bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving University Life Science Instruction with Analogies: Insights from a Course for Graduate Teaching Assistants
Authors: Petchey Sara , Treagust David , Niebert Kai
Published: March 2023

Effective analogies can support science teaching at university but require systematic planning, bridges to student prior knowledge, and active student interaction to find the analogy’s strengths and limitations. This analysis of graduate teaching assistants’ analogies in a professional development module showed the utility of a structured guide to analogy design.
Acesso às práticas corporais/atividade física durante o ciclo da vida: relato de idosas aposentadas
Authors: Oliveira Yuri Atamanczuk de , Evedove André Ulian Dall , Loch Mathias Roberto
Published: March 2023

O objetivo foi verificar o acesso às práticas corporais/atividade física (PCAF) ao longo da vida de idosas aposentadas participantes de um grupo de PCAF. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo com 16 mulheres idosas com idade entre 65 a 75 anos, selecionadas por conveniência, participantes de um grupo de PCAF de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Londrina, Paraná. As informações foram coletadas a partir de entrevistas com roteiro semiestruturado, conduzidas individualmente pelo profissional responsável pelo grupo. Os dados foram analisados por elementos da análise de conteúdo pelo sistema de categorias. Três categorias de análise foram consideradas: infância/adolescência; idade adulta; e terceira idade. Na infância/adolescência as mulheres relataram que não tiveram incentivo de seus pais, bem como não tiveram educação física na escola. Na fase adulta, a falta de tempo e de incentivo dos parceiros, além do desconhecimento de atividades ofertadas foram relatadas pelas mulheres. Somente a partir da terceira idade, especialmente após a aposentadoria, com a melhora da condição financeira e com o fato de terem maior tempo livre, as mulheres indicaram uma melhora no acesso, inclusive com a possibilidade da participação no grupo de PCAF. Em geral os resultados revelaram a dificuldade do acesso dessas mulheres às PCAF ao longo de suas vidas e reforçam a importância de ações e políticas públicas que busquem aumentar o incentivo e o acesso as PCAF ao longo da vida das mulheres.
Anti-ageing technology: current developments and food for thought
Authors: Triana Hector Barbosa
Published: March 2023

With anti-aging technology on the rise, doctoral researcher Hector Barbosa Triana explains how aging occurs biologically and gives an overview of developments in the field. He also proposes some critical philosophical questions to consider down the line
Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Effect of Α- Pinene on Wistar Albino Rat
Authors: Udavant Pavan , Gurav Pragati , Kanade Gayatri , Dashputre Neelam , sable Rahul , sable Rahul , Khairnar Shubham , Rishipathak Dinesh , Ahirrao Sapana , Raut Hemant
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Hepato-renal toxicity is a devastating, non-communicable disease. Because of a lack of information on low-cost management to combat the disease, this study postulates the ameliorative effect of selected phytoconstituents against toxicity. Aim and Objective: The current study reveals an active phytoconstituent, α- Pinene, that has the ability to combat the degenerative effects of CCl4. Methodology: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is an organic xenobiotic molecule as well as the most potent hepatotoxic agent used (1200 mg/kg body weight; i.p.) to induce hepato-renal toxicity in experimental rats. To determine in vivo hepato-renal toxicity, three different doses (0.05 ml/kg body weight, 0.1 ml/kg body weight, and 0.15 ml/kg body weight; intraperitoneally) were chosen. Vitamin C at the dose of 250 mg/kg/p.o. was used as a standard, due to its maximum ameliorative activity against oxidative damage in CCl4-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats. For 7 days, the animals were pre-treated with α-pinene and Vitamin C. CCl4 was charged only on the 7th day. Result and Conclusion: The related biochemical tests were studied. CCl4 intoxication reduces mitochondrial membrane potential in liver and kidney cells, which accelerates excessive intracellular ROS production, but α-pinene pretreatment successfully restores it in both liver and kidney cells. Pretreatment with α-pinene and vitamin C for 7 days increased intracellular ameliorative capability in hepatic and renal cells significantly (p 0.01). In conclusion, α-pinene is capable of restoring antioxidant status by quenching intracellular ROS. As a result, α-pinene has the potential to provide hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects against CCl4-induced toxicity in rats.
Recurrence Rate of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo – A Multicenter Survey
Authors: Eamudomkarn Nuntakarn , Piromchai Patorn
Published: March 2023

Background: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common peripheral vestibular disease. However, the data on the recurrence rate of this condition is lacking. The objectives of this study were to estimate the recurrence rate and factors for the recurrence of BPPV. Methods: This multicenter survey was conducted at the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, Mahasarakham Hospital, and Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University in Thailand. From 2016 to 2021, patients with evidence of remission indicated by no nystagmus during an otolaryngologist examination at the last outpatient visit were recruited. The survey was conducted to assess the recurrence, severity, and risk factors of the recurrence. Results: 84 patients participated in this study. All of the patients were followed up after the resolution of the disease to evaluate for the recurrence rate of BPPV. The recurrence rate of BPPV was 27.38%. The mean time to the first recurrence event was 4.47 months. The dizziness handicap index score and visual analog scale score were significantly decreased between baseline and the first recurrence event (p < 0.05). Factors such as age, gender, and comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were not significantly different between the recurrence group and control group (p = 0.248, 0.128, 0.369, 0.651, 0.537). Conclusions: Around 1 in 3 BPPV patients can suffer from a relapse. There was no significant risk factor for the recurrence of BPPV in this study.
Laura Rubio (1977-2021), in memoriam
Authors: Escofet Anna , Furco Andrew , Tapia Mª Nieves
Published: March 2023

