SYNAPTIC PRUNING BY MICROGLIA IS ESSENTIAL IN NORMAL BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

Microglia are highly motile phagocytic cells that infiltrate and take up residence in the developing brain where they are thought to provide a surveillance and scavenging function. However, although microglia have been shown to engulf and clear damaged cellular debris following brain insult, it remains less clear what role microglia play in the uninjured brain. Here we show that microglia actively engulf synaptic material and play a major role in synaptic pruning during postnatal development in mice. These findings provide a direct link between microglia surveillance and synaptic maturation and suggest that deficits in microglia function may contribute to synaptic alterations seen in some neurodevelopmental disorders

Learning Set Theory from Traditional Dance: Ethnomathematics Exploration in Bimanese Traditional Dance Wura Bongi Monca

Mathematics, often perceived as abstract and detached from everyday life, has deep historical roots intertwined with societal phenomena. This research investigates transformative endeavors to bridge mathematics with Indonesian cultural realities and perceptions. The study focuses on uncovering historical values and mathematical set concepts embedded within the Wura Bongi Monca dance. Employing a qualitative approach with ethnographic methods, data were collected through observations, literature reviews, and interviews with cultural experts and enthusiasts. The findings demonstrate that the Wura Bongi Monca dance embodies set concepts in its movements, reflecting local wisdom values. These values are not only perceived but also contemplated and applied in daily life, enriching community understanding of mathematics and introducing a cultural dimension to mathematics education in schools. This study introduces a novel perspective on integrating mathematics with local culture, proposing it as a transformative approach to enhance the symbiotic relationship between mathematics and culture. Keywords: Ethnomathematics, Ethnography, Wura Bongi Monca Dance, Set Theory, Mathematics

The beauty of mathematics in Indonesian culture: An impactful and meaningful context in number patterns learning

The integration of cultural heritage into mathematics learning remains underexplored, particularly in the context of Indonesian traditional arts. Existing mathematics curricula often overlook the potential of local cultural artifacts to contextualize abstract mathematical concepts. This study addresses this gap by investigating the mathematical structures embedded within Batik Lampung motifs, highlighting their novelty in representing numerical patterns through culturally significant designs. The primary aim of this research is to explore and analyze mathematical pattern concepts—specifically odd and even arithmetic sequences, square numbers, rectangular numbers, and constant sequences—within the Siger, Gajah, Pucuk Rebung, Sembagi, and Kapal motifs of Batik Lampung, while also uncovering their underlying philosophical meanings. Employing a qualitative ethnographic approach, the study collected data through visual documentation, direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and literature review. The findings reveal the presence of arithmetic sequences, square and rectangular number patterns, and constant sequences, each reflecting cultural values such as sustainable growth, balance, perfection, and continuity. These results underscore the potential of Batik Lampung as a meaningful and contextual medium for mathematics instruction. This study contributes to the development of culturally responsive teaching strategies aimed at enhancing students' mathematical understanding and motivation through the incorporation of local cultural heritage

Application of ray-tracing to interpreting beam prints from fibre laser cutting

2D ray-tracing has been used to investigate the influence of inclined cutting front and the cutting edge on the exiting, surplus, laser beam while cutting 6 mm mild steel with a fibre laser, wavelength = 1070 nm. The ray-tracing model, which assumed a Gaussian beam, has investigated the distribution of this surplus beam as a function of kerf wall inclination angle. Multiple reflections are shown to broaden the spatial distribution of the surplus beam. Dross and kerf wall roughness also broaden the spatial distribution of the surplus beam. Comparison of an experimentally obtained beam print from the surplus beam for 1.07 µm fibre laser cutting of 6 mm stainless steel with modelled results allows inclination of the cut front to be estimated. The experimentally obtained beam print has features consistent with roughness/dross induced beam broadening

Optical And Nonoptical Aids For Reading And Writing In Individuals With Acquired Low Vision

