bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Un cas de confiance
Authors: Cuartiella Olivier
Published: March 2024

La confiance, pierre angulaire mais aussi pierre d’achoppement de l’accompagnement soignant, se révèle peut-être bien également sa pierre philosophale. Confier son corps et/ou son esprit à l’autre pour qu’il en prenne soin, se fier à l’autre pour le soigner au plus près de sa volonté : la réciprocité de la relation de confiance rend, par nature, le rapport soignant-soigné très personnel et mystérieux, quel que soit son degré d’intimité.
Une étrange croyance : la confiance
Authors: Reboul Pierre
Published: March 2024

Devant la porte fermée d’une personne malade dont le bénévole ignore tout et qui ignore elle-même son existence, en faut-il de la conviction intime, de la confiance plus qu’en soi-même, en l’autre, pour oser frapper, entrer, se présenter ! Et ceci dans les circonstances particulièrement difficiles de vulnérabilité et d’angoisse – de la maladie grave, de la solitude, de la proximité de la mort.
Conscience, discernement et vérité morale
Authors: Thomasset Alain
Published: March 2024

La conscience joue un rôle essentiel dans la décision morale en situation. Cependant cette notion centrale a connu des fonctions et des considérations variées au sein de la tradition théologique et a été l’objet de débats selon diverses écoles. L’objet de cet article est de retracer quelques éléments de cette histoire pour situer les débats du présent. Il vise également à éclairer l’actualité de la relation entre conscience, discernement et vérité morale, trois notions liées entre elles. Enfin, il met en relief la dimension spirituelle de la conscience pour penser ces relations avec justesse.
« Faire le boulot de l’État ». Pratiques de décasage et vigilance citoyenne à Mayotte
Authors: Lehuger Clémentine
Published: March 2024

À Mayotte en 2016, des groupes de villageois·e·s se livrent durant plusieurs semaines à l’expulsion de centaines de personnes d’origine comorienne. Le Collectif de défense des intérêts de Mayotte (Codim) justifie ces décasages en les présentant comme une réaction à l’inefficacité des services de l’État en matière de contrôle de l’immigration, nécessitant, selon ses termes « de faire le boulot de l’État ». À rebours des approches qui décrivent ces décasages comme des actions violentes en dehors de tout contrôle étatique, cet article montre que ces pratiques vigilantes entretiennent des liens étroits avec l’État dans ce territoire caractérisé par un champ du pouvoir ultra-concurrentiel.
La cocréation de valeur sur Facebook : cas des enseignes de restauration rapide
Authors: Hassouni Mohammed , Chakor Abdellatif
Published: March 2024

Cet article a pour objectif de déterminer les principaux facteurs qui influencent la cocréation de valeur sur les pages Facebook d’enseigne de restauration rapide au Maroc. Le modèle utilisé est inspiré des modèles DART et TAM. Un questionnaire administré a été envoyé en ligne à 384 personnes et a été traité selon la méthode PLS. Toutes les variables du modèle PLS ont prédit la cocréation de valeur. Le dialogue, l’accès à l’information, la gestion des risques, la transparence et l’utilité perçue ont influencé la cocréation de valeur. Un échantillon de convenance a été utilisé puisque des étudiants ont été interrogés. L’étude pourrait être reconduite avec d’autres types de cibles et de réseaux sociaux. La finalité managériale de ce travail serait de poser les questions stratégiques sur le community management dans le secteur de la restauration rapide.
Les projets d’habiter comme pratique signifiante d’une recomposition rurale et d’une interrogation sociétale
Authors: Lafitte Jérôme
Published: March 2024

L’article aborde les projets d’habiter comme pratiques spatiales signifiantes, intervenant en milieu rural et montagnard. La question centrale abordée ici porte sur le croisement entre le projet territorial institutionnalisé Agenda 21 local avec sa démarche participative et la façon dont les acteurs-habitants impliqués dans la recherche et l’A21L mettent en œuvre la figure anthropologique du projet et ses déclinaisons institutionnelles et personnelles. Ils donnent à voir des imaginaires sociaux historiques et des modes de subjectivation, notamment politique, en lien avec l’environnement. Or, une telle figure anthropologique de notre modernité, déclinée en projets d’habiter personnels ou institutionnels manifeste des subjectivités politiques et des modes de régulation et de reproduction qui ne vont pas sans tensions, ni contradictions socio-écologiques, révélant par là-même une normativité environnementale qui se cherche.
Partie II. Sous la menace du chômage
Authors: Heyer Éric , Timbeau Xavier
Published: March 2024

