bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culture Wars in Gothic Mode: The Example of HBO’s Miniseries Sharp Objects
Authors: Ilić Vladana
Published: April 2023

Cultural and political polarization in The United States has been a prominent topic both in social sciences and the media since the beginning of the 1990s. Whether the polarization is understood as a deep moral divide among Americans, i.e., as the culture war between liberals and conservatives, or as a superficially maintained political hostility, i.e., as party sorting between Democrats and Republicans, most scholars agree that the media sphere is deeply polarized, especially since 2016 when Donald Trump emerged as a political figure and then the U.S. president. HBO, known for its progressive cultural capital and liberal ethos, distinguishes itself in the daring narrative productions which often tackle polarizing themes of race, gender, sexuality, etc. Gothic mode or genre is among the often-employed narrative styles of its productions. American gothic, also the subject of increasing academic interest in recent decades, has been largely considered within its cultural and historical context and interpreted as a site where the nation’s historical benighted ghosts disrupt and challenge official enlightened national narratives. As HBO’s original production told in a gothic mode, Sharp Objects (2018) will be contextualized within the U.S. culture wars and analyzed as a Southern Gothic tale told from the liberal progressive perspective. The show’s narrative will be seen as a gothic journey deep into the South by a liberal heroine haunted by her conservative ghosts, who attempts to face and settle them. The paper explores the thesis that the gothic disruptive potential is of a conditional and limited impact on liberal America’s Enlightenment narrative.
"A Raindrop in the Ocean for a Kafana in the Balkans": The Balkan "Barbarogenius" in the Narratives of the Turbotronic Scene
Authors: Kulenović Nina , Banić Grubišić Ana
Published: April 2023

This paper is part of ongoing research conducted by the authors which aims to map the turbotronic scene and provide an answer to the question of what music can reveal about the broader dynamic of sociocultural life in contemporary Serbia. The paper follows the paths of the anthropology of music, already well established in Serbian anthropology. It focuses on the seemingly banal, everyday discursive practices of ordinary people, situates them in a wider framework of symbolic geographies, and suggests that turbotronic narratives belong to the discourse of the Balkan "barbarogenius". The paper shows, to use Hertzfeld's terminology, "how and under what pressure people resort to stereotypes, and even represent them directly – act them out, as it were". It answers the question of where the creators of turbotronic find binary oppositions consisting of essentialist constructs, how they instrumentalize them strategically, and how they use them in negotiating power. Our analysis shows that the following value signs assigned to the key pairs of oppositions in the discourse of the "Second Serbia" – (+) Western/European : (–) Balkan, (+) civilized : (–) primitive – have switched places within turbotronic discourse, and that the following pairs of oppositions have been added – (+) emotions : (–) reason, and (+) authentic : (–) fake. We propose that the change be interpreted as a potential reflection in the literature of the wider changes in the reception of the Ottoman heritage in Serbian culture but also in the wider region of the Balkans. An analysis of ethnographic material will show why the authors of turbotronic take the side of "the people" and "ordinary folk", why they insist on the "banished Balkan heritage", and will shed light on the function and symbolic significance that the kafana (a type of Balkan pub) assumes in their narratives. Finally, we suggest directions for future research of this analytically fruitful phenomenon.
Fragments of Utopia of Desire in South Slavic Oral Lyric Poetry
Authors: Vukmanović Ana
Published: April 2023