Laura Rubio (1977-2021), in memoriam
JASPER: A fast genome polishing tool that improves accuracy of genome assemblies
Authors: Guo Alina , Salzberg Steven L. , Zimin Aleksey V.
Published: March 2023

Advances in long-read sequencing technologies have dramatically improved the contiguity and completeness of genome assemblies. Using the latest nanopore-based sequencers, we can generate enough data for the assembly of a human genome from a single flow cell. With the long-read data from these sequences, we can now routinely produce de novo genome assemblies in which half or more of a genome is contained in megabase-scale contigs. Assemblies produced from nanopore data alone, though, have relatively high error rates and can benefit from a process called polishing, in which more-accurate reads are used to correct errors in the consensus sequence. In this manuscript, we present a novel tool for genome polishing called JASPER (Jellyfish-based Assembly Sequence Polisher for Error Reduction). In contrast to many other polishing methods, JASPER gains efficiency by avoiding the alignment of reads to the assembly. Instead, JASPER uses a database of k-mer counts that it creates from the reads to detect and correct errors in the consensus. Our experiments demonstrate that JASPER is faster than alignment-based polishers, and both faster and more accurate than other k-mer based polishing methods. We also introduce the idea of using a polishing tool to create population-specific reference genomes, and illustrate this idea using sequence data from multiple individuals from Tokyo, Japan.
Individual determinants of satisfaction with the work environment after relocation to activity-based workplaces: A prospective study
Authors: Wijk Katarina , Bergsten Eva L. , Mathiassen Svend Erik , Hallman David M.
Published: March 2023

Relocation to activity-based workplaces influences work environment satisfaction, but individual determinants of changes in satisfaction remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine whether age, gender, education, occupational position, or office type before relocation can predict work environment satisfaction among employees and managers relocated to activity-based offices. Respondents (n = 422) rated work environment satisfaction three months before and nine months after relocation. The findings indicate that, on average, satisfaction decreased after relocation, while for some workers it increased. Occupational position and office type at baseline predicted changes in satisfaction with the work environment; specifically, managers and those working in open-plan offices before relocation reported a smaller decline in satisfaction after relocation, compared to those relocating from private offices. Participants with no university education were more satisfied with the physical and psychosocial work environment in activity-based workplaces than those with a university degree.
No evidence of oligoclonal bands, intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis and B cell recruitment in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Laichinger Kornelia , Bombach Paula , Dünschede Jutta , Ruschil Christoph , Stefanou Maria-Ioanna , Dubois Evelyn , Poli Sven , Feil Katharina , Ziemann Ulf , Kowarik Markus , Mengel Annerose
Published: March 2023

Background

Within the past 10 years, immune mechanisms associated with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have been brought into focus, but data on B cell activation and intrathecal Ig production is still scarce. In this study, we determined the prevalence of an elevated IgG index, positive oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 13 (CXCL13) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as markers of intrathecal IgG synthesis and B cell activation in patients with AIS.

Methods

In a retrospective study we analyzed the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 212 patients with AIS from December 2013 to May 2018 assessing intrathecal Ig synthesis, OCBs and CXCL13 concentrations.

Results

Overall, 5.7% (12/212) of AIS patients showed an intrathecal IgG synthesis, 0.5% (1/212) with isolated elevated IgG index, 5.2% (7/136) isolated positive OCBs and 2.9% (4/136) both elevated IgG index and positive OCBs. CXCL13 levels were elevated in 3.6% (3/83) of the patients. Approximately one third of these patients had simultaneously chronic inflammatory CNS disease (multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, neurosarcoidosis). There was no significant association between CSF findings and stroke characteristics including vascular territory, localization, volume, etiology, acute treatment, or blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Intrathecal IgG synthesis was more common in patients with prior stroke. Longitudinal CSF analysis did not reveal any newly-occurring, but instead mostly persistent or even disappearing intrathecal IgG synthesis after AIS.

Conclusions

We found no evidence of a relevant B cell recruitment and intrathecal IgG synthesis in patients with AIS. In fact, the occurrence of intrathecal IgG synthesis was associated with concurrent chronic inflammatory CNS disease or previous stroke. Consequently, in patients with first-ever AIS and intrathecal IgG synthesis, physicians should search for concomitant inflammatory CNS disease.
Molecular confirmation of HIV-1 and HIV-2 coinfections among initially serologically dually-reactive samples from patients living in West Africa
Authors: Tchounga Boris K. , Bertine Mélanie , Damond Florence , Ferré Valentine Marie , Inwoley André , Boni Simon P. , Moisan Alice , Plantier Jean-Christophe , Descamps Diane , Ekouevi Didier K. , Charpentier Charlotte
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to confirm the co-infection with HIV-1 and HIV-2, among West African patients using in-house HIV type/group enzyme-immuno assays and molecular diagnosis.

Design

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April 2016 to October 2017 in the biggest HIV clinics of Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.