En 2023, avec une inflation encore élevée (+5,2 % en 2023 comme en 2022) et un contexte marqué par la forte remontée des taux d’intérêt directeurs de la BCE, la croissance du PIB serait de 0,9 %. L’année 2024 serait l’année de la baisse de l’inflation (3,3 % en moyenne annuelle et 2,3 % en glissement annuel en fin d’année) mais la croissance resterait modeste (0,8 %) en raison de la pleine matérialisation des effets des hausses des taux d’intérêt directeurs. Selon notre évaluation, l’effet de la politique monétaire amputerait la croissance du PIB de -0,9 point en 2024 (après -0,4 point en 2023). La seconde moitié de l’année 2023, mais surtout l’année 2024, seraient celles du retournement de la courbe du chômage, ce dernier passant de 7,2 % actuellement à 7,9 % à la fin de l’année prochaine dans un contexte de hausse marquée de la population active due à la mise en place de la réforme des retraites. La faible croissance de l’activité et le rattrapage partiel des pertes de productivité passées auraient raison du fort dynamisme de l’emploi observé ces dernières années (-53 000 en glissement annuel en 2024, après 140 000 en 2023 et 509 000 en 2022). À l’inverse de 2022 et de 2023, les salaires réels augmenteraient (0,6 %) en 2024, ce qui limiterait les effets négatifs des pertes d’emplois (-0,1 %) sur la masse salariale. En 2024, le salaire réel (déflaté par l’IPC) reviendrait à son niveau de 2019. Après une année 2022 marquée par une contraction du pouvoir d’achat par unité de consommation (UC) (-0,4 % faisant suite à 2,1 % en 2021), les ménages verraient à nouveau leur revenu réel augmenter en 2023 et 2024 (respectivement 0,7 % et 0,4 % par UC), poussé encore cette année par les créations d’emplois, les revenus du patrimoine et le soutien fiscal, et l’année prochaine par la hausse des salaires réels. Malgré la réduction des mesures budgétaires exceptionnelles, le déficit public resterait à 4,8 % du PIB en 2023 et 2024 en raison principalement d’une croissance atone qui pèserait sur les rentrées fiscales.
Les transformations de la pensée de Marx sur la colonisation
Authors: Herrera Rémy
Published: March 2024

Cet article analyse les évolutions des positions de Marx à propos de la colonisation. Il souligne tout d’abord l’invariant de ces réflexions : la dénonciation de la violence coloniale. Au départ, on trouve une interprétation de la colonisation comme processus de modernisation, puis comme dynamique de destruction-régénération, liée à l’« unification du monde ». L’auteur identifie spécialement les inflexions successives de la pensée de Marx – résolument critique –, au sujet des questions coloniale et nationale, du caractère non linéaire de l’histoire, mais aussi de la différenciation des formations sociales.
Retour sur « Les “nouveaux” métiers des quartiers populaires », au prisme des rapports sociaux de classe, de genre et de race
Authors: Lebon Francis
Published: March 2024

Dans le prolongement de mes recherches sur les professionnels de l’éducation populaire (Lebon, 2020), cette note de lecture reprend, complète et développe un article publié il y a trente ans par Dominique Glasman et Jacques Ion sur les « nouveaux » métiers impulsés par l’éducation prioritaire et la politique de la ville 1 . Elle réexamine une polarité qui traverse le travail dans les quartiers populaires. D’un côté, les « institutions », les « secteurs » et le « professionnalisme » ; de l’autre, l’» enracinement », le « territoire » et le « militantisme ». Elle la complète par l’hypothèse d’une lutte des classements dans les mondes de l’éducation et du travail social qui oppose deux fractions de classe : d’un côté, des classes moyennes salariées ; de l’autre, des classes populaires précarisées et racisées. Elle engage ainsi une réflexion sur les rapports sociaux et le travail (des femmes) dans les services publics.
Pensée réflexive et usage des concepts « psy » en crèche : tensions et contradictions
Authors: Prado-Martin Renata , Valentim Silvia
Published: March 2024

Souvent considérées comme de simples tâches domestiques ou comme un travail n’exigeant pour l’essentiel que des qualités affectives, les pratiques quotidiennes des professionnelles de la petite enfance sont pourtant complexes. Dans un cadre professionnel rempli de tensions, les références aux concepts « psy » trouvent une place centrale par le fait de correspondre, du moins théoriquement, aux attentes des projets d’établissement, et en étant ainsi légitimées dans un contexte complexe où le besoin de repères devient incontournable. Cet article s’appuie sur une recherche doctorale et sur des observations et réunions réalisées lors d’une expérience de psychologue dans trois structures de la petite enfance. Il met en débat et croise différentes dimensions : institutionnelles, micro et mésosociologiques. Avec cette démarche, nous tenterons d’illustrer la difficile articulation de ces dimensions, ainsi que leur interdépendance. L’analyse met en avant le besoin pour les professionnelles de la petite enfance d’avoir du temps pour analyser leur pratique auprès des jeunes enfants, afin d’identifier et rendre visible toute la complexité et l’importance sociale de leur travail ; les concepts « psy » ou le « psy » du service viennent alors remplir l’espace laissé par le manque de temps de réflexion, sans nécessairement de lien réel avec le quotidien des professionnelles et des enfants. L’urgence dans laquelle se trouvent les professionnelles de la petite enfance semble aller à l’encontre d’un raisonnement cherchant à prendre en compte les transformations institutionnelles du secteur d’activité, la temporalité et le rythme réels des enfants accueillis.
The Scope of Reciprocal Causation
Authors: Haddad Yasmin
Published: March 2024

