bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islam and the Changing Meaning of Spiritualitas and Spiritual in Contemporary Indonesia
Authors: Muttaqin Ahmad
Published: October 2013

Spiritualitas, an Indonesian term derived from English word’s spirituality, and spiritual from English’s spiritual, are now commonly used in Indonesian discourses. This paper traces earliest usages of the term spiritualitas and spiritual and then explores their changing meaning in contemporary Indonesia. Unlike in the past, where Indonesian government broadly used the terms to refer indigenous mystical legacies of the Aliran Kepercayaan or Kebatinan designing them as not religion but merely cultural legacy (adat, budaya spiritual), the current usage of the terms indicates a growing trend of Indonesian world religions, mainly Islam, in absorbing and acquiring the terms as kind of religious expressions. This trend is quite different from that happen in the West; while the growing of spirituality is correlated to the declining of Western affiliation and participation in religion, mainly Christianity; in Indonesia, world religions, especially Islam, seem to be the sponsor of spirituality. Thus, instead of spirituality will silently take over religion as predicted by Jaremy Carrette and Richard King (2005), the mainstream religious groups seem to take over spirituality.[Istilah spiritual dan spiritulitas akhir-akhir ini banyak digunakan di Indonesia, merujuk tidak hanya pada ekspresi spiritual di luar agama, namun juga yang ada dalam tradsi keagaamaan. Tulisan ini menelaah awal mula penggunaan istilah spiritual dan spiritualitas dalam khazanah literatur pasca kemerdekaan serta fase-fase perubahan makna dari istilah tersebut pada masa-masa sesudahnya. Pada fase awal, pemerintah Indonesia secara massif menggunakan istilah spiritual untuk menunjuk tradisi keberagamaan di luar agama-agama resmi yang berbasis pada mistisisme agama-agama lokal seperti Aliran Kepercayaan dan Kebatinan. Hal ini mengisyaratkan bahwa istilah spiritual tersebut digunakan untuk menekankan bahwa tradisi beragamaan lokal tersebut bukan agama, hanya warisan budaya atau adat istiadat. Namun, kecenderangan baru sejak akhir 1990an hingga saat ini menunjukkan bahwa agama-agama resmi, terutama Islam, secara massif telah menggunakan istilah spiritual maupun spiritualitas sebagai padanan dari ekspresi batin keberagamaan (inner religious expression). Trend semacam ini cukup unik bila dibandingkan dengan yang terjadi di Barat, sebab tumbuh suburnya gerakan spiritual di Barat terjadi pada saat menurunnya tingkat afiliasi publik terhadap agama-agama besar, terutama Kristen; sedangkan di Indonesia agama-agama besar dunia, terutama Islam, menjadi sponsor utama populernya istilah spiritual dan spiritualitas serta munculnya gerakan-gerakan spiritual berbasis agama. Oleh karena itu, prediksi Jaremy Carrete dan Richard King yang menyatakan “pengambil alihan peran agama oleh spiritualitas” sebagaimana yang terjadi di dunia Barat, tidak terjadi di Indonesia. Sebaliknya, yang terjadi di Indonesia adalah agama-agama besar dunia telah mengambil alih peran dan fungsi spiritualitas.]
Gender Construction in Dakwahtainment: A Case Study of Hati ke Hati Bersama Mamah Dedeh
Authors: Sofjan Dicky
Published: October 2013

This case study examines the phenomenon of dakwahtainment, a concept amalgamating Islamic propagation and entertainment. It focuses on the highly popular daily live programme entitled Hati ke Hati Bersama Mamah Dedeh (literally: Heart to Heart with Mother Dedeh). The programme involves a female penceramah (preacher) providing taws}iyyah or nasehat (spiritual advice) to the jamaah (congregation), while offering religious verdicts on various aspects of life confronting Indonesian women. One of the main pillars of the programme’s success has been its tightly observed winning formula held dearly by the producer and the creative team, which stipulates 70% tuntunan (spiritual guidance) and 30% tontonan (entertainment viewing). Based on an exploratory, single case study design, research findings suggest that the Hati ke Hati Bersama Mamah Dedeh programme is constructed on a gendered understanding that is inconsistent and contradictory, which tend to simultaneously empower and disempower Muslim women viewers.[Tulisan ini merupakan studi kasus mengenai dakwahtainmen yang mempertemukan dakwah pada satu sisi dan hiburan pada sisi lainnya. Diskusi akan difokuskan pada program televisi “Hati ke Hati Bersama Mamah Dedeh.” Program ini melibatkan penceramah yang menyampaikan taws}iyyah dan nasehat yang merespon persoalan-persoalan yang kerap dihadapi perempuan Muslim di Indonesia. Salah satu kunci kesuksesan program ini adalah keberhasilan produser dan tim kreatif yang memadukan 70% tuntunan dan 30% tontonan. Tulisan ini menemukan bahwa program Hati ke Hati Bersama Mamah Dedeh dikonstruk berdasarkan pengertian relasi gender yang rancu dan saling bertentangan. Karena itu, program ini dapat memberdayakan pemirsa perempuan dan sekaligus memperlemah mereka.]
Religious Symbolism and Democracy Encountered: A Case of Prostitution Bylaw of Bantul
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Latif
Published: October 2013

