bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impediments to the Implementation of Criminal Penalties in Sharia and Law: A comparative study
Authors: Samara Abdallah
Published: March 2024

This research study aimed to identify the obstacles to the implementation of penal sanctions in Islamic Sharia law and Jordanian penal law, by examining these obstacles from the texts of the Quran, the Prophetic Sunnah, and the opinions of jurisprudential schools, in comparison with Jordanian penal law. The study concluded that Islamic Sharia differs from some of the legal impediments stipulated by the Jordanian legislator, although it agrees with most of these impediments, especially regarding the avoidance of punishment based on suspicion, the necessity of verifying the elements of the crime, the suspension of punishment in cases of necessity, self-defense, and forgiveness by the victim.
The Credit Card of Murabaha & Ijarah (Leasing) of Benefits and Services in the Palestinian Islamic Bank: A Critical and Analaytical Jurisprudential Study
Authors: Al-Dabbagh Ayman
Published: March 2024

The research attempts to answer a crucial question: To what extent does the Mastercard issued by the Palestinian Islamic Bank adhere to Sharia principles and regulations related to agency contracts, Murabaha (cost-plus financing), and Ijarah (leasing)? The research followed a descriptive-analytical approach, examining everything related to the mentioned card and its application, along with the Sharia principles it is based on, through discussion, analysis, and critique. The research is distinguished by its analytical and critical jurisprudential study, producing a new Islamic banking product, amidst the scarcity of Sharia studies on it. The research was divided into two sections and a conclusion: the first dealt with defining the card, its application in the Palestinian Islamic Bank, and its Sharia adaptation. The second section addressed the most significant jurisprudential issues concerning it. The research concluded several key points, including genuine jurisprudential issues with the card undermining its legitimacy, such as violating agency and leasing rules regarding responsibility and guarantee, selling, and leasing in the seller's knowledge of the market value, and the client's acceptance of purchasing or leasing from the bank itself occurring in the card issuance agreement before the bank's ownership. It also noted the absence of genuine Sharia oversight ensuring Sharia compliance in operations and their regulations, which could lead to significant harm to Islamic banks in their form and differentiation from interest-based banks.
The Problem of Abridgments in Sahih al-Bukhari: A critical Methodological Study
Authors: Rawabdeh Maessa
Published: March 2024

This study aims to shed light on a methodological issue at its core, and scientific in its findings, namely the abridgment of the book: "Sahih al-Bukhari". The study revealed the reality of the problematic nature of the abridgments of the comprehensive Sahih collection, with these problems ranging from methodological to scientific. It presented the reasons that led to these problems, notably the lack of a comprehensive view of the book, and the reduction of the structural unity upon which "Sahih al-Bukhari" is based. This demonstrated the strength of the structure of the book "Sahih" and the extent of cohesion among its elements, and their interconnection. It also highlighted the most prominent problems resulting from the abridgment of "Sahih al-Bukhari", including the loss of critical and jurisprudential purposes, followed by the deletion of chains of narration, biographies, and historical accounts.
Legal Protection of Children as Victims of Sexual Exploitation
Authors: Fadhilah Ina Nur , Panjaitan Junifer Dame
Published: March 2024

The government has accommodated children's rights in Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights which is an umbrella act for all forms of human rights protection in Indonesia, including children's rights. Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) in girls where girls are easily persuaded, is sold at a high selling value. Consumers assume that girls are cleaner from venereal diseases and not too many suffer from them. Children who are victims of CSEC are entitled to legal protection from law enforcement, the government and the state to ensure that children's rights remain unfulfilled. Normatively, the rights of CSEC victims are adequately protected by Law Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection (Articles 4-20). In this case, the protection of children's rights has acquired a stronger legal basis, because in more detail the rights and obligations of the child's executors have been regulated in such a way, including their criminal provisions. Children of CSEC victims receive special protection through Article 59 and Article 64 paragraph (3) of Law No. 23/2002. In addition to Article 5 of Law Number 13 of 2006 concerning the Protection of Witnesses and Victims
Pro-Environmental Conservation Behavior Through the Lens of Norm Activation Model: A Systematic Review (2018–2023)
Authors: Muhammad Jaffar  , Abdul Latiff Abdul Rais
Published: March 2024

Environmental psychology has exhibited a notable propensity for promoting pro-environmental conduct as a feasible strategy for confronting environmental issues and fostering sustainable development. Recent research has incorporated the norm activation model (NAM) into several investigations concerning individual and organizational pro-environmental conservation behaviors. The objectives of this literature review were to: 1) examine pro-environmental behaviors previously studied using the NAM framework; and 2) analyze the extended NAM components. 3), understanding NAM construct framing; 4), finding environmental studies' NAM model theories; and 5), assessing variables' importance and linkage, including mediating variables. This review employed a systematic literature review encompassing 53 articles published from 2018 to 2023. The results indicated that 98.11 percent of studies employed NAM by integrating additional constructs to improve its ability to predict environmentally friendly behavior. About 39.62% of research included constructs from other theories to improve the main theory's predictive power. TPB was heavily integrated into the NAM model. The results of the review also indicate that NAM is a strong paradigm for explaining pro-environmental behavior when combined with relevant constructs. Its application differs between core factors like personal norms, awareness of consequences, and ascription of responsibility and literature-introduced notions like motivation, risk, benefits, beliefs, knowledge, personality, and cultural values. These additional factors may greatly affect human pro-environmental behavior, drawing attention to using NAM in environmental behavior studies in new ways.
Macroeconomic and Firm-Specific Effects on Islamic Deposits Sustainability
Authors: Ab Rahman Sazana , Ahmad Nor Hayati , Che Arshad Noraziah
Published: March 2024

Integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into Islamic finance presents opportunities for aligning financial activities with sustainable and ethical considerations. While there are challenges and areas for improvement, the potential synergies and shared principles between ESG and Islamic finance provide a promising avenue for sustainable and socially responsible investment within Islamic finance. However, past studies have not thoroughly researched key aspects of Islamic finance, such as the sustainability concerns of Islamic deposits, their interaction with macroeconomic variables, and their particular impacts on firms. Therefore, this study aims to examine the macroeconomic and firm-specific effects on the sustainability of Islamic deposits. The sample in this study consists of 13 Islamic banks in Malaysia. The data period covers from 2018 until Quarter 3 of 2022. The data type is cross-sectional from secondary sources: Islamic banks' financial reports, Bank Negara Malaysia, Department of Statistics of Malaysia, and the World Bank. This study adopts a quantitative analysis approach using one dependent variable (Islamic deposits), three independent variables (gross domestic product, inflation, overnight policy rate), and one control variable (firm-specific). An estimated model using the panel data correlation and regression with the fixed effects model was conducted to test the developed hypotheses. Then, the panel data regression analysis continues with the Least Square Dummy Variable (LSDV), which includes the control variable to test the presence of the firm-specific effects. The findings show that only one macroeconomic factor, inflation, affects how well Islamic deposits are sustained. It is also evidenced by the findings that firm-specific effects impact the sustainability of Islamic deposits.
CENGİZ GÜNDOĞDU, HACI BEKTÂŞ-I VELÎ VE KÂMİL İNSAN-FÂZIL TOPLUM PARADİGMASI, SUFİ KİTAP, İSTANBUL, 2020.
Authors: Göktaş Mehmet
Published: March 2024

Bu çalışma, Cengiz Gündoğdu tarafından yayınlanan Hacı Bektâş-ı Velî ve Kâmil İnsan-Fâzıl Toplum Paradigması isimli eseri konu almaktadır. Bektaşîlik, ilk zuhurundan günümüze Türk toplumunun dinî, ahlakî, tasavvufî, edebî, kültürel, siyasî, askerî bünyesinde derin tesirler icra etmiş oluşumlardan biridir. Bektaşîliğin Pîri olan Hacı Bektâş-ı Velî’nin hayatı, tarihi şahsiyeti ve öğretisi hakkında kadim dönemde birincil diyebileceğimiz çok az sayıda kaynak bulunmaktadır. Yazar bu çalışmada Bektaşîlik olgusunun genel çerçevesini ilmi esaslar dahilinde çizmeyi amaçlarken, bu hedefini gerçekleştirmede tarihî, mekıbevî ve aktüel boyutlarıyla sunulan Hacı Bektaş-ı Velî ve öğretisini anlamaya yardımcı olabilecek zengin bir kaynak taraması yapmıştır. Yazar, bu kaynaklardan elde ettiği bilgiler üzerine objektif bir okuma gerçekleştirmiş ve ortaya 440 sayfalık titiz, akademik düzeyde kaleme alınmış bir eser vücuda gelmiştir.
Human-Centered Design in Human-Robot Interaction Evaluating User Experience and Usability
Authors: Ali Rowshon , Islam Tafsirul , Prato Bishwajit Roy , Chowdhury Sakib , Rakib Abdullah Al
Published: March 2024

Social robotics is a fledgling field with a lot of potential. For several decades, it was a concept defined by research and theoretical approaches. Robots have gradually found their way into various aspects of our society as scientific and technological breakthroughs have allowed them to do, and they are now ready to leave the industry and enter our daily lives. In this regard, user experience is critical to ensuring an effortless and natural connection between robots and people. This study concentrated on the user interface approach in terms of a robot's embodiment, focusing on its motions, gestures, and dialogues. The goal was to examine how robotic platforms and people interact, as well as what differences should be considered while building robot activities. To accomplish this goal, a quantitative and qualitative investigation based on actual conversations between many human beings and the artificially intelligent platform was done. The information was acquired by capturing each interaction and having every participant fill out a questionnaire. The findings revealed that participants enjoyed communicating with a robot and considered it engaging, which resulted in increased trust and pleasure. However, the robot's response delays and faults created dissatisfaction and disconnection. The study discovered that adding embodiment into the robot's design increased its user experience and that the robot's personality and conduct were important elements. It was established that robotic platforms, as well as their look, movements, and mode of communication, had a significant impact on user perception and interaction.
La alfabetización como práctica discursiva: algunas aportaciones al debate
Authors:   Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, Bonatti Passos Ana Vitória , Martins Tassoni Elvira Cristina ,   Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas
Published: March 2024