The role of reciprocal causation in the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis (EES) is controversial. On the one hand, reciprocal causation is considered a key innovation of EES, thereby justifying EES’s existence. On the other, EES skeptics argue that Standard Evolutionary Theory (SET) already sufficiently accounts for reciprocal causation. Two arguments support criticisms directed at the role of reciprocal causation in EES. First, the misrepresentation argument claims that EES proponents mischaracterize causal notions in SET. Second, the empirical argument provides concrete examples of how reciprocal causation is well-acknowledged in SET’s traditional evolutionary explanations. Neither argument has generated constructive debate surrounding the role of reciprocal causation in evolutionary explanations. In this paper, I propose a third argument—the scope argument—which analyzes reciprocal causation in terms of timescales and grain of explanations. The scope argument reframes the debate in two ways. First, reframing the debate in terms of scope clarifies the role of reciprocal causation by allowing research programs to specify targets of explanation. Second, the elements of scope (timescales and grain) elucidate the epistemic advantage of reciprocal causation in the respective research programs in question.
Le Malade imaginaire « médicalement » informé de Molière
Authors: Bouffard Mickaël
Published: March 2024

En prenant comme point de départ la mise en scène du Malade imaginaire par le Théâtre Molière Sorbonne en 2022, cet article détaille comment une démarche historiquement informée, inspirée des méthodes de l’archéologie expérimentale et de l’interprétation de la musique ancienne, puise dans les savoirs et usages médicaux du XVIIe siècle pour révéler des effets comiques et jeux de théâtre vraisemblablement imaginés par Molière. Une quantité de sources très variées sont croisés pour parvenir à cette fin : artefacts, archives comptables, traités, statuts cérémoniels, peintures, dessins, gravures, ego-documents et autres témoignages écrits contemporains de la création de la pièce. Les pratiques, instruments et représentations culturels entourant l’acte médical du lavement font l’objet d’une étude de cas plus approfondie.
Les scènes de médecine chez les dramaturges français contemporains de Molière
Authors: Michel Lise
Published: March 2024

L’étude présente le résultat d’une enquête sur les scènes de médecine produites sur la scène française entre 1639 et 1693 en dehors des comédies de Molière. Le corpus établi comporte 28 pièces. Les scènes sont classées ici selon les configurations dramaturgiques qu’elles proposent. L’article dégage les motifs récurrents au sein de ces scènes et souligne le lien entre l’évolution des scènes médicales comiques en France au milieu des années 1660 et les controverses d’actualité à la même époque entre médecine traditionnelle et médecine chimique.
Les réformés vus par le cardinal Guido Bentivoglio (1577-1644)
Authors: Negruzzo Simona
Published: March 2024

C’est à la suite de l’assemblée générale des réformés tenue à Loudun en 1619 que le cardinal Guido Bentivoglio, nonce auprès le roi de France, envoie à l’attention du cardinal-neveu Scipione Borghese une relation sur l’organisation des Églises huguenotes. Le texte, désormais disparu dans sa version originale, est aujourd’hui connu grâce à une version imprimée liégeoise publiée en 1635 et quelques rares copies manuscrites, dont celle conservée à la Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire de Strasbourg. Il s’agit d’une source importante qui décrit à destination de la curie romaine la situation d’un royaume où, après l’édit de Nantes, deux Églises chrétiennes sont obligées de coexister, sans toutefois que les tensions déclenchées par les guerres de Religion aient complètement disparu.
Political Affiliation of Musical Artists Contributing to Sonic Elements of Advertising
Authors: Barretta Paul G.
Published: March 2024

In this chapter, a conceptual approach is proposed for how sonic elements of advertising can be utilized to create a connection with a particular target segment based on their homogeneous political viewpoints. After a literature review of pertinent topics, theoretical development of the proposed approach is presented, followed by sections related to how Integrated Marketing Communications strategy can employ sonic elements in a way that appeals to some target markets while minimizing potential backlash from others. Audience fragmentation, where technology is changing how consumers view entertainment, is identified as an opportunity for how advertising is morphing in contemporary society. A formative model is presented that can potentially be used as a starting point for further research, which is briefly discussed along with limitations.
An Investigation Into Sound and Music in Branding
Authors: de Matos Cristiana Martins
Published: March 2024

This chapter presents the production perspective of the sound branding and music branding agencies, the core mission being to investigate the notions of those who produce the sound and musical identity of brands, what is thought about the public, their reactions, and how this influences the development of projects. Given the scarcity of contributions on the perception of professionals and scholars regarding sound and music in branding, an exploratory qualitative approach was implemented. Six individualized semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals from agencies specializing in the development of sound and music products for brands, three Brazilians and three Portuguese, and one interview with a neuroscientist and neuromarketing specialist. Therefore, about consistent with practical implications, producers of branded sound and music experiences and brand audiences can benefit from the results of this research.
The Intersections of Gender, Leadership, and Ethnicity in Africa
Authors: Mumbire Ronika , Chakabwata William
Published: March 2024

