bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adivasi Identity, Kingly-citizenship and Ethno-cultural Politics in the Jungle Kingdoms of Odisha
Authors:   Utkal University Odisha, India, NAYAK PRASANNA KUMAR , MAHANA RAJAKISHOR ,   Khallikote Autonomous College, Khallikote University Berhampur, Odisha, India, MARINESCU ANGELICA ,   Romanian Academy, Institute of Sociology Bucharest, Romania; lndian Council for Cultural Relations Scholar (2017-2020)
Published: January 2021

The paper sheds light on the socio-cultural and political identity of the adivasis in relationship to their king(s), in the past as well as nowadays. Based on long time field observations (Nayak, 1972-2005), enforced by theoretical remarks and viewpoints, the research emphasizes that the adivasis in the former “Jungle Kingdoms” of Odisha organize community-based rituals and festivals as politically more organized groups than mere social groups, lineage groups or clan groups with the ultimate purpose of upholding and renewing legitimacy over their land and territory. The use of certain royal symbols and insignia in ritual rites makes explicit how the authority of the king assumes prime- most importance from the point of view of their identity and status as legitimate citizens or, at least as state-owned denizens. The paper intends to discuss these kingly religious rites in their varied manifestations drawing examples from tribal people inhabiting Odisha as a regional variation of the middle Indian tribes.
The Politics of Difference: Ol-Chiki and Santal Identity in Eastern India
Authors:   Khallikote Autonomous College Berhampur, Odisha, India, MAHANA RAJAKISHOR
Published: January 2021

The indigenous people of India have a very contested history of their origin, and hence a blurred identity. The initial contours of tribal identity in India was shaped by the idea that tribals should be assimilated into the dominant Hindu fold or integrated as citizens of a nation state. The dominant communities wanted the tribals even to learn and speak the languages of the dominant groups over their own native languages. On the other hand, the struggles against this discrimination waged by the oppressed and subordinated forlast two centuries or more were seen as struggle for recognition as equals. However, in recent times, as a counter to the threat posed to the tribal ways of living by the dominant groups, articulation of tribal identity has been emerging from within. The new struggle encompassed another completely new and opposite demand – the demand for recognition of difference. Building on Santali script (Ol-Chiki) movement in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, the paper argues that the struggle for equal rights of citizenship and distribution along with taking pride in their own tribal identity has led to the development of subnationalism among the Santals in Eastern India.
State in Development: De-codify the Cultural Politics of Will to Develop the Adivasi of Jharkhand
Authors:   Shri Shankar College, Sasaram India, KUMAR DHIRAJ
Published: January 2021

Thinking of State in development illustrates that social life of an individual, community, society or territory becomes the subject of multiple interventions. The theology of development assumes that intervention is needed to reform the social life of an individual, community or society. State intervention in the name of development has a social and ecological cost for the indigenous community. State in Development is a series of events and actions as well as a particular discourse and ideological construct that demands examination to understand how state constructs the aesthetic deception which strengthened the State capacity to govern the unruly region of Indigenous population. It functions as a hegemonic order to order, control and represent the regions or populations where indigenous community are predominating in nature. This paper is about the issues and questions regarding the development intervention mediated and facilitated by State and the changes it has brought to local ecology of Jharkhand. By using the literature of political ecology this paper shows that development facilitated ecological degradation at local level while also induced State building and State formation among the local community.
Augmenting Tribal Economy through Leveraging Common and Private Land: Cases from Koraput
Authors:   PPOMU, Finance Department, Government of Odisha, India, KAR MANAS RANJAN
Published: January 2021

At a time when tribal livelihood base is shrinking because of loss of forest and agriculture land, the tribals have become marginalized. The disintegrated economy has a negative consequence on socio-cultural lives of the tribals. Therefore, it is important that their livelihood is ensured and they be provided with more economic opportunities. There has been a realization that livelihood security depends on access to productive assets like land, water and trees. In geographical areas where poverty and lack of livelihood security have been major concerns, it has been observed that people have least access to productive assets. In this background, in the present article I have discussed how leveraging common and private land for agriculture purposes can help poor and marginalized people in expanding their livelihood base, thus adding to their income.
Conservation Induced Marginalisation: The Case of Two Tribal Communities of Assam, India
Authors:   Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati Off- Campus, Tetelia Road Jalukbari, Guwahati, Assam, India, MEDHI SHAPNA
Published: January 2021

In India, the indigenous people designated as the scheduled tribes (STs) by the Indian constitution have been dependent on forests for their survival. However, with the declaration of protected areas, the conservation plans have mostly overlooked the dependence of these tribes on nature. This paper looks into the adverse impact of conservation on two tribes, the Karbi and Mising, residing on the areas adjacent to the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) of Assam, India. It points out that the case of KNP shows a marked deviation regarding support for conservation by the marginalised communities inspite of hardships. It shows how conservation efforts have further aggravated their conditions. The study was conducted through in-depth interviews with respondents of two villages – a Karbi village and Mising village located on the fringes of the KNP. This paper also takes a cursory glance on the community related initiatives undertaken on the fringes of the KNP for the betterment of the socio-economic conditions.
Qt Interval Parameters, Anti-Ro Antibody Status, and Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Azharudeen Mohamed , Thabah Molly Mary , Satheesh Santhosh , Negi Vir Singh
Published: January 2021

Background

The QT interval a marker of ventricular depolarization and repolarization is reported to be prolonged in some proportion of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We studied electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities, in particular QT interval and its relationship with anti-Ro antibodies, disease activity, and serum interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) in SLE.