This paper addresses the bylaw on prostitution issued by the Bantul authority in May 2007. It specifically examines the relation between the involvement of religious symbolism, the call for public participation and political interests in the legislation process. The paper argues that, on the one hand, the law relates prostitution to issues of immorality, social illness, and the degradation of women due to economic discrimination or sexual exploitation. The subject of prostitution has been extended, covering not only sex workers and pimps, but everyone committing indecent acts, such as showing a ‘sexy’ performance. On the other hand, this regulation is considered to be ambiguous in determining the standard of public morality and, therefore, puts women in a marginalised position. That the implementation of this law contributes to institutionalising the criminalisation against women is another fact which is believed to diminish the meaning of democracy. The government is blamed as taking too much care with procedural democracy but giving less attention to education and employment opportunities.[Artikel merupakan hasil studi peraturan daerah tentang larangan pelacuran yang dikeluarkan oleh Pemerintah Kabupaten Bantul pada Mei 2007. Studi ini menguji keterkaitan antara simbol-simbol keagamaan, partisipasi publik, dan kepentingan politik yang muncul dan menyertai proses legislasi. Penulis berpendapat bahwa pada satu sisi, dalam peraturan tersebut, pelacuran dikaitkan dengan perusakan terhadap nilai agama dan sosial serta penurunan martabat perempuan, terlepas akibat diskriminasi ekonomi atau eksploitasi seksual. Subjek pelacuran ternyata juga diperluas, tidak hanya pekerja seks dan mucikari, tetapi setiap orang yang melakukan perbuatan cabul, seperti berpenampilan seksi. Pada sisi yang lain, ukuran moralitas publik dalam peraturan ini dianggap kurang jelas dan menempatkan perempuan pada posisi yang terpinggirkan. Bahwa penerapan peraturan berimplikasi pada kriminalisasi terhadap perempuan merupakan bukti lain yang dinilai bertentangan dengan substansi demokrasi. Pemerintah dinilai terlalu perhatian pada demokrasi prosedural, tetapi mengabaikan masalah pendidikan dan kesempatan kerja.]
From Shari‘a ‘Ayniyya to Shari‘a Hududiyya: Shahrour’s Interpretation on Quranic Legal Verses
Authors: Khusen Moh
Published: October 2013

This article elaborates a new paradigm in the interpretation of Qur’anic legal verses conducted by a Syrian thinker, Mohammad Shahrour. This study shows that, according to Shahrour, Islamic jurisprudence is not “‘ayniyya”, but “h‍‍ududiyya” since for him, all legal rules carried by the verses represent the limits of Allah which people can behave. Shari‘a h‍ududiyya proves that Shahrour’s approach to the Quranic legal verses can be characterized as an open-ended process of socio-political and moral codes. Still holding on to the tool of textual analysis but combining it with a new perspective, h‍ududiyya, Shahrour manages to be faithful to the text and at the same time, compatible with the ideas and values of modernity and humanism. Elaborated by other theories from other disciplines, especially mathematics and physics, Shahrour provides six types of limits which encapsulate all Shari‘a cases equipped with their characteristics, differentiations and implementations.

[Artikel ini menjelaskan paradigma baru dalam menafsirkan ayat-ayat hukum dalam al-Quran seperti diperkenalkan oleh seorang pemikir berkebangsaan Syria, Mohammad Shahrour. Artikel ini memperlihatkan bahwa, menurut Shahrour, ayat-ayat hukum dalam al-Quran itu tidak bersifat “‘ayniyya”, namun “h‍ududiyya” karena berfungsi untuk membatasi. Shari‘a h‍ududiyya yang diperkenalkan Shahrour menjelaskan bahwa pendekatan terhadap ayat-ayat hukum dalam al-Quran  bersifat terbuka. Dengan tetap berpijak pada pendekatan tekstual terhadap al-Quran sembari memperhatikan pandangan baru, h‍ududiyya, Shahrour berhasil mempertemukan teks al-Quran dengan ide-ide dan norma-norma modernitas dan humanisme. Dijelaskan melalui teori-teori yang berkembang di disiplin ilmu lain, utamanya matematika dan fisika, Shahrour memperkenalkan enam tipe batasan Shari‘a.]
Ibn ‘Arabi and the Transcendental Unity of Religions
Authors: Bahri Media Zainul
Published: October 2013

This essay describes Ibn ‘Arabi’s comprehensive views, captured in his important Futuhat and Fusus, on the concept of wahdat al-adyan, the discrepancy of beliefs, and the Shari’ah as well as its juncture and its unity. Elaborated explanation in this paper is expected to result in a true understanding of this crucial issue, particularly the concept of religious pluralism in the discourse of Islamic studies. Ibn Arabi’ extensively  discusses religion in the sense of the “ideal” versus “historical” or “esoteric” versus “the exoteric”. Ibn ‘Arabi concludes that the absolute unity of religions may only occur within spiritual, ideal, or transcendental realm (or “esoteric”), which is beyond the formal form of religions. Hence, the transcendental unity of religions cannot be found in the formal form of religions nor in the shari’ah.

