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Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a common procedure utilized to address degenerative pathologies of the glenohumeral joint and rotator cuff. Increased reliance on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have placed emphasis on the utilization of the minimum clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), patient acceptable symptom state (PASS), and maximal outcome improvement (MOI) thresholds to assess the clinical efficacy of RTSA. In this study, we systematically reviewed the MCID, SCB, PASS, and MOI thresholds reported for PROMs following RTSA. PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were queried for articles from January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2023 reporting MCID, SCB, PASS, or MOI values for PROMs following RTSA. Patient demographic data, study characteristics, MCID/SCB/PASS/MOI thresholds, and threshold calculation methods were extracted. One hundred and forty-one articles were screened with 39 ultimately included, comprising 11,984 total patients that underwent RTSA. 34 (87%) studies reported MCID thresholds, 20 (51%) reported SCB, 5 (13%) reported PASS, and 2 (5%) reported MOI. 25/39 (64%) studies referenced a previous study when reporting MCID, SCB, PASS, or MOI values, 11 (28%) used an anchor-based method to calculate threshold values, 1 (3%) used a distribution-based method, and 2 (5%) used both anchor and distribution methods. There were 19 newly calculated MCID (11), SCB (5), PASS (1), and MOI (2) thresholds. For 5 of the 6 most utilized PROMs (ASES, SST, Constant, UCLA, and SPADI), the range of reported MCID values exceeded 50% of the most common threshold. For 3 of 6, the range of SCB values exceeded 25% of the most common threshold. There is substantial variability in the MCID and SCB threshold values reported in the RTSA literature. Standardizing the methodologic calculation and utilization of MCID, SCB, PASS, and MOI thresholds for RTSA may allow for improved assessment of PROMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On February 5, 2024, at the headquarters of the PCF, an important evening of tribute to the leader of the MOI, Missak Manouchian, was held on the occasion of the opening of the commemorative exhibition dedicated to him and in preparation for his panthenization on February 21, 2024. In front of a very large and passionate audience, personalities gave memorable and committed speeches, an unpublished film was screened and the exhibition, presented inside the Espace Niemeyer and on the grids outside, was unveiled. All these elements have allowed the public to learn more about the history of the MOI resistance fighters and specialists to learn more thanks to the recent exploitation of new archives.

This paper presents the first in-depth research on the biological and genomic properties of lytic rhizobiophage AP-J-162 isolated from the soils of the mountainous region of Dagestan (North Caucasus), which belongs to the centers of origin of cultivated plants, according to Vavilov N.I. The rhizobiophage host strains are nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus Sinorhizobium spp., symbionts of leguminous forage grasses. The phage particles have a myovirus virion structure. The genome of rhizobiophage AP-J-162 is double-stranded DNA of 471.5 kb in length; 711 ORFs are annotated and 41 types of tRNAs are detected. The closest phylogenetic relative of phage AP-J-162 is Agrobacterium phage Atu-ph07, but no rhizobiophages are known. The replicative machinery, capsid, and baseplate proteins of phage AP-J-162 are structurally similar to those of Escherichia phage T4, but there is no similarity between their tail protein subunits. Amino acid sequence analysis shows that 339 of the ORFs encode hypothetical or functionally relevant products, while the remaining 304 ORFs are unique. Additionally, 153 ORFs are similar to those of Atu_ph07, with one-third of the ORFs encoding different enzymes. The biological properties and genomic characteristics of phage AP-J-162 distinguish it as a unique model for exploring phage–microbe interactions with nitrogen-fixing symbiotic microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE. The incidence of periodontal infections with antibiotic-resistant strains of Actinomyces oris and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans capable of forming biofilms in the oral cavity is increasing, and the effectiveness of antimicrobials against biofilms is insufficient. Therefore, the isolation of bacteriophages active against A. oris and Ag. actinomycetemcomitans is an urgent task.AIM. This study aimed to isolate bacteriophages active against A. oris and Ag. actinomycetemcomitans, study their biological properties, and select optimum culture conditions providing pure lines and high titres of bacteriophages.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Bacteriophages were isolated from biosamples of saliva, dental plaque, and periodontal pocket contents. The study determined bacteriophage characteristics, including the optimum multiplicity of infection, phage–cell system cultivation time, resistance to various temperatures and pH, and storage stability. Bacteriophage morphology was studied using transmission electron microscopy. Negative colony morphology, lytic activity, host range, and specificity were assessed using spot testing and the Gratia method. Bacterial strains were obtained from the strain collection of the Micromir research and production centre.RESULTS. The authors isolated and studied 3 novel bacteriophages active against A. oris (vB_AorP_1/G-12, vB_AorP_2/Ch-28, and vB_AorP_3/Bl-35) and 1 bacteriophage active against Ag. actinomycetemcomitans (vB_AacS_1/Dc-1). The A. oris bacteriophages were classified as podoviruses, and the vB_AacS_1/Dc-1 bacteriophage was classified as a siphovirus. The phages formed completely transparent round plaques without a halo, with a diameter ranging from 0.8±0.1 to 4.0±0.2 mm. The optimum parameters established to obtain pure phages with maximum titres included a multiplicity of infection of 0,1–10 and phage–cell system cultivation time of 8–12 hours. The study demonstrated the ability of A. oris bacteriophages to lyse Actinomyces naeslundii strains. Of the 15 A. oris bacteriophage strains studied, vB_AorP_1/G-12, vB_AorP_2/Ch-28, and vB_AorP_3/Bl-35 lysed 10, 8, and 12 bacterial strains, respectively. The vB_AacS_1/Dc-1 phage isolate exhibited lytic activity against both tested strains of Ag. actinomycetemcomitans. The studied phages demonstrated stability under abiotic stress and long-term storage conditions.CONCLUSIONS. The authors isolated 3 novel bacteriophages active against A. oris and 1 bacteriophage active against Ag. actinomycetemcomitans and studied their biological properties. The isolated bacteriophages are promising as candidates for further research using clinical strains and whole-genome sequencing.