Methods

A 12-lead resting ECG was performed on 140 adult SLE patients fulfilling SLICC/ACR classification criteria. All patients received hydroxychloroquine and prednisolone. Corrected QT (QTc) ≥440 milliseconds (ms) was defined as prolonged QTc. QT dispersion (QTd) ≥60 ms was defined as increased QTd.

Results

Eighty-four patients had some form of ECG abnormality. Prolongation of QTc and QTd was present in 24 (17.1%) and 50 (35.7%) respectively. Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were present in 63 (45%). Prolongation of QTc in anti-Ro positive versus anti-Ro negative was 17.5% and 17% respectively, p=0.98. Prolongation of QTd in anti-Ro-positive versus anti-Ro-negative was 32% and 39% respectively, p=0.37. Prolonged QTc was observed in 15% patients with SLEDAI ≤4 compared to 17.5% patients with SLEDAI ≥5, p=0.78. The median serum concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 were similar in the groups with and without prolonged QTc, with and without prolonged QTd. On binary logistic regression analyses neither clinical nor laboratory factors were predictors of prolonged QTc. However, having valvular regurgitation and hypercholesterolemia was associated with significantly reduced odds of having prolonged QTd, adjusted OR 0.33 (CI 0.14-0.83), p=0.018 and 0.19 (CI 0.05-0.80), p=0.023 respectively. Those with high LDL cholesterol and hypertriglyceridemia had a significantly higher odds of having a normal QTd with adjusted OR of 4.34 (1.31-14.46) p=0.017 and 5.59 (1.62-19.38) p=0.007 respectively.

Conclusion

Though 17% and 35% SLE patients have QTc and QTd prolongation, association with anti-Ro antibodies or disease activity was absent. A large proportion has other asymptomatic ECG abnormalities that may reflect subclinical cardiac involvement.
Obesity and the Risk of Malignancy: An Evolving Saga
Authors: Wilcock Sophie , Haboubi Nadim
Published: January 2021

Worldwide, the prevalence of both obesity and cancer are rising. So far, there is an association between obesity and an increased risk of at least 20 different cancers and this number is increasing. The mechanism behind obesity increasing the risk of cancer varies. The importance of looking at all aspects of obesity, such as hip to waist ratio, body fat distribution and waist circumference, in addition to BMI has been acknowledged in order to further understand these mechanisms. The duration of time a person is obese for, and whether their weight gain was in childhood or adulthood can also affect risk of cancer, however this can be hard to distinguish as obese children and adolescents frequently remain obese into adulthood.
Atypical Presentation of Disseminated Tuberculosis
Authors: Baby Jacob , Poovathingal Shebin , Valsalan Praveen , Sunila Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Disseminated Tuberculosis is a potentially lethal disease if not diagnosed and treated early. Therefore a high index of clinical suspicion for early diagnosis and timely institution of anti-tuberculosis treatment is important. We report a case of an elderly female who presented with complaints of weight loss, generalised fatigue, altered sensorium and moderate hypercalcemia. Investigations excluded multiple myeloma and hyperparathyroidism. A PET scan to rule out occult malignancy showed suspicious uptake in juxtaphrenic nodes and terminal ileum. Biopsy of lymph nodes showed granulomatous inflammation with detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by GeneXpert. Culture of the tissue yielded Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient showed good clinical response to anti-tuberculosis treatment.
Diphtheria in the Current Era of Universal Vaccination
Authors: Sachan Anurag , Jain Sanjay
Published: January 2021

Diphtheria is a vaccination preventable infectious disease with local and systemic complications predominantly affecting upper respiratory tract in younger (<5-year age) children. Its virulence is due to its ability to produce toxin which can cause fatal complications such as myocarditis and permanent damage in form of peripheral neuropathy. Diagnosis of diphtheria is primarily clinical supported by demonstration of toxin producing bacteria by culture.

Early diagnosis and management with diphtheria anti-toxin can prevent mortality and morbidity.

Here we present a case of 16-year-old boy managed with azithromycin, amoxycillin-clavulanic acid and diphtheria anti-toxin with complete recovery.

This case brings out the importance of recognising the re-emergence of diphtheria in older age groups. Lacunae in the universal immunisation process, rumours on vaccination effects and poor living conditions for refugee population are likely reasons in Asia and Europe. Universal immunisation, early diagnosis, prophylaxis and adequate supportive care are measures to prevent it.
Anti-Tubercular Therapy Causing Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (Dress) Syndrome
Authors: Saxena Puneet , Chadha Deepak , Goyal Rishika
Published: January 2021

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is an idiosyncratic drug reaction following a characteristic long latency period. It is previously known as drug induced delayed multiorgan hypersensitivity syndrome (DIDMOHS) or drug induced hypersensitivity (DIHS). The syndrome is manifested by wide range of clinical symptomatology that hold a potential to be life threatening but still is under recognised. The major drugs that cause DRESS syndrome are anticonvulsants, followed by sulfonamides and many anti-inflammatory drugs.
The Great Gamble? A Mixed-Methods Study of Factors Influencing Medical Students in Specialty Choice
Authors: Croghan Stefanie M , Baker Tom
Published: January 2021

Background

Career planning remains relatively unexplored as a domain of medical education. Our aim was to explore the career planning journey undertaken by medical students.