La alfabetización ha estado en la agenda de los debates educativos durante mucho tiempo, lo que ha dado lugar a disputas y tensiones en el proceso de formulación de políticas y construcción de currículos. Esto es consecuencia de la existencia de dos paradigmas divergentes que sustentan epistemológica y metodológicamente los argumentos teóricos y las opciones pedagógicas. Presentamos un recorte de investigación que explora tales tensiones y pretendió, a través de la revisión bibliográfica, evidenciar las reflexiones y las posibilidades concretas de articulación entre alfabetización y las prácticas sociales de lectura y escritura, como prácticas discursivas. La base de indexación fue el Portal de Periódicos da CAPES. Los 19 estudios seleccionados indicaron que, al asumir una concepción del lenguaje como práctica social interactiva, las propuestas tienen como eje el texto. Los resultados destacaron la preservación del espacio de producción escrita de los niños, la intencionalidad pedagógica ofreciendo referencias a diferentes géneros textuales, la identificación de los saberes de los alumnos, así como la incorporación de nuevos conocimientos. Se concluye que el proceso de alfabetización en la perspectiva de los usos de la lectura y la escritura se expande en las prácticas discursivas, proporcionando la oportunidad de tomar como objeto de estudio y reflexión las especificidades en la normatividad de la lengua escrita.
Elementos de álgebra lineal en actividades que involucran los conceptos de independencia y dependencia lineal
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Pará, Dias Renan Marcelo da Costa , Brandemberg João Cláudio ,   Universidade Federal do Pará
Published: March 2024

El presente estudio se trata de un desarrollo de tesis de maestría, que tuvo como objetivo investigar cómo el desarrollo histórico de los conceptos de independencia y dependencia lineal puede ser abordado en cursos que involucran elementos de enseñanza de Álgebra Lineal. Este desdoblamiento tiene como objetivo la viabilidad de un abordaje basado en la presentación de actividades con sesgo histórico, estos conceptos, y otros elementos del álgebra lineal, como matrices, sistemas lineales y vectores, para una mejor comprensión de los contenidos, por parte de los estudiantes de los estudiantes de grado en Matemáticas y Educación Básica. Por tanto, inferimos, es necesario conocer aspectos del desarrollo histórico-epistemológico de estos conceptos.
Utilization of HIV/AIDS Interventions and associated factors among young people aged 15-30 in Bushenyi District Uganda
Authors:   School of Medicine, Department of Nursing Sciences, Kabale University, Box 317 Kabale, Uganda, Munezero TJB , Mfitumukiza V ,   School of Medicine, Department of Nursing Sciences, Kabale University, Box 317 Kabale, Uganda
Published: March 2024

Background: There is a bulk of new AIDS cases among young people; aged 15-30 and females are disproportionately affected. Clarifying the underlying factors of this gender disparity may have policy implications in the design and implementation of effective intervention Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the Utilization of HIV/AIDS Interventions and associated factors among young people aged 15-30 in Bushenyi District Uganda Methods: A cross-sectional survey was employed on 341 respondents and 8 key informants. Triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods was used. Results. This study depicts 23% were sexual abstinence, 77% sexually active population, 21% had sex before 15 years, 68 % by 19 years, 48.7% had never used condoms, and 32% had multiple sexual partners, 24% males were circumcision and 55% knew their HIV status. Religious disapproval of condom use and male medical circumcision, HCT seeking behaviour, and trusting of sexual partners regarding condoms use were remarkable factors reported. Conclusions: Poor utilization of abstinence, condom, HCT, and Male circumcision in HIV/AIDS prevention among the young people and early sex debut before 15 years impacted HIV transmission among this population Keywords: young people, HIV/AIDS, prevention, Sexual behavior, Prevalence
Comunicación visual y discurso narrativo en redes sociales
Authors: Martín Matas Patricia , Gil Íngrid
Published: March 2024

Las redes sociales nos permiten trazar una autogestión de la imagen con una alta intención autorreferencial. Esta investigación analiza la identidad digital de la actriz Emma Watson a través de su narrativa visual en la red social Instagram. Partiendo de una metodología empírica y longitudinal, se diseña un estudio exploratorio en el que se analizan las métricas de atención y las imágenes publicadas por la actriz, con el fin de analizar las diferentes etapas de su discurso visual y averiguar si existe relación entre su estética y la tasa de engagement producida a partir de esta.
Complications of pediatric enteral nutrition at home: a systematic review of quantitative research
Authors: Semerci Remziye , Pars Hatice
Published: March 2024