The paper discusses fragments of utopian notions in South Slavic oral lyric poetry. The function of those fragments is to express aspirations for a different life, mainly regarding freedom of choice, a possibility to decide on one’s own life, and to act in order to fulfil desires – even at the cost of breaking the social rules of the community. The models of alternative worlds present in the songs in some segments correspond with reality, but above all, they offer a utopian vision of a different world as an expression of desires even when they remain unfulfilled (or impossible to be fulfilled). The utopian possibility is modelled by motives of mighty, bold, active maidens, who take the initiative, overcome obstacles, perform magical acts, use their beauty in order to fulfil their erotic desires and aspirations for a freer and more dignified life. In the end, the paper points out that the utopian desire in oral lyric songs is fulfilled in the very act of singing about an alternative world.
Politics and Theory – “Three Forms of Politicization of Method”, Neoliberalism and The Turn Towards Studying Subjectivity in The Work of Michel Foucault
Authors: Urošević Milan
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the place neoliberalism has in Foucault’s opus and the reasons he turned to studying subjectivity in the latter part of his career. We will follow the thematic, theoretical, and methodological changes in Foucault’s work and show how they relate to the social context. We will claim that Foucault, due to his political engagement, gives a political dimension to his work by putting it in the service of political goals. The article starts by researching how the social context influenced the beginnings of Foucault’s work in order to show how even then the changes in the French political scene influenced his thought. Afterwards we move on to the period after the rebellion of 1968 when Foucault was working with radical Maoist organizations. It is here that we find the first form of politicization of his intellectual work. We argue that due to the conflict between progressive French intellectuals and the “Communist party of France” in the second half of the 1970s Foucault turned to studying the history of liberalism in order to find a conceptual framework for a new non-communist left politics. This can be seen as a second form of politicization of his intellectual work and Foucault’s study of neoliberal ideas can be located here. We claim that since this research is placed at the very end of his history of governmentality it is here that Foucault found a conceptual framework suitable for a new left politics. For him this politics would be based on the pursuit of an ever greater autonomy of the individual and his subjectivity. Therefore, after studying neoliberalism Foucault turns to studying subjectivity which we understand as a third form of politicization of his intellectual work. We argue that he conceptualized the “care for the self” as a form of subjectivity which is supposed to play the role of an ethical ideal for a new left politics. The paper concludes with a segment in which we contrast our claims with the claims of other authors that studied Foucault’s relation to neoliberalism and his turn towards studying subjectivity.
Presentation of Socialist Everyday Life in Transformation – Television Series “A Better Life”
Authors: Buljubašić Belma
Published: April 2023

The paper analyzes the last Yugoslav television series A Better Life (Bolji život) the broadcast of which ended when the war had begun on the territory of the SFRY. More than thirty years after the end of the first broadcast of the series, it is still popular in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, which is noticeable through numerous reruns, but also popularity on social networks, as well as numerous quotes from the series that are used in colloquial speech. The paper presents the content of the series and the main characters, as well as the most important secondary characters, briefly explains the then political and media situation in the different republics of the SFRY, which was completely uneven, which led to numerous antagonisms between nations, so in this context the series A Better Life was singled out as a series that was equally followed by citizens in all the republics, which was a phenomenon.

In the context of today, the series is analyzed through the prism of Yugonostalgia, and the content of the series is analyzed through several themes that appear in the series: everyday life and rituals, dealing with the consequences of the economic crisis, the conflict between rural and urban among the residents of Belgrade, i.e. the so-called old Belgraders and so-called newcomers.Certain stereotypes appeared in the series, primarily gender stereotypes, that is, the roles of men and women in society were repeatedly pointed out through the dialogues. Although at the time of filming of Better Life, inter-ethnic relations in SFRY were in crisis, the screenwriter skilfully avoided national stereotypes, although they appeared in several scenes, which is also included in the analysis of the series. Although the series depicts a politically turbulent time, nowadays it is viewed almost romantically, as a chance for a lost better life and missed opportunities.
Social and Economic Status of the Dead: Burials in the Period of Early Christianity
Authors: Janković Marko A.
Published: April 2023

Traditionally, the necropolises of the 4th century have been considered in the framework of the spread of Christianity, conceived as a linear progression. The research into the necropolises of this period is predominantly based upon the premise that the earliest Christian burials are “poor”, so consequently the lack of grave offerings has often been identified as the indicator of Christianity. From this starting point, the research goals have almost always been identified in terms of determination of religious character of the necropolises, i. e. whether they were Christian or pagan. This text therefore aims to question this firmly held belief that the economic status of the individuals buried in the 4th century in the territory of Serbia may be equated to their religious (Christian) identity. The premise which equates the absence of certain artefacts as the proof the presence of religious ideas is problematic, especially since the graves with “rich” offerings were registered during this period, some of them plausibly identified as burials of the Christians. Furthermore, this premise severely limits the issues that can be raised, and the paper proposes the move from the perpetual goal to identify individual graves as Christian or pagan. It is argued here that this period is characterized by frequent and important political, economic, social, and religious changes. If we move from the assumption that the religious identity of individuals (and necropolises) can be ascribed in a straightforward manner, the burials of this period can offer valuable insight into the lives of people who were not subsumed to their religious affiliation, or at least not in the way we ascribe to them.
Poetry in Popular Culture: Instagram, Rupi Kaur, Feminism and the Utilitarian Value of Poetry
Authors: Đurić Dubravka , Izgarjan Aleksandra
Published: April 2023