Il s'agit de réinterroger le concept de clivage au moi proposé par R. Roussillon dans les champs psychopathologiques et psychanalytiques à partir d'une situation clinique d'adolescent hikikomori. Adoptant une approche conceptuelle, notre propos se centre sur une forme particulière du clivage qui, au-delà d'une visée purement déficitaire et défensive, peut également se comprendre comme une première forme d'appropriation de soi. Il s'inscrit alors dans un processus de construction identitaire. À partir d'une analyse qualitative d'entretiens cliniques auprès d'un adolescent, il s'agit de montrer en quoi le dispositif de la rencontre thérapeutique dans un centre de soins, et en appui sur une médiation virtuelle, permet la réappropriation de parts de soi initialement clivées. Également, une exploration conceptuelle du clivage, notamment par la notion de verwerfung ainsi que la lecture d'un clivage profond proposée par S. Ferenczi, permet de mieux comprendre ses manifestations, entre besoin développemental et troubles psychopathologiques. Les enjeux développementaux liés à un clivage au moi chez l'adolescent sont multiples. Parfois proche, voire synonyme de la dissociation péritraumatique , le clivage au moi illustre les défenses du sujet contre un événement inélaborable et l'ampute de tout un pan de sa subjectivité. Il concerne aussi l'expérience du corps pubère et son rejet par l'adolescent, ce que le developmental breakdown a fortement mis en évidence. Enfin, il peut favoriser une forme de repli ou de retrait social tel que l' hikikomori et certainement d'autres destins liés à l'évolution du sujet. Dans tous les cas, cette évolution reste incertaine. Si différentes formes de psychopathologies peuvent se manifester, en revanche, le clivage au moi peut signifier une forme de mise en abîme de soi pour tenter de se réapproprier certains éléments douloureux ou non symbolisés de son histoire. Il existe une forme de clivage qui n'est pas seulement une défense pouvant aboutir dans les situations les plus graves à des vécus de morcellement et de déréalisation. Il peut aussi s'inscrire dans un processus « limite » de construction identitaire, une forme de dissociation momentanée du sujet ou schize permettant un retour des parts de soi dans une boucle rétroactive, informant en quelque sorte l'état actuel du Moi. À l'adolescence, ce processus est particulièrement sollicité de par l'intégration du nouveau corps pubère. Soit le sujet, en fonction de sa maturation psychoaffective, s'auto-informe des processus en cours de son monde interne : sa vie fantasmatique, l'intégration du corps sexué, etc. Soit la réduction du clivage opère par le recours à une fonction réceptive et transformationnelle de l'objet, inscrivant ce processus dans une intersubjectivité « croisée ». Penser le sujet, notamment adolescent, dans des formes de dissociation qui ne sont pas uniquement l'expression d'une vulnérabilité, permet de maintenir un regard clinique qui soutient un potentiel de croissance, une capacité résiliente du Moi. L'attention portée aux différents destins du clivage soutient une approche dynamique du fonctionnement psychique et inscrit le sujet dans un continuum entre normal et pathologique. Le clivage au moi, en tant que processus limite, offre une lecture originale des enjeux sous-jacents à l'expression contemporaine des souffrances narcissiques et identitaires, et dynamise une approche purement nosographique. The aim of this article is to re-examine the concept of ego splitting proposed by R. Roussillon in the psychopathological and psychoanalytical fields, based on a clinical case of a teenage hikikomori. In a conceptual approach, our article addresses a specific form of splitting which, beyond a vision, only focuses on its defensive and deficient aspects, can also be understood as a first form of self-appropriation. It then becomes a part of a process of identity construction. Based on a qualitative analysis of several clinical interviews with an adolescent, this article aims to demonstrate the extent to which the therapeutic encounter setting in a Care Center, with the support of virtual mediation, can allow for the reappropriation of some parts of the self that were initially split off. Additionally, a conceptual exploration of ego splitting, notably through the notion of verwerfung as well as the reading of a profound splitting proposed by S. Ferenczi, allows us to better understand its manifestations, depending on whether it is seen as a developmental need or a psychopathological disorder. The developmental stakes associated with ego splitting in adolescents are multiple. Sometimes very similar to a peritraumatic dissociation , ego splitting illustrates the subject's defenses when faced with an event which the psyche cannot deal with, and thus severs an entire part of his subjectivity. It is also about the experience of the newly pubescent body and the adolescent's rejection of it, which was emphasized in the concept of developmental breakdown. Finally, it can lead to a form of withdrawal or social isolation such as with the hikikomori disorder, and certainly other outcomes depending on the subject's evolution. In all cases, this evolution remains uncertain. If different forms of psychopathology can manifest themselves, ego splitting however can signify a form of self-immersion, in an attempt to reappropriate certain painful or unsymbolized elements from his past history. There is a type of splitting, which is not only a defense that can lead to feelings of fragmentation and derealization in the worst-case scenarios. It can also be inscribed in the borderline process of identity construction, a form of temporary dissociation of the patient, or schize , allowing parts of the self to return in a sort of retroactive loop, as an informer of the current state of the ego. In adolescence, this process is particularly active, due to the integration of the newly pubescent body. Either the subject, depending on his psychoaffective maturation, will enquire about the ongoing processes in progress in his inner world (his phantasmatic life, integration of the sexual body, etc.); or the splitting reduction takes place through a receptive and transformational function of the object, aligning this process with a form of "crossed" intersubjectivity. Thinking about the subject, especially during in his teenage years, as he encounters forms of dissociations which are not only the expression of a vulnerability, allows us to maintain a clinical vision which supports a potential for growth, a resilient capacity of the ego. The way we consider different outcomes of ego splitting in this article supports a dynamic approach of the psychological functioning, which places the subject in a continuum between what is normal and what is pathological. Splitting of the ego, as a borderline process, allows for a different reading of the underlying stakes of the contemporary expression of narcissistic and identity-related suffering. It also gives a dynamic perspective to what is usually a nosographic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the genetic structure of P. falciparum population in different regions is pivotal to malaria elimination. Genetic diversity and the multiplicity of infection are indicators used for measuring malaria endemicity across different transmission settings. Therefore, this study characterized P. falciparum infections from selected areas constituting pre-elimination and high transmission settings in South Africa and Nigeria, respectively. Methods: Parasite genomic DNA was extracted from 129 participants with uncomplicated P. falciparum infections. Isolates were collected from 78 participants in South Africa (southern Africa) and 51 in Nigeria (western Africa). Allelic typing of the msp1 and msp2 genes was carried out using nested PCR. Results: In msp1, the K1 allele (39.7%) was the most common allele among the South African isolates, while the RO33 allele (90.2%) was the most common allele among the Nigerian isolates. In the msp2 gene, FC27 and IC3D7 showed almost the same percentage distribution (44.9% and 43.6%) in the South African isolates, whereas FC27 had the highest percentage distribution (60.8%) in the Nigerian isolates. The msp2 gene showed highly distinctive genotypes, indicating high genetic diversity in the South African isolates, whereas msp1 showed high genetic diversity in the Nigerian isolates. The RO33 allelic family displayed an inverse relationship with participants' age in the Nigerian isolates. The overall multiplicity of infection (MOI) was significantly higher in Nigeria (2.87) than in South Africa (2.44) (p < 0.000 *). In addition, heterozygosity was moderately higher in South Africa (1.46) than in Nigeria (1.13). Conclusions: The high genetic diversity and MOI in P. falciparum that were observed in this study could provide surveillance data, on the basis of which appropriate control strategies should be adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

