Multiple Roles Research Articles

Energy Efficiency of Conifer Cones and Seed Extraction Residue Biomass

Sustainable forest management, which accounts for the multiple roles played by forests, includes seed collection from selected areas for forest renewal and regeneration. The process of harvesting conifer seeds generates considerable amounts of waste biomass that can be used as a source of energy to supplement the local solid fuel market. Therefore, their quality is an important consideration. The mass fraction of Scots pine seed extraction residues was determined in this study. The thermophysical properties and elemental composition of the residues and spent Norway spruce and European larch cones (after seed extraction) were evaluated. An analysis of Scots pine seed extraction residues revealed that only cones had practical application. They accounted for more than 99% of total residue biomass and were characterized by the lowest content of ash, sulfur, and chlorine. The calorific value of cones of the analyzed tree species ranged from 17.08 to 18.29 MJ kg−1, the chlorine content was 0.010–0.041% DM, and the sulfur content was 0.019–0.043% DM. Due to the specificity of the extraction process, the generated waste, including cones, had a very low moisture content of 6.86–10.02%, which significantly increased their value as solid fuel.

Leading report of molecular prevalence of tick borne Anaplasma marginale and Theileria ovis in yaks (Bos grunniens) from Pakistan.

Domestic yak (Bos grunniens) is an economically important feature of the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan where agriculture is restricted and yaks play multiple roles which includes being a source of milk, meat, hides, fuel and power. However little is known about the parasitic infections in Pakistani yaks. Aim of this research was to report the prevalence and genetic diversity of protozoa parasite (Theileria ovis, 18S rDNA gene was targeted) and an obligate bacterium (Anaplasma marginale, msp-1 gene was amplified) in the blood that was sampled from 202 yaks collected from four districts in Gilgit-Baltistan during January 2023 till January 2024. Results revealed that 6/202 (3%) yaks were of Theileria ovis while 8/202 (4%) were Anaplasma marginale infected. Positive PCR products of both parasites were confirmed by DNA sequencing and their similarity with previously available pathogen sequences was determined by BLAST analysis. Phylogenetic tree indicated that isolates of both parasites displayed genetic. Anaplasma marginale infection varied with the sampling districts and Shigar district had the highest rate of bacterial infection. Cows were significantly more prone to Theileria ovis infection than bulls. Calf and hybrid yaks were more prone to Anaplasma marginale infection. In conclusion, this is the first report that yaks residing the Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan are infected with Theileria ovis and Anaplasma marginale. Similar larger scales studies are recommended in various regions of Gilgit-Baltistan to document the infection rates of these parasites to formulate strategies that will lead to the effective control of these pathogens.

Protein profiling and immunoinformatic analysis of the secretome of a metal-resistant environmental isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa S-8.

The bacterial secretome represents a comprehensive catalog of proteins released extracellularly that have multiple important roles in virulence and intercellular communication. This study aimed to characterize the secretome of an environmental isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa S-8 by analyzing trypsin-digested culture supernatant proteins using nano-LC-MS/MS tool. Using a combined approach of bioinformatics and mass spectrometry, 1088 proteins in the secretome were analyzed by PREDLIPO, SecretomeP 2.0, SignalP 4.1, and PSORTb tool for their subcellular localization and further categorization of secretome proteins according to signal peptides. Using the gene ontology tool, secretome proteins were categorized into different functional categories. KEGG pathway analysis identified the secreted proteins into different metabolic functional pathways. Moreover, our LC-MS/MS data revealed the secretion of various CAZymes into the extracellular milieu, which suggests its strong biotechnological applications to breakdown complex carbohydrate polymers. The identified immunodominant epitopes from the secretome of P. aeruginosa showed the characteristic of being non-allergenic, highly antigenic, nontoxic, and having a low risk of triggering autoimmune responses, which highlights their potential as successful vaccine targets. Overall, the identification of secreted proteins of P. aeruginosa could be important for both diagnostic purposes and the development of an effective candidate vaccine.

Structure and interactions of the endogenous human Commander complex.