Purpose: To evaluate the use of optical and nonoptical aids during reading and writing activities in individuals with acquired low vision. Methods: This study was performed using descriptive and cross-sectional surveys. The data collection instrument was created with structured questions that were developed from an exploratory study and a previous test based on interviews, and it evaluated the following variables: personal characteristics, use of optical and nonoptical aids, and activities that required the use of optical and nonoptical aids. Results: The study population included 30 subjects with acquired low vision and visual acuities of 20/200-20/400. Most subjects reported the use of some optical aids (60.0%). Of these 60.0%, the majority (83.3%) cited spectacles as the most widely used optical aid. The majority (63.3%) of subjects also reported the use of nonoptical aids, the most frequent ones being letter magnification (68.4%), followed by bringing the objects closer to the eyes (57.8%). Subjects often used more than one nonoptical aid. Conclusions: The majority of participants reported the use of optical and nonoptical aids during reading activities, highlighting the use of spectacles, magnifying glasses, and letter magnification; however, even after the use of these aids, we found that the subjects often needed to read the text more than once to understand it. During writing activities, all subjects reported the use of optical aids, while most stated that they did not use nonoptical aids for such activities.7729194Sanches, P.A., Deficiências visuales y psicomotricidade: teoria y pratica (1994) Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles, p. 255Alves, M.R., Kara-Jose, N., O olho e a visão: o que fazer pela saúde ocular das nossas crianças (1996) Rio de Janeiro: Vozeshttp://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2003/WHO_PBL_03.91.pdf?ua=1, World Health Organization. Consultation on development of standards for characterization for vision loss and visual functioning [Internet]. Geneva: WHO/PBL2003. [cited 2013 Dec 21]. Available fromBruno, M.M., A inclusão da criança com baixa visão na educação infantil (2007) São Paulo: Vetor, p. 84. , Masini EF, Gasparetto ME. Visão subnormal: um enfoque educacionalMontilha, R.C., Temporini, E.R., Nobre, M.I., Gasparetto, M.E., Kara-Jose, N., Utilização de recursos ópticos e equipamentos por escolares com deficiência visual (2006) Arq Bras Oftalmol, 69 (2), pp. 207-211http://www.mj.gov.br/sedh/ct/corde/dpdh/corde/comite_at.asp, Brasil. Ministério da Justiça. CORDE. Comitê de Ajudas Técnicas. Ata VII. Brasília: MJ. [citado 2009 Ago 5]. Disponível emBrito, P.R., Veitzman, S., Causas de cegueira e baixa visão em craianças (2000) Arq Bras Oftalmol, 63 (1), pp. 49-54Thylefors, B., Négrel, A.D., Pararajasegaram, R., Dadzie, Ky., Global date on blindness (1995) Bull World Health Organ, 73 (1), pp. 115-120Oliveira, L.L., Uma possibilidade de intervenção psicopedagógica