In order to explain the popularity of Instagram poetry, and of the Instapoet Rupi Kaur in particular, we have positioned it within the contemporary context of the changing poetic field, the context of popular media culture and the consumer society of late neoliberal capitalism. From a complex language construction requiring in its reception an educated reader, poetry has become simple, communicative and accessible to all. At a time when neoliberal capitalism appropriates, absorbs and alters every marginal practice, adjusting it to its needs, poetry has acquired a utilitarian value. The most interesting example of this utilitarian value can be found in the poems of Rupi Kaur, a Canadian poet with a South Asian background. Her poetry functions as self-help literature. Kaur defines herself as a feminist, which we have positioned within the context of neoliberal feminism, which has features in common with postfeminism and celebrity feminism. Postfeminism is a blend of feminist and antifeminist world views, and has contributed to the construction of new femininity. In the contemporary late neoliberal age it acquires a significant form in hyperfemininity as an unquestionable ideal omnipresent in the media, which all women must aspire to in order to be accepted by society. Kaur’s Instapoetry has appropriated feminist (intersectional) ideas for its (neoliberal) objectives. She provides advice on how to overcome painful relationship breakups, violence, racism, misogyny, the patriarchy and classism. This is realized through the use of formulas offered by New Age alternative spirituality. It is this spirituality that has been absorbed by neoliberal capitalism and incorporated into all aspects of services, in order to make the ruthless exploitation of workers in precarious jobs more bearable. Remediation is characteristic of Instapoetry. Poets use old and new media: drawings, handwriting or typewriting, photography, which is mediated by the digital technology of Instagram. In addition, they perform live in front of an audience, and an analysis of Rupi Kaur’s performances clearly shows that these are mass media events; thus Instapoetry can be understood as a specific form of popular media culture intended for a mass audience.
Examination of Thoracic and Lumbosacral Spine Guide for Neurosurgery Residents
Authors:   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Muhamad Nor Mohd Arman ,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Department of Neurosurgery, Institut Kajisaraf Tunku Abdul Rahman (IKTAR), Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,   Neurosurgery Unit, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Terengganu, Malaysia, Ahmad Mohammad Imran ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Department of Neurosurgery, Institut Kajisaraf Tunku Abdul Rahman (IKTAR), Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mohd Azli Anis Nabillah ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Abdullah Jafri Malin ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Idris Zamzuri ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Izaini Ghani Abdul Rahman ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: April 2023

Background: This paper outlines a summary of examination techniques for the thoracic and lumbosacral spine. It starts with observation, palpation and a range of movements followed by various special tests to identify thoracic and lumbosacral spine pathology. Methods: Bedside instruments used include a measuring tape, scoliometer and back range of motion instrument (BROM II). Discussion: Back flexion-extension, lateral flexion and rotation were assessed with bedside instruments. This would aid in increasing the accuracy and precision of objective measurement while conducting a clinical examination to determine the back range motion. Specific tests were used to localise specific anatomical locations and identify the spine pathology that can help the clinician to diagnose and treat the disease.
Is It Time to Switch from Conventional Coombs Crossmatching to the Type and Screen Protocol?
Authors:   Department of Transfusion Medicine, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India, M Baiju Nithya , Mohamed Rafi Aboobacker ,   Department of Transfusion Medicine, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India, Henry Nittin ,   Department of Transfusion Medicine, MVR Cancer Center, Calicut, India, Bhaskaran Ramesh ,   Department of Transfusion Medicine, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India, Jacob Innah Susheela ,   Department of Transfusion Medicine, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India, Sasidharan Athira ,   Department of Transfusion Medicine, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Published: April 2023

Background: ABO grouping, Rh typing and crossmatching are routinely done as part of pre-transfusion testing. The Type and Screen (T&S) protocol has been used in developed countries to ensure the survival of transfused red cells. In this study, we compared the safety, costs and turnaround times (TATs) of the T&S protocol and the conventional pre-transfusion testing protocol for patients who had been scheduled for elective obstetrical or gynaecological procedures. Methods: This observational study was conducted in three phases at the Department of Transfusion Medicine, Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Kerala, India and involved 1,800 patients from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Kerala, India over the course of 2 years. Phase I involved the traditional pre-transfusion testing and crossmatching of 150 patients. Phase II involved the use of the T&S protocol on 150 patients. Phase III involved the use of both the traditional and T&S protocols on 1,500 patients without considering the results of each protocol. The safety, costs and TATs of both protocols were compared. Results: In this study, the T&S protocol provided a safety 100% level when compared to the traditional protocol. The T&S protocol detected unexpected antibodies in 0.4% of cases, which would have gone unnoticed otherwise, demonstrating its usefulness. There was no significant difference in cost between the traditional crossmatching and T&S protocols. We discovered that using only the T&S protocol can save technologists 30% of their time. Conclusion: Implementing the T&S protocol as a pre-transfusion testing procedure can help improve hospital transfusion practices by supplying blood quickly and safely. Coombs cross-matching remains more of a tradition than a necessity.
Responses to Stress among East Malaysian Students: Psychometric Properties of the Responses to Stress Questionnaire
Authors:   Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia, Lai Hui Yee , Cheah Whye Lian ,   Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia, Hazmi Helmy ,   Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia, Ang Ai Ling ,   Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
Published: April 2023