The Commander complex, a 16-protein assembly, plays multiple roles in cell homeostasis, cell cycle and immune response. It consists of copper-metabolism Murr1 domain proteins (COMMD1-10), coiled-coil domain-containing proteins (CCDC22 and CCDC93), DENND10 and the Retriever subcomplex (VPS26C, VPS29 and VPS35L), all expressed ubiquitously in the body and linked to various diseases. Here, we report the structure and key interactions of the endogenous human Commander complex by cryogenic-electron microscopy and mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The complex consists of a stable core of COMMD1-10 and an effector containing DENND10 and Retriever, scaffolded together by CCDC22 and CCDC93. We establish the composition of Commander and reveal major interaction interfaces. These findings clarify its roles in intracellular transport, and uncover a strong association with cilium assembly, and centrosome and centriole functions.

Transformative public procurement for innovation: ordinary, dynamic and functional capabilities

ABSTRACT Public Procurement for Innovation (PPI) requires multiple roles from the public administration according to the problem-solution space, delineated by the level of consensus around the definition of the needs of the contracting authority and the potential solutions to address them. Each role involves a distinct mix of capabilities, which we categorize as ordinary (i.e. doing things right), dynamic (i.e. doing the right things) and functional (i.e. addressing functional challenges). Following a Mutual Learning Exercise with procurement officials of 15 European countries, we identify 45 capabilities for contracting authorities to embrace the different facets of PPI as a transformative policy instrument.

The Multiple Roles of Heat Shock Proteins in the Development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory condition of the human intestine, comprises Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). IBD causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms and increases the risk of developing colorectal carcinoma. Although the etiology of IBD remains ambiguous, complex interactions between genetic predisposition, microbiota, epithelial barrier, and immune factors have been implicated. The disruption of intestinal homeostasis is a cardinal characteristic of IBD. Patients with IBD exhibit intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, impaired epithelial tight junctions, and immune dysregulation; however, the relationship between them is not completely understood. As the largest body surface is exposed to the external environment, the gastrointestinal tract epithelium is continuously subjected to environmental and endogenous stressors that can disrupt cellular homeostasis and survival. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are endogenous factors that play crucial roles in various physiological processes, such as maintaining intestinal homeostasis and influencing IBD progression. Specifically, HSPs share an intricate association with microbes, intestinal epithelium, and the immune system. In this review, we aim to elucidate the impact of HSPs on IBD development by examining their involvement in the interactions between the intestinal microbiota, epithelial barrier, and immune system. The recent clinical and animal models and cellular research delineating the relationship between HSPs and IBD are summarized. Additionally, new perspectives on IBD treatment approaches have been proposed.

MYC: there is more to it than cancer.

MYC is a pleiotropic transcription factor involved in multiple cellular processes. While its mechanism of action and targets are not completely elucidated, it has a fundamental role in cellular proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, ribogenesis, and bone and vascular development. Over 4decades of research and some 10,000 publications linking it to tumorigenesis (by searching PubMed for "MYC oncogene") have led to MYC becoming a most-wanted target for the treatment of cancer, where many of MYC's physiological functions become co-opted for tumour initiation and maintenance. In this context, an abundance of reviews describes strategies for potentially targeting MYC in the oncology field. However, its multiple roles in different aspects of cellular biology suggest that it may also play a role in many additional diseases, and other publications are indeed linking MYC to pathologies beyond cancer. Here, we review these physiological functions and the current literature linking MYC to non-oncological diseases. The intense efforts towards developing MYC inhibitors as a cancer therapy will potentially have huge implications for the treatment of other diseases. In addition, with a complementary approach, we discuss some diseases and conditions where MYC appears to play a protective role and hence its increased expression or activation could be therapeutic.

Dendritic spines and their role in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders.

Since Cajal introduced dendritic spines in the 19thcentury, they have attained considerable attention, especially in neuropsychiatric and neurologic disorders. Multiple roles of dendritic spine malfunction and pathology in the progression of various diseases have been reported. Thus, it is inevitable to consider these structures as newtherapeutic targets for treating neuropsychiatric and neurologic disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, dementia, Down syndrome, etc. Therefore, we attempted to prepare a narrative review of the literature regarding the role of dendritic spines in the pathogenesis ofaforementioned diseases and to shed new light on their pathophysiology.

