bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of LpnA in Francisella tularensis Susceptibility to Resazurin
Authors: Beatty Emma , Schmitt Deanna 
Published: April 2024

Francisella tularensis is classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a Category A bioterrorism agent due to its low infectious dose, ease of aerosolization, and high mortality rate. Given there is no licensed tularemia vaccine and the possibility of antibiotic-resistant F. tularensis strains, there is an urgent need to develop new treatments against this bacterium. Resazurin (Rz) has bactericidal activity against F. tularensis and other gram-negative bacteria including the human pathogens Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Helicobacter pylori. However, the mechanism of action for Rz has yet to be determined. To identify targets of Rz, we screened for Rz-resistant (Rzr) mutants of F. tularensis LVS. Whole genome sequencing was performed on 42 Rzr isolates and all contained mutations within the coding regions of FTL_0421 and FTL_1504. FTL_0421 encodes for LpnA, the major lipoprotein in F. tularensis. The FTL_0421 mutation in Rzr1 resulted in loss of LpnA expression which correlated with increased sensitivity to osmotic stress. To investigate the individual role of lpnA in Rz-resistance, a deletion mutant (ΔlpnA) was generated using standard molecular genetics techniques. An agar dilution assay was then performed to determine the Rz susceptibility of the ΔlpnA strain. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.75μg/mL was achieved for the ΔlpnA and the LVS wild-type strain. This data suggests mutation of lpnA alone is not sufficient to confer resistance to resazurin. In the future, we will investigate whether lpnA in combination with other genes like FTL_1504 play a role in resazurin susceptibility in F. tularensis. (Supported by NIH Grant P20GM103434 to the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence & the NASA Space Grant Consortium)
Peptidoglycan modulation by Francisella tularensis
Authors: Hess Hayden 
Published: April 2024

HAYDEN HESS, STUART CANTLAY, JOSEPH HORZEMPA, Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV 26074 and MELANIE SAL, Department of Biology, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV 26201. Peptidoglycan modulation by Francisella tularensis.

Peptidoglycan, a crucial component of bacterial cell walls, plays a fundamental role in maintaining cell shape, integrity, and resistance to osmotic pressure. Mycoplasmas are the only bacteria that do not produce peptidoglycan cell walls. Other peptidoglycan-producing bacteria are capable of transiently existing without a peptidoglycan as an “L-form”, but only on solid media. Preliminary observations made by our laboratory suggested that Francisella tularensis bacteria do not produce detectible levels of peptidoglycan while growing in liquid media. However, increasing salt concentration induces the production of peptidoglycan in all bacteria. In this study we confirmed and extended these observations by incubating bacteria with fluorescent D-alanine (which integrates into the peptidoglycan during synthesis). Fluorescence microscopy revealed that very few F. tularensis bacteria produce detectable peptidoglycan in low salt media, while seemingly all individual bacteria produce this layer in high salt media. Interestingly, the genome of F. tularensis encodes two distinct beta-lactamases. Here we show that both the wild-type F. tularensis LVS and beta-lactamase null mutant were both resistant to high levels of beta-lactam antibiotics in low salt liquid media. However, only the wild type and complemented mutant strains were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics in high salt media while the beta lactamase null mutant was susceptible. These data further support the conclusion that F. tularensis does not produce, nor need, peptidoglycan in low salt liquid media. Future studies will investigate whether peptidoglycan modulation is required to avoid detection by the innate immune system.
Design and Implementation of Large-Scale Hard Rock AMD Dewatering and REE Production
Authors: Bird Ian , King Michael 
Published: April 2024

