Molecular Evolution of Four Salivary Proteins within Species of the Anopheles gambiae Complex

Some of the primary vectors of human malaria include female mosquitoes from the Anopheles gambiae complex, which is comprised of at least six different species within the genus Anopheles, including A. gambiae (M/S forms), A. arabiensis, A. melas, A. bwambae, A. merus, and A. quadriannulatus. Salivary gland proteins within the Anopheles gambiae complex interact with a vertebrate host’s immune system by controlling vasodilatation, inflammation, and platelet aggregation at the feeding site on the vertebrate host. The way certain salivary proteins are expressed within different mosquito species has been studied, but there is still a need for a comparison between species of close proximity, such as those in the A. gambiae complex. This comparison could reveal genes that may interact with a host’s immune system or with malaria parasites and hence may be under selection. Such genes may have crucial roles in the adaptation to specific hosts. For example, an excess of non-synonymous fixed differences in the gene would mean directional or positive selection, which may have resulted from interaction with various hosts. To gain further insight into 4 specific salivary gland proteins (Anophelin, Ichit, Glycosidase, and Lysozyme), their patterns of polymorphism were analyzed in 3 species of the An. gambiae complex (Anopheles gambiae M and S forms, Anopheles melas, and Anopheles arabiensis). After analyzing these genes using several statistical tests, the comparison showed that three of the four genes, Anophelin, Ichit, and Glycosidase are highly conserved with no signs of positive selection or fixed differences between A. gambiae, A. arabiensis, and A. melas species. Further research exploring the genetic variation of other salivary proteins within the A. gambiae complex may identify proteins that are undergoing positive selection. This could locate genes involved in vector competence, either preventing or enhancing disease transmission in Anopheles mosquitoes

Structure, Genetics and Worldwide Spread of New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase (NDM): a threat to public health

Background: The emergence of carbapenemase producing bacteria, especially New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1) and its variants, worldwide, has raised amajor public health concern. NDM-1 hydrolyzes a wide range of β-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems, which are the last resort of antibiotics for the treatment of infections caused by resistant strain of bacteria. Main body: In this review, we have discussed blaNDM-1variants, its genetic analysis including type of specific mutation, origin of country and spread among several type of bacterial species. Wide members of enterobacteriaceae, most commonly Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and gram-negative non-fermenters Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter baumannii were found to carry these markers. Moreover, at least seventeen variants of blaNDM-type gene differing into one or two residues of amino acids at distinct positions have been reported so far among different species of bacteria from different countries. The genetic and structural studies of these variants are important to understand the mechanism of antibiotic hydrolysis as well as to design new molecules with inhibitory activity against antibiotics. Conclusion: This review provides a comprehensive view of structural differences among NDM-1 variants, which are a driving force behind their spread across the globe

LBTQ Muslim Women in Intersectionality: Examining the Resistance Strategies

This qualitative study critically examined life stories of 14 Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer (LBTQ) Muslim women in the Global North (Canada and the U.S.) within an interpretive paradigm. Emphasis was placed on how LBTQ Muslim women lived out the intersections of (race, sexuality, gender identity and expression, religion, and spirituality) as well as addressing community, societal and familial dimensions amongst hegemonic discourses that exist within normative Muslim and LGBTQ communities. Transnational and critical race feminism, intersectionality theory and an Islamic liberationist approach to gender and sexuality frame the project. Findings suggest that the women do not abandon Islam, sexual and/or gender identity while living out lives; and LBTQ Muslim women resist hegemonic discourses within normative Muslim and LGBTQ communities vis--vis principles within the Islamicate tradition

Nitrogen-Efficient and Nitrogen-Inefficient Indian Mustard Showed Differential Expression Pattern of Proteins in Response to Elevated CO2 and Low Nitrogen

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are two essential elements that influence plant growth and development. The C and N metabolic pathways influence each other to affect gene expression, but little is known about which genes are regulated by interaction between C and N or the mechanisms by which the pathways interact. In the present investigation, proteome analysis of N-efficient and N-inefficient Indian mustard, grown under varied combinations of low-N, sufficient-N, ambient [CO2] and elevated [CO2] was carried out to identify proteins and the encoding genes of the interactions between C and N. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) revealed 158 candidate protein spots. Among these, 72 spots were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF). The identified proteins are related to various molecular processes including photosynthesis, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, transport and degradation, signal transduction, nitrogen metabolism and defense to oxidative, water and heat stresses. Identification of proteins like PII-like protein, cyclophilin, elongation factor-TU, oxygen-evolving enhancer protein and rubisco activase offers a peculiar overview of changes elicited by elevated [CO2], providing clues about how N-efficient cultivar of Indian mustard adapt to low N supply under elevated [CO2] conditions. This study provides new insights and novel information for a better understanding of adaptive responses to elevated [CO2] under N deficiency in Indian mustard

The University and Social Work Under Neoliberalism: Where's the Social Inclusion for Disabled Faculty?