no processo dialético de mediação entre o sujeito que aprende e o objeto do conhecimento (2002) São Paulo: Manole, pp. 169-190. , Santos MT, Navas AL. Distúrbios de leitura e escrita: teoria e práticaPiovesan, A., Temporini, E.R., Pesquisa exploratória: procedimento metodológico para o estudo de fatores humanos no campo da saúde pública (1995) Rev Saúde Pública, 29 (4), pp. 318-325Temporini, E.R., Pesquisa de oftalmologia em saúde pública: considerações metodológicas sobre fatores humanos (1991) Arq Bras Oftalmol, 54 (6), pp. 279-281Corn, A., Wall, R.S., Jose, R.T., Bell, J.K., Wilcox, K., Perez, A., An initial study of reading and comprehension rates for students who received optical devices (2002) J Vis Impair Blind, 96 (5), pp. 322-333Montilha, R.C., O atendimento de terapia ocupacional com o adulto portador de cegueira adquirida (2000) Sinopse de Oftalmologia, 2 (1), pp. 24-25Lucas, M.B., Leal, M.O., Tavares, S.S., Barros, E.A., Aranha, S.T., Condutas reabilitacionais em pacientes com baixa visão (2003) Arq Bras Oftalmol, 66 (1), pp. 77-82Montilha, R.C., Temporini, E.R., Kara-Jose, N., Nobre, M.I., Deficiência visual: características e expectativas da clientela de serviço de reabilitação (2000) Rev Ciênc Méd (Campinas), 9 (3), pp. 123-128Carvalho, K.M., Monteiro, G.B., Isaac, C.R., Shiroma, L.O., Amaral, M.S., Causes of low vision and use of optical aids in the elderly (2004) Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo, 59 (4), pp. 157-160Burman-Lindelow, P., Magnificação e auxílios ópticos em baixa visão. In: Veitzman S. Visão subnormal. Rio de Janeiro (2000) Cultura Médica, pp. 111-122Bonatti, F.A.S., Bonatti, J.A., Sampaio, M.W., Haddad, M.A., Souza, P.R., Kara-Jose, N., Evaluation of patients using an innovative low-vison aid (2008) Arq Bras Oftalmol, 71 (3), pp. 385-388. , PortugueseSacks, S.Z., Psychological and social implications of low vision (1966) New York: American Foundation for the Blind press, pp. 26-42. , Corn AL, Koenig AJ. Foundation of low vision: clinical and functional perspectiveMargrain, T.H., Helping blind and partially sighted people to read: the effectiveness of low vision aids (2000) Br J Ophthalmol, 84 (8), pp. 919-921Haddad, M.A.O., Sampaio, M.W., Estudo da acuidade visual e da velocidade de leitura na baixa visão (2010) Rio de Janeiro: Cultura Médica, pp. 79-96. , Sampaio MW, Haddad MA, Filho HA, Siaulys MO, organizadores. Baixa visão e cegueira: os caminhos para a reabilitação, a educação e a inclusãoMonteiro, M.M., Montilha, R.C., Gasparetto, M.E., Atenção fonoaudiológica e a linguagem escrita de pessoa com baixa visão: estudo exploratório (2011) Rev Bras Educ Esp, 17 (1), pp. 121-136Castro, C.T., Método de avaliação da acuidade e velocidade de leitura- Tabela MNREAD (2012) Rio de janeiro: Cultura Medica, pp. 175-182. , Ventura OL, Travassos SB, Silva AO, Dolan MA. Dislexia e distúrbios de AprendizagemCagliari, C.L., (2001) Alfabetização & Lingüística, , 10a ed. São Paulo: Sapion