Background: Academic stress is part of a student’s life. Chronic stress may result in mental health problems, affecting the adolescent’s well-being in adulthood. However, not all types of stress result in a negative effect. Therefore, understanding how adolescents adapt to academic stress can lay the groundwork for preventive interventions. The Response to Stress Questionnaire (RSQ) for academic problems centred on a multidimensional model of responses to stress. However, it has not been tested among Malaysians. Thus, this study aimed to validate the questionnaire among Malaysians. Methods: The questionnaire was translated into the Malay language using forward and backward translation. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires at a secondary school in Kuching. A validity test was conducted using face and content validation by subject matter experts, and construct validation was performed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). A reliability test was conducted by checking Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Results showed that the questionnaire has good validity and reliability. The EFA resulted in only three dimensions of responses to stress among Malaysian adolescents in contrast to the five dimensions in the original RSQ for academic problems. The Cronbach’s alpha showed good reliability of the questionnaire. Conclusion: The questionnaire measuring responses to stress was valid and reliable in assessing the responses of adolescents to academic stress.
Translation and Validation of the Malay Perceived Stress Scale Modified for COVID-19
Authors:   Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ibrahim Norhayati ,   Institute of Islam Hadhari, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia, Wong Andrea ,   Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Cham Choy Qing ,   Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Chu Sin Yee ,   Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kalaman Clarisse Roswini ,   Centre for Healthy Aging and Wellness (H-Care), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Siau Ching Sin ,   Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: April 2023

Background: Stress amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is becoming more prevalent. This paper aimed to describe the validation process of the Malay Perceived Stress Scale modified for COVID-19 (PSS-10-C) amongst Malaysian youths. Methods: The cross-sectional validation study design was employed in this study. In Phase I, the scale was translated into Malay by using the forward-backward method. In Phase 2, principal axis factoring and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted in Study 1 (n = 267) and Study 2 (n = 324), respectively. Results: A two-factor solution, comprising ‘distress’ and ‘coping’ domains was derived (cumulative variance = 65.2%) in Phase 2. Concurrent validity evaluated via the Beck Hopelessness Scale revealed a moderate positive correlation (0.528). In Study 2 (n = 324), the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the two-factor model achieved acceptable model fit indices, including 2/df ratio = 2.57; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.07; 95% CI = 0.05, 0.09; Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.95 and Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.94. The Cronbach’s alpha scale score was 0.855 for the study samples. Conclusion: The Malay PSS-10-C is a valid and reliable scale to be used amongst Malaysian youths.
Dorsal Column Bedside Examination Test: Tips for the Neurosurgical Resident
Authors:   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Khoo Yee Hwa ,   Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sabah, Malaysia, Abdullah Jafri Malin ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Idris Zamzuri ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Ghani Abdul Rahman Izaini ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Department of Neurosciences, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Abdul Halim Sanihah ,   Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: April 2023

The dorsal column medial lemniscus (DCML) system is a sensory pathway of the central nervous system; it carries sensations of soft touch, vibration, proprioception, two-point discrimination, and pressure from the skin and joints. The clinical signs of the DCML pathway lesions include loss of soft touch, vibratory sense, proprioception, discrimination sense, and a positive Rhomberg test. Diseases that affect this pathway are usually degenerative, for example, spinal cord degeneration due to vitamin B12 deficiency; it can also be affected by trauma or infarction of the posterior spinal artery causing posterior cord syndrome. This video manuscript provides a step-by-step examination technique of the dorsal column examination, specially catered for Malaysian medical students and trainees. A series of videos show the techniques for soft touch sensation examination, examination of the vibratory sense, examination of the joint position sense, examination of two-point discrimination and the Rhomberg test. We hope that students can adhere to these techniques and apply them in their daily neurological assessments.
Bacterial Foodborne Illness in Malaysia: Terminalia spp. as a Potential Resource for Treating Infections and Countering Antibiotic Resistance
Authors:   School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia, Cheesman Matthew James , Shivashekaregowda Naveen Kumar Hawala ,   Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Selangor, Malaysia, Cock Ian Edwin ,   School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, Australia
Published: April 2023