À partir des notions essentielles de trauma, de clivage et de l' Hilflosigkeit freudien, les auteurs de ce texte proposent une lecture psychanalytique de la toxicomanie en s'appuyant sur une situation clinique rencontrée en milieu spécialisé, un matériel vivant permettant de corroborer les données de la littérature qui, à elles seules, ne peuvent produire de conclusion satisfaisante. La réalisation de ce travail tient pour fil rouge l'hypothèse selon laquelle l'attrait de la toxicomanie permet la maintenance et la continuité d'une organisation Moïque essentiellement défaillante chez le sujet dépendant. From basic notions such as trauma, and so-called freudian Hilflosigkeit , the authors propose a psychoanalytical view of addiction based on a clinical situation, within an overview that would determine the validity of the datas, through a raw material which definitely comes to supply what literature already offers. The hypothesis that guides the whole study tackles substance abuse as a relevant means for the Self to face with reality in order to ensure balance through inner unconscious dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viruses that infect as well as often kill bacteria are called bacteriophages, or phages. Because of their ability to act bactericidally, phages increasingly are being employed clinically as antibacterial agents, an infection-fighting strategy that has been in practice now for over one hundred years. As with antibacterial agents generally, the development as well as practice of this phage therapy can be aided via the application of various quantitative frameworks. Therefore, reviewed here are considerations of phage multiplicity of infection, bacterial likelihood of becoming adsorbed as a function of phage titers, bacterial susceptibility to phages also as a function of phage titers, and the use of Poisson distributions to predict phage impacts on bacteria. Considered in addition is the use of simulations that can take into account both phage and bacterial replication. These various approaches can be automated, i.e., by employing a number of online-available apps provided by the author, the use of which this review emphasizes. In short, the practice of phage therapy can be aided by various mathematical approaches whose implementation can be eased via online automation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Genetic diversity of malaria parasites can inform the intensity of transmission and poses a major threat to malaria control and elimination interventions. Characterization of the genetic diversity would provide essential information about the ongoing control efforts. This study aimed to explore allelic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1) and merozoite surface protein 2 (msp2) to determine the genetic diversity and multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infections circulating in high and low transmission sites in western Ethiopia. Methods Parasite genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 225 dried blood spots collected from confirmed uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria-infected patients in western Ethiopia. Of these, 72.4% (163/225) and 27.6% (62/225) of the samples were collected in high and low transmission areas, respectively. Polymorphic msp1 and msp2 genes were used to explore the genetic diversity and multiplicity of falciparum malaria infections. Genotyping of msp1 was successful in 86.5% (141/163) and 88.7% (55/62) samples collected from high and low transmission areas, respectively. Genotyping of msp2 was carried out among 85.3% (139/163) and 96.8% (60/62) of the samples collected in high and low transmission sites, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum msp1 and msp2 genes were amplified by nested PCR and the PCR products were analysed by QIAxcel ScreenGel Software. A P-value of less or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. Results High prevalence of falciparum malaria was identified in children less than 15 years as compared with those ≥ 15 years old (AOR = 2.438, P = 0.005). The three allelic families of msp1 (K1, MAD20, and RO33) and the two allelic families of msp2 (FC27 and 3D7), were observed in samples collected in high and low transmission areas. However, MAD 20 and FC 27 alleles were the predominant allelic families in both settings. Plasmodium falciparum isolates circulating in western Ethiopia had low genetic diversity and mean MOI. No difference in mean MOI between high transmission sites (mean MOI 1.104) compared with low transmission area (mean MOI 1.08) (p > 0.05). The expected heterozygosity of msp1 was slightly higher in isolates collected from high transmission sites (He = 0.17) than in those isolates from low transmission (He = 0.12). However, the heterozygosity of msp2 was not different in both settings (Pfmsp2: 0.04 in high transmission; pfmsp2: 0.03 in low transmission). Conclusion Plasmodium falciparum from clinical malaria cases in western Ethiopia has low genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection irrespective of the intensity of transmission at the site of sampling. These may be signaling the effectiveness of malaria control strategies in Ethiopia; although further studies are required to determine how specific intervention strategies and other parameters that drive the pattern.

Simple Summary: The phenology of avian migration adjusts to rapid changes in the climate in Europe. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which reflects weather patterns in western Europe, has been demonstrated to influence the timing of bird migration. The question is, how does climate in other regions of their wintering and breeding grounds in Europe influence migrants, which move between these areas? We aimed to determine carry-over effects of the Mediterranean Oscillation Index (MOI), a proxy for non-breeding conditions in the eastern Mediterranean, and the Scandinavian Pattern (SCAND), which reflects conditions at the breeding grounds, in combination with NAO, on the timing of the European wren's short-distance spring migration through the Baltic Sea coast over 1982–2021. We showed that a combination of winter and spring MOI and NAO, as well as SCAND from the previous breeding season, explained the year-to-year variation in timing of the wren's spring passage at the Baltic coast three to ten months later. Our study reveals that conditions the migrants encounter at wide non-breeding and breeding grounds during the preceding year have a carry-over effect on spring phenology of migrants in Europe, while spring conditions just fine-tune their timing. Many studies have linked changes in avian phenology in Europe to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which serves as a proxy for conditions in western Europe. However, the effects of climate variation in other regions of Europe on the phenology of short-distance migrants with large non-breeding grounds remain unclear. We determined the combined influence of large-scale climate indices, NAO, the Mediterranean Oscillation Index (MOI), and the Scandinavian Pattern (SCAND), during the preceding year on spring migration timing of European wren at the southern Baltic coast during 1982–2021. We modelled the effects of these climate variables on the entire passage and subsequent percentiles of the wren's passage at Bukowo-Kopań and Hel ringing stations. Over 1982–2021, the start and median of migration shifted earlier at Hel, but the end of passage shifted later at both stations. In effect, the duration of passage at Hel was extended by 7.6 days. Early passage at Hel was related with high MOI in spring and the preceding autumn. Spring passage at Bukowo-Kopań was delayed after high NAO in the previous breeding season, and high winter and spring NAO. Late spring passage occurred at both stations following a high SCAND in the previous summer. At both locations, an early start or median of passage followed high local temperatures. We conclude that phenology of the wren's spring migration at the Baltic coast was shaped by conditions encountered at wintering quarters in western Europe, where NAO operates, and in the south-eastern Europe, where the MOI operates, in conjunction with conditions in Scandinavia during the previous breeding season. We demonstrated that climate variability in various parts of the migrants' range has combined carry-over effects on in migrants' phenology in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the genetic structure of P. falciparum population in different regions is pivotal to malaria elimination. Genetic diversity and the multiplicity of infection are indicators used for measuring malaria endemicity across different transmission settings. Therefore, this study characterized P. falciparum infections from selected areas constituting pre-elimination and high transmission settings in South Africa and Nigeria, respectively. Methods: Parasite genomic DNA was extracted from 129 participants with uncomplicated P. falciparum infections. Isolates were collected from 78 participants in South Africa (southern Africa) and 51 in Nigeria (western Africa). Allelic typing of the msp1 and msp2 genes was carried out using nested PCR. Results: In msp1, the K1 allele (39.7%) was the most common allele among the South African isolates, while the RO33 allele (90.2%) was the most common allele among the Nigerian isolates. In the msp2 gene, FC27 and IC3D7 showed almost the same percentage distribution (44.9% and 43.6%) in the South African isolates, whereas FC27 had the highest percentage distribution (60.8%) in the Nigerian isolates. The msp2 gene showed highly distinctive genotypes, indicating high genetic diversity in the South African isolates, whereas msp1 showed high genetic diversity in the Nigerian isolates. The RO33 allelic family displayed an inverse relationship with participants’ age in the Nigerian isolates. The overall multiplicity of infection (MOI) was significantly higher in Nigeria (2.87) than in South Africa (2.44) (p < 0.000 *). In addition, heterozygosity was moderately higher in South Africa (1.46) than in Nigeria (1.13). Conclusions: The high genetic diversity and MOI in P. falciparum that were observed in this study could provide surveillance data, on the basis of which appropriate control strategies should be adopted.