This study examinesintersections of genderleadership, ethnicity within CSOs in Zimbabwe and S A. Aim is to shed light on the challenges and potential solutions for promoting inclusivity and diversity. By analyzing the current landscape and drawing insights from existing literature, study provides practical recommendations. The research emphasizes importance of gender equality within CSOs, gender-responsive policies. Study emphasizes significance of providing gender-sensitive training mentorship programs to enhance skills and leadership potential of women. The research underscores importance of diverse representation in leadership positions and suggests inclusive practices. It also recommends leadership training programs, cultural competency,to enhance organizational effectiveness. The study advocates for targeted outreach and recruitment to engage marginalized ethnic communities. It emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive programming that addresses the unique needs of diverse ethnic groups.
Advancing Zero-Shot Learning With Fully Connected Weighted Bipartite Graphs in Machine Learning
Authors: Dankan Gowda V. , Tanguturi Rama Chaithanya , Patwari Neha , Sridhara S. B. , Dhole Sampada Abhijit
Published: March 2024

This chapter presents a novel method for improving zero-shot learning in ML by using fully connected weighted bipartite graphs. Problems with generalizability and adaptability plague zero-shot learning, a method that lets models identify and categorize things or ideas without any explicit training. To overcome these obstacles and greatly enhance machine learning models' ability to absorb and comprehend unknown input, this chapter investigates how fully linked weighted bipartite graphs may be integrated. A thorough introduction to zero-shot learning is provided at the outset of the investigation. It describes the method's value in the machine learning field while drawing attention to the problems with and restrictions on current approaches. Anyone involved with machine learning, whether as a researcher, practitioner, or hobbyist, will find this chapter to be an invaluable resource. It lays out the theory and some practical considerations for improving zero-shot learning with fully connected weighted bipartite graphs.
Blockchain Technology for Corporate Responsibility
Authors: Pramanik Sabyasachi
Published: March 2024

It has been acknowledged that blockchain technology has the ability to change company governance. The first section of this chapter addresses the ongoing issues with agency expenses, inefficiencies, and the need for more openness. After that, it looks at how blockchain technology has emerged as a possible remedy, providing a fresh, decentralized method of corporate governance. The examination highlights the tension between the technology's potential for more openness and the emergence of privacy issues as it discusses how it is used to share registers, trading, voting, and accounting procedures. Critical analysis is given to contentious issues including the danger to current shareholder activism and the governance of blockchain technology. To solve these problems, solutions such as regulatory nodes and hybrid blockchain architectures are put forward. The chapter ends with a forward-looking viewpoint on decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), which represent a new paradigm in corporate governance and are an inventive substitute for conventional corporate structures.
Information Retrieval Systems in Healthcare
Authors: Panja Srijit
Published: March 2024

Healthcare systems generate an immense volume of data, which presents a unique opportunity to make a significant impact. This chapter examines the role of information retrieval systems in healthcare, specifically focusing on how text analysis can be utilized to enhance the understanding of medical data. By employing advanced text mining tools, this chapter demonstrates how we can extract valuable insights from these complex documents. It also presents text analytics as a solution-oriented approach, particularly beneficial in managing crises within healthcare systems and in making informed decisions based on accurate data analysis. The technical foundation of the study is rooted in the fields of natural language processing and artificial intelligence, with a focus on methodologies related to the semantics of words and text (e.g., text corpus, dictionaries, and text embeddings). Through this exploration, the chapter aims to highlight the transformative potential of text analysis and information retrieval systems in revolutionizing healthcare data understanding.
Using Contextual Inputs as Strategies to Promote Student Engagement in Online Spaces
Authors: Ironsi Chinaza Solomon
Published: March 2024

This chapter explores the implementation of contextual inputs as strategies to enhance student engagement in online learning. The chapter provides a background to the concept of student engagement and the numerous benefits of student engagement in online learning. The chapter also provides the significance of student engagement in education and as it relates to students. Also, the concept and potential impact of contextual inputs on student engagement was discussed alongside notable empirical scientific contributions on the use of contextual inputs in online learning spaces. The chapter also narrates the challenges and limitations of using contextual inputs for student engagement in online learning spaces. Theoretical frameworks related to student engagement in online spaces were also provided. The chapter also indicated some strategies and approaches for incorporating contextual inputs into online spaces while providing implications for policy and practice in online learning.
Beyond Coursework
Authors: Machado Crystal
Published: March 2024

Over the last few decades, institutions of higher education have begun to offer a wide range of graduate programs in traditional, hybrid, and online formats. This has made education more accessible to diverse, nontraditional students with busy schedules. While there is an abundance of research that describes online course design and instruction fewer studies describe how faculty have begun to change the way they mentor nontraditional students with full-time jobs, children, and limited access to campus and faculty. This chapter addresses this gap in the literature by describing how an education professor and doctoral students overcame the barriers of time and space by using the co-mentoring-based reciprocity, grounded in humanizing pedagogy, to create digital spaces for mutually beneficial teaching and scholarship projects. Readers can critique the five illustrative examples, draw inspiration from them, and consider ways in which they can tap into the benefits of creating digital spaces for co-mentoring.
Humanizing Online Learning While Promoting Self-Directed Skills
Authors: Dunn Shernette D.
Published: March 2024