Acute diarrhoea is becoming a major public health problem in Malaysia, with more than 13.5 million cases reported annually. Foodborne bacterial pathogens are a predominant cause of diarrhoea, with infections causing prolonged illness durations and higher patient mortality rates, placing a tremendous burden on the Malaysian economy. Due to increasing incidences of diarrhoea in Malaysia caused by foodborne pathogens and the increasing levels of resistance towards antibiotics from many different classes, new drugs and/or therapies are urgently required. The evidence for plants as new sources of antibiotics has increased dramatically in recent years and there has been a substantial increase in interest in traditional and herbal medicines. Several Terminalia spp. are native to Malaysia, with previous research demonstrating that Terminalia spp. are rich in therapeutic phytochemicals and possess antibacterial properties. However, limited research has been conducted on the native Malaysian Terminalia spp. for their potential as new antibacterial therapies. The current review discusses the types of bacteria, including antibiotic resistant strains, that cause food poisoning in Malaysia, and reports the phytochemical content and antibacterial properties of eight of these useful plant species. Future directions pertaining to drug discovery pathways are also suggested.
Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived from Perinatal Tissues: Sources, Characteristics and Isolation Methods
Authors:   Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sabah, Malaysia, Teoh Peik Lin , Mohd Akhir Haselamirrah ,   Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sabah, Malaysia, Abdul Ajak Warda ,   Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sabah, Malaysia, Hiew Vun Vun ,   Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sabah, Malaysia
Published: April 2023

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) derived from perinatal tissues have become indispensable sources for clinical applications due to their superior properties, ease of accessibility and minimal ethical concerns. MSCs isolated from different placenta (PL) and umbilical cord (UC) compartments exhibit great potential for stem cell-based therapies. However, their biological activities could vary due to tissue origins and differences in differentiation potentials. This review provides an overview of MSCs derived from various compartments of perinatal tissues, their characteristics and current isolation methods. Factors affecting the yield and purity of MSCs are also discussed as they are important to ensure consistent and unlimited supply for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Agreement of Parathyroid Hormone Status Measured by Intact and Biointact Parathyroid Hormone Assays among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients and Its Correlation with Bone Turnover Parameters
Authors:   Chemical Pathology Unit, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kelantan, Malaysia, Hashim Saidah Madihah ,   Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Tuan Ismail Tuan Salwani ,   Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Che Soh Noor Azlin Azraini ,   Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Che Mat Mahaya ,   Chemical Pathology Unit, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kelantan, Malaysia, Rapiah Zuad Firdaus ,   Nephrology Unit, Department of Medical, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kelantan, Malaysia, Shafi Noorazliyana ,   Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Kassim Nur Karyatee ,   Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Yaacob Najib Majdi ,   Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, Universiti Sains Malaysia,  Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: April 2023

Background: This study aimed to determine the agreement between intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and biointact parathyroid hormone (bio-PTH) assays and to correlate them with bone markers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 180 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3b, 4 and 5D. We measured their iPTH, bio-PTH, 25-hydroxyvitaminD (25(OH)D), C-terminal telopeptide collagen (CTX), procollagen 1 intact N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: Higher iPTH than bio-PTH concentrations were seen in CKD stages 3b, 4 and 5D (58[62] versus 55[67] pg/mL, 94[85] versus 85[76] pg/mL and 378[481] versus 252[280] pg/mL, respectively). Both PTH assays showed good agreement among all the subjects, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.832 (P-value < 0.001). The Passing-Bablok showed that the equation for the bio-PTH was PTH = 0.64 iPTH + 15.80, with r = 0.99. The Bland-Altman plots showed increased bias with an increasing PTH concentration. Both PTH assays showed a high positive correlation with CTX and P1NP, a moderate correlation with phosphate, a low correlation with ALP and calcium, and a negligible correlation with phosphate and 25(OH)D. Conclusion: The iPTH and bio-PTH assays were in agreement, but their bias increased with the PTH concentration. The unacceptable large bias indicates that the two assays cannot be used interchangeably. They had a variable correlation with the bone parameters.
Morphological Measurements of Innominate Foramina and Bony Spurs along the Base of Sphenoid as a Potential Risk Factor for Neurovascular Entrapment, Radiological Interpretation and Surgical Access
Authors:   Department of Anatomy, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, India, Sadashiv Roshni , Managutti Suresh ,   Department of Anatomy, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, India, Kulkarni Veena ,   Department of Anatomy, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, India, V Kulkarni Arun ,   Department of Anatomy, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, India, Dixit Umesh ,   Department of Community Medicine, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, India
Published: April 2023

