Specific Definition Research Articles

Engineering of substrate specificity in a plant cell-wall modifying enzyme through alterations of carboxyl-terminal amino acid residues.

Structural determinants of substrate recognition remain inadequately defined in broad specific cell-wall modifying enzymes, termed xyloglucan xyloglucosyl transferases (XETs). Here, we investigate the Tropaeolum majus seed TmXET6.3 isoform, a member of the GH16_20 subfamily of the GH16 network. This enzyme recognises xyloglucan (XG)-derived donors and acceptors, and a wide spectrum of other chiefly saccharide substrates, although it lacks the activity with homogalacturonan (pectin) fragments. We focus on defining the functionality of carboxyl-terminal residues in TmXET6.3, which extend acceptor binding regions in the GH16_20 subfamily but are absent in the related GH16_21 subfamily. Site-directed mutagenesis using double to quintuple mutants in the carboxyl-terminal region - substitutions emulated on barley XETs recognising the XG/penta-galacturonide acceptor substrate pair - demonstrated that this activity could be gained in TmXET6.3. We demonstrate the roles of semi-conserved Arg238 and Lys237 residues, introducing a net positive charge in the carboxyl-terminal region (which complements a negative charge of the acidic penta-galacturonide) for the transfer of xyloglucan fragments. Experimental data, supported by molecular modelling of TmXET6.3 with the XG oligosaccharide donor and penta-galacturonide acceptor substrates, indicated that they could be accommodated in the active site. Our findings support the conclusion on the significance of positively charged residues at the carboxyl terminus of TmXET6.3 and suggest that a broad specificity could be engineered via modifications of an acceptor binding site. The definition of substrate specificity in XETs should prove invaluable for defining the structure, dynamics, and function of plant cell walls, and their metabolism; these data could be applicable in various biotechnologies.

The long-term cardiovascular impairment of COVID 19: need for clarity in definition and terminology.

Clinical experience and several large studies in the field have found that SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause long-term persistent cardiovascular (CV) impairment beyond the acute phase of the disease. This has resulted in a major public health concern worldwide. Regarding COVID-related long-term involvement of various organs and systems, using specific definitions and terminology is crucial to point out time relationships, lingering damage, and outcome, mostly when symptoms and signs of CV disease persist beyond the acute phase. Due to a lack of a common standardized definition, investigators have used interchangeable terms such as "long COVID," "post-COVID," or "post-acute sequelae of COVID-19" to describe CV involvement, thus causing some confusion. For the sake of clarity, the aim of this paper is to discuss the definition and terminology used in defining sequelae after the acute phase of COVID-19, thus pointing out the meaning of definitions like acute cardiac injury, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, long COVID syndrome, and increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The Death of an Insolvent Entrepreneur in the Light of Bankruptcy Law Regulations

Abstract This study aims to identify and analyse the specific regulations of the Bankruptcy Law to the extent that they relate to the death of an insolvent debtor. The authors attempt to determine the correct interpretation de lege lata, and where it is justified, draw conclusions de lege ferenda. Due to the fact that regulations must be interpreted together with the provisions of inheritance law and other regulations, their correct interpretation may be difficult. This study contains an analysis of three possible cases: when death occurred after the filing of a bankruptcy petition, during the course of bankruptcy proceedings, but also on the brink of bankruptcy before the petition was filed by an authorized person. In the event of death after filing for bankruptcy or after its declaration, the problem is essentially of a procedural nature and is generally resolved by identifying the persons participating in the proceedings (usually a trustee). On the other hand, in the event of the death of an insolvent entrepreneur before they file for bankruptcy, the Bankruptcy Law provides for a separate procedure. At the same time, it seems that due to the distinctness of this situation, the introduction of a different, specific definition of insolvency is justified, which the authors present in this study.