[Artikel ini mengulas pandangan Ibn ‘Arabi’ mengenai wahdat al-adyan seperti dijelaskan dalam dua bukunya; Futuhat dan Fusus, dan perbedaan dan kesamaan antara iman dan shariah. Diharapkan diskusi artikel ini berkontribusi dalam kajian pluralisme, utamanya dalam disiplin studi Islam. Dalam diskusinya, Ibn Arabi’  menjelaskan perbedaan ‘ideal’ dan ‘historikal’ atau antara ‘esoterik’ dan ‘eksoterik’. Ibn ‘Arabi berpendapat bahwa kemanunggalan agama-agama dapat dicapai melalui spiritualitas, ideal, atau dimensi transcendental (esoterik) yang ada di luar tampilan formal agama-agama. Dengan kata lain, kemanunggalan tersebut tidak akan ditemukan pada shari’ah.]
Endogenous Altruism, Redistribution, and Long-Term Care
Authors: Cremer Helmuth , Gahvari Firouz , Pestieau Pierre
Published: October 2013

This paper studies public provision of long-term care insurance in a world in which family assistance is (i) uncertain and (ii) endogenous, depending on the time parents spend raising their children. Public benefits will be paid in case of disability but cannot be combined with self-insurance or family aid. The benefits are provided equally to all recipients and financed by a proportional payroll tax. The paper shows that tax distortions imply that full insurance is undesirable. It characterizes the optimal tax and identifies the elements that determine its size. Of crucial importance are the extent of under-insurance, the effect of the tax on the probability of altruism, the distortionary effect of the tax, and, with wage heterogeneity, the covariance between the social marginal utility of lifetime income and (i) earnings (positive effect) and (ii) the probability of altruism default (negative effect).
Slower Rate of Binocular Rivalry in Autism
Authors: Robertson Caroline E. , Kravitz Dwight J. , Freyberg Jan , Baron-Cohen Simon , Baker Chris I.
Published: October 2013

An imbalance between cortical excitation and inhibition is a central component of many models of autistic neurobiology. We tested a potential behavioral footprint of this proposed imbalance using binocular rivalry, a visual phenomenon in which perceptual experience is thought to mirror the push and pull of excitatory and inhibitory cortical dynamics. In binocular rivalry, two monocularly presented images compete, leading to a percept that alternates between them. In a series of trials, we presented separate images of objects (e.g., a baseball and a broccoli) to each eye using a mirror stereoscope and asked human participants with autism and matched control subjects to continuously report which object they perceived, or whether they perceived a mixed percept. Individuals with autism demonstrated a slower rate of binocular rivalry alternations than matched control subjects, with longer durations of mixed percepts and an increased likelihood to revert to the previously perceived object when exiting a mixed percept. Critically, each of these findings was highly predictive of clinical measures of autistic symptomatology. Control “playback” experiments demonstrated that differences in neither response latencies nor response criteria could account for the atypical dynamics of binocular rivalry we observed in autistic spectrum conditions. Overall, these results may provide an index of atypical cortical dynamics that may underlie both the social and nonsocial symptoms of autism.
Long-term Potentiation of Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission onto Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons Contributes to Adaptation of Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex
Authors: Tanaka Shinsuke , Kawaguchi Shin-ya , Shioi Go , Hirano Tomoo
Published: October 2013

Synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum is thought to contribute to motor learning. In particular, long-term depression (LTD) at parallel fiber (PF) to Purkinje neuron (PN) excitatory synapses has attracted much attention of neuroscientists as a primary cellular mechanism for motor learning. In contrast, roles of plasticity at cerebellar inhibitory synapsesin vivoremain unknown. Here, we have investigated the roles of long-lasting enhancement of transmission at GABAergic synapses on a PN that is known as rebound potentiation (RP). Previous studies demonstrated that binding of GABAAreceptor with GABAAreceptor-associated protein (GABARAP) is required for RP, and that a peptide that blocks this binding suppresses RP induction. To address the functional roles of RP, we generated transgenic mice that express this peptide fused to a fluorescent protein selectively in PNs using the PN-specificL7promoter. These mice failed to show RP, although they showed no changes in the basal amplitude or frequency of miniature IPSCs. The transgenic mice also showed no abnormality in gross cerebellar morphology, LTD, or other excitatory synaptic properties, or intrinsic excitability of PNs. Next, we attempted to evaluate their motor control and learning ability by examining reflex eye movements. The basal dynamic properties of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and optokinetic response, and adaptation of the latter, were normal in the transgenic mice. In contrast, the transgenic mice showed defects in the adaptation of vestibulo-ocular reflex, a model paradigm of cerebellum-dependent motor learning. These results together suggest that RP contributes to a certain type of motor learning.
Dopamine-Dependent Compensation Maintains Motor Behavior in Mice with Developmental Ablation of Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Golden Judith P. , DeMaro Joseph A. , Knoten Amanda , Hoshi Masato , Pehek Elizabeth , Johnson Eugene M. , Gereau Robert W. , Jain Sanjay
Published: October 2013

The loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and consequent depletion of striatal dopamine are known to underlie the motor deficits observed in Parkinson's disease (PD). Adaptive changes in dopaminergic terminals and in postsynaptic striatal neurons can compensate for significant losses of striatal dopamine, resulting in preservation of motor behavior. In addition, compensatory changes independent of striatal dopamine have been proposed based on PD therapies that modulate nondopaminergic circuits within the basal ganglia. We used a genetic strategy to selectively destroy dopaminergic neurons in mice during development to determine the necessity of these neurons for the maintenance of normal motor behavior in adult and aged mice. We find that loss of 90% of SNc dopaminergic neurons and consequent depletion of >95% of striatal dopamine does not result in changes in motor behavior in young-adult or aged mice as evaluated by an extensive array of motor behavior tests. Treatment of aged mutant mice with the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol precipitated motor behavior deficits in aged mutant mice, indicating that <5% of striatal dopamine is sufficient to maintain motor function in these mice. We also found that mutant mice exhibit an exaggerated response tol-DOPA compared with control mice, suggesting that preservation of motor function involves sensitization of striatal dopamine receptors. Our results indicate that congenital loss of dopaminergic neurons induces remarkable adaptions in the nigrostriatal system where limited amounts of dopamine in the dorsal striatum can maintain normal motor function.
GABA Type B Receptor Signaling in Proopiomelanocortin Neurons Protects Against Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Hypothalamic Inflammation in Male Mice on a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Ito Yoshihiro , Banno Ryoichi , Shibata Miyuki , Adachi Koichi , Hagimoto Shigeru , Hagiwara Daisuke , Ozawa Yoshiharu , Goto Motomitsu , Suga Hidetaka , Sugimura Yoshihisa , Bettler Bernhard , Oiso Yutaka , Arima Hiroshi
Published: October 2013

There is evidence suggesting that the GABA system in the arcuate nucleus, where orexigenic neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide as well as anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) are expressed, plays an important role in energy balance. In this study, we generated POMC-specific GABABreceptor-deficient [knock-out (KO)] mice. Male KO mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) showed mild increases in body weight (BW) at the age of 9 weeks compared to wild-type (WT) mice, and the differences remained significant until 16 weeks old. However, there was no difference in BW in females between genotypes. While food intake was similar between genotypes, oxygen consumption was significantly decreased in the male KO mice. The insulin tolerance test revealed that the male KO mice were less insulin sensitive compared to WT mice at the age of 8 weeks, when there was no significant difference in BW between genotypes. Despite increased BW, POMC mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus was significantly decreased in the KO mice compared to WT mice at the age of 16 weeks. Furthermore, the expression of TNFα as well as IL-6, proinflammatory markers in the hypothalamus, was significantly increased in the KO mice on a HFD compared to WT mice. This demonstrates that the deletion of GABABreceptors in POMC neurons in the male mice on a HFD results in obesity, insulin resistance, and hypothalamic inflammation. Furthermore, the decreased POMC expression in the obese KO mice suggests that the regulation of POMC expression through GABABreceptors is essential for proper energy balance.
Deciphering Dead-End Docking of Large Dense Core Vesicles in Bovine Chromaffin Cells
Authors: Hugo Sandra , Dembla Ekta , Halimani Mahantappa , Matti Ulf , Rettig Jens , Becherer Ute
Published: October 2013

Large dense core vesicle (LDCV) exocytosis in chromaffin cells follows a well characterized process consisting of docking, priming, and fusion. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) studies suggest that some LDCVs, although being able to dock, are resistant to calcium-triggered release. This phenomenon termed dead-end docking has not been investigated until now. We characterized dead-end vesicles using a combination of membrane capacitance measurement and visualization of LDCVs with TIRFM. Stimulation of bovine chromaffin cells for 5 min with 6 μmfree intracellular Ca2+induced strong secretion and a large reduction of the LDCV density at the plasma membrane. Approximately 15% of the LDCVs were visible at the plasma membrane throughout experiments, indicating they were permanently docked dead-end vesicles. Overexpression of Munc18-2 or SNAP-25 reduced the fraction of dead-end vesicles. Conversely, expressing open-syntaxin increased the fraction of dead-end vesicles. These results indicate the existence of the unproductive target solubleN-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor acceptor complex composed of 2:1 syntaxin–SNAP-25in vivo. More importantly, they define a novel function for this acceptor complex in mediating dead-end docking.
Neural Underpinnings of the Identifiable Victim Effect: Affect Shifts Preferences for Giving
Authors: Genevsky Alexander , Västfjäll Daniel , Slovic Paul , Knutson Brian
Published: October 2013

The “identifiable victim effect” refers to peoples' tendency to preferentially give to identified versus anonymous victims of misfortune, and has been proposed to partly depend on affect. By soliciting charitable donations from human subjects during behavioral and neural (i.e., functional magnetic resonance imaging) experiments, we sought to determine whether and how affect might promote the identifiable victim effect. Behaviorally, subjects gave more to orphans depicted by photographs versus silhouettes, and their shift in preferences was mediated by photograph-induced feelings of positive arousal, but not negative arousal. Neurally, while photographs versus silhouettes elicited activity in widespread circuits associated with facial and affective processing, only nucleus accumbens activity predicted and could statistically account for increased donations. Together, these findings suggest that presenting evaluable identifiable information can recruit positive arousal, which then promotes giving. We propose that affect elicited by identifiable stimuli can compel people to give more to strangers, even despite costs to the self.
Édouard Dujardin, Wagner, and the Origins of Stream of Consciousness Writing
Authors: Huebner Steven
Published: October 2013