Methods

Mixed-methods data collection was employed. An online questionnaire was distributed to interns (Foundation Year 1 (FY1) equivalents) across Ireland. A focus group was held to further explore themes. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis was applied to findings.

Results

Approximately one third of participants had decided their future specialty. Important factors in career choice were ‘interest in specific [specialty] aspects,’ ‘work-life balance,’ ‘personality type’ of others in the specialty, an enjoyable experience on rotation and role models. Negative influential factors included poor conduct of doctors encountered and negative portrayals of specialities by practicing doctors.

Conclusion

The undergraduate and early postgraduate periods are formative times in career planning for junior doctors. Students and interns/FY1s are strongly influenced by doctors in the clinical setting, and clinicians should be aware of this power to exert both positive and negative influence.
A Critical Study of Women Graduate Student Experiences in Agricultural and Extension Education
Authors: Cline Lauren Lewis , Rosson Haley , Weeks Penny Pennington
Published: January 2021

The American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) aims to build a more inclusive and collaborative organizational culture. In 2017, women faculty and graduate students comprised 37.8% of the total AAAE membership. The need to recruit and retain diverse faculty and students in agricultural and extension education (AEE) remains if the AAAE organization is to achieve its goal. Women faculty experiences in AEE were studied previously, yet less attention was given to women graduate students. The purpose of this critical inquiry study was to develop a profile of women graduate students in postsecondary AEE by describing the mentoring experiences and organizational climate for women graduate students in the profession. Four emergent themes described women graduate students’ experiences in AEE: (a) reflections on graduate school, (b) realities of graduate school, (c) future in academia, and (d) the pursuit of mentorship. Participant reflection on the graduate school experience was conflicting. The realities of graduate school in AEE described a man’s world, the Good Ol’ Boys Club, microaggressions toward women, and the questioning of women’s competency. Participants seemed confident, unsure, or concerned about a career in postsecondary AEE. Faculty and fellow graduate students are considered encouraging mentors, but a void of women leaders to serve as role models in AEE was identified. AAAE should promote a more positive, inclusive, and intentionally mentored graduate school experience to retain more women in postsecondary AEE. More critical research related to graduate student experiences is encouraged to improve the inclusivity of the AEE profession.
Do Teachers Have the Skills: 21st Century Skills in the Agricultural Education Classroom?
Authors: Weeks Kisia J. , Lawver Rebecca G. , Sorensen Tyson J. , Warnick Brian K.
Published: January 2021

Research has shown 21st century skills are essential to a student’s success outside of the high school classroom. The 21st century skills prepare students to enter the workforce or higher education with the ability to think critically and creatively, collaborate with others, take the initiative when approached with a task, and use technology to its fullest potential. This study examined school-based agricultural education teachers’ perceived knowledge, ability, and importance of implementing 21st century skills into the classroom. Upon identifying teachers perceived level of importance, knowledge, and ability, results were analyzed to determine the professional development needs of school-based agricultural education teachers in particular 21st century skills. Results concluded professional development is needed to further educate and equip agriculture teachers with specific and applicable strategies to implement Critical Thinking, Communicating, and Technology Literacy skills into their classrooms.
¡Somos Nosotros! Lived Experiences of Latinx ELL Youth Enrolled in Secondary Agricultural Education
Authors: Barajas Graciela , Crump M. Katie , Vincent Stacy K. , McCubbins OP
Published: January 2021

This study examines the inherent relationship Latinx English-Language Learners students have with their agriculture teacher and the overall agricultural education program at four rural high schools. It is based upon a series of 11 focus group interviews with two U.S. born and 27 immigrant students from Central America and Mexico, all of whom were in at least their second year of enrollment in secondary agricultural education. The study also includes direct observations of classrooms and peer interactions. Four themes emerged that reflect White students creating an unaccepting dynamic, ignorance toward the Latinx students passion for agriculture, high respect toward the agriculture teacher and a program culture that is currently not relatable to Latinx youth. Recommendations for pedagogical approaches that encourage English comprehension should be implemented into the agricultural education programs along with bold initiatives that gives voice for Latinx students throughout the program, specifically the FFA organization. Additional research that further replicates this study is necessary as well as an understanding of teacher’s current knowledge and skills for teaching Latinx ELL youth.
Agriscience Teacher Professional Development Focused on Teaching STEM Principles in the Floriculture Curriculum
Authors: Ferand Natalie K. , DiBenedetto Catherine A. , Thoron Andrew C. , Myers Brian E.
Published: January 2021

Agriscience teachers help support the mission of the American Floral Endowment to inspire people to pursue careers working with plants by providing curricula related to ornamental horticulture. Nevertheless, an overall understanding of how the horticulture industry is connected to the studies of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has left a shortage of skilled professionals. A professional development program was designed to provide agriscience teachers with experiences focused on STEM concepts taught in horticulture and floriculture curricula. The Science Teaching Efficacy Belief (STEB) instrument was used before and after the three days of content specific inquiry-based instruction to determine participants’ perceptions of their performance pre, post, and post-post. While teachers showed growth in their mean scores for the Science Teaching Outcome Expectancy (STOE) and Personal Science Teaching Efficacy Beliefs (PSTEB) constructs of the STEB between all three testing periods, no significant difference was found across the period-of-time. It is recommended that teacher educators consider how to create professional development experiences for agriscience teachers that target content to positively impact teacher self-efficacy. Further, it is recommended that professional development opportunities contain follow-up communication to determine whether teachers utilize curricular resources and ascertain how the teacher’s new knowledge is transferred to inform instructional change. The final recommendation is to measure student learning outcomes as a result of content-specific teacher professional development.
Will the First Through Fifth Years Please Stand Up? Quantifying National SBAE Teacher Experience
Authors: Haddad Becky , Knight Kelsey J. , Stewart Josh , Velez Jonathan J.
Published: January 2021

