Caught Between a Rock, Negligence, Racism, and a Hard Place: Exploring the Balance Between the EEOC’s Arrest and Conviction Investigation Guidelines and Society’s Best Interest

In many instances, employers have an obligation to conduct criminal background checks on their applicants to ensure that the public that comes into contact with these employees shall not be harmed. In other instances, these criminal background checks are unnecessary as they prove to be of little relevance, yet they have the effect of causing a disparate impact within certain Title VII-protected classes, including Black Americans and Hispanics. To resolve this disparate impact, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) has set forth non-biding guidance, proposing an assessment of “Green Factors” that employers should consider before denying an ex-convict employment. In following this guidance, the EEOC aims to create equal employment opportunities for all job applicants including those with criminal histories. While this guidance and these Green factors play a large role in furthering societal benefits, many employers have raised objections to the recent EEOC guidance. Employers argue that the guidance creates a “catch-22,” forcing the employer to choose between being liable for negligent hiring and being liable for violating Title VII. Because the EEOC guidance furthers fundamental societal interests, it should remain in effect. Nevertheless, the guidance must be amended in order to clarify its ambiguous language concerning “business necessity,” which will then resolve the catch-22 conflict that employers currently experience

Accessory genetic content in Campylobacter jejuni ST21CC isolates from feces and blood

Campylobacter jejuni is an important foodborne pathogen and the most commonly reported bacterial cause of gastroenteritis. C. jejuni is occasionally found in blood, although mechanisms important for invasiveness have remained unclear. C. jejuni is divided into many different lineages, of which the ST21 clonal complex (CC) is widely distributed. Here, we performed comparative genomic and in vitro analyses on 17C. jejuni ST21CC strains derived from human blood and feces in order to identify features associated with isolation site. The ST21CC lineage is divided into two large groups; centered around ST-21 and ST-50. Our clinical strains, typed as ST-50, showed further microevolution into two distinct clusters. These clusters were distinguished by major differences in their capsule loci and the distribution of accessory genetic content, including C. jejuni integrated elements (CJIEs) and plasmids. Accessory genetic content was more common among fecal than blood strains, whereas blood strains contained a hybrid capsule locus which partially consisted of C. jejuni subsp. doylei-like content. In vitro infection assays with human colon cell lines did not show significant differences in adherence and invasion between the blood and fecal strains. Our results showed that CJIEs and plasmid derived genetic material were less common among blood isolates than fecal isolates; in contrast, hybrid capsule loci, especially those containing C. jejuni subsp. doylei-like gene content, were found among many isolates derived from blood. The role of these findings requires more detailed investigation.Peer reviewe

THE EFFECT OF TILT ANGLE AND MASS FLOW RATE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A PARABOLIC TROUGH SOLAR CONCENTRATOR VIA EXPERIMENTATION

Solar energy is widely regarded as a very promising alternative energy source due to its potential to satisfy a substantial portion of global energy demand. The efficacy of a solar concentrator is contingent upon operational and weather factors. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of the effect of tilt angle and mass flow rate on the effectiveness of a parabolic trough solar concentrator The parabolic trough solar collector was subjected to experimental testing in LAUTECH's Ogbomoso engineering facility. It has a collector length of 2.1m, an aperture width of 1.2m, an adjustable rim angle of 75o, 90o, and 105o, a focal length of 30 cm, a 10-liter storage reservoir with varying flow rates of  0.0004 m3/s, 0.0008m3/s, and 0.0012m3/s. The temperatures were measured with a 12-channel temperature recorder (SD data logger), while the solar radiation was measured with a solar meter and water was used as a working fluid. Thermal performance analysis was conducted to ascertain the impact of tilt angle, mass flow rate, and weather conditions on the solar concentrator's effectiveness. The results indicate that the system has a greater thermal efficacy with weather elements such as solar intensity and ambient temperature at higher mass flow rates and a 90o tilt angle. This concentrator aids the energy industry by decreasing reliance on electricity and pollution from fossil fuels, thereby minimizing environmental and health issues. Keywords: Alternative Energy, Concentrator, Effectiveness, Environment, Tilt Angle, DOI: 10.7176/APTA/88-01 Publication date: February 28th 202

Vitamin D 3 Receptor Activation Rescued Corticostriatal Neural Activity and Improved Motor Function in –D 2 R Tardive Dyskinesia Mice Model

