bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of miR-21-5p as a potential pathogenesis marker for ovarian endometriosis
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed , WalyEldeen Amr Ahmed , Samie Mohamed A. , Sadek Ahmed M. , Elakhras Sayed , Samir Mohamed , Ahmed Osama , Sayed Rasha Mohamed Samir , Baiomy Ahmed Abdelaziz , Ibrahim Sherif Abdelaziz , Hassan Hebatallah
Published: January 2025

Background

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease characterized by the growth of endometrial cells beyond the uterus, forming endometriotic cyst tissues called ovarian endometriomas. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that epigenetically control the physiological and pathological processes of different diseases, including endometriosis. In this study, we screened the expression levels of 11-selected miRNAs, namely miR-21-5p, miR-200c-3p, miR-19a-3p, miR-203-3p, miR-181b-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-let7a-5p, miR-205-5p, miR-200b-3p, miR-16-5p, and miR-222-3p in ovarian endometriomas relative to eutopic endometrial tissues using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). In addition, the level of mRNA expression of lumican (LUM), an extracellular matrix proteoglycan (PG), and a putative target of miR-21-5p was quantified by qPCR.

Results

Our screening qPCR results showed that 9 miRNAs were upregulated (miR-21-5p, miR-200c-3p, miR-19a-3p, miR-203-3p, miR-181b-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-let7a-5p, miR-205-5p, and miR-200b-3p), whereas 2 miRNAs were downregulated (miR-16-5p and miR-222-3p) in ovarian endometriomas compared to eutopic endometrium. A significant overexpression of miR-21-5p in ovarian endometrioma was further independently verified by qPCR. Using bioinformatics tools, Gene Ontology Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, and protein–protein interactions, we identified differentially expressed genes and several pathways regulated by miR-21-5p that may contribute to endometriosis progression. Among them, LUM was found to be significantly diminished expressed in ovarian endometriomas compared to eutopic endometrium.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study identified miR-21-5p and LUM as potential factors that may contribute to ovarian endometriomas’ pathogenesis.
Hypothesized pharmacogenomic and medication influences on tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol metabolism in a cohort of unselected oral cannabis users
Authors: Wright Jessica A. , Huang Linda , Katamesh Basant E. , Yadav Siddhant , Singla Abhinav , Vincent Ann
Published: January 2025

Background

Differences in cannabinoid metabolism and patient responses can arise even with equivalent doses and formulations. Genetic polymorphisms in genes responsible for cannabinoid metabolism and medications that alter CYP450 pathways responsible for metabolism of cannabinoids may account for some of this variability.

Materials and methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on a cohort of unselected patients who had previously completed pharmacogenomic testing and reported oral cannabis use, as defined as “oral” or “by mouth” route of administration. The objective was to identify atypical variants and medications in this cohort and formulate a hypothesis on how these variables influence the metabolism of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).

Results

Oral cannabis use was confirmed in 71 patients, with an average age of 68.5 years, and primarily white women. Of the 71 patients, 10 had no atypical variants; 31 had atypical variants in CYP2C9; 37 had atypical variants in CYP2C19; 6 had atypical variants in CYP3A4; and 15 had atypical variants in CYP3A5. Of the 71 patients, 5 were taking medications that could interact with THC, and 8 were taking medications that could interact with CBD.

Conclusion

The results this study reveal the spectrum of hypothesized alterations in THC and CBD metabolism due to atypical genetic variants and medications. The absence of published clinical outcomes in this field renders it challenging to estimate clinical significance of these findings. Until such data become available, clinicians should remain aware of the possibility that atypical variants and medications may impact patients’ responses to THC and CBD.
Impact of cooking on nutritional contents of kenger in terms of antioxidants
Authors: Kalkan Indrani , Eyupoglu Ozan Emre , Karatas Sukru , Aissaoui Zakia El Miri , Anık Rusen
Published: January 2025

Kenger (Gundelia tournefortii) grown in Sanliurfa and neighbouring provinces in Turkiye, is known for its health promoting potential due to the presence of bioactive compounds as phenolics and antioxidant vitamins. However, such compounds in food may be affected by thermal treatment as cooking. This study investigated the impact of common cooking techniques (boiling and stir-frying in oil) on phenolics, vitamin C content and antioxidant activity of kenger. Phenolic compounds were analysed using LC–MS/MS and DPPH inhibition. Vitamin C was quantified using HPLC and antioxidant activities were assessed by DPPH inhibition, ABTS and FRAP methods. Major phenolic compounds in raw samples were vanillic (18.755 ± 0.606 µg/g) and fumaric (16.211 ± 0.524 µg/g) acids. In boiled kenger, significant loss of fumaric (5.789 ± 0.187 µg/g), in stir-fried kenger, loss of vanillic (15.604 ± 0.504 µg/g) and fumaric (8.113 ± 0.262 µg/g) acids were noted (p < 0.05). Vitamin C content of raw kenger was 7.104 ± 0.074 µg/g but decreased to 6.812 ± 0.22 µg/g in boiled and 6.898 ± 0.072 µg/g in stir-fried samples. The radical scavenging potentials of sample extracts at different concentrations (25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 75 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL,150 mg/mL and 300 mg/mL) were tested by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS methods. At 300 mg/mL, antioxidant activity in raw kenger was calculated as 1.350 ± 0.0007 μmoles/mg/mL (FRAP), 0.731 ± 0.0008 μg (EC50 DPPH) and 52 ± 3.45% TEAC (ABTS). In general, antioxidant activities for all methods increased with rising concentration of the sample extract. Antioxidant activity of boiled samples decreased significantly as per FRAP and increased for stir-fried kenger at higher sample concentrations as per FRAP and ABTS, possibly due to chemical changes during high thermal treatment in oil. Correlation between cooking methods was not significant (p > 0.05) in terms of phenolic compounds and vitamin C. Correlation between antioxidant activity assessing methods were only significant for 75 and 100 mg/mL sample concentration (rho = -0.90 p < 0.05). In conclusion, boiled and stir-fried kenger is suggested as optional consumption methods. Inclusion of condiments, herbs, olive oil, yoghurt during service would not only increase palatibility but also add to the health benefits.