Since the invention of the internet, self-directed learning has expanded and taken on many forms and encapsulates a wide variety of learners ranging from K-12 learners to college students, human resource departments, marketing, lifelong learning, and various other industries. This chapter will focus on using self-directed characteristics to humanize the learning environment in higher education for adult learners. The chapter will also present information about higher education administrators, staff, and faculty members who are responsible for various aspects of student success. The primary area of research is self-directed learners' ability to be successful in the online learning environment. The chapter will provide ways to provide support for adult learners as they work to become successful in online courses. As a result, this chapter will provide answers to the research question, “What are the components needed to be successful in the online learning environment while becoming independent self-directed learner?”
Mitigating Online Learning Frustration by Documenting Discussion Board Exchanges
Authors: Stockman Angela , Castle Kelly A. , Fiori Melissa , Smesko Sally Ann
Published: March 2024

During the summer of 2023, the authors of this chapter—instructors and instructional designers from Daemen University—embarked on a pedagogical documentation project, positioning themselves as learners and their students as their teachers. They found that the discussion board embedded in each of their online classrooms became a place where learners made their experiences and thoughts about frustration visible, connected with each another, and came to feel less alone in their struggles. They deepened their relationships with classmates and instructors who not only shared their struggles but were responsive to one another in unexpected and culturally affirming ways. Problems were solved there, and perhaps more importantly, learners deepened their self-awareness and began shaping and evolving our classroom community on the board. In this chapter, the authors describe how they expanded their use of pedagogical documentation in online discussion boards to inform their practice and humanize their online classrooms.
Enhanced Performance of Epoxidized Natural Rubber Nanocomposites for Strain Sensor Application
Authors: Trimongkonkool Sahatep , Boonkerd Kanoktip , Krainoi Apinya
Published: March 2024

In this study, the major objective was to investigate the mechanical and electrical properties, and strain sensibility of the carbon nanotube (CNT) filled epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) nanocomposite. The second filler, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), at various proportions was incorporated into the CNT-filled ENR nanocomposites. The preparation of ENR nanocomposite was carried out using a latex mixing process. The CNT:CNF hybrid filler was pre-dispersed in deionized water before being added to the ENR latex. The ratios of CNTs to CNFs varied from 1:0 to 1:0.05, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.25, and 1:1.5. Although the presence of CNFs enhanced the stiffness of the substance, its negative effect on the tensile strength was noted. From the evaluated electrical properties, the outcomes demonstrated that the presence of CNFs with suitable proportions can have a positive effect on the performance of the substance when used as a stain-sensitive substance. The electrical conductivity of the hybrid ENR nanocomposite initially increased with the increase of CNF proportion up to 0.5. Beyond this proportion, the conductivity declined gradually. Moreover, the CNT:CNF1:0.5 filled ENR nanocomposite had the highest recoverable piezoresistive property. From this finding, it can be inferred that the CNT:CNF1:0.5 filled ENR nanocomposite is suitable to be used as a strain sensor device.
Laboratory Investigation and Empirical Modelling of Polymer Solution Viscosity
Authors: Hussein Yazan Firas Fuad , Pakeer Altamish Ahmed , Muneer Rizwan , Hashmet Muhammad Rehan , Alblooshi Younes
Published: March 2024

Polymer flooding, an improved oil recovery technique, is a well-established method for improving oil production. Although numerous polymers have been suggested in the literature, identifying suitable ones for applications in high-temperature and high-salinity carbonate reservoirs remains a challenging task. The viscosity of polymer solutions depends on various parameters, including polymer concentration, temperature, and shear rate. Therefore, screening polymers for these demanding conditions necessitates meticulous experimental work. In this experimental study, polymer solutions' physical property—viscosity—was measured as a function of polymer concentration, temperature, and shear rate. Subsequently, the generated rheological data were used to develop empirical models capable of predicting the viscosity of polymer solutions under various conditions. An acceptable match was achieved between the experimental and model-predicted data. Furthermore, a validation was conducted for the empirical models, yielding a root mean square error of 1.75. These models will significantly reduce the number of experiments required for the screening process and prove valuable for optimization procedures.
Learning Odyssey: Assessing User Satisfaction through Library Guided Tour
Authors: Rathnayaka R. M. D. P.
Published: March 2024