To assess the association of some clinical composite disease activity indices with a simplified 12 joint power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) activity index in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One hundred RA patients who fulfilled the 2010 European league against rheumatism/American college of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) classification criteria for RA were recruited from the Rheumatology outpatient clinic, Cairo University Hospitals. Disease activity score (DAS28), the simplified disease activity index (SDAI), clinical disease activity index (CDAI) as well as mean overall index for RA (MOI-RA) were assessed. Grey Scale Ultrasonography (GSUS) and PDUS activity assessment was performed using a simplified 12-joint score. The 100 patients were 80 females and 20 males (F:M 4:1). Their mean age was 44.4 ± 10.8 years with disease duration of 6.3 ± 4.7 years. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 77 %. DAS28 was 4.5 ± 1.3, SDAI 27.7 ± 22.7, CDAI 17.5 ± 13.2 and MOI-RA 86.8 ± 25.1. On US, tenosynovitis was present in 10 %, irregularity in 23 % and erosion in 62 %. The mean 12-point PDUS was 3.53 ± 4.16 and the overall US score 10.34 ± 9.3. A significant correlation was found between the US findings of overall synovitis, degree of PD and US score with DAS28 (r = 0.3, p < 0.0001; r = 0.4, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.3, p < 0.0001) with SDAI (r = 0.3, p < 0.0001; r = 0.4,p < 0.0001; r = 0.4, p < 0.0001) and with MOI-RA score (r = 0.3, p < 0.0001; r = 0.4, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.4, p < 0.0001 respectively) but the highest correlations was with CDAI (r = 0.4, p < 0.0001; r = 0.5, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.4, p < 0.0001 respectively). Simplified 12 -joint PDUS score is well correlated with activity indices in RA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic diversity of malaria parasites can inform the intensity of transmission and poses a major threat to malaria control and elimination interventions. Characterization of the genetic diversity would provide essential information about the ongoing control efforts. This study aimed to explore allelic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1) and merozoite surface protein 2 (msp2) to determine the genetic diversity and multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infections circulating in high and low transmission sites in western Ethiopia. Methods: Parasite genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 225 dried blood spots collected from confirmed uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria-infected patients in western Ethiopia. Of these, 72.4% (163/225) and 27.6% (62/225) of the samples were collected in high and low transmission areas, respectively. Polymorphic msp1 and msp2 genes were used to explore the genetic diversity and multiplicity of falciparum malaria infections. Genotyping of msp1 was successful in 86.5% (141/163) and 88.7% (55/62) samples collected from high and low transmission areas, respectively. Genotyping of msp2 was carried out among 85.3% (139/163) and 96.8% (60/62) of the samples collected in high and low transmission sites, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum msp1 and msp2 genes were amplified by nested PCR and the PCR products were analysed by QIAxcel ScreenGel Software. A P-value of less or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. Results: High prevalence of falciparum malaria was identified in children less than 15 years as compared with those ≥ 15 years old (AOR = 2.438, P = 0.005). The three allelic families of msp1 (K1, MAD20, and RO33) and the two allelic families of msp2 (FC27 and 3D7), were observed in samples collected in high and low transmission areas. However, MAD 20 and FC 27 alleles were the predominant allelic families in both settings. Plasmodium falciparum isolates circulating in western Ethiopia had low genetic diversity and mean MOI. No difference in mean MOI between high transmission sites (mean MOI 1.104) compared with low transmission area (mean MOI 1.08) (p > 0.05). The expected heterozygosity of msp1 was slightly higher in isolates collected from high transmission sites (He = 0.17) than in those isolates from low transmission (He = 0.12). However, the heterozygosity of msp2 was not different in both settings (Pfmsp2: 0.04 in high transmission; pfmsp2: 0.03 in low transmission). Conclusion: Plasmodium falciparum from clinical malaria cases in western Ethiopia has low genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection irrespective of the intensity of transmission at the site of sampling. These may be signaling the effectiveness of malaria control strategies in Ethiopia; although further studies are required to determine how specific intervention strategies and other parameters that drive the pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aim to show that the entire philosophy of E. Levinas focuses on the ethical and metaphysical issue concerning the “Other”. The concept is represented as an infinity of facets or even as lying “beyond the being”. This is essentially a phenomenology of love which establishes the bond between the "I" and the "Other", a relationship that should unite each individual to his/her fellow creature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viruses that infect as well as often kill bacteria are called bacteriophages, or phages. Because of their ability to act bactericidally, phages increasingly are being employed clinically as antibacterial agents, an infection-fighting strategy that has been in practice now for over one hundred years. As with antibacterial agents generally, the development as well as practice of this phage therapy can be aided via the application of various quantitative frameworks. Therefore, reviewed here are considerations of phage multiplicity of infection, bacterial likelihood of becoming adsorbed as a function of phage titers, bacterial susceptibility to phages also as a function of phage titers, and the use of Poisson distributions to predict phage impacts on bacteria. Considered in addition is the use of simulations that can take into account both phage and bacterial replication. These various approaches can be automated, i.e., by employing a number of online-available apps provided by the author, the use of which this review emphasizes. In short, the practice of phage therapy can be aided by various mathematical approaches whose implementation can be eased via online automation.

Listeria monocytogenes was the etiologic agent in nearly all recent outbreaks in North America attributed to pasteurized dairy products, whereas Escherichia coli O157 infections were responsible for most of the rare, yet serious complications from outbreaks involving unpasteurized dairy. This study determined the susceptibility of selected strains of L. monocytogenes and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) to commercial phage preparations and their ability to control these pathogens in pasteurized and raw milk during 7-day storage at 7 °C. Both phage products demonstrated high lytic efficiency against 17 strains of L. monocytogenes whereas the efficiency of E. coli phages was more variable against 11 strains of O157 and non-O157 STEC. Broth microdilution assays identified effective endpoint multiplicities of infection (MOI) ranging from log 2.53 to 5.13, which differed between strains of L. monocytogenes and phage products. Mean log MOIs of E. coli phages against STEC also varied within and between products from 0.43 to 7.05. Despite these observations, the change in counts over time of three L. monocytogenes strains exposed to phage in pasteurized milk (log MOI 6) was similar with counts ∼ 4 log CFU/mL lower than control at day 7. Results for STEC O157 varied by strain but counts were lower than control in all cases by 72 h thorough day 7. Titers on isolates of both pathogens isolated from pasteurized milk indicated that the surviving populations were less susceptible to phage. The addition of a phage preparation to raw milk did not reduce populations of either pathogen or affect the change in counts of any strain over time when compared to control. Reduced efficacy in raw milk may be attributed to reduced phage binding as titers in raw milk decreased steadily (∼2 log PFU/mL) during storage. Commercial phage products may be a promising pathogen control intervention for pasteurized dairy products, warranting further investigation. • Commercial phage products demonstrated high lytic efficiency L. monocytogenes. • Lytic efficiency of E. coli phages against O157 and non-O157 STEC varied. • L. monocytogenes in pasteurized milk were ∼4 log CFU/mL less than control. • STEC O157 counts in pasteurized milk varied by strain but were less than control. • Phage addition to raw milk did not reduce pathogen populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La question du Moi chez certains auteurs iraniens apparaît sous l’image du Double à travers leurs personnages. L’œuvre autobiographique de Sadegh Hedayat réalisée sur un langage particulier est une connaissance voire à la construction de soi. Cette connaissance de soi représente l’inconscient personnel et obscure de l’auteur, celui de l’ombre. Ce dernier est le terme très fréquent chez les surréalistes. L’auteur iranien montre une belle image de l’univers des ombres errantes qui témoigne éventuellement de la légitimité du rapprochement entre lui et le mouvement surréalisme. Cet article essayera d’étudier le thème du « moi » à l’égard de l’archétype de l’ombre dans La Chouette aveugle de Sadegh Hedayat.