Objective: Identifying complications related to enteral nutrition at home in children is important in terms of establishing standard discharge education and training programs to support parents in managing complications. The study aimed to synthesize current evidence on the complications of pediatric enteral nutrition at home.
Methods: The study was conducted according to PRISMA recommendations. Eight databases were reviewed between 2012 and 2022 in Turkish, German, and English languages. Articles were assessed in three stages: title, abstract, and full text. The review included 18 studies that met all the inclusion criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instruments were used to assess the quality appraisal of the studies.
Results: A total of 18 studies with 19,531 children were included from 14 countries. The outcome measures were major and minor complications with pediatric enteral nutrition at home. 11 of the 18 papers included were retrospective studies on complications of PEG. In studies reporting the overall rate of major complications ranged from 0% to 14.3%, and the most common complications were reoperation (2.64%-12.4%), and gastrocolic fistula/perforation (0.9%-3.8%). In studies reporting the overall rate of minor complications, the rate ranged from 16.4%-73.6% and the most common complications were infection (8.2%-31.9%), dislodgement (1.6%-21%), skin granulation (4%-50.4%), and vomiting (1%-49.89%).
Conclusion: This systematic review reveals that the rate of complications in pediatric enteral nutrition at home cannot be underestimated. Healthcare providers should plan their practice considering these complications to support parents in managing complications of pediatric enteral nutrition at home.
Optimal Sizing of Renewable Autonomous Hybrid system based on Costs using Grey Wolf Optimization
Authors:   Research and Studies, Center, Tobruk University, Altayf Atiyah A , Mayouf Omar Moftah ,   National Engineering School of Sfax and Higher Institute of Engineering Technologies -Tripoli, Shanab Walid Al-Taher ,   Higher Institute of Engineering Technologies -Tripoli
Published: March 2024

Ensuring low-cost and highly reliable electricity generation while meeting the demand load poses a significant challenge. Power plants operate continuously to produce power, with the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) control system playing a crucial role in managing all the equipment. Power deficiencies in the PLC rooms can lead to equipment disturbances and potential damage to the plant. To address this problem and utilize the abundant solar energy in Libya, this study introduces the optimal sizing of an autonomous hybrid storage system using an optimization method. The Net Present Costs (NPC), Loss Power Supply Probability (LPSP), and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) are employed to extract a suitable function database. The proposed system generates 7 kW of power to meet demand and is implemented in MATLAB. The Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) method is applied to determine the optimal number of PV panels and BESS capacity for the autonomous hybrid system. The optimal solution obtained through GWO is determined to be 40 PV panels and a 60Ah BESS capacity.
Peningkatan Kompetensi Sumber Daya Manusia Relawan Eco School Nusantara Melalui Pendampingan Pembuatan Kerajinan Barang Bekas Dan Pembuatan Pupuk
Authors: Pujiarohman  , Lalu Abdurrachman Wahid
Published: March 2024

This service aims to improve the competency of human resources in the Indonesian eco school by providing assistance in making handicrafts from used goods and making fertilizer to provide knowledge about how to process unused waste into items of greater value and provide knowledge about how to make fertilizer from organic materials for gardening needs. Apart from increasing human resource competency, Eco School Archipelago volunteers also raise awareness of always caring about the surrounding environment so that it remains clean and safe from anything that could cause harm, both to humans and nature. The method used to increase the human resource competency of Indonesian Eco School volunteers is by providing direct training and practice, so that it can immediately stick to memory whatever has been learned during the process of making second-hand crafts and making fertilizer
Afbrændingskrisen – et forhekset problem
Authors: Bro Charlotte
Published: March 2024

I 2023 forsøgte regeringen at styre ”afbrændingskrisen”. Med inspiration fra risikoteori og studiet af beslutningsprocesser i kriser argumenterer artiklen for, at afbrænding af koraner er et forhekset problem. Regeringens krisestyring levede ikke op til teoriens anbefalinger om fleksibilitet, tålmodighed og blik for de langsigtede, strategiske mål. Nok fik Danmark en kort pause, men sorteper gik videre til bl.a. Sverige, og prisen for fremtidig navigation over for påståede krænkelser af Islam er steget. Der er sået frø til nye problemer i dansk politik, i sammenhængskraften i Danmark og i forhold til hidtil ligesindede internationalt.
La Evolución de las mujeres en la industria multimedia: avances, desafíos y oportunidades
Authors: Contreras Ruth
Published: March 2024

En la última década, hemos sido testigos de una transformación en la representación de las mujeres en la industria multimedia. Se han asumido roles clave detrás de la escena, como directoras, productoras, guionistas, compositoras y diseñadoras, que han influido en la dirección creativa de proyectos y aportado una perspectiva única a las narrativas. En la gran pantalla, las mujeres ya no están confinadas a los roles estereotipados; han emergido como protagonistas de películas que trascienden los clichés, asumiendo personajes complejos y multifacéticos que encarnan liderazgo. Este cambio ha sido impulsado, en parte, por la inclusión de mujeres en funciones de dirección y producción, lo que ha generado narrativas nuevas, auténticas y diversas.
Coordinated head direction representations in mouse anterodorsal thalamic nucleus and retrosplenial cortex
Authors: van der Goes Marie-Sophie H , Voigts Jakob , Newman Jonathan P , Toloza Enrique HS , Brown Norma J , Murugan Pranav , Harnett Mark T
Published: March 2024

The sense of direction is critical for survival in changing environments and relies on flexibly integrating self-motion signals with external sensory cues. While the anatomical substrates involved in head direction (HD) coding are well known, the mechanisms by which visual information updates HD representations remain poorly understood. Retrosplenial cortex (RSC) plays a key role in forming coherent representations of space in mammals and it encodes a variety of navigational variables, including HD. Here, we use simultaneous two-area tetrode recording to show that RSC HD representation is nearly synchronous with that of the anterodorsal nucleus of thalamus (ADn), the obligatory thalamic relay of HD to cortex, during rotation of a prominent visual cue. Moreover, coordination of HD representations in the two regions is maintained during darkness. We further show that anatomical and functional connectivity are consistent with a strong feedforward drive of HD information from ADn to RSC, with anatomically restricted corticothalamic feedback. Together, our results indicate a concerted global HD reference update across cortex and thalamus.
Gene expression plasticity followed by genetic change during colonization in a high-elevation environment
Authors: She Huishang , Hao Yan , Song Gang , Luo Xu , Lei Fumin , Zhai Weiwei , Qu Yanhua
Published: March 2024