Health, Religion, and Politics: Re-assessing the Role of Christian Missionaries in Colonial Assam

Abstract Most studies of Christian missionaries in British Assam have focused on their role in promoting Christianity or education, not to mention their contributions to the development and standardization of local languages. There has been a singular lack of studies concerning the immense contributions made by the missionaries in setting up a healthcare infrastructure in the region. This absence has further distorted the debate on whether the missionaries operated as independent agents or as auxiliaries of the state. This paper dwells on the medical work carried out by the missionaries in British Assam and contends that the missionaries fulfilled multiple roles and functions in the province. We argue that the significance of the work of the missionaries is enhanced by the utter neglect of healthcare by the colonial state in the frontier region.

Why do Citizens Criminalize Migrants? Experimental Evidence from a Multi-Role Country, Mexico

Every year, millions of immigrants arrive in countries that play multiple roles: they expel them, receive them, or shelter them. Sometimes, citizens welcome immigrants with open arms. Other times, they perceive them as potential criminals. Surprisingly, there is little research on the determinants of criminalization in multi-role countries. In this article, we analyze the results from a nationally representative survey experiment where we investigate how two sources of variation (the skin tone and national origin of others) bias citizens’ willingness to blame suspects for crime. We find that individuals criminalize suspects more when they have a darker skin tone and, against expectations, less when they come from El Salvador. Moreover, in exploratory analyses, we find that coloristic bias is exacerbated among individuals with lower levels of education and, surprisingly, among those with a darker skin tone. Also interesting is that we found that, against contact theory, anti-American bias is stronger among Mexicans with direct or indirect cross-national contact. Our results highlight the various degrees to which migratory contexts influence public opinion.

Micronutrients in Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

About 10 to 20% of reported pregnancies have complications like spontaneous abortion (SA), preeclampsia (PE), preterm birth (PTB), and fetal growth restriction (FGR); 60% are attributed to maternal nutritional alterations. Multiple micronutrients (MMN) are supplemented in the antenatal period, but no proper validation/guidelines are available regarding dosing/time, the need for initiation, and the duration of supplementation. Studies have reported adverse pregnancy complications related to the overuse/unwanted use of multiple micronutrient supplementations during pregnancy. Identifying the exact population requiring supplementation is necessary to prevent its abuse. This article attempts to review the impacts of micronutrient deficiency/supplementation in cases of SA, FGR, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm delivery and PE. The study used a literature search using PubMed, Google Scholar, Mendeley, and Scopus Databases using search words pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm delivery, preeclampsia (PE) or “adverse pregnancy” associated with minerals, micronutrients, or supplementation. The review also considered in-house literature databases, a single-window search at Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Health sciences library, MAHE (Manipal Academy of Higher Education). The figures included in the study were created by Biorender.com. Micronutrients play multiple roles during pregnancy and fetoplacental growth stimulating growth hormone secretion, Lysyl oxidase (LOX), involved in the crosslinking between collagen and elastin in the amniotic membrane, downregulation of interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, Il-10, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and several chemokines involved in hypertension, immune-inflammatory pathways, attenuate insulin resistance, structural development of neurons and glia. Over-supplementation has led to complications such as spontaneous abortion and gestational diabetes mellitus. Since there is a lack of standardization concerning micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy, there is a need for systematic study related to the role of micronutrients during each trimester of pregnancy to optimize its supplementation and to prevent hazards associated with its abuse.

The Spatial Relationship between Cities and Mountains in Jiangnan Region in the Qing Dynasty Based on Historical Texts

The Jiangnan region of China boasts a superior natural environment, and the combination of cities and mountains that form its historical landscape give it unique attributes. Local chronicles serve as an abundant source of information for visualizing this historic environment. This study aims to achieve two objectives: (1) to use digital humanities methods to process textual information in local chronicles, and (2) to visualize the historical relationships formed by the mountains and cities. In this study, we chose Suzhou, Zhenjiang, Jiaxing, Huzhou, and Songjiang in the Jiangnan region during the Qing Dynasty as our research sites. Through textual analysis and data visualization, we classified and reconstructed the historical spatial patterns of cities and mountains. As a result, our study provides a reproduction of the past spatial relationship between cities and mountains in the Jiangnan region during the Qing Dynasty. The research findings indicate that natural mountains play multiple roles in shaping the historical urban environment, particularly in terms of cultural images, notably the symbolic function they hold. The preservation of the urban natural environment, as seen through the vantage point of the historical landscape, is a critical component in contemporary urban development. The digital humanities methodologies utilized within this paper can be extended to other cultural heritage research, based on pre-existing local historical literature.