‘A Blessing of God’: Marriage and Amelioration in Early Nineteenth-Century Montserrat

ABSTRACT Recent scholarship examining enslaved people’s marriages in the Anglophone Caribbean highlights the need to consider the Church of England’s influence over conflicts with the plantocracy. This article examines responses to a proposed marriage between a free man of colour, William Harris, and an enslaved woman, Betty Cudjoe, in Montserrat in 1828. Occurring during the period of ‘amelioration’, this article considers the changing perspectives of ecclesiastical authorities, missionary clergymen, the plantocracy, free people of colour, and enslaved people. It draws upon under under-consulted sources of ‘The Conversion Society’ held at Lambeth Palace Library alongside ecclesiastical correspondence to highlight the gendered property concerns of enslavers that were exacerbated in mixed-status marriages. This article contends that during the period of amelioration, Anglican marriages became an attractive option to free and enslaved people in comparison to nonconformist unions. While this came into conflict with the property rights of enslavers, ultimately a specific definition of marriage was acceptable and enforced by the Church of England, pursued in this case by Rev. Benjamin Luckock. This enforcement came from the authority of the newly established colonial bishoprics, who held substantial influence over sacramental affairs.

Biologies and Beings: World-Making, Cognition, and the Making of Self

In this paper, I explore some of my previous and ongoing research at the intersection of folk biology and cognition, focusing on wider philosophical implications. Specifically, I intend to destabilize previous findings of my own research, interrogating them with data from my more recent work and a perspective of ontology, epistemology, and world-making. In doing so, I aim to inject folk biological data to the discussion of ontology and vice versa. In a sense, I address the question of whether ontology is just another word for culture, pushing for more specific definitions of what we might mean by ontology, culture, and reality.

Effect of ultrasonographic lung consolidation on health and growth in dairy calves: A longitudinal study

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a common and complex disease process in calves. Subclinical disease exists and early detection can be challenging due to inconsistent or nonexistent clinical signs. Thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) is often used and has the potential to improve the identification of respiratory diseases. Combining systematic TUS with clinical examination allows distinguishing BRD, including upper respiratory tract disease (clinical signs of respiratory disease, but no significant lung consolidation), clinical pneumonia (clinical signs of respiratory disease along with lung consolidations), and subclinical pneumonia (no clinical signs, but lung consolidations). Data on subclinical pneumonia are scarce, particularly outside of the North American or European contexts similar to Iran in west Asia with a dry and semi-arid climate and intensive breeding systems similar to North America which breeding calves begin in individual boxes, then moving to group pens, and finally to free stall or open shed housing systems. The first objective of this longitudinal study was to use weekly ultrasonography to monitor calves from birth until weaning in an Iranian dairy herd. The second objective was to look for any association between individual lung consolidation episode or cumulative consolidation episodes on preweaning growth. Thoracic ultrasonography TUS was performed on calves (n = 221) weekly from birth to weaning (8 wk), and scanning occasions for each calf were equally distributed with 1-wk intervals (using consolidation threshold ≥3 cm as a specific lung consolidation definition, and ≥1 cm as a more sensitive threshold). Calf body weights were recorded using a weight tape. Other information recorded were transfer of passive immunity (TPI) using serum Brix (%) ≥8.4% as adequate TPI within the first week after birth and the treatment history of the calves. The main strategy for modeling was to determine how long-term lung consolidation affects average daily gain (ADG) during the preweaning period. A linear model was used to determine the effect of the number of weeks with consolidation on ADG. Using consolidation threshold of ≥3 cm, the mean (±SD) of total ADG for calves with no consolidation episode, one consolidation episode, and 2 or more consolidation episodes were: 0.45 (±0.10), 0.39 (±0.10), and 0.38 (±0.11) kg/d, respectively. In the final multivariable regression analysis model and based on consolidation threshold of ≥3 cm, calves with one and 2 or more consolidation episodes had significantly lower ADG ± standard error of 0.04 ± 0.02 kg/d, and 0.06 ± 0.02 kg/d, respectively compared with animals with no consolidation episode. A total of 20% of calves (46/229 calves that entered the study) were treated for respiratory disease based on clinical signs (based on farmer examination). The final model also included specific confounders related to ADG and their interactions with lung consolidation (transfer of passive immunity [TPI] and BRD treatment). An overall of 86% of adequate TPI was obtained. BRD treatment based on farmer diagnosis had a larger negative effect on preweaning ADG than ultrasonography-diagnosed consolidation episodes (lower ADG ± SE of 0.10 ± 0.03 kg/d). When using a more sensitive consolidation threshold (≥1 cm as consolidation), the number of weeks with consolidation was also negatively associated with the ADG in the multivariable linear regression model with significant difference of 0.05 ± 0.02 kg/d for nonconsolidated calves versus calves consolidated for 2 or more weeks and insignificant difference of 0.01 ± 0.02 kg/d for nonconsolidated calves versus calves with 1 consolidation episode.