Phenotypic plasticity facilitates organismal invasion of novel environments, and the resultant phenotypic change may later be modified by genetic change, so called ‘plasticity first.’ Herein, we quantify gene expression plasticity and regulatory adaptation in a wild bird (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) from its original lowland (ancestral stage), experimentally implemented hypoxia acclimation (plastic stage), and colonized highland (colonized stage). Using a group of co-expressed genes from the cardiac and flight muscles, respectively, we demonstrate that gene expression plasticity to hypoxia tolerance is more often reversed than reinforced at the colonized stage. By correlating gene expression change with muscle phenotypes, we show that colonized tree sparrows reduce maladaptive plasticity that largely associated with decreased hypoxia tolerance. Conversely, adaptive plasticity that is congruent with increased hypoxia tolerance is often reinforced in the colonized tree sparrows. Genes displaying large levels of reinforcement or reversion plasticity (i.e. 200% of original level) show greater genetic divergence between ancestral and colonized populations. Overall, our work demonstrates that gene expression plasticity at the initial stage of high-elevation colonization can be reversed or reinforced through selection-driven adaptive modification.
FBXO24 modulates mRNA alternative splicing and MIWI degradation and is required for normal sperm formation and male fertility
Authors: Li Zhiming , Liu Xingping , Zhang Yan , Li Yuanyuan , Zhou Liquan , Yuan Shuiqiao
Published: March 2024

Spermiogenesis is a critical, post-meiotic phase of male gametogenesis, in which the proper gene expression is essential for sperm maturation. However, the underFlying molecular mechanism that controls mRNA expression in the round spermatids remains elusive. Here, we identify that FBXO24, an orphan F-box protein, is highly expressed in the testis of humans and mice and interacts with the splicing factors (SRSF2, SRSF3, and SRSF9) to modulate the gene alternative splicing in the round spermatids. Genetic mutation of FBXO24 in mice causes many abnormal splicing events in round spermatids, thus affecting a large number of critical genes related to sperm formation that were dysregulated. Further molecular and phenotypical analyses revealed that FBXO24 deficiency results in aberrant histone retention, incomplete axonemes, oversized chromatoid body, and abnormal mitochondrial coiling along sperm flagella, ultimately leading to male sterility. In addition, we discovered that FBXO24 interacts with MIWI and SCF subunits and mediates the degradation of MIWI via K48-linked polyubiquitination. Furthermore, we show that FBXO24 depletion could lead to aberrant piRNA production in testes, which suggests FBXO24 is required for normal piRNA counts. Collectively, these data demonstrate that FBXO24 is essential for sperm formation by regulating mRNA alternative splicing and MIWI degradation during spermiogenesis.
Neural attentional filters and behavioural outcome follow independent individual trajectories over the adult lifespan
Authors: Tune Sarah , Obleser Jonas
Published: March 2024

Preserved communication abilities promote healthy ageing. To this end, the age-typical loss of sensory acuity might in part be compensated for by an individual’s preserved attentional neural filtering. Is such a compensatory brain–behaviour link longitudinally stable? Can it predict individual change in listening behaviour? We here show that individual listening behaviour and neural filtering ability follow largely independent developmental trajectories modelling electroencephalographic and behavioural data of N = 105 ageing individuals (39–82 y). First, despite the expected decline in hearing-threshold-derived sensory acuity, listening-task performance proved stable over 2 y. Second, neural filtering and behaviour were correlated only within each separate measurement timepoint (T1, T2). Longitudinally, however, our results raise caution on attention-guided neural filtering metrics as predictors of individual trajectories in listening behaviour: neither neural filtering at T1 nor its 2-year change could predict individual 2-year behavioural change, under a combination of modelling strategies.
Bacillus velezensis HBXN2020 alleviates Salmonella Typhimurium infection in mice by improving intestinal barrier integrity and reducing inflammation
Authors: Wang Linkang , Wang Haiyan , Li Xinxin , Zhu Mengyuan , Gao Dongyang , Hu Dayue , Xiong Zhixuan , Li Xiangmin , Qian Ping
Published: March 2024