Background: Restricted access and compression of neurovascular structures at various anatomic variations at the skull base poses a challenge to surgeons, neurologists and anesthetists. The present study was performed with the objective of providing morphometric analysis of innominate foramina, and anomalous bony bars and spurs along the infratemporal surface of the greater wing of the sphenoid and reviewing the practical significance of dealing with this region. Methods: A total of 100 dry-aged human adult skulls from the archives of the osteology library of the Department of Anatomy were studied. A detailed morphometric analysis of such innominate foramina and anomalous osseous structures along the base of the sphenoid was performed using a sliding digital vernier caliper. Results: Anomalous bony bar was found in 22 skulls (25.28%). A complete bar was observed at eight (9.1%). An innominate foramen was located inferomedial to foramen ovale (5 unilateral and 3 bilateral) with a mean anteroposterior diameter of 3.44 mm and a mean transverse diameter of 3.16 mm. Conclusion: Neurovascular structures may be compressed by abnormal bony outgrowths or while traversing through such unnamed bony foramina. The latter may also be overlooked and mistaken during radiological interpretation leading to delayed diagnosis. Such unnamed foramina and bony outgrowths need to be documented in the literature due to their surgical, and radiological implications and limited citations.
Gender Differences in the Association between Cholesteryl Esters Transfer Protein Polymorphism (rs708272) and Plasma Lipid Levels in Hyperlipidaemic Participants at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Authors:   School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Shamsudin Amirul Faez , Bakar Nur Salwani ,   School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: April 2023

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the cholesteryl esters transfer protein (CETP) gene (rs708272) was reported to affect statin efficacy. This study investigated the association between CETP rs708272 and statin’s lipid-lowering effects in hyperlipidaemic participants at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. Methods: A total of 229 hyperlipidaemic statin users (96.1% Malays) were recruited, and a single blood sample (3 mL) was obtained for DNA extraction. The genotypes were determined using PCR-RFLP method and validated by sequencing analysis. Results: The minor allele frequency for rs708272 in all participants was 0.391, with no difference between females and males. At the baseline, the SNP was associated with different low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) and triglyceride (TG) levels in females, but not males, when the GG and GA+AA genotypes were compared using a dominant genetic model. Regardless of the genotype, the total cholesterol and LDL-c levels decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in both genders after statin treatment, but the TG levels decreased exclusively in females with the GG genotypes. In both genders, high density lipoprotein levels were unaffected before and after the statin treatment. Conclusion: To improve the management of hyperlipidaemia, future research should consider patient gender when assessing the CETP rs708272 impact on LDL-c and TG.
Synthesizing Effective Strategies for IT-Mediated Writing: A Meta-Ethnographic Study
Authors: Fadhly Fahrus Zaman
Published: April 2023

This meta-ethnographic study aims to synthesize effective strategies for IT-mediated writing learning by examining the existing literature on the topic. The study adopts a systematic search and selection process, which results in the inclusion of 20 studies that met the pre-determined inclusion criteria. The findings reveal six overarching themes that represent effective strategies for IT-mediated writing learning, which include (1) collaborative learning, (2) scaffolding, (3) feedback, (4) learner autonomy, (5) multimodal approaches, and (6) contextualization. These themes offer insights into how IT can be used effectively to enhance writing learning in educational settings, particularly in the context of EFL learning. The study concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for both research and practice, and highlighting the need for further research in this area.
Práticas de Tecnologia Social de uma Associação Comunitária no Brasil
Authors: Dalbem Diego Martins , Nunes Nei Antonio , Casagrande Jacir Leonir
Published: April 2023