Method

A first serological confirmation was done in the referral laboratory using an in-house, indirect immuno-enzymatic essay allowing the qualitative detection of both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. In order to separately detect anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 antibodies, a type/group specific enzyme-immuno assay (HIV-GSEIA) was used. To confirm the co-infections, HIV-1 and HIV-2 DNA-qualitative PCR assays were performed.

Results

A total of 91 patients were enrolled in the study and provided blood sample for HIV type confirmatory testing including 13 (14.3%) HIV-2 mono-reactive and 78 (85.7%) HIV-1/HIV-2 dually-reactive based on the HIV testing National Algorithms. The first serological ELISA confirmatory test performed showed that 80 (78.9%) of the 91 participants were dually-reactive. The HIV-GSEIA performed on these 80 serum samples retrieve one 61 HIV-1/HIV-2 dually-reactive samples. HIV-1 and HIV-2 DNA PCR were performed on 54 of the 61 HIV-1/HIV-2 dually-reactive samples and 46 out of 61 (75.4%) samples were found HIV-1/HIV-2 coinfected.

Conclusion

The contribution of type/group specific enzyme-immuno assay to accurately identify HIV-1/HIV-2 coinfections remain suboptimal, emphasizing the need for molecular diagnosis platforms in West Africa, to avail HIV DNA PCR test for the confirmation of HIV-1/HIV-2 co-infections.
Protein profiling of forehead epidermal corneocytes distinguishes frontal fibrosing from androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Karim Noreen , Mirmirani Paradi , Durbin-Johnson Blythe P. , Rocke David M. , Salemi Michelle , Phinney Brett S. , Rice Robert H.
Published: March 2023

Protein profiling offers an effective approach to characterizing how far epidermis departs from normal in disease states. The present pilot investigation tested the hypothesis that protein expression in epidermal corneocytes is perturbed in the forehead of subjects exhibiting frontal fibrosing alopecia. To this end, samples were collected by tape stripping from subjects diagnosed with this condition and compared to those from asymptomatic control subjects and from those exhibiting androgenetic alopecia. Unlike the latter, which exhibited only 3 proteins significantly different from controls in expression level, forehead samples from frontal fibrosing alopecia subjects displayed 72 proteins significantly different from controls, nearly two-thirds having lower expression. The results demonstrate frontal fibrosing alopecia exhibits altered corneocyte protein expression in epidermis beyond the scalp, indicative of a systemic condition. They also provide a basis for quantitative measures of departure from normal by assaying forehead epidermis, useful in monitoring response to treatment while avoiding invasive biopsy.
Putrescine supplementation shifts macrophage L-arginine metabolism related-genes reducing Leishmania amazonensis infection
Authors: Zanatta Jonathan Miguel , Acuña Stephanie Maia , de Souza Angelo Yan , de Almeida Bento Camilla , Peron Jean Pierre Schatzman , Stolf Beatriz Simonsen , Muxel Sandra Marcia
Published: March 2023

Leishmania is a protozoan that causes leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease with clinical manifestations classified as cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral leishmaniasis. In the infection context, the parasite can modulate macrophage gene expression affecting the microbicidal activity and immune response. The metabolism of L-arginine into polyamines putrescine, spermidine, and spermine reduces nitric oxide (NO) production, favoring Leishmania survival. Here, we investigate the effect of supplementation with L-arginine and polyamines in infection of murine BALB/c macrophages by L. amazonensis and in the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in arginine metabolism and proinflammatory response. We showed a reduction in the percentage of infected macrophages upon putrescine supplementation compared to L-arginine, spermidine, and spermine supplementation. Unexpectedly, deprivation of L-arginine increased nitric oxide synthase (Nos2) gene expression without changes in NO production. Putrescine supplementation increased transcript levels of polyamine metabolism-related genes Arg2, ornithine decarboxylase (Odc1), Spermidine synthase (SpdS), and Spermine synthase (SpmS), but reduced Arg1 in L. amazonensis infected macrophages, while spermidine and spermine promoted opposite effects. Putrescine increased Nos2 expression without leading to NO production, while L-arginine plus spermine led to NO production in uninfected macrophages, suggesting that polyamines can induce NO production. Besides, L-arginine supplementation reduced Il-1b during infection, and L-arginine or L-arginine plus putrescine increased Mcp1 at 24h of infection, suggesting that polyamines availability can interfere with cytokine/chemokine production. Our data showed that putrescine shifts L-arginine-metabolism related-genes on BALB/c macrophages and affects infection by L. amazonensis.
Development and pilot test of a smartphone app for midwifery care in Tanzania: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Shimpuku Yoko , Mwilike Beatrice , Mwakawanga Dorkasi , Ito Keiko , Hirose Naoki , Kubota Kazumi
Published: March 2023