Édouard Dujardin's novel Les Lauriers sont coupés (1887) has long been acknowledged as an important influence on the stream of consciousness style (called monologue intérieur by Dujardin) found in James Joyce's Ulysses. Dujardin wrote the book during the period he edited the short-lived Revue wagnérienne. The study shows how monologue intérieur was connected to experimental literary trends debated on the pages of the Revue as well as in the Symbolist movement more generally. Two of these trends were vers libre and the construct of an interiorized mental theater, and both were grounded in particular perceptions of Wagnerian opera. Dujardin and his Symbolist colleagues appreciated Wagner's move to abstraction, but thought he had not gone far enough. The article illustrates how putative syntactical freedoms in Wagner's work encouraged vers libre, how a song cycle Dujardin composed to his own vers libre tested the boundaries between literature and music against a Wagnerian backcloth, and how a “paraphrase” of the Amfortas monologue in the first act of Parsifal published in the Revue produced a theater of the mind. The invention of monologue intérieur emerges as a rich and multivalent point of intersection between Wagnerian opera and modernity.
Prostasomes: extracellular vesicles from the prostate
Authors: Aalberts Marian , Stout Tom A E , Stoorvogel Willem
Published: October 2013

The term ‘prostasomes’ is generally used to classify the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released into prostatic fluid by prostate epithelial cells. However, other epithelia within the male reproductive tract also release EVs that mix with ‘true’ prostasomes during semen emission or ejaculation. Prostasomes have been proposed to regulate the timing of sperm cell capacitation and induction of the acrosome reaction, as well as to stimulate sperm motility where all three are prerequisite processes for spermatozoa to attain fertilising capacity. Other proposed functions of prostasomes include interfering with the destruction of spermatozoa by immune cells within the female reproductive tract. On the other hand, it is unclear whether the distinct presumed functions are performed collectively by a single type of prostasome or by separate distinct sub-populations of EVs. Moreover, the exact molecular mechanisms through which prostasomes exert their functions have not been fully resolved. Besides their physiological functions, prostasomes produced by prostate tumour cells have been suggested to support prostate cancer spread development, and prostasomes in peripheral blood plasma may prove to be valuable biomarkers for prostate cancer.
Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Antral Follicle Count Reveal a Late Impairment of Ovarian Reserve in Patients Undergoing Low-Gonadotoxic Regimens for Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Di Paola Rossana , Costantini Claudio , Tecchio Cristina , Salvagno Gian Luca , Montemezzi Rachele , Perandini Alessio , Pizzolo Giovanni , Zaffagnini Stefano , Franchi Massimo
Published: October 2013

The impact of cancer therapy on the reproductive potential of patients is increasingly recognized because survival rates of patients have clearly improved in recent years. Different fertility preservation methods, either generally accepted or still experimental, are currently available, and counseling of patients requires a delicate balance between the efficacy and side effects of the proposed method and the characteristics of both the tumor and the therapy. Deeper knowledge of the effects of cancer therapy on the reproductive potential of patients over time is required to identify the most appropriate fertility preservation method. In this paper, we report a case-control study in which female patients who were diagnosed with hematological malignancies and treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were compared with age-matched controls in terms of ovarian reserve, as measured by ultrasound examination and hormonal status. By stratifying patients for gonadotoxicity of the therapy received and time elapsed from the end of the therapy, we report that patients treated with low gonadotoxic therapies, while being similar to age-matched controls in their ovarian reserve when evaluated within a few years from the end of the therapy, show a clear impairment over longer times. We also report that anti-Müllerian hormone is the most sensitive hormonal parameter in detecting changes in ovarian reserve when compared with follicle-stimulating hormone or inhibin-B. This study stresses the importance of accurate counseling at the time of diagnosis of cancer and emphasizes the risks of infertility with low gonadotoxic therapies that may reduce the reproductive window of survivors.
Individual fitness and phenotypic selection in age‐structured populations with constant growth rates
Authors: Moorad Jacob A.
Published: October 2013

Powerful multiple regression‐based approaches are commonly used to measure the strength of phenotypic selection, which is the statistical association between individual fitness and trait values. Age structure and overlapping generations complicate determinations of individual fitness, contributing to the popularity of alternative methods for measuring natural selection that do not depend upon such measures. The application of regression‐based techniques for measuring selection in these situations requires a demographically appropriate, conceptually sound, and observable measure of individual fitness. It has been suggested that Fisher's reproductive value applied to an individual at its birth is such a definition. Here I offer support for this assertion by showing that multiple regression applied to this measure and vital rates (age‐specific survival and fertility rates) yields the same selection gradients for vital rates as those inferred from Hamilton's classical results. I discuss how multiple regressions, applied to individual reproductive value at birth, can be used efficiently to estimate measures of phenotypic selection that are problematic for sensitivity analyses. These include nonlinear selection, components of the opportunity for selection, and multilevel selection.
Immunophenotyping in Saliva as an Alternative Approach for Evaluation of Immunopathogenesis in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Naiff Priscilla F. , Ferraz Raquel , Cunha Clarissa F. , Orlandi Patrícia P. , Boechat Antônio Luiz , Bertho Álvaro L. , Dos‐Santos Maria Cristina
Published: October 2013

Background: To date, flow cytometric immunophenotyping has not been used to investigate immune patterns in saliva samples from individuals with inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, such as chronic periodontitis (CP). Saliva analysis could be a non‐invasive method for evaluating oral health. The objective of this study is to determine the phenotype of leukocytes and total immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, and IgM titers in the saliva of individuals with CP.