Graphical Abstract
Role of Diabetes Self-management Education for Our Health Systems and Economy
Authors: Hatipoglu Betul , Pronovost Peter J
Published: January 2025

Context

Diabetes mellitus is a global health burden, with factors contributing to its prevalence and costs. Educating people with diabetes improves outcomes and affects the economic burden on the individual and health systems.

Evidence Acquisition

We included recent diabetes data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and articles from PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE.

Evidence Synthesis

Diabetes prevalence in the United States increased from 10.3% in 2001 to 14.7% in 2021. Factors contributing are an aging population, increased obesity, and social determinants of health. Total costs for diabetes in 2022 reached $412.9 billion, consisting of 74% direct medical and around 26% indirect costs. The highest medical expenses were hospital inpatient services ($96.2 billion), and indirect costs were decreased productivity while at work ($35.8 billion). The effect on the health economy in the United States and globally is only increasing. Interventions to improve disease outcomes such as diabetes education programs that teach self-management skills, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and coping strategies have improved glycated hemoglobin A1c and other outcomes. The economic effect of education is not well studied. However, the Diabetes Prevention Program demonstrated the benefits of lifestyle-based education in preventing or delaying the development of type 2 diabetes in high-risk people and in being cost-effective long term.

Conclusion

High direct and indirect costs and the prevalence of diabetes require urgent global awareness and interventions from many angles. We encourage clinicians and agencies to prioritize the education of people living with diabetes to prevent and treat diabetes and its complications.
Adipokines and Transitions in Metabolic Health Over Time: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Ozkan Bige , Zhang Sui , Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B , Florido Roberta , Nambi Vijay , Michos Erin D , Abushamat Layla A , Matsushita Kunihiro , Gerstenblith Gary , Blumenthal Roger S , Hoogeveen Ron , Ballantyne Christie M , Coresh Josef , Selvin Elizabeth , Ndumele Chiadi E
Published: January 2025

Context

Transitions in metabolic health status over time are strongly linked to risk for cardiovascular events, particularly among individuals with obesity. Adipokines are proteins with metabolic effects, but their role in transitions in metabolic health status over time is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the associations of adiponectin and leptin with metabolic risk transitions over time.

Methods

Among 8423 individuals who attended ARIC Visits 2 (1990-1992) and 4 (1996-1998), we evaluated prospective associations of Visit 2 levels of the adipokines adiponectin and leptin (per 1-SD higher) with 6-year transitions in metabolic health. Metabolic health was categorized as metabolically “healthy” [no metabolic syndrome (MetS) or diabetes], unhealthy (MetS present) without diabetes, or unhealthy with diabetes. Analyses were performed overall and stratified by obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2].

Results

At Visit 2, the mean age was 58, with 56% female and 21% Black adults. Adults with 1-SD higher adiponectin were less likely to progress from metabolically healthy to unhealthy status over 6 years [odds ratio (OR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48-0.57], while those with higher leptin were more likely to progress (OR 2.22, 95% CI: 2.01-2.47). Conversely, those with 1-SD higher adiponectin were more likely to regress from metabolically unhealthy to healthy status (OR 1.58, 95% CI: 1.42-1.76), while those with higher leptin were less likely to regress (OR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.60-0.78). Similar patterns were seen across obesity strata. After adjustment for BMI, associations of adiponectin with metabolic transitions were similar, whereas associations for leptin were significantly attenuated.