Altered insulin secretion dynamics relate to oxidative stress and inflammasome activation in children with obesity and insulin resistance

BackgroundInsulin resistance (IR) is considered the main driver of obesity related metabolic complications, and is related to oxidative stress and inflammation, which in turn promote each other. There is currently no specific definition of IR in children, rather, that for adult population is used by pediatric endocrinologists instead. Altered insulin secretion dynamics are associated with worse metabolic profiles and type 2 diabetes mellitus development, thus we aimed to test whether insulin response relates to oxidative stress and inflammation in children.MethodsWe conducted a case–control study, including 132 children classified as follows: 33 children without obesity (Lean); 42 with obesity but no IR according to the American Diabetes Association criteria for adults (OBIR-); 25 with obesity and IR and an early insulin response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (EP-OBIR +); 32 with obesity, IR, and a late insulin peak (LP-OBIR +); and studied variables associated with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation and inflammasome activation.ResultsThe measured parameters of children with obesity, IR, and an early insulin response were similar to those of children with obesity but without IR. It was late responders who presented an impaired antioxidant system and elevated oxidative damage in erythrocytes and plasma, and inflammasome activation at their white blood cells, despite lower classical inflammation markers. Increased uric acid levels seems to be one of the underlying mechanisms for inflammasome activation.ConclusionsIt is insulin response to an OGTT that identifies children with obesity suffering oxidative stress and inflammasome activation more specifically. Uric acid could be mediating this pathological inflammatory response by activating NLRP3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Graphical

Beyond Conventional Control: Insights Into Drug-Resistant Hypertension.

It is believed that 9-18% of patients with hypertension have resistant hypertension, a serious medical disease. The increased cardiovascular risk associated with this illness demands appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It is necessary to conduct an in-depth investigation of the various etiologies, indicators of risk, and multiple disorders of resistant hypertension. This is crucial in order to establish the diagnosis and make the best decisions regarding therapy. Treatment should also take lifestyle changes into account in addition to medicinal and interventional therapy. When there is a suspicion of resistant hypertension, examining the medications used to treat the hypertensive patient after ruling out pseudo hypertension, improper blood pressure monitoring and control, and the white-coat effect are necessary. Resistant hypertension, according to a specific definition, is a condition that cannot be treated with more than two antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic. An effective multidrug therapy for the treatment of resistant hypertension includes angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics, long-acting calcium channel blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. However, alternative, cutting-edge treatments, such as renal denervation or baroreflex activation, could develop a brand-new avenue for decreasing blood pressure. These new surgical interventions might prove out to be of immense importance in coming times. Secondary causes of resistant hypertension, such as obstructive sleep apnea, coronary artery diseases, nephropathy, or endocrinal diseases, must be checked out in order to make an accurate diagnosis of this illness. This review article briefly summarizes the epidemiology, risk factors, causes, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment approaches that may help with the long-term management of resistant hypertension.