To develop a domestic Rare Earth Elements (REE) supply chain the Hydraulic Preconcentrate (HPC) produced at the Horseshoe bend treatment plant (HSB) was evaluated as a potential source for feedstock. After the clarifiers were flipped to the desired pH set points, a total of 24 Geobags were repeatedly filled and allowed to passively dewater. The Geobags evaluated were comprised of a mix of Woven, Non-woven, and Capillary Channel Fiber (CCF). The bags were constructed with either a composite of woven and nonwoven or only woven geotextile. Half of the bags of both types also included “fins” made of CCF to evaluate their impact on dewatering. Column Filtration Tests (CFTs) were performed onsite to provide laboratory value for hydraulic conductivity. Throughout their dewatering, the geobags were sampled to determine their rate of dewatering. Influent samples from HSB were also tested to produce a Specific Gravity (Gs), via pycnometer testing and Grain Size Distribution (GSD), via sieve and hydrometer analysis.
The dewatering ability of the geobags was high regardless of bag material with a mean total solids percentage of approximately 40% across all samples after only one month of dewatering. The GSD performed on the HPC is gap graded with most particles having a diameter of approximately 0.5-0.05mm. Hydraulic conductivity values for the filter cakes during Column Filtration Testing ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 meters/day. This data will help to guide development of future large-scale HPC dewatering and the parametric design of an REE oxide production plant at the HSB site.
Fingerprint Correlation Between Twins
Authors: Barnes Cody 
Published: April 2024

CODY BARNES, KRISTY HENSON, MARK FLOOD, Department of Natural Sciences, Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV, 26201 Fingerprint correlation between identical twins
When teaching about the uniqueness of fingerprints it is commonly said that identical twin fingerprint characteristics are not identical however, limited research has been conducted to determine if there are any correlations between similar print characteristics. In the recent past unrelated individuals have been misidentified based on fingerprint similarities in forensics cases and this may be more likely among twins. This research case study’s objective is to determine if there are any correlations between fingerprint characteristics of identical twins and the probability of misidentification. Identical twin fingerprints were rolled and collected onto 10 print cards then blindly analyzed using Henry Classification, AFIS, and NCIC techniques. Preliminary results indicate a strong relationship between characteristics, but it is not significant (0.49; p = 0.35); fingerprint characteristics between hands were not significantly different (R: p = 0.75, L: p = 0.24). Results indicate there could be a possibility of misidentification, but more twin fingerprints should be analyzed.
Examining the Density Gradient Along the Rhizophora mangle Propagule
Authors: Mohn Marissa , Murphy Sytil , Cole Jacqueline , Reynolds Sara 
Published: April 2024

Mangroves grow in tropical regions around the globe, but these dense forests have been declining due to agriculture, industry, and climate change. Mangrove propagules are not seeds but the seedlings themselves that grow on the parent tree until they reach maturity and fall. They are water dispersed, floating horizontally in seawater and vertically in brackish water. The purpose of this study was to further investigate whether there is a gradient change in density longitudinally along the Rhizophora mangle propagule that results in this floatation behavior. This study also explored whether there was a difference in density between the medulla and the cortex within the propagule. Propagules were cut into one-centimeter sections and placed in a pycnometer to calculate their density. The average densities of these categories were graphed and had a correlation coefficient of 0.6036 showing a strong positive correlation. The medulla, or inner ring, was removed from the cortex and placed in water to determine if there was a difference in buoyancies. In the plumule end of the propagule, both the medulla and cortex floated. Towards the radicle end of the propagule, the cortex would sink while the medulla would continue to float. The research raises the question if there is a difference between the cortex in the radicle end and the cortex in the plumule end but supports the idea that there is a change in density along the propagule longitudinally that plays a role in the buoyancy of the mangrove propagules.
Evidence of Nesfatin-1 in Mouse Intestinal Enteroendocrine Cells
Authors: Ramesh Naresh , Hatfield Logan , Shufflebarger Hannah 
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Post-prandial insulin secretion is predominantly regulated by four intestinal hormones: glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), Cholecystokinin (CCK) and peptide YY (PYY). Nesfatin-1, an insulinotropic and anorexigenic secreted peptide was reported in mouse hypothalamus. Data supporting nesfatin-1 expression in intestine is minimal. Is nesfatin-1 expressed in mouse intestinal cells? Does it affect intestinal hormones known to stimulate or inhibit insulin secretion? We present STC-1 cells as viable in vitro models to study nesfatin-1’s biological action in intestine.