The libraries provide User education to help users develop the necessary skills and knowledge to access, evaluate, and use information effectively. Library guided tours are an effective way to introduce new users to the library and its resources and offer tips on using them effectively. This research aimed to evaluate newcomers’ ability to use library services after participation in the guided library tour of the Library at the University of Kelaniya and to determine the level of satisfaction with the guided library tour, compare satisfaction between faculties and genders, and collect feedback from users on the tour experience. The research employed mixed method. The population was two thousand nine hundred sixty-five first-year students (2965) who participated in a library tour. The questionnaire was distributed among students via a Google Form. IBM SPSS 26 package was used to analyze the gathered data. Out of 2965 participants, only 343 responded. Both male and female students from various faculties exhibited intense satisfaction with the library tour, resulting in a test score of 1.4922 (M=1.4922; SD=0.76625). In conclusion, newcomers effectively acquired abilities through the library-guided tour, and their high satisfaction was evident.
Multifocal musculoskeletal tuberculosis in an immunocompetent Iraqi patient
Authors: Alhayali Mustafa Mohanad , Shihab Sami Salman
Published: March 2024

Musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient disease; features of spinal TB have been identified in Egyptian mummies dating back 9000 years. It accounts for 10%–35% of cases of extrapulmonary TB. The occurrence of noncontiguous, multifocal musculoskeletal TB in immunocompetent persons is rare even in countries which are endemic in TB. Here, we present a case of multifocal musculoskeletal TB involving multiple levels of the spine and a peripheral joint. A 25-year-old female from Baghdad presented to us with inflammatory back pain for 9 months. She had a negative medical history. Initially, she was treated as a case of pyogenic discitis based on her magnetic resonance imaging results and high inflammatory markers; she was given antibiotics without clinical improvement. Later on, she developed pleural effusion with new painful swelling in her left ankle joint. Aspiration of the left ankle joint was performed, and a biopsy was taken and sent for a TB-DNA polymerase chain reaction test, which was positive, leading to the final diagnosis of musculoskeletal TB. The correct diagnosis of musculoskeletal TB is clinically challenging and difficult, especially when there are multilevel lesions. Our findings indicate that multiple tuberculous lesions must be considered in the differential diagnosis of multiple musculoskeletal lesions, especially in endemic areas such as Iraq.
Stereotypy and parkinsonism in tubercular meningitis: Expanding the spectrum
Authors: Jha Shreyashi , Tiwari Mona , Chatterjee Debarshi , Datta Ashis , A Shobhana
Published: March 2024

Movement disorders associated with tubercular meningitis have been reported, ranging from tremors to chorea. Stereotypy is a rare manifestation following tubercular meningitis. Here we report a rare case of a 29-year-old man who developed stereotypy and parkinsonism following tubercular meningitis. The stereotypy was in the form of rotatory movements of the right upper limb, which were repetitive, purposeless, non-goal directed, present for most of the day, and partially suppressible. In addition, it was associated with severe generalized parkinsonism. This report expands the spectrum of movement disorders seen in tubercular meningitis.
Khat consumption as a modifiable risk factor for chewing dystonia
Authors: Mehta Anish , Dugani Pooja , Rangaiah Pradeep , Javali Mahendra , Acharya Purshottam , Srinivasa Rangasetty
Published: March 2024

Chewing dystonia, a variant of focal task-specific dystonia, is a rarely reported condition that causes remarkable decrement in quality-of-life, social embarrassment, and associated mental stress. In this article, we present two case studies that extend previous observations, which indicate a putative association between khat (Catha edulis) consumption and chewing dystonia. While pharmacological treatments such as botulinum toxin injections may be an option, a substantial proportion of affected individuals do not achieve optimal outcomes. If preventable, a medical condition ought to be prevented. The observations presented in the two case studies discussed indicate that khat consumption may be a modifiable risk factor for chewing dystonia.
ADCY5-related dyskinesias: An amalgamation of various hyperkinetic movement disorders
Authors: Khandelwal Dinesh , Pemassini Neha , Pemawat Ashish , Mathur Vaibhav
Published: March 2024

Adenylyl cyclase 5 (ADCY5)-related dyskinesia is a rare disorder characterized by early-onset paroxysmal choreoathetosis, dystonia, myoclonus, or a combination thereof, primarily involving the limbs, face, and neck. Other core clinical features include nocturnal ballistic bouts and facial dyskinesias, often followed by remission during adolescence, as well as axial hypotonia. Any mixed movement disorder accompanied by the aforementioned core features should prompt genetic testing for ADCY5 mutation.

We report the case of a 31-year man from North India with a childhood-onset history of clumsy, random, and jerky body and facial movements, interfering with his speech and object-handling and walking-related functional abilities. He improved symptomatically with zonisamide and was offered caffeine as a maintenance option. Here, we review the literature on this entity, while reporting this first case of ADCY5-related dyskinesias from North India.