Trends in Contemporary Ceramic Art and the Overlapping of Stylistic Concepts (Installation Art and Assemblage as a Model)

Contemporary arts have achieved, in accordance with the transition of concepts, a new logic in presentation and expression in general, and specifically in the field of ceramic art. The shift towards the logic of rejection and subversion of prevailing methods, which have been almost a constant foundation for a long period, has directly influenced the direction of visual arts in the contemporary world. The growth and cultural transformations that the world has witnessed after the two World Wars have produced cognitive shifts based on strategies that diverge from the dominant culture. These approaches vary according to existential needs, as the language of art has become conceptual and a medium for contemporary culture with its rapid and expanding rhythm. Thus, contemporary ceramic art has encompassed a diverse range of concepts expressing a specific philosophy tied to technology and scientific progress as means that directly contribute to the development of aesthetic values and artistic formations in alignment with the culture of the era. The concepts of this art form have changed and transformed in terms of presentation style and formal outcome .There is no longer a specific definition for fixed techniques and materials. Instead, we find that contemporary potters have moved beyond the boundaries of their traditional artistic field, under the concept of assemblage , achieving a form that is not subject to homogeneity .They employ renewed presentation methods that are not limited to enclosed spaces but are open in their settings, creating a visual witness in which the artist and the recipient participate in the idea and interpretation , fostering a dialectical and intellectual discourse linked to issues subject to discussion within the inevitability of existence.

Falling incidence of Parkinson's disease in Germany.

Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is strongly associated with age. The aim of the present study was to describe current sex- and age-specific trends and regional differences in the incidence of IPD diagnosed in older people in Germany. This study was based on nationwide outpatient claims and drug prescription data from the German Statutory Health Insurance, covering approximately 87% of the general population. We conducted a cohort study in patients aged 50 years or older with observation time of at least 4 years. To assess the robustness of nationwide annual IPD incidence trends from 2013 to 2019, three case definitions with varying levels of stringency regarding coded outpatient diagnoses and drug prescriptions were applied. In 2019, the population at risk comprised 30,575,726 persons. Using the primary and most specific case definition, annual age- and sex-standardized cumulative IPD incidence decreased stepwise from 137 (2013) to 106 (2019) new cases per 100,000 persons. The decline in incidence was seen in both sexes, in all age groups and in the majority of German regions. The relative decrease (2013-2019) in the annual age- and sex-standardized IPD incidence varied from 23% to 28% among case definitions. Our findings indicate a nationwide decline in the age- and sex-standardized incidence of IPD from 2013 to 2019 in Germany. This trend was consistent using different case definitions. Further research is needed to elucidate the factors underlying this trend.

Enhanced ship cross-section design methodology using peridynamics topology optimization

In this study, peridynamics topology optimization (PD-TO) framework is implemented to reduce the total weight of ship structures and increase their structural endurance against cracks. PD-TO is a general nonlocal optimization strategy that performs the minimization of strain energy density as the objective function and uses pre-defined volume fractions as optimization constraints. To analyze ship structures herein, both the optimality criteria (OC) algorithm and the proportional (PROP) approach are implemented into the PD-TO solver. As the initial design domain, a reference bulkhead geometry of trailing suction hopper dredger (ship) is modeled. This web frame is optimized according to critical wave/loading conditions such as hogging and sagging. Different volume fractions are investigated to obtain lighter designs based on OC and PROP methods. In addition, different cracked scenarios are created by locating the cracks into various positions on the reference ship cross-section. Optimized results for cracked cases shows that the proposed method can create alternative web frames for specific definitions of the possible damaged regions on the board. To prove the efficiency of the proposed method, maximum displacements and compliance of the reference and optimized structures are compared. The results proves that topologically optimized designs offered stiffer structures as compared to conventional designs under the same loading conditions. Finally, some of the optimized results are smoothed to demonstrate the practical utility of the PD-TO for manufacturing. Overall, it is revealed that the PD-TO can be effectively utilized to design marine structures to achieve a higher strength/weight ratio while considering critical operation conditions and possible damaged regions.

