Artificial escape from XCI by DNA methylation editing of the CDKL5 gene.

A significant number of X-linked genes escape from X chromosome inactivation and are associated with a distinct epigenetic signature. One epigenetic modification that strongly correlates with X-escape is reduced DNA methylation in promoter regions. Here, we created an artificial escape by editing DNA methylation on the promoter of CDKL5, a gene causative for an infantile epilepsy, from the silenced X-chromosomal allele in human neuronal-like cells. We identify that a fusion of the catalytic domain of TET1 to dCas9 targeted to the CDKL5 promoter using three guide RNAs causes significant reactivation of the inactive allele in combination with removal of methyl groups from CpG dinucleotides. Strikingly, we demonstrate that co-expression of TET1 and a VP64 transactivator have a synergistic effect on the reactivation of the inactive allele to levels >60% of the active allele. We further used a multi-omics assessment to determine potential off-targets on the transcriptome and methylome. We find that synergistic delivery of dCas9 effectors is highly selective for the target site. Our findings further elucidate a causal role for reduced DNA methylation associated with escape from X chromosome inactivation. Understanding the epigenetics associated with escape from X chromosome inactivation has potential for those suffering from X-linked disorders

Remittances and poverty alleviation

Abdul Bayes is Professor of Economics at Jahangirnagarr University, Mahabub Hossain is a Distinguished Professor, BRAC University and ANM Mahfuzur Rahman is from Data Management Unit BRAC

RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME OF ISLAMI BANK BANGLADESH LIMITED (IBBL): ASSESSMENT AND CHALLENGES

Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) has launched a shar¥cah based Micro-finance program named Rural Development Scheme (RDS) in 1995, to uplift the overall socioeconomic plight of the rural poor. Presently, some 0.52 million group members of which 94 per cent female are involved in this scheme. Before further expansion to new areas, an assessment of the achievement of the RDS and its impact on the livelihood of the rural people was required. To conduct this study, primary data were collected interviewing 1020 randomly selected RDS clients working across the country. The study analysed many facets of the RDS and concludes that it was generally a success. Household income and expenditure had increased significantly and clients had a positive opinion towards the microinvestment program as it improved their standards of living. The study recommends that RDS activities be extended towards hardcore poor, especially for widows and divircees. Monitoring and supervision should be strengthened, while more ethical and moral motivational programs have been undertaken for both field supervisors and clients to reduce shar¥cah violation. The program can be replicated in other rural areas of Bangladesh in order to accelerate economic activities of the poor.JEL classification: G21, Z12Key words: Shar¥cah -based microfinance, Rural development, Bangladesh

The reported preparedness and disposition by students in a Nigerian university towards the use of information technology for medical education

Background: The computer and information technology (IT) revolution have transformed modern health care systems in the areas of communication, storage, retrieval of medical information and teaching, but little is known about IT skill and use in most developing nations.Objectives: The aim of this study has been to evaluate the reported preparedness and disposition by medical students in a Nigerian university toward the use of IT for medical education.Methods: A self-administered structured questionnaire containing 24 items was used to obtain information from medical students in the University of Ilorin, Nigeria on their level of computer usage, knowledge of computer software and hardware, availability and access to computer, possession of personal computer and e-mail address, preferred method of medical education and the use of computer as a supplement to medical education.Results: Out of 479 medical students, 179 (37.4%) had basic computer skills, 209 (43.6%) had intermediate skills and 58(12.1%) had advanced computer skills. Three hundred and thirty (68.9%) have access to computer and 451(94.2%) have e-mail addresses. For medical teaching, majority (83.09%), preferred live lecture, 56.78% lecture videos, 35.1%lecture handout on web site and 410 (85.6%) wants computer as a supplement to live lectures. Less than half (39.5%) wants laptop acquisition to be mandatory. Students with advanced computer skills were well prepared and disposed to IT than those with basic computer skill.Conclusion: The findings revealed that the medical students with advanced computer skills were well prepared and disposed to IT based medical education. Therefore, high level of computer skill is required for them to be prepared and favorably disposed to IT based medical education

Determining the Locating Rainbow Connection Number of Vertex-Transitive Graphs

The locating rainbow connection number of a graph is defined as the minimum number of colors required to color vertices such that every two vertices there exists a rainbow vertex path and every vertex has a distinct rainbow code. This rainbow code signifies a distance between vertices within a given set of colors in a graph. This paper aims to determine the locating rainbow connection number for vertex-transitive graphs. Three main theorems are derived, focusing on the locating rainbow connection number for some vertex-transitive graphsComment: The article omprises a total of 11 pages and includes a total of 9 figure

Preliminary Investigation Into Some Aspects Of The Ecology Of Coastal Savannah Forest Soils In Ghana: A Case Study of the University of Cape Coast Nature Reserve