To address Tanzania’s high maternal mortality ratio, it is crucial to increase women’s access to healthcare. To improve access, the quality of antenatal care needs to be improved. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study of a smartphone app for midwives and examined its potential effects on the learning outcomes of midwives and birth preparedness of pregnant women in Tanzania. This mixed-methods, pilot study provided an educational app for midwives in the intervention group, obtained data about the continuous use of the app, measured midwives’ learning outcomes, directed focus group discussions on the usability of the app, and conducted surveys among pregnant women about birth preparedness in the intervention and control groups to evaluate if midwives provided proper information to them. The control group received regular antenatal care and answered the same survey. Participants were 23 midwives who participated in the testing and provided learning outcome data. Twenty-one participated in focus group discussions. Results showed that 87.5% of midwives continued to study with the app two months post-intervention. A mini-quiz conducted after using the app showed a significant increase in mean scores (6.9 and 8.4 points, respectively) and a non-significant increase on the questionnaire on women-centered care (98.6 and 102.2 points, respectively). In the focus group discussions, all midwives expressed satisfaction with the app for several reasons, including comprehensive content, feelings of confidence, and reciprocal communication. There were 207 pregnant women included in the analysis. The intervention group had significantly higher knowledge scores and home-based value scores than did controls. The total scores and other subscales did not show statistical significance for group differences. The results indicate the potential impact of the midwifery education app when it is implemented on a larger scale, especially considering that the results show a potential effect on midwives’ learning outcomes.
Consumer preferences for telehealth in Australia: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Savira Feby , Robinson Suzanne , Toll Kaylie , Spark Lauren , Thomas Elizabeth , Nesbitt Julia , Frean Isobel , Norman Richard
Published: March 2023

This study aims to elicit consumer preferences regarding telehealth and face-to-face consultations in Australia. It used a discrete choice experiment, presenting participants with a series of hypothetical choices, and based on their responses, infer what is most important to them. Data were analysed using conditional logit regression and latent class analysis. A total of 1,025 participants completed the survey, considering four different clinical scenarios. Face-to-face contacts were, on average, preferred to either telephone or video services. However, telehealth was identified as an attractive option if it prevents significant travel and can be conducted with a familiar doctor. Participants were strongly driven by cost, particularly greater than $30. Telehealth was least preferred for situations involving a new and unknown physical symptom, and relatively more preferred for surgical follow-up. The latent class analysis demonstrates only 15.9% of participants appeared unwilling to consider telehealth. The findings of this study suggest that meeting the needs of the Australian population requires a blended approach to service delivery, with telehealth being valued in a range of clinical scenarios. Price sensitivity was evident, therefore if telehealth services can be delivered with lower patient cost, then they are likely to be attractive.
Risk factor of elevated matrix metalloproteinase-3 gene expression in synovial fluid in knee osteoarthritis women
Authors: Sulastri Delmi , Arnadi Arnadi , Afriwardi Afriwardi , Desmawati Desmawati , Amir Arni , Irawati Nuzulia , Yanis Amel , Yusrawati Yusrawati
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Metalloproteinases-3 (MMP3) are the main enzymes involved in cartilage degradation. Several genetic and non-genetic factors can increase the expression of MMP3 in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). This study aims to analyze the risk factors associated with the expression of the MMP3 gene rs679620 fluid synovial knee OA patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the orthopedic polyclinic Arifin Achmad Riau Province and Ibn Sina Hospital in Pekanbaru City. Ninety women who experienced knee OA were taken as samples by consecutive sampling and then signed the informed consent. Data were obtained through interviews using a questionnaire about characteristics, followed by weight and height measurements. Interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) were examined from the synovial fluid using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The Metalloproteinases-3 (MMP3) gene polymorphism rs679620 was obtained from the DNA analysis of joint fluid results in the Biomedical Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University. The data was processed computerized and then analyzed using the correlation Spearman-Rank, and chi-square tests. The results of statistical analysis are considered significant if the p-value is 0.05.

Results

The MMP3 rs679620 gene polymorphism of the mutant type was 88.9%, with the same proportion of AG and GG alleles (44.4%). Subjects aged ≥ 60 years were 53.3%, 85.6% did not work and 84.4% had menopause. The highest degree of OA was grade 2 (53.3%), most of whom had a risky nutritional status (84.4%). The median expression of the MMP3 rs679620 gene was 5.28 copies number. There is a significant relationship between MMP3 gene polymorphism rs679620, age, IL-1β, and TNF-α with MMP3 gene expression rs679620. There is no significant relationship between BMI, work status, and menopausal status with MMP3 gene expression rs679620. Conclusion. MMP3 gene polymorphism rs679620, age, levels of IL-1β and TNF-α are risk factors for increased MMP3 gene rs679620 expression in female knee OA.
Understanding the barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy amongst healthcare workers and healthcare students worldwide: An umbrella review protocol
Authors: McCready Jemma , Comparcini Dania , Nichol Bethany , Steen Mary , Unsworth John , Tomietto Marco
Published: March 2023