Uptake of the core outcome set on polycystic ovary syndrome before and after its publication.

Does the core outcome set (COS) on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) impact the selection of research outcomes? Following the publication of the COS on PCOS, an increasing number of trials are reporting both the generic domain and body mass index; however, the uptake of this COS has not been as extensive as expected. The COS on PCOS included 33 core outcomes in the following seven domains: the generic (3), metabolic (8), reproductive (7), pregnancy (10), psychological (3), oncological (1), and long-term (1). This was done to improve consistency in outcome selection and definition. However, thus far, no studies have investigated the effectiveness of this COS in the above-mentioned tasks. A methodological study based on the trial registries, including 395 eligible clinical trials registered between 1 January 2018 and 21 September 2022. A total of 1258 registered clinical studies on PCOS were retrieved from the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Of those, 395 were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and divided into two groups based on the publication date of the COS on PCOS (4 February 2020): pre-publication and post-publication. The practical uptake of this COS was explored after data collation, assessment, comparison of the uptake of core outcomes or domains before and after the publication of this COS, and correlation analysis between the domains. There were 26 out of 33 core outcomes and five out of seven domains reported in the 395 trials. The highest uptake was observed for the reproductive domain and the reproductive hormonal profile (63.0% and 38.7%, respectively). After the publication of the COS on PCOS, the uptake of the generic domain and body mass index increased from 24.1% to 35.8% (P = 0.011) and 17.8% to 26.5% (P = 0.039), respectively. The total number of reported core outcomes in the generic domain met statistical significance (P = 0.012). Moreover, multivariable analyses still supported the above finding in the generic domain. Correlation analysis showed that most of the domains were positively correlated with each other. However, the pregnancy domain was negatively correlated with the metabolic domain. Reasons responsible for the unsatisfactory uptake may be the absence of specific definitions of core outcomes, as well as the lack of awareness among researchers regarding this COS. Due to the lack of standardized definition of outcomes, it was difficult to avoid some subjectivity in the process of consistency assessment. Two years after its publication, there was no substantial improvement in the uptake of the COS on PCOS. This suggests that this COS may require further revision, refinement, and promotion to improve the comparability of PCOS studies. This work was funded by Beijing Municipal Health Science and Technology Achievements and Appropriate Technology Promotion Project (BHTPP2022069), and the special fund of Beijing Key Clinical Specialty Construction Project.The authors do not have conflicts of interest to declare. N/A.

Noncanonical binding of transcription factors: time to revisit specificity?

Transcription factors (TFs) are one of the most studied classes of DNA-binding proteins that have a direct functional impact on gene transcription and thus, on human physiology and disease. The mechanisms that TFs use for recognizing target DNA binding sites have been studied for nearly five decades, yet they remain poorly understood. It is classically assumed that a TF recognizes a specific sequence pattern, or motif, as its binding sites. However, recent studies are consistently finding examples of noncanonical binding, that is, TFs binding at sites that do not resemble their sequence motifs. Here we review the current literature on four major types of noncanonical TF binding, namely binding based on DNA shape readout, at Guanine-quadruplex structures, at repeat sequences, and bispecific binding. These examples point to a critical need for studies to unify our current observations, many of which are at odds with the "one TF, one motif" view, into a more comprehensive definition of the DNA-binding specificity of TFs.