The phenotypic spectrum linked to ADCY5 mutations has significantly broadened since its initial description in a family with “familial dyskinesia and facial myokymia.” This phenotypic variability could be responsible for a proportion of “idiopathic” hyperkinetic movement disorders. Gaining a better understanding of its clinical manifestations helps in identifying complex or uncommon cases more effectively.
LGI1 encephalitis–Behaviors predate movements: A case series
Authors: Venkateswaran Poornam N , Gopalan Balaji , S. Hariharan
Published: March 2024

Anti-leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated (LGI1) autoimmune encephalitis is one of the autoimmune encephalitides with a distinct movement abnormality – faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS). FBDS, being the clinching sign towards a clinical diagnosis, is known to occur at disease onset, and if left untreated, can lead to disabling cognitive impairment. In this case series, we describe three cases of LGI1 encephalitis presenting with behavioral abnormalities at onset for a significant period, compelling an alternative diagnosis preceding the onset of FBDS. In addition, it highlights that imaging could be normal in the initial stages of the disease, further making the diagnosis a challenge at an initial stage.
Unveiling the Antimicrobial Potential of 7-O-succinyl Macrolactin F from Bacillus subtilis Group against HtsA Siderophore Receptor of Staphylococcus aureus: A Computational Exploration
Authors: Kalai Keshinee , Rufus Adeline Celina , Manz Ardra Mariam , Elangovan Elavarashi
Published: March 2024

Background:

Staphylococcus aureus remains a prominent pathogen within health-care environments due to its extensive repertoire of virulence factors. The escalating prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains has underscored the urgency of identifying alternative treatment strategies. The study focuses on the HtsA siderophore receptor, an integral cell wall component of all S.
aureus strains, responsible for iron acquisition from the host environment. Here, we investigate the potential of Bacillus sp. derived macrolides as inhibitors of this critical iron uptake mechanism.

Methods:

Sixteen distinct macrolide ligands were evaluated for their ability to disrupt iron acquisition by S.
aureus through interaction with the HtsA receptor. Employing molecular docking and subsequent molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations, the binding interactions and dynamic behaviors of these ligands with the receptor were assessed.

Results:

Notably, the complex formed between 7-O-succinyl macrolactin F and HtsA demonstrated a good binding affinity of − 8.5 kcal/mol, outperforming the binding affinity of staphyloferrin A, which exhibited a binding affinity of − 6.9 kcal/mol. MD simulations further corroborated the stability of the 7-O-succinyl macrolactin F-HtsA complex over time, suggesting the potential for this interaction to be harnessed as a novel therapeutic strategy not only for existing antibiotic-resistant strains but also for those that may arise in the future.

Conclusion:

The findings propose Bacillus species-derived macrolides as potential adjuvant therapies for S.
aureus infections, pending comprehensive safety assessments. This research lays the foundation for the development of innovative antimicrobial agents targeting essential virulence-associated mechanisms in S.
aureus.
Unraveling Epigenetic Signatures for Early Detection of Diabetes Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes: A Case–Control Investigation
Authors: Chahar Deeksha , Sonkar Gyanendra Kumar , Singh Sangeeta , Sonkar Satyendra Kumar , Ahmad Mohammad Kaleem
Published: March 2024

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to a substantial elevation in the occurrence of various micro- and macrovascular complications. Approximately one-third of patients of both type 1 diabetes and T2DM develop diabetes nephropathy (DN). Emerging findings in epigenetic modifications indicate that differences in DNA methylation patterns could have a more substantial impact when assessing the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in contrast to genetic variations.

Methods:

The study involved 298 participants, encompassing 75 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 74 individuals with diabetes nephropathy (DN), and 149 healthy control subjects aged between 20 and 70 years. The concentrations of circulating adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1, and IGF2 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunoassay. The amount of RNA in each sample (control, T2DM, and DN) was quantified, and its purity was checked using nanodrop. Real-time analysis of Adiponectin,
IGF1,
IGF2,
and
GAPDH genes was conducted using the SYBR Green polymerase chain reaction Master Mix assay.

Results:

Circulating levels of IGF1 level were significantly lower in both T2DM and DN, whereas it was slightly higher in T2DM than the DN. IGF2 circulating level was higher in both T2DM and DN as compared to control, whereas it was lower in T2DM when compared to DN. The gene expression level of adiponectin was reduced in both T2DM and DN when compared to the control group; however, it was higher in T2DM than in DN. The gene expression level of IGF1 was decreased in both T2DM and DN compared to the control group, with a more significant decrease in DN compared to T2DM.

Conclusion:

The measurement of circulatory levels of adiponectin, IGF1, and IGF2 in serum, along with gene expression analysis, provides valuable insights for predicting the progression from T2DM to DN. Consequently, these markers hold the potential to enhance early diagnosis, guide treatment strategies, and serve as innovative prognostic indicators for DN diagnosis.
Biological Signaling Network in Myocardial Infarction in Young Adults. A Study of Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Kaulgud Ram S. , Vanti Gulamnabi L. , Veeresh S. , Uppar Amruta P. , Kurjogi Mahantesh M.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the common manifestation of coronary heart disease that develops from occlusion of coronary arteries. Several risk factors of MI were identified, but data pertaining to genetics and molecular mechanisms involved in the development of MI is limited. Therefore, the present study attempts to analyze the peripheral blood transcriptome information of MI patients and unveil the key genes involved in the pathogenesis of MI.

Methods:

Total RNA was extracted from the blood sample for illumine sequencing, and raw data obtained were subjected to quality control (QC) using the FastQC tool, followed by trimming of raw data by the fastp tool. Further processed high-quality data were aligned onto the human reference genome using HISAT2 aligner. Gene quantification was done using the feature Counts plugin in the subread package. The raw read counts were given as input to the differential expression analysis (DESeq2) R package for the computation of differentially expressed genes. Gene set enrichment analysis for gene ontology was done using the clusterProfiler R package.