Healthcare workers (HCWs) and healthcare students are at increased risk of becoming infected with and being a vector of transmission of COVID-19. Vaccination efforts amongst this group of persons have been hampered in some countries by hesitancy to uptake the COVID-19 vaccine. The factors related to vaccine hesitancy have been reported in several systematic reviews. However, a comprehensive overview of barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is greatly needed to address effective interventions in this population. Understanding and designing effective strategies to promote vaccination among HCWs is pivotal to secure an appropriate and safe healthcare provision. The current protocol describes the methodology for an Umbrella Review that explores the barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for HCWs and healthcare students. The databases that will be searched are CINAHL, MedLine, Cochrane Library, PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, Science Direct, IBSS, Google Scholar, and Epistemonikos. Studies will be eligible for inclusion if they: (i) conducted a systematic review (with or without meta-analysis); (ii) included primary sources utilizing a quantitative methodology; (iii) investigated factors related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy; (iv) and included a sub/population of HCWs or healthcare students aged 18–65. The screening processes and data extraction will be conducted independently by two reviewers. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included reviews. The degree to which the included reviews contain the same primary studies will also be assessed and reported. The outcomes of this review will have wide-reaching implications for the research area, healthcare systems and institutions, and governments worldwide.
Adaptation and validation of the quality of contraceptive counseling (QCC) scale for use in Ethiopia and India
Authors: Holt Kelsey , Gebrehanna Ewenat , Sarnaik Shashi , Kanchan Lakhwani , Reed Reiley , Yesuf Aman , Uttekar Bella Vasant
Published: March 2023

We adapted the Quality of Contraceptive Counseling (QCC) scale, originally constructed in Mexico, for Ethiopia and India to expand its utility for measurement of client experiences with counseling. Scale items were modified based on prior research on women’s preferences for counseling in each country, and refined through cognitive interviews (n = 20 per country). We tested the items through client exit surveys in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (n = 599), and Vadodara, India (n = 313). Psychometric analyses revealed the adapted scales were valid and reliable for use, and the final scales retained content validity according to the original published QCC construct definition. Specifically, confirmatory factor analysis revealed high factor loadings for almost all items on the original dimensions: Information Exchange, Interpersonal Relationship, Disrespect and Abuse. Internal consistency reliability was high in both settings (Alpha = 0.92 for QCC-Ethiopia and 0.74 for QCC-India). Final item pools contained 26 items in the QCC-Ethiopia Scale and 23 in the QCC-India Scale. Correlation analyses established convergent validity. QCC Scales and subscales fill a gap in measurement tools for ensuring high quality of care and fulfillment of human rights in contraceptive services, and consistent findings across continents suggest versatility in use across different contexts.
Formation of ER-lumenal intermediates during export of Plasmodium proteins containing transmembrane-like hydrophobic sequences
Authors: Levray Yvette S. , Bana Bianca , Tarr Sarah J. , McLaughlin Emilia J. , Rossi-Smith Peter , Waltho Anita , Charlton Georgina H. , Chiozzi Riccardo Zenezini , Straton Colin R. , Thalassinos Konstantinos , Osborne Andrew R.
Published: March 2023

During the blood stage of a malaria infection, malaria parasites export both soluble and membrane proteins into the erythrocytes in which they reside. Exported proteins are trafficked via the parasite endoplasmic reticulum and secretory pathway, before being exported across the parasitophorous vacuole membrane into the erythrocyte. Transport across the parasitophorous vacuole membrane requires protein unfolding, and in the case of membrane proteins, extraction from the parasite plasma membrane. We show that trafficking of the exportedPlasmodiumprotein, Pf332, differs from that of canonical eukaryotic soluble-secreted and transmembrane proteins. Pf332 is initially ER-targeted by an internal hydrophobic sequence that unlike a signal peptide, is not proteolytically removed, and unlike a transmembrane segment, does not span the ER membrane. Rather, both termini of the hydrophobic sequence enter the ER lumen and the ER-lumenal species is a productive intermediate for protein export. Furthermore, we show in intact cells, that two other exported membrane proteins, SBP1 and MAHRP2, assume a lumenal topology within the parasite secretory pathway. Although the addition of a C-terminal ER-retention sequence, recognised by the lumenal domain of the KDEL receptor, does not completely block export of SBP1 and MAHRP2, it does enhance their retention in the parasite ER. This indicates that a sub-population of each protein adopts an ER-lumenal state that is an intermediate in the export process. Overall, this suggests that although many exported proteins traverse the parasite secretory pathway as typical soluble or membrane proteins, some exported proteins that are ER-targeted by a transmembrane segment-like, internal, non-cleaved hydrophobic segment, do not integrate into the ER membrane, and form an ER-lumenal species that is a productive export intermediate. This represents a novel means, not seen in typical membrane proteins found in model systems, by which exported transmembrane-like proteins can be targeted and trafficked within the lumen of the secretory pathway.
Activation of transcription factor CREB in human macrophages by Mycobacterium tuberculosis promotes bacterial survival, reduces NF-kB nuclear transit and limits phagolysosome fusion by reduced necroptotic signaling
Authors: Leopold Wager Chrissy M. , Bonifacio Jordan R. , Simper Jan , Naoun Adrian A. , Arnett Eusondia , Schlesinger Larry S.
Published: March 2023