Haloperidol-induced dyskinesia has been linked to a reduction in dopamine activity characterized by the inhibition of dopamine receptive sites on D2-receptor (D2R). As a result of D2R inhibition, calcium-linked neural activity is affected and seen as a decline in motor-cognitive function after prolonged haloperidol use in the treatment of psychotic disorders. In this study, we have elucidated the relationship between haloperidol-induced tardive dyskinesia and the neural activity in motor cortex (M1), basal nucleus (CPu), prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (CA1). Also, we explored the role of Vitamin D3 receptor (VD3R) activation as a therapeutic target in improving motor-cognitive functions in dyskinetic mice. Dyskinesia was induced in adult BALB/c mice after 28 days of haloperidol treatment (10 mg/Kg; intraperitoneal). We established the presence of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) in the haloperidol treated mice (−D2) through assessment of the threshold and amplitude of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) for the Limbs (Li) and Orolingual (Ol) area (Li and Ol AIMs). As a confirmatory test, the dyskinetic mice (−D2) showed high global AIMs score when compared with the VD3RA intervention group (−D2/+VDR) for Li and Ol AIMs. Furthermore, in the behavioral tests, the dyskinetic mice exhibited a decrease in latency of fall (LOF; Rotarod-P < 0.05), climbing attempts (Cylinder test; P < 0.05) and latency of Turning (Parallel bar test; LOT-P < 0.05) when compared with the control. The reduced motor function in dyskinetic mice was associated with a decline in CPu-CA1 burst frequencies and an increase in M1-PFC cortical activity. However, after VD3RA intervention (−D2/+VDR), 100 mg/Kg for 7 days, CPu-CA1 burst activity was restored leading to a decrease in abnormal movement, and an increase in motor function. Ultimately, we deduced that VD3RA activation reduced the threshold of abnormal movement in haloperidol induced dyskinesia

Vitamin D3 Receptor Activation Rescued Corticostriatal Neural Activity and Improved Motor-Cognitive Function in −D2R Parkinsonian Mice Model

Background: fourth generation antipsychotics have been implicated in the blockade of calcium signalling through inhibition of dopamine receptive sites on dopaminergic D2 Receptor (D2R). As a result of the abnormal calcium signalling associated with D2R inhibition, changes occur in the motor and memory neural axis leading to the observed behavioural deficits after prolonged haloperidol. Thus, Vitamin D3 receptor (VD3R), a calcium controlling receptor in the striatum can be targeted to relief the neurological symptoms associated with haloperidol (−D2R) induced PD. Aim: This study sets to investigate the role of VD3R activation in vitro and in vivo after haloperidolinduced Dopaminergic (D2R) blockade. In addition, we examined the associated neural activity and behavioural changes in parkinsonian and VDRA intervention mice. Methods: Dopaminergic D2R inhibition was investigated in vitro using Melanocytes isolated from the scale of a Tilapia. In four separate set ups, the cells were cultured in calcium free Ringer’s solution as follows; 300 μM haloperidol, 100 μM VD3, 100 mM calcium chloride and a combination of 300 μM haloperidol and 100 μM VD3. Subsequently, dopaminergic vesicle accumulation and calcium signalling were observed in bright field microscopy using blue and green fluorescence probes. In the second phase, PD was induced in adult BALB/c mice (−D2; n = 8) after 14 days of intraperitoneal haloperidol treatment (10 mg/Kg). A set of n = 4 mice were untreated (−D2) while the other group (n = 4) received 100 mg/Kg of VD3 for 7 days (−D2/+VDR). The control groups (n = 4 each) were treated with normal saline (NS) and VD3 (+VDR) for 14 days. At the end of the treatment phase, the animals were assessed in Rotarod, parallel bar-, cylinder-, Y-Maze-, one trial place recognition- and novel object recognition-(NOR) tests. Neural activity was measured using chronic electrode implants placed in the M1 (motor cortex), CPu (striatum), CA1 (hippocampus) and PFC (prefrontal cortex). Neural activity was compared with the outcomes of behavioural tests for memory and motor functions and data was expressed as mean ± SEM (analysed using ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test, significant level was set at 0.05). Results/Discussion: in vitro outcomes show that VDR increase calcium signalling and reverses the effect of haloperidol; specifically by reducing dopaminergic vesicle accumulation in the cell body. Similarly, in vivo neural recordings suggest an increase in calcium hyperpolarization currents in the CPu and PFC of intervention mice (−D2/+VDR) when compared with the parkinsonian mice (−D2). These animals (−D2/+VDR) also recorded an improvement in spatial working memory and motor function versus the Parkinsonian mice (−D2). These outcomes suggest the role of CPu-PFC corticostriatal outputs in the motor-cognitive decline seen in parkinsonian mice. Similarly, VDRA reduced the neural deficits through restoration of calcium currents (burst activities) in the intervention mice (−D2/+VDR). Conclusion: VDRA treatment reduced the motor-cognitive defects observed in haloperidol induced PD. Our findings suggest the role of VDRA in restoration of calcium currents associated with PFC and CPu corticostriatal outputs seen as burst frequencies in in vivo neural recording