Abstract Background and aims Several oncolytic viruses applications have been approved in the clinic or in different phases of clinical trials. However, these methods have some rudimentary problems. Therefore, to enhance the delivery and quality of treatment, considering the advantage of cell carrier-based methods such as Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) have been proposed. This study was designed to evaluate the performance and quality of cancer treatment based on MSCs loaded by oncolytic reovirus in the cancerous C57BL/6 mouse model. Also, we evaluated MSCs migration potency in vitro and in vivo following the oncolytic reovirus infection. Methods C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with TC-1 cell lines and tumors were established in the right flank. Mice were systemically treated with reovirus, MSCs-loaded with reovirus, MSCs, and PBS as a control in separated groups. Effects of infected AD-MSCs with reovirus on tumor growth and penetration in the tumor site were monitored. All groups of mice were monitored for two months in order to therapeutic and anticancer potential. After treatments, tumor size alteration and apoptosis rate, as well as cytokine release pattern was assessed. Results The results of the current study indicated that the effect of reovirus infection on AD-MSCs is not devastating the migration capacity especially in MOI 1 and 5 while intact cells remain. On the other hand, MSCs play an efficient role as a carrier to deliver oncolytic virus into the tumor site in comparison with systemic administration of reovirus alone. Apoptosis intensity relies on viral titration and passing time. Followed by systemic administration, treatment with oncolytic reovirus-infected AD-MSCs and MSCs alone had shown significant inhibition in tumor growth. Also, treatment by reovirus causes an increase in IFN-γ secretion. Conclusion The results of in vitro and in vivo study confirmed the tumor-homing properties of infected AD-MSCs and the significant antitumor activity of this platform. Hence, our results showed that the cell carrier strategy using oncolytic reovirus-loaded AD-MSCs enhanced virus delivery, infiltration, and antitumor activity can be effectively applied in most cancers.

Many studies have linked changes in avian phenology in Europe to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which serves as a proxy for conditions in western Europe. However, the effects of climate variation in other regions of Europe on the phenology of short-distance migrants with large non-breeding grounds remain unclear. We determined the combined influence of large-scale climate indices, NAO, the Mediterranean Oscillation Index (MOI), and the Scandinavian Pattern (SCAND), during the preceding year on spring migration timing of European wren at the southern Baltic coast during 1982–2021. We modelled the effects of these climate variables on the entire passage and subsequent percentiles of the wren’s passage at Bukowo-Kopań and Hel ringing stations. Over 1982–2021, the start and median of migration shifted earlier at Hel, but the end of passage shifted later at both stations. In effect, the duration of passage at Hel was extended by 7.6 days. Early passage at Hel was related with high MOI in spring and the preceding autumn. Spring passage at Bukowo-Kopań was delayed after high NAO in the previous breeding season, and high winter and spring NAO. Late spring passage occurred at both stations following a high SCAND in the previous summer. At both locations, an early start or median of passage followed high local temperatures. We conclude that phenology of the wren’s spring migration at the Baltic coast was shaped by conditions encountered at wintering quarters in western Europe, where NAO operates, and in the south-eastern Europe, where the MOI operates, in conjunction with conditions in Scandinavia during the previous breeding season. We demonstrated that climate variability in various parts of the migrants’ range has combined carry-over effects on in migrants’ phenology in Europe.

Working with patients who end their lives through suicide is one of the greatest challenges and fears a clinician might face. This paper explores the experience of working with such patients in the course of psychiatric care and Jungian analysis. Jungian theory is used to explore a conceptual understanding of the dilemmas faced. Such theory points to an intractable conflict between Self and ego giving rise to unbearable distress, partly through difficulties arising in achieving individuation. The paper proposes that our difficulties in dealing with a patient's suicide might reflect a manifestation of relentless hope and, perhaps contentiously, these patients made a more considered decision in their final acts than prevailing clinical opinion suggests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rabies is a zoonotic fatal viral disease caused by the rabies virus of the genus Lyssavirus, and the family Rhabdoviridae. Challenge virus standard (CVS-11) strain of rabies virus is a key element in rabies reference laboratories, as many gold-standard tests depend on a suitable titer of this strain for interpretation of results. The present study investigated the optimal CVS-11 production in BSR cells (a clone of BHK-21). Methods: We analyzed the kinetic growth of BSR cells in a T-flask and inoculated BSR cells with different MOI of CVS-11 strain of rabies virus, and harvested the produced virus at different time points. Results: Our data showed that BSR cells had a doubling time of around 24-30 h, and at least 95% of cells kept their viability three days after culture. The virus reached the highest titer when the cells were infected at an MOI of 0.1 in DMEM medium, equal to 1.5 × 107 fluorescent focus units (FFU)/ml. Time-course analysis of CVS-11 titer showed that the highest titer was achieved around 72 h post-infection. All tests were performed in triplicate. Conclusion: Since producing the virus in mammalian cell culture is an expensive and complicated method, optimizing the virus production process may be an excellent strategy to lower the cost, save the laboratory resources and maximize productivity.

Each society is the product of a set of selves. In this regard, the interaction of each of these selves with the society is very important. Anna Gavalda, the contemporary woman writer, reflected this element of a heterogeneous whole in her works, sometimes consciously and sometimes unconsciously. Her art lies in her universal and accurate view as a superior witness who tries to lead us to reality, truth, and transparency. In the present study, first, using the sociological theories, we investigate the following three research questions: 1) How does Anna Gavalda portray social realities, the desperate power of money, and modern slavery in her works (e.g. I wish someone was waiting for me somewhere, Someone I loved and Hunting and Gathering)?; 2) By resorting to what linguistic processes does Anna Gavalda seek particularities of herself? And, 3) Using the psychological approaches of Gustave-Nicolas Fischer, what are the interactions between the self and the society by taking a look at the alternatives of the society and language using social deixis and orality? The self and the society can intertwine, and the society can change the characteristics of the self. In this respect, she is sometimes in touch which her society but fails to understand some of these details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the baculovirus-mediated foreign protein expression system has been extensively documented, system investigation of the optimal infection conditions remains elusive. In this study, a recombinant baculovirus vBmBacJS13-egfp was applied for systematic infection of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV). We revealed that incubation time and multiplicity of infection (MOI) were the crucial factors affecting the efficiency of virus infection and protein expression. Given the appropriate MOI, BmNPV infection efficiency was increased with elongation of incubation time; the optimal incubation time for BmNPV entry into host cells was about 4 h. Alternatively, an increasing MOI could shorten the incubation time of virus invasion to achieve similar infection efficiency and heterogenous proteins expression levels. This study laid a foundation for the study of the functional genome of BmNPV and provided important parameters for significant improvement on the expression level of heterogenous proteins using the BmNPV-cell expression system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Molecular epidemiology can provide important information regarding the genetic diversity and transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, which can assist in designing and monitoring elimination efforts. However, malaria molecular epidemiology including understanding the genetic diversity of the parasite and performing molecular surveillance of transmission has been poorly documented in Senegal. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) offers a practical, fast and high-throughput approach to understand malaria population genetics. This study aims to unravel the population structure of P. falciparum and to estimate the allelic diversity, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and evolutionary patterns of the malaria parasite using the NGS platform. Methods Multiplex amplicon deep sequencing of merozoite surface protein 1 (PfMSP1) and merozoite surface protein 2 (PfMSP2) in fifty-three P. falciparum isolates from two epidemiologically different areas in the South and North of Senegal, was carried out. Results A total of 76 Pfmsp1 and 116 Pfmsp2 clones were identified and 135 different alleles were found, 56 and 79 belonged to the pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 genes, respectively. K1 and IC3D7 allelic families were most predominant in both sites. The local haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) were higher in the South than in the North for both genes. For pfmsp1, a high positive Tajima’s D (TD) value was observed in the South (D = 2.0453) while negative TD value was recorded in the North (D = − 1.46045) and F-Statistic (Fst) was 0.19505. For pfmsp2, non-directional selection was found with a highly positive TD test in both areas and Fst was 0.02111. The mean MOI for both genes was 3.07 and 1.76 for the South and the North, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between areas (p = 0.001). Conclusion This study revealed a high genetic diversity of pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 genes and low genetic differentiation in P. falciparum population in Senegal. The MOI means were significantly different between the Southern and Northern areas. Findings also showed that multiplexed amplicon deep sequencing is a useful technique to investigate genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of P. falciparum infections.