Bacillus velezensis is a species of Bacillus that has been widely investigated because of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. However, most studies on B. velezensis have focused on the biocontrol of plant diseases, with few reports on antagonizing Salmonella Typhimurium infections. In this investigation, it was discovered that B. velezensis HBXN2020, which was isolated from healthy black pigs, possessed strong anti-stress and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Importantly, B. velezensis HBXN2020 did not cause any adverse side effects in mice when administered at various doses (1×107, 1×108, and 1×109 CFU) for 14 days. Supplementing B. velezensis HBXN2020 spores, either as a curative or preventive measure, dramatically reduced the levels of S. Typhimurium ATCC14028 in the mice’s feces, ileum, cecum, and colon, as well as the disease activity index (DAI), in a model of infection caused by this pathogen in mice. Additionally, supplementing B. velezensis HBXN2020 spores significantly regulated cytokine levels (Tnfa, Il1b, Il6, and Il10) and maintained the expression of tight junction proteins and mucin protein. Most importantly, adding B. velezensis HBXN2020 spores to the colonic microbiota improved its stability and increased the amount of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus and Akkermansia). All together, B. velezensis HBXN2020 can improve intestinal microbiota stability and barrier integrity and reduce inflammation to help treat infection by S. Typhimurium.
Random genetic drift sets an upper limit on mRNA splicing accuracy in metazoans
Authors: Bénitière Florian , Necsulea Anamaria , Duret Laurent
Published: March 2024

Most eukaryotic genes undergo alternative splicing (AS), but the overall functional significance of this process remains a controversial issue. It has been noticed that the complexity of organisms (assayed by the number of distinct cell types) correlates positively with their genome-wide AS rate. This has been interpreted as evidence that AS plays an important role in adaptive evolution by increasing the functional repertoires of genomes. However, this observation also fits with a totally opposite interpretation: given that ‘complex’ organisms tend to have small effective population sizes (Ne), they are expected to be more affected by genetic drift, and hence more prone to accumulate deleterious mutations that decrease splicing accuracy. Thus, according to this ‘drift barrier’ theory, the elevated AS rate in complex organisms might simply result from a higher splicing error rate. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed 3496 transcriptome sequencing samples to quantify AS in 53 metazoan species spanning a wide range of Ne values. Our results show a negative correlation between Ne proxies and the genome-wide AS rates among species, consistent with the drift barrier hypothesis. This pattern is dominated by low abundance isoforms, which represent the vast majority of the splice variant repertoire. We show that these low abundance isoforms are depleted in functional AS events, and most likely correspond to errors. Conversely, the AS rate of abundant isoforms, which are relatively enriched in functional AS events, tends to be lower in more complex species. All these observations are consistent with the hypothesis that variation in AS rates across metazoans reflects the limits set by drift on the capacity of selection to prevent gene expression errors.
X-Ray Structure and enzymatic study of a Bacterial NADPH oxidase highlight the activation mechanism of eukaryotic NOX
Authors: Petit-Härtlein Isabelle , Vermot Annelise , Thépaut Michel , Humm Anne Sophie , Dupeux Florine , Dupuy Jérôme , Chaptal Vincent , Marquez José A. , Smith Susan M.E. , Fieschi Franck
Published: March 2024

NADPH oxidases (NOX) are transmembrane proteins that professionally produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are distributed widely in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Eukaryotes use the ROS products for innate immune defense and signaling; the seven human isoforms of NOX participate in critical physiological and pathophysiological processes. Recently solved structures of two human NOX isoforms provide much new information, but do not fully elucidate controls on the electron transfer pathway from NAD(P)H substrate through FAD and heme cofactors to the final ROS product. SpNOX, a bacterial NOX homolog from
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, shows robust constitutive activity in detergent solution, making it a good prototype for exploring electron transfer in the NOX family. Here we present crystal structures of wildtype and mutant full-length and dehydrogenase (DH) domain-only constructs of SpNOX. The isolated DH domain acts as a flavin reductase, and both DH and full-length constructs use either NADPH or NADH as substrate. Our data supports hydride transfer from NAD(P)H to FAD as the rate limiting step in electron transfer. Using the DH domain, we demonstrate the role of F397 in allowing access of nicotinamide to the flavin isoalloxazine, while in the full-length construct, we used mutants and flavin analogs to confirm the contribution of both domains to flavin binding observed in the structure. Comparison with homologous enzymes suggests distal heme access may influence the final electron acceptor, while the relative position of DH and TM does not necessarily correlate with activity of a given NOX family member. Based on this comparison, SpNOX appears to be a good model of active NOX2, which allows us to propose an explanation for NOX2’s requirement for activation.
Damage-induced basal epithelial cell migration modulates the spatial organization of redox signaling and sensory neuron regeneration
Authors: Fister Alexandra M. , Horn Adam , Lasarev Michael , Huttenlocher Anna
Published: March 2024

Epithelial damage leads to early reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, which regulates sensory neuron regeneration and tissue repair. How the initial type of tissue injury influences early damage signaling and regenerative growth of sensory axons remains unclear. Previously we reported that thermal injury triggers distinct early tissue responses in larval zebrafish. Here, we found that thermal but not mechanical injury impairs sensory axon regeneration and function. Real-time imaging revealed an immediate tissue response to thermal injury characterized by the rapid Arp2/3-dependent migration of keratinocytes, which was associated with tissue-scale ROS production and sustained sensory axon damage. Osmotic regulation induced by isotonic treatment was sufficient to limit keratinocyte movement, spatially-restrict ROS production and rescue sensory function. These results suggest that early keratinocyte dynamics regulate the spatial and temporal pattern of long-term signaling in the wound microenvironment during tissue repair.
Disruption in CYLC1 leads to acrosome detachment, sperm head deformity, and male in/subfertility in humans and mice
Authors: Jin Hui-Juan , Fan Yong , Yang Xiao-Yu , Dong Yue , Zhang Xiao-Zhen , Geng Xin-Yan , Yan Zheng , Wu Ling , Ma Meng , Li Bin , Lyu Qi-Feng , Pan Yun , Liu Ming-Xi , Kuang Yan-Ping , Chen Su-Ren
Published: March 2024