Conclusion

Leptin and adiponectin are differentially linked to the likelihood of worsening and improving metabolic health over time. Adipokines should be explored as targets to improve metabolic health and decrease the risk of future cardiovascular events.
Snus and Health: A Review of the Literature on the Impact of Swedish Smokeless Tobacco on the Human Body
Authors: Jajczak Marta , Parys Jakub , Mikosińska Agnieszka , Kaźmierczak Martyna , Witek Aleksandra , Mossakowski Maciej , Kałuziak Patrycja , Litwin Mateusz , Jesionek Stanisław
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Snus is a tobacco-containing product particularly popular in Scandinavian
countries. It comes in the form of a pouch filled with tobacco, which is typically placed under
the upper lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the mucous membrane. Due to the
absence of combustion during snus use—and consequently the lack of substances produced
by this process—many manufacturers claim that snus is a healthier alternative to cigarettes.
The aim of this article is to review scientific studies examining the effects of snus on the
human body and to objectively summarize its impact on human health.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted by collecting scientific articles from the
PubMed database and other online scientific databases. The articles were identified using
keywords such as "snus," "smokeless tobacco," and "snus health impact."
Results: Snus cannot be considered a healthier alternative to tobacco use. While it does not   
cause many of the diseases associated with smoking and the toxic compounds produced
during combustion, it is still addictive and contributes to other health issues caused by the
substances it contains and the way it is consumed. This product requires more detailed
scientific research.
Novel findings regarding treatment obesity and weight-related comorbidities – the systemic literature review
Authors: Urbańska Karina , Popiela Dariusz , Stojak Łukasz , Kwiatkowski Filip , Grego Katarzyna , Grego Mateusz , Baczewski Mateusz , Czyż Witold
Published: January 2025

Obesity and overweight are a growing health problem worldwide and are recognized as risk factors for many health complications and increased mortality. Therefore, it is necessary to take decisive action to fight the obesity epidemic to avoid significant costs associated with the treatment of diseases related to excess body weight. Recent years have brought many new drugs that are very effective in obesity treatment and even more are in clinical trials. This review aims to synthesize the literature regarding new drugs and their effectiveness in treating obesity and their impact on related diseases. A systematic search was conducted across multiple sources, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ClinicalTrials, FDA, and EMA databases. Currently, the most effective medications seem to be tirzepatide and retatrutide, which might provide more than 15% weight loss. However, other drugs show promising results in improving glycemic control, cardiovascular health (semaglutide and tirzepatide), lipid levels, the regression of fibrosis (survodutide), or alleviating OBS symptoms (tirzepatide). Tailored therapy combining both medication’s weight-reducing capacity and the patient’s comorbidities provides the most beneficial effects.
Midtarsal joint sprain - a quick review
Authors: Kwiatkowski Filip , Popiela Dariusz , Urbańska Karina , Stojak Łukasz , Baczewski Mateusz , Grego Mateusz , Grego Katarzyna , Czyż Witold
Published: January 2025

A midtarsal joint sprain (MJS) is a relatively common underdiagnosed injury that can be confused with an ankle sprain. Usually the only way to avoid misdiagnosis is to have imaging performed by an experienced sonographer or radiologist, but in reality it is mainly due to a lack of knowledge of how to differentiate between these two injuries. This review focuses on a brief overview of MJS to help you better understand when to consider the possibility of this injury, how to investigate it, and how to treat it.
Cultural Identity Negotiation Among English-dominant Malaysian Chinese University Students
Authors: Su Yaqi
Published: January 2025

This research explores the question: How do English-dominant Malaysian Chinese (EMC) university students in Malaysia negotiate their cultural identities within an English-dominated environment? Employing qualitative methods, data were collected from 30 participants through open-ended questionnaires, and 4 participants, selected from the initial questionnaire respondents, took part in a focus group discussion. The study reveals that societal factors, personal experiences, and traditional Chinese cultural upbringing significantly influence their cultural identity negotiation. Some of the major issues are government policy, Malaysia's multicultualism, western influence and culture, and perception towards the use of English. Participants adopt strategies like embracing multiculturalism, blending languages, and selectively incorporating English elements to balance their Malaysian Chinese heritage with English influences. This study adds to the literature on multiculturalism and fluidity of identity, especially in the context of Malaysian Chinese and the need for constant cultural adaptation and learning.
Development of a family-centred core outcome set for infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip treated with a brace
Authors: Craven Joanna , O’Malley Olivia , Perry Daniel C.
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aims to define a set of family-centred core outcomes for infants undergoing brace treatment to facilitate consistent reporting for future high-quality research.

Methods

Family-centred outcomes will be identified through a literature review and a scoping survey involving key stakeholders, including parents, healthcare professionals, and researchers. These outcomes will then be rated for their perceived importance in a two-stage modified Delphi process with the same stakeholders. Finally, a consensus meeting will be held to establish the final core outcome set (COS).

Conclusion

The impact of brace treatment on the family is profound, but seldom considered in randomized controlled trials. This COS can independently standardize reporting on the family’s experience, and potentially become part of a broader COS for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants undergoing brace treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;6(1):21–25.
Ethiopia: Federalism's Failure?
Authors: Fiseha Assefa
Published: January 2025