DNA end protection is fundamental for the long-term preservation of the genome. In vertebrates the Shelterin protein complex protects telomeric DNA ends, thereby contributing to the maintenance of genome integrity. In the Drosophila genus, this function is thought to be performed by the Terminin complex, an assembly of fast-evolving subunits. Considering that DNA end protection is fundamental for successful genome replication, the accelerated evolution of Terminin subunits is counterintuitive, as conservation is supposed to maintain the assembly and concerted function of the interacting partners. This problem extends over Drosophila telomere biology and provides insight into the evolution of protein assemblies. In order to learn more about the mechanistic details of this phenomenon we have investigated the intra- and interspecies assemblies of Verrocchio and Modigliani, two Terminin subunits using in vitro assays. Based on our results and on homology-based three-dimensional models for Ver and Moi, we conclude that both proteins contain Ob-fold and contribute to the ssDNA binding of the Terminin complex. We propose that the preservation of Ver function is achieved by conservation of specific amino acids responsible for folding or localized in interacting surfaces. We also provide here the first evidence on Moi DNA binding.

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This work aimed to develop subsidies for the psychoanalysis of the elderly based on Laplanche's theory. The recurrence of aging contingencies becoming a driving force for psychic work demands the analyst to think about the implications of old age for the individual and for clinical practice. We base our work on the hypothesis that vicissitudes of old age particularly touch the theme of original seduction. By reading the book a máquina de fazer espanhóis (mãe, 2016)4 as a clinic hearing, we articulate the reported peculiarities of old age to the theoretical aspects related to an update of the enigmatic messages and their consequences for the psyche. We consider that, due to old age, there are particular transformations of the ego that interfere in the processes of subjectivation and in the conduct of the clinical case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the Aedes surveillance data of Chongqing in 2020, and we provide a basis for control of Aedes-borne diseases in Chongqing. Methods Wanzhou, Yubei and Shapingba districts with local dengue outbreaks, and Qianjiang, Dazu districts and Dianjiang county with no local dengue cases in Chongqing in 2019 were selected as investigation points. The larvae of Aedes mosquito were monitored by Breteau index method and mosquito ovitrap index method, adult Aedes mosquito was monitored by double net trap method. The surveillance data of larval and adult Aedes mosquitoes from six surveillance sites of Chongqing were analyzed using Excel 2010 software for a preliminary assessment of the risk of dengue transmission. Results In Apr.-Dec. 2020, the mean Breteau index (BI) of Aedes mosquitoes was 4.50. The BI of Chongqing from June to September were all >5, indicating a risk of dengue transmission; the BI of Shapingba in June, that of Yubei from June to July, and that of Wanzhou from July to August were >10, indicating a risk of dengue outbreak; the mean mosquito ovitrap index (MOI) was 2.15, the MOI of Yubei from July to August was >10, indicating a risk of dengue outbreak. The mean adult density of Aedes was 0.86 mosquitoes per net per hour. The net trap index of Aedes density in Shapingba district and Dianjiang county was 1.81 /(net⋅h) and 1.48 /(net⋅h), respectively, followed by Wanzhou district 1.04 /(net⋅h). The adult density of Aedes in Shapingba from June to September, that of Wanzhou from June to July, that of Dianjiang from May to June and August to September were higher than 2 mosquitoes per net per hour. Conclusion In 2020, the dengue transmission risk varies in different months in the six districts in Chongqing. Yubei, Shapingba and Wanzhou have higher risk than other investigative points. It is suggested that Aedes surveillance and risk assessment should be strengthened in key districts to ensure sustainable control of Aedes for the prevention and control of Aedes-borne diseases in Chongqing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a foodborne pathogen that is frequently isolated from a variety of seafood. To control this pathogenic Vibrio spp., the implementation of bacteriophages in aquaculture and food industries have shown a promising alternative to antibiotics. In this study, six bacteriophages isolated from the seafood samples demonstrated a narrow host range specificity that infecting only the V. parahaemolyticus strains. Morphological analysis revealed that bacteriophages Vp33, Vp22, Vp21, and Vp02 belong to the Podoviridae family, while bacteriophages Vp08 and Vp11 were categorized into the Siphoviridae family. All bacteriophages were composed of DNA genome and showed distinctive restriction fragment length polymorphism. The optimal MOI for bacteriophage propagation was determined to be 0.001 to 1. One-step growth curve revealed that the latent period ranged from 10 to 20 min, and the burst size of bacteriophage was approximately 17 to 51 PFU/cell. The influence of temperature and pH levels on the stability of bacteriophages showed that all bacteriophages were optimally stable over a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. In vitro lytic activity of all bacteriophages demonstrated to have a significant effect against V. parahaemolyticus. Besides, the application of a bacteriophage cocktail instead of a single bacteriophage suspension was observed to have a better efficiency to control the growth of V. parahaemolyticus. Results from this study provided a basic understanding of the physiological and biological properties of the isolated bacteriophages before it can be readily used as a biocontrol agent against the growth of V. parahaemolyticus.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a foodborne pathogen that is frequently isolated from a variety of seafood. To control this pathogenic Vibrio spp., the implementation of bacteriophages in aquaculture and food industries have shown a promising alternative to antibiotics. In this study, six bacteriophages isolated from the seafood samples demonstrated a narrow host range specificity that infecting only the V. parahaemolyticus strains. Morphological analysis revealed that bacteriophages Vp33, Vp22, Vp21, and Vp02 belong to the Podoviridae family, while bacteriophages Vp08 and Vp11 were categorized into the Siphoviridae family. All bacteriophages were composed of DNA genome and showed distinctive restriction fragment length polymorphism. The optimal MOI for bacteriophage propagation was determined to be 0.001 to 1. One-step growth curve revealed that the latent period ranged from 10 to 20 min, and the burst size of bacteriophage was approximately 17 to 51 PFU/cell. The influence of temperature and pH levels on the stability of bacteriophages showed that all bacteriophages were optimally stable over a wide range of temperatures and pH levels. In vitro lytic activity of all bacteriophages demonstrated to have a significant effect against V. parahaemolyticus. Besides, the application of a bacteriophage cocktail instead of a single bacteriophage suspension was observed to have a better efficiency to control the growth of V. parahaemolyticus. Results from this study provided a basic understanding of the physiological and biological properties of the isolated bacteriophages before it can be readily used as a biocontrol agent against the growth of V. parahaemolyticus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objetivo: explicar que la conciencia es exterioridad plena, es decir que en su interior no habita ninguna instancia metafísica, como lo podría ser el moi, el cogito, el inconsciente. Método: se aplicó el método de análisis, con un enfoque cualitativo, se realizó una revisión de la literatura desde una perspectiva crítica, bajo un nivel documental-bibliográfico transversal. Resultados: tras la revisión documental se encontró que la tesis sartreana “El hombre está condenado a ser libre” (1996, p.22), solo es posible si se sustenta el carácter de exterioridad en la conciencia. En otras palabras, la noción de conciencia que aparece en los primeros escritos sartreanos, en especial La Trascendencia del Ego, es la base, para que en el Ser y la Nada, se justifique el carácter inherente de libertad en el ser humano. Discusión y Conclusiones: se concluye que lo noción de conciencia en Sartre es la superación del solipsismo e idealismo propios de la tradición moderna.