Comparative genomics and genome biology of invasive Campylobacter jejuni

Campylobacter jejuni is a major pathogen in bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and can cause bacteremia in severe cases. C. jejuni is highly structured into clonal lineages of which the ST677CC lineage has been overrepresented among C. jejuni isolates derived from blood. In this study, we characterized the genomes of 31 C. jejuni blood isolates and 24 faecal isolates belonging to ST677CC in order to study the genome biology related to C. jejuni invasiveness. We combined the genome analyses with phenotypical evidence on serum resistance which was associated with phase variation of wcbK; a GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase involved in capsular biosynthesis. We also describe the finding of a Type III restriction-modification system unique to the ST-794 sublineage. However, features previously considered to be related to pathogenesis of C. jejuni were either absent or disrupted among our strains. Our results refine the role of capsule features associated with invasive disease and accentuate the possibility of methylation and restriction enzymes in the potential of C. jejuni to establish invasive infections. Our findings underline the importance of studying clinically relevant well-characterized bacterial strains in order to understand pathogenesis mechanisms important in human infections.Peer reviewe

Thermal insulation and mechanical characteristics of cement mortar reinforced with mineral wool and rice straw fibers

Building insulation is an essential requirement for buildings located in areas of varying temperature conditions. However, the conventional building insulation techniques accrue high cost and consume resources. This work aimed to evaluate the use of mineral wool and rice straw to improve Portland cement mortar’s thermal insulating properties. Samples of 40x40x160 mm mortar were produced with cement and sand, but varying mineral wool and rice straw constituents from 0 to 50% in weight. Water absorption, flexural and compressive strengths, thermal conductivity were performed in samples with and without mineral wool and rice straw addition.The microstructure of mortars was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that reinforcing mortars with mineral wool and rice straw fibers yielded a significant drop in the mortar’s thermal conductivity, improving their insulative abilities. Although the addition of fibers, in turn, deferred the mechanical performance in some mixes, however, it was not too significant or below workable standards. The performed tests prove the feasibility of adopting the selected fibers for insulating Portland cement mortars

Vitamin D 3 Receptor Activation Rescued Corticostriatal Neural Activity and Improved Motor Function in –D 2 R Tardive Dyskinesia Mice Model

Haloperidol-induced dyskinesia has been linked to a reduction in dopamine activity characterized by the inhibition of dopamine receptive sites on D2-receptor (D2R). As a result of D2R inhibition, calcium-linked neural activity is affected and seen as a decline in motor-cognitive function after prolonged haloperidol use in the treatment of psychotic disorders. In this study, we have elucidated the relationship between haloperidol-induced tardive dyskinesia and the neural activity in motor cortex (M1), basal nucleus (CPu), prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (CA1). Also, we explored the role of Vitamin D3 receptor (VD3R) activation as a therapeutic target in improving motor-cognitive functions in dyskinetic mice. Dyskinesia was induced in adult BALB/c mice after 28 days of haloperidol treatment (10 mg/Kg; intraperitoneal). We established the presence of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) in the haloperidol treated mice (−D2) through assessment of the threshold and amplitude of abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) for the Limbs (Li) and Orolingual (Ol) area (Li and Ol AIMs). As a confirmatory test, the dyskinetic mice (−D2) showed high global AIMs score when compared with the VD3RA intervention group (−D2/+VDR) for Li and Ol AIMs. Furthermore, in the behavioral tests, the dyskinetic mice exhibited a decrease in latency of fall (LOF; Rotarod-P < 0.05), climbing attempts (Cylinder test; P < 0.05) and latency of Turning (Parallel bar test; LOT-P < 0.05) when compared with the control. The reduced motor function in dyskinetic mice was associated with a decline in CPu-CA1 burst frequencies and an increase in M1-PFC cortical activity. However, after VD3RA intervention (−D2/+VDR), 100 mg/Kg for 7 days, CPu-CA1 burst activity was restored leading to a decrease in abnormal movement, and an increase in motor function. Ultimately, we deduced that VD3RA activation reduced the threshold of abnormal movement in haloperidol induced dyskinesia