Research often references years of experience specific to participants, yet no compiled report exists for secondary school-based agricultural education (SBAE) to holistically quantify years of teaching experience. In addition, definitions accounting for experience fall short of capturing the myriad ways experience counts in the broader teaching profession. Our study addresses this missing piece of the teacher retention puzzle. Using Quiñones, Ford, and Teachout’s (1994) conceptual framework for work experience measures, our study quantified teacher experience in the National Association for Agricultural Education (NAAE). We analyzed National SBAE teacher experience through descriptive statistics, compared experience by region using an ANOVA model, and compared SBAE to the national teaching profession. We found practical significance in the difference between SBAE’s population of 1-3 year teachers and 10-19 year teachers compared to the national teacher average. We pose questions around teacher recruitment and retention relative to the specific experience demographic of SBAE and the generational trends accompanying such demographics.
Queering Agricultural Education Research: Challenges and Strategies for Advancing Inclusion
Authors: Murray Kaitlyn A. , Trexler Cary J. , Cannon Clare E. B.
Published: January 2021

For more than 30 years, the field of agricultural education has grappled with complex questions of how to recruit, support, retain, and teach diverse youth. Yet the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community is rarely included in published agricultural education research. This philosophical paper addresses the immediate need for understanding more about LGBTQ youth in agricultural education, while identifying opportunities and specific strategies to shift the culture of agricultural education research towards inclusion. Queer theory is leveraged to reveal a nascent body of literature related to sexuality in 4-H and school-based agricultural education. LGBTQ youth in agricultural education face significant challenges: educators ill prepared to meet their needs, a lack of policies to inform decision making, active homophobia from teachers and peers, among others. Agricultural education researchers face methodological and disciplinary barriers to conducting LGBTQ research. Authors employ unique tacticsto conduct and disseminate their work. Understanding these strategies and analyzing the conditions that necessitate their use contributes to the disciplinary knowledge of how to conduct inclusive research – not just for LGBTQ youth – but for the profession writ large.
Curricular Resource Use and the Relationship with Teacher Self-Efficacy Among New Mexico School-Based Agricultural Education Teachers
Authors: Thornton Kelsey , Easterly R. G. (Tre) , Simpson Kassandra A.
Published: January 2021

School-based agricultural education programs have the potential to prepare students for successful lives and enhance career skills related to agriculture. For students to achieve instructional goals, they must have relevant materials. The teacher’s thoughts on how a subject should be taught influences their choice of curriculum resources, as well as their use of the resources. These choices ultimately have an influence on student learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the resources used by New Mexico SBAE teachers, examine the PDC of New Mexico SBAE teachers, and examine the relationship between resource use and self-efficacy for New Mexico SBAE teachers. The most frequently used resource was CAERT curriculum. CASE curriculum was determined to have both the highest level of offloading and adaptation. CAERT curriculum was reported to have the highest level of improvisation by teachers. Based on these findings, we recommend that the structure and organization of CAERT should be improved. Research should also be explored on how to develop materials that lead to adapting and improvising from teachers. Professional development and preservice programs should prepare teachers to enhance their pedagogical design capacity by finding various resources, critically analyzing their use, and modifying them to meet the goals of their students.
Review of  Social Workers Count: Numbers and Social Issues  by Michael Anthony Lewis
Authors: Catalano Michael T
Published: January 2021

Lewis, Michael Anthony. 2017. Social Workers Count: Numbers and Social Issues. 2019. New York: Oxford University Press. 223 pp. ISBN 978-019046713-5

The numeracy movement, although largely birthed within the mathematics community, is an outside-the-box endeavor which has always sought to break down or at least transgress traditional disciplinary boundaries. Michael Anthony Lewis’s book is a testament that this effort is succeeding. Lewis is a social worker and sociologist with an impressive resume, author of Economics for Social Workers, co-editor of The Ethics and Economics of the Basic Income Guarantee, and member of the faculty at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and the City University of New York Graduate Center. Although explicitly targeted to social work students and professionals, the nine chapters here provide a good quantitative literacy education accessible to the general public and include a great many of the topics one would find in a "standard" quantitative literacy text written by a mathematician. The examples, despite being rooted in social work, are interesting and relevant to those outside that discipline, and speak to Lewis’s breadth of knowledge and the skill of being able to make connections between different types of knowledge and evidence that is inherent in being a numerate person.
Resveratrol is cytotoxic and acts synergistically with NF-κB inhibition in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells
Authors: Xu Ning , Wang Lili , Fu Shiping , Jiang Bin
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of the bone. The existing adjuvant chemotherapy regimens, while improving the overall survival, have been limited by the significant systemic toxicity. Substantial clinical and research efforts are being invested to develop novel pharmaceutical agents. Resveratrol (Res) has been suggested to have a chemopreventive effect. However, the mechanism of Res in osteosarcoma remains to be elucidated.