Copyright of Adab Al-Kufa is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Molecular epidemiology can provide important information regarding the genetic diversity and transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, which can assist in designing and monitoring elimination efforts. However, malaria molecular epidemiology including understanding the genetic diversity of the parasite and performing molecular surveillance of transmission has been poorly documented in Senegal. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) offers a practical, fast and high-throughput approach to understand malaria population genetics. This study aims to unravel the population structure of P. falciparum and to estimate the allelic diversity, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and evolutionary patterns of the malaria parasite using the NGS platform. Methods: Multiplex amplicon deep sequencing of merozoite surface protein 1 (PfMSP1) and merozoite surface protein 2 (PfMSP2) in fifty-three P. falciparum isolates from two epidemiologically different areas in the South and North of Senegal, was carried out. Results: A total of 76 Pfmsp1 and 116 Pfmsp2 clones were identified and 135 different alleles were found, 56 and 79 belonged to the pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 genes, respectively. K1 and IC3D7 allelic families were most predominant in both sites. The local haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) were higher in the South than in the North for both genes. For pfmsp1, a high positive Tajima’s D (TD) value was observed in the South (D = 2.0453) while negative TD value was recorded in the North (D = − 1.46045) and F-Statistic (Fst) was 0.19505. For pfmsp2, non-directional selection was found with a highly positive TD test in both areas and Fst was 0.02111. The mean MOI for both genes was 3.07 and 1.76 for the South and the North, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between areas (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed a high genetic diversity of pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 genes and low genetic differentiation in P. falciparum population in Senegal. The MOI means were significantly different between the Southern and Northern areas. Findings also showed that multiplexed amplicon deep sequencing is a useful technique to investigate genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of P. falciparum infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Carnets: Revue Electronique d'Etudes Françaises / Revista Electrónica de Estudos Franceses is the property of Associacao Portuguesa de Estudos Franceses (APEF) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the memories of older generations in Nairobi's impoverished neighbourhoods, the reign of Moi, Kenya's second president, was a depressing time of political oppression, mismanagement of resources, rising insecurity and increasing corruption. The objective of this study is to describe how the older generations remember Moi's leadership and to elucidate the social implications of that historical memory. This article draws on oral testimony collected in Eastlands, an urban space that was once vibrant and well maintained but that deteriorated into a slum-like neighbourhood during the Moi era. 'Bad governance' is often considered a chief cause of backwardness and chronic poverty in Africa. African people often criticize their political elites, accusing them of incompetence, greed and oppression. The sharing of stories about ineffective and unaccountable leadership is a purposeful social action aimed at addressing people's current concerns. Through the public remembrance of the Moi regime's discursive and coercive control, the old-timers of Eastlands, who represent the urban poor, assert their rightful place in the post-independence nation by expressing their enduring frustration with their socio-economic marginalization under atrocious governance. This study demonstrates that remembering the Moi era is a means for them to cultivate a shared understanding of the past and to construct political legitimacy for better future leadership in the present context of increasing inequality and impoverishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large number of plants exudate complex polysaccharides as a consequence of mechanical/micro-biological injury. Exudates of gums are always in high demand for usage as food additives, emulsifiers and other applications and in pharmaceutical field as they are non-toxic, economically viable, readily available and are safe enough for human consumption. Many species of exudate gums have been reported to have therapeutic application and Moi gum is one of them. Moi gum is classified as Arabino-galactan, similar to Gum Arabic, is an unexplored minor gum. Different aerial portions of the plants are used in varied ways in medicinal field. The plant is reported to contain gums and mucilages which yields Arabino-3, 6-galactan on hydrolysis. It contains l-rhamnose with 2.5%, l-arabinose with 11%, 4-O-methyl uronic acids with 17% and d-galactose being the major portion with 69.5%. The gum also yields 1.38% of Proteins. Since this gum is similar to Gum Arabic and is not yet extensively used, it remained unexplored in the field of agriculture and in industries such as textiles, paper, cosmetics, drug delivery, confectionaries and pharmaceuticals. This article would serve as reference to researchers who are involved in biopolymer studies leading to commercialization of Moi gum in various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The determinants of malaria parasite virulence is not entirely known, but the outcome of malaria infection (asymptomatic or symptomatic) has been associated with carriage of distinct parasite genotypes. Alleles considered important for erythrocyte invasion and selected as candidate targets for malaria vaccine development are increasingly being shown to have distinct characteristics in infection outcomes. Any unique/distinct patterns or alleles linked to infection outcome should be reproducible for a given malaria-cohort regardless of location, time or intervention. This study compared merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2) genotypes from children with asymptomatic malaria at same geographical location, from two time periods. Results As the prevalence and incidence of malaria (measured for other studies) significantly reduced between 2004 (time point one) and 2009 (time point two), MSP2 multiplicity of infections (MOI) also reduced significantly from 2.3 at time point (TP) one to 1.9 at TP two. IC/3D7 genotypes out-numbered FC27 genotypes at both time points. At TP2 however, FC27 allele diversity was more than the IC/3D7 allele diversity. A decrease in the IC/3D7:FC27 genotype proportions from 2:1 at TP1 to 1:1 at TP2, seemed to be driven mainly by a decrease in carriage of IC/3D7 alleles. MOI was higher in the dry season than in the subsequent wet season, but the decrease was not significant at TP2. Conclusion MSP2 MOI was higher in the dry season than in the subsequent wet season, while the carriage of IC/3D7 alleles decreased over this time period. It may be that decreases in transmission are related specifically to the IC/3D7 allelic family. The influence of transmission on MSP2 allele diversity needs to be clearly deciphered in studies which should include the use of sensitive methods for the detection of polymorphic parasite markers for both symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria. Such studies will enable better understanding of associations between allelic variants, MOI, transmission, malaria infection and disease.

Nina Bouraoui est une romancière franco-algérienne. Elle a un rapport particulier avec ses deux pays : la France, pays de la mère, et l’Algérie, patrie du père et de l’enfance ; ce rapport complexe, fait d’attachement et de rejet, se situe dans l’être même de l’auteur, puisque Nina Bouraoui est à la fois française et algérienne. En confrontant ses textes, nous avons constaté que la ressemblance est frappante par rapport au dispositif d’énonciation : pratiquement ce sont toujours des narratrices désignées par un « je » omniprésent et qui semblent n’avoir qu’elles-mêmes comme centre d’intérêt. Ce « je », et pour d’innombrables raisons, se trouve dans des lieux éloignés, séparés par l’Histoire, par les traditions, il connait alors un déséquilibre intérieur, et demeure toujours partagé entre de multiples allers et retours réels et fictifs entre la France et l’Algérie. En détresse de n’être pas un, mais également de n’être pas deux, le Moi désire s’échapper à la réalité qui ne lui convient pas par le voyage qui semble être une planche de salut lui permettant de recréer le réel ailleurs, dans d’autres lieux. Cet article propose une réflexion sur le voyage, qui se révèle à la fois comme une composante à part entière de la construction dynamique du Moi chez l’auteur, et comme une fuite devant ses maintes interrogations identitaires.