Macrophages are a first line of defense against pathogens. However, certain invading microbes modify macrophage responses to promote their own survival and growth. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is a human-adapted intracellular pathogen that exploits macrophages as an intracellular niche. It was previously reported that M.tb rapidly activates cAMP Response Element Binding Protein (CREB), a transcription factor that regulates diverse cellular responses in macrophages. However, the mechanism(s) underlying CREB activation and its downstream roles in human macrophage responses to M.tb are largely unknown. Herein we determined that M.tb-induced CREB activation is dependent on signaling through MAPK p38 in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Using a CREB-specific inhibitor, we determined that M.tb-induced CREB activation leads to expression of immediate early genes including COX2, MCL-1, CCL8 and c-FOS, as well as inhibition of NF-kB p65 nuclear localization. These early CREB-mediated signaling events predicted that CREB inhibition would lead to enhanced macrophage control of M.tb growth, which we observed over days in culture. CREB inhibition also led to phosphorylation of RIPK3 and MLKL, hallmarks of necroptosis. However, this was unaccompanied by cell death at the time points tested. Instead, bacterial control corresponded with increased colocalization of M.tb with the late endosome/lysosome marker LAMP-1. Increased phagolysosomal fusion detected during CREB inhibition was dependent on RIPK3-induced pMLKL, indicating that M.tb-induced CREB signaling limits phagolysosomal fusion through inhibition of the necroptotic signaling pathway. Altogether, our data show that M.tb induces CREB activation in human macrophages early post-infection to create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Targeting certain aspects of the CREB-induced signaling pathway may represent an innovative approach for development of host-directed therapeutics to combat TB.
Europejska karta samorządu lokalnego w orzecznictwie sądów administracyjnych
Authors: Zakroczymski Stanisław
Published: March 2023

Celem artykułu jest zidentyfikowanie strategii powoływania się na przepisy Europejskiej karty samorządu lokalnego (EKSL) w wyrokach sądowych. Artykuł kompleksowo opisuje stosowanie przepisów EKSL w orzecznictwie sądów administracyjnych. W badaniu odwołano się do klasycznych metod dogmatycznych, jak i dorobku empirical legal studies. Po raz pierwszy przy badaniu tego zagadnienia posłużono się metodami ilościowymi. Wyniki badań wskazują na istotną jakościowo, choć ograniczoną ilościowo obecność EKSL w orzecznictwie sądowoadministracyjnym. Zwraca uwagę, że w ostatnich latach nastąpił pewien wzrost liczby orzeczeń z odwołaniami do jej przepisów. Częściej też sądy powołują się na ten akt ex officio. Rośnie zwłaszcza liczba spraw, w których sądy, odwołując się do EKSL, przyznają rację organom jednostek samorządu terytorialnego (JST) w sporach z organami nadzoru. Maleje z kolei częstotliwość odwoływania się do Karty przez obywateli w sporach z władzami lokalnymi. Nie pojawiają się już również istotne dawniej głosy o braku normatywnego charakteru Karty. Wciąż jednak w orzecznictwie dają się zauważyć daleko idące rozbieżności odnośnie do zakresu zastosowania oraz rozumienia poszczególnych przepisów Karty, czego przykładem są sprawy dotyczące obowiązku konsultowania mieszkańców JST (art. 4 EKSL) oraz samodzielności statutowej samorządu lokalnego (art. 6). Szczególną uwagę zwraca rosnąca liczba spraw, w których sądy odwołują się do zasady proporcjonalności nadzoru statuowanej w art. 8 ust. 3 EKSL, niewyrażonej explicite w polskim ustawodawstwie. Rośnie również znaczenie zasady ochrony sądowej JST wyrażonej w art. 11.
Implicit Runge–Kutta Schemes for Optimal Control Problems with Evolution Equations
Authors: Flaig Thomas G.
Published: March 2023

In this paper we discuss the use of implicit Runge–Kutta schemes for the time discretization
of optimal control problems with evolution equations.
The specialty of the considered discretizations is that
the discretizations schemes for the state and adjoint state are chosen
such that discretization and optimization commute.
It is well known that for Runge–Kutta schemes with this property additional order conditions are necessary.
We give sufficient conditions for which class of schemes these additional order condition are automatically fulfilled.
The focus is especially on implicit Runge–Kutta schemes of
Gauss, Radau IA, Radau IIA, Lobatto IIIA, Lobatto IIIB and Lobatto IIIC collocation type up to order six.
Furthermore, we also use a SDIRK (singly diagonally implicit Runge–Kutta) method to demonstrate, that for general implicit Runge–Kutta methods the additional order conditions are not automatically fulfilled.
Numerical examples illustrate the predicted convergence rates.
The investigation of the physical properties of an electrical porcelain insulator manufactured from locally sourced materials
Authors: Eunice Ekpunobi Uche , Abraham Onuigbo Uzochukwu , Tabugbo Ifeyinwa , Amalu Emma , Ihueze Christopher , Onu Caius , Igbokwe Philomena , Ekpunobi Azubike , Agbo Sunday , Obiora-Ilouno Happiness
Published: March 2023

The work aims to evaluate the effect of temperature and composition on the physical properties of ceramic electrical porcelain insulators, produced from locally sourced materials in Nigeria. The basic raw materials of triaxial porcelain (Kaolin, feldspar, and quartz) were pulverized, milled for 22 h, and sieved using a 200 μm mesh size. The chemical composition and characterization of the raw materials were obtained using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The mixtures were formulated using sodium silicate as a deflocculant to help produce the ceramic porcelain samples. The green samples were weighed and fired at temperatures of 1200 °C and 1250 °C. The samples were subjected to 1 h of boiling plus 2 h of soaking. The slip casting technique was used in the production of porcelain insulators. The linear shrinkage, water absorbance, apparent porosity, and bulk density were measured and studied as a function of firing temperature. The apparent porosity and water absorption decreased as the firing temperature increased. The bulk density increased gradually from 1200 °C to 1250 °C and the percentage of moisture remained fairly unaffected by the temperature increase. The linear shrinkage was also found to increase as the firing temperature increased. Despite having the same composition, the average physical properties of the locally manufactured insulators revealed that those manufactured at higher temperatures provided a better insulating effect than those manufactured at lower temperatures. In other words, it shows that excellent ceramic porcelain insulators can be manufactured from locally sourced materials using the appropriate composition and firing temperature.
The Psychological Menace of Children Formerly Associated with Non-state Armed Groups (CFANSAG) in Northeast Nigeria
Authors: Kerry Powei Happiness
Published: March 2023