Stable Food Crops Turning Into Commercial Crops: Case studies of Teff, Wheat and Rice in Ethiopia The study was conducted in the University of Cape Coast Nature Reserve to investigate the levels of urease in the soils and to relate these levels to soil organic matter (SOM) content, soil moisture (SM) content, pH, temperature, particle size distribution and bulk density. The stratified random sampling method was employed to collect data within three 10 × 200 m belt transects. Soil samples were collected from 0 to 15 cm depth in different zones of the nature reserve between January and April, 2005. The mean soil urease levels ranged from 80.91 ± 4.72 to 132.36 ± 10.80 NH4+-N mg kg-1. Monthly variations in soil urease levels were highly significant (p < 0.01). The enzyme level varied significantly (p < 0.001) with topography. Multiple regression analysis showed that urease activity depended on SOM, SM, pH and soil temperature (p < 0.05). Soil texture and bulk density were similar in all the zones. SOM, SM, time and topography were the main factors which affected urease levels in the soils of the University of Cape Coast Nature Reserv

Factors Influencing the Employee Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment: A Study of Selected Commercial Banks in Bangladesh

This article strives to determine the most influential factors giving rise to employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment in the commercial banks of Bangladesh. Accordingly, the study aims at exploring the extent to which these employees are committed to their organizations and satisfied with different dimensions of their jobs.&nbsp; This study was conducted&nbsp;&nbsp; on the employees of commercial banks of Bangladesh. Out of the 300 survey questionnaires distributed among the respondents, 285 statistically usable questionnaires were received. A stepwise descriptive statistic, multiple regression analysis and one –way-ANOVA were used to confirm the research hypotheses.&nbsp; The findings of the study indicated that reward and recognition, authority and feedback are highly influential factors influencing job satisfaction. Authority and feedback for affective commitment, work and working environment for continuance commitment and supervisor, and supervision for normative commitment have been found to be the most influential factors

Manajemen Strategi Pemberdayaan Alumni Pondok Pesantren Assalafie Babakan Ciwaringin Dalam Meningkatkan Kontribusinya nagi Almamater dan Masyarakat

Pondok Pesantren Assalafie Babakan Ciwaringin Cirebon merupakan salah satu lembaga pendidikan Islam yang memiliki sejarah panjang dalam membina santri. Alumni dari pesantren ini tergabung dalam organisasi IKTASA (Ikatan Alumni Assalafie) yang berperan aktif dalam menjaga hubungan antara alumni dan almamater. IKTASA bertujuan untuk memfasilitasi kontribusi alumni. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis strategi manajemen dalam alumni bagi pesantren dan masyarakat. Selain itu, penelitian ini mengidentifikasi faktorfaktor yang mendukung kesuksesan pemberdayaan alumni dan tantangannya Penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif, dengan pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Keabsahan data diperiksa dengan triangulasi, dan analisis data dilakukan dengan mereduksi data, menyajikannya, lalu menarik kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kepemimpinan visioner di pesantren sangat penting untuk mendorong alumni berkontribusi. Jaringan alumni melalui IKTASA juga memperkuat kerja sama dan keterlibatan mereka dalam kegiatan sosial, ekonomi, dan pendidikan Alumni termotivasi berkontribusi karena rasa memiliki terhadap pesantren dan dukungan moral maupun materiil dari pesantren. Namun, penelitian juga menemukan hambatan seperti keterbatasan sumber daya dan perubahan sosial yang mempengaruhi keterlibatan alumni. Untuk mengatasi ini, diperlukan inovasi dalam manajemen alumni, seperti peningkatan komunikasi, program yang relevan, dan dukungan institusional yang lebih baik. Kata Kunci: Pondok Pesantren Assalafie, manajemen strategi, pemberdayaan alumni, kepemimpinan visioner, kontribusi alumni

TINJAUAN HYGIENE DAN SANITASI DI WARUNG MAKAN PASAR BERINGHARJO SEBAGAI PENUNJANG WISATA KULINER KOTA YOGYAKARTA TAHUN 2021

Hygiene dan sanitasi makanan merupakan permasalahan kesehatan yang kompleks dan bukan hal yang baru lagi. Telah terjadi banyak kasus kesehatan yang masih sering terjadi di dunia termasuk Indonesia salah satunya adalah akibat hygiene sanitasi yang rendah . Menurut Undang-undang No. 7 Tahun 1996 Tentang Pangan keamanan pangan merupakan syarat dan upaya yang diperlukan untuk mencegah pangan dari pencemaran bahan kimia, biologi, fisik, atau benda lain yang dapat membahayakan kesehatan manusia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hygiene dan sanitasi di warung makan zona timur lantai II Pasar Beringharjo sebagai penunjang wisata kuliner Kota Yogyakarta tahun 2021. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan desain cross sectional. Data diperoleh dengan metode observasi dan wawancara. Waktu penelitian pada September-Oktober 2021. Populasi dan sampel penelitian sebanyak 15 warung makan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kondisi sarana sanitasi yang dalam kondisi memenuhi syarat yaitu 12 (86,7%) warung makan. Sanitasi peralatan yang dalam kondisi memenuhi syarat yaitu 6 (40,0%). Sanitasi fasilitas pencucian yang dalam kondisi memenuhi syarat yaitu 10 (67%) warung makan. Hasil penelitian personal hygiene penjamah makanan yang dalam kondisi memenuhi syarat yaitu 6 (40,0%) penjamah makanan. tingkat pengetahuan penjamah makanan tentang personal hygiene yang dalam kategori pengetahuan baik yaitu 6 (40,0%). Kata kunci : hygiene dan sanitasi makanan, tingkat pengetahua