Methods: Immunofluorescence histochemistry (IHC) of intestinal sections from male C57BL/6 mice were carried out. STC-1 cells (n=8 wells/treatment) were dose-dependently treated with nesfatin-1, followed by RT-qPCR and immunoassay (ELISA) respectively. One-Way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test using GraphPad Prism software was used for data analysis. p<0.01 was considered statistically significant.

Results: IHC showed NUCB2/nesfatin-1 co-localizing CCK, PYY and GLP-1 in the intestinal mucosa of mice. Static incubation of STC-1 cells with nesfatin-1 upregulated both CCK, PYY and GLP-1 mRNA expression (1 and 10nM) and secretion at 1 hr post-incubation (0.1, 1 and 10nM). Conversely, nesfatin-1 downregulated PYY mRNA expression and secretion in STC-1 cells (all doses tested).

Conclusion: The current data shows cell-specific localization of nesfatin-1 in the intestinal mucosa and establishes STC-1 cells as in vitro models to study nesfatin-1. This study adds a novel function for intestinal nesfatin-1 in stimulating insulinotropic intestinal hormones (GLP-1, GIP, CCK) and inhibit PYY which is insulinostatic.
Extratos de fungos endofíticos como potenciais promotores de crescimento em plantulas da soja (Glycine max (L.) Merril
Authors: Ferreira Tatiani Pereira de Souza , Jumbo Luis Oswaldo Viteri , Ferreira Talita Pereira de Souza , Armijos María José González , Mourão Dalmarcia de Souza Carlos , Santos Gil Rodrigues dos 
Published: April 2024

Os microrganismos endófitos são promissores no campo agrícola como potenciais estimuladores de crescimento. Assim, foi avaliado o potencial estimulador de fungos endofíticos na soja (Glycine max (L.) Merril. Inicialmente foram coletadas 12 amostras de fungos endofíticos em diversas partes de várias espécies de plantas cultivadas. Estes fungos foram isolados, identificados e cultivados e em processo de fermentação durante 72h. Após deste processo foi preparada uma concentração ao 60% para ser aplicada. Plântulas de soja previamente semeadas em potes de plástico de 500 ml contendo substrato esterilizado e sem nenhum tipo de adubação e com 7 dias de idade foram pulverizadas com 5mL da solução previamente preparada. As plântulas foram mantidas em estufa a 28°C e fotoperíodo 12 horas. Após de 8 dias desde a aplicação dos extratos foram avaliados o tamanho e o diâmetro do caule e a raiz. Posteriormente a massa fresca e seca usando uma balança de precisão foi avaliada. Os resultados evidenciaram que dos 12 fungos aplicados nas plântulas, oito incrementaram significativamente o comprimento do caule, com um maior destaque para as plantas tratadas com Purpureocillium lilacinum e Penicillium citrinum. Já o diâmetro do caule foi maior em todos os tratamentos exceto nas plantas tratadas com Penicillium citrinum. O comprimento da raiz também foi incrementado significativamente quando tratados com algumas espécies de fungos. Similarmente a massa aérea e radicular também foi incrementada dependendo dos tratamentos. Conclusivamente nossos resultados mostram o potencial uso destes fungos como bioestimuladores radiculares o de caule da soja.
Monkeypox: re-emerging zoonosis with repercussions on the mental health of the population
Authors: Barba Carmen , Silva de Méndez Chiquinquirá , García Carolina , Carrero Yenddy 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: re-emerging diseases, especially zoonoses, represent a public health problem, with a profound impact on global dynamics. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious damage to the physical and mental health of the population, who are still not over the shock provoked, when not very encouraging news appear, a particular outbreak of smallpox known as monkeypox (MPX) that has the health authorities on alert. Objective: to demonstrate the repercussion of zoonoses, especially MPX, on the mental health of the population. Methods: a literature review was carried out following the PRISMA model, for this purpose the MeSH descriptors were entered into the PubMed, Elsevier, Scielo and LILACS search servers in Spanish and English and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Results: 23 studies were obtained, which refer to the impact caused by pandemics on mental health, especially psychosocial disorders, isolation, and economic recession, as well as fear, loneliness, disconnection, and depression. In June 2022, the first case of MPX-related suicide is reported. Conclusions: psychological evaluation is needed in suspected and confirmed cases of MPX, especially those patients admitted to isolation wards, allowing early identification of mental involvement and/or history of mental illness
The Shengen Agreement and European Integration
Authors: Muskaj Blerina 
Published: April 2024