Material and methods

The MG-63 osteosarcoma cell culture model was used to investigate the chemotherapeutic effect of Res. MTT assay, wound healing assay, and Transwell migration assay were used to document the effect of Res on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Apoptosis in MG-63 cells was quantified with the TUNEL assay. Western blotting analysis was used to examine the molecular changes following Res treatment. Data processing and analysis were conducted using GraphPad Prism 5.0. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Our data suggested that Res blocks cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and activates apoptotic cell death in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. We found that Res potentially down-regulates nuclear factor B (NF-B) and Akt intracellular signaling transduction. Moreover, the combination of Res and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an NF-B inhibitor, resulted in synergistic growth inhibition of osteosarcoma.

Conclusions

Our in vitro preclinical study in the MG-63 cell line model supports the translation of Res to the clinical management of patients with osteosarcoma.
Tumor necrosis factor α, protein gene product 9.5, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 presence in congenital intra-abdominal adhesions in children under one year of age
Authors: Junga Anna , Pilmane Māra , Ābola Zane , Volrāts Olafs
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The regulatory role of cytokines and extracellular matrix remodeling factors in congenital intra-abdominal adhesions has not yet been defined. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and relative distribution of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) in adhesions.

Material and methods

TNF-α, PGP 9.5, MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were detected using immunohistochemical methods and their relative distribution was evaluated by means of the semiquantitative counting method. The results were analyzed using non-parametric statistical methods.

Results

A moderate number of TNF-α positive macrophages and fibroblasts was found. A positive correlation was observed between the immunoreactive structures for TNF-α and PGP 9.5. A positive reaction for PGP 9.5 was observed in nerve fibers and shape modified fibroblasts. In control group tissues, positive structures were seen in significantly higher counts for PGP 9.5. Few to moderate numbers of MMP-2 positive macrophages, epithelioid cells, fibroblasts and endotheliocytes were detected. There was no significant difference between the groups. A positive reaction for TIMP-2 was seen in fibroblasts, macrophages and endotheliocytes. In control group tissues, positive structures were found in significantly higher counts for TIMP-2.

Conclusions

The positive correlation between the immunoreactive structures for TNF-α and PGP 9.5 suggests that nerve in-growth into intraabdominal adhesions might be induced by TNF-α and PGP 9.5 could have a role in maintaining inflammation. The down-regulation of PGP 9.5 suggests that pathogenesis of congenital intraabdominal adhesions may be related to hypoxia induced damage. The imbalance between MMP-2 and TIMP-2 may prove tissue fibrosis as a response to congenital peritoneal adhesions.
PCSK9 genetic variants and cognitive abilities: a large-scale Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lyall Donald , Ward Joey , Banach Maciej , Smith George , Gill Jason , Pell Jill , Holmes Michael , Sattar Naveed
Published: January 2021

Introduction

PCSK9 inhibitors lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and are efficacious at reducing vascular disease, however questions remain about potential effects on cognitive function.

Methods

We examined the association of genetic variants in PCSK9 with continuous measures of cognitive ability in UK Biobank. Six independent polymorphisms in PCSK9 were used in up to 337,348 individuals.

Results

The PCSK9 allele score was associated with a lower risk of CHD, and weakly with worse log reaction time.

Conclusions

We are unable to rule out meaningful associations of PCSK9 genetic variants with cognition, emphasising the potential need for continued pharmacovigilance for patients currently treated with PCSK9 inhibitors.
Serum inflammatory markers in the diagnosis and assessment of Crohn’s disease activity
Authors: Słowińska-Solnica Krystyna , Pawlica-Gosiewska Dorota , Gawlik Katarzyna , Owczarek Danuta , Cibor Dorota , Pocztar Halina , Mach Tomasz , Solnica Bogdan
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic characteristics of selected inflammatory markers and the results of multiplication of their concentrations in the diagnosis and assessment of Crohn’s disease (CD) activity.

Material and methods

We studied 49 patients with CD and 31 healthy controls. The CD patients were assigned to subgroups with active and inactive disease based on the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index score. Serum interleukins and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured using immunoassays.

Results

Serum CRP and interleukins: IL-6, IL-17A, IL-23 were significantly higher in the CD group than in controls, with the best diagnostic performance for IL-23. Only serum IL-6 and CRP were significantly higher in active than in inactive disease, with the better performance of CRP. Multiplication results did not perform better than individual multipliers.

Conclusions

Serum CRP may be useful in the assessment of CD activity and there is a need for introduction of IL-23 for the CD diagnosis.
Time efficiency of direct anterior hip arthroplasty compared to postero-lateral approach in elderly patients
Authors: Skowronek Paweł , Wojciechowski Artur , Wypniewski Krzysztof , Sibiński Marcin , Polguj Michał , Maksymiuk-Kłos Agnieszka , Piątkiewicz Paweł
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Primary arthroplasty of the hip joint is currently one of the most commonly performed procedures in orthopedics. In Poland we are observing significant changes in the age structure. With the prolonged life more and more elderly patients require musculoskeletal surgery to maintain comfortable and painless mobility. Reducing the duration of the procedure reduces the costs of anesthesiology, surgical and instrument teams, as well as the operating room technical team. The aim of the study was to compare the time required to perform hip joint arthroplasty by the direct anterior approach (DAA) with the postero-lateral approach (PLA) in our hospital.