Abstract: Ethiopia adopted a federal system in 1995 as a means to manage its complex diversity. The system promises substantial political autonomy to ethnonational and regional groups and fair representation in federal institutions as a means to address age-old demands for inclusion and self-government. Given that Ethiopia is a deeply divided country of minorities where none of the ethnonational groups taken alone constitute a "50 plus 1" majority, this institutional arrangement was meant to address Ethiopia's main source of conflict. Yet, despite three decades of federal practice, the country continues to face a series of devastating wars. How does one explain this paradox? Why has the federation failed to ensure stability and peace? The article aims to address this central question based on the comparative literature on managing cleavages in deeply divided societies and the analysis and interpretation of recent developments. The findings show there is a mismatch between the demand and supply side of the country's political system. Six decades of political mobilization for self-government and inclusion by ethnonational groups confront an authoritarian and imperial center that, despite change of regimes and actors, continues to recycle marginalization and centralization. By doing so, Ethiopia has betrayed the core norms of federalism and institutionalized fragility. Contestations between the center and subunits have resulted in devastating wars as centrifugal forces push for inclusion, resource sharing, and self-government. Federalism's potential to manage and balance unity and diversity has been constrained by the authoritarian imperial center and the regime's excessive use of violence to crush political demands. Federalism has not failed but has been betrayed in both the past and the present from serving as a venue for intergovernmental bargaining and negotiated reform.
Ethiopia: A Genocidal State on the Brink of Collapse
Authors: Abbay Alemseged
Published: January 2025

Abstract: An ancient mainly Christian polity underwent immense expansion during the scramble for Africa to become modern Ethiopia, which has since been an incoherent and fragile state, prone to communal wars. Designed to address identity-related grievances, its 1994 constitution has become a battleground between unitarians and federalists. The unitarians (mostly the Amhara ethnic group), in alliance with foreign forces (Eritrea, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Somalia, and others), have committed genocide against the federalists (Tigrayans). With deeply polarized views, the specter of breaking up haunts Ethiopia.
Ad Astra : Imperial Mythology from Egypt to Rome
Authors: Makhlouf Peter , Reed Jay
Published: January 2025

Abstract: The apotheoses in Augustan poetry, which range from tropes of a leader’s fame reaching the stars to full-blown catasterisms, participate in a Roman appropriation, contestation, and management of Hellenistic monarchical discourse that is as old as Rome’s claims to inherit global rule from the East. The present paper studies texts from Ennius to Lucan, with the greatest attention given to Virgil’s, Horace’s and Ovid’s transculturations of Ptolemaic encomium for the new Caesar-ean dynasts. As Roman leaders approximate Hellenistic rulers, Latin encomium stages an assimilation between poet and leader, both engaged in a contest over authenticity that depends on a closer imitation/emulation of Hellenism. In consequence, legitimating tropes of teleology and singular merit, resolved into poetic discourse, undergo the destabilizing polyphony native to intertextuality and interculturalism.
Depathologizing the Bisexual Orpheus
Authors: Bonar Chance E.
Published: January 2025

Abstract: In some classical scholarship of the last few decades, Ovid’s depiction of Orpheus introducing pederasty to Thrace in book 10 of the Metamorphoses has been described as “bisexual.” In this article, I ask how the subtle equation between pederasty and bisexuality may do more harm than good to LGBTQ+ classics students and scholars—particularly bi men. After providing an overview of the history of pathologizing bisexuality and homosexuality, as well as early applications of bisexual orientation to the ancient world, I turn to translations and interpretations of Met . 10.1–85 to explore how scholars have avoided, erased, euphemized and used bisexual stereotypes to explain Orpheus’s attraction to boys. I conclude with some thoughts on how to read this passage in a manner that recognizes how Ovid uses pederasty and young boys as bodies to think with, as well as how readers might combat bi-negativity in their treatment of Ovid’s text.
The Mirror of Reception: Identifying with Benjamin Li in Chang-rae Lee's The Surrendered
Authors: Waldo Christopher
Published: January 2025

Abstract: My most intense experience of identification came about when I first read Changrae Lee's 2010 novel The Surrendered . This article explores how that experience of identification, originating in my identity as an Asian American classicist, steered me toward an idiosyncratic and, ultimately, disconcerting reading of the novel. The novel introduces a character named Benjamin Li during a series of chapters set at a missionary school in Manchuria. I viewed Benjamin as the Odysseus of The Surrendered . Lee's nuanced engagement with the mythological tradition remakes twentieth-century conflicts in East Asia in the image of the Trojan War and its aftermath.
Hate-Reading: Fragments from a Damaged Tradition
Authors: Billings Joshua
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This chapter considers the potential of "hate-reading" as an approach to literature and tradition. It draws on Theodor Adorno's and Friedrich Nietzsche's analyses of culture, and on a psychoanalytic conception of hatred articulated by Joan Riviere. It suggests that hatred could be an important and potentially generative form of aesthetic relation, discussing Socrates' banishment of the poets in Plato's Republic as a central example. Finally, it elucidates the author's hatred of Virgil's Aeneid and argues that hatred enables a valuable personal and pedagogical relation to the text and its tradition.
When it All Suddenly Clicked: Deconstruction after Psychoanalysis after Photography
Authors: Naas Michael
Published: January 2025

Abstract: In this essay, I argue that several of Derrida's central motifs—from supplementarity to différance —can best be understood today in the light of the radical rethinking of time offered by psychoanalysis and, especially, by photography. It is as if , I will argue, the fundamental rations of deconstruction "itself" could come to light only in a time that was not contemporaneous with itself through the supplement of psychoanalysis and the technical inventions of photography. In other words, it took time for it all suddenly to click.
Shudder Speed: The Photograph as Ecstasy and Tragedy
Authors: Krell David Farrell
Published: January 2025