The perinuclear theca (PT) is a dense cytoplasmic web encapsulating the sperm nucleus. The physiological roles of PT in sperm biology and the clinical relevance of variants of PT proteins to male infertility are still largely unknown. We reveal that cylicin-1, a major constituent of the PT, is vital for male fertility in both mice and humans. Loss of cylicin-1 in mice leads to a high incidence of malformed sperm heads with acrosome detachment from the nucleus. Cylicin-1 interacts with itself, several other PT proteins, the inner acrosomal membrane (IAM) protein SPACA1, and the nuclear envelope (NE) protein FAM209 to form an ‘IAM-cylicins-NE’ sandwich structure, anchoring the acrosome to the nucleus. WES of more than 500 Chinese infertile men with sperm head deformities was performed and a
CYLC1
variant was identified in 19 patients.
Cylc1
-mutant mice carrying this variant also exhibited sperm acrosome/head deformities and reduced fertility, indicating that this
CYLC1
variant most likely affects human male reproduction. Furthermore, the outcomes of assisted reproduction were reported for patients harbouring the
CYLC1
variant. Our findings demonstrate a critical role of cylicin-1 in the sperm acrosome-nucleus connection and suggest
CYLC1
variants as potential risk factors for human male fertility.
Prediction error determines how memories are organized in the brain
Authors: Kennedy Nicholas GW , Lee Jessica C , Killcross Simon , Westbrook R Fred , Holmes Nathan M
Published: March 2024

How is new information organized in memory? According to latent state theories, this is determined by the level of surprise, or prediction error, generated by the new information: a small prediction error leads to the updating of existing memory, large prediction error leads to encoding of a new memory. We tested this idea using a protocol in which rats were first conditioned to fear a stimulus paired with shock. The stimulus was then gradually extinguished by progressively reducing the shock intensity until the stimulus was presented alone. Consistent with latent state theories, this gradual extinction protocol (small prediction errors) was better than standard extinction (large prediction errors) in producing long-term suppression of fear responses, and the benefit of gradual extinction was due to updating of the conditioning memory with information about extinction. Thus, prediction error determines how new information is organized in memory, and latent state theories adequately describe the ways in which this occurs.
Enhancing Soil Health and Sustainability: The Impact of Melia Dubia-based Agroforestry in a Semi-Arid Region of Haryana, India
Authors: Sumit . , Arya Sandeep , Nanda Krishma , Jangra Monika , Shivam
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the impact of a Melia dubia-based agroforestry system on soil properties in Gillan Khera, Fatehabad district, located in the semi-arid region of Haryana. Soil samples were collected from a 7-year-old plantation with a 3m × 3m spacing, where three oat varieties were intercropped. Parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, soil moisture, and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were analysed at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. Results revealed a decrease in soil pH and EC under trees, with values decreasing from 8.09 to 7.89 and 0.46 to 0.44 dSm-1, respectively. However, intercropped conditions exhibited higher levels of nitrogen (131.38 kg/ha), phosphorus (16.00 kg/ha), potassium (301.10 kg/ha), and organic carbon (0.46%) at both soil depths. Additionally, there was more soil moisture under the plantation. These findings suggest a positive correlation between tree growth and soil health. The study recommends the Melia dubia-based agroforestry system as a promising approach for enhancing soil fertility and promoting environmental sustainability.
Further phenotypic and genetic variation in ADULT syndrome
Authors: Reisler Tom T. , Patton Michael A. , Meagher Peter P.J.
Published: October 2006

ADULT (Acro‐dermato‐ungual‐lacrimal‐tooth) syndrome is characterized by ectrodactyly, syndactyly, fingernail and toenail dysplasia, hypoplasia of the breast and nipple, excessive freckling, lacrimal duct atresia, frontal alopecia, primary hypodontia, and/or early loss of permanent teeth. It is a rare autosomal dominant disorder which has been linked to mutation in the p63 gene. The p63 gene has been described in five overlapping limb malformation syndromes including the EEC syndrome (ectodermal ectrodactyly clefting). We report on the first case of ADULT syndrome of a mother and daughter with a new mutation R227Q in exon 6 of the p63 gene. This has not been previously associated with ADULT syndrome but only seen in EEC. In addition to the previously reported features of ADULT syndrome this report also describes some additional findings including hyperextensibility at the distal interphalageal joints, bilateral thumb duplication, bifid toenails, symptoms of urinary retention, vesicoureteric reflux, prominent ears, conductive hearing loss, and an overgrowth of a patch of hair in the midline of the neck. This report expands the knowledge of genotype–phenotype data on the p63 gene and suggests there may be a considerable overlap between the EEC syndrome and the ADULT syndrome. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microdeletion and microduplication 22q11.2 screening in 295 patients with clinical features of DiGeorge/Velocardiofacial syndrome
Authors: Brunet Anna , Gabau Elisabeth , Perich Rosa Maria , Valdesoiro Laura , Brun Carme , Caballín Maria Rosa , Guitart Miriam
Published: October 2006

