Emotional Intelligence in Children of Christian Missionary Schools at Kolkata

The present study seeks to observe emotional intelligence (EI) among children from four Christian Missionary Schools in the Kolkata metropolitan area and stipulates the need to cultivate EI from the preparatory years of the children. 316 children were studied using a cross-sectional survey design. The results revealed the presence of a reasonably good amount of emotional intelligence where gender was associated with a statistically significant variation in EI scores. It also showed no association between parental education, choice of hobby, presence of sibling, family structure and locality of residence to one's own emotional intelligence. The results of the study recapitulate the effectiveness of the faith-oriented learning environment in the four missionary school settings for promotion of emotional intelligence among the children by developing selfcontrol, empathy and values-based decision making.

Intruder (DD38E), a recently evolved sibling family of DD34E/Tc1 transposons in animals

Background A family of Tc1/mariner transposons with a characteristic DD38E triad of catalytic amino acid residues, named Intruder (IT), was previously discovered in sturgeon genomes, but their evolutionary landscapes remain largely unknown. Results Here, we comprehensively investigated the evolutionary profiles of ITs, and evaluated their cut-and-paste activities in cells. ITs exhibited a narrow taxonomic distribution pattern in the animal kingdom, with invasions into two invertebrate phyla (Arthropoda and Cnidaria) and three vertebrate lineages (Actinopterygii, Agnatha, and Anura): very similar to that of the DD36E/IC family. Some animal orders and species seem to be more hospitable to Tc1/mariner transposons, one order of Amphibia and seven Actinopterygian orders are the most common orders with horizontal transfer events and have been invaded by all four families (DD38E/IT, DD35E/TR, DD36E/IC and DD37E/TRT) of Tc1/mariner transposons, and eight Actinopterygii species were identified as the major hosts of these families. Intact ITs have a total length of 1.5–1.7 kb containing a transposase gene flanked by terminal inverted repeats (TIRs). The phylogenetic tree and sequence identity showed that IT transposases were most closely related to DD34E/Tc1. ITs have been involved in multiple events of horizontal transfer in vertebrates and have invaded most lineages recently (< 5 million years ago) based on insertion age analysis. Accordingly, ITs presented high average sequence identity (86–95%) across most vertebrate species, suggesting that some are putatively active. ITs can transpose in human HeLa cells, and the transposition efficiency of consensus TIRs was higher than that of the TIRs of natural isolates. Conclusions We conclude that DD38E/IT originated from DD34E/Tc1 and can be detected in two invertebrate phyla (Arthropoda and Cnidaria), and in three vertebrate lineages (Actinopterygii, Agnatha and Anura). IT has experienced multiple HT events in animals, dominated by recent amplifications in most species and has high identity among vertebrate taxa. Our reconstructed IT transposon vector designed according to the sequence from the “cat” genome showed high cut-and-paste activity. The data suggest that IT has been acquired recently and is active in many species. This study is meaningful for understanding the evolution of the Tc1/mariner superfamily members and their hosts.

Retraction Note: Identification of de novo mutations in prenatal neurodevelopment-associated genes in schizophrenia in two Han Chinese patient-sibling family-based cohorts

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-020-00987-z.

Expression of BSP-GFPtpz Transgene during Osteogenesis and Reparative Dentinogenesis

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a member of the SIBLING family with essential roles in skeletogenesis. In the developing teeth, although the expression and function of BSP in the formation of acellular cementum and periodontal attachment are well documented, there are uncertainties regarding the expression and function of BSP by odontoblasts and dentin. Reporter mice are valuable animal models for biological research, providing a gene expression readout that can contribute to cellular characterization within the context of a developmental process. In the present study, we examined the expression of a BSP-GFPtpz reporter mouse line during odontoblast differentiation, reparative dentinogenesis, and bone. In the developing teeth, BSP-GFPtpz was expressed at high levels in cementoblasts but not in odontoblasts or dentin. In bones, the transgene was highly expressed in osteoblasts at an early stage of differentiation. Interestingly, despite its lack of expression in odontoblasts and dental pulp during tooth development, the BSP-GFPtpz transgene was detected during in vitro mineralization of primary pulp cultures and during reparative dentinogenesis following pulp exposures. Importantly, under these experimental contexts, the expression of BSP-GFPtpz was still exclusive to DSPP-Cerulean, an odontoblast-specific reporter gene. This suggests that the combinatorial use of BSP-GFPtpz and DSPP-Cerulean can be a valuable experimental tool to distinguish osteogenic from dentinogenic cells, thereby providing an avenue to investigate mechanisms that distinctly regulate the lineage progression of progenitors into odontoblasts versus osteoblasts.

Siblings’ Lived Experiences of Having a Brother or Sister With Home Mechanical Ventilation: A Phenomenological Hermeneutical Study

Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in the number of children receiving home mechanical ventilation (HMV), and in many ways, families have taken responsibility for the required advanced homecare, which has placed considerable time demands on the family unit. Little is known about the life situation of the siblings of HMV-assisted children; their own voices and an insider perspective are missing. The aim of this study was to illuminate the everyday life experiences of siblings of HMV-assisted children. Data were obtained via interviews with 10 siblings with a median age of 9 years. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological hermeneutical method inspired by the French philosopher Ricoeur. Four themes emerged, all of which suggest that a complex and profound intertwined sibling bond develops that links the past, present, and future. The findings of this study provide valuable information from an insider’s perspective about the meaning of having an HMV-assisted sibling. Family-focused care with particular attention and support for siblings of HMV-assisted children can encourage the development of internal strengths, self-confidence, and resilience.

The sibling’s perspective: experiences of having a sibling with a learning disability and behaviour described as challenging

Purpose Siblings of individuals with disabilities provide the most long-term care for an individual with disabilities, yet research on their experiences is limited. A majority of previous research focuses on young siblings from a parent’s viewpoint. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of having a sibling with a disability and behaviour described as challenging from adult siblings’ perspectives. Design/methodology/approach Six adult siblings of individuals with intellectual disabilities and behaviour described as challenging were interviewed about their responsibilities pertaining to their sibling, family relationships and the support that had been provided. The study used semi-structured interview methodology based on interview questions from previous research. Findings Siblings described a multifaceted impact on their lives. They attributed aspects of their career choices, personal characteristics and family dynamics to having a sibling with a disability and behaviour that challenges. Siblings stressed the inadequate support that they have received throughout their lives. They are, in a sense, the invisible carers for their sibling but they are perceived by society as just a sibling. Siblings described an optimistic perspective on their lives, even though they expressed the difficulties that they have faced. Research limitations/implications Due to the recruitment process and limited demographic of the participants, the findings may not be generalisable to the general population of siblings of individuals with disabilities. Further research should focus on a broader population. Practical implications This study reinforces the need for more support for siblings of individuals with disabilities in childhood and in adulthood. Originality/value This paper provides perspectives of individuals that have not been fully represented in previous research.

Acquisition of sibling and family concepts: A Piagetian study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acquisition of sibling and family concepts of children aged 9 and 11 in regard togender, age and socio-economic status (SES) variables. ‘Siblings Test’ developed by Piaget is used as an assessment tool. Atotal of 200 students in the 3rd and 5th grades form the participating group of the study. The findings obtained from thequantitative and qualitative data were e valuated according to age, gender and SES variables. The relative concepts areacquired in Piaget’s suggested time and systematic in children aged 9–11 in medium and high SES. However, it is below theexpected acquisition in low SES in both the age groups.Keywords: Piaget, relative concepts, socio-economic status, sibling, family.