Visual Impairment, Rehabilitation And International Classification Of Functioning, Disability And Health

Objective: To describe the characteristics of people with visual impairment who participated in the Visual Rehabilitation Groups, according to the ICD-10 and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional survey, developed in a university rehabilitation research center between october and december 2012. The users from the Visual Rehabilitation Groups were invited; 13 of them agreed to participate. We performed an occupational therapy evaluation - with anamnesis, performance evaluation and functional vision assessment - an analysis of medical charts and patient description with the use of the ICF. Results: The major causes of visual impairment were diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, optical neuritis and keratoconus. Some functions and structures of the body, performance and capabilities in activities and participation, environmental factors facilitators or limiters were highlighted in this study, allowing the description of the characteristics of each participant through the functionality and the improvement of the therapeutic planning. Assistive technologies, optical and nonoptical aids used and their everyday benefits were presented. Conclusion: Visual loss, at any level, led to functional impairments, limiting and restricting the participation and performance in everyday activities, interfering with the individuals' independence, autonomy and quality of life. However, the use of optical aids, non-optical aids and environmental adaptations proved to be beneficial for increasing the functionality, showing the influence of external factors on the performance. Knowing and recognizing the existence of diversities within the visual impairment universe allows us to understand who the treated individual is, avoiding the generalization by the visual condition. The ICF showed to have a fundamental role in this context.735291301Vision 2020 - The Right to Sight: Global initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness - Action plan 2006-2011 [Internet] (2007), http://www.who.int/blindness/Vision2020_report.pdf, [cited 2012 Oct 13]Action Plan for the Prevention of Avoidable Blindness and Visual Impairment - 2009-2013 [Internet] (2010), http://www.who.int/blindness/ACTION_PLAN_WHA62-1-English.pdf, [cited 2012 Oct 10]Resnikoff, S., Pascolini, D., Mariotti, S.P., Pokharel, G.P., Global magnitude of visual impairment caused by uncorrected refractive errors in 2004 (2008) Bull World Health Org., 86 (1), pp. 63-70Salomão, S.R., Mitsuhiro, M.R., Belfort Jr, R., Visual impairment and blindness: an overview of prevalence and causes in Brazil (2009) An Acad Bras Ciênc., 81 (3), pp. 539-549Visual impairment and blindness [Internet] http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs282/en/, Updated October 2013. [cited 2012 July 20]Global data on visual impairment 2010 (2012), http://www.who.int/blindness/Globaldatafinalforweb.pdf, [Internet]. WHO, [cited 2012 Oct 10]Sanchez, P.A., Deficiencias visuales y psicomotricidad: teoría y práctica (1994), Madrid: Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles, Sección de EducaciónCunha, A.C., Enumo, S.R., Desenvolvimento da criança com deficiência visual (DV) e interacção mãe-criança: algumas considerações (2003) Psicol Saúde Doenças., 4 (1), pp. 33-46Mancini, M.C., Braga, M.A., Albuquerque, K.A., Ramos, T.M., Chagas, P.S., Comparação do desempenho funcional de crianças com visão subnormal e crianças com desenvolvimento normal aos 2 e 6 anos de idade (2010) Rev Ter Ocup Univ São Paulo., 21 (3), pp. 215-222West, S.K., Rubin, G.S., Broman, A.T., Muñoz, B., Bandeen-Roche, K., Turano, K., How does visual impairment affect performance on tasks of everyday life? (2002) Arch Ophthalmol, 120 (6), pp. 774-780Marback, R., Temporini, E., Kara-Júnior, N., Emotional factors prior to cataract surgery (2007) Clinics., 62 (4), pp. 433-438Lamoureux, E.L., Pallant, J.F., Pesudovs, K., Rees, G., Hassell, J.B., Keeffe, J.E., The effectiveness of low-vision rehabilitation on participation in daily living and quality of life (2007) Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci., 48 (4), pp. 1476-1482Aciem, T.M., Mazzotta, M.J., Autonomia pessoal e social de pessoas com deficiência visual após reabilitação (2013) Rev Bras Oftalmol., 72 (4), pp. 261-267Steiner, W.A., Ryser, L., Huber, E., Uebelhart, D., Aeschlimann, A., Stucki, G., Use of the ICF model as a clinical problem-solving tool in physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine (2002) Phys Ther., 82 (11), pp. 1098-1107Sampaio, M.W., Haddad, M.A., Avaliação oftalmológica da pessoa com baixa visão (2010) Baixa visão e cegueira: os caminhos para a reabilitação, a educação e a inclusão, pp. 45-50. , In: Sampaio MW, Haddad MA, Costa Filho