There is an urgent need to increase the social inclusion of postsecondary faculty with disabilities by reducing the need to adapt to ableist and sanist neoliberal standards. In this article, two social work faculty with disabilities argue that their social exclusion is inevitable under systemic neoliberal priorities of individualism, efficiency, and productivity. We engage in a systems analysis of how educational institutions, namely universities, engage in practices and processes of social exclusion of faculty with disabilities through neoliberal ideologies, policies, and practices. Using an autoethnographic case study method, guided by an intersectional and disability justice theoretical framing, the authors challenge the ahistorical and non‐relational tendencies of neoliberalism in its many forms. Using lived experience as data, the authors elucidate strategies to promote social inclusion aimed at universities and at the discipline of social work. In conclusion, the authors advocate for change at the structural level for the social work profession and for postsecondary institutions

The Marital Sexual Experiences of South African Muslim Wives of Indian Descent: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

This article explores South African Muslim Indian wives’ sexuality in monogamous marriages, analyzing the effect of religious teachings and cultural norms on sexual experiences using hermeneutic phenomenology. Twelve participants were selected, employing purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews were conducted online and in-person using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis methodology. Results highlight emotional and psychological challenges faced by Muslim women during marital sexual initiation due to religious teachings and limited sex education. The study underscores perpetuated traditional gender norms and patriarchal structures through cultural conditioning. Muslim wives experience sexual desire discrepancy, negatively impacting their mental health and self-esteem. Despite challenges, transformative potential in marital relationships is indicated through understanding, communication, and mutual sexual satisfaction

Nurturing inclusive education through collaborative professional learning

The idea of inclusive education is central to global education policy andsustainable development goals, as stated in the Salamanca Statement (UNESCO,1994). Similarly, the Government of Pakistan also encourages the inclusion ofchildren with special educational needs (SEN) in mainstream schools. However,there is a lack of trained staff in the mainstream system. Therefore, this studyaims to assess the challenges and opportunities associated with implementingan inclusive education policy in selected public primary schools in Pakistan.Additionally, this paper focuses on the role of leadership in nurturing inclusiveeducation through collaborative professional learning and attempts to addressthe following research question: How can the role of leadership contribute tocollaborative professional learning and professional development to fosterinclusive education? A qualitative method was employed to approach thisstudy. The data for the study was gathered through online interviews usinga semi-structured questionnaire. The study involved six head teachers frompublic primary schools in Pakistan, selected through a purposive samplingtechnique. The data gathered from the head teachers was analysed usingthematic analysis. The study revealed that the basic requirements of the childrenhad been overlooked. Conclusions drawn from the perspectives of the headteachers indicate a lack of knowledge regarding disabilities in society, a deficitof collaboration among specialists, detrimental infrastructure, and a shortageof qualified professionals in the system. Moreover, the head teachers have thepotential to foster collaboration and advocate for interprofessional training.Their involvement could contribute to developing an environment conduciveto inter-professional collaboration and improving teacher professionaldevelopment

Factors Affecting Bankers’ Behavioral Intention to Adopt Green Banking: An Empirical Analysis of Banks in Pakistan

The global temperature has reached its highest level since the start of the industrial revolution, which is the major cause of global warming. Global warming has become one of the gravest problem now a days as it has considerable influences over markets, societies and economies. For sustainable environment management, remarkable efforts are carried out across the world and every institution is playing its role towards minimizing its impact on the environment. From financial institutions, banking sector is playing an important role in this regard. Banking sector has introduced a concept of Green Banking (GB). State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has recently issued guidelines regarding the adoption of green banking. This study attempts to identify the factors which affect bankers’ intension to adopt green banking. This study would prove to be helpful in identifying the most influencing factors towards adoption of green banking practices and in developing policies towards its adoption in Pakistan. Structured questionnaire based on a 7 point Likert scale as used for data collection from a sample of 300 respondents. Regression analysis was used to check the association among the variables. The result of study shows that all independent variables of study have shown significant association with dependent variable. Which means to some extent every independent factor is playing role in affecting bankers’ behavioral intension to adopt green banking. Result shows that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use contribute more in predicting the Attitude toward use, which along with effort expectancy and performance expectancy are major contributing factors towards behavioral intention to adopt green banking practices