The Significance and Role of Natural Law Doctrine in the Development of International Law

Natural law, which has played a significant role in the formation and development of international law, continues to be a subject of debate due to the specific definition of it sessence as a legal ideology that transforms depending on the course of history and the tasks set in this process. This ideology is an integral part of legal thought exclusively within Western civilization, the creation of which began with the encounter of Medieval Europe, represented by the Catholic Church, with the ancient philosophy of Ancient Greece, particularly Stoicism, which was utilized by Ancient Rome in the formation of jusgentium as a component of Roman law by magistrates. It was particularly during this period that the doctrine of natural law, in line with the Romans' understanding of jusgentium as a universal law for all of humanity, acquired a universal significance and continues to be one of the pillars of Western legal thought to this day. The spiritual, social, and political revolution in Europe marked by the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the rise of nation-states reshaped the concept of natural law,presenting it as a product of human intellect, namely, as human reason. Consequently,a new philosophical foundation emerged to justify international law among sovereign states, solidified by the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. The new paradigm of relations between states, influenced by the doctrine of natural law, found expression in Hugo Grotius' system of international law, characterized by objective causal connections. In this system, the doctrine of natural law underwent a shift where the postulates of God,while remaining recognized as a basis for its application, lost their decisive significance that characterized the medieval period. The subsequent stages of the development of international law, gradually assuming a contractual character, are associated with the abandonment of the ideology ofnatural law, which in the 19th century was entirely replaced by theories of positivism such as empiricism, pragmatism, and logical positivism. After World War II, a process of "rebirth of positive law" is observed, characterized by the emergence of human rights protection at the international level, the functioning of the international judicial system, and the necessity of interpreting customary international law and general principles of law. Discussions surrounding the principles of the Nuremberg Tribunal Statute, adopted in 1945, have become a significant factor in the reassessment of natural law ideology. Various, often contradictory, views regarding the content and form of natural law compared to the positive norms of international law continue to be expressed. The current crisis of international order and, consequently, international law it selfis leading to the emergence of separate economic and political enclaves, signifying a decline in the importance of universalism in international relations and marking the culmination of the revival period of natural law doctrine. This transition also demonstrates a shift towards a new form of regionalism independent of the UN Charter. Key words: Roman law, jus gentium, nature law, international legal order,international law, international law philosophy, crisis of international relations andinternational law.

Stability of Delay Hopfield Neural Networks with Generalized Riemann-Liouville Type Fractional Derivative.

The general delay Hopfield neural network is studied. We consider the case of time-varying delay, continuously distributed delays, time-varying coefficients, and a special type of a Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative (GRLFD) with an exponential kernel. The kernels of the fractional integral and the fractional derivative in this paper are Sonine kernels and satisfy the first and the second fundamental theorems in calculus. The presence of delays and GRLFD in the model require a special type of initial condition. The applied GRLFD also requires a special definition of the equilibrium of the model. A constant equilibrium of the model is defined. An inequality for Lyapunov type of convex functions with the applied GRLFD is proved. It is combined with the Razumikhin method to study stability properties of the equilibrium of the model. As a partial case we apply quadratic Lyapunov functions. We prove some comparison results for Lyapunov function connected deeply with the applied GRLFD and use them to obtain exponential bounds of the solutions. These bounds are satisfied for intervals excluding the initial time. Also, the convergence of any solution of the model to the equilibrium at infinity is proved. An example illustrating the importance of our theoretical results is also included.

Reparations as a tool for holding the Russia responsible for war crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine

Introduction. The actions of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine grossly violate the principles and norms of international law. Taking into account the fact that during the year it was not possible to settle the military conflict diplomatically, that is, based on the observance of the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter, there is a need to assess the possibilities of Ukraine receiving reparations and to study this instrument of international justice from the point of view of holding the Russian Federation accountable for the military crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine. The purpose of the paper is to study the essence and features of reparations to Ukraine, as a tool to hold the Russian Federation accountable for the purpose of compensation for losses and damages for war crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine. Results. It was established that the compensation determined according to the principle of restitution cannot be limited only to the legally defined maximum amount of compensation or to any calculation that does not follow from a strict assessment of damages as a result of the military aggression of the Russian Federation. In the case of loss of life or infliction of bodily harm, torture, sexual violence, the operation of such a principle is problematic due to the fact that these crimes do not have a specific monetary definition. The direct losses of Ukraine, as well as the amount of additional costs for economic recovery and reconstruction, are analyzed, taking into account the perspective of Ukraine's integration into the European Union. The need to develop and implement a legitimate international mechanism that would provide compensation for the damages caused by Russia and be effective despite its categorical refusal to cooperate was argued. Conclusions. It is suggested that new agreements on reparations be regulated by international agreements. For Ukraine, this model of legal behavior is appropriate, because, thanks to the imposed sanctions, a significant number of assets of the Russian Federation are frozen, being under the control of foreign governments and, in the future, can be used to restore Ukraine as compensation for losses caused by military actions.The results of the study can be used in the process of forming a legal mechanism for compensation for losses, provided that war crimes on the territory of Ukraine are recognized as genocide of the Ukrainian people.