HA, Siaulys MO, Rio de Janeiro: Cultura MédicaGuanabara KooganBittencourt, Z.Z., Montilha, R.C., Gasparetto, M.E., Temporini, E.R., Carvalho, K.M., Diabetic retinopathy and visual disabilities among patients in a rehabilitation program (2011) Rev Bras Oftalmol., 70 (6), pp. 342-348CIF: Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (2003), Tradução: Centro Colaborador da Organização Mundial da Saúde para a Família de Classificações Internacionais. São Paulo: EDUSPClassificação Estatística Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados à Saúde: CID-10 Tenth review (1996) Translation: Centro Colaborador da Organização Mundial da Saúde para a Classificação de Doenças em Português, , 3a ed. São Paulo: EDUSPResnikoff, S., Pascolini, D., Etya'Ale, D., Kocur, I., Pararajasegaram, R., Pokharel, G.P., Mariotti, S.P., Global data on visual impairment in the year 2002 (2004) Bull World Health Organ., 82 (11), pp. 844-851Schellini, S.A., Durkin, S.R., Hoyama, E., Hirai, F., Cordeiro, R., Casson, R.J., Prevalence and causes of visual impairment in a Brazilian population: The Botucatu Eye Study (2009) BMC Ophthalmology., 9, p. 8Resnikoff, S., Keys, T.U., Future trends in global blindness (2012) Indian J Ophthalmol., 60 (5), pp. 387-395Dandona, L., Dandona, R., What is the global burden of visual impairment? (2006) BMC Medicine, 4, p. 6Carvalho, K.M., Monteiro, G.B.M., Isaac, C.R., Shiroma, L.O., Amaral, M.S., Causes of low vision and use of optical aids in the elderly (2002) Rev Hosp Clín Fac Med São Paulo., 59 (4), pp. 157-160Rosenberg, E.A., Sperazza, L.C., The visually impaired patient (2008) Am Fam Physician., 77 (10), pp. 1431-1436Weih, L.M., VanNewkirk, M.R., McCarty, C.A., Taylor, H.R., Age-specific causes of bilateral visual impairment (2000) Arch Ophthalmol., 118 (2), pp. 264-269Yau, J.W., Rogers, S.L., Kawasaki, R., Lamoureux, E.L., Kowalski, J.W., Chen, S.J., Dekker, J.M., Wong, T.Y., Global prevalence and major risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (2012) Diabetes Care., 35 (3), pp. 556-564Sawyer, D.O., Leite, I.C., Alexandrino, R., Perfis de utilização de serviços de saúde no Brasil (2002) Ciênc Saúde Coletiva., 7 (4), pp. 757-776Temporini, E.R., Kara-Júnior, N., Kara-José, N., Holzchuh, N., Popular beliefs regarding the treatment of senile cataract (2002) Revista de Saúde Pública., 36 (3), pp. 343-349Douglas, G., Pavey, S., Corcoran, C., Clements, B., Evaluating the use of the ICF as a framework for the interviewing people with a visual impairment about their mobility and travel (2012) Br J Visual Impairment., 30 (1), pp. 6-21Lucas, M.B., Leal, D.B., Tavares, S.S., Barros, E.A., Aranha, S.T., Condutas reabilitacionais em pacientes com baixa visão (2003) Arq Bras Oftalmol., 66 (1), pp. 77-82Montilha, R.C., Temporini, E.R., Nobre, M.I., Gasparetto, M.E., Kara-Jose, N., Utilização de recursos ópticos e equipamentos por escolares com deficiência visual (2006) Arq Bras Oftalmol., 69 (2), pp. 207-211Haddad, M.A., Sampaio, M.W., Haddad, M., Auxílios para baixa visão (2010) Baixa visão e cegueira: os caminhos para a reabilitação, a educação e a inclusão, pp. 113-139. , In: Sampaio MW, Haddad MA, Costa Filho HA, Siaulys MO, Rio de Janeiro: Cultura MédicaGuanabara KooganOwsley, C., McGwin Jr, G., Lee, P.P., Wasserman, N., Searcey, K., Characteristics of low-vision rehabilitation services in the United States (2009) Arch Ophthalmol., 127 (5), pp. 681-68

Circumventing the crabtree effect in cell culture: a systematic review

Metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial dysfunction are central elements in a broad variety of physiological and pathological processes. While cell culture established itself as a versatile technique for the elaboration of physiology and disease, studying metabolism using standard cell culture protocols is profoundly interfered by the Crabtree effect. This phenomenon refers to the adaptation of cultured cells to a glycolytic phenotype, away from aoxidative phosphorylation in glucose-containing medium, and questions the applicability of cell culture in certain fields of research. In this systematic review we aim to provide a comprehensive overview and critical appraisal of strategies reported to circumvent the Crabtree effect.Toxicolog

Increasing organic solar cell efficiency with polymer interlayers

We demonstrate how organic solar cell efficiency can be increased by introducing a pure polymer interlayer between the PEDOT:PSS layer and the polymer: fullerene blend. We observe an increase in device efficiency with three different material systems over a number of devices. Using both electrical characterization and numerical modeling we show that the increase in efficiency is caused by optical absorption in the pure polymer layer and hence efficient charge separation at the polymer bulkheterojunction interface