Since the conclusion of the Schengen Agreement, the importance of asylum and migration policy for the EU has increased significantly. "Schengen" constitutes an essential element of the freedom of movement formulated by the European Union as the central objective of its policy, i.e. the unrestricted movement of all citizens between EU member states and the freedom of establishment granted therein. Cooperation of EU member states is mainly based on the development of restrictive rules for a common border and visa policy, as well as cooperation to limit asylum immigration. Since the 1990s, tools to improve border controls have mainly consisted of regulations declaring other states “safe third countries” and “safe countries of origin and transit,” making them responsible for asylum procedures. Such regulations have often been supported by treaties with countries of origin or transit, which have not always been willing or able to guarantee human rights. Member states in their domestic policies have extensive debates and disagreements on the direction of asylum policy. While some states want to protect the rights of those seeking protection, others prioritize controlling and limiting immigration. In the early 2000s, the EU decided on minimum standards for national asylum legislation and asylum procedures, not in the interests of those seeking protection, but mainly to prevent those seeking protection from moving to find better conditions in other countries according to very different standards. . However, minimum standards have remained limited by national discretion, so differences in procedures and benefits afforded to recognized asylum seekers and refugees remain extremely wide.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
Juveniles Between Crime and Justice
Authors: Shehdula Mirseda , Musaraj Joniada 
Published: April 2024

In this study, is discussed the relationship between young people and their possibility to commit crimes. It is also studied what are the determining factors that show that a special category of young people is more predisposed to commit crimes. It has been seen that the role of the parent is more important and that together with social policies, criminal offenses by young people can be prevented. Criminal acts must be suppressed, condemned, and punished. Nevertheless, children and adolescents who commit criminal acts must be educated and supported in a growth process that should be the objective of government policy for all young people, including young offenders. The study seeks to prove that vices such as drugs, alcohol and illegal gambling are among the main factors that lead a young person to commit a crime. The study was carried out using the quantitative and qualitative method of scientific research.

Received: 25 December 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 23 April 2024
RECURRENT RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN
Authors: Грицинская Вера Людвиговна 
Published: April 2024

В лекции представлены анатомо-физиологические предпосылки возникновения, этиопатогенетические механизмы и медико-социальные факторы риска формирования рекуррентной респираторной патологии у детей разного возраста. Описаны возможности профилактики хронических заболеваний и реабилитационных мероприятий у детей с рекуррентными респираторными инфекциями.
The lecture presents the anatomical and physiological prerequisites for the occurrence, etiopathogenetic mechanisms and medical and social risk factors for the formation of recurrent respiratory pathology in children of diff erent ages. The possibilities for the prevention of chronic diseases and rehabilitation measures in children with recurrent respiratory infections are described.
DOCTOR OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, PROFESSOR KONSTANTIN ALBERTOVICH SHAPOVALOV IS 70 YEARS OLD
Authors: Тентюкова А.А. 
Published: April 2024