Material and methods

A retrospective analysis of 559 total and bipolar cemented and cementless hip replacement procedures based on two operative approaches – the minimally invasive DAA over the course of 2 years, and the standard PLA over the course of 3 years – was performed.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed between the approaches used for cementless total arthroplasty with regard to the mean treatment times: 51.9 min for the 272 DAA cases, and 78.3 min for the 190 PLA cases (p < 0.0001). For the cementless hemi-arthroplasty procedure, the mean treatment times were 46.9 min in 36 patients for DAA, and 48.2 min for 61 patients for PLA (p = 0.57).

Conclusions

Minimally invasive DAA significantly shortens the time of the procedure in elderly patients compared to PLA. Further study is needed to analyze other aspects of those two approaches.
Urate crystal deposition in hyperuricemic children: a dual energy computed tomography study
Authors: Ying Qianqian , Wang Jiapei , Li Yunyan , Sun Nan , Di Yazhen , Shen Mengjiao , Fu Shiwei
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The incidence of hyperuricemia (HUA) at younger ages is increasing along the coastal regions of China. This study aimed to compare the frequency of dual energy CT (DECT) urate crystal deposition between symptomatic hyperuricemic children and asymptomatic hyperuricemic children.

Material and methods

Fifty-six hyperuricemic children were divided into a Joint Group (n = 33) and an Asymptomatic Group (n = 23) according to whether they had a history of arthritis symptoms, which includes rapid onset monoarthritis with intense pain and swelling. We analyzed DECT scans of their feet from the Joint Group and the Asymptomatic Group and compared their clinical features.

Results

DECT urate deposits were observed in 28/33 (84.8%) children with symptomatic HUA and 14/23 (60.9%) with asymptomatic HUA. We found 60 areas of urate deposition in the Joint Group; DECT urate crystal deposition was most frequently observed in the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (30.0%), ankle joint (15.0%), and calcaneus (13.3%). 39 urate deposits were found in the Asymptomatic Group; DECT urate crystal deposition was most frequently observed in the calcaneus (25.6%), the first MTP joint (17.9%), and the first phalanx (15.4%).

Conclusions

Urate deposition can occur in children with HUA, and these deposits occur more frequently in hyperuricemic children with a history of arthritis symptoms. Also, the urate deposition in the first MTP joint and calcaneus was more prevalent than in other joints. It is important to give more attention to hyperuricemic children.
Wędrujące pojęcia czy zjawiska? O podróżach pojęć na przykładzie „intelektualisty”
Authors: Peciakowski Tomasz
Published: January 2021

Artykuł przedstawia specyficzną wędrówkę pojęcia „intelektualisty”, która dokonuje się zarówno między językami i kulturami narodowymi, jak i między dyscyplinami naukowymi (filozofią – historią – socjologią), ale także między językiem potocznym a językiem nauki. Pojęcie to przeżywało w różnych etapach swojej podróży swój czas popularności i chwały, ale także banicji i dewaluacji, gdy stawało się upolitycznioną etykietą, przyjmując niejednokrotnie konsekrujące szaty społecznego uznania. Przykład „intelektualisty” pokazuje, że przyjęcie się pojęcia w danym kontekście uzależnione jest od recepcji społecznej i warunków społeczno-politycznych – nie da się więc analizować wędrówki pojęć bez analizy zjawisk społecznych. Dlatego też autor artykułu, odnosząc się do koncepcji „wędrujacych pojęć” Mieke Bal, postuluje, by w naukach społecznych odczytywać ją z perspektywy socjologii historyczno-interpretacyjnej.
Tłumacz jako agent nie-czytania
Authors: Bucholc Marta
Published: January 2021

Tekst stanowi omówienie problemów związanych z tworzeniem i obiegiem tłumaczeń tekstów z zakresu nauk społecznych we współczesnym świecie. Posługując się pojęciem „nie-czytania” Pierre’a Bayarda, autorka rekonstruuje ideał przekładu naukowego, analizuje ideologiczne skutki kierowania się nim w pracy translatorskiej i jego wpływ na tworzenie wiedzy socjologicznej, zwłaszcza zaś na pracę dydaktyczną.
O problemach z tłumaczeniami dwujęzycznej spuścizny Ludwika Flecka na przykładzie pojęcia „legitymacji”
Authors: Jarnicki Paweł
Published: January 2021

Artykuł przedstawia problemy językowe, które wynikają z tłumaczeń dwujęzycznej filozoficznej spuścizny Ludwika Flecka (1896–1961). Autor szczegółowo analizuje przypadek „legitymacji” w odniesieniu do sposobu, w jaki Fleck używał tego pojęcia w swoich oryginalnych polskich i niemieckich tekstach. Zarówno polscy, jak i angielscy tłumacze nie rozpoznali polskiego „legitymować” oraz niemieckiego „legitimieren” i ich wyrażeń pokrewnych jako swoich ekwiwalentów, dlatego jedno z ważniejszych Fleckowskich pojęć może być źle rozumiane.
Świadomość zmitologizowana – o kontrkulturowym manifeście, którego nie było
Authors: Maślanka Tomasz
Published: January 2021