Methods: Saliva samples were obtained from patients with CP (n = 12) and from a control group (n = 27) without oral diseases. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the frequency of T cells (CD4+ and CD8+), B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells as well as the total leukocyte population. Immunoglobulin titers were determined by dot enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Cell immunophenotyping revealed that patients with CP had a higher frequency of total leukocytes (47.94% ± 5.1%; P < 0.001), B cells (43.93% ± 6.2%; P = 0.006), NK cells (0.16% ± 0.04%; P = 0.03), and CD4+ T cells (38.99% ± 4.4%; P = 0.002) than individuals without oral pathologies (24.75% ± 2.2%, 20.60% ± 2.7%, 0.09% ± 0.03%, and 16.82% ± 3.5%, respectively). No significant differences in salivary total IgA, IgG, and IgM titers were found between the two cohorts studied. Nevertheless, higher total IgG levels were observed in patients with CP, which could indicate a possible correlation between clinical attachment level and salivary IgG (P = 0.07; r2 = 0.08).

Conclusion: These results show that cell phenotyping by flow cytometry could be an effective tool for determining leukocyte profiles in saliva samples from patients with CP and healthy individuals.
Irisin Stimulates Browning of White Adipocytes Through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase p38 MAP Kinase and ERK MAP Kinase Signaling
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Li Rui , Meng Yan , Li Shiwu , Donelan William , Zhao Yan , Qi Lei , Zhang Mingxiang , Wang Xingli , Cui Taixing , Yang Li-Jun , Tang Dongqi
Published: October 2013

The number and activity of brown adipocytes are linked to the ability of mammals to resist body fat accumulation. In some conditions, certain white adipose tissue (WAT) depots are readily convertible to a ‘‘brown-like’’ state, which is associated with weight loss. Irisin, a newly identified hormone, is secreted by skeletal muscles into circulation and promotes WAT “browning” with unknown mechanisms. In the current study, we demonstrated in mice that recombinant irisin decreased the body weight and improved glucose homeostasis. We further showed that irisin upregulated uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1; a regulator of thermogenic capability of brown fat) expression. This effect was possibly mediated by irisin-induced phosphorylation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and extracellular signal–related kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. Inhibition of the p38 MAPK by SB203580 and ERK by U0126 abolished the upregulatory effect of irisin on UCP-1. In addition, irisin also promoted the expression of betatrophin, another newly identified hormone that promotes pancreatic β-cell proliferation and improves glucose tolerance. In summary, our data suggest that irisin can potentially prevent obesity and associated type 2 diabetes by stimulating expression of WAT browning-specific genes via the p38 MAPK and ERK pathways.
Nanofibers and their biomedical use
Authors: Rošic Romana , Kocbek Petra , Pelipenko Jan , Kristl Julijana , Baumgartner Saša
Published: October 2013

The idea of creating replacement for damaged or diseased tissue, which will mimic the physiological conditions and simultaneously promote regeneration by patients’ own cells, has been a major challenge in the biomedicine for more than a decade. Therefore, nanofibers are a promising solution to address these challenges. These are solid polymer fibers with nanosized diameter, which show improved properties compared to the materials of larger dimensions or forms and therefore cause different biological responses. On the nanometric level, nanofibers provide a biomimetic environment, on the micrometric scale three-dimensional architecture with the desired surface properties regarding the intended application within the body, while on the macrometric scale mechanical strength and physiological acceptability. In the review, the development of nanofibers as tissue scaffolds, modern wound dressings for chronic wound therapy and drug delivery systems is highlighted. Research substantiates the effectiveness of nanofibers for enhanced tissue regeneration, but ascertains that evidences from clinical studies are currently lacking. Nevertheless, due to the development of nano- and bio-sciences, products on the market can be expected in the near future.
Synthesis, in vitro anticancer and antioxidant activity of thiadiazole substituted thiazolidin-4-ones
Authors: Joseph Alex , Shah Chaitanyakumar S. , Kumar Suthar Sharad , Alex Angel Treasa , Maliyakkal Naseer , Moorkoth Sudheer , Mathew Jessy Elizabeth
Published: October 2013