Este estudo discute as práticas de Tecnologia Social da Associação Comunitária do Distrito de Taquaras (ACDT), no Estado Santa Catarina, Brasil. Para tanto, analisa os aspectos teóricos de Tecnologia Social (TS) e de Comunidade. Com base nos escritos de autores que compõem a Rede de Tecnologia Social (RTS), foram definidas as categorias da Tecnologia Social para o escrutínio da experiência comunitária da ACDT. A metodologia utilizada foi o estudo de caso qualitativo, com enfoque descritivo, a partir da revisão da literatura. Os instrumentos de pesquisa contam com entrevistas semiestruturadas e documentais com os gestores e associados da ACDT. Entre os resultados foi possível observar que a Associação em estudo é composta por grande parte da comunidade, que participa ativamente das atividades e, portanto, da vida cotidiana da Associação. A partir da análise da literatura existente acerca do tema e conforme revelado pela presença (em maior ou menor intensidade) dos sete elementos constitutivos da TS, ficou evidenciada a prática de Tecnologia Social nas ações comunitárias da ACDT.
Tourism Development in Modern Conditions: Global and National Trends
Authors: Chkhotua Ilona , Muradov Alexander
Published: April 2023

The article focuses on the main issues of tourism development during the current global crisis. The unprecedented sanctions that Russia had to face in 2022 affected the tourism industry at the global, national, and regional levels. This strategic analysis of the global and national tourism industry featured the external environment of the strategizing object as an important stage in determining the strategic priorities for domestic tourism. The research made it possible to identify and analyze some global and national trends in the development of tourism industry in modern conditions.
Immunoinformatics and Reverse Vaccinology Driven Predication of a Multi-epitope
Vaccine against Borrelia burgdorferi and Validation through in silico Cloning and
Immune Simulation
Authors: Zheng Guojun , Hussain Zulfiqar , Hayat Chandni , Shahab Muhammad , Sikandar Ramin , Bibi Haleema , Kamil Atif , Liang Chaoqun
Published: April 2023

Borrelia burgdorferi is regarded as an extremely dangerous bacteria causing infectious disease in humans, resulting in musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, fever and cardiac symptom. Because of all alarming concerns, no such prophylaxis setup has been available against Borrelia burgdorferi till now. In fact, vaccine construction using traditional methods is so expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, considering all concerns, we designed a multi-epitope-based vaccine design against Borrelia burgdorferi using in silico approaches.

Methods:

The present study utilized different computational methodologies, covering different ideas and elements in bioinformatics tools. The protein sequence of Borrelia burgdorferi was retrieved from the NCBI database. Different B and T cell epitopes were predicated using the IEDB tool. Efficient B and T cell epitopes were further assessed for vaccine construction using linkers AAY, EAAAK and GPGPG, respectively. Furthermore, the tertiary structure of constructed vaccine was predicated, and its interaction was determined with TLR9 using ClusPro software. In addition, further atomic level detail of docked complex and their immune response were further determined by MD simulation and C-ImmSim tool, respectively.

Results:

A protein with immunogenic potential and good vaccine properties (candidate) was identified based on high binding scores, low percentile rank, non-allergenicity and good immunological properties, which were further used to calculate epitopes. Additionally, molecular docking possesses strong interaction; seventeen H- bonds interactions were reported, such as THR101-GLU264, THR185-THR270, ARG 257-ASP210, ARG 257-ASP 210, ASP259-LYS 174, ASN263-GLU237, CYS 265- GLU 233, CYS 265-TYR 197, GLU267-THR202, GLN 270- THR202, TYR345-ASP 210, TYR345-THR 213, ARG 346-ASN209, SER350-GLU141, SER350-GLU141,
ASP 424-ARG220 and ARG426-THR216 with TLR-9. Finally, high expression was determined in E. coli (CAI = (0.9045), and GC content = (72%). Using the IMOD server, all-atom MD simulations of docked complex affirmed its significant stability. The outcomes of immune simulation indicate that both T and B cells represent a strong response to the vaccination component.

Conclusion:

This type of in-silico technique may precisely decrease valuable time and expenses in vaccine designing against Borrelia burgdorferi for experimental planning in laboratories. Currently, scientists frequently utilize bioinformatics approaches that speed up their vaccine-based lab work.
LincRNA-p21 Promotes Cellular Senescence by Down-regulating the
Wnt/β-catenin Pathway in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Zhu Jianyu , Chen Lingli
Published: April 2023

Aim and Objective:

Long intergenic non-coding RNA-p21 (lincRNA-p21) plays a critical
role in various senescence-associated physiological and pathological conditions. We aimed to
explore the senescence-associated effects of lincRNA-p21 in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)
treated neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line as a therapeutic target.