Erase The Disciplinary Penalty as A Guarantee For Employees to Remove its Effects

This scientific article presents a comparative analysis of the erasure of disciplinary penalties for public employees in the context of organizational and statutory relationships with the state. The study explores the historical evolution of terminology used in Iraqi legislation, transitioning from "nullification" to "cancellation" in recent years. Despite variations in nomenclature, the essence of erasure remains consistent across legislations. Notably, the researched laws do not offer a legislative definition of erasure, relying instead on legal texts to regulate its application. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of administrative judiciary in handling erasure cases without providing a specific definition. By examining the goals, methods, and implications of erasure provisions, this research contributes valuable insights to the field of public employment law, aiming to foster stability in public utilities and ensure the efficient functioning of public services.
 Highlights:
 
 Historical evolution of terminology in Iraqi legislation.
 Lack of a legislative definition for erasure in researched laws.
 Role of administrative judiciary in handling erasure cases.
 
 Keywords: Erasure, Disciplinary Penalties, Public Employees, Organizational Relationships, Statutory Relationships

Clinical phenotypes and quality of life to define post-COVID-19 syndrome: a cluster analysis of the multinational, prospective ORCHESTRA cohort

Lack of specific definitions of clinical characteristics, disease severity, and risk and preventive factors of post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) severely impacts research and discovery of new preventive and therapeutics drugs. This prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted from February 2020 to June 2022 in 5 countries, enrolling SARS-CoV-2 out- and in-patients followed at 3-, 6-, and 12-month from diagnosis, with assessment of clinical and biochemical features, antibody (Ab) response, Variant of Concern (VoC), and physical and mental quality of life (QoL). Outcome of interest was identification of risk and protective factors of PCS by clinical phenotype, setting, severity of disease, treatment, and vaccination status. We used SF-36 questionnaire to assess evolution in QoL index during follow-up and unsupervised machine learning algorithms (principal component analysis, PCA) to explore symptom clusters. Severity of PCS was defined by clinical phenotype and QoL. We also used generalized linear models to analyse the impact of PCS on QoL and associated risk and preventive factors. CT registration number: NCT05097677. Among 1796 patients enrolled, 1030 (57%) suffered from at least one symptom at 12-month. PCA identified 4 clinical phenotypes: chronic fatigue-like syndrome (CFs: fatigue, headache and memory loss, 757 patients, 42%), respiratory syndrome (REs: cough and dyspnoea, 502, 23%); chronic pain syndrome (CPs: arthralgia and myalgia, 399, 22%); and neurosensorial syndrome (NSs: alteration in taste and smell, 197, 11%). Determinants of clinical phenotypes were different (all comparisons p<0.05): being female increased risk of CPs, NSs, and CFs; chronic pulmonary diseases of REs; neurological symptoms at SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis of REs, NSs, and CFs; oxygen therapy of CFs and REs; and gastrointestinal symptoms at SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis of CFs. Early treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection with monoclonal Ab (all clinical phenotypes), corticosteroids therapy for mild/severe cases (NSs), and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (CPs) were less likely to be associated to PCS (all comparisons p<0.05). Highest reduction in QoL was detected in REs and CPs (43.57 and 43.86 vs 57.32 in PCS-negative controls, p<0.001). Female sex (p<0.001), gastrointestinal symptoms (p=0.034) and renal complications (p=0.002) during the acute infection were likely to increase risk of severe PCS (QoL <50). Vaccination and early treatment with monoclonal Ab reduced the risk of severe PCS (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). Our study provides new evidence suggesting that PCS can be classified by clinical phenotypes with different impact on QoL, underlying possible different pathogenic mechanisms. We identified factors associated to each clinical phenotype and to severe PCS. These results might help in designing pathogenesis studies and in selecting high-risk patients for inclusion in therapeutic and management clinical trials. The study received funding from the Horizon 2020 ORCHESTRA project, grant 101016167; from the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw), grant 10430012010023; from Inserm, REACTing (REsearch & ACtion emergING infectious diseases) consortium and the French Ministry of Health, grant PHRC 20-0424.