W artykule podejmuję próbę zastosowania stworzonego przez Leszka Kołakowskiego pojęcia świadomości mitycznej do analiz rzeczywistego stanu świadomości pokolenia ‘68. Kategoria świadomości zmitologizowane wywiedziona pośrednio z rozprawy Obecność mitu posłuży do interpretacji kontrkulturowej rewolty jako odpowiedzi na rozpad sensotwórczych metanarracji, w tym przede wszystkim marksizmu. Rewizja, a później całkowita refutacja marksizmu, który dla pokolenia kontrkultury stanowił jeden z kluczowych punktów odniesienia, ujmowane są nie jako odrzucenie określonych przekonań politycznych, lecz jako załamanie się wiary w porządkującą moc tej ideologii oraz w jej zdolności do nadawania sensu działaniom ludzi. Uniwersalność mitu wynika u Kołakowskiego ze struktury świadomości mitycznej, a intencjonalna obecność korelatów tej świadomości stanowi odpowiedź na potrzeby wbudowane w rzeczywistość bytu ludzkiego. Kontrkultura jest tutaj ujmowana jako odpowiedź na fundamentalne potrzeby egzystencjalne, które wynikają ze sposobu organizacji ludzkiej świadomości, a nie jako reakcja na przełomowe wydarzenia polityczne. Analiza taka uwypukla kulturowy, a nie tylko polityczny charakter zmian społecznych, sugerując ponadto, że kontrkultura była fenomenem bardziej uniwersalnym, wykraczającym poza lokalne historyczne uwarunkowania.
Dlaczego potrzebujemy kontrkultury? Współczesne refleksje nad książką Theodore’a Roszaka „The Making of a Counter Culture”
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Michał
Published: January 2021

Kontrkultura to pojęcie prowokacyjne, ponieważ oznaczając sprzeciw wobec kultury, jest zarazem jej częścią; namawiając młode pokolenie do buntu, wymaga też niezwykle dojrzałego projektu; sprzeciwiając się modernizacji, nawołuje do uniwersalizmu moralnego, będącego jej istotną cechą. Niniejszy artykuł stanowi próbę znalezienia konstytutywnych idei kontrkultury i zestawienia ich z innymi ideologiami, przy jednoczesnymi wskazaniu jej przewag i słabości. Wskazuje też na znaczenie kontrkultury dla rozumienia istoty ruchów społecznych. Wątkiem, który ostatecznie okazuje się mieć centralne znaczenie, jest napięcie między artystyczną a filozoficzną interpretacją podmiotu.
Kontrkultura w Polsce – fakt czy fikcja? Lata 80. i 90. w wypowiedziach animatorów kontrkultury na łamach fanzinów
Authors: Głowacki Bartosz
Published: January 2021

Polska kontrkultura z lat 80. miała dość specyficzny charakter, który nie do końca odpowiadał ówczesnym działaniom kontrkulturowo-alternatywnym na Zachodzie. Przejawiało się to przede wszystkim w deklarowanym antykomunizmie (i szerzej antylewicowości), ale także w zachowawczym podejściu do kwestii światopoglądowych (np. wyznawana religijność) czy braku postaw emancypacyjnych (np. w obszarze feminizmu czy praw mniejszości seksualnych). Alternatywny obieg (czyli działanie poza oficjalnymi kanałami) często w dużym stopniu wynikał z trudności obiektywnych (ograniczenia systemu komunistycznego), a deklarowane przez uczestników zasady i wartości były jedynie tego konsekwencją. Autentyczna kontrkultura w tradycyjnym tego słowa znaczeniu zaczęła krystalizować się dopiero w latach 90., gdy pojawiło się nowe, młodsze pokolenie aktywistów. Widać to wyraźnie na przykładzie analizy treści zawartych w fanzinach wydawanych w drugiej połowie lat 80. i na początku lat 90.
Karnawalizacja protestu
Authors: Kowalewski Maciej
Published: January 2021

W niniejszym tekście przedstawiono przegląd wybranych badań opisujących polityczne znaczenia estetyki karnawału. Celem artykułu było wskazanie możliwych konsekwencji karnawalizacji protestu, począwszy od stosowania karnawałowego repertuaru w celu generowania zainteresowania mediów i mobilizowania uczestników, a skończywszy na efekcie osłabienia politycznej wymowy tych ruchów społecznych, które wykorzystują opisywane w tekście taktyki. Zdaniem autora w wielu przypadkach niemożliwe jest oddzielenie stosowanej taktyki od przesłania ruchów społecznych, dlatego też badanie skuteczności stosowania karnawalizacji protestu powinno uwzględniać także przeobrażenia tożsamości zbiorowej i celów definiowanych przez protestujących.
Manet i narodziny podmiotu
Authors: Szylar Anna
Published: January 2021

Twórczość Edouarda Maneta była przedmiotem licznych analiz zarówno na gruncie socjologii, jak i filozofii czy historii sztuki. Podkreśla się w nich rolę, jaką Manet odegrał w procesie autonomizacji pola artystycznego, wskazując jednocześnie na niespotykaną na tle ówczesnej sztuki zdolność artykulacji doświadczenia rodzącej się nowoczesności. Do najszerzej znanych socjologicznych interpretacji twórczości francuskiego impresjonisty należą publikacje Pierre’a Bourdieu, który szeroko donosi się do kwestii jakich, jak relacja pomiędzy „heretykami” a instytucją sztuki akademickiej, zużycie się efektu dzieł konsekrowanych czy instytucjonalizacja anomii. W tym kontekście rzadko zwraca się jednak uwagę na zagadnienia, jakie przy okazji dyskusji na temat rewolucji Maneta porusza Michel Foucault. Celem artykułu jest prześledzenie trzech kluczowych kwestii, jakie pojawiają się w socjologicznej analizie twórczości Maneta dokonanej na przełomie lat 1966-1971 przez Foucaulta. Po pierwsze będzie to operowanie fizycznymi właściwościami obrazu (płótno, rozmiar, kształt, relacja dzieła sztuki z przestrzenią wystawienniczą), po drugie wykorzystanie oświetlenia (od oświetlenia wykreowanego za pomocą warsztatu malarskiego do oświetlenia naturalnego) i po trzecie - co najważniejsze – podjęta zostanie refleksja na temat nowej relacji, jaka rodzi się w tamtym czasie pomiędzy dziełem sztuki a odbiorcą. Autorka podejmuje w artykule zarówno kwestie przemian, jakim w drugiej połowie XIX wieku ulega ludzka percepcja jak i uwikłania samej sztuki w relacje władzy, a więc aktywnego aktora zmiany społecznej.
Religia jako system symboli
Authors: Obirek Stanisław
Published: January 2021