In Bangladesh, high school students have trouble doing English tasks when they enter university due to their high school’s medium of instruction and their need for both English and academic skills. One way to prepare students for university is to develop programs around tasks they will do at university. This study documents three phases of a needs analysis to design a summer English program for students at Notre Dame College (NDC) in Bangladesh. The three phases identified where students would need English when they graduate, tasks they would need to do, and situations in which they would do those tasks. In Phase 1, teacher interviews and student questionnaires revealed where students would need English. In Phase 2, to get a sense of situations and tasks in which students would need English, I interviewed teachers, spoke with students, and observed classes at four universities. In Phase 3, to understand how relevant situations, tasks, and media were to more students, questionnaires were given to 240 students across universities. Results were situations, tasks, and commonly-used media for developing the NDC curriculum.

En este artículo se hace una revisión del problema que surge en la primera parte de La Trascendencia del Ego escrita por el filósofo francés Jean Paul Sartre. Tal problemática versa en que si es posible que la categoría “yo” habite en el interior de la conciencia. Esta indagación revelara la tesis sartriana sobre la conciencia, la cual entiende a la conciencia como exterioridad pura, es decir en su interior no habita ninguna instancia metafísica, como lo podría ser el yo, el cogito, el inconsciente etc. Continuamente se argumentará la imposibilidad e inconsistencia de que estas estructuras metafísicas habiten en el interior de la conciencia.

Among many other areas of application, art therapy is also an adjuvant component used in adolescent inpatient psychiatric treatments. Here, we aim to investigate how the house, as representation, could be used as a metaphor of the self in art-therapeutic treatments for this population. We used a qualitative approach to investigate the outcome of a 3-month period of fieldwork focusing on art therapy in a psychiatric inpatient unit for adolescents aged 15 to 18 years. The art therapy sessions utilized a single specific theme, the house, to investigate whether such a topic would lend itself to express past and current painful experiences and to help the adolescents reconstruct themselves. Based on the regular participation of 9 adolescents (3 males and 6 females), we detail 5 vignettes to illustrate the findings. In sum, patients' house drawings and paintings: (1) represent a means of expressing current mental states (e.g. to convey confinement, transition, movement); (2) point to past painful experiences (e.g. broken, abandoned, porous, burning houses); (3) allow sensual and physical contact with art materials. Finally, over time, via the art therapeutic process and by focusing on the house by re-building and re-defining the interior and exterior spheres, better mental health may be achieved through topic-related aesthetic and inner transformations. The results suggest that this topic might also be more generally applicable to art therapy in other psychiatric clinics and settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Résumé Objectifs Parce que les frontières communément admises du moi et du non-moi se trouvent naturellement fragilisées par l'expérience de la psychanalyse, comme le révèle d'emblée l'adage freudien Wo Es war, soll Ich werden , le présent texte entend redessiner la cartographie des problématiques du moi et de ses frontières dans la théorie psychanalytique. L'enjeu en est à la fois de préciser le portrait métapsychologique du moi, tel qu'il se dessine, en sa genèse, ses contours, ses limites, chez les principaux représentants de la théorie psychanalytique, et de montrer en quoi cette même théorie renouvelle par ailleurs un certain nombre de problématiques dans l'abord du moi. Méthode Pour ce faire, en plus d'une interrogation portant sur le corpus fondateur de Freud, l'article confronte, en un même espace, la pluralité des pistes développées par trois référents majeurs dans le champ analytique — Melanie Klein, Donald Winnicott et Jacques Lacan. Si Freud introduit en effet un certain nombre d'interrogations décisives relatives aux limites du moi, une lecture comparative de Klein, de Winnicott et de Lacan, met en valeur ce qui s'en trouve confirmé et prolongé, ce qui s'en trouve infléchi et révisé, ce qui s'en trouve dépassé et renouvelé. Résultats L'examen du corpus freudien permet de problématiser la situation du moi auquel se trouvent assignées ces triples limites : 1) intrasubjectives, en tant que le moi est ouvert sur le ça mais séparé « de manière tranchée » du refoulé ; 2) extrasubjectives, en tant que le moi se constitue en s'opposant à la réalité du monde extérieur ; 3) intersubjectives, en tant que le moi se vit, dans son rapport à l'autre, comme séparé de l'objet tout en étant l'objet d'une série d'identifications constituantes. Dans ces trois directions, les limites se trouvent profondément remaniées par les apports de Klein, de Winnicott et de Lacan, qui renouvèlent, chacun à leur manière, la problématique du moi et du non-moi selon qu'ils privilégient et prolongent telle ou telle des intuitions de Freud. Discussion Indiquer entre ces quatre auteurs les grandes convergences, et creuser par ailleurs leurs différences, permet de marquer l'originalité respective de chacune de leurs contributions. C'est aussi la continuité insistante dans la théorie psychanalytique de certaines problématiques relatives à la séparation entre l'instance du moi et le sujet de l'inconscient, entre le moi et la réalité, entre le dehors et le dedans, entre le sujet et l'objet, entre l'ego et l'alter ego, qui s'en trouve éclairée. Conclusions C'est finalement l'éclatement du Ich freudien et la dispersion des problématiques qui s'ensuit chez les post-freudiens privilégiant chacun telle ou telle piste en vertu des spécificités de leurs paradigmes cliniques, qui permettent de concevoir pleinement l'étendue du problème du moi dans la psychanalyse. Abstract Objectives The commonly accepted boundaries between the ego and the non-ego are naturally weakened by the experience of psychoanalysis, as is revealed by the Freudian Wo Es war, soll Ich werden. This article sets out to map the boundaries of the ego in psychoanalytic theory. The aim is two-fold. First, to provide a metapsychological portrait of the ego by way of a consideration of its genesis, its outlines and its limits as theorized by the main authors of the analytic corpus. Second, to show how this theory can provide new insights in approaching the concept of the ego. Method Besides considering Freud's work, this article weaves together three threads by reappraising the writings of Melanie Klein, Donald Winnicott and Jacques Lacan. While Freud raises a number of crucial points relating to the boundaries of the ego, a comparative reading of these three authors highlights how their work reconsiders, elaborates on or goes beyond Freud's views. Results From a reading of the Freudian corpus emerges a three-fold definition of the boundaries of the ego: 1) Intra-subjective: the ego opens onto the id, but is strictly separate from the repressed 2) Extra-subjective: the ego is established through opposition to external reality. 3) Inter-subjective: the ego, as it relates to the other, is experienced both as separated from the object while at the same time being the object of a series of identifications. Each in their own way, Klein, Winnicott and Lacan shed new light on these questions according to their particular readings of different aspects of Freud's work. Discussion The aim of this paper is to underline the originality of these four authors by pointing out what they have in common and what differentiates them. It also sheds light on a whole set of questions (the separation between the ego as agency and the subject of the unconscious, between the ego and reality, between the outside and the inside, between the subject and the object, between the ego and the alter ego) that pervade psychoanalytical theory. Conclusions Ultimately it is the shattered state of the Freudian Ich – as revealed by its diverse readings by the post-Freudians according to their respective clinical paradigms –that is the key to understanding the extent of the problem of the ego in psychoanalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]