A series of novel 5-alkyl/aryl thiadiazole substituted thiazolidin-4-ones were synthesized by a two-step process. In the first step, 5-alkyl/aryl substituted 2-aminothiadiazoles were synthesized, which on reaction with substituted aromatic aldehydes and thioglycolic acid in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide afforded thiazolidin- 4-ones. All the compounds were synthesized in fairly good yields and their structures were confirmed by spectral and physical data. The title compounds were screened for in vitro anti-proliferative activity on human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) by MTT assay. Most of the derivatives showed an IC50 less than 150 μmol L-1. Among the compounds tested, 2-(2-nitrophenyl)- 3-(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-thiazolidin-4-one (3f), 2-(3-fluorophenyl)-3-(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2- -yl)-thiazolidin-4-one (3b), and 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3- -(5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-thiazolidin-4-one (3c) were found to be the most active derivatives with IC50 values of 46.34, 66.84, and 60.71 μmol L-1, respectively. Antioxidant studies of all the synthesized compounds were carried out by diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Among the compounds tested, 2-phenyl-3-(5-styryl- -1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-thiazolidin-4-one (3s) elicited superior antioxidant activity with IC50 of 161.93 μmol L-1.
Type of social participation and identity formation in adolescence and emerging adulthood
Authors: Rękosiewicz Małgorzata
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the results of empirical research that explores the links between types of social participation and identity. The author availed herself of the neo-eriksonian approach to identity by Luyckx et al. (2006) and the concept of social participation types (Reinders, Butz, 2001). The study involved 1,665 students from six types of schools: lower secondary school (n=505), general upper secondary school (n=171), technical upper secondary school (n=187), specialized upper secondary school (n=214), university (n=252), and post-secondary school (medical rescue, massage therapy, cosmetology, occupational therapy) (n=336). The results of the research, conducted with the use of Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS) and Social Participation Questionnaire (SPQ-S 1 and SPQ-S 2), indicate that transitive orientation increases with age and that, consequently, the frequency of assimilation and integration types of social participation tends to be higher in emerging adulthood in comparison with adolescence. The study showed that general upper secondary school students, contrary to their colleagues from technical and specialized upper secondary schools, did not differ in terms of transitive and moratorium orientation levels from lower secondary school students. The hypothesis about the relationship between transitive orientation and commitment scales was confirmed, whereas the hypotheses concerning the links between exploration scales and both dimensions of social participation were not validated.
Perceiving a negatively connoted stimulus imply enhanced performances: the case of a moving object
Authors: Chafi Alhadi , Rusinek Stephane , Schiaratura Loris , Delescluse Sebastien , Brouillet Thibaut
Published: October 2013

Most studies on verticality’s embodiment showed that up positions were related to positive emotions whereas down positions were related to negative ones (Meier & Robinson, 2004). Research on motion perception found that a parabolic motion both induced animation attribution (Tremoulet & Feldman, 2000) and implied negative feelings (Chafi, Schiaratura, & Rusinek, 2012; Podevin, 2009; Podevin, Chafi, Rusinek, & Békaert, 2012). We hypothesized that seeing a parabolic downward motion will increase both the memorization for words and the execution’s speed of a serial subtraction compared to a parabolic upward motion. Results showed that the downward motion had enhancing effects both on the serial subtraction and on the number of recalled words, independently of their valence. These findings are interpreted as marking processes related to an adaptive behavior in response to a negative stimulus.
Methodological considerations in studying awareness during learning. Part 2: Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Nakamura Daisuke
Published: October 2013

This paper considers methodological issues of awareness during adult second language acquisition (SLA). Specifically, the paper deals with (a) the issue of instructional orientations, (b) the issue of biases in knowledge measurement, and (c) the issue of reactivity in the online think-aloud protocol. Detailed reviews of prominent SLA research that has investigated the possibility of implicit SLA reveal (1) that the instruction on implicit learning does not guarantee that learners engage in the implicit learning mode, (2) that the majority of SLA research has employed only tests of “explicit learning” such as untimed grammaticality judgment, and (3) that there is some evidence that the online think-aloud protocol causes negative reactivity particularly when it is metalinguistic in nature.
Cross-sectional research of school principals‘ view on placement of school nurses in Slovenian schools
Authors: Torkar Tanja , Košnik Irena Grmek , Savič Brigita Skela
Published: October 2013

Izvleček

Izhodišča: V šoli otroci preživijo velik del dneva, zato ima šola pomembno vlogo pri zdravju otrok in mladostnikov pa tudi pri sodelovanju z zdravstvenimi službami.

Namen: Ugotoviti stališče ravnateljev o pomenu, smotrnosti in o možnosti umestitve šolske medicinske sestre v osnovne šole.

Preiskovanci in metode: Podatki so zbrani s strukturiranim anketnim vprašalnikom. Vzorec zajema 55,6 % (n = 266) celotne populacije ravnateljev osnovnih šol. Uporabljena je deskriptivna statistika. Soodvisnost je analizirana z multiplo regresijsko in dimenzije odvisne spremenljivke s faktorsko analizo.

Rezultati: Na osnovnih šolah najpogosteje ukrepajo zaradi akutnega bolezenskega stanja (PV = 3,48), psihosomatskih (PV = 3,42) in kroničnih bolezni (PV = 3,22) (lestvica 1-6). Ravnatelji prepoznavajo potrebo po nalogah šolske medicinske sestre iz promocije zdravja in zdravstvenih storitev, saj je 11 od 13 predlogov dobilo v povprečju oceno nad 4 (lestvica 1-5). Najprimernejšo umestitev šolske medicinske sestre vidijo deloma v zdravstvenem domu, deloma v šoli (60,2 %); najprimernejši delodajalec je zdravstveni dom (59,4 %). Mnenja se ne razlikujejo glede na velikost šole in vključitev v mrežo Zdravih šol. Ravnatelji s šol, v katerih je telesnih poškodb učencev več, izražajo značilno večjo potrebo po šolski medicinski sestri (b = 0,208, p < 0,014), kar velja tudi za ravnatelje z mnenjem, da je usposabljanje učiteljev za prepoznavanje in ukrepanje ob zdravstvenih težavah v odgovornosti zdravstvenega doma (b = 0,270, p < 0,000).