The agonising experiences of children in northeastern Nigeria, who were once associated with non-state armed groups, may affect their developmental growth. This paper highlights the consequences of children formerly associated with non-state armed groups (CFANSAG), the mechanisms of oppression suffered by children who voluntarily or were coerced to join the group, and how the children find it difficult to associate with the community. The study, using qualitative research methods including key informant interviews and focus group discussions, focuses on children's different psychological reactions while using the Social Learning Theory to explain how children model aggressive acts. The study concluded that states in the Northeast should implement the Child Rights Act, renamed Child Protection Law in the core northern states, to minimise the violence against children in Nigeria.
Leśniczowie powiatów zachodnich guberni grodzieńskiej w latach 1869–1915
Authors: Dmitruk Stefan
Published: March 2023

The subject of the text are the foresters of the western districts of the Grodno Governorate in the years 1869–1915. The aim of the research is to analyze the staffing of Russian government forestry in the western districts of the Grod-no Governorate. Official Russian printed sources were analyzed in the study. Selected elements were used: methods of analyzing the staffing of forester’s posts in the western districts of the Grodno Governorate and elements of the prosopographic method. The text analyzes the staffing of foresters and estab-lishes basic biographical information. The scientific sketch shows the elements of the process of unification and Russification of foresters from the Białystok, Sokółka and Bielsk Podlaski regions in the Russian Empire before 1915.
Управління людськими ресурсами державної служби України в умовах діджиталізації
Authors: Гончарук Наталія , Прудиус Олексій
Published: March 2023

Стаття присвячена дослідженню сучасної системи управління управління людськими ресурсами державної служби України в умовах діджиталізації. Розкрито сутність поняття «діджиталізація управління людськими ресурсами» та встановлено, що питання діджиталізації управління людськими ресурсами державної служби потребує  додаткового дослідження з урахуванням сучасних трендів і може передбачати: застосування інтегрованих мобільних додатків й автоматизацію HR процесів; цифрову інтеграцію з хмарними системами; HR-аналітику та Big Data; застосування VR-технологій та штучного інтелекту. Досліджено основні процеси у сфері діджиталізації управління людськими ресурсами державної служби, а саме: переведення HR-процесів в електронний вигляд – створення HELP DESK для кандидатів, Career.gov.ua, Career-бот, інтеграція порталу вакансій державної служби Career.gov.ua з Work.ua та Robota.ua; забезпечення належних умов для професійного розвитку державних службовців та посадових осіб місцевого самоврядування (запущено Портал управління знаннями), посилення інституційної спроможності НАДС, впровадження «Інформаційної системи управління людськими ресурсами та заробітної плати (HRMIS)». Акцентовано увагу на необхідності розвивати цифрову компетентність державним службовцям та HR-менеджерам. Обгрунтовано, що діджиталізація управління людськими ресурсами державної служби через впровадження цифрових технологій та автоматизацію процесів управління персоналом, впровадження міжнародних трендів цифровізації HR є необхідним інструментом підвищення якості державної служби, її результативності та ефективності, а також, що для подальшої діджиталізації управління людськими ресурсами державної служби слід врахувати такі міжнародні тенденції та практики розвитку HR: HR-автоматизація, HR-аналітика, HR-маркетинг, SMARTрекрутинг та електроне навчання. Визначено основні шляхи впровадження цифрових технологій в управління персоналом для його трансформації у HR державної служби.
Етнічний чинник реформування адміністративно-територіального устрою: досвід європейських демократичних держав
Authors: Макаров Гліб
Published: March 2023