Genome-wide identification and comparative analysis of the Amino Acid Transporter (AAT) gene family and their roles during Phaseolus vulgaris symbioses

Amino acid transporters (AATs) are essential integral membrane proteins that serve multiple roles, such as facilitating the transport of amino acids across cell membranes. They play a crucial role in the growth and development of plants. Phaseolus vulgaris, a significant legume crop, serves as a valuable model for studying root symbiosis. In this study, we have conducted an exploration of the AAT gene family in P. vulgaris. In this research, we identified 84 AAT genes within the P. vulgaris genome sequence and categorized them into 12 subfamilies based on their similarity and phylogenetic relationships with AATs found in Arabidopsis and rice. Interestingly, these AAT genes were not evenly distributed across the chromosomes of P. vulgaris . Instead, there was an unusual concentration of these genes located toward the outer edges of chromosomal arms. Upon conducting motif analysis and gene structural analysis, we observed a consistent presence of similar motifs and an intron-exon distribution pattern among the subfamilies. When we analyzed the expression profiles of PvAAT genes, we noted tissue-specific expression patterns. Furthermore, our investigation into AAT gene expression under rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbiotic conditions revealed that certain genes exhibited high levels of expression. Specifically, ATLa5 and LHT2 was notably upregulated under both symbiotic conditions. These findings point towards a potential role of AATs in the context of rhizobial and mycorrhizal symbiosis in P. vulgaris, in addition to their well-established regulatory functions.

α-Synuclein: Multiple pathogenic roles in trafficking and proteostasis pathways in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. A hallmark of both familial and sporadic PD is the presence of Lewy body inclusions composed mainly of aggregated α-synuclein (α-syn), a presynaptic protein encoded by the SNCA gene. The mechanisms driving the relationship between α-syn accumulation and neurodegeneration are not completely understood, although recent evidence indicates that multiple branches of the proteostasis pathway are simultaneously perturbed when α-syn aberrantly accumulates within neurons. Studies from patient-derived midbrain cultures that develop α-syn pathology through the endogenous expression of PD-causing mutations show that proteostasis disruption occurs at the level of synthesis/folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), downstream ER-Golgi trafficking, and autophagic-lysosomal clearance. Here, we review the fundamentals of protein transport, highlighting the specific steps where α-syn accumulation may intervene and the downstream effects on proteostasis. Current therapeutic efforts are focused on targeting single pathways or proteins, but the multifaceted pathogenic role of α-syn throughout the proteostasis pathway suggests that manipulating several targets simultaneously will provide more effective disease-modifying therapies for PD and other synucleinopathies.

The multiple roles of nerve biopsy in the diagnosis and prognosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

The multiple roles of nerve biopsy in the diagnosis and prognosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Trifunctional Rb+-Intercalation Enhancing the Electrochemical Cyclability of Ammonium Vanadate Cathode for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have been highly desired due to their low cost, intrinsic safety, environmental friendliness, and great potential in large-scale power storage systems. However, their practical applications are impeded by unstable long-term electrochemical performances induced by microstructure degradation of the cathode material, hydrogen evolution reaction in the electrolyte, and dendritic growth on the zinc anode upon cycling. In this work, rubidium cations (Rb+) are introduced to synthesize an Rb+-preintercalated NH4V4O10 (NVO-Rb) composite. The contribution of Rb+ ions as pillars in V-O interlayers to facilitating Zn2+ storage is investigated first, and then the influences of partial Rb+ ions from the NVO-Rb cathode on the aqueous electrolyte and zinc anode are specially inspected from different viewpoints. Based on a series of characterization results, it is comprehensively elucidated that the partial Rb+ ions into the electrolyte suppress the generation of byproducts on the cathode and regulate the dendrite growth on the zinc anode, thus effectively promoting the long-term electrochemical performances of NVO-based AZIBs. The assembled Zn∥Zn(CF3SO3)2∥NVO-Rb cell can exhibit a high specific capacity and optimized Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, especially an improved electrochemical cyclability with a capacity retention of 87.6% at 5 A g-1 over 10000 cycles. This study enlightens the multiple roles of cation-preintercalation in the layered structure material and provides a feasible strategy for the development of high-performance aqueous batteries.

