crucial role in brain development and neuronal differentiation. A previous study in Carro 's group provided evidence of the role of ZBTB18 in a network of transcription factors that control mesenchymal transformation in GBM. More recently, our group displayed that ZBTB18 overexpression leads to a loss of the mesenchymal and proliferative signatures and downregulation of an array of genes involved in glioblastoma tumorigenesis. These surveys support the role of ZBTB18 as a tumor suppressor in GBM and raise further questions as to how this is carried out in different tumor samples.
Assassins and their Victims: who Assassinates whom?
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.6.1010
Assassination is the killing of a political figure such as a prime minister, president or king. It goes back to the beginning of recorded history. Many cases show that it does change the course of history. There are three groups of assassins: political; psychiatric; or Lone Wolf (marginal or fringe characters). The latter group provokes the most speculation. While some believe it is for fame, albeit brief, their motives are often confused, difficult to understand and politically shallow. We look at their characteristics. Aside from excluding over psychosis, psychiatry has little to offer in explaining their motives. A review of the phenomenon is presented.
Zoo Nutrition for Wild Herbivores: An Examination of Dietary Requirements
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.6.1002
Nutritional management of wild herbivores in zoological settings is essential to modern zoo operations, reflecting their role as wildlife conservatories and research facilities. At Sardar Patel Zoological Park (SPZP), dietary practices have evolved from empirical to evidence-based, focusing on the complex needs of captive herbivores. By mimicking natural feeding behaviors—adjusting fodder height, managing feed distribution to prevent overcrowding, and synchronizing feeding times with animals' diurnal patterns—SPZP enhances herbivore welfare. Innovations like chaffed fodder reduce waste and emphasize sustainable feeding strategies. This comprehensive approach ensures the nutritional, behavioral, and physiological health of herbivores, balancing economic and environmental considerations with the well-being of zoo animals. These practices underscore the critical role of precise feed management in advancing zoo animal care.
Understanding Social Behavior and Dynamics of Four-horned Antelope in Captivity
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.5.999
The Four-horned Antelope, a typically shy, elusive, and solitary species, is found throughout India, excluding the coastal regions, and is housed in 26 zoos across the country. Despite this, there is a scarcity of studies on their social behavior, leading to a knowledge gap in conservation strategies and captive breeding program management. Our study, conducted at Sardar Patel Zoological Park, focused on the social behaviors and group composition of 14 Four-horned Antelopes (1 male, 7 females, 6 fawns) housed in a mixed-herbivore enclosure with Spotted Deer, Thamin Deer, Barking Deer, and Himalayan Goral. Contrary to their natural solitary behavior, our findings suggest that in captivity, Four horned Antelopes prefer to stay in groups and exhibit social behaviors.We observed daily activity patterns among the Four-horned Antelopes and found significant differences in the activities of males and females.
Editorial Volume 11, Issue 4
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.4.997
Dear josha-journal readers, In this editorial, I would particularly like to recommend an article by Josha's editors, in which they emphasize the many opportunities the journal offers to publish qualified articles free of charge. This is especially true for global collaboration and knowledge sharing. The journal's mission is aligned with that of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Just as the Gates Foundation seeks to expand access to important research and its impact, JOSHA strives to make knowledge accessible to all, to foster collaboration, and to advance research for the benefit of society. In this context, the current issue of the journal features three articles by Usman Al-Amin, who takes an in-depth look at education in Nigeria, identifying problems and solutions. The other articles, ranging from cancer research to the treatment of anxiety disorders, are also highly recommended! Enjoy the read!
Dance through Traditional Rhythms: A Practice-as-Research Exploration of Colombian Rhythms Informing and Shaping Contemporary Dance
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.4.996
This research employs a practice-as-research methodology to investigate ways to expand choreographic creativity through ‘Colombian traditional rhythms’ in dance improvisation practice. Drawing inspiration from Vida Midgelow’s approach (2020), the study adopts a reflective and reflexive method, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and contextual awareness. The primary research inquiry focuses on uncovering new movement vocabulary and dynamics by enriching responses to rhythmic patterns. For this research, the rhythms that are being explored are Cumbia, Bullerengue, and Mapale. Furthermore, the researchers involved in the process delve into deconstruction, dialogue generation, and improvisation, culminating in the development of groove, creativity, and liberation. The analysis highlights the effectiveness of structured tasks in fostering collaboration, enjoyment, and the emergence of new movement vocabulary.
The Dysregulation of the Secretome in the Tumor Microenvironment: A Potential Source for Biomarker Discovery and Personalized Cancer Treatment
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.3.991
The cancer secretome includes all proteins released by cancer cells and the components of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulation of secretome emerged as a major contributor to cancer initiation and progression. Cancer cells and stromal cells communicate through different secretory pathways and work together to promote tumor growth. Understanding how this tumor-stroma crosstalk drives cancer development and studying changes in the secretome can help identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Considering the challenges in diagnosing several cancer types in the early stages and providing personalized treatment, it is crucial to thoroughly study cancer processes and their key players to develop effective biomarkers and targeted treatments.
Reshaping the Academic Landscape: JOSHA’s Shared Vision with the Gates Foundation
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.3.987
The dissemination of knowledge through scientific articles is undoubtedly essential in the field of science, yet the costs linked with publication fees in reputable journals may hinder less privileged groups. These disparities pose a widespread global challenge that affects science as well. Acknowledging this issue, organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Nations have taken steps to address these challenges. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation promotes rapid and equitable sharing of breakthroughs through initiatives like the Open Access Policy. Meanwhile, the United Nations advocates for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which emphasize Quality Education and reducing inequalities. Just as the Gates Foundation seeks to expand access to crucial research and its impact, JOSHA strives to make knowledge accessible to everyone, encouraging collaboration and advancing research for the benefit of society.