Abstract: Aristotle, Augustine, and Heidegger describe the phenomenon of "suddenness." Interpreters of Greek tragedy such as Hölderlin and Jacob Bernays relate suddenness to the cathartic effect of tragedy—violent agitation of the psyche followed by a restoration of calm. Does shutter speed in photography produce a similar effect?
Ghost in the Machine: Photographs of Specters in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Cortés-Rocca Paola
Published: January 2025

Abstract: "Spirit Photography" consists of photographs in which the sitter appears near to the shadowy image of a dead beloved. This essay examines the ways that this practice both reaffirms the early promise of immortality made by photography and presents the technological catastrophes of the twentieth century.
"The Transparent Eyeball": On Emerson and Walker Evans
Authors: Blinder Caroline
Published: January 2025

Abstract: Taking Emerson's "Nature" as its starting point, this paper argues that in Lincoln Kirstein's and William Carlos Williams's readings of Evans as a visionary artist of the vernacular, Emersonian ideals were always part and parcel of the search for an intrinsically American manifesto of photography.
The Return of Ruth: Loss and (Heavenly) Restoration in Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping and Lila
Authors: Tóth Sára
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This paper offers a comparative analysis of Marilynne Robinson's two novels Housekeeping and Lila (with references to Gilead ), suggesting that the life stories of the two female protagonists are both retellings of the biblical narrative of Ruth, to be read as mirror opposites. Lila Dahl re-enacts the biblical story by escaping from her life of lonely drifting and marrying a much older man, while the earlier story of Ruth Stone constitutes a tragic reversal of the comic biblical pattern of loss and restoration. This apparent symmetry, however, is complicated by an ongoing awareness of suffering and loss in both Gilead and Lila . The essay argues that in Robinson's fiction, the tension arising from the simultaneity of comic and tragic perspectives is never resolved. The Christian tradition, on the other hand, has tended to resolve it by including in the vision of heavenly restoration an obliteration of painful earthly memories. Accordingly, the second half of the essay places the eschatological vision of the novels in the broader context of Christian theological tradition, discussing the theological implications of Robinson's narrative strategies which contribute to a non-linear perception of time, as well as a non-Newtonian perception of space, in which the irreconcilable realities of joy and loss, dark and light are juxtaposed in paradoxical simultaneity.
Two Years, Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights: A Novel by Salman Rushdie: A Postmodern New Atheist Novel
Authors: Teske Joanna Klara
Published: January 2025

Abstract: The essay offers a reading of Salman Rushdie's Two Years, Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights (2015) in the dual context of the New Atheist novel and postmodernist conventions. Rushdie's novel argues that (1) God is a powerful, fearsome, and indeed dangerous being created by the human imagination, (2) religion has a damaging effect on social life: it inevitably leads to conflicts between people of various faiths and is used to support all kinds of exploitative policies, (3) people might be free of religions only if they become fully rational, which entails renouncing their storytelling capacity. The novel's critique of God and religion is consistent with that of New Atheism. But this critique does not exhaust the novel's meaning. The novel also expresses (4) faith in love, of which humanity seems capable and which—like religion—depends on the human capacity for storytelling. Belief in secular transcendence available through storytelling and love also complies with New Atheism. To convey its ideas, the novel uses postmodernist conventions. Apparently, this makes the book self-contradictory: the postmodern radical epistemic skepticism disagrees with the ideals of the Enlightenment embraced by New Atheists. Examined more closely, postmodern conventions can be read as conveying a fairly consistent set of plausible ideas concerning, in particular, the "fictionality" of social life, while the New Atheists' writings turn out to be highly dogmatic. Interestingly, the dogmatism of Rushdie's novel is decreased by postmodernist contradictions, ironies, and ambiguities, which undermine the novel's meaning.
H. G. Wells and the Future of God
Authors: Franklin J. Jeffrey
Published: January 2025

Abstract: H. G. Wells, not known as a theologian, designed an unorthodox derivative of Christianity and attempted to propagate it. He did this in a series of works, fictional and theoretical, including these: First and Last Things (1908), Mr. Britling Sees It Through (1916), The Soul of the Bishop (1917), God the Invisible King (1917), and The Undying Fire (1919). This essay analyzes the middle three of these, generating answers to two questions. First, why did Wells do this? What personal, religious, social, and cultural experiences motivated him and shaped his "modern religion"? The answers include his Christian upbringing, the context of religious discourse, his socialism, evolutionary biology, and the horrors of World War I. Second, what was that religion, its features and beliefs? Working from Christianity and motivated by anti-war ideology, Wells amalgamated "ethical socialism" and evolutionary scientism into a form of immanentism highly representative of its time. Most scholars have ignored or downplayed Wells's interest in religion, for which he himself provided support. This essay provides the foundation for arguing that religion was a crucial component in Wells's life and writings, significantly more than a passing fancy, and should no longer be denied. Wells profoundly wished that a new "religion of the future" might emerge, one more suited to twentieth-century conditions, and provide a belief system to inspire and undergird a more equitable and peaceful global society for the future of humankind.
Hypercontractile Esophagus Causing Midesophageal Diverticulum
Authors: Strigenz Rebecca Z. , Dairi Obaida F. , Curley Michael A.
Published: January 2025

Esophageal diverticulum (ED) is a rare condition with a clinical presentation that can be variable. Esophageal diverticulum has been associated with motility disorders; however, the association with mid-ED is less clear. Hypercontractile esophagus, also known as jackhammer esophagus, is a rare motility disorder of peristalsis diagnosed by esophageal high-resolution manometry after exclusion of mechanical obstruction. We describe the second reported case of mid-ED secondary to hypercontractile esophagus successfully treated through robotic diverticulectomy with long myotomy.