Vitamin D 3 Receptor Activation Rescued Corticostriatal Neural Activity and Improved Motor - Cognitive Function in − D 2 R Parkinsonian Mice Model

fourth generation antipsychotics have been implicated in the blockade of calcium signalling through inhibition of dopamine receptive sites on dopaminergic D 2 Receptor (D 2 R). As a result of the abnormal calcium signalling associated with D 2 R inhibition, changes occur in the m o- tor and memory neural axis leading to the observed behavioural deficits after prolonged halope r- idol. Thus, Vitamin D 3 receptor (VD 3 R), a calcium controlling receptor in the striatum can be ta r- geted to relief the neurological symptoms associated with haloperidol ( − D 2 R) induced PD. Aim: This study sets to investigate the role of VD3R activation in vitro and in vivo after haloperidol - induced Dopaminergic (D 2 R) blockade. In addi tion, we examined the associated neural activity and behavioural changes in parkinsonian and VDRA intervention mice. Methods: Dopaminergic D 2 R inhibition was investigated in vitro using Melanocytes isolated from the scale of a Tilapia. In four separate set ups, the cells were cultured in calcium free Ringer’s solution as follows; 300 μM haloperidol, 100 μM VD 3 , 100 mM calcium chloride and a combination of 300 μM haloperidol and 100 μM VD 3 . Subsequently, dopaminergic vesicle accumulation and calcium signalling were observed in bright field microscopy using blue and green fluorescence probes. In the second phase, PD was induced in adult BALB/c mice ( − D 2 ; n = 8) after 14 days of intraperitoneal haloperidol treatment (10 mg/Kg). A set of n = 4 mice were untreated ( − D 2 ) while the other group (n = 4) r e- ceived 100 mg/Kg of VD 3 for 7 days ( − D 2 /+VDR). The control groups (n = 4 each) were treated with normal saline (NS) and VD 3 (+VDR) fo r 14 days. At the end of the treatment phase, the animals were assessed in Rotarod, parallel bar - , cylinder - , Y - Maze - , one trial place recognition - and novel object recognition - (NOR) tests. Neural activity was measured using chronic electrode implants plac ed in the M1 (motor cortex), CPu (striatum), CA1 (hippocampus) and PFC (prefrontal cortex). Neural activity was compared with the outcomes of behavioural tests for memory and motor fun c- tions and data was expressed as mean ± SEM (analysed using ANOVA with T ukey post - hoc test, significant level was set at 0.05). Results/Discussion: in vitro outcomes show that VDR increase calcium signalling and reverses the effect of haloperidol; specifically by reducing dopaminergic vesicle accumulation in the cell body. Sim ilarly, in vivo neural recordings suggest an increase in calcium hyperpolarization currents in the CPu and PFC of intervention mice ( − D 2 /+VDR) when compared with the parkinsonian mice ( − D 2 ). These animals ( − D 2 /+VDR) also recorded an i m- provement in spatial working memory and motor function versus the Parkinsonian mice ( − D 2 ). These outcomes suggest the role of CPu - PFC corticostriatal outputs in the motor - cognitive decline seen in parkinsonian mice. Similarly, VDRA reduced the neural deficits through restorati on of ca l- cium currents (burst activities) in the intervention mice ( − D 2 /+VDR). Conclusion: VDRA treatment reduced the motor - cognitive defects observed in haloperidol induced PD. Our findings suggest the role of VDRA in restoration of calcium currents assoc iated with PFC and CPu corticostriatal ou t- puts seen as burst frequencies in in vivo neural recording

Titin-truncating variants affect heart function in disease cohorts and the general population

Titin-truncating variants (TTNtv) commonly cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). TTNtv are also encountered in ~1% of the general population, where they may be silent, perhaps reflecting allelic factors. To better understand TTNtv, we integrated TTN allelic series, cardiac imaging and genomic data in humans and studied rat models with disparate TTNtv. In patients with DCM, TTNtv throughout titin were significantly associated with DCM. Ribosomal profiling in rat showed the translational footprint of premature stop codons in Ttn, TTNtv-position-independent nonsense-mediated degradation of the mutant allele and a signature of perturbed cardiac metabolism. Heart physiology in rats with TTNtv was unremarkable at baseline but became impaired during cardiac stress. In healthy humans, machine-learning-based analysis of high-resolution cardiac imaging showed TTNtv to be associated with eccentric cardiac remodeling. These data show that TTNtv have molecular and physiological effects on the heart across species, with a continuum of expressivity in health and disease