Autor przedstawia wpływ refleksji nad religią w ostatnich dziesięcioleciach, która zmieniła radykalnie sposób postrzegania rzeczywistości określanej tym pojęciem. Jego zdaniem wpływ na tę zmianę miała przede wszystkim antropologia kulturowa i jej wpływ na teologię. Najbardziej znaną definicję religii wypracowaną na tym gruncie sformułował Clifford Geertz. Jest to proces otwarty i podlegający ciągłemu rozwojowi, uszczegóławianiu i zmianie. Najbardziej radykalne stanowisko zajął C.W. Smith, który już w latach 60. zaproponował odrzucenie samego pojęcia religii i postulował koncentrację na treści przeżycia wyznawców. Pojęcie symbolu zostaje przywołane, by wykorzystać ewokowane przez nie połączenie dwu rzeczywistości – ludzkiej i boskiej. Dla antropologa kultury zachodzące w teologii przemiany są fascynującym polem obserwacji. Temperatura sporów nie jest niczym nowym. Owszem, jedynie potwierdza żywotność tej dyscypliny naukowej. Jej niepewny status metodologiczny nie stanowi ograniczenia, ale jest swoistym wyzwaniem.
Symbol i signum. Przyczynek do krytyki teorii symbolu religijnego
Authors: Grad Paweł
Published: January 2021

Tekst zawiera krytykę postromantycznej teorii symbolu religijnego. Jego główna teza głosi, że pojęcie „symbolu religijnego” jest pojęciem kompensacyjnym, które pozwala zaabsorbować koszty procesu sekularyzacji. Teza ta uzasadniona zostaje przez podanie szkicu oryginalnej semiotyki języka religijnego na podstawie pism św. Augustyna, zgodnie z którą język religijny charakteryzuje się (1) semantycznym zdefiniowaniem, (2) syntaktyczną koherencją i (3) pragmatycznym sprzężeniem z dyscypliną. Cechy te odróżniają go od systemu romantycznych symboli charakteryzujących się niedodefiniowanym znaczeniem oraz luźnymi związkami z innymi symbolami i obliczonych na wolne od przymusu przyswojenie. Postromantyczny „symbol” jest więc nośnym pojęciem nowoczesnego dyskursu religijnego dokładnie z tego samego powodu, z którego nie przystaje on do oryginalnego doświadczenia religijnego: zakłada on redefinicję konstytutywnych cech oryginalnej struktury języka religii.
Totalność i dekonstrukcja. Kilka uwag o symbolu i alegorii
Authors: Warchala Michał
Published: January 2021

Celem artykułu jest pokazanie kilku historycznych odsłon „sporu” między symbolem a alegorią, który po raz pierwszy pojawia się w okresie oświecenia. Wychodząc od krytyki oświeceniowego i romantycznego pojęcia symbolu dokonanej przez Waltera Benjamina w jego książce o barokowym dramacie żałobnym, pokazuję następnie, w jaki sposób zrehabilitowana przez niego przy tej okazji alegoria zaczyna odgrywać kluczową rolę w dekonstrukcji Paula de Mana. Dla tego ostatniego staje się ona interpretacyjnym narzędziem, które podważa uświęconą przez romantyków totalność znaczenia i odsłania przewrotne gry języka z samym sobą. Inny epizod tego sporu rozgrywa się w psychoanalizie Freuda, gdzie idiosynkratyczność „alegorycznego” sensu generowanego przez aparat psychiczny w formie marzeń sennych czy scenariuszy pragnienia wchodzi w konflikt z uniwersalnym sensem kulturowych symboli, przenikających do psychicznych wytworów.
Zmagania metodologa z empirią. Pozytywistyczna socjologia Jakuba Karpińskiego
Authors: Motrenko Jakub Bazyli
Published: January 2021

Jakub Karpiński (1945–2003) był znakomitym polskim metodologiem socjologii, prowadzącym badania z zakresu epistemologii nauk społecznych w ramach paradygmatu lwowsko-warszawskiej szkoły filozofii. Jednocześnie stał się jednym z pierwszych i najważniejszych historyków i socjologów systemu komunistycznego w Polsce. Jego socjologiczne opus magnum w badaniach nad komunizmem stanowi książka Ustrój komunistyczny w Polsce. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie projektu socjologii zrekonstruowanego na podstawie tego dzieła w wymiarze retoryki, epistemologii i ontologii. Ukazane zostają racje społeczne i kognitywne, które sprawiły, że program Karpińskiego nigdy nie stał się postępowy w sensie Imrego Lakatosa. Autor stawia pytanie o paradoks: dlaczego świetny metodolog nie stał się równie wybitnym empirykiem?