KEYWORDS: esophagus; esophageal manometry; motility; diverticular disease
The Influence of Endothelin-A Receptor Gene Polymorphism on the Progression of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Reiterová Jana , Merta M. , Štekrová J. , Maixnerová D. , Obeidová H. , Kebrdlová V. , Viklický O. , Tesař V.
Published: January 2025

ADPKD is the most common hereditary renal disease. IGAN is a mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis characterized by diffuse mesangial deposition of immunoglobulin A. ET-1 has been suggested to be a major disease-promoting factor in renal diseases. The vasoconstrictor effect of ET-1 is mediated by the ET-A receptor. We have investigated the influence of C/T polymorphism in exon 8 of the EDNRA gene. A total number of 193 patients (87 males, 106 females) with ADPKD entered into this study. Patients were divided into three groups: 1. 47 pts with ESRD later than in 63 years (slow progressors), 2. 49 pts with ESRD before 45 (rapid progressors) and 3. 97 pts with ESRD between 45–63 years. Moreover, we examined a group of 153 pts with histologically proven IGAN (116 males, 37 females). Pts were divided into two groups: 1. 79 pts with ERSD during 5 years of the study (IGAN rapid progressors) and 2. 74 patients with normal renal function (IGAN slow progressors). As a control group we used 100 genetically unrelated healthy subjects. The distribution of C/T polymorphism did not significantly differ between rapid and slow progressors of ADPKD and IGAN. The comparison of ESRD ages showed that CC females with ADPKD failed significantly later than CT heterozygotes: CC (57.4 ± 8.1 years), CT (53.0 ± 9.1 years) and TT (54.5 ± 6.4years) (t-test, P = 0.018). To conclude, the CC genotype could be protective in ADPKD females. This genotype was described to be associated with lower pulse pressure.
The role of adipose and muscle tissue breakdown on interorgan energy substrate fluxes in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa induced sepsis model in female pigs
Authors: Morse Ryan , Ten Have Gabriella A. M. , Thaden John J. , Engelen Marielle P. K. J. , Rice Sarah , Hagve Martin , Deutz Nicolaas E. P.
Published: January 2025

Sepsis leads to an acute breakdown of muscle to support increased caloric and amino acid requirements. Little is known about the role of adipose and muscle tissue breakdown and intestinal metabolism in glucose substrate supply during the acute phase of sepsis. In a translational porcine model of sepsis, we explored the across organ net fluxes of gluconeogenic substrates. In 13 pigs, acute sepsis was induced by IV infusion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while in 9 pigs saline (control) was given for 18 h. Blood samples were collected between 12 and 18 h and analyzed with HPLC and LCMS. In sepsis, glucose plasma concentration was reduced (p = 0.0028). A concordant increase in splanchnic area net release of glucose (p = 0.0049), due to reduced uptake in the portal drained viscera (PDV) (p = 0.0032) with an unchanged liver production (p = 0.7861). The hindquarter showed a higher release of alanine (p = 0.0002), glutamine (p = 0.003), and lactate (p = 0.0007), but not for glycerol (p = 0.5718). Diminished PDV uptake of gluconeogenic amino acids, increased liver uptake of these substrates (p < 0.05), while no change in liver glycerol uptake (p = 0.3170), did not lead to an increased net liver glucose release. In the acute phase of sepsis, we hypothesize an important role of altered intestinal amino acid metabolism and breakdown of muscle proteins, but not of glycolysis to support gluconeogenesis.
Trade Uncertainty, Economic Policy Uncertainty and Shipping Costs
Authors: Melas Konstantinos D. , Michail Nektarios A. , Louca Kyriaki G.
Published: January 2025

We examine how trade and policy uncertainty affect shipping freight rates, using a Bayesian Vector Autoregression (BVAR) model. Trade uncertainty has a strong effect on shipping costs, even though the effects become insignificant within a year. On the other hand, policy uncertainty has a slightly smaller initial effect but tends to have longer-lasting effects on shipping costs. Trade uncertainty tends to benefit European stocks, perhaps as investors may believe that consumers will shift to local companies, with the impact on US stocks also being (mildly) positive, despite the (lagged) deterioration in economic activity. Trade uncertainty tends to have a longer-lasting impact on GDP than policy uncertainty, given then known merits of comparative advantage, while the effect of policy uncertainty is higher in the European markets compared to the US ones.
Impact of high maternal body mass index on fetal cerebral cortical and cerebellar volumes
Authors: Takeoka Emiko , Carlson April A. , Madan Neel , Azimirad Afshin , Mahmoud Taysir , Kitano Rie , Akiyama Shizuko , Yun Hyuk Jin , Tucker Richard , Im Kiho , O’Tierney-Ginn Perrie , Tarui Tomo
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Maternal obesity increases a child’s risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. However, little is known about the impact of maternal obesity on fetal brain development.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 20 healthy pregnant women across the range of pre-pregnancy or first-trimester body mass index (BMI) and performed fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of their healthy singleton fetuses. We examined correlations between early pregnancy maternal BMI and regional brain volume of living fetuses using volumetric MRI analysis.