Zaključki: Ravnatelji menijo, da se v šolah srečujejo z zdravstvenimi težavami učencev, a učitelji za ukrepanje nimajo dovolj znanja niti kompetenc. Pozitivno prepoznavajo umestitev šolske medicinske sestre v šolo.
Morphometric study of the isthmus of the thyroid gland in Bangladeshi cadaver
Authors: Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Mahbub S , Perven HA , Ara S
Published: October 2013

Background: The position and size of isthmus of thyroid vary greatly in humans, and sometimes it is absent. The present study was designed to find out the difference in isthmus of the thyroid gland of Bangladeshi people in relation to age and sex. Methods: The cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from January to December 2008, on 73 post mortem human thyroid gland collected from unclaimed dead bodies. Isthmus was found in 60 cases. The samples having the isthmus (n=60) were divided into three age-groups including group A (10-20 years), group B (21-50 years) & group C (>50 years) and the isthmus was cut off from the thyroid gland, then its length, breadth and thickness were measured and recorded. Results: The isthmus of the thyroid gland was found in 82.2% cases. It extended from 2nd to 4th tracheal ring in 91.7% and from 2nd to 5th ring in 8.3% cases. No difference was found in length, breadth and thickness of the isthmus of the thyroid gland in between males and females. However, difference was found in breadth between group A & B (p<0.05) and A & C (p<0.01) and in thickness between group B & C (p<0.05). Conclusion: The presence or absence, positional change and variation in gross dimension of the thyroid isthmus were evident in humans. The morphological difference was found with increasing age but not with sex. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 81-84 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8940
Clinical Features, Management and Outcome of Snake Bite in Children in Manipal Teaching Hospital
Authors: Koirala Deepak P , Gauchan E , Basnet S , Adhikari S , BK G
Published: October 2013

Background: Snake bite is a widely distributed and neglected condition with a significant mortality. Medically significant snakes are: Elapidae, which are mainly neurotoxic and Viperidae, which are hemotoxic. Most studies on snake bites are done in Terai belt of Nepal and this is a first study of its kind in children in western region of Nepal. Methods: This was a 7 year retrospective study in Pediatric unit of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Relevant data from all cases of snake bite in children up to 18 years of age was collected in a structured proforma and analyzed. Results: Among the 39 cases of Snake bites; it was more in boys (M: F=1.16:1), from rural areas (62%) and was more common during monsoon (64%). The commonest site of bite was foot (64%). Snakes were identifiable in only 23% of the cases. Local swelling (77%) and pain (74%) were common clinical features. Coagulation profile was deranged in 80% of the patients, hematuria was observed in 13% patients and 15% patients had thrombocytopenia. Most of the snakes were hemotoxic (77%) and only 1 case (2.5%) was neurotoxic. Only 44% of the patients received polyvalent anti-snake venom and blood products were required in 51% of the patients. Most patients improved (75%) and the case fatality rate was 2.5%. Conclusion: Most snakes found in mountainous region of Nepal are hemotoxic and lead to deranged coagulation profile. Mortality is low in hemotoxic as compared to neurotoxic envenomations. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 119-124 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8954
Evaluation of association of fragility fracture and bone mineral density in Nepalese population
Authors: Amanullah Md. Farid , Shrestha BP , Khanal GP , Karna NK , Ansari S , Ahmad K
Published: October 2013

Background: Fragility fractures are one of the major health problems. Many factors are associated with it some of which are modifiable and some are not. If we know the value of T-score at which fragility fracture occurs and associated factors responsible for fragility fracture than we will be able to control this burden to the society. The objective of this study is to determine association between fragility fracture and bone mineral density (BMD) using bone densitometry and to know the value of T-score at which fragility fracture occurs. Methods: Patients presenting to B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences with fragility fracture of distal end of radius, fracture around hip and vertebral fractures were included in the study to know the value of T-score at which fragility fracture occurs and their associated risk factor. Patients less than 50 years of age, high energy trauma fracture and pathological fractures were excluded from the study. Results: We found that being multipara, smoking, alcohol consumption, post-hysterectomized patients and steroid intake had significant association with fragility fracture. There was no association with religion, geographic location, associated medical illness, age, sex, associated injury and site of injury. Conclusion: The patients with risk factor for fragility fracture like smoking, alcohol consumption, multipara women, post-hysterectomized women and those who are on long term steroid therapy should undergo BMD test and the value at -3.254 are prone to fragility fracture and should be treated accordingly. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 130-134 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8956
Periodontal disease and obesity in an Indian population
Authors: Giri DK , Kundapur PP , Bhat GS , Bhat KM , Guddattu V
Published: October 2013

Background: Associations between obesity and several chronic inflammatory diseases are emerging. Research from some parts of the world has also indicated that a relationship between periodontal disease and obesity is possible. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of obesity with periodontal disease in a semi urban Indian population. Methods: Body Mass Index (BMI) was determined for 323 patients visiting the department of Periodontics. Other demographic variables such as age, gender, stress, educational background and smoking were also considered. Clinical examination of the periodontal health was assessed using the Plaque index (PI), the Gingival index (GI) and the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Results: No association was obtained between BMI and periodontitis. Other demographic variables were also not significantly related. Lower gingival index scores, were significantly associated with better periodontal health. Conclusion: Good oral hygiene and normal body weight can reduce the overall inflammatory burden, thereby reducing the risk for development of periodontal disease. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 144-148 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8965