Materials and Methods:

The RNA expression levels of lincRNA-p21, p53, p16, and telomere
length were examined with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR).
The Telo TAGGG™ Telomerase PCR ELISA PLUS Kit was used to determine telomerase
activity. Cellular viability was evaluated with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium
bromide (MTT) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Western blot was performed
to analyze β-catenin protein expression. Besides, oxidative stress was evaluated by Jaggregate-
forming delocalized lipophilic cation, 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-
tetraethylbenzimidazolocarbocyanine++ + iodide (JC‑1) stain, fluorescence spectrophotometry,
colorimetric assay, and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation.

Results:

This research demonstrated that MPP+ caused a distinct increase in the expression of LincRNA-
p21 in SH-SY5Y cells. MPP+ induced cellular senescence with decreasing cellular proliferation
and viability, increasing expression levels of senescence-associated makers such as genes p53
and p16, accompanied by significantly decreasing telomere length and telomerase activity. At the
same time, these effects were abolished by silencing lincRNA-p21 with small interfering RNA
(siRNA). On the contrary, β-catenin silencing contributes to reversing anti-senescent effects caused
by lincRNA-p21 silencing. Moreover, modifying lincRNA-p21 exerted an anti-senescent influence
depending on decreasing oxidant stress.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that in the treatment of MPP+, lincRNA-p21 might serve a role in
the SH-SY5Y cell senescence by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, as well as increasing oxidant
stress. Thus, trying to target lincRNA-p21 may have important therapeutic and practical implications
for PD.
Interaction of Intestinal Microbiota with Medications
Authors: Liu Mengchen , Xu Jiaqiang , Jin Qianna , Li Yunqiao
Published: April 2023

Introduction::

It is well known that the response to and metabolism of the drugs entering the human body
varies widely across individuals. One of the reasons is that such interpersonal differences may be related to gut microbes.
On one hand, drugs or xenobiotics entering the human body may affect the composition of the gut microbiome;
on the other hand, the gut microbiota may alter the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (abbreviated
as ADME) process of drugs or xenobiotics vice versa. However, the majority of studies focused on the interaction
of general population cohorts with the gut microbiota, which is incompatible with the real clinic. For example,
the gut microbiota is closely associated with the progression and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, a common
functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Under the disease status, the composition of the gut microbiota is
altered affecting the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and toxicity of xenobiotics. Concerning irritable bowel syndrome, a
few studies reported that the xenobiotics administration process was gut microbial-mediated, while it also affected
drug efficacy and toxicity. Thus, the correlation between gut microbiota and xenobiotics administration, especially
the drugs administered, should be elucidated.

Method::

This review paper links differences between the gut microbiome and drug metabolism, which play a significant
role in the implications for medical therapy and drug development in irritable bowel syndrome indications.

Result::

The human intestinal microbiota permeates the ADME process of orally administered drugs and has the
potential to further modify the efficacy and toxicity of agents through the mediation of various enzymes, while at the
same time, medications could also alter the composition and function of the human intestinal microbiota.
Circumventing the Gastrointestinal Barrier for Oral Delivery of
Therapeutic Proteins and Peptides (PPTS): Current Trends and Future
Trajectories
Authors: Hashim Lily Ellysa , Sabri Akmal Hidayat , Mohamad Malihah Athirah , Anjani Qonita Kurnia , Mustaffa Mohd Faiz , Abdul Hamid Khuriah
Published: April 2023

Therapeutic proteins and peptides (PPTs) have become one of the most important biological
molecules for the management of many common and complex diseases due to their high specificity and
high bioactivity. However, these biomolecules are mainly given by the hypodermic injection, which
often leads to poor patient compliance due to the invasive nature of this route of administration. The
oral route has been considered the most convenient and patient-friendly route for drug delivery relative
to hypodermic injections. Despite the ease and simplicity conferred by oral administration, this drug
delivery route suffers rapid peptide degradation in gastric fluid and low intestinal uptake. In order to
circumvent these issues, several strategies, such as enzyme inhibitors, permeation enhancers, chemical
modification, mucoadhesive and stimuli-responsive polymers, and specialised particulate formulation
have been developed. Such strategies are designed with the aim of protecting PPTs from the harsh gastrointestinal
environment as well as providing a strategy to enhance the uptake of the therapeutic across
the gastrointestinal tract. This review aims to provide an overview of the current development in enteral
drug delivery strategies for PPTs. The design of these drug delivery systems in overcoming physical
and chemical barriers along the gastrointestinal tract while improving oral bioavailability will be highlighted
and discussed.