The 22q11.2 region is susceptible to chromosomal rearrangements, leading to various types of congenital malformation and mental retardation. The most common anomaly is 22q11.2 microdeletion, associated with DiGeorge/Velocardiofacial syndrome (DG/VCFS). Recently the microduplication 22q11.2 syndrome has been identified. Some clinical features in patients with this new chromosomal disorder present a substantial overlap with DG/VCFS. The aim of this hospital‐based study was to evaluate the incidence of deletions and duplications on 22q11.2 in patients with DG/VCFS features. We investigated a group of 295 patients with widely variable manifestations associated with DG/VCFS. Along with the clinical diagnoses different anomalies were noted such as conotruncal cardiac anomaly, velopharyngeal insufficiency, characteristic facial dysmorphic features, language impairment, developmental delay/learning difficulties, and immunologic anomalies or thymic hypoplasia. Laboratory studies included conventional cytogenetic and FISH testing. Metaphase and interphase cells were analyzed for the presence of 22q11.2 microdeletion or microduplication. There were 12 patients who carried 22q11.2 microdeletion and no microduplication in the region was identified. Other chromosomal anomalies were reported in five patients with an overlapped DG/VCFS phenotype. All patients with 22q11.2 microdeletion showed a characteristic phenotype of DG/VCFS. We did not identify 22q11.2 microduplication, suggesting that this is a rare event in patients with DG/VCFS features. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DLL3 as a candidate gene for vertebral malformations
Authors: Giampietro Philip F. , Raggio Cathleen L. , Reynolds Cory , Ghebranious Nader , Burmester James K. , Glurich Ingrid , Rasmussen Kristen , McPherson Elizabeth , Pauli Richard M. , Shukla Sanjay K. , Merchant Sajid , Jacobsen F. Stig , Faciszewski Thomas , Blank Robert D.
Published: October 2006

Investigations have not identified a major locus for congenital vertebral malformations. Based on observations in mice, we hypothesized that mutations in DLL3, a member of the notch‐signaling pathway, might contribute to human vertebral malformations. We sequenced the DLL3 gene in 50 patients with congenital vertebral malformations. A Caucasian male patient with VACTERL manifestations including a T5–T6 block vertebrae was heterozygous for a “G” to “A” missense mutation changing glycine to arginine at codon 269. This residue is conserved in mammals, including chimpanzee, mouse, dog, and rat. Additional testing in the patient did not show evidence of chromosome abnormalities. The patient's asymptomatic mother was also heterozygous for the missense mutation. Since this mutation was not observed in a control population and leads to an amino acid change, it may be clinically significant. The mutation was not found in a control population of 87 anonymous individuals. Several established mechanisms could explain the mutation in both the patient and his asymptomatic mother (susceptibility allele requiring additional environmental factors, somatic mosaicism, multigenic inheritance). Documenting the absence of the mutation in a larger control population or the presence of the mutation in additional affected patients, or documenting a functional difference in DLL3 would provide further evidence supporting its causal role. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DNA sequence analysis of GJB2, encoding connexin 26: Observations from a population of hearing impaired cases and variable carrier rates, complex genotypes, and ethnic stratification of alleles among controls
Authors: Tang Hsiao‐Yuan , Fang Ping , Ward Patricia A. , Schmitt Eric , Darilek Sandra , Manolidis Spiros , Oghalai John S. , Roa Benjamin B. , Alford Raye Lynn
Published: October 2006

Mutations in GJB2 are associated with hereditary hearing loss. DNA sequencing of GJB2 in a cohort of hearing impaired patients and a multi‐ethnic control group is reported. Among 610 hearing impaired cases, 43 DNA sequence variations were identified in the coding region of GJB2 including 24 mutations, 8 polymorphisms, 3 unclassified variants (G4D, R127C, M163V), 1 controversial variant (V37I), and 7 novel variants (G12C, N14D, V63A, T86M, L132V, D159, 592_600delinsCAGTGTTCATGACATTC). Sixteen non‐coding sequence variations were also identified among cases including the IVS1+1A>G mutation, 2 polymorphisms, and 13 novel variants. A diagnosis of GJB2‐associated hearing loss was confirmed for 63 cases (10.3%). Heterozygous mutations were found in 39 cases (6.4%). Eleven cases carrying novel or unclassified variants (1.8 %) and 18 cases carrying the controversial V37I variant were identified (3%). In addition, 294 control subjects from 4 ethnic groups were sequenced for GJB2. Thirteen sequence variations in the coding region of GJB2 were identified among controls including 2 mutations, 6 polymorphisms, 2 unclassified variants (G4D, T123N), 1 controversial variant (V37I), and 2 novel variants (R127L, V207L). Nine sequence variations were identified among controls in the non‐coding regions in and around GJB2 exon 2. Of particular interest among controls were the variability in carrier rates and ethnic stratification of alleles, and the complex genotypes among Asians, 47% of whom carried two to four sequence variations in the coding region of GJB2. These data provide new information about carrier rates for GJB2‐based hearing loss in various ethnic groups and contribute to evaluation of the pathogenicity of the controversial V37I variant. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.