Results

Of 20 fetuses, there were 8 males and 12 females (median gestational age at MRI acquisition was 24.3 weeks, range: 19.7–33.3 weeks, median maternal age was 33.3 years, range: 22.0–37.4 years). There were no significant differences in clinical demographics between overweight (OW, 25≤BMI<30)/obese (OB, BMI≥30 kg/m2) (n=12) and normal BMI (18.5≤BMI<25) (n=8) groups. Fetuses in the OW/OB group had significantly larger left cortical plate (p=0.0003), right cortical plate (p=0.0002), and whole cerebellum (p=0.049) compared to the normal BMI group. In the OW/OB BMI group, cortical plate volume was larger relative to other brain regions after 28 weeks.

Conclusions

This pilot study supports the concept that maternal obesity impacts fetal brain volume, detectable via MRI in living fetuses using quantitative analysis.
Japanese university students’ learning experiences through an adapted physical education academic course
Authors: Hall Cynthia S. , Sato Takahiro , McKay Cathy , Saito Mayumi
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to examine Japanese undergraduate students’ learning experiences while taking an adapted physical education course. Participants (N = 6) were undergraduate students (second year/sophomore level) enrolled in an adapted physical education course, who took part in 60-min semi-structured interviews about their experiences in the course. A constant comparative analysis method was used to analyze the data, with three themes emerging: (a) Learning experiences related to direct and indirect teaching in the adapted physical education course, (b) Learning problem-solving skills through developing positive chemistry with partners through practical sessions, and (c) Students’ expectations from professors about the adapted physical education course instructions. Findings indicate that student motivation in the adapted physical education course is significantly impacted by the instructional methods and educational design of the course. To enhance the quality of the adapted physical education class, the professor and students should negotiate and need clear and focused goals and objectives related to both the lecture and practical sessions.
Building a Culture of Peace through Peace Education as the Foundation for Merdeka Campus Transformation
Authors: Irawan Hendri , Tutik Wijayanti  , Satrio Alpen Pradanna  , Anif Istianah
Published: January 2025

Higher education is a crucial foundation for shaping individuals who are both high-quality and positively contribute to society.This study reviews the transformation of peace education within the Merdeka Campus environment, an innovative approach in Indonesia's higher education system. The "Freedom to Learn" concept emphasizes students' autonomy in managing their learning processes according to their interests and potential. This approach not only strengthens academic aspects but also instills values of peace and cooperation among students within the campus environment. By fostering creativity and open dialogue, the Merdeka Campus creates an atmosphere conducive to shaping future leaders committed to peace. The study employs a literature review method, providing a foundation for the implementation of the Merdeka Belajar concept in the context of peace education. It outlines strategies for curriculum development that support a deeper understanding of conflict resolution and peaceful solutions. Additionally, the study highlights the role of lecturers as facilitators in guiding students towards a holistic understanding of the concept of peace. The findings indicate that the Merdeka Belajar approach to peace education within the Merdeka Campus environment positively impacts student development, both in terms of knowledge and attitudes
Optimization of FISIP's Website and Social Media in Efforts to Internationalize and Improve Public Information Services
Authors: Pramono Didi , Husna Vina Nurul , Mumpuni Restu Ayu , Wijayanti Tutik , Hanafi Asti , Refiyan Tio Putra , Kyarto Abdullah Fariz , Asih Rizqi Amalia Dwi
Published: January 2025

The objectives of the study are: 1) optimizing the website of FISIP as an effort to internationalize and provide public information; 2) optimizing the social media of FISIP as an effort to internationalize and provide public information. This research was carried out using a collaborative action research approach. The research steps include problem identification, action planning, partner collaboration, implementation, observation and monitoring, reflection and evaluation, and corrective actions. The study results show that the FISIP Public Relations and Reputation Team has collaborated with the University Public Relations Team, UNNES TV, and external mass media. Tangible actions that have been implemented include website content evaluation workshops, preparation of international study program profiles, workshops on strategies for increasing international publications through websites, development of study program promotion content, both posters and videos, optimization of the promotion of new Communication Science study programs, development of public complaint services through the UNNES PPID, Helpdesk, and Report features on the FISIP website. Continuous improvement is essential to ensure that all work programs implemented by the FISIP Public Relations Team can run smoothly and achieve the goals set.
The Influence of Political Gimmicks as a Campaign Strategy in the Society 5.0 Era on New Voters in Semarang City
Authors: Alvi Lutviah Amini  , Chandra Sivano  , Elang Samudra  , Charist Marvell Geraldo  , Ray Fazle Rahman  , Eni Rahmawati
Published: January 2025