Legal regulation of gamete and embryo donation: global and national trends (literature review)

While the assisted reproductive technologies have been available for several decades, there still exists a great divergence in legal frameworks regulating reproductive donation. &#x0D; The article discusses legal regulations on embryo and gamete (sperm and oocytes) donation in Europe, Americas, Canada and Australia. The search for publications was carried out in all available bibliographic and abstract databases (RSCI, Scopus, Web of Science, CyberLeninka, eLibrary, PubMed) containing reports on the subject of the article. The main search restrictions were the language of publications (English and Russian) and the date of reports (not earlier than 2000). We seek to chart global trends and identify major legislative “gaps”; the latter emerge because each type of reproductive donation causes specific conflicts and calls for specific regulations. There is a visible trend towards open gamete donation across the globe as more and more governments insist on deanonymization of donors. Legislators intend to protect children’s interests and to secure their right to identify their biological parents. Financial remuneration is perceived differently, and regulations diverge across the globe. Many governments permit reimbursements, but do not allow any commercial payoffs. Yet, issues of parenthood and donor-recipient obligations remain quite controversial, which results in divergent legal frameworks. Sperm donation is the least controversial and safest procedure; therefore, it is legal in all countries and is allowed in non-medical setting. On the other hand, informal sperm donation requires targeted legal regulations. Parenthood and anonymity in sperm donation also cause concern and require specific legislation. In some countries, oocyte donation is illegal while in others it is under severe limitations. Currently medical treatment and observation of oocyte donors after ART cycles is not yet legally regulated, which leaves women unprotected from post-donation health issues. Embryo donation hinges on the status of the embryo. Specific definition will determine the consequences including from adoption to research use. There remains a problem of authority over embryo’s future in cases of a spouse’s death or divorce.

Mothers and Educators' Perspectives on Sex Education of Children Between 3 and 5 Years Old: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Preschool sex education plays an important role in endorsing sexual health. Objective: This qualitative study aims to determine the mothers’ and trainers’ perspectives regarding the sex education of 3-5 years old children living in Karaj City, Iran. Materials and Methods: The study participations were 20 mothers and 10 kindergarten trainers. To collect data, semi-structured and deep interviews were held with them within 2 months. Interviews went on until data saturation. Simple random sampling was used to choose the kindergartens and purposeful sampling to select the study samples according to the inclusion criteria with maximum diversity. The interviews were recorded after permission was obtained from mothers and trainers. The interviews were typed instantly. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: In this study, 20 mothers aged 27 to 51 and trainers aged 25 to 40 participated. After analyzing 92 codes, three main categories and one to three subcategories were extracted. The extracted themes were “sex education requirements” and “sex education situations.” Based on the results, mothers did not have a specific definition of sex education. Most participants believed that education must start from the family. Furthermore, the interviewed mothers thought, “You must not lie to children.” Some believed the mother is responsible for the child’s sex education, while some believed in sex analogy. Conclusion: Based on the study results, mothers do not have an appropriate definition of sex education. The proper start age for sex education is over 3, and the closest person in one’s family must implement sex education.