Light-Activated BF3·Et2O-Promoted Generation of Singlet Oxygen and Cascade Reaction of Unsaturated Amides.

Herein, BF3·Et2O-promoted O-insertion/spirocyclization/fluorination/ring-expansion of unsaturated amides to synthesis of spiro[benzo[b]-[1,4]dioxepine-3,5'-oxazole] skeletons in the presence of natural light and O2 (3Σg-) was reported. Air was the oxygen source of the 1O2-generation and O-insertion reaction under metal-free and mild conditions. BF3·Et2O played multiple roles, such as Lewis acid, activating reagent, and fluorine source in the reported cascade. A mechanism involving 1O2 generation/activation of double bond/O-insertion/spirocyclization/fluorination/ring expansion was supposed.

Biomass: A Versatile Resource for Biofuel, Industrial, and Environmental Solution

Biomass, noted for its adaptability, has various applications in biofuel generation, industrial use, and environmental cleaning. This study looks into the multiple roles of biomass as a renewable energy source, with a particular emphasis on its vital contribution to biofuel production. Through a thorough evaluation of different conversion routes—thermal, biological, and physical—the study emphasizes thermochemical processes' efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. Notably, technologies like gasification and quick pyrolysis are thoroughly investigated, followed by in-depth discussions of reactor optimization strategies to enhance performance and output. The complex structure of biomass, which is dominated by high-molecular-weight polysaccharides such as cellulose and hemicelluloses, demonstrates its significant potential for energy generation. Furthermore, the study categorizes biomass by content, origin, and conversion processes, resulting in a comprehensive inventory of available resources. Biomass from the agriculture and forestry industries, such as starch, sugar, lignocellulose, and organic wastes, is rigorously analyzed for energy production. Furthermore, various biomass processing techniques, including thermochemical, biochemical, and physicochemical conversions, are carefully tested in real-world applications to ensure their efficacy and viability. Beyond its importance in biofuel production, the article underlines biomass' versatility in satisfying industrial needs and contributing to environmental cleanup initiatives. This study lays the groundwork for informed decision-making and innovative solutions in various industries by providing a thorough understanding of biomass's various benefits and applications, including energy provision, industrial processes, and ecological restoration.

A Self-Care and Wellness Framework in Educator Preparation to Address Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Secondary Traumatic Stress

ABSTRACT As a result of stress, burnout, and attrition, the U.S. has perpetual teacher shortages. While systemic changes are necessary to improve the field of education, teaching as a helping profession is stressful, with multiple job responsibilities and roles. In addition to work-related stress and burnout, teachers are also affected by compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress (STS). This article provides a self-care and wellness framework for faculty at educator preparation programs to embed across coursework and clinical practice, supporting preservice teachers (PSTs) through a preventative approach. We explain each construct and follow up with case studies to illustrate how signs and symptoms may appear for PSTs. Our wellness framework and self-care lessons are intended to make self-care strategies tangible, applicable, and easily integrated into PSTs’ educational, professional, and personal lives.

Zilebesiran: A Promising Antihypertensive Therapy Inhibiting Angiotensinogen Synthesis.

Systemic hypertension is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases globally, with over one billion people affected. Despite the widespread use of numerous antihypertensive drugs, it is estimated that only a fifth of diagnosed patients achieve adequate blood pressure control. For this reason, the pursuit for novel antihypertensive therapies is ongoing. Zilebesiran, an siRNA designed to target the liver, is the newest potential addition to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system-inhibiting drugs. This subcutaneous injection post-transcriptionally silences the AGT gene responsible for the synthesis of angiotensinogen. By preventing the progenitor protein of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, zilebesiran blocks the downstream production of angiotensin II, which plays multiple roles in blood pressure elevation. Phase I clinical trials have demonstrated a dose-dependent negative relationship between zilebesiran and blood pressure/serum angiotensinogen levels-with sustained effects up to 6 months. Researchers also demonstrated a promising safety profile, as most of the adverse events were mild to moderate in nature. Phase II trials assessing efficacy and optimal dosing are currently underway, with a predicted completion by 2025.