The digital era has significantly transformed political interactions, particularly through social media as a communication platform. Political gimmicks have become a new trend in campaign communication, especially to attract first-time voters in the Society 5.0 era. This research aims to identify its impact on the trust of first-time voters. A quantitative method was used for data collection, conducted by surveying 400 first-time voters in Semarang City. A simple linear regression test results show that political gimmicks significantly affect first-time voters' trust, with a significance value of 0.002 < 0.05. This study emphasizes voter political literacy's importance in ensuring rational and informed political decisions. The research plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of political communication in the digital era and the critical role of first-time voters in maintaining the quality of democracy.
Reforming Digital Mapping Regulations for Preventing Spatial Planning Violations in Indonesia: A Lesson from Australia
Authors: Widiatedja I Gusti Ngurah Parikesit , Hosen Nadirsyah , Yasa Putu Gede Arya Sumerta , Arsika I Made Budi , Shara Made Cinthya Puspita
Published: January 2025

Digital maps of the detailed plans play a crucial role in enforcing spatial planning regulations, providing clarity on permissible areas and assisting authorities in ensuring adherence. Despite existing regulations, violations are common, notably in Bali's tourism sector. The Job Creation Law 2023 then mandates accessible digital map issuance for detailed plans, integrating them into online submission systems to enhance transparency. Nonetheless, challenges persist, with many plans awaiting conversion into maps, underscoring the ongoing need for procedural efficiency in Indonesia. In Australia, local governments oversee planning decisions, with state involvement in strategic planning, exemplified by Victoria's governance under the Planning and Environmental Act 1987. Planning schemes that contain digital maps, determine land use rules, often categorized into zones with various permit requirements. Victoria's adoption of the smart planning initiative aims to improve accessibility and engagement through user-friendly digital platforms. By looking at Australia’s practices, this paper finds that Indonesia should address regulatory, technical, and coordination challenges, alongside prioritizing public involvement and professional cooperation in order to enhance Indonesia's digital map issuance processes and promote more effective spatial planning governance.
Reformulating Indonesia’s Narcotics Law on Personal Drug Misuse: A Humanist Approach
Authors: Pakpahan Hartato , Nurjaya I Nyoman , Nurdayasakti Setiawan , Aprilianda Nurini
Published: January 2025

This study explores the development of more equitable and humane regulations for addressing personal drug misuse in Indonesia, emphasizing a humanist perspective and the principles of restorative justice. Employing a normative legal research methodology, the study critically examines Articles 111–127 of Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. It also incorporates a comparative analysis of drug policies in countries that have successfully implemented decriminalization and mandatory rehabilitation, such as the Netherlands and Portugal. The findings highlight the limitations of Indonesia's repressive approach, which often exacerbates social marginalization and fails to address the root causes of addiction. In contrast, the rehabilitative models adopted by the Netherlands and Portugal have proven more effective in reducing the negative impacts of drug abuse and fostering reintegration into society. To alleviate the burden on the criminal justice system and promote a more inclusive society, this study recommends legislative reforms that prioritize social rehabilitation and reintegration over punitive measures. These changes aim to shift Indonesia's drug policy toward a more compassionate and effective framework, balancing public health, social equity, and justice.
Ritual Performance and Language in Modern Greek Neopaganism
Authors: Trifyllis Paraskevi
Published: January 2025

Modern Greek Neopaganism is a phenomenon that has hardly received any serious or systematic academic study. When it comes to focused and specific issues of its history, performance, practices and beliefs, the research situation is even worse. My scholarly engagement with this new religious movement consists in extensive fieldwork during the 2009–2013 period. What became evident to me from the very beginning was the fact that modern Greek Neopaganism is about realizing a Greek/Hellenic identity at the religious level, which unequivocally is regarded by the members of the movement as the most fundamental in one’s life. In this regard, the Greek language features prominently in the ritual performance of the movement, since it most tellingly relates to the intended and desired identity. This is my focus in the present investigation, especially regarding how the ritual discourse of the groups involved realizes, empowers and enhances Greekness both individually and collectively, privately and publicly.
Diego Bubbio, Hegel, Heidegger and the Quest for the “I”
Authors: Valagussa Francesco
Published: January 2025

Diego Bubbio, Hegel, Heidegger and the Quest for the “I”. New York and London: Routledge, 2024, pp. 290, U$175.50, ISBN 9781032417417 (hbk).
Sámi CD Productions as Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage
Authors: Chen Xinjie , Harrison Klisala
Published: January 2025

The number of CDs starring Sámi Indigenous musicians from northern Europe peaked from 2000–2010 due to heavy funding from Norway, Finland and Sweden. Government reports argued that funding such Sámi cultural activities fulfilled the Nordic nations’ cultural heritage obligations under several international conventions, including UNSECO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Analysed here as expressions of soft power, the CDs successfully sustained the Sámi historical vocal expression yoik or joik, its creative practices and Sámi languages via a rooted cosmopolitan aesthetic of indigeneity. Through some song lyrics and visually, many CDs—distributed via international music industry channels—also resisted and subverted colonialism-derived relationships that made their funding possible. The article questions whether and how the CDs ultimately worked as an exertion of soft power for the nation states that funded them, and whether said lyrics and visuals fed into geopolitical decolonization or destabilization.