Results:

A total of 609 genes were significantly expressed in the present study, of which 561 genes were upregulated and 48 genes were downregulated. This study presents overall changes in genes involved in different categories such as biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components in responses to MI.

Conclusions:

The significantly deregulated genes identified in the present study not only indicate the molecular and cellular changes but also suggest the scope for the detection of specific gene markers for MI.
Potential Protective Effect of Anti-zinc Transporter 8 Autoantibodies on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Iraqi Population
Authors: Alrikabi Rihab Mohammed , Hussain Da’ad Ali
Published: March 2024

Background:

The human zinc transporter 8 (ZNT8), also known as the solute carrier family 30A, member 8 (SLC30A8), is a β-cell specific integral membrane protein, mainly restricted to the membrane of insulin secretory granules. ZnT8 plays a crucial role in both insulin synthesis and secretion as well as the viability of β-cells. The recently identified autoantibodies targeting the β-cell surface epitopes of ZnT8 have been proposed as a new risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Due to the lack of prior research studies on the role of β-cell surface autoantibodies against ZnT8 in the immunologic etiology of GDM in Iraqi population, this study has been designed to explore the association between the rs13266634 C>T polymorphism in the SLC30A8 gene and the serum levels of ZnT8 as well as Zinc Transporter-8 Autoantibody (ZnT8A) in women diagnosed with GDM.

Methods:

A total of 50 participants with GDM and 50 controls from the Baghdad Teaching Hospital/Pregnancy Care unit at the Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq, were recruited in this case–control study. Serum levels of ZnT8 and ZnT8A were assayed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Taqman real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used for rs13266634 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping.

Results:

ZnT8A levels were significantly lower in women with GDM than non-GDM women (P≤ 0.01). A ZnT8A level lower than 20.0 pg/mL was significantly associated with a threefold higher risk for GDM withP≤ 0.001. ZnT8 levels were significantly higher in the GDM subjects (P≤ 0.05). The T allele at the rs13266634 C>T SNP significantly conferred a higher risk of GDM (P= 0.002). In view of that, the TT genotype, compared to the CC genotype, showed a significant association with increased GDM risk (P≤ 0.01). Serum ZnT8A concentrations were significantly low among GDM women who had CT genotype (P= 0.003).

Conclusion:

The T variant at the SLC30A8 rs13266634 C>T polymorphism appears to play a key role in determining the β-cell autoimmunity by inducing an autoantibody response due to its hyperactivity of zinc transportation.
Application of a New Protocol for a Study of Colonic Transit Using Radiopaque Markers in Functional Constipation for a Population with Rapid Gut Transit
Authors: Remalayam Bhavith , Thomas Varghese
Published: March 2024

Background:

Indians do not fit the definition of slow transit constipation (STC) according to Western standards because of their quick gut transit. The colonic transit study (CTS) can discriminate between patients with severe specific motility problems, such as Hirschsprung’s disease and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and healthy participants with optimal sensitivity and specificity when using a new technique in the Indian population. The study’s goal was to establish the appropriate cutoff to distinguish between healthy participants and moderate abnormalities such as functional constipation. The study aimed to find out a cutoff value for STC compared to healthy volunteers in the Indian population using the new Indian protocol of CTS.

Materials and Methods:

This observational study was performed in the department of gastroenterology from August 2014 to February 2015. Twenty-one patients who fulfilled the criteria for Rome III functional constipation and eight healthy sex-matched volunteers were included in the study. Subjects were instructed to take 4, 3, and 3 capsules simultaneously (6 markers in each capsule) at 0, 12, and 24 h, respectively. An abdominal X-ray was taken at 36 h and 60 h. The patient group also underwent a thorough history, a clinical examination, and a balloon expulsion test as a screening test for fecal evacuation disorder. The data were compiled and analyzed. The best cutoff was determined by a receiver operating characteristic curve, and the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were determined.

Results:

There were a total of 21 patients with 14 males and 7 females. The majority (38.1%) had a frequency of 7/week. The predominant symptoms were hard stool (66.7%), sensation of blockage (85.7%), and straining (90.5%). The best cutoff to differentiate between normal and slow transit, in comparison to healthy volunteers, was calculated. Area under curve was computed to be 0.69 (P = 0.001) for 60 h and 0.71 (P = 0.001) for 36 h. When ≥4 and ≥1 markers were taken, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 25%, respectively. When ≥20 and ≥4 markers were taken, the sensitivity and specificity were 52% and 100%, respectively. No significant difference between right, left, or rectosigmoid segmental colonic transit time was found at 36 or 60 h.

Conclusion:

The new protocol to assess colonic transit in the Indian population with functional constipation may be used as a screening modality to find out the delayed transit constipation. However, this protocol has less sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for functional constipation compared to severe diseases such as Hirschsprung’s disease and colonic pseudoobstruction.