Актуальність теми дослідження зумовлена необхідністю враховувати європейський досвід впливу етнічного чинника при розвитку адміністративно-територіального устрою, при плануванні та реалізації наступних етапів адміністративно-територіальної реформи в Україні. Прискорення європейської інтеграції нашої країни вимагає адаптації адміністративно-територіального устрою України до засад регіональної політики ЄС. Таким чином, урахування зарубіжного досвіду необхідне для формування збалансованого підходу до узгодження переважно управлінських цілей наступних етапів адміністративно-територіальної реформи з етнополітичною ситуацією в країні. Метою статті є визначення загальних закономірностей та особливостей впливу міжетнічних відносин на реформування адміністративно-територіального устрою держав Європи. Серед отриманих результатів дослідження – визначено основні форми впливу етнополітичної ситуації на розвиток адміністративно-територіального устрою європейських країн, а також основні чинники, що зумовлюють реалізацію тих чи інших змін. З’ясовано, що головними формами впливу етнічних чинників на реформування державами адміністративно-територіального устрою, є: узгодження меж адміністративно-територіальних одиниць із межами територій проживання етнічних спільнот при збереженні симетричного характеру адміністративно-територіального устрою; утворення для етнічних меншин етнотериторіальних автономій, які мають більші повноваження порівняно з адміністративно-територіальними одиницями такого ж рівня; трансформація державного устрою. З’ясовано, що вплив на реформування адміністративно-територіального устрою держав мають етнічні меншини, які мають території компактного проживання, оскільки саме вони зацікавлені у розширенні повноважень органів публічного управління територіальних одиниць. Встановлено, що головним чинником впливу міжетнічних відносин на реформування адміністративно-територіального устрою є процес політизації етнічності; він характеризується формуванням громадських рухів та політичних партій, що артикулюють вимоги щодо автономізації етнічних територій та представляють інтереси етнічних спільнот у політичній системі суспільства. Також виявлено, що у європейських країнах на здійснення державами автономізації етнічних територій вирішальне значення мали етнополітичні конфлікти. Прямий вплив був пов'язаний із намаганнями держав використати автономізацію як засіб врегулювання наявних конфліктів. Натомість непрямий вплив виявлявся у застосуванні децентралізації як інструменту державної політики із запобігання майбутнім конфліктам.
Multi-agent simulation of pedestrian activity in historic district
Authors: Zixin Liang , Várady Géza , Zagorácz Márk Balázs
Published: March 2023

Multi-agent simulation has received a lot of attention in recent years as an emerging design method. To improve the accuracy of the simulation results, the authors provide an optimization scheme that combines multi-agent simulation and visibility graph analysis. Investigate how to improve forecasting accuracy through model optimization.
Tracing Bathsheba’s Metamorphosis through the Lens of Trauma and Recovery
Authors: Nessler Brent
Published: March 2023

Bathsheba’s story is split by a wide chasm of male-dominated texts, spanning from 2 Sam 11–12 on one end to 1 Kgs 1–2 on the other—a literary rift that has long presented a problem for scholars attempting to discern a coherent development and appraisal of Bathsheba’s character throughout. This study highlights the ways in which the biblical depiction of Bathsheba resists simplistic interpretations and instead evinces a coherent, upward crescendo of character development through a combination of literary analysis and the hermeneutic lens of trauma and recovery, the latter of which highlights the suppression and growth of communicative agency throughout. The first section asserts that the trauma of rape is apparent and so recognized in 2 Sam 11:1–4 through its evocative synthesis of contextual setting, Hebrew terminology, and syntax. The second section analyzes 2 Sam 11:5–12:25, paying special attention to instances in which Bathsheba’s body “speaks” (i.e., nonverbal activity). The final section examines the emergence of Bathsheba’s verbal expression in 1 Kgs 1:1–2:25, elucidating an inverse relationship between David’s waning health and Bathsheba’s ascending voice. Together, these sections attest a consistent and coherent development of dynamic resiliency on the part of Bathsheba within the Hebrew text.
How You Learned Christ: Petrine Christological Transformation of Pauline Vocabulary
Authors: Booth Adam
Published: March 2023

How did late first-century Christians learn about the person and character of Jesus and attempt to imitate him? In many ways, their situation is not so different from the vast majority of mid-first-century Christ-followers who had never met Jesus or had regular access to anyone who had, including the large number who were evangelized or pastored by Paul of Tarsus. Paul had a solution to their problem: convinced that Christ lived in him, he advised them that, by imitating him (or, sometimes, his coworkers), they would imitate Christ. I propose that one moment of reception of this counsel is revealed in 1 Peter. Building on prior work that identifies this text as a late first-century pseudepigraphical work that exhibits dependence on a Pauline corpus, I argue that its author constructs much of his christological diction from Paul’s self-description (and his description of his coworkers), a method of learning Christ that the author has learned from Paul himself.
Efficacy of the application of boron nanofertilizer on biomass, yield, nitrogen assimilation and photosynthetic activity in green beans
Authors: FRANCO-LAGOS Cristina L. , SÁNCHEZ Esteban , PALACIO-MÁRQUEZ Alejandro , PÉREZ-ÁLVAREZ Sandra , TERRAZAS-GÓMEZ Marina , VILLALOBOS-CANO Octavio , RAMÍREZ-ESTRADA Carlos A.
Published: March 2023

Boron (B) nanofertilizers are an innovative alternative with great potential to make nutrient application more efficient and thereby improve crop growth and productivity. However, nowadays there is little literature on the effects of boron nanofertilizers on physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Therefore, the objective of the present research was to study the efficacy of foliar application of a boron nanofertilizer on biomass, yield, nitrogen assimilation and photosynthetic activity in green beans plants cv. Strike. The B nanofertilizer was foliar applied at 0, 25, 50 and 100 ppm. Biomass accumulation, yield, nitrate reductase enzyme activity, photosynthetic activity, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic pigment content were evaluated. The results obtained indicate that the application of B nanofertilizer at dose of 25 ppm were more effective in improving biomass, while the dose of 100 ppm favoured nitrate reductase activity and stomatal conductance. The results suggest that the application of B nanofertilizers stimulated the development of green bean plants. Finally, more studies are needed to evaluate the possible phytotoxic effects of high doses of B nanofertilizers and to compare their effects with conventional B fertilizers already used in the market.