14 марта 2024 года врачу-исследователю, доктору медицинских наук, профессору Константину Альбертовичу Шаповалову исполняется 70 лет.
On March 14, 2024, the research doctor, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Konstantin Albertovich Shapovalov turns 70 years old.
Age group‐specific changes in keratinocyte cancer treatment rates in Australia, 2012–2021: a retrospective cohort study based on MBS claims data
Authors: Olsen Catherine M , Pandeya Nirmala , Neale Rachel E , Whiteman David C 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo examine recent changes in the numbers of Medicare‐subsidised keratinocyte cancer excisions, particularly for younger people exposed to primary prevention campaigns since the early 1980s.Study designRetrospective cohort study; analysis of administrative data.Setting, participantsAnalysis of Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) claims data for procedures related to the diagnosis and treatment of keratinocyte cancer in Australia, 2012–2021.Main outcome measuresAge‐standardised rates for MBS‐subsidised claims for first surgical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) excisions, Mohs surgery, surgical excisions of benign lesions, skin biopsies, and cryotherapy or serial curettage of premalignant and malignant lesions, overall, and by sex, state/territory, and age group; average annual percentage change in rate for time intervals determined by joinpoint regression.ResultsIn men, the age‐standardised rate of BCC/SCC excisions increased by 1.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–2.4%) per year during 2012–2019 (from 2931 to 3371 per 100 000 men) and then declined by 3.8% (95% CI, 0.5–7.0%) per year during 2019–2021 (to 3152 per 100 000). In women, the age‐standardised rate increased by 2.2% (95% CI, 1.7–2.8%) per year during 2012–2019 (from 1798 to 2093 per 100 000 women); the decline to 1967 excisions per 100 000 women in 2021 was not statistically significant. BCC/SCC excision rates declined for men under 55 years of age (by 1.0–3.4% per year) and women under 45 years of age (by 1.7–2.3% per year). Age‐standardised biopsy rates increased during 2012–2021 in all age groups (by 2.8–6.9% per year).ConclusionsRates of MBS‐subsidised treatment for keratinocyte cancers increased during 2012–2019, but BCC/SCC treatment rates declined among younger Australians, who have probably been exposed to less sunlight than earlier generations because of public health interventions and population‐wide lifestyle changes related to technology use.
Improvement of area accuracy in general boundary areas in Kenya:
Authors: Bernard Ochori Ogechi  , Patroba Achola Odera  
Published: April 2024

Land ownership in the vast Kenyan Trust land is through the process of Land adjudication. The Preliminary Index Diagrams (PIDs) are the official map documents that together with adjudication records constitute the adjudication register that forms the basis for determination and registration of interests and rights over land. The PIDs are produced from enlarged, marked and un-rectified aerial photographs; as a result they contain distortions to parcel area which more than often is a source of land disputes, especially in resolving the gap between area contained in the title deeds and the actual parcel area on the ground. Generally, the uncertainty in PID area is about 20% of the actual area. We propose a procedure that can be used to reduce large errors in PIDs by comparing ground survey and PID areas in Juja. To achieve the objectives of this study, PIDs of 31 large plots in Juja were prepared from un-rectified aerial photographs. The area of each parcel was measured in the usual way, using plannimeter. Ground surveyed areas for the same parcels within the area of study were obtained from existing survey plans, normally referred to as folio references (F/Rs), and also through ground survey on parcels without F/Rs. The root mean square of the differences between PIDs and ground survey (F/Rs) areas was Â±14.63 hectares. The distortions increased with increase in areal size. A conversion equation was developed to reduce areal errors. Using the conversion equation on PID areas, the root mean square of the differences reduced from Â±14.63 to Â±2.95 hectares, representing an improvement of 80%. The correction equation obtained can be used to obtain corrected parcel areas to facilitate accurate valuation of land parcels in the PID areas. This technique is simple because it requires only PID areas and it works well.
MULTILETRAMENTOS E BLOGS NO ENSINO: PROTAGONISMO E CRIATIVIDADE COM ALUNOS DE ESCOLAS PÚBLICAS
Authors: Santos Alice Rocha , Capuchinho Adriana Carvalho , Melo Richardson Carvalho , Silva Rafael Lisboa da 
Published: April 2024

Descrevemos a inserção dos multiletramentos (COPE; KALANTZIS; PINHEIRO, 2020) com blogs em práticas de ensino de língua portuguesa por meio de gêneros discursivos (BAKHTIN, 2006) em sequências didáticas (DOLZ; NOVERRAZ; SCHNEUWLY, 2004) em duas escolas de Porto Nacional-TO. Houve pesquisa-ação com observação participante. Realizamos oficinas em dois modos: a) criação de blogs e postagens para os participantes do PIBID Língua Portuguesa da UFT; b) postagem em blog com alunos das escolas parceiras do Pibid a partir de uma sequência didática do gênero notícia conduzida pelos pibidianos. Os resultados mostraram alto envolvimento nas práticas digitais e desenvolvimento na leitura e na escrita a partir do protagonismo dos estudantes das escolas e dos professores em formação.